Beyond All Boundaries

We saw this film as part of San Francisco Film Festival.

The real life stories in the documentary all revolve around cricket but no knowledge of cricket is required to follow the real drama in the story, which are the tales of three individuals and a nation trying to overcome tough starts in life.

The director Sushrut Jain clearly chose to focus on people that he found compelling and their appeal comes through on the screen.

The film audience was literally cheering for every victory, large and small.

If you get a chance to see this film, you should take it. While it does depict some of the grittiness of life for the poor in the India, it remains family friendly and accessible for kids, although probably better for kids who can read. While most of the film is in English, there are some subtitles.

This was a beautiful movie, with a wonderful score to highlight the emotional stories of 3 cricket fans/hopeful players. It is a classic film which connects with the viewer through universal stories that transcend location and topic, although you do learn a lot about India and cricket! You won't regret watching this documentary! It brought me to tears, made me laugh, and made me cheer! It makes you think a lot about the differences between the rich and the poor, men and women, paths not taken, and sacrifice. It is such a treat that the documentary happened to take place when India actually wins the World Cup, and to witness the anxiety and joy among the fans. Even if you know the outcome, this film does an incredible job of bringing you back into the moment and uncertainty and anxiety of the fans at the time.

This was a truly inspiring film that reminds you what life is all about. The film follows three people who have nothing and have been subjected to a variety of hardships, but have found happiness through their passion for cricket. I loved laughing with, crying for and cheering on the characters in this documentary. I especially enjoyed the look into the everyday lives of the typical person in India. This is real life in India, and the excitement, hope and pride felt by all of the people in this nation when competing in the World Cup came through in this film. I left the film feeling very thankful for all that I have and with a renewed outlook on life to remember to find happiness where ever you can. You don't have to love cricket to love this film!

This documentary is an inspiration for all those who want to achieve something in life. It is about cricket but you may relate any walk of life. I am not a person who becomes emotional while watching any movie. But real life stories such as this one makes me cry. I suggest you all to watch this movie an judge it yourself. For me it is a life changer. Story of Prithvi is amazing but this little boy should not be compared with Sachin, let him find his own way... Similarly, Sudhir Kumar Gautam is a Sachin fan from a small town of Bihar and he has now become a brand so he surely be hired by some company for advertisement and all so that his family might get some financial support also. On the other hand the girl who got selected for the team had a dream to buy a house for her mother, I mean, having a dream and trying your level best to achieve it is what I call a true life. Hats off..

Beyond All Boundaries will move you, even if you've never watched a single minute of cricket.

Jain reveals an India not known to most westerners. On its face, Jain's India looks poor, abusive and sexist. Entire families are crammed into small rooms with no electricity and little to eat. Women and children are abused by their own parents and family members. Oppression and poverty are ubiquitous. But, so is cricket.

Jain shows us that in India, hope springs eternal, and cricket is its muse. The beauty of the film is to be found in seemingly ordinary people living extraordinary lives. With the World Cup of Cricket serving as his backdrop, Jain lays bare the triumph of hope over suffering. This is the real India.