Fire

Rating:
Summary: Brilliant Masterpiece!!
Review: It is a shame that Mr.Maltin has completely missed the essence of this film. Film is an international medium and we expect that those who claim to understand it enough to critique it, possess the basic knowledge of cultures other than their own in order to give an educated opinion that would be valuable to everyone. I saw "Fire" at a theater in India (before it was banned due to the violent reaction of some people and the inability of the police to prevent it, NOT because of the content itself - it's a free country). Every single person that left the cinema hall seemed to be emotionally shaken up. This film is so powerful that it makes even the most conservative minds think hard about the way they have perceived things so far. It has some of the best acting, direction and cinematography you could ever see. I wish The Academy had on its panel people unlike Mr.Maltin, so that the world could notice and therefore, benefit from brilliant, thought provoking films such as "Fire".

Rating:
Summary: Touching Love Story
Review: This was a great film in every sense of the word. It tackles the subject of tribadism in a society that is quite intolerant of any deviations from the norm. It criticises a great many Indian customs that many find oppressive -- such as the arranging of marriages by others, the importance of status and face, rligious hypocrisy, sexism, the valuation of women in terms of their baby-making capacity, the binding concepts of duty and so on. At the heart of the film is a touching love story that goes beyond such limitations of the society which the two protagnonists find themselves. The film is well-acted and genuine, completely believable from beginning to end, unlike most Bollywood flicks. The main faults of the film as I saw it was first, that the two lovers seem drawn to one another not necessarily by a natural affinity for each other as much as the fact that they are stuck in dead-end marriages with no passion and no rewards. This may play a part in the sexual awakening of the characters, but most people stuck in the same situation will not "turn homosexual". It seems clear from the beginning of the filmm that the two characters are quite heterosexual -- when Radha does her scene at the end of the movie with Aashok, she makes it quite clear that "without desire she was dead", and the implication was that if he had desired so, he could have fulfilled her quite completely, and also when Sita seemed very disappointed when her husband seemed to not like her. Such situations do not turn people into homosexuals -- they may seek comfort in others in the same position, but inthe film it is not at all made clear that they are lesbians from the beginning -- quite the opposite. Some people are bisexual, it is true, but most tend to be either hetero- or homosexual. In the case of the ladies in the film, both had insensitive jerks for husbands . . . if this had not been the case, would they have naturally found the need to express their desire in a relationship that they may have otherwise not have considered? The film ignores this. The other fault is the naming of the characters . . . the names Sita and Radha seem contrived deliberately to shock and outrage (imagine a film in America depicting a gay relationship between a man named "Jesus" and another named "Paul"!) by using names associated with various Hinddo scriptures. The film is strong enough to stand on its own and needs no such devices in my opinion. At any rate, the faults do not take much away from the power of the movie. It is indeed a very touching and powerful story -- the images and characters will stay with you a long time after you leave the theatre.

Rating:
Summary: Status quo burning
Review: I actually found this to be a truly wonderful film, albeit disturbing and thought-provoking. It is not a male-bashing film, but rather a devastating critique of the dynamics involved in the traditional joint-family. The men in this film are just as trapped in their culture's expectations as the women. Fire is aptly titled, as it is emotionally searing to view. All the major characters wind up with their hearts and minds badly burned. In Hindu tradition, fire is not necessarily destructive, but transformative. The transformation in this film, however, is not necessarily what the characters expect, given their culture's parameters.

While this may be a challenging film to understand for those viewers who lack basic backgound in Indian history, Hindu epics and modern urban Indian society, it is well worth watching.

Rating:
Summary: good-hearted and in good taste
Review: All too often when a film is billed as "controversial" and dealing with "taboo" subjects and (uh-oh) "lesbian love," it turns out to be just another soft porno exploitation flick for the amusement of male viewers. Now that is what I call ho-bloody-hum (ahem, Mr Maltin). This film is a blessed relief from that genre.

Although sexuality is openly portrayed and discussed in the film, intimacy between the two female protagonists is handled tastefully and without that nasty overtone of voyeuristic exploitation. Leonard Maltin, useful though his reviews are, has a history of getting really defensive (and dismissive) about films with any feminist content. If overbearing patriarchal authority is honestly and accurately portrayed, he's liable to diss the film as unfair to men. Notably he has very little to say about insulting or belittling roles for *female* actors!

I thought this was a good-hearted film, honestly challenging and critical of male privilege and selfishness, yet also extending compassion and dignity to its male as well as female characters. Even the nastiest person in the film (the unfortunate servant) is not treated with genuine contempt by the scriptwriter or director. Everyone gets his or her day in court; we feel a little sympathy with every character at least once or twice.

