Maybe Mr. Merchant should just re-watch a few of the films he's so superbly produced. One thing James Ivory has never been afraid to be is vicious.

| Mar 8, 2019

| Original Score: 3/5 | Dec 30, 2006

A real clunker. A well-made, thoughtful, well-acted clunker, but a clunker nonetheless.

Full Review | Original Score: D | Nov 4, 2002

A warm-hearted gem of a film.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Jul 20, 2002

Although some of its plotting feels forced ... The Mystic Masseur coasts along nicely on Merchant's sharply honed craftsmanship, which grants the stunning Trinidad locations an extra degree of lushness.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Jun 10, 2002

Though Ganesh is successful in a midlevel sort of way, there's nothing so striking or fascinating or metaphorically significant about his career as to rate two hours of our attention.

| Original Score: 2/4 | Jun 1, 2002

A worthwhile way to spend two hours.

| Original Score: 3/5 | May 31, 2002

A puzzling experience.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4 | May 31, 2002

A mildly enjoyable if toothless adaptation of a much better book.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4 | May 31, 2002

Though Merchant elicits lovely performances that have the calypso music of the local patois, the narrative rhythms of his movie are choppy, abrupt.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4 | May 24, 2002

A wry, affectionate delight.

| Original Score: 3/4 | May 17, 2002

Merchant's attention to Trinidadian culture, locales and general atmosphere is inescapably alluring.

Full Review | Original Score: 4.5/5 | May 17, 2002

Even if the Naipaul original remains the real masterpiece, the movie possesses its own languorous charm.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | May 17, 2002

The result is an eccentric, amusing fable that moves at an unhurried island pace, a picturesque tale that Merchant seems to have invested with an almost personal sense of spirit.

| Original Score: 4/5 | May 17, 2002

Where it might have been urbane, witty, ironic and politically charged, The Mystic Masseur is merely scenic, melodious and occasionally amusing.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/4 | May 17, 2002

The Mystic Masseur is billed as a comedy, but it's not very funny. It's a social satire, but it's not all that insightful.

| Original Score: 2/4 | May 17, 2002

It starts slowly, has few dramatic peaks and sketchy character development, and meanders without momentum.

| Original Score: 2/4 | May 17, 2002

The film is rich with colorful characters and enlivened by its strong, convincing picture of rural Trinidad.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | May 16, 2002

This steadily engrossing film captures the book's bracing humor and humanity.

Full Review | Original Score: 4.5/5 | May 8, 2002

I was completely underwhelmed by this movie.

Full Review | May 6, 2002