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Earth Details

1998 Certificate 15
  • 70
  • from 1259 members

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 Certificate 15
Genres Drama
Language DVD: English
Released DVD: 31 Oct 2005
Production year: 1998
  • Critics' reviews of Earth

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  • 3 stars out of 5

    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.

    • Radio Times
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  • 11 out of 11 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 4.0 stars

    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 ... more

      • NadeemF from Saffron Walden
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  • 1 out of 1 person found this review helpful

    Rated - 3.0 stars

    Earth - how diverese!

    This second installment in Deepa Mehta's 'elements' trilogy is certainly a wonder. It talks about humanity at its very core, revealing a devastating... more

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215
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78
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31
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18

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    • 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 ...