I saw this film during an Air Canada flight (thanks to their private screens for every seat). My favorite films are always the ones without special effects. Simple story and great actors make a good film and Amal is very very good for all who appreciate this type of movie. I saw a short version and the long one which was much better since it lets you know more about Amal, the main character. Thank you for the magical moment when the old man sings the poetic song in the restaurant, very moving. It almost goes too far preaching about the goodness of being poor, and the greed of the rich. But the cinematography, the music and the location help me enjoy every minute of it.
28 Reviews
A charming O'Henry-like tale
howard.schumann14 September 2008
Following the legacy of his deceased father, Amal Kumar (Rupinder Nagra) turned down a higher paying job at the post office to drive an auto-rickshaw on the streets of Dehli, India. Maneuvering daily through crowded streets daily to barely eke out a living, Amal is good natured to a fault, refusing to accept tips and always charging the meter rate. Shot on location in India by a Canadian and Indian crew, Richie Mehta's low-budget feature Amal is a charming O'Henry-like tale about class, wealth, and family in India. It is a very worthy first effort that captures the frenetic street life of the city of Dehli and provides a sense of immediacy in the style of Michael Winterbottom, but without the hand-held camera cliché.
When Amal refuses to accept a tip and offers cough drops to a gruff old man dressed in rags, G.K. Jayaram (Raseeruddin Shah), the man is convinced he has finally found a good man, a man of principle. When the old man dies suddenly, his family discovers that he has done something no one expected. Though we hear G.K. beautifully singing a traditional song in a café, we are still astonished when the eccentric old man turns out to be a man of means who leaves his fortune to Amal, though the rickshaw driver remains totally unaware of these events. The story concerns how the old man's request is handled by his business partner Suresh (Roshan Seth), his lawyer Sapna Agarwal (Seema Biswas), and his scheming sons Harish (Siddhant Beh) and Vivek (Vik Sahay) who simply want what they feel is owed to them.
G.K.'s will contains instructions that his assets will remain locked for thirty days until Amal can be found and the dead man's attorney sets out to locate Amal, not an easy attack in a city with thousands of Amals. Then again, it might be in his attorney's best interests not to find him: if Amal doesn't show up within thirty days, G.K.'s fortune will revert to his sons, with whom Suresh has a secret deal. A few subplots spice up the intrigue over the will but serve only to reinforce the film's underlying message.
Amal's develops a romantic interest in Pooja Seth (Koel Purie), a passenger he picks up every day and becomes devoted to the health of a young girl who is run over and injured by his rickshaw while begging in the streets,. Filmed in English and Hindi, Amal was inspired by a real-life experience and story idea by his brother, Shaun Mehta. Together they turned it into a short and then expanded it into a full-length feature in time for the Toronto Film Festival in 2007. While its theme of happiness trumping wealth has been done many times, Amal feels original and an impressive performance from Toronto actor Nagra holds the film together.
When Amal refuses to accept a tip and offers cough drops to a gruff old man dressed in rags, G.K. Jayaram (Raseeruddin Shah), the man is convinced he has finally found a good man, a man of principle. When the old man dies suddenly, his family discovers that he has done something no one expected. Though we hear G.K. beautifully singing a traditional song in a café, we are still astonished when the eccentric old man turns out to be a man of means who leaves his fortune to Amal, though the rickshaw driver remains totally unaware of these events. The story concerns how the old man's request is handled by his business partner Suresh (Roshan Seth), his lawyer Sapna Agarwal (Seema Biswas), and his scheming sons Harish (Siddhant Beh) and Vivek (Vik Sahay) who simply want what they feel is owed to them.
G.K.'s will contains instructions that his assets will remain locked for thirty days until Amal can be found and the dead man's attorney sets out to locate Amal, not an easy attack in a city with thousands of Amals. Then again, it might be in his attorney's best interests not to find him: if Amal doesn't show up within thirty days, G.K.'s fortune will revert to his sons, with whom Suresh has a secret deal. A few subplots spice up the intrigue over the will but serve only to reinforce the film's underlying message.
