# A Passage to India

> 1984 US/UK film directed by David Lean

**Wikidata**: [Q1323132](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1323132)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Passage_to_India_(film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/a-passage-to-india

## Summary
*A Passage to India* is a 1984 drama film directed by British filmmaker David Lean, produced as a US/UK co-production. Based on E.M. Forster's novel of the same name, the film is renowned for its sweeping cinematography and exploration of colonial India, earning critical acclaim and multiple Academy Award nominations.

## Key Facts
- **Release Dates**: Premiered on January 1, 1984, with a wider release on April 26, 1985.
- **Director**: David Lean (1908–1991), a celebrated British filmmaker known for epics like *Lawrence of Arabia* and *The Bridge on the River Kwai*.
- **Production**: A joint US/UK production, reflecting transatlantic collaboration.
- **Genre**: Classified as a drama film, focusing on interpersonal and cultural conflicts.
- **Awards**:
  - Nominated for the **Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress** (Peggy Ashcroft, who won).
  - Nominated for the **Academy Award for Best Original Score** (composed by Maurice Jarre).
  - Recognized by the **National Board of Review** as one of the **Top Ten Films** of 1984.
  - Won the **National Board of Review Award for Best Film**.
- **Aliases**: Also referred to as *Passage to India*.
- **Wikidata Presence**: 37 sitelinks, indicating broad multilingual coverage.
- **Related Entities**:
  - **HBO**: The film has been associated with the American pay television network, though specifics of the connection are not detailed in the source material.
  - **Countries Involved**: United Kingdom (production), United States (production), and Australia (potential distribution or cultural relevance).

## FAQs

**Who directed *A Passage to India*?**
The film was directed by David Lean, a British filmmaker renowned for his work on epic dramas and historical films. Lean’s direction in *A Passage to India* is noted for its visual grandeur and emotional depth.

**What awards did *A Passage to India* receive?**
The film won the **Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress** (Peggy Ashcroft) and was nominated for **Best Original Score**. It also earned accolades from the **National Board of Review**, including a spot in their **Top Ten Films** of 1984 and the **Best Film** award.

**Is *A Passage to India* based on a book?**
Yes, the film is an adaptation of E.M. Forster’s 1924 novel *A Passage to India*, which explores themes of colonialism, cultural misunderstanding, and personal relationships in British-ruled India.

**When was *A Passage to India* released?**
The film premiered on **January 1, 1984**, with a wider theatrical release on **April 26, 1985**.

**What is the significance of David Lean’s involvement?**
David Lean was a master of epic cinema, and *A Passage to India* was his final film. His direction brought Forster’s novel to life with meticulous attention to historical detail and atmospheric storytelling, cementing the film’s place in cinematic history.

## Why It Matters
*A Passage to India* is significant as the final work of David Lean, one of cinema’s most influential directors, and as a poignant adaptation of a literary classic. The film’s exploration of colonialism, racial tension, and cultural clash remains relevant, offering a critical lens on historical power dynamics. Its Academy Award wins and nominations underscore its artistic merit, while its inclusion in the National Board of Review’s top films highlights its critical reception. Beyond awards, the film serves as a bridge between literature and cinema, introducing Forster’s themes to a broader audience and contributing to ongoing discussions about empire and identity.

## Notable For
- **Final Film of David Lean**: Marking the end of a legendary career in filmmaking.
- **Academy Award Wins**: Peggy Ashcroft’s **Best Supporting Actress** win and Maurice Jarre’s nominated score.
- **National Board of Review Recognition**: Named one of the **Top Ten Films** of 1984 and awarded **Best Film**.
- **Cultural Adaptation**: A faithful and visually stunning translation of E.M. Forster’s novel to the screen.
- **Transatlantic Production**: A collaboration between the US and UK, showcasing international cinematic cooperation.

## Body

### Overview and Production
*A Passage to India* is a 1984 drama film directed by David Lean, adapting E.M. Forster’s 1924 novel of the same name. The film is a US/UK co-production, reflecting the collaborative nature of its creation. It premiered on **January 1, 1984**, with a wider release on **April 26, 1985**. The project was Lean’s final directorial effort, capping a career defined by epic storytelling and visual splendor.

