The Mahabharata

6.0

1990•1h 44m

The Mahabharata is a 1989 film version of the Indian epic based on the history of India, Mahabharata directed by Peter Brook. Brook's original 1985 stage play was 9 hours long, and toured around the world for four years. In 1989, it was reduced to under 6 hours for television. Later it was also reduced to about 3 hours for theatrical and DVD release. The screenplay was the result of eight years' work by Peter Brook, Jean-Claude Carrière and Marie-Hélène Estienne. For the casting an international selection of actors was intentionally chosen, to show that the nature of the Indian epic is the story of all humanity.

Seasons

3 Episodes • Premiered 1990

1. Game of Dice

The poet Vyasa tells a boy the story of his race, a story that leads to the birth of king Dhritharashtra and former king Pandu. Their children are raised together, but it is clear they don't really like each other.

2. Exile in the Forest

The dice are cast and now the Pandava's face a long exile. Yudhishthira feels bound by his promise and waits. Arjuna leaves to look for weapons. Meanwhile Dushassana gets some disturbing dreams and urges Duryodhana to strike immediately.

3. War

The war has started and so far things have not been going well for the Pandava's. Bhisma is invincible and as long as he is alive there will be no victory. Torn by his feeling for both sides, Bhisma seeks a solution.