The Darjeeling Limited: A Very Beautiful Journey into India

I recently saw a movie on DVD that I really enjoyed: The Darjeeling Limited

This is another very well made quirky comedy from Wes Anderson, the director/writer of Royal Tannenbaums, Rushmore, and Bottle Rocket. In my view, this is one of his best.

It starts out with a short film that includes Jason Schwartzman, the lead from Rushmore, and Natalie Portman. The tone is set. This will not be your usual movie.

If you can keep your mind open and let the movie take its course, you are in for a very enjoyable ride. Although it stars familiar actors: Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody, and Jason Schwartzman, the actors are not playing their typical roles.

It took me a little bit of time to get used to seeing these three actors in atypical roles but after some time, the investment started to pay off. I found myself accepting each of their characters.

The star of this movie for the first part is the train that they ride on. The colors reminded me of Jacques Demy in one of his classics such as the Umbrellas of Cherbourg. Also, this is a character study. The plot is more an excuse for the charaters to interact and the action proceeds in sudden bursts are strengthened by the quality of acting of each of the lead actors.

I found this to be a very original and creative tale even as it covered very typical topics that we've seen in previous Anderson films. I believe that the strong acting of the leads and the beautiful Indian landscape leads to a very remarkable film.