Average Rating: 6.7/10
Reviews Counted: 23
Fresh: 20 | Rotten: 3
No consensus yet.
Average Rating: 7.2/10
Critic Reviews: 11
Fresh: 11 | Rotten: 0
No consensus yet.
liked it
Average Rating: 3.8/5
User Ratings: 6,544
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
PG-13, 1 hr. 44 min.
Jan 1, 1996 Wide
Jul 11, 2000
New Yorker
All Critics (27) | Top Critics (12) | Fresh (21) | Rotten (3) | DVD (3)
Mehta's larger goal -- demystifying India -- is powerfully, unsettlingly realized.
Works because it doesn't come off as a lofty diatribe but actually mixes humor with its pathos.
Speaks tellingly about individual freedom for women versus social expectations and arranged marriages.
The film has a seductive resonance.
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.
Mehta's direction of her unusually intimate film is delicate. The acting is notably good, especially from Azmi.
Fire lights its spark beautifully
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
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.
One of the most powerful achievements of Fire is to represent a form of desire which is not an escape, but a political challenge.
A compelling drama set in India about the boundlessness of desire.
In its quiet way, Fire packs an emotional wallop.
A sensuous visual experience, thanks to the collaboration between cinematographer Giles Nuttgens and Mehta.
Audacious, yet sensitive, Fire may shock traditionalists but might well win Indian cinema a whole new audience.
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, 2007Super Reviewer
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