New Releases Movies
The Story of India [Blu-ray]
-
Movies News5 years ago
Venom struggle scene footage with out CGI is sure to make you giggle
-
Celebrities8 years ago
TV Query: Can ‘Lucifer’s’ Tom Ellis play the piano in real life?
-
Movies News8 years ago
Aubrey O'Day Reveals Pauly D Has His Penis Pierced: ''We've Been Having Rea…
-
Celebrities8 years ago
‘Vikings’: Who’s the man with one eye? We know the answer
Partha S. Mohanram
April 27, 2011 at 12:08 pm
Fascinating Look at India,
I have seen the first two episodes on PBS and was blown away. Wood is clearly an Indo-phile. You can see by his facial expressions and body language that he is blown away by the intricacies and depth of Indian history and culture.
My favorite part thus far – the fact that spice shops in Peshawar know exactly what Soma is. Soma is the “Rig-Vedic” elixir for the gods. No one in India today probably knows anything about it.
Another thing I really like, as an Indian, is that this is a history of all of India, including parts which are now Pakistan and played an integral role in the development of Indian civilization. The parts about the Indus Valley (Harappa and Mohenjodaro) were awe inspiring – like the earlier reviewer – this is stuff I learnt about in static history books 25 years ago – to see it in moving video was …. moving.
Was this review helpful to you?
MKM "mad about books"
April 27, 2011 at 11:34 am
The Wonder That Is India,
I must disclose two items – I am a big fan of Michael Wood and I am of Indian descent. I don’t believe either of these color my review but both were my reasons for watching. Michael Wood is to History what Carl Sagan was to Science and Cosmology. His passion and interest in the subject matter may be viewed as overdone by some but I see it as sincere and therefore brings out the same in the audience. He is able to bring the story of 5000 years to life without leaving the present which is quite an accomplishment that has both to do with the filmmakers and India as both country and people.
The program was beautifully filmed and captures the voices of more than just the conventional academics that provide the commentary in many historical documentaries. The episodes on Asoka and Buddha are my favorites but all were easy to watch and taught me some or much that I had not already known. Some critics will call Wood’s perspective as viewed through rose colored glasses. I would agree but I think that is by design and not meant to minimize much tragedy and depravity that has also occurred during the 5000 years. There are plenty of other resources that can provide that perspective.
Was this review helpful to you?