Amal's develops a romantic interest in Pooja Seth (Koel Purie), a passenger he picks up every day and becomes devoted to the health of a young girl who is run over and injured by his rickshaw while begging in the streets,. Filmed in English and Hindi, Amal was inspired by a real-life experience and story idea by his brother, Shaun Mehta. Together they turned it into a short and then expanded it into a full-length feature in time for the Toronto Film Festival in 2007. While its theme of happiness trumping wealth has been done many times, Amal feels original and an impressive performance from Toronto actor Nagra holds the film together.
great Canadian flick AMAL
popsicle20017 August 2008
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=vt8n0VydHys
I really liked this film too. Story was just so good, it leaves you saying, "But, wait...!" Rupinder Nagra was great. Very understated. And I liked the young girl in it as well. It has some really funny moments, too, but it doesn't try too hard and push for the laughs, they are just right. No wonder it was in the TOP 10 FILMS of 2007. I agree with that distinction. Apparently it made quite a splash at TIFF '07, although I missed it there, and am kicking myself. We should all be supporting Canadian movies like this to continue being made. Its being released in major cities this weekend on August 8th, like Toronto and Vancouver where they can count on me to be watching it.
I really liked this film too. Story was just so good, it leaves you saying, "But, wait...!" Rupinder Nagra was great. Very understated. And I liked the young girl in it as well. It has some really funny moments, too, but it doesn't try too hard and push for the laughs, they are just right. No wonder it was in the TOP 10 FILMS of 2007. I agree with that distinction. Apparently it made quite a splash at TIFF '07, although I missed it there, and am kicking myself. We should all be supporting Canadian movies like this to continue being made. Its being released in major cities this weekend on August 8th, like Toronto and Vancouver where they can count on me to be watching it.
Truly Moving Picture
tollini4 October 2008
Warning: Spoilers
I am a judge for the Indianapolis-based Heartland Film Festival. This feature film is a Crystal Heart Award Winner and is eligible to be the Grand Prize Winner in October of 2008. The Heartland Film Festival is a non-profit that honors Truly Moving Pictures. A Truly Moving Picture "
explores the human journey by artistically expressing hope and respect for the positive values of life."
Amal is a 30ish autorickshawdriver in New Delhi. He appears to be simple and quiet and even naïve. He dutifully lives with and supports his Mother, and works long hours to make ends meet.
He is so out of place with the rest of the huge city of New Delhi. His fellow autorickshawdrivers seem to be hustlers and cheats. And his passengers and Delhi citizens are even worse. They include conniving lawyers, loan sharks, thieves, bribers, and spoiled adult children.
One day Amal chases a little girl who has stolen a purse from a regular passenger. Amal accidentally causes her to be hit by a car and seriously hurt. Amal, out of the goodness of his heart, takes on the welfare of the child in a hospital. We begin to see Amal's incredibly generous and giving nature.
Amal also has another chance, life-altering encounter when he picks up a surly old man who hates the world and tries to negotiate hard. Amal won't play his game, and cheerfully acquiesces to the old man's wishes. Unbeknownst to Amal, the man is rich and is so moved by their brief encounter that he leaves Amal in his will.
There is a painful irony between Amal needing money to help the hospitalized girl and almost being wealthy by a kindness of a curmudgeon. This irony drives the story, and keeps your interest high.
Amal is unaffected by worldly matters that consume everyone else. He is centered by his goodness and honesty and integrity. Sacrifice is all he knows except for his rich life in the help of others.
FYI There is a Truly Moving Pictures web site where there is a listing of past Truly Moving Picture Award winners that are now either at the theater or available on video.
Amal is a 30ish autorickshawdriver in New Delhi. He appears to be simple and quiet and even naïve. He dutifully lives with and supports his Mother, and works long hours to make ends meet.
