Cast
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Vittorio Mezzogiorno
as Arjuna
Bruce Myers
as Ganesha; Krishna
Miriam Goldschmidt
as Kunti
Robert Langdon Lloyd
as Vyasa
Andrzej Seweryn
as Yudhishthira
Yoshi Oida
as Drona
Tuncel Kurtiz
as Shakuni
Georges Corraface
as Duryodhana
Sotigui Kouyaté
as Bhishma, Parashurama
Antonin Stahly-Vishwanadan
as Boy
Bruce Myers
as Ganesha/Krishna
Mamadou Dioumé
as Bhima
Jean-Paul Denizon
as Nakula
Mahmoud Tabrizi-Zadeh
as Sahadeva
Mallika Sarabhai
as Draupadi
Crew
Director
- Peter Brook
Writer
- Jean-Claude Carrière
- Peter Brook
- Marie Hélène Estienne
Producer
- Michel Propper
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Mahabharata examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Peter Brook brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1990, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Mahabharata took approximately 28 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 318 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 367 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
- The screenplay went through 11 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The costume department created over 467 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1990, when this film was released:
- Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Mahabharata shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Changed, which focuses more on action than character development, The Mahabharata subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Royal Tenenbaums and King Arthur explore similar territory, The Mahabharata stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: January 24, 1990
- Runtime: 5h 18m
