# Earth (1998)

### reviewed by
Ross Anthony

    Cracking India
    Earth

    By Ross Anthony

"Earth" tells (in Hindi mixed with English) the story of the 1947 partitioning of India as seen through the eyes of a little girl named Lenny. Lenny's Nanny, the beautiful Hindu Shanta, hangs with a hip, religiously-mixed bunch of friends who try fruitlessly to hold their friendship above their various affiliations as the British pull out after 200 years of rule.

Painting in a yellowish stroke the passion of life, love and death; the film is accented with romance and courtship amidst tragic religion-based massacring.

Though this particular dispute between Eastern religious factions occurred half a century ago on the other side of the planet, it certainly colors an all too familiar picture. Not short on cute proverbs and parables, the film itself, teaches the saddest of lessons.

Slightly on the over-dramatic side (acting and camera direction), much of the spoken English may be difficult to decipher. But, the pace is strong, images warm and deep, and story powerful.

"Earth" is the second film in director Mehta's trilogy: Fire, Earth and Water.

Earth. Based on "Cracking India" by Bapsi Sidhwa. Not Rated. Starring Aamir Khan, Nandita Das, Maia Sethna, Rahul Kjanna, Kitu Gidwani. Director/Screenwriter Deepa Mehta Produced by Deepa Mehta at Cracking Earth. Released by Zeitgeist.

Grade..........................B+

-- Copyright © 1999 Ross Anthony, currently based in Los Angeles, has scripted and shot documentaries, music videos, and shorts in 35 countries across North America, Europe, Africa and Asia. For more reviews visit: http://RossAnthony.com

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