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The Mystic Masseur | Year: 2001 Classification: Drama Directed: - Ismail Merchant Actors/Actresses: - Om Puri - James Fox Disappointing overall I saw the "Mystic Massuer" recently. As a Trinidadian I eagerly looked forward to seeing a cinematographic presentation of a work by one of our finest writers. I was sorely disappointed. The acting fell far below what I'd expected - with the actors seeming to merely go through the motions. The story dragged and lacked development (what about Ganesh's wife not being able to have a baby!!) and, after all that, the film ended too abruptly. Costuming was unreal, historical facts were distorted (steelpan music on the radio!!), and accents seemed to come and go. I look forward to seeing a cinema showing this part of the world using Caribbean actors. Please do something about making the story move - just because pundit meanders through his life, doesn't mean I want to feel like I'm spending a lifetime meandering through this film. The best thing I can say is: Thanks for paying tribute to writer V. S. Naipaul. Had some nice scenery. THE RISE AND DEVELOPMENT OF A PUNDIT... This is an unusual Merchant/Ivory film that focuses on the Indian community of Trinidad from 1943 to about 1954. It focuses in particular upon a young teacher, who takes a wife, outfoxes her wily, grasping father, and lives in the country, desiring only to write books. Still, he has to earn a living, so he becomes a masseur, which is not a masseuse, but rather, a healer. He also writes a books on Hinduism, which he publishes himself. He becomes known as the Mystic Masseur and develops a country wide following. His book and those books that follow are quickly bought up by a now adoring public who revere him as a Pundit. A brief career in politics soon follows, only for him to discover that an adoring public can turn fickle. The film meanders along, as does this pundit's life. With first rate cinematography and stellar performances by the entire cast, this is a very good, though unusual, film. Those who are interested in other cultures will find this film of some interest. If you are not so inclined, deduct one star from my review. quite intriguing i agree with the comments made about the lack of storyline and the slightly abrupt ending to the movie. frankly though, the time period and culture depicted in the movie was engrossing enough to make me forget about the storyline. the language, the scenery, the characters, the blend of cultures, the simplicity and the quest for little pleasures, all of that came together to make a movie, quite superbly different than most of the stuff i have seen recently. i smiled, and occassionally laughed, through the whole thing. it really isn't about sending your brain circuits on fire while looking for "so what happens"...its just about that movie watching experience, one that sends you off onto a journey to a different place in a different time where all these characters become your friends (and foes) and maybe the pace and climax of the movie is because its originally a book. i truly recommed it to all.its refreshing! Buy The Mystic Masseur at Amazon.com Buy posters at Allposters.com Jamster - the latest ringtones for your phone!  Search with Walhello on the Internet on The Mystic Masseur Search with the Priority Search Engine on The Mystic Masseur This page in other languages: Suomeksi | Nederlands | Deutsch
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