On the other hand, this movie was very powerful due to the idea that women can imagine something different for themselves, despite traditional structures that are oppressive, and despite what some might consider the insidious influences of patriarchy. This is why the film constantly returns to Rhada's attempt to envisage the ocean. So long as she can't imagine the ocean, she can't imagine a situation different for herself. The most powerful scene in this film was when Rhada declared that she "desires to live." Similarly, Sita seems to imagine something different for herself when she dresses in Jhatin's clothes. Wearing his clothes seem to empower her in a way that wearing her sari does not.

While some might tout this end of this film as a triumph for Western values, I really think this film took the approach of Third World feminism, that there are other ways to create a woman friendly situation.

Fire lit up my evening (Rating: 5.00)
Review : I thought the filming was wonderful and the cinemotography was beautiful. There was a great balance between the storyline of the two falling in love with each other and the storyline of the caste system in India and repression of female desires by males in their society.

An absorbing, believable lesbian love story (Rating: 5.00)
Review : I thoroughly enjoyed "Fire" for several reasons. It's a believable love story about two women who live in a culture in which homosexuality is not accepted and choose to be with each other anyway. The characters are genuine, and the glimpse into the cultural struggles they faced was heartmoving. It was not cheesy or cliched, which is refreshing. Highly recommended!

The Unforgettable Fire (Rating: 5.00)
Review : It haunted me. I could not get the movie out of my mind for days. The story, with its tension, passion, and, frankly, eroticism, was amazing. As an Indian woman raised in the U.S., exposed to Western cinema and its free exploration of controversial issues, I could not believe such a movie could be made by an Indian cast,(expatriot)Indian director, and heavily Indian crew. The acting and cinematography was mesmerizing. The radiant Shabana Azmi, a true legend, and the beautiful Nandita Das portray their characters with a genuineness and bravery not often seen and never surpassed. Their displays of love and longing were probably the most passionate I've seen in cinema- of any genre. Without a doubt, this is one of the finest, and probably the most thought-provoking, films made by anyone in India or her diaspora. I am proud such a film has finally been made; and hopeful it will let India finally confront the changes occuring in its society.

an amazing movie (Rating: 4.00)
Review : i don't know how familiar mr. maltin is with indian film-making, or whether he has ever stepped outside the rather narrow set of film expectations with which we as americans are raised, but to call this a 'ho-hum lesbian drama' indicates a total lack of perception. this movie is an amazing work on so many levels, not only because it challenges an entire social system, but because of the quality of the acting and the sensitivity of the screenplay to the problems faced by everyone in the movie. The men are not simply chauvinists, they're as trapped as the women; and this isn't a 'lesbian movie;' it addresses complex issues surrounding marriage and relationships, and although it is also a love story, it conveys something much deeper about liberty and identity. Azmi and Das do a wonderful job conveying the blossoming relationship, and the actors who play their respective husbands also deserve applause, as does Deepa Mehta for making this film. See it.