The Darjeeling Limited review

A freewheeling, easygoing, part comedy drama and part travelogue through India, Wes Anderson's new film marks a return to form for the director after the whimsical disappointment of The Life Acquatic. While it doesn't reach the heights of Rushmore, still his career highlight, it's his most enjoyable film since then thanks to its engaging appeal, stunning set and costume design and three solid lead performances.

Anderson came up with the idea for the script with fellow screenwriters Roman Coppola and Jason Schwartzmann when the trio took a trip through India. In the film they morph into three brothers. It's a year after the death of their father and control freak Francis (Owen Wilson) summons his siblings - aspiring author and romantic Jack (Jason Schwartzmann) and stressed out imminent father Peter (Adrien Brody) - to a train trip trough India that he has immaculately planned for them. They are to stop at sites of holy interest along the way, find out a little more about each other and end up in a remote mountain convent where their mother (Angelica Huston) has taken refuge as a nun.

This largely involves a lot of bickering and jostling for position among the three siblings, and various comedic - and occasionally tragic - shenanigans along the way. It's not earth-shattering stuff by any means but it's fun to watch as their slightly shambolic quest brings out the best and worst in each of them.

Anderson extracts great performances from all of his leading men, and despite their physical dissimilarities, it's easy to believe that they are brothers. His portrayal of India is luscious and vibrant, greatly added to by the use of music previously used in some classic Indian film scores. The titular train is masterfully designed, while Milena Canonero's costumes enhance Anderson's eclectic and delightful choice of colours.

As a treat for viewers, the film is preceded by another Anderson short, Hotel Chevalier, which gives some insight into Schwartzmann's character and features a naked Natalie Portman. This train-bound adventure shows one of America's most distinctive directors firmly back on track.

Paul Hurley