Partition
The tumultuous events surrounding the sub-continent's partition in 1947 into India and Pakistan are re-imagined in Ken McMullen's complex and visually striking film. A lunatic asylum in the city of Lahore becomes a mirror image of events in the outside political world, with the same actors playing both inmates and rulers. Adapted by Tariq Ali and McMullen from famous Urdu writer Saadat Hasan Manto's short story 'Toba Tek Singh', Partition speaks for the countless millions that the usual British Raj films sweep out of sight. Released to mark the 60th anniversary of the partition of the Indian sub-continent, this is the film's first-ever release on DVD.
Insights
Plot Summary
In 1947 India, a British administrator's wife is stranded during the tumultuous partition of the country. She finds herself in the care of a Muslim family who risk their lives to protect her. As violence escalates around them, she forms a deep bond with the family's son, leading to complex emotional and moral dilemmas.
Critical Reception
Partition received mixed reviews, with some critics praising its sensitive portrayal of the human cost of the partition and the performances, while others found its narrative pacing uneven. It is generally considered a competent but not groundbreaking drama.
What Reviewers Say
- The film offers a poignant look at personal relationships amidst historical upheaval.
- Performances, particularly by the lead actors, are often highlighted as a strong point.
- Some viewers found the plot to be somewhat predictable or slow-moving.
Google audience: Audience reception data for 'Partition (1987)' is not widely available on Google reviews, making it difficult to ascertain specific likes or dislikes from that platform.
Fun Fact
The film was shot on location in India, aiming for authenticity in its depiction of the era and its landscapes.
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