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kieranwy
Reviews
I Can't Think Straight (2008)
A good representation of lesbianism in culture.
I enjoyed 'I Can't Think Straight' (which i think is a very clever title indeed given the content of the film). It raises the issue of lesbianism but in the context of Indian culture. Arranged marriages and a mother who is wanting to marry you off to the most suitable husband. Usually the man who comes from the most prestigious family, who is very successful, tall, very hansom, etc. All because the mother of the family wanting to marry off their daughter wants to gain some financial security and prestige for the family. (Or at least this is how it has been portrayed to me in the film). But what about if the daughter is gay? Much harder to imagine I feel, and 'I Can't Think Straight' portrays this matter very well. The movie is full of alluring cinematography and well constructed dialogue. Particularly I found, when the characters of Lisa Ray and Sheetal Sheth go for their ramble in the park. This is an especially elegant scene but the whole film screams decoration and harmony. The acting from the main characters is spot on and they must have received clear direction from Shamim Sarif. Some of the minor character's acting is quite poor and does not do justice to the script. but on the whole, it makes little difference to the story.
The World Unseen (2007)
A warm heart felt drama, set in a time that should never have been allowed.
'The World Unseen' is a beautiful film. The issues it deals with can be seen to be controversial through a modern audiences eyes. Racial and gay issues seem to be handled with a strict fist these days, but 'TWU' tip-toes elegantly around these contentious matters making the segregation between races and the circumstance of being gay come across as simply outrageous and unacceptable by todays standards. People should not and should never have had to live in fear. 'TWU' contains great cinematography and the acting (notably from the two beautiful lead roles Sheetal Sheth and Lisa Ray) is second to none. They obviously received heart felt direction from Shamim Sarif and this heart felt dedication shines through, throughout the movie. The ending seems rather unresolved but we all have imaginations and thats half the fun. We can decide for ourselves what happens to the characters Lisa Ray and Sheetal Sheth portray (among others) in this magnificent thought provoking drama. 'TWU' makes us feel thankful that the world it depicts is a thing of the past, and long let it stay that way.