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.

Although the movie might not have the best direction or not one of the best laid picture it still has a lot of good things. If you have visited India (where it has been primarily filmed) and especially Kolkotta city you would see the realistic nature of movie. It depicts the day to day life of a person below the poverty line. It also highlights the morality of foreigners and NGO's who are trying to help the needy. Very often they have to face resistance from local authorities who either want to exploit the masses or think the foreigners are trying to religiously exploit them. In nut shell I liked the movie.

Patrick Swayze,unusually for a Westerner, melts into Calcutta quite easily. Typically Westerners act like they are away from home when they act in Indian films. Patrick Swayze goes with the rhythm from the first beat in this wonderful movie. The end when the camera sweeps over Calcutta in the early morning light, is so beautiful a moment you almost weep. The acting and teamwork between Om Puri and Patrick are first rate. Patrick Swayze has a creativity that allows him to be at home in almost any setting. This is why he is one of my very favorite actors. Om Puri is known in both Hollywood and outside of it as the best actor in the whole world. Realistically, a rickshaw driver would not have Om's hearty build, but be much more shriveled looking. The prostitute getting slashed across her mouth is realistic, unfortunately. Well known Shabana Azmi shows her acting talent as usual.

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.