The River (1951)

In the vivid, technicolour landscape of 1950s India, Harriet, a British national and eldest daughter of a jute press manager, narrates her own enchanting tale of coming of age. The family resides in a grand house, nestled on the banks of a sacred river in the heart of Bengal. As the eldest of six siblings and the only one significantly older, Harriet finds companionship in Valerie, the daughter of the jute press owner, and Melanie, a biracial young woman freshly returned from Western schooling and grappling with her dual cultural heritage. Their tranquil world is disrupted by the arrival of Captain John, an American ex-military man and cousin of Melanie's father. Bearing the scars of war, both visible and unseen, Captain John has come to the river to escape the haunting memories of his past. Despite his sombre disposition, Captain John unwittingly affects Harriet, Valerie, and Melanie, testing the strength of their bonds and igniting a spark of transformation. Brought to life by the masterful direction of Jean Renoir, this enthralling tale is a vibrant homage to India, its people, and the eternal river that flows through their lives. As much a visual feast as a narrative triumph, 'The River' subtly intertwines the fleeting turbulence of adolescence with the unchanging ebb and flow of the Bengal river. It is a poignant exploration of transitory emotions and the everlasting process of creation, elegantly portraying the delicate balance between the impermanence of human experiences and the permanence of nature's rhythm.

The River is a drama movie featuring Nora Swinburne.

The River is currently streaming on Criterion Channel and Max Amazon Channel.

It is also possible to buy The River on Amazon Video and Apple TV.