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Fire (1996)

tomatometer

100

Average Rating: 7.2/10
Critic Reviews: 11
Fresh: 11 | Rotten: 0

No consensus yet.

audience

80

liked it
Average Rating: 3.8/5
User Ratings: 6,544

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Movie Info

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

Jul 11, 2000

New Yorker

Cast

All Critics (27) | Top Critics (12) | Fresh (21) | Rotten (3) | DVD (3)

Mehta's larger goal -- demystifying India -- is powerfully, unsettlingly realized.

January 1, 2000 Comment
Film.com
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Works because it doesn't come off as a lofty diatribe but actually mixes humor with its pathos.

January 1, 2000 Full Review Source: Sacramento Bee | Comment
Sacramento Bee
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Speaks tellingly about individual freedom for women versus social expectations and arranged marriages.

January 1, 2000 Full Review Source: San Francisco Chronicle | Comment
San Francisco Chronicle
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The film has a seductive resonance.

January 1, 2000 Full Review Source: Chicago Sun-Times | Comment
Chicago Sun-Times
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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.

January 1, 2000 Full Review Source: New York Times | Comment
New York Times
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Mehta's direction of her unusually intimate film is delicate. The acting is notably good, especially from Azmi.

January 1, 2000 Comment
Houston Chronicle
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Fire lights its spark beautifully

August 21, 2006 Full Review Source: Cinema Writer | Comment
Cinema Writer

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

May 6, 2006 Full Review Source: Old School Reviews | Comment

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.

July 24, 2002 Full Review Source: Internet Reviews | Comments (4)
Internet Reviews

One of the most powerful achievements of Fire is to represent a form of desire which is not an escape, but a political challenge.

March 5, 2002 Full Review Source: Sight and Sound | Comment
Sight and Sound

A compelling drama set in India about the boundlessness of desire.

March 2, 2002 Full Review Source: Spirituality and Practice | Comment
Spirituality and Practice

In its quiet way, Fire packs an emotional wallop.

January 1, 2000 Full Review Source: Boxoffice Magazine | Comment
Boxoffice Magazine

A sensuous visual experience, thanks to the collaboration between cinematographer Giles Nuttgens and Mehta.

January 1, 2000 Comment
Jam! Movies

Audacious, yet sensitive, Fire may shock traditionalists but might well win Indian cinema a whole new audience.

January 1, 2000 Full Review Source: Empire Magazine | Comment
Empire Magazine
More Critic Reviews

Audience Reviews for Fire

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

October 6, 2008
dreamfaeries

Super Reviewer

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!

November 24, 2007
ileo
Leo L

Super Reviewer

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