A drama about a young American doctor disillusioned with life who comes to India in search of the light of life.

Max, a young American doctor, arrives in Kolkata, India. A series of coincidences leads him to a slum where the poorest of the poor live, but where they are being offered a helping hand.

Max, disillusioned with life, decides to help but does not want to stay for long. However, circumstances change his plans.

He befriends the locals, helps them, and treats them. Joan, a white missionary, is the woman who runs the clinic and convinces Max to stay in Kolkata among them and be a source of support.

Gradually, in this hopeless world of poverty, mafia terror, and violence, Max rediscovers the meaning of life and his own work by helping others—the most vulnerable—face their despair.

Drama

USA, 1992, 132 min

Cast: Roland Joffé;

Crew: Patrick Swayze, Om Puri, Pauline Collins, Shabana Azmi, Ayesha Dharker, Art Malik, Sam Wanamaker, Masood Akhtar, Pavan Malhotra, Keira Jane Malik, Anjan Dutt;

Parents’ Guide:

A woman being offered as a companion for the night. A shirtless man. A scene with a few intimate embraces between a married couple. 2 kisses on the mouth. 1 instance of a father recounting how he cheated on the mother. Several violent fights, including some involving knives. A girl’s mouth is slashed with a razor blade. An attack on a clinic by a gang of thugs. Mafia-style terror. A few instances of swearing: “damn it,” “for Christ’s sake,” “hell.” One instance of the swear word “bastard.” A few instances of a man being called the devil. Multiple instances of drinking and smoking, including getting drunk. A few instances of Indian superstitions.

It is worthwhile to support quality art by purchasing it. Supporting good cinema not only helps in the creation of high-quality films but is also an expression of integrity and respect toward the filmmakers.