iamricky

I am surprised that this movie has not got any recognition for its original screenplay and for direction. For those people who say that the movie has great special effects, I say that they have missed the whole point. Sure, Starship Trooper had great special effects, but what makes the Matrix so compelling is the plot and screenplay.

The idea that we are living in a make-believe world, and not even aware of it, is a fallout of the concept of Maya, or Illusion. I am surprised that a two guys from the west could articulate this theory so well. This movie works at a higher level, and those who get it will enjoy the movie much more.

I had seen this movie as a kid, but all I remembered was the climax scene, because it was so powerful. I saw it recently and enjoyed every moment of it.

The story is set in colonial India, when the British have disarmed the people, and continue to oppress villagers, through tax collectors called "subedars". These subedars in turn lust for more than the tax.

The movie is about one such subedar, who while on his routine tax-collecting tour to a small village, gets attracted to one of the women. The woman, Sonbai, is married, but her husband has just left for the city in search of a better job. Sonbai(played excellently by Smita Patil) refuses to give in, and while escaping the subedars men, takes shelter in a spices factory.

The gate-keeper refuses to allow the subedars men in, and is determined to protect the honour of Sonbai. Here the cowardice of the fellow villagers surfaces, who decide that it is better to give in to the demands of the subedar, than to face his wrath. The movie successfully conveys the cowardice of oppressed men who cannot even think of rebellion, and even beat up their wives when they protest against their decision.

A brilliant film.

I have to say that I disagree with most of my friends who liked this movie. The fact is that there is so much trash in Indian Cinema that something mediocre is hailed as a masterpiece. Deepa Mehta is quite over-hyped yet again.

The movie is very well shot, and some good performances. But the dialogues display the same melodrama of other Indian movies. The script does not do any justice to the pain and devastation of the partition era. The scenes intended to elicit horror and sadness are diluted by frequent jokes that have a disgustingly feel-good quality. A lot of the story telling is naive, predictable and manipulative.

Looking at the movie, the partition period of India seems like just another riot, and nothing more. The partition is as painful a memory to indians as the holocaust is to jews. You wouldn't think so after watching this movie.