Earth
1998
A tumultuous period in Asian history is brilliantly brought ot the screen in a poignant, funny and charming drama based on the acclaimed novel 'Cracking India' by Bapsi Sidhwa. Set against the background of the 1947 partition of India and Pakistan, the growing political and religious unrest that saw the lives of every Hindu, .. Read more
| Starring | Aamir Khan, Maia Sethna, Nandita Das, Kitu Gidwani |
|---|---|
| Director | Deepa Mehta |
| Genres | Drama |
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Earth
A tumultuous period in Asian history is brilliantly brought ot the screen in a poignant, funny and charming drama based on the acclaimed novel 'Cracking India' by Bapsi Sidhwa. Set against the background of the 1947 partition of India and Pakistan, the growing political and religious unrest that saw the lives of every Hindu, Muslim and Sikh torn apart is seen through the eyes of Lenny (Maia Sethna), an eight-year-old Parsee girl growing up in Lahore. Her life consists of being taught how to waltz by her mother, learning how to become an Anglophile and daily exciting outings with her beloved Hindu nanny. But her perfect world is shattered with the division of India and, in the bloodbath and sectarian strife that follows, nothing can ever be the same again. A darkly fascinating and magical look at epic social upheaval and a remarkably affecting human tale that shines through it all.
| Starring | Aamir Khan, Maia Sethna, Nandita Das, Kitu Gidwani |
|---|---|
| Director | Deepa Mehta |
| Studio | PATHE DISTRIBUTION |
| Run time | DVD: 1 hr 41 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Genres | Drama |
| Language | DVD: English |
| Released | DVD: 31 Oct 2005 Production year: 1998 |
| Format | DVD |
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Critics' reviews
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Following the lesbian love story Fire, Deepa Mehta continues her controversial “elements” trilogy with this disturbing depiction of Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs literally tearing each other apart. Considering the complexity of the political situation in late-forties India, Mehta admirably delineates the different rivalries, though it's only when independence is declared and Lahore erupts into sickening violence that the extent of these enmities becomes apparent. Although packed with powerful moments, the action occasionally flags, particularly during the romantic passages. The plot is provocative and relevant, and the acting, particularly from Nandita Das, is committed. Dramatically, however, it's something of a disappointment.
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Most helpful member's review
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11 out of 11 people found this review helpful
Great historical drama
This drama serves to highlight the terrible times of the India-Pakistan partition; a time when a million people died and 12 million people had to cross great distances. The focus of the drama is a Hindu woman, nanny to a Pharisee girl, who has a group of male fiends of all religions. As Partition comes nearer racial tensions flare.
Nicely produced film, but I have to say it is a sub-standard DVD. I don't want bloopers, hidden extras, directors commentary, I'm not even complaining that there was no informative interviews with the authors, what I object to is the quiet soundtrack and the hard-coded subtitles (as was the norm on old VHS releases). For a film in Hindi 80% and 20% English it is a shame that there is only English subtitles burnt onto the film. My wife might have preferred to watch with no subtitles, and I have aunties that would have preferred subtitles only on the English sections. -
Most recent members' review
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1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
partition
as the main characher in the film says 'who will save us from our own monsters'. A stirring tale about the horrors of communal violence the was stirred up by the partition of india in 1947. This I feel is one of the best that bollywood has had to offer in a number of years dont miss it.
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News and features
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Transformers squashes box office record
- 05 Jul 2007
Action remake Transformers has clunked its way into the record books this week with the highest opening box office total for a Tuesday in the US. The Hollywood Reporter, citing Dreamworks/Paramount Pictures, said the film took $27.45 million (£13.62 million) in its first full day of release - beating Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest which also opened on a Tuesday. UK fans may be awaiting the release Transformers, scheduled for July 27th and potentially an ideal treat for all the... Read more
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