“No art passes our conscience in the way film does,
and goes directly to our feelings, deep down
into the dark rooms of our souls.”
― Ingmar Bergman
Great movies don’t just tell a story. They can whisk us away to unfamiliar worlds and open our minds to new ideas. The documentaries and dramas featured below will do just that! Please note that many of these items are available in DVD, Blue-ray, and Amazon Instant Video formats. Thus, the prices shown below may not reflect all the choices available to customers.
One Track Heart: The Story of Krishna Das
Jeremy Frindel (Director)
In 1970, a young musician named Jeffrey Kagel walked away from the American dream of rock ’n’ roll stardom. He sold all his possessions and moved from the New York suburbs to the Himalayan foothills in search of happiness—and a little-known saint named Neem Karoli Baba (Maharaj-ji). This documentary follows Kagel’s journey to India and back, his struggles with depression and drug abuse, and his eventual emergence as Krishna Das, the world-renowned spiritual teacher and Grammy-nominated recording artist. The DVD tells the inspiring story of how one man’s journey continues to transform countless lives.
The Story of India
Michael Wood (Writer/Presenter), Jeremy Jeff (Director)
Decades after Indian independence, British historian Michael Wood presents the tale of the oldest and most diverse civilization on earth. This journey of sights, sounds, and achievements takes him from the deserts of Turkmenistan to the Khyber Pass. If you like the idea of watching a really good National Geographic article brought to stunning life, complete with lush photography, fascinating facts, and sense of discovery, you will love The Story of India.
A Passage to India
David Lean (Director)
Alec Guinness and Judy Davis star in the sweeping drama (based on the classic novel of E.M. Forster) of an English girl who travels to India and accuses a native of rape. Nominated for 11 Academy Awards.
Gandhi
Lord Richard Attenborough (Director)
Sir Ben Kingsley stars as Mohandas Gandhi in a riveting biography of the man who rose from simple lawyer to worldwide symbol of peace and understanding. A critical masterpiece, Gandhi is an intriguing story about activism, politics, religious tolerance, and freedom. But at the center of it all is an extraordinary man who fought for a nonviolent, peaceful existence.
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
John Madden (Director)
An award-winning all-star cast, led by Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Tom Wilkinson, and Maggie Smith, lights up this “buoyant comedy laced with genuine emotion” (Peter Travers, Rolling Stone). When seven cash-strapped seniors decide to “outsource” their retirement to a resort in far-off India, friendship and romance blossom in the most unexpected ways. Smart, life-affirming and genuinely charming, this film is a “true classic that reminds us that it’s never too late to find love and a fresh beginning at any age” (Rex Reed, The New York Observer).
The Namesake
Mira Nair (Director)
Adapted by screenwriter Sooni Taraporevala from the novel by Jhumpa Lahiri, this film is populated by well-drawn characters and filled with memorable shots and engaging scenes. It takes a provocative look at the two sides of immigration: the adjustments faced by a couple who move here from a distant land, and the struggles of their offspring to reconcile their parents’ traditional culture with their own distinctly American outlook. Even while dealing with life’s Big Issues (birth and death, marriage and separation, joy and misery), Nair has created a winning, intimate film that reminds us of the strength of family ties.
City of Joy
Roland Joffé (Director)
An American doctor, a British nurse and an illiterate Indian farmer join together to transform a Calcutta ghetto in this uplifting, inspirational movie starting Patrick Swayze and Pauline Collins.
Jodhaa Akbar
Ashutosh Gowariker (Director)
A stunningly gorgeous Indian epic historical drama film centered around the romance between the Muslim Mughal emperor Akbar (played by Hrithik Roshan) and the Hindu Rajput Princess Jodhabai, who becomes his wife (played by Aishwarya Rai). The music is composed by acclaimed composer A.R. Rahman. The film won the Audience Award for Best Foreign Language Film at the São Paulo International Film Festival.
Millions
Danny Boyle (Director)
It’s holiday season, and seven-year-old Damian (who sees and talks to saints) believes he has received a divine gift from above when a suitcase filled with cash literally falls out of the sky. Damian is anxious to share the wealth with those less fortunate, while his fun-loving and mischievous brother Anthony would rather spend it like there’s no tomorrow. But when the loot turns out to be stolen, both the boys’ plans are put to the test—with heartwarming and hilarious results.
Supermensch: The Legend of Shep Gordon
Mike Meyers (Director)
In his vastly entertaining directorial debut, Austin Powers star Mike Myers steps behind the camera to document the astounding career of friend and Hollywood insider Shep Gordon. He became a beacon in the entertainment industry after a chance run-in with Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin launched his career in 1968. Since then, he has managed an endless list of talent, including Alice Cooper, Blondie, Teddy Pendergrass, and Groucho Marx, among others. Capitalist, protector, hedonist, pioneer, showman, shaman…Shep is beloved by the countless stars he’s encountered. Now his fascinating story is told by those who know him best.