Pavillons lointains

This mini series was an unexpected eye candy one summer, for the lazy Sunday afternoons when we didn't expect something special to be broadcasted.

I was fascinated with the fairytale-like story and the wind of adventure blown into it. Amy Irving was (as always) likable but I found Ben Cross too stoic and a bit cold. Omar Sharif brought an air of nobleness to an otherwise cruel environment.

The most breathtaking scene was the suttee ceremony that haunted me for weeks after. Even though I know now that some women did it voluntary, it is the cruelest custom I ever heard...

I saw this one on television shortly after it was made, in the 80s, and I was happily surprised when it appeared on DVD. Like the book, the series doesn't have any deeply intellectual hidden layers (as far as I know), but it's a quality product in its kind and a great romantic story with some action too. The English are played by top English actors and the Subcontintent people by Indians or people who could more or less pass of for them, which is a nice change if you're used to seeing ancient Greeks or early Christians played by surf dudes. The odd one out seems to be blue-eyed Amy Irving as the Indian Princess Anjuli, but if you pay attention, you'll know she's supposed to be half-Russian in the series and she looks splendid in a saree anyway. Looking at British costume-dramas I often get the feeling that they enjoy making them even if it's only for the fun of walking up and down a muddy street in a silly 19th-century costume, and this movie has some of the same gusto. Throw in the breathtaking Rajastan scenery and you have a feast for the eyes.

The Far Pavillions is not a series cut down in size to get a movie, but a miniseries, period. Like India itself, it takes its time. Don't expect to sit through it in one evening but relax, settle down with a chai or a whisky and who knows, you might find yourself watching the end credits at 3 AM anyway.

This miniseries is set in the 19th century British colonial India.It tells about the battles of a young man named Ashton Pelham-Martyn and his forbidden love with the princess Anjuli.The Far Pavilions (1984) is directed by Peter Duffell.It's based on M.M. Kaye's novel from 1978.The actors are all good.Ben Cross does very good job as Ash.Amy Irving is terrific as Anjuli.Christopher Lee, who turns 90 this year, is great as Kaka-ji Rao.Omar Sharif is brilliant as Koda Dad.Benedict Taylor is excellent as Wally.Great job by John Gielgud, who plays Cavagnari.I just saw this miniseries on a DVD.It looks very good.The battle scenes are very well made.I liked the love story.And you learn a little bit of India's history while you're watching it.

This miniseries came hot on the heels of 'The Jewel in the Crown', 'A Passage to India' and a fascination with all things Indian.

Ash (played by Ben Cross, best known for 'Chariots of Fire') and Wally (played by Benedict Taylor, who had featured in children's TV series 'Barriers') were the main players in this drama. Ash had been brought up to think of himself as Indian rather than officer class, and so falls in love with the sultry Anjuli (played by Amy Irving, at that time I think Mrs Steven Spielberg).

it was not a bad plot and had some brilliant dialogs i would say good acting overall

This miniseries came hot on the heels of 'The Jewel in the Crown', 'A Passage to India' and a fascination with all things Indian.

Ash (played by Ben Cross, best known for 'Chariots of Fire') and Wally (played by Benedict Taylor, who had featured in children's TV series 'Barriers') were the main players in this drama. Ash had been brought up to think of himself as Indian rather than officer class, and so falls in love with the sultry Anjuli (played by Amy Irving, at that time I think Mrs Steven Spielberg).

The other characters are stock faces from the glory days of the British Raj - while big name actors appear in the more adventurous parts (Christopher Lee, Omar Sharif, Rossano Brazzi). Look out for a young Rupert Everett (post-Another Country) in the cast as well.

Bits of the The Far Pavillions will stay in your mind. The futility of war. The ceremony of suttee (the burning of a living widow on her husband's funeral pyre). The forbidden love across castes and classes.

Recently revitalised as a big budget West End musical, The Far Pavillions is well worth your time. Brilliantly cast, scripted, and directed, it was a definite plus point of 1980s British TV.