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Asoka
2001
An epic tale of one of the greatest rulers of India, ASOKA is a testament to the redemptive power of love. Asoka inherited India's throne in third century B.C. The Indian dynasty was poised to conquer the entire peninsula and the king began his reign by leading the charge. However, the emperor found greater meaning in the love .. Read more
| Starring | Kareena Kapoor, Shah Rukh Khan, Ajit, Rahul Dev |
|---|---|
| Director | Santosh Sivan |
| Genres | Drama, Indian Cinema |
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Asoka
An epic tale of one of the greatest rulers of India, ASOKA is a testament to the redemptive power of love. Asoka inherited India's throne in third century B.C. The Indian dynasty was poised to conquer the entire peninsula and the king began his reign by leading the charge. However, the emperor found greater meaning in the love of two women and was soon transformed, renouncing warfare and adopting the principles of the Buddha. His leadership was . This 2001 Indian biopic of the peaceful leader is a work of great political and dramatic significance.
| Starring | Kareena Kapoor, Shah Rukh Khan, Ajit, Rahul Dev, Danny Denzongpa |
|---|---|
| Director | Santosh Sivan |
| Studio | PRISM LEISURE |
| Run time | DVD: 2 hrs 30 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Genres | Drama, Indian Cinema |
| Language | DVD: Hindi |
| Subtitles | DVD: English, French |
| Released | DVD: 06 Jan 2003 Production year: 2001 |
| Format | DVD |
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Critics' reviews (5)
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Although its epic sweep contrasts sharply with the intense intimacy of The Terrorist, it's clear from the visual lyricism and symbolic preoccupation with water that this rousing historical drama was also directed by Santosh Sivan. His stylised use of close-ups, angles and cross-cutting lends an added personal touch to what is, essentially, a genre film, chronicling the life of the Mauryan emperor, who abandoned tyranny to embrace Buddhism. Sivan's approach to history is somewhat cavalier, but he has created what amounts to a Bollywood Braveheart, with Shah Rukh Khan suitably dashing in the title role and Kareena Kapoor impressive as his warrior wife.
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"...A sprawling widescreen historical epic laced with Bollywood musical numbers, melodramatic romance, spectacular locations and violent battle scenes....Khan cuts a dashing figure as a soulful hunk..."
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Most helpful member's review
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8 out of 10 people found this review helpful
Good, well made movie!
I admit approaching this movie with low expectations, but it turned out to be quite a pleasant surprise. Very slickly presented, and not quite the typical bollywood style movie.
In fact, it seems to be more of a hollywood type presentation of an historic tale, with the essential bits of hindi songs and romance thrown in, but at least the romance ties in with the story line.
I think this may have had a better chance at an Oscar nomination than Devdas did!
Also, really good sound with a home cinema, though I did find the DVD getting stuck at a couple of points, when I had to fast forward a bit... -
Most recent members' review
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2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
Ashoka: A Tale of Romance...
Although I enjoyed this, I agree it doesn't address Ashoka historically in terms of his influence on India after his conversion to Budhism. The story begins with Ashoka forced to leave his home and the possibility of wearing the crown. On his journey into the world he meets and falls in love with a princess who has troubles of her own. Ashoka is ever the gentleman, always there to defend and protect, and is really quite charming. This is the good side of him. Then events conspire against him and he loses the princess. Love turns to pain. Heartache turns him mean, a tyrant. When we get to the end and all is made well, the audience is left to presume the Budhist Ashoka will be as was before, when in love.
This isn't the story of the historical Ashoka. This is a romance where the hero loses his way, but is then restored on finding his lost love.
There is some singing, seemingly modern numbers which seem at odds with the 'historical' setting. But for what it is Ashoka is an enjoyable movie. Mainly a romance with some light comedy. -
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Asoka
An epic tale of one of the greatest rulers of India, ASOKA is a testament to the redemptive power of love. Asoka inherited India's throne in third century B.C. The Indian dynasty was poised to conquer the entire peninsula and the king began his reign by leading the charge. However, the emperor ...
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