• City of Joy (1992) Soundtrack OST •

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Rating: 6.50/10 from 5600 votes

Tags: calcutta india, optimism, white savior, monsoon season

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Synopsis

Independent of each other, the Pal family--parents Hazari and Kamla and their three offspring Amrita, Shambu and Manooj--and Max Lowe arrive in Calcutta, their initial dealings there being less than positive. After losing their farm in the nearby countryside to the "money lender", the Pals are in the city in search of a better life, especially in wanting to build a dowry for Amrita who is now of marrying age. Max, a Houston-based surgeon who fell into the career as a matter of family obligation, quit his job, unable to cope with the emotional toll especially of losing patients, and has come to Calcutta in search of spiritual enlightenment.

Their lives converge by chance in the slum neighborhood nicknamed the City of Joy, most specifically at the makeshift City of Joy Clinic and School opened and operated by Irishwoman Joy Bethel who came to Calcutta on a whim and never left. While the Pals eventual settle in the City of Joy, Joy herself tries to convince Max to provide his much needed medical services to the clinic, which he eventually but reluctantly agrees for as long as he is in Calcutta, which is longer than he may have originally planned if only in having troubles trying to get back to the US.

In addition to some seeing Max as having no long term commitment to the neighborhood like the Pals who are now residents, two others issues in combination threaten the lives of those in the City of Joy, including Max, Joy and the Pals, and the livelihood of the clinic: the broadening of the services to include a nearby leper colony, some in the neighborhood who do not want to associate with them; and the control of the neighborhood by the corrupt Ghatak family--the patriarchal Godfather as he is referred to and his more violent son Ashok--who own much of the neighborhood property, own many of the neighborhood services (such as the rickshaw services; Hazari has become one of their drivers) and who require "protection money" from other neighborhood businesses such as from the clinic to maintain the peace.

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Play	Title	Artist
	City of Joy

User reviews

Michelle Walker

8/10

Each track in the City of Joy soundtrack is thoughtfully composed, contributing to the overall narrative and character development in a powerful way.

Deborah Hill

4/10

Furthermore, I felt that the soundtrack of City of Joy was poorly integrated into the film, often feeling disconnected from the narrative and the characters' experiences. The music seemed to be an afterthought rather than a crucial element of the storytelling, detracting from the overall viewing experience. It failed to create a cohesive atmosphere or enhance the cultural richness of the setting, leaving me feeling disconnected from the story and its characters.

Joshua Lewis

6/10

The variety of musical styles incorporated in the soundtrack reflects the diversity and complexity of the characters' experiences and backgrounds.

Nancy Williams

7/10

The music beautifully mirrors the themes of compassion, community, and the human spirit that are central to the film's message.

Margaret Hill

7/10

The music enhances the cultural richness of the setting in Calcutta, adding an authentic and immersive layer to the storytelling.

Emily Lopez

6/10

The use of traditional Indian instruments in the music adds an authentic and immersive element to the overall experience of watching the movie.

Edward Jackson

8/10

The City of Joy soundtrack perfectly captures the emotional depth and complexity of the characters' journeys in the film.

Lisa Clark

5/10

The soundtrack effectively captures the spirit of resilience and hope that permeates through the story of the Pal family and their encounters in the City of Joy.

Paul Baker

6/10

The emotional depth and cultural richness of the City of Joy soundtrack beautifully complement the film's powerful narrative and setting.

Karen White

5/10

The fusion of Western and Eastern musical influences in the score creates a unique and memorable sonic landscape that enhances the storytelling.

Sarah Robinson

10/10

The soundtrack of City of Joy beautifully captures the emotional depth and cultural richness of the film. The music effortlessly transports the listener to the bustling streets of Calcutta, evoking a sense of both hope and despair that perfectly mirrors the characters' journeys.

Joseph Lopez

3/10

I found the soundtrack of City of Joy to be quite underwhelming and uninspired. The music failed to capture the emotional depth and intensity of the characters' struggles and the vibrant setting of Calcutta. It lacked originality and felt generic, failing to enhance the storytelling or evoke any strong emotions within me as a listener.

Kenneth Jones

5/10

The soundtrack effectively underscores the clash between tradition and modernity, highlighting the characters' struggles to navigate their identities in a rapidly changing world.

Ashley Williams

6/10

The emotional impact of the soundtrack lingers long after the movie ends, underscoring the universal themes of love, loss, and redemption depicted in City of Joy.

Dorothy Gonzalez

6/10

Overall, the City of Joy soundtrack is a poignant and evocative accompaniment to a film that explores themes of poverty, social justice, and the enduring human spirit.

Patricia Harris

5/10

The music enhances the sense of community and solidarity portrayed in the film, emphasizing the importance of human connection in the face of adversity.

Kenneth Gonzalez

7/10

Listening to the City of Joy soundtrack evokes a sense of connection to the characters' experiences and serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of empathy and solidarity in our world.

William Williams

9/10

The use of traditional Indian instruments in the soundtrack adds an authentic and immersive layer to the storytelling, enhancing the overall viewing experience. The haunting melodies and rhythmic beats create a powerful atmosphere that lingers long after the film has ended, making a lasting impression on the audience.

Jennifer Evans

8/10

The soundtrack effectively conveys the resilience and hope of the characters as they navigate challenges and find moments of joy amidst adversity.

Matthew Jackson

5/10

The haunting melodies in certain tracks evoke a sense of the characters' struggles and the harsh realities they face living in Calcutta.

Richard Rodriguez

8/10

The blend of traditional Indian music elements with modern orchestrations creates a unique and captivating sound that stays with you long after watching the movie.

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