36 Chowringhee Lane (UK)

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Review of 36 Chowringhee Lane
added by
Jitendar Canth

A moving portrayal of how conditions deteriorated in India for the privileged classes
Certificate: PG
Running Time: 108 mins
Retail Price: £15.99
Release Date:
Content Type: Movie

Synopsis:
An unforgettable, BAFTA Award-nominated performance by Jennifer Kendal forms the emotional core of 36 Chowringhee Lane. Made in 1981, this subtle and tender drama marks the directorial debut of the actress-director Aparna Sen (who also wrote the script) and is produced by Shashi Kapoor who considers this his finest work.
36 Chowringhee Lane tells the story of an English spinster (Kendal) living out her twilight years in genteel poverty in a shabby part of Calcutta with nothing but her memories to sustain her. She is delighted when an ex-student and her boyfriend strike up an unexpected friendship with her but as the film progresses the true motives of the pair become clearer. Winner of an Evening Standard British Film Award, this film is sensitively directed and delivers a moving portrayal of how conditions deteriorated in India for the privileged classes towards the end of the British Empire in India.

Special Features:
Shashi Kapoor interview.