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The Courtesans of Bombay (1983) Reviews

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The Merchant-Ivory team adopts a semi-documentary stance in Courtesans of Bombay. Though several scenes are dramatized, this film is essentially an unadorned look at prostitution in modern India. The film details the impoverished conditions that would prompt otherwise chaste Indian women to seek out employment as "performers"--a euphemism for the World's Oldest Profession, though they do indeed give public dancing and singing performances as a sideline. Indian actress Saeed Jeffrey heads the cast of this Ruth Prawer Jhabvala-scripted "docudrama." Courtesans of Bombay was made for British television, and original telecast in those late hours ostensibly off limits to younger viewers. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Starring:: Saeed Jaffrey, Zohra Segal, (more)

Director(s):: James Ivory, Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, (more)

Format(s):: DVD
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Average Ratings

(2 member reviews)

Member Reviews

	Richard H.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

In many ways this is more of a travel log than anything else. Had I not visited India in the past I would have had dificulty watching this to the end. But my facination and understanding of the culture got me through it. So, in summary, this is not a film for everyone, there is really not a plot, as it is filmed more in the manner of a documentary. That being said it became obvious to me quickly that most of the speakers are actors and not genuine observers. However, the Jewel on this disc is the "surprise" short film that also comes on the disc. It is about the street music of India and I found it to be MUCH more entertaining and interesting. If you have an interest in the culture there at all, this second bonus film, is worth watching

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	David R.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

It is an interesting look at life in the slums of India. If you think they are going to go into the prostitution aspects of being a "courtican" don't rent this. They don't. There is nothing sexual in nature in this movie. It's mostly about the singing and dancing and slum life. Very boring unless you love, love ,love other cultures explored in depth. I was bored out of my mind and I love Indian culture.

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