Saturday, March 8, 2008

Before taking a spiritual journey you must ask... should I hindu, or hin-don't

THE DARJEELING LIMITED (2007)


Wes Anderson is a quirky little writer/director. I have had different feelings about his films. From a warm happy feeling after watching "Rushmore", to a, ah that was alright after "The Royal Tenenbaums", to my 'Sweet Mary did I love that movie' shouts after "The Life Aquatic". So, that being said I was a little unsure of where I would be after watching this film.
The story is thus, three estranged brothers, still in mourning over the lost of their Father a year earlier, are brought together by the eldest, in an attempt to bring them closer, and closure. The way he plans on doing this is a trip through India. He has planned many spiritual experiences, hitting all the major temples, and the like, in what hopes, will fix their feelings towards each other, and life. Along the way, as can be imagined, things do not always go according to plan. And, well, funny thing about those spiritual journeys, they have a way of happening despite themselves.
Wes Anderson has an alarmingly disarming simpleness to his writing, and his directing matches it stroke for stroke. The characters are so real, that they almost seem boring at first. However, you find yourself growing attached to them before you even realize it. "Darjeeling Limited" is evidence of this ability as never before. Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody, and Jason Schwartzman, are all on the top of their game here. They are so good together, that a have strong want feelings in my happy places to see these three unite again. The story is very simple, but where the structure is simple, the emotional depth is anything but. Dealing with the lose of a loved one is the hardest thing, or one of, in this life. This film without question, captures the pain, the search for answers, and the triumph of hope. It's slow, and though you may find yourself laughing out loud a few times, its more just a smile, and a sense of enjoyment. All the actors are fantastic, I especially enjoyed the waitress on the train, one of the brothers falls for. They have some of the best lines between them.
In short, if you feel like warming your self, curled up on a couch. Maybe with a friend or such, grab a drink, get comfortable, and indulge. It starts slow, but before you know it, it seems to be flying by. 

Writing is great, the acting is better... very good film. Somehow got unrecognized by any major award nominations... strange

3.5 out of 5 stars

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