Simply Perfect

This is one of the few movies I've ever seen where the whole audience broke into spontaneous, loud applause a third of the way in.

I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

Story: It's very simple but honestly that is fine.

I know so little about the creation/partition of India and Pakistan, but ... I know it had to be a very painful and trying time for a lot of people. Division of countries/people is never peaceful, as far as I recall. I still am a "romantic" at heart and did enjoy seeing that love found a way thru all the turmoil. As far as the discussions of the "realities" of this movie, I don't recall ever seeing one that was 100% true. I did enjoy and appreciate this movie. Good job.

Honestly looking at the trailer, I was expecting a story that was made for TV but attempted to be bold enough to grace the big screen. I couldn't be anymore wrong. The last viceroy of India is tasked with leading the country before its eventual independence which soon turns into a communal massacre. The Partition of India back in 1947 is an important moment of modern history where this drama serves as a reminder of the monumental loss during the nationwide migration. Over one million souls lost their lives during the violent conflict between Muslims and Hindus, with many families being torn apart through abrupt segregation. Given that the director was the granddaughter of a survivor, there is a personal touch to the melodrama that unfolds. From simple quibbling of deciding which food items, people and furniture remain in India or are sent to Pakistan to the more serious issues of rationing supplies to refugee camps. Chadha deftly embeds the culture of India to the heartbreaking partitioning process, allowing the balance for historical importance and a fictitious romance to coincide together. The latter sub-plot, resembling a 'Romeo & Juliet' scenario, seemed to be the primary focus of the first act which unfortunately detracted from the main and far superior plot of India's independence. However the story gets back on track during the second half which quickly grabs your attention back. Bonneville and Anderson gave satisfactory performances, although occasionally lacked emotional conviction. Also the melodrama became too excessive at times, trying too hard to make you tear up. Credit where credit is due though, I did shed a tear towards the end which was certainly the most poignant act of the entire film. I do love a good "running through the crowd" scene. A slightly uneven start irons itself out towards the end to produce a sumptuous and important historical drama that will leave you reaching for the tissues by its conclusion. Atleast I know what a viceroy is now...

Viceroy's House does only an adequate job of explaining the complexities of the Parition of India at its Independence, in 1947. Nevertheless it succeeds in being a quite entertaining movie, largely due to the inclusion of a fictional star-crossed love affair, played by two very attractive actors, which serves to illustrate the strong tensions that arouse between Muslims and Hindus. Hugh Bonneville who plays Lord Mountbatten, sent to accomplish the Independence, is always an easy, charming presence on screen, but lacks, in my mind, both the physical grandeur of Mountbatten and his commanding presence. Gillian Anderson is wonderful, however, as his glamorous, highly-accomplished and liberal thinking wife. (The role of their daughter adds nothing to the film and seems an afterthought.) Yet the exotic sights of India in the 40s makes for much visual pleasure, and the bare bones presentation of the history of the era is sufficiently educational to make this a recommended film.

Had uninteresting, dull characters. Music was annoying and inappropriate. Length was too long. Weak romance attempt. Boring dialogue. Tiring political discussions pondering to those who pretend Hollywood can be informative. If you're too lazy to read a history book, desperate for something to do, don't care about substance or quality filmmaking, will watch anything, and remain stubbornly/falsely positive about what you spend your money on, (and have $12 to blow,) you'll probably love this movie.