Partition (2007) User Reviews (28)

Gorgeous film dealing with a marvelous love story under historical background

[ma-cortes · 7/10 · 17 December 2010]

Gian Singh (Jimi Mistry) and Avtar Singh (Irrfan Khan)are Indian officers with the British Army serving under the command of Andrew Stilwell (Moss), who lives with his sister, Margaret,(Neve Campbell) in New Delhi . During 1941 the trio find in Burma where Stilwell is murdered . Both of them go back to their small village in Punjab, where Gian meets his widowed mother (Jaffrey) . During 1947, after 350 years of occupying India, the British decide to leave and concede independence . Millions of Muslims crossed from Pakistan to India and vice versa , similar number of Hindus, and Sikhs crossed over from the other side. A group of Muslims who were crossing over to Pakistan are attacked by a bunch of sword wielding horse-riding Sikhs, and Hindus, including Avtar (Khan), many are massacred, but some do manage to getaway. Muslims, in turn, murder all Christians, Hindus, and Sikhs passengers on a train en-route to India. Meantime , Gian, who refuses to collaborate in any slaughter , is picking up wood , he comes across a young Muslim girl names Naseem (Kristin Kreuk), in sheltering , and decides to hide her . He brings her home with him, and shelter her . But the villagers do find out, while some want to outrightly murder her, others want her to leave . Gian asks the villagers to give him some time to find her family from Pakistan and then send her on her trace , to which they agree . Later on , Gian seeks the help of Walter Hankings (John Light) and Margaret, who does her best to liaise with the Ministry of Unification of Families . In the meantime, Naseem (Kreuk) befriends people , adapts herself to the village life, and soon Gian and Naseem fall in love with each other.

It's an enjoyable romance/drama story where duo protagonist is awesome . In an epic and moving tale , as the starring fight the forces that haunt their innocent love, taking on the risks to survive in a world surrounded by hatred . The script relies heavily on the relationship between the two starring but it doesn't originate boring . It's a brilliant romantic story and though is slow-moving isn't tired . Kristin Kreuk is gorgeous with her sweet and attractive countenance. Jimi Mistry is magnificent as ex-officer looking for help and inspiration on the beautiful girl. Lush cinematography woven into a rich and exotic tapestry by the same director Sarin . Sensitive, sensible score, including a musical leitmotif with Hindu motives by Brian Tyler . The picture is finely directed by Vic Sarin , he is an usual director for TV and occasionally for cinema , ¨Partition¨ is the best of them.

The motion picture is correctly based on historic events , these are the following : The actual division between the two new dominions was done according to what has come to be known as the 3 June Plan or Mountbatten Plan.The border between India and Pakistan was determined by a British Government-commissioned report usually referred to as the Radcliffe Line after the London lawyer, Sir Cyril Radcliffe, who wrote it. During 1947, after 350 years of occupying India, the British decide to leave, but not before separating Islamic Pakistan and secular India. Millions of Muslims crossed from India to Pakistan, while an equal number of Hindus, Sikhs, and Christians crossed over from the other side .Pakistan came into being with two non-contiguous enclaves, East Pakistan (today Bangladesh) and West Pakistan, separated geographically by India. India was formed out of the majority Hindu regions of the colony, and Pakistan from the majority Muslim areas. Countries of Modern Indian sub-continent . On 18 July 1947, the British Parliament passed the Indian Independence Act that finalized the partition arrangement. A crowd of Muslims at the Old Fort (Purana Qila) in Delhi, which had been converted into a vast camp for Muslim refugees waiting to be transported to Pakistan. Manchester Guardian, 27 September 1947.The newly formed governments were completely unequipped to deal with migrations of such staggering magnitude, and massive violence and slaughter occurred on both sides of the border. Estimates of the number of deaths range around roughly 500,000, with low estimates at 200,000 and high estimates 1.000.000.

extra-ordinary acting and touching story

[amariitg · 8/10 · 2 April 2010]

I know what to expect as the movie is about Indo-Pak partition and the hardships faced by people in both the countries. The movie partly met my expectations but what I did not expect is the amazing acting by lead pair. Honestly, I was amazed by the performance of "The Guru", Jimy Mistry. Full marks to him. Kristin Kreuk is promising as well. All the other actors are from Bollywood and filled their shoes well.

