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Poster for The River

The River

Beauty... Mystery... Delightful Humor...

1951 · 1h 39m · APPROVED Drama, Romance
Directed by Jean Renoir

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Overview

Director Jean Renoir’s entrancing first color feature—shot entirely on location in India—is a visual tour de force. Based on the novel by Rumer Godden, the film eloquently contrasts the growing pains of three young women with the immutability of the Bengal river around which their daily lives unfold. Enriched by Renoir’s subtle understanding and appreciation for India and its people, The River gracefully explores the fragile connections between transitory emotions and everlasting creation.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
87%
Tomatometer
Fresh

Jean Renoir's 1951 masterpiece, his first film in color.

Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
Fresh

Withal, the illustrations of the country are beautiful beyond words-the serenity of the river, the power of boatmen sweeping its stream, the bazaars full of color and movement, [and] the dazzling brilliance of festivals.

Bosley Crowther, New York Times
Fresh

As beautiful as it is moving.

Wally Hammond, Time Out
Fresh

Renoir fashioned what might be his sweetest movie about family and one of the post-war years' most serene cinematic statements.

Michael Atkinson, Village Voice

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