The biggest problem for the American viewer of this film is a lack of knowledge about the history of India and Pakistan...which is understandable. It makes the first 20 or so minutes of the film totally confusing if one does not know the difference between Indian Muslims and Indian Hindus. About 20 minutes in there was a reference to halal meat, which finally made me realize this film was about people who were Indian Muslims.
But then, I found the film fascinating, although I felt bad that I wouldn't be able to talk with my friend in Pakistan about it on the phone...because this film is probably not at all acceptable in Pakistan's political environment. Although to be honest, I can't say the film is at all complimentary about the governments of India or Pakistan.
There's a lot of "magic" (for wont of a better term) in this film, and that's also difficult for Americans. I lived in Southeast Asia for a bit, and it's a whole different way of looking at spiritualism. So you need to go into this film with an open mind.
The good news is, this is almost all in English, with a few subtitles here and there.
I was very impressed with Satya Bhabha's performance as the lead male in the film, as one of the Midnight Children.
The film does an excellent job of leading you through a character's journey from childhood through adult. But when it comes right down to it, this is a film about good - versus - evil. It's a very complex story. And it deals wonderfully with relationships between the various key characters.
Highly recommended.
But then, I found the film fascinating, although I felt bad that I wouldn't be able to talk with my friend in Pakistan about it on the phone...because this film is probably not at all acceptable in Pakistan's political environment. Although to be honest, I can't say the film is at all complimentary about the governments of India or Pakistan.
There's a lot of "magic" (for wont of a better term) in this film, and that's also difficult for Americans. I lived in Southeast Asia for a bit, and it's a whole different way of looking at spiritualism. So you need to go into this film with an open mind.
The good news is, this is almost all in English, with a few subtitles here and there.
I was very impressed with Satya Bhabha's performance as the lead male in the film, as one of the Midnight Children.
The film does an excellent job of leading you through a character's journey from childhood through adult. But when it comes right down to it, this is a film about good - versus - evil. It's a very complex story. And it deals wonderfully with relationships between the various key characters.
Highly recommended.