MovieChat Forums > Peter Brook's the Mahabharata (1990) Discussion > Great direction

Great direction

posted 16 years ago by ab-gangulee-00
1 reply | jump to latest

I'm from India, so I was extremely critical that a Westerner was directing this mini-series. The Mahabharata is a very sacred text in India (like the Christian Bible). I was worried the director (Peter Brook) would make some kind of hippie fiasco of the complex tale.

I myself am a born-again Christian and formerly engaged in the hippie lifestyle (non-violent protest, colorful clothing, wild hair, etc.) Perhaps being Indian made it an easy recreation and America being lazy makes it a fun recreation (not the born-again Christian part).

I was very much entertained by this Western version, however. I forget who says that great line: "I am afraid of everything except dying."

My favorite character has always been Karna: the dispossessed son who wages a doomed war against his warlike brothers. He is doomed because his brother Arjun has selected Lord Krishna as the chariot driver.

I think this work by Peter Brook is very similar (stylistically) to Antonia Bird's film-noir gem, "Ravenous" (1999). There's blood and the snow, there's dust and arrows; there's something carnal and sexy going on. Perhaps this is a subconscious link and the only connection is the stylistic dance created in my head. This is good praise for a Western director (Peter Brook) coming from an Asian-Indian.

[–] troza 15 years ago

Peter Brook is a brilliant director. He is a giant in the theatre world.

Here is my review of the original as well as the new "butchered" version on the DVD:

Based on an classic Indian epic, Peter Brook & his international team have created masterpiece film. Peter Brook captures not only the story/plot but conveys the nuances & philosophies within this Indian epic. It is amazing that Mr. Brook captures the essence of the characters even in the "stylized" filming.

Although many have criticised this version and despite its flaws or minor inaccuracies, this is truly an artistic production. Relatively low budget and at time "stagy" but Peter brook captures the the essence and communicates the nuances as well as concepts brilliantly.

I believe, the stage version was nine hours long. Nonetheless, it captivates the audience. In my opinion, Peter Brook is one of the greatest director. Excellent!!!!!

Note: my review is based on the previously released DVD and I am hoping that this version includes extra features "Making of The Mahabharata" and additional footage.

REVISION: I just realized that this version of the DVD is only three hours long. I do have this abbreviated version on VHS and must agree with the other reviewer that this version does NOT deserve the ***** (five star) ranking I posted earlier. At best, a two star and I am being generous I had assumed that this was a longer version along with extra features. PATHETIC!!!!!