Review of Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love (1997) by Anthony Z — 26 Oct 2011

Having never read the Kama Sutra, I don't know if this movie is somehow linked with it, though I wouldn't be surprised if it were. This movie is an outstanding historical film, and it exudes an exotic raw sexuality that is most unusual to encounter in historical dramas.

The film's main theme has to do with the difference between love and lust and the morality of both types of human sexuality. And, the message given in the movie seems most sensible, with a final position of valuing each of them, though valuing love more.

This is a most unusual point of view to encounter in Western movies, and it was very surprising to encounter in this film, though it was a most refreshing and honest experience of another possible ethic.

The scenery and cinematography in this film were stunningly beautiful, and this makes the theme and plot deliciously seductive. After watching the movie you feel as if you have lived a few hours in a historical India.

The story doesn't, I think, give any answers to one of humankind's most difficult moral dilemmas, but it does show that ethical choices are best left to the individual, and should not be decided for them.

Another question, though only faintly addressed in the film, is what exactly composes an intrusion of power upon this decision. Since the movie is a historical drama, it touches mainly upon the most clear situation only.

And, as great films do, it makes the audience partake of both types of human emotion simply by watching.