Being an Indian, I would say few locations in the movie are captured very well but most of them appeared to be artificial. A very good attempt by the director to accurately show the cultures of the sub-continent. Watch the movie if you like slow movies, otherwise forget it!!

Understated yet overblown

[lazarus_ca_48 · 7/10 · 5 February 2007]

"Partition" deals with an important turning point in history (the division of India and Pakistan along religious lines) and classic theme (love conquers all). However, it does not succeed as well as Deepa Mehta's far superior "Earth", which covers the same period.

"Partition" handles the love story between Jian Singh and Naseem in a delicate and sensitive way. Especially beautiful is the scene depicting their wedding night, when they uncover and discover each other. Jian Singh removes Naseem's veil; Naseem unwraps his turban and sees his long, luxurious hair tumbles about his shoulders for the first time.

However, the world around them is portrayed in a clumsy and ham-handed fashion. We are shown the murderous violence that took place in India and Pakistan in 1947, but it is never satisfactorily explained. (By the same token, we are shown joyous celebrations of religious festivals, such as Diwali, but again given no context to help us understand them.) There are several annoying titles at the beginning to provide background. However, this information should have been woven into the dialog.

By the way, the dialog is sometimes drowned out by a score that made me feel like I was watching "Lawrence of Arabia".

The film's denouement is fairly predictable (in slow motion, yet!). There are also some rather jarring implausibilities. In a crucial scene, Naseem's brother delivers a brutal kick that, by rights, should have dislocated Jian Singh's jaw. Yet, in the next breath, a bloodied but unbeaten Jian gives a lengthy set-piece speech about tolerance.

In the end, "Partition" is a nice, neat portrayal of a nasty, messy era. As romance, it rates an A. As history, it gets an F.

Wow, Canadian made can be good

[northeyjohn · 12 February 2007]

This movie was the first I've seen in a theater that was identified as a Canadian movie. I was hopeful it would be enjoyable, as the trailer online (never saw one in a theater) was promising. Very solid, very enjoyable love story with an interesting historical background. The movie had production levels I expect from standard US made movies but the storyline was a step above.

To me this movie deserves far more attention than it is getting. I suspect it is a top 10 in Canada at the moment but I've yet to find information on its ticket sales (there were 30 people there for a late-afternoon showing last Saturday).

With so much drek from the states at the moment this was a refreshing change.

Good attempt by an overseas director on a sensitive issue

[HonestViews · 7/10 · 26 January 2011]

Partition is a good attempt to narrate the story of the protagonists, in the backdrop of the partition of India (as India and Pakistan) in 1947. Though knowledge of the actual partition would help understand the story better, it is not a prerequisite as such. The main protagonists (Gian and Naseem) have given stellar performances, and so have few others like Neve Campbell (Margaret Stilwell) and Irfan Khan (Avtar). The script is strikingly similar to a Bollywood (Hindi) movie titled "Gadar - A Prem Katha" released in 2001 and became very popular too. Unlike Gadar...., Partition is a very mellowed-down version of the story of partition and its disastrous effect on communities on both sides of the border. Partition makes up in its subtlety, what it lacks in terms of melodrama and high octane performances of Gadar.... Perhaps having seen the Hindi movie earlier, the comparison was inevitable. Partition should keep you gripped till the end, with its fabulous characterizations and performances of the lead actors. The movie ends differently too, leaving you convinced of the improvisation of the script. Just for the performances and the suspense it's worth the time.

A little slow, but superb acting

[nathanclarey · 7/10 · 21 September 2011]

Kristin Kreuk was absolutely phenomenal. I say this (as a guy) because almost immediately during the movie I felt that inner protector in me spring to life. I wanted nothing more than to reach out and save her from her plight. Like the male lead in the movie, I slowly but surely fell in love with her innocence, her humility, and her soft spoken mannerisms, all of which were very much a part of her charm and made her hard to resist. Later it was her boldness (and of course her beauty) that finally sends you over the edge. Truly wonderful acting on her part.

