Movie-The Darjeeling Limited

I was not sure at all what I would get out of The Darjeeling Limited (2007). I saw the previews, and it looked good, yet it was from Wes Anderson, who also did A Life Aquatic which I did not like at all, and it seemed to have some of the same vibe as that movie, so I had some trepidations about seeing it.

The good news is that it took the small bit of good vibe from A Life Aquatic..., and really expanded on it, and jettisoned all the crap, including most of Bill Murray (he does appear in a cameo). The story centers around three slightly askew brothers played by Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody and Jason Schwartman as they are trying to reconnect to each other on a spiritual journey through India. They are taking this journey on a train called the Darjeeling Limited, that is not exactly the Orient Express as far as luxury goes.

It is a journey that seems fated to fail on all levels. The brothers do not trust each other and don't even seem to like each other, and they have left over wounds from their last meeting at their father's funeral over a year ago. But as they are about to end their ill fated attempt at reconciliation, an event happens that actually does bring some significance into their relationship and into their lives.

This is a times a funny movie, and often times quite strange. But the journey is a interesting one and the characters are entertaining if quirky. And India itself seems to a be a character...as quirky as the brothers... and yet something draws them to this land that is difficult to define.

The three lead actors handle their roles and the inter-relationships very well, playing off each other nicely, and as brothers, knowing each other's weak spots and vulnerabilities, and knowing when to hit them. The movie was nicely filmed with great scenes in India. All in all, a very good experience, and makes me almost forgive A Life Aquatic...