Earth (1998)

83% of critics liked it
(36 reviews)
84% of users liked it
(5,145 ratings)

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, Parsee, and Muslim share a peaceful co-existence. Events are seen from the point of view of… More 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, Parsee, 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

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 48 min.
Directed By: Deepa Mehta
Written By: Deepa Mehta, Deepa Mehta Saltzman
Genres: Art House & International, Drama

In Theaters: Sep 10, 1999 Limited
On DVD: Apr 15, 2003
Studio: Zeitgeist Films

Critic Reviews

John A. Nesbit, Old School Reviews
penetrating portrait that cannot be ignored or ever forgotten

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Wahida K

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 he… More
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 he made many failure when directing.
Leigh R

Fascinating.
Bruce B

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… More
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 through 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.
Ross C

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.
Leo L

This is one installment in the collection of Deepa Mephta's film. This is truly a great film, very touching!
Krystle C

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!

Read all 6 featured audience ratings

Cast

            Aamir Khan as Dil Nawaz Ice Candy Man

            Nandita Das as Ayah Shanta

            Rahul Khanna as Hasan

            Maia Sethna as Lenny

            Kitu Gidwani as Bunty Sethna

            Kulbhushan Kharbanda as Imam Din

            Arif Zakaria as Rustom Sethna

            Gulshan Grover as Mr. Singh

            Eric Peterson as Mr. Rogers

            Shabana Azmi as Older Lenny (Voice)

            Raghubir Yadav as Hari

            Alwin Arifen as Refugee Boy

            Jaaved Jaaferi as Radio Announcer

            Bapsi Sidhwa as Older Lenny

            Nurul Islam Bablu as Chotay

            Antonio Minnecola Hussain as Muslim Man Quartered

            Navtej Singh Johar as Sher Singh

            Pavan Malhotra as Butcher

            Sunil Mehra as Toto Ramji

            Bobby Singh as Yousaf

            Kabir Chowdhry as Cousin Adi

            Lauren Walker as Mrs. Rogers

            Cinia Jain as Mrs. Singh

            Roshan Banu as Papoo

            Radhika Singh as Muchoo

            Varun Mehta as Boy at Bioscope

            Mahosh Gahalot as Muslim Father

            Gitanjili Chopra as Muslim Mother

            Sahiba Chopra as Daughter

            Sia Chopra as Daughter

            Annabelle as Daughter

            Sandeep Singh as Little Sick Boy

            Rahul Ram as Young Sikh Man

            Ravinder Kumar as Young Muslim Man

            Veer Prakash Nayar as Papoo's Groom

            Rajendra Kumar as Refugee Police

            Ashok Jain as Refugee Police

            Pradeep Kapoor as Station Master

            Malani Ramani as Cousin Adi's Mother

            Mohini Mathur as Sher Singh's Mother

            Mayura Baweja as Sher Singh's Sister

            Madhavendra as Mob Leader

            Mohammed Irahad as Mob Member

            Sagar Zakhmi as Mob Member

            Avinash Nimeshswami as Mob Member

            Nagesh Salwan as Mob Member

            Adil Sheikh as Mob Member

            Anil Prakash as Mob Member

            Vinod Nahardi as Mob Member

            Raghuvir Yadav
            
See full cast