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12/30/06
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The Clay Bird (2004)
89
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Reviews Counted:27
Fresh:24
Rotten:3
Average Rating:7.6/10
Theatrical Release:Apr 30, 2004 Limited
Synopsis: The young student Anu (Nurul Islam Bablu) is torn between the worlds of Hindu and Muslim religions in this Bangladeshi film directed by Tareque Masud. Set in the 1960s in Pakistan before Bangladesh... [More]
Starring: Nurul Islam Bablu, Russell Farazi, Jayanto Chattopadhyay, Rokeya Prachy
Director: Tareque Masud
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Reviews for The Clay Bird
The power of this quiet little film lies in the lyricism of its images of life on Bangladesh's waterways and in its towns ... and in the naturalistic performances from its cast of mostly nonprofessional actors.
05/28/04
... done with conviction for the long-suffering people of Bangladesh.
09/01/06
A positive plea for the sane middle ground amidst the insistence of extremism.
04/16/04
The Clay Bird is a incredibly humbling experience that you'd be a fool to miss.
06/07/04
Throughout, The Clay Bird recalls the empathy for childhood's innocence and lust for living -- as well as the visual rapture and naturalness -- of Ray's great Pather Panchali.
04/27/04
Set in Bangladesh in the 1960's, Tareque Masud's intelligent drama questions the nature of dedication to Islam.
04/29/04
Top CriticWhile The Clay Bird might be a bit too restrained for its own dramatic good, at least the film sheds light on a significant part of world history in a way relevant to contemporary viewers.
08/08/04
The filmmaker's clear empathy for his characters and close knowledge of his subject matter gives the film a vibrant authenticity that well compensates for any narrative flaws.
07/03/04
It has a quiet thoughtfulness that never comes close to being draggy, and a wisdom that is anything but obtuse.
06/17/04
Approaching Anu's childhood with quite considerable skill, Masud creates a gentle portrait of growing up during changing times.
07/31/03
The phrase 'small gem' was made for a movie like this one.
04/30/04
It's a perfect title for a film that deals so passionately with freedom -- spiritual and political -- and coming of age, not just of Anu, but an entire nation.
04/30/04
With compassionate restraint, Masud challenges the intimate link of religious fundamentalism to national power.
07/16/04
Poignant and beautiful.
06/11/04
A slice-of-life movie set against the backdrop of Bangladeshi independence
07/16/04
Subtle to the point of inscrutability, the 1960s-set The Clay Bird is a nonetheless compelling look at both the personal and social dynamics of a Muslim family living uneasily among Hindus in East Pakistan.
05/28/04
Top CriticExcellent film from Bangladesh.
04/30/04
The real rewards, though, will go to the viewers lucky enough to catch a screening of The Clay Bird.
04/16/04
...it has about it the resonance of truth as well as a gentle equanimity
12/31/04
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