Movie Review: Cotton Mary

Story: Have I mentioned that I am fascinated by all things Indian as well as all things Irish? Since traveling to that exotic part of the world in 1995 I have become an Indianphile(I made up that word). I am also a HUGE Merchant/Ivory fan (Room with a View, Howard's End, Remains of the Day to name a few), so how could I resist going to see this film? It is 1954 and newly independent post Ghandi India is trying to recover from British Colonialism (aren't we all)? when an English mother is unable to breast feed her newborn, Cotton Mary steps in to help and ultimately insinuates herself into this oh so British household. As in all Merchant Ivory productions there is huge attention paid to detail that swallows the viewer whole and you get immediately transported to that period. I love when that happens. (Insert several LOBO howls here.) Normally James Ivory directs but this time Ismail Merchant takes over as co-director with Maddhur Jaffrey. It is about class (of course, it does involve the British), race, culture, heritage and that vastly over populated place - denial. This film is probably not for everyone but if you enjoy Merchant/ Ivory, period pieces, and need a little more rage (the English are not portrayed very well), you should go and you will enjoy.

bInternational film star, celebrated cook and author Maddur Jaffrey is simply wonderful as Cotton Mary. She is lively and fascinating to watch. Her real life daughter Sakina plays her niece and is terrific as the modern young Indian woman. Greta Scacchi (The Player, Presumed Innocent) looks wonderfully non airbrushed as the misguided English mother. The entire supporting cast add color and dimension to this film.

Pets: Some Indian street livestock and some elephants

Visual Art: period prints

Soundtrack: interesting 50's music blended with Indian tunes

Quirky Meter: 5

Oscar Worthy: Maddhur Jaffrey deserves a nod but she won't get it.

Length: 5 minutes over the 2 hour rule.

LOBO HOWLS: 7