Outstanding

Rating: 10/10 (9 March 2005)

This is an excellent adaptation of one of the most exciting and interesting Kipling stories. There are some modifications to the original but, in this case, I actually think that they improve the story, make a little more sense, or at least are beneficial for turning the book into a film. One example that comes to mind is the decision to have Billy Fish be a lost soldier, which makes his ability to act as interpreter and his loyalty to Danny and Peachy more understandable. The makers also decided to throw in a few references to other Kipling stories and while these are unrelated, and probably meaningless to those not familiar with Kipling, Kipling fans should get a kick out of this.
Kipling fans should also thoroughly enjoy how Huston and the rest successfully bring to life the wild, colourful, larger-than-life characters of Peachy and Danny, and their amazing, exciting, and appropriately tragic adventure. For those who are not Kipling fans, the fun, wonderful, yet heart-moving story that goes beyond a mere adventure into an exploration of finding one's place in the world, friendship, and death, should provide rich entertainment that is both fun and meaningful.
The cast is simply wonderful. The roles of Danny and Peachy are among the greatest roles, in my opinion, that Sean Connery and Michael Caine have ever played and they do the job beautifully here. Christopher Plummer is outstanding as the cerebral, literate Kipling while Saeed Jaffrey and Doghmi Larbi, among others, also put in strong performances.
The directing, costumes, settings, etc., also are excellent. The end result is a complete success that has been one of my favourite films for over 25 years. In fact, I have watched this movie well over 20 times, more than any other film. Although that is due in part to the fact that it is the first film I ever owned on tape, I truly never tire of it and am mesmerized every time.