As for Jimis character (Gian Singh), there wasn't a second in the entire movie where I didn't feel that he was in love. Where the movie falls a bit short is with fleshing out his character. Within a few minutes of the start of the movie, we are taken 5 years into the future (post war). This leaves us guessing as to how he becomes the broken and war tattered soul that this man is supposed to represent throughout the movie. Of course, a little imagination goes a long ways, but it would have been nice to relate to the broken man BEFORE his first encounter with the woman that would change his life and give him reason to live. I believe that change would have made me fall in love with her and relate to him in a much more personal way all at the same time. Instead, the missing links (the effects of the war) are only found during a few short flashbacks....not enough to really feel his pain. The final result is that I fall in love with the female character simply because I personally want to, and not because I want the male character to (who I should be rallying behind and relating to at this point).

That being said, the acting is top notch, with the lead pair really doing a fantastic job of drawing you into their world. Kristin was absolutely amazing all by herself, and Jimi lends to this by being heads above most male leads coming out of Hollywood today. This alone makes it worth watching, albeit as a love story alone.

If it's movie night, I recommend watching this one first....before the action movies or comedy because of it's slightly slower than steady pace.

wonderfully filmed

[vigarspr-1 · 10/10 · 16 January 2007]

Cinematographer, Vic sarin's camera work takes this wonderful love story to a higher plain. His sweeping vistas, a heartwarming story and a comment on religious intolerance..all add up to make one of the best movies I have seen in a long time. Jimi Mistri and Kristin Keruk give outstanding performance with Neve Campbell playing the sympathetic British subject during the time of the raj. Set in India during the partition of Indian and Pakistand in 1947, this movie is timely in its focus on the trouble that surround our world today. I found that the story, written by Sarin, does not point a finger of blame on either side, simply comments on the the death and suffering that 'religion' has brought to the world since the beginning of mankind.

good little romantic melodrama

[SnoopyStyle · 7/10 · 7 September 2014]

Gian Singh (Jimi Mistry) and Avtar Singh (Irrfan Khan) are Sikh officers in the Indian Army sent to Burma under the command of Andrew Stilwell who lives with his sister Margaret (Neve Campbell). Five years later, 1946, Andrew is dead. Gian and Avtar return to their village in Sarsa, Punjab. In 1947, the British leave and India is divided in two. Avtar is part of a group which massacres a Muslim caravan. Gian had refused to join. He finds survivor Naseem Khan (Kristin Kreuk) and shelters her. Muslim atrocities from the other side anger Avtar and his men. The villagers become suspicious and discovers the girl. Gian convinces them to allow her to go to Pakistan and asks Margaret to find her family. Time goes by and Gian marries Naseem. They have a child together. When Margaret finally finds Naseem's family, Naseem eagerly travels to Pakistan for a month but she's overdue without any news. Gian tries but cannot cross the border. He converts to Islam as Mohammad Hassan. It's not an easy journey and at the end of it, he finds that Naseem's family had been keeping her prisoner.

There is a small compelling love story in this movie. As a romance, this movie works very well. Neve Campbell complicates the story unnecessarily. The movie is fine as an Indian love story and it doesn't really need a British hand in it. Kristin Kreuk is an unlikely choice to play an Indian. Jimi Mistry does a solid job. Irrfan Khan is masterful as both the villain and as the closest friend. The movie does lack the scale at times, and the cinematography needs better style. It's a small Canadian production that is punching well above its weight.

A Nutshell Review: Parition

[DICK STEEL · 10/10 · 30 April 2007]

Purists who were up in arms about Chinese actresses playing Japanese characters like in Memoirs of the Geisha will probably flip again at the portrayals of Indians by non-Indian actors, and could cite again similar examples whether the country of origin lacked capable actors to pull the roles off (Of course not, this is Bollywood we're talking about, certainly no lack of actors). But hey, this is a Canadian production, and those detractors were likely to have some axe to grind with Hollywood-ized versions of such movies, leaving this movie alone. Or maybe the subject matter explored here outweighed such negative, meaningless, counterproductive thoughts and arguments.

Journeying back to the time of the British withdrawal from India, one of the policies introduced during the independence, is this little handiwork done by the British, which had the population at the time segregate themselves into Hindu India, and Muslim Pakistan. This led to migration of scores of people to either side of the partitioning, and with it came religious tensions, and mindless massacres from both sides. This movie through its narrative was no holds barred on this criticism, even though it too boiled down to misunderstandings and intolerance from both groups of people.

