Search - The Journey on DVD

Leaves you longing for what it could have been . . .

Rose | Austin, Texas | 04/22/2006

(2 out of 5 stars)

"If you've watched "Fire" directed by Deepa Metha, and are expecting "The Journey" to be something that could begin to transcend the beauty and depth of "Fire", then you will be sorely disappointed. While the actresses were beautiful to watch, this movie left much to be desired. The story was choppy at best and did not flow well at all. I have never had a problem with subtitles as long as the story moves me, but at the end there will be too many unanswered questions that you're left with. There simply was not enough time spent on the development of the two central characters, not enough to make you feel that they were in love. One of the central characters is a writer/poet, but only for a few seconds do we get to relish in those words which could have helped the audience feel all the more closer to the love story itself. While what fleeting romance we did get to see was tasteful and tender, there was not one kissing scene. I have never needed sex scenes to be convinced, but for that single notion of that romantic first kiss. I felt cheated. For those of you who know the movie "Fire", the ending was everything! Everything they captured in the end of "Fire"-cinematography, the location, the rain, the powerful music that left you with chills down your spine, and the feeling that you couldn't move or breathe because what you experienced was so incredibly beautiful and transcendent. When you watch "The Journey", you will want to watch "Fire" again to appreciate what a stunning work of art "Fire" still is to this day, it's unsurpassed. "The Journey" is worth a run through once for comparison, but not much else."

"Krishna, You Do Not Know Me" ~ Transcending Country And C

Brian E. Erland | Brea, CA - USA | 03/05/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Note: Malayalam with English subtitles.

A timeless tale about two souls that awaken to love but have the misfortune of being of the same gender in a country and culture hostile to such "unnatural feelings." Kiran (Susahini V. Nair) and Delilah (Sharauiti Menon) are two naturally beautiful, exotic young women with the most expressive, enchanting faces ever captured on film. They are absolutely magical together.

My favorite sequence in the film is Kiran's mystical dream of Delilah dancing in a darkend room. Like Kali in her most compassionate and desirable form, Delilah flashes in and out of the shadows as the drum beat intensifies. Delilahs' movements combined with the music and her transfixed facial expression is mesmerizing. Upon awakening in a cold sweat Kiran is now fully aware that her affection for Delilah is more that just friendship.

In contrast to such interior dream images, the cinematography of the mundane world surrounding the two lovers is bright, vibrant and textured. The sight of these two exotic and graceful native beauties moving hand and hand across the lush, tropical Indian landscape is a wonder to behold. Complimented by an equally impressive soundtrack you will soon find yourself lost within the story and terrain. Whether you're sympathetic to the subject matter or not, the pure, deep felt emotion Kiran and Delilah share for each other will touch your soul and transcend any personal judgement on the subject.

Beautiful, Poetic, Sensitive and unexpectedly Mystical, get ready to enjoy a nearly flawless production!

My Highest Recommendation!!"

The classic Indian film turns lesbian!

queer movie lover | 03/28/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Like the controversial and mesmerizing film "Fire," "The Journey" captures a love story that few Indian films ever have. It's a compelling and beautiful story of two young women -- two childhood friends raised in a village that thrives on tradition -- who fall in love. With beautiful scenery, a provocative
look into the conflicts of love and cultural tradition, and a simply touching tale of two people falling in love, "The Journey" is a most-enjoyable watch.

Kiran and Delilah are both stunning young women approaching the end of high school. While their parents are busy thinking about arranging the girls' marriages, and the local boys are concentrating on finding their wives, Kiran and Delilah embark on their own path toward toward love and happiness.....with
each other. Finding conflict with not only their families and village, the girls are forced to deal with a love that they have always thought sinful.

Provocative and sensitive, political and beautiful, "The Journey" joins a small group of films that bring queer love into a traditional eastern story."

Daring and beautiful

A. Mohan | Toronto, ON, Canada | 09/22/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"'Sancharam' is a small gem in Indian cinema; it might well go unnoticed by many, and indeed, given its subject, there might well be a conspiracy for its erasure. For the movie is a daring look at same-sex desire, and unlike Deepa Mehta's 'Fire' - whose failures, for this reviewer, lay in not allowing lesbian desire a discourse of self-legitimacy - this movie speaks of women's desire as a matter of choice. Here are two girls falling in young love, not because of a bad husband, or a failed marriage, or as some sophomoric experiment in 'freak' love, but well and truly recognizing both the possibilities and limits of their transgressive passion. The movie is beautifully shot - its opening sequences are some of the best ever!
Lesbians or lesbian well-wishers might find the plot of 'Sanchaaram' somewhat of a letdown, but the director's vision is firmly realist. It is unlikely that lebian women can enjoy full sexual freedom in Kerala, like they do in places like, say, Toronto. Kerala society, while overall traditionally matrilineal and forward-thinking with regard to women's status and position, nonetheless remains deeply unaccommodating of subversive sexual mores and sticks by its own spins of heterosexism and patriarchy. In this sense, the movie's plot makes sense, but that may still not please our need to find feminist heroines in our art. Be that as it may, 'Sancharam' is an audacious experiment for India in real cinema - and is a refreshing addition to Malayalam art in general."