With a story involving a conflict between the Brits and the Indians, BEFORE THE RAINS, directed by acclaimed Indian director Santosh Sivan (THE TERRORIST, ASOKA) holds great promise.  Unlike films like THE CHILDREN OF HUANG SHI and SHOUT AT THE DEVIL, films made by directors of the native country capture more vividly and accurately the details of the story while often providing insight that outsiders overlook.

BEFORE THE RAINS tells the story of a well intentioned British spice grower in India, Henry Moores (Linus Roache).  He wishes to build a private road, bringing wealth to the Kerala region while providing employment to the locals.  Unfortunately, Moores falls prey to the temptations of the flesh in the form of local servant, Sajani (Nandiat Das).  When they are caught making love, he banishes her while Sajani’s husband hunts mercilessly for the missing wife.  More trouble boils when Henry’s wife Laura turns up with her son in tow.  And Moores has to get the road built BEFORE THE RAINS (the monsoon arrives) or lose his plantation to the bank.

All this sound dramatic and intriguing.  But BEFORE THE RAINS as a film dealing with controversial issues like political unrest, forbidden love and custom taboos lacks bite.  One of the narrative’s main flaws is the story not containing a strong character.  Henry Moore’s should be ruthless.  Cathy Rabin’s script requiring him to breakdown into tears does not help. (Why do females always enjoy having their male characters cry?) T.K., Moore’s trustworthy Man Friday is one that cannot decide between loyalties to the white man or his village and Sajani’s is a jilted girl torn to suicidal hopelessness.  Oddly, the only time the film gains strength is when Henry’s wife, Laura (Jennifer Ehle, doing wonders in her small role) realizes what her husband is up to and takes control.  It does not help that Sivan’s film shifts the story from differing points of view.  The film is initially told from the lovers’ view then shifts to T.K’s.

Brit actor Linus Roache (always good) looks comfortable in the inter-racial love making scenes, unlike Nandita Das.  Roache has plenty of practice – one of his first roles had him performing full nudity gay sex in the memorable PRIEST.

Though characterizations are weak, Sivan’s film is at least stunning to look at.  Sivan is also responsible for the cinematography.  He loves his native Kerala, the regions in India where the story is set and filmed and his film shows, from the stepped cultivated hillsides to the clear waters of the streams where the villages bathe in.  His attention to detail is noticeable from the scenery, custom to the subtitles.

BEFORE THE RAINS is still an interesting and enjoyable film. Just do not expect it to be in the league of David Lean’s A PASSAGE TO INDIA or the best of the Merchant Ivory films.