Partition is a movie that I recommend, even though it's draped with heavy melodrama. Perhaps it's because it's a Romeo and Juliet type of story, with our protagonists not from feuding families, but from different religions. Gian Singh (Jimi Mistry) is an ex-soldier serving in the British army, and in his retirement from war, he returns to his village to seek a certain peace from within, after making a decision during the war which he has yet come to terms with. One day, he rescues Naseem Khan (Kristin Kreuk) from a massacre by the Sikhs on the Muslims who were en route to Pakistan, and shields her from his fellow men when they bayed for her blood.

As you might have guessed, the two will fall in love amid the background of violence, and their love will transcend religion, culture, and intolerance. Or will it? There are two acts in this movie, which I thought the second was somewhat hastened, given the idyllic pace which the first had dwelled in, sharing its rich cinematography by writer-director Vic Sarin. The story's development too moved into its fastest gear, especially in the finale which was what one would expect, and yes there were sniffles amongst the audience. What I thought was treaded quite superficially (and I suppose it was perhaps on purpose) was the dealing of religion, that it can be flipped flopped so easily. Perhaps herein laid a message that love will transcend that as well, given that after all, God is also about love?

Like how The Namesake made me sit up and take notice of Kal Penn, Partition had the same effect for Jimi Mistry. Best known for his comedic The Guru role in which he plays a "sexpert", he's almost unrecognizable under that thick beard, and gave a very strong performance as a man haunted by his past, and finding a future with a loved one, willing to make extreme sacrifices for his family. Kristin Kreuk, in her second movie outing after her bimbotic role in Eurotrip, brings a more Smallville's Lana Lang-ish appeal to her character here, as she pines for the loves of her life, and lets those tears roll. No, she doesn't look a bit like your typical Pakistani girl, but yes, her beauty helps illuminate the screen. It's strange though to see her try her best to put on a believable accent, and mannerisms right down to head movements, but she looks good in those saris!

I was surprised to see Irfan Khan in a bit role here, having enjoyed his performance also in The Namesake, and Neve Campbell and John Light rounded up the supporting roles, with Neve's Margaret Stilwell a character whom I thought was a tragic one, no doubt if you interpreted as her still holding onto the candle for Gian, without him realizing, probably consciously aware that their status and skin colour are too different to have resulted in anything fruitful.

With a one track beautiful theme song, lush sceneries, and wonderful performances, Partition is a surprise of the week, and over here, it's two screen release doesn't do it much justice. Should you want to watch a love story set against a historical background which still has repercussions until this very day, then make it a point not to miss this.

Mehta's 'Earth' is the better choice for partition story

[paddlin_jones · 6/10 · 28 April 2008]

I was surprised to see that much of the film had been filmed close to Vancouver, BC. The set dressers, I thought did a great job to create what easily passed to my eye as India. While there were other aspects of the film that I enjoyed, I think that Deepa Mehta's film 'Earth' is a better rendering of the partition story and better communicates the situation. It is the intellectually deeper of the two films with much more meat on its bones. 'Partition' came across a little light-weight in that regard. The mixed race love story is clichéd though the origins of this one seem credible; it does leave a few open questions as to just how (in)tolerant the various ethnicities involved were at the time.

Interesting and odd mish-mash!

[ajji-2 · 5/10 · 18 June 2007]

Here's an oddball mix: A Canadian film dealing with a Sikh-Muslim love story set against the partition of India in 1947, with Kristin Kreuk playing the lead Muslim girl (Naseem), Neve Campbell playing a British Indian, and everyone – from the villagers to the city folk, despite being mostly uneducated - speaking English of various accent!!! The director (himself of Kashmiri descent) has SOME gall, I must say.

The camera loves Kreuk, as it should, and surprisingly enough, she gets the physical nuances right. Campbell also gives one of her more subtle performances, but the standout here is Jimi Mistry as the Sikh ex-soldier. The central love story is nothing new (the film seems like a different handling of the loud, crude, jingoistic, and ultimately inferior Indian film Gadar), and no aspect of it covers any new ground. There are some moments of poignancy and warmth, but the director moves the story along with broad strokes, instead of letting it flow and fleshing out the surrounding events. As it stands, it is all quite predictable, and some of the dialogue is atrocious. Many characters (notably Naseem's family) come across as shallow and are simply used as stereotypes, so there goes any complexity that might have been developed.

