I have watched this movie several times and never tire of the timeless message in this grossly underrated jewel of a movie. The main character, Max is running from a past history plagued with guilt and self-loathing. He has given up practicing medicine because he can't handle the vulnerability. He flies literally around the world from Dallas, Texas to India in search of enlightenment. He winds up learning true compassion and hope, in what he refers to as a "cesspool" of a country.

Patrick Swayze delivers a fine performance as the naive young doctor who resist being pulled back in the practice of medicine, only to find his salvation in becoming deeply involved in a revolution in the "City of Joy," in inner Calcutta against the cruel and unjust ruling class. Swayze's gritty performance is complemented by the wonderful performance of Paulette Collins, who plays a character who selflessly toils to provide rudimentary health care in a free clinic in the slums of Calcutta. It is Collins that brings Max face to face with his painful past. The citizens of the "City of Joy" teach him about the true meaning of humanity.

Another wonderful performance is turned in by the outwardly humble rickshaw driver, Hasari (Om Puri) who confronts Max with his arrogance. Max in turn, helps the bitter, mistrustful, impoverished, Rickshaw driver, recover his dignity and ability to experience emotion by standing up to the ruling class.

The strength of the movie is that the title "City of Joy" is used to describe an inner city slum, rife with poverty, leprosy, misery, and dominance by the ruling class. The central theme is that joy is not a state of mind, but finding a way of living and surviving against the worst of odds.



Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older