Product Details

• Actors: Lisa Ray, Sheetal Sheth, Antonia Frering, Dalip Tahil, Nina Wadia
• Directors: Shamim Sarif
• Format: Color, DVD, Import, NTSC
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Enlightenment Films
• DVD Release Date: August 22, 2009
• Run Time: 175 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (42 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B002APNBYU
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #29,548 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Both films masterpieces in separate realms-Must owns!, July 24, 2009

By 

:::DIGITAL BABE::: ":::DIGITAL BABE:::" - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: I Can't Think Straight / World Unseen (DVD)

First, let me say that I first became familiar with Shamim Sarif's work, while visiting the Philadelphia Gay Film Festival over the last few years. This will be long, as I ABSOLUTELY LOVE both films, and can't recommend them enough for some humor, realistic drama and a journey beyond any existing borders of the mind. As a connoisseur of hi-definition films, and a wide variety of domestic and world cinema, these are 2 that absolutely NEED to be on Blu-Ray! The colors and visual depictions in both films pop right off the screen and are begging for this treatment!
My partner of 10 years and I have become life-long fans of Shamim's work, as this writer/director has captured our hearts and souls with relevant and poignant storylines that could serve as crossover projects for the mainstream media. I believe the latter is crucial in engaging America and the world in a dialogue of equality which transcends sexuality or gender.

***SPOILER ALERT***

THE WORLD UNSEEN:
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For me, this film is a stunning, visual masterpiece, based on the book of the same name. The sweeping visual landscape, and texture and layers of the setting, costumes, characters and lifestyle are simply magnificent and breathtaking. The film also masterfully captures the inhumanity, humiliation, cruelty and robbing of dignity caused by the laws of the period.

It is a period piece, set in 1950's South Africa and tells the heartfelt and heart-breaking story of two women who find each other under during a chance encounter which awakens an emotional connection that ultimately unites them in heart, mind and soul. This occurs during a time period, where mixed race relationships are considered criminal, and the country has taken for granted that this should be acceptable. That is, except for those that characters that fight to revolt against this, and believe in equality.

This includes Amina, the rebellious, courageous character (Sheetal Sheth) who ultimately reminds Miriam (Lisa Ray)-an oppressed and abused housewife, who has lost herself and her interests, in her "role"- that she the latter has the strength to stand on her own and be who she wants to be-personally and professionally. Both Sheetal Sheth and Lisa Ray do an incredible job of conveying their individual plights on screen-sometimes with little spoken word and an artistic journey that entrenches you into their quiet pain, caused by the situation. Their scenes are some of the most skillful, yearning and heart-wrenching I have ever seen.

The story is told with such subtle and emotional complexity that I've rarely seen on film. Many feelings are conveyed with glances, the score itself, and unsaid words, which make this film incredibly powerful. Although the film leaves much implied, I was completely captivated by the power of the performances of the leads, as well as the supporting cast. I learned a great deal about the time period, as well as how much courage each character had to find within him/herself to ultimately emerge independent and dignified.

Amina is playful, bold, flirty and powerful and Miriam is reserved, curious and taken with Amina and all that she represents. There is passionate chemistry between the two female leads, who ultimately risk everything to grasp that which is most important-love for each other and for life and happiness. The film has an open end, but keen viewers can deduce the outcome and will remember this powerful story forever. This is the winner of numerous awards, including the official selection at the Toronto Film Festival & London Film Festival. Do not miss this film!

***SPOILER ALERT***

I CAN'T THINK STRAIGHT-
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This has taken its spot among my favorite romantic comedies of all time. The soundtrack was up-tempo, fun and playful. The colors, costumes and set design where expertly integrated, and both this, and THE WORLD UNSEEN should be re-released on Blu-Ray (yes, I said that already!). The look of both films is amazing and begs for hi-definition treatment.

This time Shamim Sarif uses humor effectively to shed light on the cultural taboo of being in a same sex relationship. She re-casts Lisa Ray as the confident, bold and seductive Tala, working on her own business, opposite Sheetal Sheth as Leila, the shy, beautiful and insightful writer, and object of Tala's affections.

Together they explore this very forbidden, but inevitable love, and find their way to each other, with each other's help. But on the way, they are aided by friends in very humorous situations, and hindered by family members, still loyal to reserved tradition. The soundtrack is virtually its own character, as it includes catchy and sexy songs ranging from ethnic to ballad, which compliment Tala and Leila's journey perfectly.

The cultural taboo of being in this relationship is a relatable conundrum that many same sex couples have faced, and despite this film's focus on Jordanian and Indian cultures, the overarching theme of being threatened, disowned and shunned by family is universal and sadly, very relevant. All of the characters are funny and charming, and the dialogue is hilarious and smart, but never preachy. I found it particularly interesting how the fathers in both THE WORLD UNSEEN and I CAN'T THINK STRAIGHT were overall very supportive-another rare depiction, given the theme and cultures depicted.

Again, Shamim Sarif achieves the kind of crossover appeal, whether intentional or not, that allows the universal themes of unstoppable love to trump the sometimes "hot button" issues of gender, political and sexual orientation components. Both leads and the entire supporting cast envelop us with hope, laughter and inspiration. This is another wonderful achievement in bringing another one of her books to life on the screen. We love this movie, and have viewed it several times-each time picking up another funny line of dialogue and rooting for the characters all over again. We actually already owned it on DVD as it was released in the UK first. Yet, given the fantastic performances of these two actresses in THE WORLD UNSEEN, we saw I CAN'T THINK STRAIGHT at the '09 Philly Gay Film Festival again, and several times since then.
These two films are truly must sees and the behind the scenes extras on both dvd's are great additions.

Regardless of your sexual orientation, or interest in the genres, I highly recommend these 2 pieces as examples of genius book to film transitions and films that stand on their own (I've not read the books yet), that deliver a poignant message of hope, equality, inspiration and entertainment. A special thank you to the director & writer for using her incredible talent to portray courageous, memorable and complex characters and real stories with universal themes![...]

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Positive lesbian movies, September 12, 2009

By 

Bomb (OZ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: I Can't Think Straight / World Unseen (DVD)

Don't be confused by the box set, these are two different films that are beautifully directed. I bought this box set just a few days ago and immediately felt in love with it. This box set will left you wanting for more.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Can't think straight +world unseen, January 23, 2010

By 

Deanna A (missouri) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: I Can't Think Straight / World Unseen (DVD)

This combo DVD pack is a great way to support women film makers. The DVD I Can't think straight presents a diverse view of the lesbian experience. Production values were slightly better than many lesbian films. The DVD World Unseen presents a interesting story from a moment in time in South Africa's history and a perspective that is not often seen in mainstream media. I think both DVD are a cut above the usual fair of lesbian movies you can find available.