Partition (2006)

Synopsis: I'm sure that this modern day Romeo and Juliett story has been done in this context many times in Indian cinema. But this is the first time that it has come to the West and it's about time. Jimi Mistry plays Gian Singh a Sikh ex solider who is now a farmer in 1947 after India was split into India for Sikhs and Pakistan for Mulisms. Kristen Kreuk plays a Muslim girl, Naseem Khan, on her way with her family across India into Pakistan. Well, there are a lot of bitterness between the countries and a lot of religious crusades. The Muslim group gets attacked by Sikh ex soliders and Neseem gets separated from her family. But don't worry! It's Gian to the rescue and rescue her he does. He does such a good job rescuing her that she eventually falls in love with him. You guys know the story of acceptance and tolerance mixed in with racism and prejudice. Tale as old as time only this song doesn't rhyme.

Should You Watch It? I don't know how she does it. How can Kristen Kreuk stay so hot like all the time! I know there's make up and whatever but seriously! She's practically in mud for the whole first half of the movie but still so ridiculous. Okay, so that covers the male audience. For you ladies out there who read my reviews, and I know there aren't many, this story has the classic love struggle. It shows that love defies all, even death. If you're brown, then you'll appreciate this movie even more cause it has all the storylines of a India film without the ridiculous singing and the six hour sit.

Things to Watch Out For: What? No singing? "How can it be a brown movie without singing?" you might ask. Well, Friends, I'll tell you how. Vic Sarin added in a whole bunch of cultural stuff to get the stories through the tough second act. And it sorta worked. The relationship between Gian and Neseem is pretty standard but what's interesting is the relationship Gian has with Margaret Stilwell. There is an interesting dynamic there that wasn't fully explored but nonetheless, interesting.

Things You Don't Expect: Like I mentioned above, the relationship between Margaret Stilwell (Neve Campbell) and Gian could have been awesome to add tension. See, it's clear that Margaret has feelings for Gian, it was set up pretty early. But Gian loves Neseem but needs Margaret's help to her to into Pakistan. So you see, if they played on the emotions a bit more, then Margaret would have to make that choice of whether to help Neseem or not. Be the bigger man, or woman that is, or fall into the trap of love! Okay, that might be a bit over the top, but it totally could have worked, but oh well. Next time.

Final Comments:
Story: 6.8 (Patricia Finn & Vic Sarin)
Direction: 7.2 (Vic Sarin)
Acting: 7.8
Cinematography: 8.0
Music/Sound: 8.5

Final Score: 7.4