He is so out of place with the rest of the huge city of New Delhi. His fellow autorickshawdrivers seem to be hustlers and cheats. And his passengers and Delhi citizens are even worse. They include conniving lawyers, loan sharks, thieves, bribers, and spoiled adult children.
One day Amal chases a little girl who has stolen a purse from a regular passenger. Amal accidentally causes her to be hit by a car and seriously hurt. Amal, out of the goodness of his heart, takes on the welfare of the child in a hospital. We begin to see Amal's incredibly generous and giving nature.
Amal also has another chance, life-altering encounter when he picks up a surly old man who hates the world and tries to negotiate hard. Amal won't play his game, and cheerfully acquiesces to the old man's wishes. Unbeknownst to Amal, the man is rich and is so moved by their brief encounter that he leaves Amal in his will.
There is a painful irony between Amal needing money to help the hospitalized girl and almost being wealthy by a kindness of a curmudgeon. This irony drives the story, and keeps your interest high.
Amal is unaffected by worldly matters that consume everyone else. He is centered by his goodness and honesty and integrity. Sacrifice is all he knows except for his rich life in the help of others.
FYI There is a Truly Moving Pictures web site where there is a listing of past Truly Moving Picture Award winners that are now either at the theater or available on video.
refreshing view of goodness
forlcb5 April 2008
I loved this movie...it reeled me in. I think that the movie was a great premise and well executed. I heard the director & lead actor speak and it was fascinating to hear them tell behind the scene stories. the director reports he went to India, not knowing how he would be able to get the experienced actors to work for him...but after 36 hours in New Delhi, the actor that played the father just walked past him (the director) and so he pitched his movie at that moment and this famous Indian actor said he would do the movie. A beautiful picture of joy in a less than joyful world. Interesting filming techniques that evolved through the movie. Great emotional response to ending.
Great Job...hope we see more from the director and actor.
Great Job...hope we see more from the director and actor.
Amal at the Toronto International Film Festival
smits17 September 2007
I saw AMAL at the Toronto International Film Festival and was blown away.
Amazing.
What an incredible venture by the cast and crew - kudos to all of them.
The film is filled with beauty and depth and everything that we take for granted.
It's hard to imagine how difficult it was to finish when the product is so polished, so complete.
Everyone I know who saw the film loved it - we're so proud of Richie and the rest of the crew/cast for accomplishing such a feat.
Amazing.
What an incredible venture by the cast and crew - kudos to all of them.
The film is filled with beauty and depth and everything that we take for granted.
It's hard to imagine how difficult it was to finish when the product is so polished, so complete.
Everyone I know who saw the film loved it - we're so proud of Richie and the rest of the crew/cast for accomplishing such a feat.
"Slumdog" cousin stand on its own as fully valuable
tomohara11 February 2009
As I watched Amal, I thought "This is two films which won't please Indians because both present the beggar child as working for some slumlord."I fully expected rags to riches would win out as in Slumdog; but no, something special and unexpected here. Amal is a lovely film, rich photography, wonderful subtle acting, suspense, love, moral values,great yarn. A rich hotelier, disillusioned by morals of family,colleagues and other service providers goes vagabond in search of the 'honest person" The one he finds is a humble autorickshaw driver. His decision to endow Amal upon his death leads to a great story.
Amal's Lesson
yonsei7318 September 2008
Warning: Spoilers
When I saw Amal, I noticed that some people found the ending disappointing. I knew exactly why this happened: The majority of the world thinks that money and happiness are basically equivalent. I can see why it has a 6.1/10 user rating because there are those who love it and those who hate it.
