'Before The Rains' Review

Rahul Bose, left, and Linus Roache in Santosh Sivan’s movie Before the Rains.  Watch the trailer: http://movies.aol.com/movie/before-the-rains/31047/main

 I never understand how reviewers can be so far part in watching the same movie. Since everyone does not have the same tastes, critical acumen, or educational background, how is it possible to be objective in forming a balanced and fair opinion?  There is no clear answer but a reviewer should back up his reasoning with examples. To prove my point is a positive review of Before The Rains:  http://movies.nytimes.com/2008/05/09/movies/09rain.html  followed by a less enthusiastic one:  http://www.courant.com/entertainment/movies/reviews/hc-beforerainsrev.artmay30,0,2174637.story

After seeing this movie, I tend to agree with the first review. Both reviews make similar points but the second one is from a bored cynic's view. We thought this was an intelligent drama that wasn't as predictable as the second review would lead you to believe.  There were a few plot twists/surprises amid the fine acting and stunning location photography evoking 1937 India. I wouldn't call the music score 'manipulative' but appropriate in capturing the foreign moods and suspense. Mark Kilian's evocative score leads the audience no better or worse than in any other movie. I'll be adding the CD to my film score collection.

    Linus Roache from TV's Law & Order plays an Englishman whose affair with his native servant while his wife and son are away sparks the plot when they are discovered during a forest tryst.  Cultures and emotions clash for the worst against the seething subplot of India seeking its independence from the British Empire. I didn't feel the ending was as predictable as the second reviewer.  Overall it's a worthwhile adult drama surrounded by grand local scenery and never dull. Even Mom liked it....