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Review of "The World Unseen"The production values mirror the quality of the performances. The cinematography is astounding, showing off the sweeping natural beauty of the South African landscape along with the lovingly crafted sets and period costumes. The music and editing are subtle and refined, giving the film the sheen of a big-budget costume drama. The World Unseen unfortunately suffers from the chief problem of most book-to-film adaptations: It tries to cram too much story into its two-hour running time. The audience is introduced to so many minor characters and tiny subplots that the story line becomes confusing and characters become difficult to differentiate from one another. While Sarif wisely limits the subplots to those that give insight into our heroines, some of the supporting details become muddled in the process. A fortunate exception to this is a subplot involving the romance between Jacob (a black man) and Madeleine (a white woman). The sweet, touching subplot serves as a nice parallel to the core Amina/Miriam romance, showcasing another relationship that exists despite social taboo, and the bravery involved in defying the norm (and, in this case, the law). Interestingly, the film parallels lesbian classic Fried Green Tomatoes (1991) in several important ways. In both cases the action is framed around a café that serves as a haven amid intolerance. And the characters of Amina and Miriam could easily be swapped for Idgie and Ruth — the independent, socially conscious butch and the unsure, abused femme, respectively.
Lisa Ray and Sheetal Sheth in The World Unseen Despite these parallels, The World Unseen stands on its own by offering commentary on the culture at hand. Both leads are presented within the context of a tightly knit, highly traditional Indian community, with strong family ties and expectations. The further complications of apartheid-era South Africa's racism and sexism make it that much more difficult to defy the norm in this world. The film's title references this cultural crossroads and the fascinating, complicated characters that populate it. Designated neither black nor white according to apartheid, Indian South Africans present an ill-documented "world unseen." The World Unseen is one of the best-conceived queer films of the past year — a sincere, beautifully realized vision of love and resistance in an intolerant world. Sarif does a fantastic job — especially for a first-time director — of bringing her story to the screen, and queer viewers would do well to catch the film as it makes the LGBT film festival rounds. |
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Thanks for reviewing this.
Thanks for reviewing this. I've read the book and I found it to be very warm and thought provoking. I'm glad the movie contains those same elements. I definitely recommend it for all to read.
I read it
I read the book last year
Finally Some Representation
As a South African Indian, Im so proud that we finally have some representation. The book was awesome! I feel so good knowing that theres a book and movie where I can relate to the character so well, theres not a lot of stories with South African Indian women out there and I am glad that our culture and presence in South Africa is being shown to the world.
Wow
Read it!
I really loved the book! I had no idea there was going to be a movie, but I´m so happy there is. Sure am going to see it!
http://www.youtube.com/BetweenThaLines
Not surprised
It's not surprising that the book was made into a movie. Shamim Sarif's writing style is very... um... visual, and the whole time I was reading the book, I got this feeling that I was actually watching a movie. I didn't like this one as much as her other novel "Despite the falling snow" (which also has a cute budding lesbian romance); for some reason The World Unseen reminded me of Desert Hearts too much. But I do want to watch the movie. It has some very colorful side characters and I've read mainly positive reviews for it.
Rainbow Nation
I can't wait to see this film!
As a South African it's always hard to think about the unjust laws that existed during apartheid and I always wonder how the hell it actually happened to our beautiful country. But thank goodness there was change, and we now have one of the most progressive constitutions in the world including being the 5th country in the world (and the 1st in Africa) to legalise same sex marriage.
Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika
Come and visit!
en die diepte van ons see
hey, just wanted to say hi to my fellow South Africans on here!
...
Howzit bokkie!
goed
goed dankie en jy?
Lisa Ray
Lisa Ray is wonderful. Highly under-rated and often overshadowned by other Indian actresses (read: Aishwarya Rai). I will definitely see this.
I just imdb'd her and she's listed as staring in another Sarif movie that is in production....I Can't Think Straight.
South Africa!!!!
My love!
My friends recommend the book and I read it. LOL Kudos to the girls.
-
Lesbo Singles Dating Club - http://www.lesbianconnect.com
The World Unseen unseen
Wow that sounds great!And
something to look forward to
A. Beaverhausen wrote:
anyone know if she's married...or has a girlfriend?!
according to shamamsharif.com, she lives in London with her partner Hanan and their two children.
back to topic, i haven't heard of The World Unseen before, but since everyone seems to have praises for it, i'm definitely going to be checking out both the book and the movie.
thanks for the heads up.
damn! why are all the smart
seems
release date
The World Unseen should be seen.
saw this last night at a Clip event in St. Pete
I enjoyed it. What was even better was that they showed a short called "Pariah" and after both shows, they had a panel discussion about lesbians in film (and tv). AfterEllen.com was mentioned. It was pretty neat to sit in on that and be able to talk to producers and directors. Everthing from TLW to Bad Girls and movies being "too gay" for mainstream was discussed.
The biggest question was why don't we have more quality lesbian films and why aren't they more mainstream? Answer...money. White men have the money so more movies are made about them. So ladies, support lesbian films...even if that means seeing some really bad ones. A packed theatre or venue sends the message that we ARE interested and will spend our money as well.
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"I'm not sorry for what I did. I'm sorry for what I didn't do."
World Unseen showing in NC
Just wanted to let everyone know that The World Unseen is playing in Durham, North Carolina this Saturday as part of the North Carolina Gay and Lesbian Film Festival. I plan to see it since I'll be visiting a friend in the Raleigh-Durham area!