Then, I read this:
"It was was such a disturbing twist to me, because of how I had grown up," Richie Mehta said, referring to his self-described middle-class background growing up west of Toronto. "What I had been taught what success was this story was a slap in the face to that." ~From http://www.cbc.ca/arts/tiff/story/2007/09/10/tiff-amal-mehta.html
Then, I read this:
"It was was such a disturbing twist to me, because of how I had grown up," Richie Mehta said, referring to his self-described middle-class background growing up west of Toronto. "What I had been taught what success was this story was a slap in the face to that." ~From http://www.cbc.ca/arts/tiff/story/2007/09/10/tiff-amal-mehta.html
What a pointless movie going experience!
thachapnaraya8 August 2019
One of the most touching films I've ever seen
ramayana2 February 2009
Warning: Spoilers
"Amal" offers a sadly forgotten experience: catharsis. It fools the viewer who is nowadays way too much used to happy endings. This is not to say that the movie doesn't has a happy end, but it's probably not a spoiler to say that the end is very much different than one would expect. "Amal" has been criticized for being too didactic, too much centered on the moral of "poor people with rich heart" but I think there are enough greyshades to save the movie from being naive. It is balanced out by having crooks on the "poor" and (although just ultimately) fair characters on the "rich" side. Apart from that, the movie abounds of memorable scenes - there were at least three scenes where I had to stop and rewind the DVD to watch them again and again, especially those with Naseeruddin Shah in the beginning. Acting is superb here and the actors do their best to fill their sometimes - let's be honest - cardboard characters with life. It shouldn't be forgotten that this is an Indian film, and Indian film culture is not really famous for tragic, character-driven movies. After "Amal", we watched a recent Bollywood hit (wife LOVES them, yuck) and the difference was unspeakable. For me, it was sickening to watch the usual dance-and-love-and-marriage rubbish, and yet this is the style of movies that Indian film industry is famous for. Shame... and no wonder that in such a world, Amal's story ends the way it does.
A heartening film to see at a time when we are losing faith in our humanity.
gaston-roberge16 September 2008
Warning: Spoilers
As the film opened I could not help being reminded of the Indian film Manasarovar (2004) about which I commented on this site. One link was the auto rickshaw. Stronger still was the character of Amal and the two male characters of Manasarovar, George and Ravi. These three young men, to my mind, represent the world of the Indian young adults. While Ravi and George were on a search for meaning, in this film, Amal had already reached, largely through the influence of his father, an experiential knowledge of what is meaningful in life. As a result he was happy, although he had a moment of sadness when the little beggar girl he is trying to help dies. But he is not crushed. Like George and Ravi of Manasarovar, Amal delights in helping kids. And all that he does is for others. So, no wonder, if in the end he casually gives the letter that names him as a heir of a millionaire, to a beggar girl who needs a scrap of paper to write. The film says there is joy in life, and joy does not depend on what you own or the superficial pleasures you may indulge in.
Wonderful !!!
nataliestamps6 April 2008
Just got back from a cruise out of New York to Bermuda and was fortunate to have landed in Bermuda the same time as the BIFF (Bermuda International Film Festival) Amal was the only film my husband and I saw, and it was amazing. I felt like I was in India experiencing a life changing experience through the actors and the story. This was meaningful, heartfelt and fulfilling. The director took questions at the end and you could feel the love he had for the work and the film. So many in the audience that had actually been to New Delhi, said it was true to their experience on the streets. I loved this film and found it to be a life lesson to any who see it. Bless all those involved in this great piece of work. The only sadness that I have is that because of the few scenes of foul language, it will get an R rating in the states....I wish it would be a PG-13 so that more youth could see it.
Fantastic Philosophical Movie!
mitesh_damania21 July 2012
A MUST SEE! This is one of the best all-time movies out there! There is a great song that is about a person with genuine feelings who has been misled and ended up in pointed in a direction he didn't want be in life.
The movie goes into the philosophy of living and being happy without regard to monetary wealth. The ending truly solidifies the philosophy and brings forth the predicament of millions.
This movie makes you think. The more I think about it, the rich person showed himself as poor to keep his rotten family and friends away so they wouldn't ask him for money. He does regret his sons are that way from the way he raised them and the circumstance they were born in.
