Through a series of intimate portraits, Rosi paints a vivid picture of life on and around India’s sacred river. The film's central theme revolves around the cyclical nature of life and death — a concept deeply embedded in Indian cultural and spiritual beliefs. This idea is poignantly illustrated in the rituals surrounding death, as families bid farewell to their loved ones in a manner that embodies both reverence and acceptance.
As Rosi’s first film, Boatman already reveals the director's trademark style of quiet observation, sensitivity, and profound storytelling. His ability to convey universal themes through the lens of specific, everyday moments is a hallmark that would go on to define his later works.
