Schatten der Zeit (2004) Reviews

• This is a coming of age epic set in pre independence West Bengal

  shouvikm2006-10-15

  A Bengali movie with English subtitles, directed by a German! It is set in the Jute mills of West Bengal where children used to be employed and exploited. The struggles of an ambitious Ravi, the protagonist, who saves money to get out of the system, how he realizes his ambitions and how he retains his humane nature in spite of his environment, forms the basis for an epic love story. The acting is brilliant, the portrayal "international", so all adults should enjoy it. The production is highly optimized and gritty. Some audiences may find it slow, but I thought it was well paced, the subtitles appropriate for people who know both languages. A very recommended watch! Grab it on DVD if it doesn't come to a theater near you.

• simply exquisite

  satans_incarnate2006-09-11

  Director Florian Gallenberger, in his first full length feature film has come up with a true gem of a movie. A heartwarming tragic love story set in Calcutta, India (pre independence). It is a must watch for anyone who hates the popular Indian movie scene (a.k.a Bollywood). The acting and cinematography are brilliant. I disagree with the above reviewer's comments although myself an Indian, the movies mentioned by him are for people who do not appreciate good cinema, please stay away from them as far as possible...it's a Warning. I hope the director gives our very own Indian directors a few lessons in film making so that we don't have to put up with the regular muck (bollywood i.e.) churned out year after year. Watch this one and you will not be disappointed.

• Beautiful Film

  losangeles-casting2005-12-26

  "Shadows of Time" is a marvelous film. It takes you through 60 years of the life of its two main characters (Ravi and Masha) and tells the story of their unfulfilled love. The cinematography is outstanding, the acting is great, especially for Indian actors, the sets are so alive and the story telling is of a quality like you don't see it often these days. The film is slow, but in a nice way. You just need to open your heart and go with the story and it will just take you on the most amazing trip. I have seen many Indian films, but "Shadows of Time" is different, it gives you a glimpse of real India (opposed to film India), its colors, its faces, streets and light. The film takes place in Calcutta and it really transports the atmosphere of Calcutta from 40 years back. Great!

• amazing movie

  JHille2005-05-16

  I have never in my life seen a movie, as touching and sentimental yet strong and intelligent as this movie. The cast is amazing, the story moving and the result brilliant. A must see. If you like different movies you have to see "Shadows of Time". I'm lost for words, the impression that this movie left on me, will last for a very long time. Congratulations for everyone who took part in creating this masterpiece. There is an unconventional ending to this love story, but I won't say too much, because I wouldn't wanna spoil it. I'm a big fan of Bollywood movies, but "Shadows of Time" is nothing like a colourful and musical Bollywoodmovie and still it's special in its way. And worth the money you'll spend for it.

• A relief from the stereotype

  subhacom2009-09-18

  Technically nine out of ten may not be justified in comparison to all the world movies, but with respect to current Indian cinema, it deserved that. The camera-work is beautiful, and everybody acted superbly, especially the children - which reminds one of Satyajit Ray's expertise in extracting the best performance from kids. Soumitra Chattopadhyay and Irfan Khan were brilliant as usual. And I was delighted to see somebody caring to maintain the accents. Irfan Khan, Prashant Narayanan spoke Bengali with a non-bengali accent, which perfectly fitted the characters. This kind of subtle detail is murdered in most movies these days. There were a few minor anachronisms, like red-and yellow minibuses (which were introduced to calcutta much later than the time of the story), it would have been better if they could arrange some double-deckers. The story was really good, a great relief from the Hollywood/Bollywood formula movies, where there must be a 'happily ever after' ending. Yet it was the story that was the weakest part of this movie. While the start in jutemill child-labourer's camp was unusual, it soon turned out to be a childhood love story. From Ravi buying freedom for Masha till his arriving at the temple was all formula stuff and I was scared that this movie will be another disappointment. But the plot returned from the edge of the cliff as Masha ran away from Ravi due to a misunderstanding. Rest of it reminds of Sharatchandra and O Henry (yes, I cannot consider this as original in any way, only bits and pieces from here and there cemented with good imagination). Another point where I was a little worried was when Ravi meets Masha and their grand daughter at the factory. Why should somebody start talking of her 'long story' to another person right after introduction! I was ready to give her the license of senility, but as it turned out it was justified by the beautiful finishing touch.