On Borrowed Time (1939) :
Brief Review -
That Hindu Folklore of Satyawan Savitri rightly mixed with Greek Fable to prove the magnitude of the ultimate truth of life - "Death". As far as my watchlist is concerned, films about death or games about death have a good track record. From the Swedish Cult "Körkarlen'' (1921) to many other angelic tales of the 40s by Cary Grant, James Stewart and others, I don't really need to name them here. On Borrowed Time has more tricks played at the same time. A cantankerous old man takes in his beloved, orphaned grandson, whom he must protect at all costs with the help of an agent of Death and a magical apple tree. There is a popular folklore about Sattawan Savitri in Hindu culture, if you know that then you know the first trick of On Borrowed Time. The carrier of death comes to take a life but is trapped, that's the basic tale. Here, the film begins with that and then clocks in more conflicts later. It is a retelling of a Greek Fable which teaches us the importance of Death in life. What role death plays in life, and how humanity cannot live without it, and how Death is the ultimate truth for every single living soul, the film exhibits all these things. I have always loved watching Lionel Barrymore, and he did not disappoint me. That was his peak period, and this was just yet another fine performance by him. Bobs Watson is cute as expected, and Sir Cedric Hardwicke shines in a small but the most important role in the film. Beulah Bondi's innocence suits the character, and so does Eily Malyon's jealousy. With this film, I can say that Harold S. Bucquet's filmography has something to remember. If not great, this is certainly his most emotionally powerful film. As a whole, this one is a fun but serious one with a lifetime message. I wouldn't mind watching this with my grandchildren 50 years from now, so if you find yourself comfortable (for the age), then please watch it now.
RATING - 7/10*
By - #samthebestest.
That Hindu Folklore of Satyawan Savitri rightly mixed with Greek Fable to prove the magnitude of the ultimate truth of life - "Death". As far as my watchlist is concerned, films about death or games about death have a good track record. From the Swedish Cult "Körkarlen'' (1921) to many other angelic tales of the 40s by Cary Grant, James Stewart and others, I don't really need to name them here. On Borrowed Time has more tricks played at the same time. A cantankerous old man takes in his beloved, orphaned grandson, whom he must protect at all costs with the help of an agent of Death and a magical apple tree. There is a popular folklore about Sattawan Savitri in Hindu culture, if you know that then you know the first trick of On Borrowed Time. The carrier of death comes to take a life but is trapped, that's the basic tale. Here, the film begins with that and then clocks in more conflicts later. It is a retelling of a Greek Fable which teaches us the importance of Death in life. What role death plays in life, and how humanity cannot live without it, and how Death is the ultimate truth for every single living soul, the film exhibits all these things. I have always loved watching Lionel Barrymore, and he did not disappoint me. That was his peak period, and this was just yet another fine performance by him. Bobs Watson is cute as expected, and Sir Cedric Hardwicke shines in a small but the most important role in the film. Beulah Bondi's innocence suits the character, and so does Eily Malyon's jealousy. With this film, I can say that Harold S. Bucquet's filmography has something to remember. If not great, this is certainly his most emotionally powerful film. As a whole, this one is a fun but serious one with a lifetime message. I wouldn't mind watching this with my grandchildren 50 years from now, so if you find yourself comfortable (for the age), then please watch it now.
RATING - 7/10*
By - #samthebestest.