City of Joy (1992)

The story and the characters in this movie are worthy and good, but in my opinion the true merit of this film is that it highlights how different situations and peoples of the world are in fact. To say that we're all the same and equal is true on one level -- a moral level. But, the real world operates on another level, and this film highlights it well.There is tremendous poverty on our planet. The Western World has pretty much extinguished the degree of poverty shown in this film, and that is wonderful. But, many in the West seem to believe that everyone thinks and reacts as they do: with hope and confidence in the future. That is not true in many other parts of the world, and very often that is not due to a personal weakness, but to economic and cultural factors that have resonated for years – for centuries. How one born and raised in a pretty hopeless environment feels and thinks is certainly quite different than how the same occurs in a First World country. The extremes of poverty, the hopelessness, repeated futility of efforts, persecutions on personal and public levels... all have combined to create a unique pathos that outsiders find hard to understand.Are some people in the world trapped and have they become lethargic as a result? Yes, but it is imperative to understand that they have seen many generations of others try to escape the ravages of poverty, only to run into box canyons. Eventually, repeated failures affect an entire population, and this movie reveals that fact to some degree. It should also be noted that a great deal of abject poverty in that part of the world is the result of too many people, too little food, and brutal cycles of weather that destroy all in the way.What this film makes me ponder is just how such desperate peoples can best be helped by outsiders. Unfortunately, there is not a simple nor single answer. Situations and individuals and opportunities are in constant flux. Outsiders with big hearts may relieve some pain and suffering, but in the end most of the people will have to become determined enough to better their circumstances, and to then do whatever it takes. Others can help the struggling to pull on their bootstraps, but others cannot wear the boots for them or do their work for them.This movie depicts a single set of unique events that resulted in people finally becoming determined to be masters of their own fate, come what may. I think that is the important message of this movie. I think outsiders can help some people see a new path to self actualization.

An good-hearted and inspiring film. Those with a taste for gritty film-noirs won't like it. Swayze is bit too picture-perfect, and the characters maybe 2-D, but I don't mind. I love Joffe's themes of redemption, self-sacrifice, and compassion in midst of a world of hate and cruelty. Be leery of critics who are too harsh on this movie. I especially love the portrayal of the Indian people. I gave it a 10 because I didn't like the fact that the IMDb average is weighted at 5.8. Some people have their own agenda: maybe they don't like Swayze, don't like Joffe, whatever. Don't trust these ratings and evaluate the movie according to your own values.Is the story a moral tale about personal redemption? Is it about class struggles and therefore a political drama? For some, there may be an issue with incoherence. (I found that to be the case for the Killing Fields). I personally like who Joffe blends these subplots and themes, making a human drama that is relevant to the individual and society at the same time.

Patrick Swayze,unusually for a Westerner, melts into Calcutta quite easily. Typically Westerners act like they are away from home when they act in Indian films. Patrick Swayze goes with the rhythm from the first beat in this wonderful movie. The end when the camera sweeps over Calcutta in the early morning light, is so beautiful a moment you almost weep. The acting and teamwork between Om Puri and Patrick are first rate. Patrick Swayze has a creativity that allows him to be at home in almost any setting. This is why he is one of my very favorite actors. Om Puri is known in both Hollywood and outside of it as the best actor in the whole world. Realistically, a rickshaw driver would not have Om's hearty build, but be much more shriveled looking. The prostitute getting slashed across her mouth is realistic, unfortunately. Well known Shabana Azmi shows her acting talent as usual.

... it's a Hollywood film, presented for Western audiences. In that context, I found the movie to be very good, entertaining and uplifting. In my opinion, it was as good as or better than other Western films with similar subject matter. Although not without flaws, it never lost my attention and was an enjoyable diversion, as movies should be. 7/10