Introducing one of the biggest money makers of 1939! George Stevens’s Gunga Din is about three British soldiers who need to take down a deadly cult before they wreak havoc across India.
Based on the Rudyard Kipling poem of the same name, Gunga Din (Sam Jaffe) is a water-bearer in 19th century India who dreams of being a soldier just like the three British soldiers of the Royal Engineer (Cary Grant, Victor McLaglen, and Douglas Fairbanks Jr.). A murderous cult called the Thuggees feels threatened by the British which leads to a ravaging war. Despite Gunga Din not being allowed to serve in the army, it still does not stop him from trying to help, leading him to commit an act of loyalty and bravery that makes him a true hero.
I’ll admit, this film wasn’t exactly for me since I’m not a fan of war films. But I did love the action sequences as the gunslinging on horseback with an impressive set design of Khyber Pass really brought a fun adventure sequence to see. It felt like Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. Especially the scene on the bridge. And doesn’t that final shot of the film make you want to cry? I know this film got controversy in India and Malaya for being a misrepresentation of Indian characters but I guess it comes as no surprise that there was no controversy about it in the U.S. This is the same country that casted Andy Rooney as Asian 22 years after this film. Would you be offended? I recommend this film if you are fan of adventure stories, war film, and unlikely heroes.
Oh, For the Love of 1001 Films! 