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The Jewel in the Crown | Year: 1984 Classification: Drama Actors/Actresses: - Dance - Wooldridge - Malik - Pigott- - Peggy Ashcroft DECLINE OF THE BRITISH RAJ AND THE RISE OF INDEPENDENT INDIA This powerful and moving eight part miniseries has lost none of its impact since it was first aired nearly twenty years ago. Highly acclaimed, it won numerous awards. Beautifully filmed on location in India, England, and Wales, it is a highly atmospheric and complex drama, redolent of the flavor of the turbulent years just before India gained its independence from British rule. The story begins in 1942, and through its memorable characters, both British and Indian, it masterfully weaves a tapestry of events that explains the state of flux that India was in at the time and the collision between East and West that often occurred, as the old guard made way for the new. Pivotal events become symbolic of India's struggle for independence, and it is those events that impact on those living in India and struggling to survive through those turbulent years. This tumultuous and sumptuous saga ends with India's independence in 1947. Masterfully acted, lushly filmed, and awash with period detail, it is so atmospheric as to make its viewers feel that they themselves are there during the decline and fall of the British Raj. It captures the essence of India and its ramparts of colonialism. Interspersed throughout the episodes are snippets of old newsreels that recount India's involvement in World War II and the threat of Japanese invasion through adjacent Burma. These serve to further move the story along and imbue it with an air of authenticity that stays with the viewer. This multi-faceted series, based upon Paul Scott's literary gem, "The Raj Quartet", is a fine adaptation that should not be missed. The award caliber performances by the entire cast are stellar and will keep the viewer riveted to the screen. Those interested in period pieces, historical dramas, and epics on Indian colonialism will love this series, as will anyone interested in a superlative drama. Bravo! Strange, historical Eastern exoticism Set in India during the political withdrawal of the British Raj, a powerful spirit of Indian independence registers itself with the few remaining Brits, who have led a lush life in the conquered country. Mother India makes it known, through various central characters, that the English must leave. Not so much depicted as an outright occurrance, the transition is sketched at great length, via unique individual character studies, tremendous location footage and a spooky overall awareness that bad things will happen to those who refute the changing of the guard. A memorable series that thrust Tim Pigott-Smith into the mainstream. Very disturbing. Long Sad Story With An Unhappy Ending Very involving drama circulating around a number of characters in the last years of British rule in India. The plot never telegraphs its destinations, which keeps the story somewhat disorienting, and nothing quite resolves, if it resolves at all, the way I expected. A good reminder of how Hollywood films tend to predictability. JITC is not Hollywood and gives more the feel of life and its genuine uncertainties. It's challenging because of the number of characters and the complexities of the relationships, both personal and political. But very worthwhile. The DVD is not a bright, crystalline picture. Colors are somewhat washed out, and the image is not particularly sharp, especially in dark scenes. However, the picture is generally free of annoying blemishes. After quickly adjusting to the picture quality, I enjoyed the series very much. Buy The Jewel In The Crown at Amazon.com Buy posters at Allposters.com Jamster - the latest ringtones for your phone!  Search with Walhello on the Internet on The Jewel In The Crown Search with the Priority Search Engine on The Jewel In The Crown This page in other languages: Suomeksi | Nederlands | Deutsch
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