Kim [DVD]

This is the best movie version of Kim that I have see. ,Eeven though they took some minor liberties with the plot., they are well within the spirit of the book. Peter O'Toole's depiction of the lama is wonderful, and the young man who plays Kim is excellent. All of the supporting actors are magnificent, especially John Rys-Davies as Hurree Chunder Mookerjee, . His characterization of the babu is perfection. I also have to praise the Colonel Cheighton and Mahbub Ali. Incidentally, I just learned from a Kipling biography that Mahbub Ali, the Afghan horse-trader, was a real person whom Kipling knew. If you love the book as I do, you should love the movie. I read the book about annually, and get something new from it every time. One time, a stranger and I struck up a conversation, and he asked what I was reading. I replied that it was an old friend that I was revisiting. He expressed surprise that I would read a book again, so I explained that the book doesn't change, but the reader does. As you get more experience in the world, you see characters, situations and settings much differently. In some cases, the book ou loved as a child is not at all about the subject you though it was.

This is an entertaining romp through the Kipling adventure, with a captivating and attractive cast. Produced in 1984 for CBS TV, this is far superior to typical TV-movie fare; I've seen a few Masterpiece Theatre creations that didn't measure up to this. The screenwriter and director did quite a nice job of keeping Kipling's sprawling tale pretty well focused, which had to be an immense challenge.Peter O'Toole's bald scalp cover wins my award for the worst makeup artistry in the history of film. It looks like his head was smeared with grey-green putty. It is so bad that I had to struggle not to be distracted from the appealing acting, striking cinematography and quite faithful screenplay.Reading other reviewers, I was astonished that nobody mentioned the outstanding performance by John Rhys-Davies as Babu the spy. When Rhys-Davies is on screen, your attention is on Rhys-Davies; his scenes are masterpieces of acting and direction!Most of this film's charm definitely belongs to young Ravi Sheth in the title role. He has more than a little of that star quality that quickly makes me forget "actor" and pulls me into believing that I really am watching a 19th century street urchin.

Though less known than the 1950 Errol Flynn version, this made-for-TV adaptation of the famous Kipling story is in fact a pretty good one, being faithful to the book in spirit and in story. The main episodes of the original are not changed much, and still the film manages to realize the world of Kiping's India, where some adventure is waiting for you around the corner.Kim, or Kimball O'Hara is the orphaned son of an Irish soldier in India, and Kim spends his time as vagabond in Lahore, where he climbs upon the big cannon of the town. From this famous opening, in which he is taken up as a guide by a travelling Tibetan lama (Peter O'Tool, in bald-head wig), the film follows the boy's adventures in the country, meeting colorful characters, the best of whom are the dashing Muhbub Ali (Bryan Brown) and suave agent Babu (John Rhys-Davies).Assisting the jourey of the lama who tries to find out "The River of the Arrow," Kim also learns the life of the people in India through the mission given to him from the higher officers. The episodic story of Kipling remains basically the same, and you will find the major episodes from the book, such as the two Russians from the north.The greatest thing about this "Kim" is its location. As it is shot in India, the picture can really show the hot and humid climate of the place (the Planes), or the cold and chilling air of the mountains (the Hills). You will understand why the lama could regain his health after going back to the mountains if you see the film, for you can feel the great contrast between the two places.The original Kim is slightly enigmatic boy (or a teen?), whose growth is implied between the lines. The Kim here played by an Indian young actor is fairly good though the fact remains that he is virtually an amateur. Still, he looks great, and the supports are effective, especailly Brown as the horse-riding, menaceful (but somehow humourous) Ali. As to Peter O'Toole, at first you might find him miscast, but I think no one can really play the role of the lama exactly as the book shows.This newer "Kim" is slightly overlong, but its faithful adaptation with realistic Indian background is certainly worth your money, especially when you find the original book charming.

This more modern remake has all the elements of the original film, and carries much of the magic of the old Raj with it. Having wondered what happened to Kim after this I found a sequel by an Indian writer, (worth chasing) that relates how playing the Great Game eventually led Kim to the years of indian Independence. Which side did he wind up on ... find and read the book.In the interim watch this, and it;s earlier version and enjoy one of the truly wonderful works of KiplingRoss

One of my favourite books has been brought tot he sceen very well. The plot had to be trimmed, but the only disappointement was the minor role given to the old lady in the film. For those who don't know the story, a young Eurasian boy, brought up by his Indian mother, finds his father's regiment, gets and English boy's education of that era, then finds his life's work - the Great Game. His companion for much of the time is a Tibetan monk who is searching for the river of - ah, I forget - enlightenment? (atonement??). I'm not sure that I approve of the slight change of the ending, though. I highly recommend this to any lover of Kipling or of the growth and maturing of a boy of two cultures.

Some good photography, but slow pacing and editing. Two hours and twenty minutes seems even longer. Some of the effects and make-up are below poor, especially the Lama's rubber bald headpiece. In some scenes they even forgot to put make-up on top of the rubber.

This old classic was interesting...hadn't seen it before.

one of my favorite movies, a great one to add to my Peter O'Toole collection.

I read Kipling's book first and this is a good adaptation. It conveys the feeling and essence of Kipling's novel. Peter O'Toole make up is a bit strange.

my favourite film so obviously pleased

Amazing value for money! - Just one penny. How do they do it for that price?