A Passage to India

This proves a curiously modest affair, abandoning the tub-thumping epic style of Lean's late years. While adhering to perhaps 80 per cent of the book's incident, Lean veers very wide of the mark over EM Forster's hatred of the British presence in India, and comes down much more heavily on the side of the British. But he has assembled his strongest cast in years. Particularly fine is Judy Davis as the foolish hysteric, Miss Quested, who gives the crux of the film (was she or was she not raped in the Marabar caves by her Indian host?) its strongest moments. And once again Lean indulges his taste for scenery, demonstrating an ability with sheer scale which has virtually eluded British cinema throughout its history. Not for literary purists, but if you like your entertainment well tailored, then feel the quality and the width. CPea.