Jeevan Mrityu

For anyone who has read the classic novel The Count of Monte Cristo, this film is an example of how your most beautiful memories and dreams can be transformed into some mindless rubbish: while Hindi cinema specializes in such terrible adaptations, this one is one of the worst even among them. The film has no moments of stillness: everyone and everything breezes through, and while Dharmendra plays Edmond Dantes, Ramesh Deo is completely miscast as Danglars. Dantes' father is here replaced by Dharmendra's mother: more tear-inducing for an Indian context, though tears are not easy to sprout, anyway.

The film has one famous song: maybe its only saving grace. There is too much noise, and the plot adaptation is set in a bank, not a ship. So the romance of the sea - Mercedes waiting by the sea and Dantes' Herculean skill and woman's fickleness like the sea's and the miraculous arrival of the Pharaon - that romance is completely lopped off, already dooming the adaptation to the bins of poorly executed ambitions.

Great acting from Dharmindra as expected. Worth watching without a doubt

Jeevan Mrityu (1970) : Brief Review -

Iconic French novel "The Count of Monte Cristo" with Indian touch minus tormenting metaphors. Many are aware of the original French novel by Alexandre Dumas, and I have seen the Hollywood adaptation of the same, starring Robert Donat. That Rowland Lee's directorial is called honest for sticking to the original source material, while Satyen Bose's Jeevan Mrityu has made a few changes according to Indian formations. In the Hollywood flick, the count has to spare the biggest enemy because he is married to his former lover, and that puts him in a difficult situation where he has to call himself guilty. His perfect plan is spoiled because of his former girlfriend, now his enemy's wife. In the Hindi remake, the hero is in delusion and somewhat rude, just to add that grey shade to the character. Dharmendra sees Rakhee and thinks that she might have betrayed him and then gets soft with her after learning the truth. The grandson of the man who helped him adds cliches to the story, and then you have fight scenes in the climax, and everything is made perfect for the happy ending. Ashok/Bikram doesn't go through those tormenting metaphors like Count of Monte Cristo. Bikram doesn't have to sacrifice his revenge at that time. Ashok is transformed into Bikram easily because we have a golden-hearted old man to provide him the power. In the original, the count had to find the treasure himself and struggle for it. Despite easily accessible and overdramatic elements, Jeevan Mrityu is a very good watch. "Jhilmil Sitaron Ka Aangan Hoga" song stands out in both versions. The predictability of the plot hurts, but not as much as the flawed last quarter. Dharmendra saves the film in parts. Bose misses many metaphors of life and painful gestures that could have boosted the emotional quotient of the film. Overall, good, not great.

RATING - 6.5/10*

By - #samthebestest.

The Whole movie relies on Dharmendra's performance. The direction is also OK. However the central characters played by dharmendra is not the usual dharmendra playing action hero in other films.

This is what to like about this film . that you will see dharmendra playing an well-educated man who reaches success in short time . But it only lasts for short time and his rainy days start over. His character is quite dynamic and compelling. he plays comic, tragical, sad, happy man in different phases of life in the movie. IF you think dharmendra can't act well. You should watch this movie. Then I believe you would have to change your opinion on him . He is not less than other talented actor in those days. However this movie's been low profile of his. I would recommend to this movie to every dharmendra fan and who likes Indian cinema of 70s. I ensure you will have nice time going through this movie. Rakhee playing the supporting role is also quite good but can't be compared to dharmendra. Performances are fine, songs are alrite, dharmendra's performance is to watch out. SO if you thinking of spending some free time at home? rent this DVD and watch it. You will have some nice time. so enjoy a good piece of work by satyen bose in 70s . have a nice time. And also this movie has 2 issues to talk about like is money more important or honour?