Retro Reviewing: "Fire"

I think I'll have to give 'Fire' another try. I only watched it once on a small tv with a too dark picture. Confused the heck out of me because the bad quality meant that half the time I couldn't figure out who was who.

I'm very much loking forward to next weeks review of 'Nina's Heavenly Delights' - it's one of my favorite lesbian movies! You could make it an Indian triology and do 'Chutney Popcorn' in a fortnight.

Loved the L-Word tangent you went off on at the end.

I thought this film was one of the deepest and bravest lesbian films Ive ever seen, and kudos to the writer/director. Definitely well shot and very emotional. Perhaps less male masturbation wouldve been good :-S

Brilliant review as usual, and so glad youre doing Nina's Heavenly Delights, such a good film but best watched with a curry.

Shenny made me cringe, what is Chailken doing?!? Its so out of character for the Shane character that its hillarious.

I love this movie! The women are both incredibly beautiful. Great acting by one of India's Prominent actress. I have seen the movie "at least" 7 times.

Ifa Bumi
Author & Producer, The Liquid Toffee Project
(Coming April 2009)
Quote - I am expatiating the womb of her. - Ifa Bumi
www.myspace.com/liquidtoffee

I was surprised to find out this movie was made in 96. It is just so great. Although the masturbating was high on my squick factor. I think everyone could have done without that. I loved all the allusions to fire and passion too. I didn't know about the whole element thing like you mentioned Water. I'll be sure to check that out. Thanx for another awesome review. And happy early Valentine's day. 

Also, the L word tangent was funny. Some of you guys definately arn't keeping up with the drama. As for Shenny....roflmfao.   

I am my very own shade of grey.

.... just had to say!

Amazing review as always  -  i swear this programme is responsible for 90% of the lesbian-ish films i have seen!

This movie was pleasantly suprising. I was expecting something much lower in quality. I am very suprised that they were able to make this film, it's always a plus when filmmakers push boundries and do something new. I am definitely going to watch Water.  Loved the review, as always. I am looking forward to your review of Nina's Heavenly Delights. 

"Life... is like a grapefruit. It's orange and squishy, and has a few pips in it, and some folks have half a one for breakfast." Douglas Adams

I really liked that movie. I guess it's because I wasn't expecting anything when I picked it. I just try to watch as many G&L movies as I can. I liked the two main actresses. When I learned about what happened to the moviemaker when the film came out, it made me like it even more.

"Honi soit qui mal y pense."

okay, so when i first saw "Fire" all i could do for three days straight was laugh. When the older lady was like "...and in front of BeeGee, how could you?!?" i thought it was the most hilarious shit ever! the movie was okay, maybe it would have been better had the two main characters had some real sex scenes (...baby steps, i know...)


***No, you came out wrong...shut it DOWN!***

Ugh being in an arranged marriage would be such a nightmare! I don't know if i could ever bear it!

I can't wait for Nina's Heavenly delights its really charming, also Shelley Conn is in it and i adore her because she was in the BBC drama "Mistresses" as a gayish lady, have you seen it? Did you like it? i did :P

x 

I'm pretty shocked this didn't get a 5 from any of the reviewers. It's one of my favorite movies of all time -- gay, straight, or otherwise.

I think the reviewers may have missed the point that everyone in this culture is oppressed by the strict social conventions (not just the women). Everyone is pressured to follow a path that makes no one -- sans Ashook and Biji -- happy. In fact those two aren't happy either; they have just chosen to buy into the delusion rather than be defeated by it.

I'm by no means an authority on Indian culture, but I've had several coworkers/friends who have immigrated to the US from India. All were in arranged marriages, so I'm assuming the practice is still quite common in India. I talked to one of my friends about it and the process he described was interesting (a bit too long to get into here). Although it didn't sound as horrific as I'd imagined, it certainly made me appreciate where I am and who my family are. My friend and his wife are actually really cute together and I am happy that things are working out for him; I know of another situation that ended miserably in divorce, with a lot of family scorn and alienation thrown in.

I probably knew more about Indian culture than the average viewer when I watched this move, which made me appreciate it all the more. I remember my friend telling me how in India you just "don't go against your father. You just don't." I really got a sense of what hew was talking about and how oppressive the social norms are in India after seeing this moving.

I truly love Radha's speech to Ashook at the end about desire. Gets me every time. I also thought the masturbation scenes, while obviously icky, were also hysterical. I'd say definitely rewatch this movie -- there is so much subtle genius that can't be appreciated in just one viewing.

PS -- Katie, you make me wish I was 10 years younger and back in school. I've told my partner you're my new "celebrity" crush.