Chrysanthepop Based on Dominique LaPierre's book, Roland Joffé's 'City of Joy' may have received mixed responses as it's one of those films that one either connects with or not. I really enjoyed it from start to finish. Yes, Calcutta is portrayed as being impoverished and one could argue that the film was made to cater to the Western audience who don't see India beyond poverty and slums, but that putting that aside, the film has heart and one doesn't have to be Western or Indian to relate to the issues that are brought forth, to the conflicts the characters come across and to their values.On the technical side, it's a very well made film. Peter Biziou's cinematography authentically captures the rawness of Calcutta city and life in the slums. In addition, Ennio Morricone's score is spellbinding. Gerry Hambling's editing is solid.Patrick Swayze turns in one of his career best performances. His depiction of Max's growth from the angry hot-headed ex-doctor to the compassionate and caring 'family-man' is superb. Om Puri is equally terrific as the down-to-earth humble Hasari who, just like any familyman, wants the best for his wife and children. They are supported by equally strong performers like Shabana Azmi and Pauline Collins. A very young Ayesha Dharkar does a sincere job.Subtle, uplifting, poetic, poignant and beautiful are a few words that describe 'City of Joy'. It's one of the best of its kind.

hprashantarora To truly appreciate the characters of City of Joy, you have to read the book by the same name by Dominique Lapierre. Compared to its source material, the movie is a fairy tale. The hardships that the leading characters go through in the novel are gut wrenching and on more than one occasion almost made me cry. It was nice to see Patrick Swayze take his role head on and I think he did a marvelous job. Om Puri is one of the finest actors of Indian Cinema. If you like his work, I highly recommend "ArthSatya" (Half Truth) and "Paar" - the movies that established him as an intense actor. Also "Freedom At Midnight" by Dominique Lapierre is a great read, especially if you are interested in history. Again - it is not for anyone with a weak stomach.

reblit City of Joy is the story of an American Doctor (Patrick Swayze) who runs away from his life and unwittingly lands himself in an entirely different place. Through various actions he ends up helping a woman (Pauline Collins) who tries to help the very poor of Calcutta on a day-to-day basis. City of Joy also contains a story of a farmer (Om Puri) who has lost his farm to the "money lenders" and brings his family to Calcutta to find work so that he can support his family. How all these lives interact is interesting. The poverty and oppression is devastating to see - but worth watching. The story touches your heart and holds your interest throughout the movie.Patrick Swayze is wonderful in this movie! He is expansive and portrays all of his emotions - anger, frustration, love of friends and joy poignantly! Dirty Dancing, Ghost and City of Joy should have mad Patrick Swayze a serious leading man in the category of Harrison Ford. In later movies you can see his emotions but it is as if the are locked inside his handsome clenched jaws. Nevertheless, Patrick Swayze is a handsome accomplished actor and this film is well worth the watch!

MichaelOates If there were a movie to root for, it would be "City Of Joy," unfortunately it turns out the writing couldn't measure up to the performances. I had to question Patrick Swayze's motivation for taking part in this film. I agree that on the face "City Of Joy" was a good movie, but we all know that books cannot be judged by its cover. This was a film that was really hard to get through because it went nowhere fast. I expected to see more out of this film and by the time I was satisfied with the film it was too late. For what the premise was, "City Of Joy" only worked in the later stages of the movie.If the director could have some way started earlier with Patrick Swayze's character caring, it could have worked. The only thing I found that was interesting was the devastation of the living conditions of the citizens had to live in: I thought the director did a good job of showing that.