Children of War

This is a long film. So not everyone may find the duration convenient. The film is set in the liberation war that led to the formation of Bangladesh. In the actual war, the first targets of the occupying Pakistani troops were the non-Muslim segments of the population. In particular the Hindu community was decimated by summary executions and extensive organized rapes by Pakistani soldiers. This, however is not brought out in the film. Instead it focuses on the story of a Bengali Muslim family that supports independence from Pakistan. The reasons for this support are not laid out clearly. Thus, none of the drama about the Bengali win in the elections that were not honored due to reservation of West Pakistani elites is depicted. Instead one learns about the already set in place move towards freedom from Pakistan as well as what appear to be Muslim fundamentalists who support the rule by West Pakistanis, who are the collaborators. The actual war of independence was a complex affair that required enormous suffering by Bengalis as well as involved China, Pakistan, India, US and USSR together with the International Media. This aspect is hinted at weakly but not brought out. The dramatic collapse of the Pakistani Army is also not made clear. Now with all of this you may be tempted to say, may be another film will do all this. That would be a mistake because the conduct of the Pakistani army in full glare of International media was so horrific that it easily qualified as genocide. They, however, got away free. The story brings out the impunity and the knowledge of it by the diplomatic corps and the media but that not much could be done due to warped calculations--the movie does not clarify whose, but history tells us it was Nixon, Kissinger, China filling in the parts. In that respect, it has a Kafkaesque feel where wrongs are being done in an disinterested benign manner by State forces and the individual has no real value. The film brings this out wonderfully. It is best appreciated if one goes in expecting this aspect rather than a detailed telling of history. I recommend it highly to all those who like well researched and nuanced films.

Kya bole pakistan ko apne hi logo ka 8 months tak atyachaar kya aur USA bhi harami hai and UN bhi.

Any interpretation or depiction of any war or acts of terror is extremely hard and tough for director to showcase in cinematic form. Question always is how little its too much and Mrityunjay Devvrat's  has done an excellent job of that in his debut movie.

Children of war is graphical beautiful depiction of the almost forgotten 1971 genocide happened in East Pakistan. The scenes to tend to get uncomfortably gory and long and I would think that the movie overall would have benefited from a shorter script. It's a long depressing watching genocides for more than two hours.

Sadly, enough the 1971 genocides have been forgotten and most of the younger generation are clueless about the sufferings. The movie could have benefited if they had put some context for today's generation.

The actors are par excellent and all have done an excellent job. I especially was fascinated by Pawan Malhotras evil, cruel, ruthless Pakistani General. Pawan finally got an opportunity to show his true talent.

Director has done an amazing job for first time holding the baton and I really look forward to seeing more movies from him.

Music score was OK but little too loud and took away from the moments at times.

The movie would have done lot better if it was shorter and crisper.

I have seen CHILDREN OF WAR and stayed captivated, focused on it. it took me days to get rid of the atmosphere of the film. I am shamed I didn't know anything about the History of the birth of Bangladesh, about these 400 000 ladies raped for months. It is very violent, but not really ON the screen, everything is suggested, i was touched deeply about the story of these ladies i couldn't sleep for days. I think the world should learn about this. In 1971, the U.S was in the Hippies movement, dancing, taking drugs, enjoying life while such horrible things where happening! The director was able to mix delicateness & violence, hope & desperation, cruelty & love. It is a master piece movie, a kind of film that gives all its nobles to what we call CINEMA as an ART: transcending, informing, transporting to Human deep philosophical questions. Thanks to all this great team to have been able to achieve such a great film! (sorry my English is not so good as i am a french citizen)

It is a fantastic film. Very gripping and moving.

It is beautifully shot. Every single song is top-notch. Simply amazing.

Very well researched and well made. The parallel storylines work incredibly well together. It is good to see an Indian film on 1971 which shows something apart from the military glory of India.

Totally a must watch.