Fire (1996)

87% of critics liked it
(23 reviews)
80% of users liked it
(6,629 ratings)

In this India-set Canadian drama, two disparate wives related by marriage and united at first by the oppressiveness of Indian tradition that relegates them to miserable unions, find solace and love in each other's arms. The film opens as an unhappy young couple, Jatin and Sita, fumble through a… More In this India-set Canadian drama, two disparate wives related by marriage and united at first by the oppressiveness of Indian tradition that relegates them to miserable unions, find solace and love in each other's arms. The film opens as an unhappy young couple, Jatin and Sita, fumble through a conversation. Neither wanted to marry each other, but as it was arranged by Jatin's family, they had no choice. Marriage does not stop Jatin, who owns a video store, from continuing his long-time love affair with a Chinese hairdresser. Caring nothing for Sita, he doesn't even try to hide the affair. Jatin's brother Ashok (who forced Jatin's marriage) is married to Radha. Deeply frustrated at her inability to conceive, he has joined a radical cult that forbids all sexual contact. Ashok and Jatin's demanding mother doesn't help matters nor does the family's twisted servant Mundu. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 1 hr. 44 min.
Directed By: Deepa Mehta
Written By: Deepa Mehta
Genres: Drama, Romance, Art House & International, Gay & Lesbian

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1996 Wide
On DVD: Jul 11, 2000
Studio: New Yorker

Critic Reviews

Tom Keogh, Film.com
Mehta's larger goal -- demystifying India -- is powerfully, unsettlingly realized.
Joe Baltake, Sacramento Bee
Works because it doesn't come off as a lofty diatribe but actually mixes humor with its pathos.
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
The film has a seductive resonance.
Lawrence Van Gelder, New York Times
Fire may be a film, but its story of frustrated desires, love-starved women and the stifling bonds of tradition makes it resemble one of those fat best-selling novels that can fill a summer day at the beach with hours of undemanding pleasure.
Jeff Millar, Houston Chronicle
Mehta's direction of her unusually intimate film is delicate. The acting is notably good, especially from Azmi.
Mary Brennan, Film.com
The pieces don't all work perfectly, but the whole is gently affecting.
Jay Antani, Cinema Writer
Fire lights its spark beautifully
John A. Nesbit, Old School Reviews
should spark interest in India's modern culture even if it doesn't satisfy those who think a lesbian love affair should burn more explicitly
Steve Rhodes, Internet Reviews
Although the acting is pleasant enough, the script by the director suffers from a paucity of ideas. His characters are handsomely outlined but never adequately filled in.
Rachel Malik, Sight and Sound
One of the most powerful achievements of Fire is to represent a form of desire which is not an escape, but a political challenge.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
A compelling drama set in India about the boundlessness of desire.
Shlomo Schwartzberg, Boxoffice Magazine
In its quiet way, Fire packs an emotional wallop.
Bruce Kirkland, Jam! Movies
A sensuous visual experience, thanks to the collaboration between cinematographer Giles Nuttgens and Mehta.
David Parkinson, Empire Magazine
Audacious, yet sensitive, Fire may shock traditionalists but might well win Indian cinema a whole new audience.

Read all 14 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Leigh R

Tried over and over, but could not get into this film.
Leo L

This is a favorite of mine. I love the plot and admire the characters for their bravery. This film is definitely a remarkable insight into the lives of two beautiful women. A great film!