It's also a sensitive and poignant portrait of the cost of tradition, and the cost of defying tradition. The violence and controversy it sparked in the conservative Hindu state of Maharashtra are documented in the "extras"; more than anything else, the ability of this film to panic conservative forces, and thereby elicit mob violence, speaks to its power and lasting value as a challenge to institutions that (however benign they may seem on the surface) keep women down.

Rating:
Summary: Unbelievable!
Review: I'd first heard of this movie about a year ago. It wasn't available on DVD yet, and the VHS version was selling for about $90. So, I waited...and waited...and waited. This is one of the most romantic, tender movies I've watched in a very long time. For those who may have difficulty with the lesbian themes, don't allow that to deter or sway you from this movie. "Tasteful" is an inadequate description..."thoughtful" is modest, at best. It was very easy to immerse myself in this movie, even though I'm not familiar with Hindu culture. Well-written, brilliantly plotted and directed...I wanted to ram Biji's bell down her skinny little throat before it was over! ...

Rating:
Summary: Vakkert
Review: Filmen er intense -- Absålutt enstående. Verd pengene.

Rating:
Summary: Brilliant and Moving, You will hold your breath!
Review: It's too bad that there is not a 10 star rating! This movie is one of the best movies I have ever seen. I saw it in the theater when it first came out and was so happy to finally find it to purchase! I was instantly transported back to Delhi and could smell the spices and hear the sounds of the street. As a widow of a man from that culture I understand from a first hand basis the differences women face, the lack of independence that we take for granted here. As Americans it is sometimes hard to understand the strong bond and sense of duty that other cultures have for the family. The social stigma carried by anybody who questions or god forbid chooses a path other than the expectations of the family. It is hard for some to truly understand how little freedom; either in opinion or in movement women have in some eastern cultures. I felt this movie portrayed the life's struggle of one family. The inertia felt when acceptance of one's circumstance no matter how unhappy is the only option. Each character in the movie was so carefully developed and portrayed. The older sister in whose strong yet calm and dutiful disposition is sparked with life again upon the arrival of her new younger sister in law. The eagerness and vibrancy of the new arrival can be felt in every corner of the room. Yet with this vibrancy is still a strong sense of duty to a husband who does not love her, nor does he want her. He is chasing a woman who only uses him for her own pleasure; he is also trapped in cultural and family expectations. I see the attraction between the women as the joining of two kindred spirits, searching and finding happiness in each other, when no happiness can be found otherwise in the lives they have been forced to accept. I offer a standing ovation to the cast and crew. A better job couldn't have been done. It's not about lesbians, or chauvinists, it's about humanity in all forms and the search for the humanity that matches your own. Finding your self in another and finding them in you is an issue without borders or culture. If you are lucky enough to find it whether it be in a different or same sex relationship, cherish it and respect it and nurture it. If it is pure, it will stand the trial by FIRE.

Rating:
Summary: Always rejuvenates my spirit and gives me hope
Review: A courageous and up-lifiting. film. I watch this when I need my faith in the human spirit renewed. Leonard Maltin's review is quite frankly an insult to a great film. The pace, design and acting are flawless. The male characters are chauvinistic to say the least, but it is difficult not to symapthize some with the servant and the younger husband. When the older husband is telling Radha that she should 'ask his forgiveness and touch his feet,' any thinking, caring person should be filled with outrage. To see these women defy patriarchy so unabashedly gives me great hope that the lives of women in less-developed countries will continue to improve this century.

Rating:
Summary: Wonder of Fire
Review: This is one of the most amazing films ever. Not only is it a beautiful coming out story, it is filled with symbolism. It is possible to analyze almost every detail. Subtle irony also makes this film even more enjoyable. At a first viewing, it can be hard to pick things up, but each time you watch it, it gets better and you discover something new. Give it a chance and it will touch your heart.

Rating:
Summary: The Unforgettable Fire
Review: It haunted me. I could not get the movie out of my mind for days. The story, with its tension, passion, and, frankly, eroticism, was amazing. As an Indian woman raised in the U.S., exposed to Western cinema and its free exploration of controversial issues, I could not believe such a movie could be made by an Indian cast,(expatriot)Indian director, and heavily Indian crew. The acting and cinematography was mesmerizing. The radiant Shabana Azmi, a true legend, and the beautiful Nandita Das portray their characters with a genuineness and bravery not often seen and never surpassed. Their displays of love and longing were probably the most passionate I've seen in cinema- of any genre. Without a doubt, this is one of the finest, and probably the most thought-provoking, films made by anyone in India or her diaspora. I am proud such a film has finally been made; and hopeful it will let India finally confront the changes occuring in its society.