The World Unseen

If someone has already watched a Shamim Sarif's movie, he could see many differences. They are the result of director's evolution in movie techniques. The color of scene is so vibrant, the dialogue is deeper and the end is something that you can't imagine. What is still the same is her passion for the historical background: South Africa at the beginning of Apartheid era. From the story you can do many reflections: first of all about the racism not only between black and white, but also between mulatto and black. There is another important theme: the homosexuality, a relevant issue in the contemporary society, which it is still considered a taboo. This film is very nice, it is better to watch alone. tin this movie the actress are also more mature in they way they act than in the previous one.

I juts love this two together. Great movie, nice storyline.

The World Unseen is an outstanding movie about the topic of apartheid in the last 20 years of 1900 placed in south Africa. The interpretation of the actors and actresses is perfect, In particular Lisa Ray is perfect in playing the role of ingenuous wife submitted to the husband's rules. Even Sheetal Sheth in her character is very heart-warming. The story is exciting and rich of twists and involves the spectator make him aware of the pain of character. I suggest to the movie to everyone interested in this kind of plots especially to whom is interesting in lgbt movies. There is also the book of this movie that is amazing as well.

I just saw this film at the London Film Festival. It sold out in two days and they are putting an extra screening!

This film tell the touching journey of one woman trying to find the courage to be herself in an oppressive (but not overly so) marriage with a bit of help from another, wildly independent and free-spirited woman. The background is 1950s South Africa and its despicable apartheid policy. Throughout the film are stark reminders of what that meant for blacks, whites and the Indian community.

No clichés here, just wonderful brush-strokes forming a charming and riveting film.

For anyone looking for an innovative or breakthrough film here, look elsewhere. This is a formula film with a capital F and you can predict its progress in the first 3 minutes or so. Sometimes that is OK if the ride is exceptional. This time it is so-so.

The upside: Good if standard cinematography/camera work and editing, believable sets. The subplot with the white bank employee and the mixed race cafe owner is more interesting and suspenseful than the main plot.

The downside: This comes from just how much this film relies on cookie-counter elements. No white or Indian male (save one who appears briefly) or conventionally minded woman is allowed to have a redeemable feature. They are quickly established as people that you will not have sympathy for. Likewise the setting in institutionally suppressive South Africa 1952 is just sooo perfect to inject a touch of brutality and righteous indignation and a hint of a political edge to a very tired story line.

This sets the stage for the predatory/touristy lesbian tomboy to enlighten the frustrated housewife. Yawn....

Then we get the blues-jazz piano intro, some poetry, endless, furtive longing glances, the questioning of values and life goals, the symbolic-suggestive one liners, the moments of crisis, the resolution and the folk song over the ending credits. All formula. Been there, done that.