### Director: David Lean
David Lean (1908–1991) was a British filmmaker celebrated for his work on large-scale dramas and historical epics, including *Lawrence of Arabia* (1962) and *The Bridge on the River Kwai* (1957). His direction in *A Passage to India* is characterized by its lush cinematography and nuanced portrayal of colonial India. Lean’s ability to balance intimate character studies with sweeping landscapes made the film a standout in his filmography.

### Genre and Themes
The film is classified as a **drama**, focusing on the complexities of human relationships against the backdrop of British colonial rule in India. Key themes include:
- **Colonialism and Power**: The film critiques the racial and cultural hierarchies of British India.
- **Cultural Misunderstanding**: Highlights the clashes and connections between British colonizers and Indian locals.
- **Personal and Political Conflict**: Explores how individual lives are shaped by larger historical forces.

### Awards and Recognition
*A Passage to India* received significant acclaim, earning several prestigious awards and nominations:
- **Academy Awards**:
  - **Won**: **Best Supporting Actress** (Peggy Ashcroft).
  - **Nominated**: **Best Original Score** (Maurice Jarre).
- **National Board of Review**:
  - Included in the **Top Ten Films** of 1984.
  - Awarded **Best Film** of the year.

These accolades underscore the film’s critical success and its enduring place in cinematic history.

### Adaptation and Source Material
The film is a direct adaptation of E.M. Forster’s novel *A Passage to India*, published in 1924. Forster’s work is a seminal text in postcolonial literature, and Lean’s adaptation remains one of the most notable cinematic interpretations of the novel. The film retains the novel’s exploration of cultural and personal conflicts while leveraging Lean’s visual storytelling to enhance its emotional impact.

### International Collaboration
As a US/UK co-production, *A Passage to India* exemplifies transatlantic collaboration in filmmaking. The involvement of both countries in its production highlights the global appeal of Forster’s story and Lean’s directorial vision. The film’s distribution and reception in markets like Australia further demonstrate its international reach.

### Legacy and Influence
*A Passage to India* is remembered as David Lean’s swan song, a fitting conclusion to a career defined by ambitious, visually rich narratives. The film’s themes of colonialism and cultural exchange continue to resonate, making it a subject of study in both film and literary circles. Its success at the Academy Awards and with critics ensures its place as a significant work in 20th-century cinema.

### Related Entities
- **HBO**: While the exact nature of HBO’s connection to the film is not specified in the source material, the network’s association suggests potential broadcasting or distribution rights.
- **United Kingdom and United States**: The primary countries involved in the film’s production, reflecting its binational origins.
- **Australia**: Mentioned in the source material, possibly indicating distribution or cultural relevance in the region.

### Technical and Artistic Details
- **Cinematography**: Lean’s direction is noted for its sweeping visuals, capturing the landscapes of India and the tension between characters.
- **Music**: The original score by Maurice Jarre, nominated for an Academy Award, plays a crucial role in setting the film’s emotional tone.
- **Performance**: Peggy Ashcroft’s portrayal of Mrs. Moore earned her an Academy Award, highlighting the film’s strong acting ensemble.

### Reception and Critical Response
The film was widely praised for its faithful adaptation of Forster’s novel and its cinematic craftsmanship. Critics lauded Lean’s direction, the performances of the cast, and the film’s ability to convey complex themes with subtlety and depth. Its inclusion in the National Board of Review’s top films of 1984 further solidified its critical standing.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.allocine.fr/film/fichefilm_gen_cfilm=288.html)
2. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087892/)
3. [Source](http://www.filmaffinity.com/en/film983170.html)
4. [Source](http://stopklatka.pl/film/podroz-do-indii)
5. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087892/fullcredits)
6. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
7. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1985)
8. Letterboxd
9. The Movie Database
10. A Passage to India. Rotten Tomatoes
11. [Source](http://www.zelluloid.de/filme/index.php3?id=12512)
12. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
13. Kinopoisk
14. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
15. [Source](https://www.cnc.fr/professionnels/visas-et-classification/60320)
16. Online-Filmdatenbank
17. Bechdel Test Movie List
18. mymovies.it
19. [Source](https://ui.eidr.org/view/content?id=10.5240/4A7B-353A-25EC-9D93-C4AA-I)
20. Danish Film Database
21. [Source](https://www.acmi.net.au/works/80795)
22. Trakt.tv
23. FilmVandaag.nl