4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
"I Feel..., Free" ~ Being A Proper Indian Woman In The Face Of Domestic Violence, October 9, 2007
This review is from: Provoked (DVD)
Synopsis: The '07 Eros release `Provoked' is based on a contemporary, real life account dealing about a Punjabi woman (Aishwarya Rai) setting fire to her abusive husband (Naveen Andrews) after suffering ten years of domestic violence at his hands. Her story of abuse goes unheard in the British court of law and she is sentenced to life imprisonment on the charge of first degree murder. This film chronicles her struggle to have her story heard and regain her freedom so she may be reunited with her two children.
The film is a bit and uneven at times but it definitely has its moments. Aishwarya Rai wins the audience over with more than just her amazing eyes and understated beauty. She has proven herself to be quite an accomplished actress. Naveen Andrews is also stellar in the role of her abusive husband. I'm used to seeing him play the good guy so this performance was quite a surprise to me.
`Provoked' is not a great movie, but it is an important one. The storyline deals with an important issue and all involved should be complimented for bringing it to the screen. It's probably not something that won't stand up well to repeat viewings but it's certainly worth of at least one.
My Rating: -3 1/2- Stars.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Woman is the slave of the slaves. Yes she is. Think about it., October 11, 2007
This film seemed very promising at the outset. Although I generally am suspicious of productions based on true stories I was aware of this case from the BBC News and decided to give it a try.
The notion of a film based on true life experiences from within the Indian culture is still rather strange given the hostility of the Indian sub-continent communities to Western interpretations of their customs and traditions. However, it is a sign of the vibrancy of Asian cinema which is holding up those traditions to the light of modern and post-modern views of the world.
The beginning of the movie is very promising where we follow the perpetrator of the attack up the stairs and into the bedroom where oil is doused on the sleeping man. As circumstances unfold we are introduced into the world of the wife as a mere chattel of a husband who treats her as he pleases. For all of the pomp and festivities of the Asian wedding what we discover is a medieval division of labour in a household which degenerates into abuse and humiliation with in-laws turning a blind eye because it is the custom to do so.
The recent incidences of honour killings in the UK as well as the barbaric treatment of the woman who was subjected to multiple rape in Pakistan due to some offence committed by her brother suggests that these experiences still occur, but behind closed doors and silent communities throughout the world.
As the film develops with the wife being imprisoned in the alien world of a woman's prisonwhere she meets antagonism and racialism apparently based upon the ignorance of her way of life is in some ways enlightening. Whilst she becomes the focus of attention of a women's support group organised by more modern Asian women, she is befriended by her cell-mate who, unbeknowns to the rest of us, has a brother who is a high powered lawyer.
Ultimately right wins out and a slight crack appears in the cultural barbarity which many Asian women are confronting each and every day. What I found to be a great let down was the sort of happilly ever after type ending which oddly reflects a scene in the Tall Guy where everyone bands together in support including the prison bully. Very Disneyesque in a goody two shoes sort of way. This really was a major letdown for me in a drama which has significant cultura implications.
This film reminded me very much of movies which came from China in the early years once restrictions were eased. Whereas in those films, difficult social and political situations were addressed in a sensitive way which got the point across, Provoked seemed to miss the opportunity.
Well shot, well acted with a reasonable storyline, I would still recommend this movie. Good but not great but one that should be watched by as many men as possible. Some of the attitudes exposed herein can still be found, particularly among industrial workers, in many western countries. There are lessons there for us all.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
You must see this movie, November 17, 2007
This review is from: Provoked (DVD)
Set in Britain in the late 1980s, a young bride from India with the hopes of a bright future, struggles with her duties as a traditional Indian wife while enduring daily abuse, neglect, torment and dishonor from her alcoholic husband. An empowering story of rebirth, as we see the heroine, rise from the 'ashes' of her burning home and to be liberated as a free woman from being a battered woman. The storyline is compelling, as we see flashbacks as the story unfolds. We are drawn in as her friendship evolves with her close friends in prison, while her pleas are being fought for in the courtroom.
This is a refreshing departure from the mellodramatic musical Bollywood movies that causes us to reflect on the lives of women, from all walks of life and cultures, who struggle daily from the torment of abusive spouses.
This is a must see movie. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS MOVIE.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
