Nine Hours to Rama
Nine Hours to Rama

Movie spotlight

Nine Hours to Rama

1963
Movie
124 min
English

José Ferrer and Horst Buchholz star in this fictionalised account of events leading up to the assassination of Indian spiritual leader and independence campaigner Mahatma Gandhi.

Insights

IMDb6.7/10
Director: Mark RobsonGenres: Crime, Drama, Thriller, Mystery

Plot Summary

A British Army sergeant in India, driven by personal tragedy, plots to assassinate a high-ranking government official. The film follows his meticulous planning and execution of the crime over a nine-hour period, juxtaposing his focused mission with the bustling life and intricate political landscape of Delhi. As the critical hours tick by, he navigates the city, evades detection, and confronts the consequences of his desperate act.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'Nine Hours to Rama' received a mixed to positive reception. Critics generally praised its suspenseful narrative, atmospheric depiction of India, and Horst Buchholz's intense performance. However, some found the pacing occasionally slow and the motivations of the protagonist somewhat opaque. Audiences found it to be a compelling thriller with a unique setting.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its suspenseful plot and atmospheric setting in India.

  • Horst Buchholz's performance as the determined assassin was a highlight.

  • Some reviewers noted a deliberate pace that might not appeal to all thriller fans.

Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce for this older film, but those available often highlight the intriguing premise and the unique cultural backdrop as its strengths. The film is generally seen as a well-crafted thriller that stands out for its non-conventional approach.

Fun Fact

The film was based on the 1960 novel of the same name by Stanley Wolpert, who also wrote the screenplay.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

In theory, this ought to have been an interesting look at just what drove Nathuram Gohdse (Horst Buchholtz) to plan and assassinate Mahatma Gandhi (J.S. Casshyap). Instead, what we get is a rather ploddingly miscast historical affair that t...