Here's the website for the festival: http://festivals.carolinatheatre.org/ncglff/
Local film festivals are such a great way to see less-commercialized and indie movies, often before they're out in major showings. Unfortunately many cities don't have an active film scene, but I was lucky to get involved as a volunteer for one in Rhode Island. I saw Tru Loved (reviewed elsewhere on the AE site) and a few other enjoyable films. If you're looking for queer or lesbian-friendly entertainment, I recommend checking out film festivals in your area or at local universities and colleges.
The World Unseen
I've read the book and it was beautiful. I ordered it over amazon.uk.co :)
Note from Aida Kattan on movie. I emailed them questions concerning the film and when it was going to be released to the States.
------------
We’re currently working with Regent to figure out a theatrical release date for The World Unseen in N. America, it will be limited at first and probably sometime in October. We’re still working on the details. However, the film is also scheduled to be in several festivals across the country. I have added you to a list so I can keep you updated but in the meantime, feel free to check out our Facebook or Myspace pages.
There are several links in my signature as well to the official sites. www.myspace.com/theworldunseen (this one is missing a couple of domestic screenings (technical issues) but once you let me know which part of the country you’re in i’ll let you know if it applies. facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=14614141145
Please feel free to check in with me at any time.
Aida Kattan
Post Production Coordinator
Enlightenment Productions
US Offices
330 N. Maple Street Unit G
Burbank, CA 91505 US
aida@enlightenment-productions.com
www.enlightenment-productions.com
www.theworldunseenfilm.com
www.Icantthinkstraightfilm.com
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-Rachel http://groups.myspace.com/KisstheGirl07
The World Unseen
The World Unseen will be theatrically released in the US and Canada on November 7st (New York, Los Angeles and Toronto first - followed by other cities.) It will be followed by the release of other Shamim Sarif's movie I Can't Think Straight (same cities) two weeks later, i.e. November 21st.
Spread the word and go and see! The better the opening - the wider the further distribution.
Also check out the official websites: www.theworldunseenfilm.com (intl.) - www.theworldunseenmovie.com (US website) - www.icantthinkstraightfilm.com (intl.) - www.icantthinkstraight-themovie.com (US website).
Thanks
Apple Trailer
wow...
they're the same girls from I Can't Think Straight and same director too!
awesomeness....
it's a breath of fresh air!
Location Cafe
Just wanted to make the quick point that Amina's cafe is actually called the "Location Cafe" not the "Locomotion Cafe" (although that would make a nice Fried Green Tomatoes reference).
In South Africa, the townships where people classified as black or colored were forced to move during apartheid were often euphemistically called "the locations." So "location" refers to a black or colored township or neighborhood; I'm guessing that's what the Location Cafe is referring to.
FYI - The World Unseen
Just wanted to share something with everyone here, this is an email i received from Hanan Kattan, who is Shamim Sarif's partner and producer of the movie.
QUOTE:
After all the drama in S. Africa over The World Unseen & is it was all over the press, TV & radio, Shamim’s dad was contacted by one of his largest clients to say he heard about Shamim being gay and wanted to know if it was true.
When Shamim’s dad confirmed that she was, the client (a conservative Indian Muslim from S. Africa) cancelled all his business with Shamim’s dad and will encourage others to do the same! Very kind of him!!
Shamim’s mom was very upset and her dad was furious with Shamim for being open with the press!!! Of course they blame Shamim for having the courage and the guts to be open about her sexuality and for being comfortable in her skin.
It is shocking and disgusting that people use this kind of bullying and pressure (from the business angle) to exert their muscle and pressure and to punish Shamim’s dad that his daughter is gay.
Shamim of course feels terrible for her dad.
Can you please share this with your friends as this is horrific behaviour & horrendous intimidation techniques. UNQUOTE
NOTE: Sorry if this has been posted already.
This movie is really great,
This movie is really great, it talks about a really cute and romantic story and the story of apartheid. I hope one day human beings will be as disgusted towards homophobia as we are now towards racism...I can't wait to read the book!
For Ms Sharif: Come on, please make another movie with Lisa Ray and Sheetal Sheth ! :)
Lisa Ray Yes!
I agree with you. But:
Lisa Ray: yes yes yes!!!
Sheetal Sheth : I dont't think so. Her holding back in the kissing scenes is not good :(
Beautiful Movie
It's just simply a beautiful movie. I fell in love with Lisa Ray. OMG , her eyes, her lips and her skin...I couldn't take my eyes from her...
I recommend it, it's a romantic, well directed movie... well done...
the winner takes it all...
With all of the Fried Green Tomatoes Similarities
I just watched this,
I have just watched this in London, been eagerly awaiting its release and I am so glad to have watched it, the actresses brought to live the characters and the story stayed to the book quite alot, really enjoy the movie and even had the same question at the end,
Did Miriam leave her husband? LOL
brilliant movie and am glad to have already ordered it on dvd, :-)
balance and perservance
Own the films!
Hello there. I own both I Can't Think Straight and The World Unseen on DVD (thanks to their wonderful site).... both the books and the films. If oyu really want to see the film, go ahead and order it off of the official website. It also comes with a bracelet that says I Can't Think Straight and also the soundtrack for the film. It's region 0 and PAL format, but luckily I have a super multi-DVD player that I bought here in the USA. One of the best investments I ever made.
Also, Lisa Ray is my dream woman. Period. :)