There are some beautiful shots throughout, and thankfully there are no musical interludes (which would have been likely if the film had been made in Bollywood). The child actor was also good, and I wish we could have seen more of Irrfan Khan than the bit part he plays. The scene where Naseem dances in the rain with only a shirt on, is pure fantasy on the director's part, and nobody kissed that openly back in the 40s and 50s, even married couples. A reality check was in order, Mr. Sarin.

Still, despite the hodge-podge of ideas and unrealistic scenes, the film is watchable, and even moving at times. But it could easily have been much better, and the backdrop of cultural conflict deserves a more in-depth, intelligent handling.

Excellent

[sidney-27 · 10/10 · 11 February 2007]

The whole theater broke into applause at the end. Partition is spectacular, intense and well made all 'round. The actors all shine, the photography is excellent and the story is well told. It gives great insight into the creation of Pakistan and it's break from India in the late 40's.

While Canadians have made some great movies of late and a lot of talent comes out of Canada, many of their movies are small stories (with the exception of Atom Agoyan's films) but as a movie, this for us is probably the best move ever made in Canada, and one of the best we've seen from anywhere this year. I hope it gets wide distribution.

Partition Historically incorrect

[Singh1699 · 6/10 · 11 February 2008]

As we are well aware, movies are not set out to be a direct incorporation of history, but it is a disgrace when a movie is made which has absolutely little to no correlation. I wish the director and/or the screen writer had done his/her research in this topic. All this movie does is create a forum for hate between people, while causing a rift that should not be there. This movie portrayed the Sikhs and Muslims in a very negative manor, while making the third group (Hindus) look as if they were non existent in the brutal killings of the people of both nations. The inaccuracies, coupled with the sear disregard for one's faith as portrayed by 'Gian Singh' was a disgrace to the highest format. Though on a more positive note, the actors did a great job in acting in their roles. Both Kristen K and Neve C played their rolls exceptionally. I hope those that watch this movie do not see or use it as a template for the actual historical event.

I hope u haven't seen gadar.

[sharma-devashish · 4/10 · 12 June 2008]

I seem to be disagreeing with a lot of folks here. but I really did not find this movie as scintillating as the reviews I read claimed. It was no doubt a touching story and the partition background provided the scope for an epic. but, the movie was a let down. specially for neone who has seen 'gadar'. inspite of the lead being played by sunny deol and the incessant songs, I must say gadar is the better of the two. the story being virtually the same. partition failed to create any depth in its characters as well as the scenes that were supposed to hav an impact. over looking kristin kruek's accent and the smallvile image, which in itself wasn't an easy job. the characters just did not seem too real. not that I am criticizing the acting by any of the lead. it just did not work. the atmosphere was well drawn up, but the movie really lacked in substance. not that I am die hard rambo fan, but some action cud have seen the movie through, or some character development. it all seemed like a rush to the finish. and the ending only added to the viewers dissatisfaction.

nonetheles, I must say that it was at least a good effort in seemingly unfamiliar territory by the director. and if U haven't seen gadar, then u mite even like it.

Heart Wrenching

[ajaybirchahal · 10/10 · 30 December 2010]

Its very similar to a good Hindi movie Gaddar and an awesome Punjabi movie- Shaheed e mohabbat but still this movie is unique in its own way. The acting performances are flawless. Portrayal of a Sikh in this movie is amongst most authentic one ever in any movie. Movie moves at a good pace. The casting is very appropriate. In short this movie is a hidden gem which I found on Netflix. I wish this movie gets the recognition it deserves. The character of Gyan is portrayed excellently. The Canadian girl playing Naseem bears resemblance to another actress Kalki Koechlin. I knew the movie is fiction but I could not help praying for a happy ending. A must watch for anyone moved by well made movies with good scripts.

Vic Sarin's Partition is an absolute masterpiece

[david-2433 · 10/10 · 10 July 2007]

Vic Sarin's Partition is an absolute masterpiece in cinematography, with a compelling continuing story of emotions, historical cultural divides summarized by the human need to love and be loved regardless of the events of the world around us. A masterpiece in independent film-making in epic proportions Vic is an absolute master of his art, through the medium of film he has bought alive the mainly forgotten and least acknowledge problems of the on-going situation on the India and Pakistan borders. His actors are pure actors from the heart and take us on a unforgettable journey as their story unfolds. I was left with a true value of life and everlasting love. Move over Hollywood, this is a must see film…..

