Entre Dois Mundos

The whole theater broke into applause at the end. Partition is spectacular, intense and well made all 'round. The actors all shine, the photography is excellent and the story is well told. It gives great insight into the creation of Pakistan and it's break from India in the late 40's.

While Canadians have made some great movies of late and a lot of talent comes out of Canada, many of their movies are small stories (with the exception of Atom Agoyan's films) but as a movie, this for us is probably the best move ever made in Canada, and one of the best we've seen from anywhere this year. I hope it gets wide distribution.

Purists who were up in arms about Chinese actresses playing Japanese characters like in Memoirs of the Geisha will probably flip again at the portrayals of Indians by non-Indian actors, and could cite again similar examples whether the country of origin lacked capable actors to pull the roles off (Of course not, this is Bollywood we're talking about, certainly no lack of actors). But hey, this is a Canadian production, and those detractors were likely to have some axe to grind with Hollywood-ized versions of such movies, leaving this movie alone. Or maybe the subject matter explored here outweighed such negative, meaningless, counterproductive thoughts and arguments.

Journeying back to the time of the British withdrawal from India, one of the policies introduced during the independence, is this little handiwork done by the British, which had the population at the time segregate themselves into Hindu India, and Muslim Pakistan. This led to migration of scores of people to either side of the partitioning, and with it came religious tensions, and mindless massacres from both sides. This movie through its narrative was no holds barred on this criticism, even though it too boiled down to misunderstandings and intolerance from both groups of people.

Partition is a movie that I recommend, even though it's draped with heavy melodrama. Perhaps it's because it's a Romeo and Juliet type of story, with our protagonists not from feuding families, but from different religions. Gian Singh (Jimi Mistry) is an ex-soldier serving in the British army, and in his retirement from war, he returns to his village to seek a certain peace from within, after making a decision during the war which he has yet come to terms with. One day, he rescues Naseem Khan (Kristin Kreuk) from a massacre by the Sikhs on the Muslims who were en route to Pakistan, and shields her from his fellow men when they bayed for her blood.

As you might have guessed, the two will fall in love amid the background of violence, and their love will transcend religion, culture, and intolerance. Or will it? There are two acts in this movie, which I thought the second was somewhat hastened, given the idyllic pace which the first had dwelled in, sharing its rich cinematography by writer-director Vic Sarin. The story's development too moved into its fastest gear, especially in the finale which was what one would expect, and yes there were sniffles amongst the audience. What I thought was treaded quite superficially (and I suppose it was perhaps on purpose) was the dealing of religion, that it can be flipped flopped so easily. Perhaps herein laid a message that love will transcend that as well, given that after all, God is also about love?

Like how The Namesake made me sit up and take notice of Kal Penn, Partition had the same effect for Jimi Mistry. Best known for his comedic The Guru role in which he plays a "sexpert", he's almost unrecognizable under that thick beard, and gave a very strong performance as a man haunted by his past, and finding a future with a loved one, willing to make extreme sacrifices for his family. Kristin Kreuk, in her second movie outing after her bimbotic role in Eurotrip, brings a more Smallville's Lana Lang-ish appeal to her character here, as she pines for the loves of her life, and lets those tears roll. No, she doesn't look a bit like your typical Pakistani girl, but yes, her beauty helps illuminate the screen. It's strange though to see her try her best to put on a believable accent, and mannerisms right down to head movements, but she looks good in those saris!

I was surprised to see Irfan Khan in a bit role here, having enjoyed his performance also in The Namesake, and Neve Campbell and John Light rounded up the supporting roles, with Neve's Margaret Stilwell a character whom I thought was a tragic one, no doubt if you interpreted as her still holding onto the candle for Gian, without him realizing, probably consciously aware that their status and skin colour are too different to have resulted in anything fruitful.

With a one track beautiful theme song, lush sceneries, and wonderful performances, Partition is a surprise of the week, and over here, it's two screen release doesn't do it much justice. Should you want to watch a love story set against a historical background which still has repercussions until this very day, then make it a point not to miss this.

Its very similar to a good Hindi movie Gaddar and an awesome Punjabi movie- Shaheed e mohabbat but still this movie is unique in its own way. The acting performances are flawless. Portrayal of a Sikh in this movie is amongst most authentic one ever in any movie. Movie moves at a good pace. The casting is very appropriate. In short this movie is a hidden gem which I found on Netflix. I wish this movie gets the recognition it deserves. The character of Gyan is portrayed excellently. The Canadian girl playing Naseem bears resemblance to another actress Kalki Koechlin. I knew the movie is fiction but I could not help praying for a happy ending. A must watch for anyone moved by well made movies with good scripts.

I know what to expect as the movie is about Indo-Pak partition and the hardships faced by people in both the countries. The movie partly met my expectations but what I did not expect is the amazing acting by lead pair. Honestly, I was amazed by the performance of "The Guru", Jimy Mistry. Full marks to him. Kristin Kreuk is promising as well. All the other actors are from Bollywood and filled their shoes well.

Being an Indian, I would say few locations in the movie are captured very well but most of them appeared to be artificial. A very good attempt by the director to accurately show the cultures of the sub-continent. Watch the movie if you like slow movies, otherwise forget it!!

Cinematographer, Vic sarin's camera work takes this wonderful love story to a higher plain. His sweeping vistas, a heartwarming story and a comment on religious intolerance..all add up to make one of the best movies I have seen in a long time. Jimi Mistri and Kristin Keruk give outstanding performance with Neve Campbell playing the sympathetic British subject during the time of the raj. Set in India during the partition of Indian and Pakistand in 1947, this movie is timely in its focus on the trouble that surround our world today. I found that the story, written by Sarin, does not point a finger of blame on either side, simply comments on the the death and suffering that 'religion' has brought to the world since the beginning of mankind.