Review of Earth

Introduction

1947 was a pivotal time in India and Pakistan`s history. The British finally conceded India`s right to self-rule but, like most transitional moments in history, the transition wasn`t a smooth one. Even now the repercussions of these turbulent times can be felt.

Strangely, despite years of colonisation, India was `handed back` to its occupants with unprecedented haste by Lord Mountbatten, the British Viceroy. From announcement to handover was a matter of just a few weeks, despite the considerable problems that the region had between its resident religious factions, principally the Hindus and the Muslims, though Sikhs, Parsees and Christians played their part too. This led to the division of India and Pakistan on religious lines and led to bloodshed on a massive scale.

`Earth` (1998) is a film that tries to get a sense of the period through the story of a small group of friends, and the story of a young handicapped Parsee girl in particular, Lenny (Maia Sethna). She is from an influential wealthy family and her beautiful Nanny (Shanta played by Nandita Das) is much admired by many of the local men in their small town near Lahore. Two suitors in particular vie for her attention and she soon falls for the charms of Hassan, a local Muslim masseur. She is also fond of Dil who is popularly known as `Ice Candy Man`.

Early on, the film has a gentle, almost cosy pace, though darker times are hinted at. A train arrives at their town and it`s discovered that most the occupants (Muslims) have been murdered. This is a catalyst for increased tension and hatred between the various sects and it`s not long until even the `Ice Candy Man` has become a crazed zealot hell-bent on vengeance.

Hasan is a lone voice crying for some sanity amongst the madness, and his relationship with Shanta grows stronger despite the difficulties, and despite the fact that she is Hindi and he a Muslim. The development of the relationship, as well as the difficulties the couple face are all witnessed through the innocent eyes of Lenny, which lends what might otherwise be mere melodrama (though based on fact), a dreadful poignancy that makes this a powerful and thought-provoking movie.

It`s all sumptuously shot, with beautiful sets and exteriors often filmed with elaborately choreographed camera-moves and action.

Trivia freaks might like to know that the author of the book upon which the movie was based makes a brief cameo at the end of the movie as a grown up Lenny, possibly as a nod to the biographic element of her work.

Video

This is a very satisfying transfer with rich, sumptuous colours and no sign of digital artefacting. There are very few signs of wear on the print. First class.

Audio

A perfectly serviceable stereo track.

Features

None.

Conclusion

`Earth`, a 1998 film based on Bapsi Sidwa`s 1988 novel `Ice Candy Man`, deals with the tumultuous handover back to independence for India and Pakistan in 1947 by British India.

It`s a beautifully constructed piece with Director Deepa Mehta keeping one eye on the stunning aesthetics and the other on the poignancy of the drama. Whilst romance may be the post on which to hang the narrative, it`s a nice touch that so much of the movie is seen through the innocent eyes of an 8-year-old child.

Despite the majority of the film (though by no means all) relying on subtitles, this is a very engaging film and one that isn`t intellectually demanding. Despite being based on historic fact, it`s a compelling drama that is both thought provoking and tragic.

It`s also worth noting that the film was banned in both Pakistan and India for `political reasons`. Despite both regions heading for their 60th anniversary of independence, the issues at the heart of this film are clearly as alive today as they were then.