Guzaarish
2010 · Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Original language: Hindi
- drama
- romance
The story
Ethan, a magician rendered paralyzed in an accident, sets off a furor when he makes a petition to the court to end his own life.
What it’s like
Warm, theatrical interiors and a sumptuous Bhansali palette: lush reds, golds and jewel tones glow against soft, diffuse light in a sprawling old mansion, while the camera lingers on Ethan's bedroom, its drawn curtains and carefully lit stillness. Music carries much of the emotion, with lyrical melodies, orchestral swells and bursts of song that turn quiet rooms into stages. The mood is melancholic but tender, a bittersweet blend of grief, wit and romance, with a slow, deliberate pace that gives scenes room to breathe. A man confined to his bed and a nurse who comes to care for him gradually form a bond, and the arc follows their shifting trust with open affection and humour. The film deals directly with paralysis, dependence and assisted death, so its emotional weight is heavy, yet violence is absent and physical harm is never shown on screen. It suits a slow evening, a tearful comfort watch, or anyone who wants a grave subject handled with romance, music and colour. It is for viewers who enjoy operatic emotion and don't mind sadness that stays gentle.
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