I studied the book "Maitreyi" by Mircea Eliade (or "La nuit Bengali" as it is know internationally) two years ago in high school and was gawked to discover a movie was made after it with Hugh Grant as Allan *Mircea Eliade's persona in the novel).This movie is made after a semi-autobiographical novel by one of Romania's most successful writers and philosophers, Mircea Eliade. It's about his early years, after finishing his studies in Romania he received a scholarship to Calcutta where he worked with Narendra Sen. In the novel he uses all the actual name, except his own, changing it to Allan. Internationally, he was (and still is) mostly known by the intellectuals and I have a strong feeling that the director of this movie, Nicolas Klotz was a personal friend of Mircea Eliade.The movie is rubbish compared to the novel, but the actors do a pretty good job. Of course it could have been much better. I hope someday a remake will be made by a very capable director. If you stumble across the movie watch it, but the novel has to be on everybody's "must read at least once in my lifetime" list.

The beautiful part is that it is based on a true story that shows both the light and shadow in the interplay of Western and non-Western cultures. The less than wonderful part for an American audience (my wife and myself) was the pacing, the cinematography, the rambling philosophical bon mots that didn't seem to go anywhere or have a perspective one could really get a hold of. Not at all a Hollywood product -- a European effort and perhaps better enjoyed by those who enjoy European directors. We didn't watch the whole thing -- too slow, too painful. We found that the DVD's special feature interview with the producer was the best part. It also is about a Westerner's encounters with the Indian culture, but is more accessible.

Allan (Hugh Grant in the beginning of his career) is an English engineer of about twenty-six years old expatriated in India who builds bridges and roads. One day, he got ill and his boss invites him to stay in his huge home with his family (his wife and his two daughters). There, Allan will fall in love with the older daughter Gayatri (Supriya Patrak). However, the abyss between European and Indian cultures and the lack of comprehension and misunderstanding of the Indian culture by Allan will lead the lovers and the Indian family to a tragic end. The story does not situate the viewer in an exact period of the Twentieth Century (maybe in the 50's), but the romance is wonderful and exotic and supported by a great cast. The character of John Hurt has a small participation in the plot, but with a great and intense acting. The actresses who played the mother Indira Sen (Shabana Azmi) and Gayatri (Supriya Patrak) are of an incredible beauty. My vote is seven.Title (Brazil): "As Noites de Bengali" ("The Nights of Bengalli")

"The Bengali Night" is a very subtle and beautiful film, where Indian culture has the leading role even if Hugh Grant and John Hurt are both excellent. As the film begins, we are introduced to the world of those expatriates living in India, although there are some, like Hugh Grant's character, Allan, who refuse to absorb this very strong and powerful culture. Allan is an engineer who builds bridges and paves roads with his young European mentality. Yet, there are others like Hurt's character, who instead, embrace the culture to the point that they fall into it; become obsessed by it. So, when Allan becomes ill and is invited to stay at the home of his employer, he dives head first, leaving behind his European past, including friends and a girlfriend. It's not too difficult for him to then fall in love with the boss' daughter, Gayatri, who is beautiful, charming, and the perfect "guide" for Allan. However, passion in India between a white man and an Indian woman is not something that is tolerated, and our two lovers are not prepared for the consequences. The film is held together by a wonderful cast, which includes the great Shabana Azmi, one of Indian cinema's greatest stars, along with other actors of Satyajit Ray's team. It was Hugh Grant's first starring role, and his youth and naivety makes his character ever more endearing. Based on a true story between the philosopher Mircea Eliade and Maytrei Davi, who became one of the most important poets of Bengal, the film wraps us up in the flavor and magic of India, and refuses to let go. A beautiful and very powerful film. Phil Ed.