Partition is a rip of Gadar

[scherieb · 19 April 2008]

SO i just watched this movie and its a total rip-off from an Indian movie called Gadar- Released sometime in 2000. I can't believe they would applaud a director for lifting his story line and scenes from an Indian movie. People need to go see the original to realize how fake and unconvincing this version is. The introduction of small affectations in the movie are so unconvincing and fall flat- Eg Putar. The whole movie seems like an act. The worst off is the female character who lacks depth and emotional display in her characterization.

All they did was change the end a little- from the two movies, and introduced a few Brit characters.

The movie was a waste, including some unnecessary scenes. Its almost as if the Director had the original Gadar movie which he kept watching and decided to make his movie and change it a little according to his whims and whissals.

A terrible waste. You can't have non-Indian characters playing the role of an Indian, and appear convincing. Somebody should go see The Namesake, and see what a fine story can be told using Indian Actors. This movie is a farce and a waste of time. The characters are unconvincing as is the dialog.

Terrible - Don't watch... ever.

[vebkumar · 2/10 · 3 October 2007]

I tried watching this movie, but I didn't make it past the first 15 minutes. It's a terrible disappointment, considering the cast, but I can't look past the fact that the dialogue is in English and some of the actors pretending to be Indian are not even close (read: Kristin Kreuk). Considering that India alone has 1/6th of the world's population and one of the biggest movie industries, I don't think it would have been hard for the film-makers to have found an excellent Indian actress to play the part. And I don't say so because of some blind patriotism, but because it's absolutely and totally absurd for a non-Indian to play the role of an Indian/Pakistani. Now some people say that 'as long as she's convincing who cares?' but my point is exactly that she's NOT convincing and never can be - not due to her acting skills, but due to her ethnicity. For example, however good an actor Tom Hanks may be, he'll never be able to play an Australian Aborigine!

But that is still minor to the biggest faux pas the film-makers made: having the dialogue in English. It totally destroys the mood, as well as any semblance of authenticity. Had the same movie been made in native languages (Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi) with English subtitles, this may have been an excellent movie. Unfortunately, as things stand, I would not recommend anyone seeing it, apart from film students who want to study "What not to do" in movies.

Small budget = Fantastic Movie

[stephengraley · 10/10 · 4 June 2007]

What an amazing breathe of fresh air this film was, following the start of the summer bandwagon of Rubbish comes a small movie that proves budget & stars does not always mean success, look at the less promoted titles also.

I must admit that i did not realise like i am sure a lot of people the intense hatred between the Sikhs and the Muslims at this period of time. I being white and married to a Indian girl myself had a very big interest in this movie and although i found the film amazing it did not historically shed any light on what i did not know about this point in time. The slaughter of both the Sikhs and Muslims was graphic and the cinematography was fantastic.

The only down side to this spectacular movie was giving a role to Neeve Campbell, the British accent was laughable. Mistry and Kreuk were brilliant with Mistry putting in an alround stunning performance.

The story keeps you entertained the whole time and you do not know what the ending has in store. I being an old romantic was waiting for a happy ending but you see for yourself. I can only strongly recommend this as a must watch film, a stunning film from story, score, performances, i just cannot fault it. You will see little better and a lot worse this year so please go and enjoy this film as thats what cinema is there for, enjoyment.

Attractively filmed but strange casting

[phd_travel · 4/10 · 18 July 2017]

This is mainly a love story set amidst the 40s partition. It's about a Sikh man and a Muslim woman. To those unfamiliar with the politics and religion in India many not even know that there was such animosity between those religious groups in India so it's quite enlightening.

Production values are good. Liked the cinematography - pretty scenes of flowers and sunsets. The massacres are shown but not too graphically. The casting is strange for the lead actresses. What were they thinking casting a half Chinese half Dutch as an Indian Muslim. Kristen Kreuk tried hard with accent and all but her looks were just so off. Neve Campbell also seems out of place as a British woman in India in the 40s. Even though she tries to put on an accent, she just seems fake. Didn't like the ending. It was unnecessarily tragic and contrived.

