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How others will see it. Filmed in color, The River was part of the neorealism vogue especially popular in Italy. Amateur actors (although a few noted British actors are included) play characters similar to their own personalities and vocations. The film is made on location, rather than in a studio with film editing imposing the actors over an exotic landscape.
These features have their advantages and disadvantages. The major objection is the sometimes wooden acting, especially from the youngsters. The plus side is the taste of India as experienced by a British family grown accustomed to its traditions.
Modern viewers will be pleased to see the harmonious relationship between the British and the Indians. It is true, father is essentially an overseer, but the workers never seem to tire of their labours and have no interest in emancipation. The British families are immersed in the Indian culture, and admire rather than condemn or mock it.
Like many neorealist films, the story is simple. Capt. John arrives with no wish to stir up trouble, but the young girls/women attempt a romance with him, to the gentle discomfort of all concerned.
Despite a tragedy late in the movie, The River is a tame film that will mostly appeal to those interested in a shared British-Indian heritage. Since the source novel was written by a British woman raised in India, and since she collaborated with director Renoir, the spirit of the film is authentic.
How I felt about it. Children adapt to their surroundings, which seem normal to them regardless, since it is all they have ever known. Harriet fantasizes about being an Indian bride, and Melanie is of mixed heritage and thus cannot fit fully into either British or Indian culture. Valerie is most at ease, since her beauty gives her confidence that she will have the man she wants, if she decides to want him.
It is characteristic of the kindly parents to not interfere with the girls/ladies infatuation with Capt. John, but let it run its course. They have unspoken confidence that he will remain a gentleman. Which he does, partly because his amputated leg makes him feel partly a person, and partly a specter.