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Aamir Khan, Nandita Das, Rahul Khanna, Maia Sethna, Kitu Gidwani ... see more see more... , Kulbhushan Kharbanda , Arif Zakaria , Gulshan Grover , Eric Peterson , Shabana Azmi , Raghubir Yadav , Alwin Arifen , Jaaved Jaaferi , Bapsi Sidhwa , Nurul Islam Bablu , Antonio Minnecola Hussain , Navtej Singh Johar , Pavan Malhotra , Sunil Mehra , Bobby Singh , Kabir Chowdhry , Lauren Walker , Cinia Jain , Roshan Banu , Radhika Singh , Varun Mehta , Mahosh Gahalot , Gitanjili Chopra , Sahiba Chopra , Sia Chopra , Annabelle , Sandeep Singh , Rahul Ram , Ravinder Kumar , Veer Prakash Nayar , Rajendra Kumar , Ashok Jain , Pradeep Kapoor , Malani Ramani , Mohini Mathur , Mayura Baweja , Madhavendra , Mohammed Irahad , Sagar Zakhmi , Avinash Nimeshswami , Nagesh Salwan , Adil Sheikh , Anil Prakash , Vinod Nahardi , Raghuvir Yadav

Deepa Mehta directed this Indian-Canadian romantic drama, the second part of a trilogy. Based on Bapsi Sidhwa's autobiography, Cracking India, the story is set in 1947 in Lahore, where Hindu, Sikh, Pa... read more read more...rsee, and Muslim share a peaceful co-existence. Events are seen from the point of view of eight-year-old Lenny (Maia Sethna), a girl from an affluent Parsee family. Lenny's nanny, Shantya (Nandita Das), is involved with the Muslim Masseur (Rahul Khanna). When a train of Muslims arrives at the local depot and all the passengers are found murdered, the various sects turn against each other, and the city is soon aflame. Shown at the 1998 Toronto Film Festival. ~ Bhob Stewart, Rovi

Flixster Users

84% liked it

5,145 ratings

Critics

83% liked it

36 critics

Unrated, 1 hr. 48 min.

Directed by: Deepa Mehta

Release Date: September 10, 1999

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DVD Release Date: April 15, 2003

Stats: 328 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (328)


  • December 11, 2009
    It is based upon some real events, the Movie was just a Flop and I quit watching after 20 minutes. There was another Movie based up same events directed by Aamir Khan himself in mids 90`s Earth 1942 and I couldnt see any difference. Aamir Khan is a great director but mid`s 90`s... read more he made many failure when directing.
  • August 11, 2009
    Fascinating.
  • January 22, 2009
    This is a movie about when Britain stopped ruling India, and the nation was split in two to form India and Pakistani, it taught me as to why those two nations don't get along, It taught me a lot of things I never knew or that they never taught me in high school, story is told thr... read moreough the eyes of a young girl. This is this Directors second movie, I have seen Water and that movie is worth seeing as is this movie. The women from India are beautiful that?s for sure, not only in this movie but in real life. Also the food is grate. Can only give it 3 1/2 star, as water was 4 stars. Also this Director buts out the movie Fire which I wish to see. I rented this one, but will not add to my collection as I believe it to be a one time watch only.
  • August 27, 2008
    An interesting account of the period around the independence of India, portraying, in a personal way, the devastating effect of the country's separation on the various communities, Sikh, Hindu, Muslim and Parsi, in Lahore at the time.
  • December 31, 2007
    This is one installment in the collection of Deepa Mephta's film. This is truly a great film, very touching!
  • March 2, 2006
    Stunning and highly accessible to people who don't watch a lot of foreign flicks. Mehta's portrayal of India on the verge of division is chilling and powerful. Wonderful cast!
  • October 21, 2008
    Deepa Mehta scores again in this beautifully shot movie about the Partition beween India and Pakistan and how religious zealousness can fuel an already out of control fire. Nandita Das and Aamir Khan really shine.
  • August 22, 2007
    Like Water, Earth is another fascinating story about the people of India, this time during the formation of Pakistan.

Critic Reviews


John A. Nesbit
May 9, 2006
John A. Nesbit, Old School Reviews

penetrating portrait that cannot be ignored or ever forgotten Full Review

Joshua Tanzer
April 29, 2003
Joshua Tanzer, Offoffoff

Ultimately becomes a stunning exploration of the blackness of the human heart. Full Review

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
August 21, 2002
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice

Goes straight to the heart with its mix of romantic love, friendship, passion and political turmoil. Full Review

Dennis Schwartz
January 1, 2000
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews

There was a certain power that could not be denied. Full Review

Ross Anthony
January 1, 2000
Ross Anthony, Hollywood Report Card

Cracking India. Full Review

David Noh
January 1, 2000
David Noh, Film Journal International

Has moments of entrancing beauty, as well as nightmarish horror. Full Review

Steve Rhodes
January 1, 2000
Steve Rhodes, Internet Reviews

When bad things happen, they seem distant and unreal so that the events pack little emotional wallop. Full Review

Roger Moore
April 24, 2009
Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel

Click to read the article Full Review

Steven Rea
April 24, 2009
Steven Rea, Philadelphia Inquirer

Click to read the article Full Review

April 23, 2009
Hollywood Reporter

No review available.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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