Not a great movie but worth one watch if you are interested in the subject matter but prepared for a rather trying love story.

The union of Muslim and Sikh

[zakali4u · 8/10 · 25 August 2007]

More films like this should be made and the sexual content should be removed so younger people can watch it and understand the reason why people were slaughtered in Pakistan and India.

People were slaughtered for being either Muslim, Sikh or Hindu and Christan's were not spared either. If a Sikh killed a Muslim a Muslim would kill a Sikh. It was a disgusting vicious cycle.

This film really revolves around the central two characters Jimi Mistry, a Sikh and Kristin Kreuk, a Muslim, whom fall in love, at a time when Muslims and Sikh are dividing.

The story follows there love for one another and kind of emphasises the point love is greater than religion or any other divide that segregate people.

Neve Campbell and Irrfan Khan also support the cast superbly.

Lovely film. Worth watching.

[ajayludra · 9/10 · 9 June 2011]

Partition was a lovely film, very tastefully set in picturesque locales. Being an Indian, in India, I wonder about the authenticity of the story. Sirsa, the centre of the the story, where Gian belongs, is not the everyday city of erstwhile Punjab that one would have expected a non-Indian movie to talk of. Is this story true, then? The trivia that hints at fiction are:

Gian's son is named Vijay, a non-Sikh name, even if the marriage was of two people of differing religions, one does not expect that the child would be named on a third religion.

Sirsa is not so close to the border that people from Delhi were required to cross over to Pakistan on foot - when the massacre takes place.

Sirsa is also in the very arid west. Naseem could not have managed to get into a monsoon jungle within 500-km from Sirsa.

Sirsa is no where surrounded by hills - it is flat land till as far as the eye can see.

These trivial aberrations apart, the story is so well cinematographed, that it takes a second viewing to locate the glitches, which are meaningless, actually. Even so, I am sure the director, Mr Vic Sarin has heard of a story from his father or uncle, which was the simple basis of this lovely production.

Highly recommended for the above-average viewer.

Superb acting/very authentic 1947 set.

[zool786 · 5/10 · 2 March 2006]

i played an extra in this movie as a street vendor of vegetables and fruit/scene in fireworks diwali celebration. The set in East Vancouver was constructed very authentically. The direction by VIC SARIN was very competent. The camera-work was superb. Diwali(divali) is the Indian fireworks event to celebrate the return of the Goddess Sita (God Ram's kidnapped wife) from the clutches of the demon RAVAN with the aid of the monkey king, Hanuman. The costumes were as worn by the British Army in India and the street replication was genuine. The carpet /sari/clothing and produce kiosks were colorful. The gunpowder blowup was absolutely frightening-- even on the set.!!!

Finally, Neve Rises; Beautiful Take on Star Crossed Love

[metrobiz · 10/10 · 16 January 2012]

This is a very good film on nearly all levels - and ultimately powerfully moving. Much better than the more promoted India-set films, like "Darjeeling Limited" (2 stars) & the Julia Roberts vanity piece "Eat, Pray, Love."

A tale relatable to our times, the underlying hatreds more true than fictional - and the unintended consequences of the arrogance of the English people of the now evaporated British Empire. (This reviewer's ancestry is English.) The actors should be grateful to have had such excellent material and production value, finally, in their careers, especially Neve Campbell, who rises in a lovely restrained perf to her natural assets (instead of the "When Will I Be Loved" James Tobak-type- clapcrap).

The score is lovely, too, appropriate to the near epic nature of the story - an updated take on star-crossed love and its ... well, watch ... An under-promoted gem here.

Partition and GADAR

[milkygalaxy · 10 November 2009]

Partition is a copy of Hindi blockbuster Gadar which released on 2001.

I must say GADAR is the better movie because of its fast pacing action, hard hitting dialogues. Partition lacked both action and dialogues.

The atrocities to Muslim girl when she returns to Pakistan are well shown in GADAR.

Since it was about India-Pakistan,there should have been lot of actors from the sub-continent. The Muslim girl played by Kreuk was just satisfactory.

The film does not properly explains why he kills Andrew.

Go and check out GADAR...and leave your comments again...