The movie goes into the philosophy of living and being happy without regard to monetary wealth. The ending truly solidifies the philosophy and brings forth the predicament of millions.
This movie makes you think. The more I think about it, the rich person showed himself as poor to keep his rotten family and friends away so they wouldn't ask him for money. He does regret his sons are that way from the way he raised them and the circumstance they were born in.
Poignant and humorous
MikeyB179319 March 2014
Warning: Spoilers
A wonderful film - with an assortment of characters and dialogue at times funny, and other times poignant. It's at the human level with a basic story whose premise, I suppose, is to be happy with what you have and be a good and caring human being. Care for others and everything should fall into place - well this is a story after all - in many ways a fable.
This film was a pleasure to watch. Perhaps the ending had few lose ends, after all there was an unresolved murder. But overall its a lot of fun with unpredictable twists and turns with some good footage of New Delhi. A very good character film.
This film was a pleasure to watch. Perhaps the ending had few lose ends, after all there was an unresolved murder. But overall its a lot of fun with unpredictable twists and turns with some good footage of New Delhi. A very good character film.
Do not watch this awful movie
emailme-873-86019615 August 2016
Warning: Spoilers
The production value of this movie is over 5 million dollars, but the movie is shot on a horrible DSLR. I don't even want to talk about the script, which is full of flaws. Amal (the lead character) is played by an actor who clearly has no clue what it's like to be in a poor man's shoes. All the actors cast seem to be members of the director's family. What a nice way to use the budget to make your family famous, Richie!
Please save yourselves the torture and do not watch this Punjabi wannabe artsy movie. Trying too hard to be clever, but crashes badly.
No beginning, climax or ending.
The funniest part was the Italian connection, one of the characters was literally called 'The Godfather'. The filmmaker wanted to add a gangster touch.
All this movie highlights is the evident class struggle in India, where servants are exploited and the rich can do whatever bullshit they like, including gambling away over 60,000 dollars in a night. Thank you for the perspective.
Please save yourselves the torture and do not watch this Punjabi wannabe artsy movie. Trying too hard to be clever, but crashes badly.
No beginning, climax or ending.
The funniest part was the Italian connection, one of the characters was literally called 'The Godfather'. The filmmaker wanted to add a gangster touch.
All this movie highlights is the evident class struggle in India, where servants are exploited and the rich can do whatever bullshit they like, including gambling away over 60,000 dollars in a night. Thank you for the perspective.
Why such an ending you ruined it director.
flash_afleck1 April 2021
Such a different film , such charismatic lead and intruiging atory but everything was ruined with that ending.
Neither the good thing happened Nor the old man's wish was fulfilled
Why did you, how could you allow stupid fools who behave and act like genius to convince the director to settle for this ending? And if it was you than my dear friend something like this makes a otherwise unforgettable movie seem ordinary and just another dull tale in already dull lives we all live as a a mojority on the planet.
Who ever is responsible- in the words and curse of the old man - YOU WILL GO OUT OF BUSINESS BUDDY- out of film making !
Neither the good thing happened Nor the old man's wish was fulfilled
Why did you, how could you allow stupid fools who behave and act like genius to convince the director to settle for this ending? And if it was you than my dear friend something like this makes a otherwise unforgettable movie seem ordinary and just another dull tale in already dull lives we all live as a a mojority on the planet.
Who ever is responsible- in the words and curse of the old man - YOU WILL GO OUT OF BUSINESS BUDDY- out of film making !
beautiful!!
aquaneha16 August 2018
A breathtaking character
jasmeets17 April 2020
I could tell from the 5th scene that the acting is absolutely phenomenal and I knew no matter what the story is going to be like, I will absolutely enjoy this film. And that's what happened. A rare gem of a movie that only comes about extremely infrequently. Amal had such undeniable class, it will leave you marveling at the character.
