Rudyard Kipling's Kim: A Classic Family Adventure (1984) Review

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(More customer reviews)Though less known than the 1950 Errol Flynn version, this made-for-TV adaptation of the famous Kipling story is in fact a pretty good one, being faithful to the book in spirit and in story. The main episodes of the original are not changed much, and still the film manages to realize the world of Kiping's India, where some adventure is waiting for you around the corner.
Kim, or Kimball O'Hara is the orphaned son of an Irish soldier in India, and Kim spends his time as vagabond in Lahore, where he climbs upon the big cannon of the town. From this famous opening, in which he is taken up as a guide by a travelling Tibetan lama (Peter O'Tool, in bald-head wig), the film follows the boy's adventures in the country, meeting colorful characters, the best of whom are the dashing Muhbub Ali (Bryan Brown) and suave agent Babu (John Rhys-Davies).
Assisting the jourey of the lama who tries to find out "The River of the Arrow," Kim also learns the life of the people in India through the mission given to him from the higher officers. The episodic story of Kipling remains basically the same, and you will find the major episodes from the book, such as the two Russians from the north.
The greatest thing about this "Kim" is its location. As it is shot in India, the picture can really show the hot and humid climate of the place (the Planes), or the cold and chilling air of the mountains (the Hills). You will understand why the lama could regain his health after going back to the mountains if you see the film, for you can feel the great contrast between the two places.
The original Kim is slightly enigmatic boy (or a teen?), whose growth is implied between the lines. The Kim here played by an Indian young actor is fairly good though the fact remains that he is virtually an amateur. Still, he looks great, and the supports are effective, especailly Brown as the horse-riding, menaceful (but somehow humourous) Ali. As to Peter O'Toole, at first you might find him miscast, but I think no one can really play the role of the lama exactly as the book shows.
This newer "Kim" is slightly overlong, but its faithful adaptation with realistic Indian background is certainly worth your money, especially when you find the original book charming.

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