This week we watched Chokher Bali: A passion play, a 2003 movie based on a novel by Rabindranath Tagore.

It's a confusing movie, whose characters are hard to love.

There's the manipulative Binodini, cruelly widowed but then out to get whatever she can. There's the naive Ashalata, who approaches every situation with eyes wide shut. There's the pathetically childish Mahendra, always wanting things whose possession comes via the route of destroying others' happiness. And there's the strait-laced Behari, the only vaguely sympathetic character, but too noble for his own good.

Nevertheless, it's very beautiful. Full of jewels and fluttering cloth and opulent interiors.

The passion runs beneath a smooth surface...

Infinitely smooth, as well, were the Swing Kings on Wednesday. This was an MPO happy-hour concert, showcasing a mixture of swing (obviously), stompy traditional jazz, gypsy medleys, and gentle ballads. The violin duet (featuring the MPO's lead violinist and what we assume is his brother) was particularly awesome, but I thoroughly enjoyed the whole programme, which incorporated various members of the MPO and guests.

Beforehand we went to Harrod's for tea. Their chocolate cake is totally decadent.

The pound cake I had at Artelier the following night was plainer, but also delicious.