A film worth remembering over countless others.
manabrockz25 September 2020
Warning: Spoilers
There are several films with good protagonists, doing good deeds but only once in a while you will find films such as Amal that gives you the raw feeling of goodness that isn't too cliche ( despite being). Films such as Mr Church or say The Intern they have that touch about them where the characters are good and human. Amal is the same but he is relentlessly good and because of that he is happy despite his circumstances. The contrast is so visible where Amal is more focused in his work and others. By no means can I call him an idiot. It is also not that he restrain himself from being bad or acting like everyone; it is not in his nature where he needs to restrain himself doing anything. Amal knows that people have their difficulty and he doesn't judge them immediately. He is a perfect embodiment of "a very good man" and the film is one exceptionally good movie of bringing such a good story to life. The film is beautiful in its own regards showing the cities the lanes the various people in various lens.
Must watch
shubham-187216 May 2020
Overhyped terrible tale
manan-5997925 May 2020
Sometimes the ratings force you to watch something, and then even more to write back. This movie is so average that it took several tries to finish it. With geniuses like Mr. Shah you would expect a movie of a lifetime. But this movie uses terrible acting, weak plot, and overambitious storytelling, leading to something akin to a drunk person's never ending tale. A short film of about 5 mins is stretched to feature film length. The acting by most characters was unbearable... and the movie in itself is definitely worth a miss. If you have the time, please make an effort to avoid this film.
Movie is about character.
cyrilsunil8 August 2021
Great Story line.
nickshetty19 December 2020
I loved the story & star cast except that it can seem slow at times & Nasseruddin Shah's death was too early in the story. Also the accent of the main protagonist AMAL was little off & acting of some side characters is little off too. But all n all a good watch, if you patience.
Wow, Amal is a Gem
hijazit-676632 March 2022
The true meaning of life, is summed up in this great movie. Happiness is attained through how useful and charitable you are to others. Good relationship with your parents and those you interact with everyday is the treasure we all are searching for.
A must watch for anyone who wants to be awakened from the material world of today.
A must watch for anyone who wants to be awakened from the material world of today.
Rollar coaster ride crashes
stevepat9917 March 2016
My gripe is the screenplay. Family greed and corruption is put squarely on the line by the departed multi millionaire's will. His last act and wish is to screw his corrupt family. The flip side of corrupt family is our hero Amal who is good natured beyond belief. So many plot holes. Amal drives his motorized richshaw but has no friends and enjoys no entertainment or social life. Just work and go home to mother who lovingly massages his feet.
There is a woman but Jamal will not utter one social word to her. Do we expect 'she would really make the first move? Other then mother Theresa no one would help a stranger by signing over their means of livelihood, especially in India and especially when that means of that livelihood was inherited with love from one's father. I am thinking being jobless in India puts Amal and his mother at unacceptable risk. The movie emphasizes, against its will, that in an instant a great sum of money offers the only chance to survive. Amal tells us just how important money can be.
The only question remaining is whether Jamal will have a shot at being Bill Gates of India,helping countless thousands of lives or will greed and corruption and even sordid crime be rewarded.
While Jamal's love is as real as Gates and Melinda the immense good he could do with millions is another reality tossed at us throughout the film. For me this roller coaster crashed and burned.
There is a woman but Jamal will not utter one social word to her. Do we expect 'she would really make the first move? Other then mother Theresa no one would help a stranger by signing over their means of livelihood, especially in India and especially when that means of that livelihood was inherited with love from one's father. I am thinking being jobless in India puts Amal and his mother at unacceptable risk. The movie emphasizes, against its will, that in an instant a great sum of money offers the only chance to survive. Amal tells us just how important money can be.
The only question remaining is whether Jamal will have a shot at being Bill Gates of India,helping countless thousands of lives or will greed and corruption and even sordid crime be rewarded.
While Jamal's love is as real as Gates and Melinda the immense good he could do with millions is another reality tossed at us throughout the film. For me this roller coaster crashed and burned.
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