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Partition (2007) DVD Review
Partition (2007) DVD Credits:
Partition (2007) Directed by:
Vic Sarin
Partition (2007) Written by:
Patricia Finn, Vic Sarin
Partition (2007) Cast:
Jimi Mistry, Kristin Kreuk, Neve Campbell, John Light, Irfan Khan, Madhur Jaffrey, Aarya Babbar
Partition (2007) Released by:
Partition Films, Inc.
Region:
1
Partition (2007) DVD Release Date:
3rd August 2008
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Partition (2007) Synopsis:

A former Sikh soldier struggles to make romance work during the Indian partition. He must sacrifice everything for his Muslim bride, who also must deal with political scrutiny.

Partition (2007) DVD Review:

The partition in India in 1947 is a subject rarely explored, but is fertile ground for a Romeo and Juliet-type love story. Partition is a neatly packaged romance between a man and woman on warring sides of mid-east Asia. Though the basic structure of the story is very familiar, Partition has more to offer. The set and wardrobe design are amazing. They bring to life a world that is virtually unknown to many people. The beautifully written score adds so many layers to the film and brings you even more into 1940s India.

The 1940s were tumultuous for colonial powers. With the end of World War II came an end to most of the colonial rule around the world. In 1947, the British gave up their claims to India. Because of this, the Muslims living in the country migrated into Pakistan while the Sikhs and Hindus stayed behind. Partition takes into account multiple view points of this event, from the Sikh soldiers, to the displaced Muslims, to the British civilians living in India.

Gian, a Sikh and former soldier for the British Army in World War II, comes back to his home after the war with little motivation left. He is racked by guilt for letting his friend die in battle, but he must deal with his pain alone. Unlike the other Sikhs, Gian has no desire to kill Muslims. Naseem is a Muslim girl who nearly escapes a massacre by the Sikh while traveling with her family to Pakistan. She is left behind in India, and must hide to keep her life. The sympathetic and vulnerable Gian takes Naseem into his home to protect her. Together they work against the scrutiny of the other Sikh villagers.

Naseem is able to assimilate into society, and eventually falls in love with her savior Gian. They get married and have a child, but Naseem desperately wants to see her family. With the help from some old friends, Gian gets her a ticket to Pakistan. Naseen unwittingly traps herself there as her jealous brothers refuse to let her go back. She and Gian must then find a way to be together when society erects a barrier between them.

The story is fairly straightforward and predictable. It basically is Romeo and Juliet set in India. The montage of Gian and Naseen falling in love is a little weak and is filmed like a daytime soap opera. Also, the accents, especially that of Kristin Kreuk as Naseen, are a little bit detracting. However, this is on the whole a solid movie. It is very well told. Neve Cambell and John Light give good supporting performances. Jimi Mistry portrays the emotionally vulnerable Gian beautifully. The locations and sets, as well as the costumes, are authentic and add so much rich color to the film. The music accentuates the story well and combines a flavor of both the East and the West. So while there are a few flaws, this is still a heartfelt and emotionally gripping period romance.

Besides a trailer, 5.1 audio, and optional Spanish subtitles, Partition includes a very interesting making-of featurette. You can see interviews with the cast, crew, and director. One of the more fascinating aspects about the making of this film is the location shooting. The crew had numerous problems filming in India with monsoon weather. You can also hear director and co-writer Vic Sarin talk about the real-life inspiration for the film.


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Partition (2007) DVD review written by: Kirsten Moore

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