Learning to Drive

Broad Green Pictures | Release Date: August 21, 2015

6.4	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 18 Ratings

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BHBarrySep 5, 2015

"Learning to Drive" stars Patricia Clarkson and Ben Kingsley in this simple film about an about to be divorcee and her struggles with this new role life has cast her in. Despite the fine acting and radiance of Ms. Clarkson, the film is"Learning to Drive" stars Patricia Clarkson and Ben Kingsley in this simple film about an about to be divorcee and her struggles with this new role life has cast her in. Despite the fine acting and radiance of Ms. Clarkson, the film is shallow and two dimensional. Based on an article which appeared in a magazine, this is a story that is more suited to a short Hallmark TV film rather than a feature length motion picture theatrical presentation. Please note my disclaimer since I am no fan of Mr. Kingsley who generally tries to portray characters inconsistent with his film image (e.g. "Sexy Beast"). Here, however, playing the part of a Sikh cab driver/driving instructor, Mr. Kingsley resorts back to his Ghandi style mode and, although suitable to what he does best, his character pontificates and remains so aloof that, as a result, it robs the film of the warmth and depth it so vitally needs. This is a film that can best be described as …"A woman gets divorced and takes driving lessons:" Anything beyond that is icing and fluff on a cake that itself isn’t that palatable. I venture to say that the gender of the viewer may well affect the reaction to the film since I noted that most if not all of the female members of the audience I was in really liked the film while, afterward waiting in the lobby, their male counterparts could be observed voicing their apparent displeasure as to what they had just seen. Although only an hour and a half in length, the film seemed much longer and, for me at least, earned only a 7.0..… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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quincytheodoreNov 20, 2015

A tour of New York, a lesson of humanity and humility by two dysfunctional characters. Simple yet beautiful.

Let it be known that I wish Ben Kingsley was my driving instructor, my old one was not friendly, that jerk just yelled at meA tour of New York, a lesson of humanity and humility by two dysfunctional characters. Simple yet beautiful.

Let it be known that I wish Ben Kingsley was my driving instructor, my old one was not friendly, that jerk just yelled at me constantly. Learning to drive can be an outright stressful experience, but the movie makes it interestingly light and approachable by using comedic clash of personalities and cultures. Also, props to the leads for realizing the modest troubled characters.

Wendy (Patricia Clarkson) is a distraught wife who just finds out that her husband is cheating on her. Thus begin the arduous dance of divorce. Meanwhile, she's decided to take driving lessons as a cathartic act. Darwan (Ben Kingsley) steps in as the instructor. Both of them have a set of unique problems and serendipitously find solace in each other’s company.

For a leading female in New York, Wendy is a mess. It's not just Sex and The City mess, but complete wreck for about half of the movie. It's a humble depiction of character as she struggles to come in term with the divorce. The movie maintains a less melodramatic tone, this is a more realistic depiction and not a flamboyant drama.

Ben Kingsley plays as a Sikh here, at this point he can play any role extremely well, but it's nice to see him as someone other than some viceroy in medieval epic. There's a great respect to his Indian heritage and it easily looks genuine. He appears to be a calm voice of reason, although his life itself isn't perfect. It's rather humbling to see that someone with mentor persona deals with his own problems.

The film doesn't have striking development or twist, it's just a few strolls of a metropolis with two relatable characters. It presents a nice presentation, taking time to display the city's nuance with good cinematography as well as spicing the story with steadily flow of light humor. The scenes feel involving even though the two leads live very contrasting lives.

Learning to Drive is a lighthearted drama with nice addition to comedy and amazing acting. Highly recommended for casual audience for the humble and modest nature will soothingly entertain wide range of viewers.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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smiyamotJan 21, 2016

Two great actors, Patricia Clarkson and Ben Kingsley, in a character study, doesn't get much better than that. And the story line, as with many shows today, has two lives and what is changing in each, how they react to the changes, and a newTwo great actors, Patricia Clarkson and Ben Kingsley, in a character study, doesn't get much better than that. And the story line, as with many shows today, has two lives and what is changing in each, how they react to the changes, and a new life after a life changing event. Well written and great acting.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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LeZeeJun 14, 2016

The religious and cultural influence in the modern America.

The second film together for the two lead actors and the director. This film characters were well understood and executed with a full details. It is always women filmmakers who doThe religious and cultural influence in the modern America.

The second film together for the two lead actors and the director. This film characters were well understood and executed with a full details. It is always women filmmakers who do a fine job like this. While the western world is not able to differentiate between Sikhs and the one who they think these people are for just wearing turban, this film comes in handy to educate them. Especially the youths who are yet to grow up and learn what the real world is. No offense, just saying they are lack of the knowledge.

A simple drama about two people from two different races. Since they meet very often during the driving lessons, an unexpected bond develops between them and begin to understand each others agony despite their cultural gap. It helps them to re-organise their struggling life, but the relationship is put on a tested when it reached at a certain stage. How they react to it and the plan for the rest of their lives reveals before ending the narration smartly.

No twists, but the interesting concept and the choices of the characters makes the film one of the well organised low cost products with a quality of the practical standards. Ben was amazing as usual, and it is his one of the remarkable small roles. Patricia Clarkson too was in a very casual character display as a typical middle-aged American wife going through a crisis.

This film reminds me the 'Midnight My Love'. Somewhat similar film yet culturally differentiates. So this film's not about how good the story is, but the society, how it views a person from outside and inside. It is also about the individual characters on how their life transforms with a new friendship and while learning new stuffs to put behind their bad past. This film suit better for the adults because of the theme on them. So I suggest you if you are one to try this wonderful tale.

7/10… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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GangKuttiSep 16, 2015

Isabel Coixet's light hearted, soulfully intimate low-key comedy drama is a lovely excursion.

Wendy(Patricia Clarkson) is a sharp-tongued book critic, struggling to take control of her life, as her husband walks out of their 21 year oldIsabel Coixet's light hearted, soulfully intimate low-key comedy drama is a lovely excursion.

Wendy(Patricia Clarkson) is a sharp-tongued book critic, struggling to take control of her life, as her husband walks out of their 21 year old marital life for a younger woman. Her only daughter is off at Vermont.

Darwan(Ben Kingsley) is a cab driver and driving instructor, who has a calm dignifying character underneath his authoritative exterior. He is proud of his U.S citizenship as well as his cultural heritage. Darwan is potrayed as an honest, hard-working sikh immigrant from India.

Having never been behind the wheels, Wendy decides to get her driver's license and take control of her life. The clash of personalities lead to scenes of comic tension and witty comedy. Wendy is dumbstruck and tries to understand how Darwan's marriage with Jasleen, a woman he never met before works. The plot also takes time to show the struggles of Jasleen(Sarita Choudhary) to adapt to a new country and husband who is struggling to express his emotions.

As the platonic friendship between the culturally diverse lead duo develops, they help each other to move forward with their lives. "The driver's biggest problem is everyone else. You cant always trust people to behave properly" says Darwan. Ain't that true in real life as well?

Learning to Drive takes its time developing characters, which is its major strength. Its a very warm and straight-forward movie with very like-able characters and a wonderful perspective of human behavior.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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