I really love quirky films and have always been a fan of Wes Anderson. I was especially anxious to see this movie because it has two of my favorite actors, Owen Wilson and Adrien Brody. The Darjeeling Limited is not Anderson’s best film, but it is very interesting.
The movie begins with three brothers meeting on a train (The Darjeeling Limited). They are embarking on a spiritual journey in the wake of their father’s death. The brothers have grown apart and reunite as virtual strangers. The vibe on the train is decided offbeat which is a staple of Anderson’s work.
From the beginning of the trip you get a feel for the personalities of the brothers. Francis needs to be in charge; Jack is running from commitment; Peter is a bit befuddled and intimidated by his brothers. Watching this movie you realize that siblings may grow up, but the rivalries never die. It’s fun to watch grown men revert to children.
Francis surprises his brothers when he announces they will be visiting their mother. She left the family to live in India and didn’t bother to return for their father’s funeral. Jack and Peter are reluctant to see her; she is reluctant to see her sons. This family is a study in dysfunction but their trials are entertaining because you see they truly love each other. It’s just difficult for any of them to express it.
As the trip progresses, the brothers mix and mingle with the locals and viewers get a taste of the Indian culture. The setting lifts the film from the ordinary to the mystical. This movie just wouldn’t work if the brothers were traveling through Kansas.
I give the movie four stars. The acting is good, the writing is crisp and the cinematography is incredible. The Darjeeling Limited doesn’t provide easy answers, but this movie is definitely worth watching.
Michelle D. Kieffaber
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