Earth (1998)

The film Earth is set in Lahore, which today belongs to Pakistan, the movie focuses on a young Parsis girl named Lenny, and the events she witnessed during the Partition of India which would tear apart a close group of friends consisting of Muslims, Hindus, and Sikhs. At the beginning of the movie it is evident that the group of friends all share a lot in common, one of the things that they share is an attraction for the Hindu woman Shanta, whose job is to take care of Lenny. Despite being so close it is evident that the group has many disagreements over religion. This is not surprising, there has always been a lot of tension between religions in India, especially Islam and Hinduism. This is because of the immense amount of differences between these two belief systems. Muslims believe there is only one true god, and he is Allah while the Hindus believe that there are multiple gods. The Hindus also have the caste system unlike the Muslims. The Partition of India, which would soon take place, resulted in the creation of Pakistan, a Muslim country. A mass migration began when Muslims started making their way from India to Pakistan. The Sikhs and Hindus, left Pakistan for India. As the movie progresses the tension between Muslims and Hindus grows, soon these two ideologies clash violently. Both sides commit atrocities fueled by the hatred for the differences in their beliefs. Throughout history people have done horrible things because of religious beliefs and this was no exception. Protestants have killed Catholics and vice versa even though they both worship the same gods, and believe in a lot of the same things. In a world where Christians would take the lives of other Christians just because they chose not to recognize the pope, it is no surprise that Hindus and Muslims kill would each other despite their peaceful coexistence in the past. Lenny's family who were Parsis remained untouched by the violence thanks to the Parsis people choosing not to take sides and remaining neutral during conflicts. Near the end of the movie, the group of friends is ripped apart because they each choose to worship different gods. In the last scene Lenny is all grown up and reflects on the tragic events that took place during the Partition. I felt the movie was able realistically portray the consequences that the Partition of India caused. It really helps highlight how humans could do horrible things to each other because their beliefs are different. I also felt that the movie missed a great opportunity to cover the lasting negative effects that the Partition have on modern South Asia, such as the fact that the religious contempt Indians and Pakistanis have with each led to many their governments' decision to point hundreds of nuclear warheads at each other, which if something was to go wrong might lead to a grave loss of life. Which is why I give this movie a 8/10

1947 Earth tells the story of the lives of a few people in Lahore in the year 1947 – how their lives were and how they change with the partition. Central idea is good and so is the development of characters but the film fails in the portrayals, especially by the three main ones – Aamir Khan, Nandita Das and Rahul Khanna.The narrative is indulging in parts and most of the film is simply going on and on without much movement in the story. Some of the sequences in the film stand out like the train sequence and the finale. Cinematography by Giles Nuttgens and music by A R Rahman are the few positives in the film, especially the former which is so lively. Only actors who actually act are Maia Lethna as the young Lenny who is perfect for the role, Kitu Gidwani and Khubhushan Kharbanda. Rest all give very 'filmy' performances not matching with the theme. Profanity, nudity and sex in the film do not match with the production design, and rather turn out as offending elements. Certain scenes in the film come and go with no sign and sense e.g. why was the child marriage scene and Lenny's birthday scene inserted in between?I am happy that I saw Earth much after I saw Water and Fire, else had I seen this before, I would never ever have seen the other two gems. Earth is a complete letdown from Ms. Mehta. Movie is strictly not to be watched by the people of India and Pakistan as there are certain elements in the film which may offend them (and I am one of them).

I saw this film about 10 years back and have seen it thrice since then.Last time I saw it was on the "independence day" but this time after reading the novel "ice candy man".It made me appreciate the movie more and understand how beautifully Deepa Mehta adapted this partition story to a character study.After fire which was a brilliant film,ahead of its times in the Indian context this was her most accomplished work.Deepa Mehta keeps her objectivity without indulging or being judge-mental of the dark side of human nature as it emerges in the face of adversity.For me this movie is not about partition,but about human nature.The veil that separates us from animals becomes an anomaly in certain situation.So it is not so much the partition that drew the worst out of the characters but the demons such as lust,violence,jealousy,anger,resentment that already exist at the very core of human nature.It may or may not manifest itself in its most carnal form.But in this case it does.The innovation of songs as a part of narration was a masterstroke and when you have A R Rehamn at the fore,there will be magic."Raat Ki Dal Dal" is probably one of the most wonderfully pictured songs I have have seen in recent times,as the camera zooms in on Aamir as he is waiting for the train from India,encapsulating his anxiety.The art work is accurate enough,the cinematography is excellent(notice how the camera-work changes from being still and peaceful in first half to more vibrant in the second half).The performances of the entire cast is brilliant,whether it is the parsi family or Dil Nawaz's friend circle or even Gulshan Grover for that matter.Everyone seems to be on the money.Rahul khanna is a natural talent like his brother(which explains why he is not making it big in this superficial industry),he is rightly understated through the film.His is the only character which doesn't have as many demons and is probably at peace with himself after having the women of his dreams.Nandita Das is a brilliant actress whom I have long admired along with Seema Biswas and Konkana Sen.Her courage and talent shines through as she plays a character who is oozing sexuality,is flirtatious and maybe some what naive.In case of great actors,I try not to use the "best" and "greatest" to describe their performances,because it in a way diminishes their remaining equally brilliant body of work.But this was a new high for Aamir khan in my book.Before this movie I thought he was one of the most talented,versatile and courageous actors within the industry.This film is where he transcended to greatness and stayed there.To be very honest,most of the ground work was laid in the novel for this role,but one needs great vision to convey this charming character's journey into madness.The use of body language and "silence" is what separates the great actors from others.Al Pacino,George C Scott,De Niro,Sanjeev Kumar understood the value of it and here Aamir showcases his class especially in the climax.This film is not for the faint hearted.But that is what I have admired Deepa Mehta for.She has always been ruthlessly truthful when it comes to human nature whether it is "earth" or "fire".Unfortunately most of the Indians like the "escapist" mode just to "make them feel good about themselves".If you are one of those this not for you.P.S.Majority of the reviews here are spot on and people not aware of the horrors of partition were also able to connect on a human level which fulfills the purpose of this film.

Having seen a few of Deepa Mehta's movies recently this movie was certainly a powerful story and was well filmed. But there seems to be a quality about Mehta's movies which seem to be so cerebral that they detract from the emotive intensity of what is India.The stories she finds are so compelling and yet I believe that the movie-making and acting are not stitched together as well. Take away the historical setting and it seems to collapse not because you removed one critical element, but because it is the only substantive element.I can see why people enjoyed this movie, but I wish there was more. I wish she had dealt more deeply with the group of friends and the tension between their own religious differences. It was more about the partition happening around and I believe Ms. Mehta might have let slip an opportunity to have made the whole tale far more poignant. The setting of the Parsee family's nanny seemed to have very little relevance in the story - the professed Parsee inclination to side with whoever is in power does not contribute to the story.Instead it is a potent spectacle as one watches from the outside, but there is no overt invitation or quiet pull-in to the movie.