Accidentally I saw this beautiful film and really liked it. I also made the accidental discovery that Liza Ray is capable of meaningful acting.
The World Unseen is really a world unseen and hopefully and fortunately a world unseen. The movie is set in 1950s South Africa where the dirty monster Apartheid threatens the colored and the Indians alike. Amidst unfavorable weather we accompany the two women in a discovery which is memorable whether we are straight or otherwise.
The Apartheid prejudices are depicted with a rare sensitivity which never crosses the line of extremity. A white woman and a man of mixed parentage fall into dilemma confronted with the unfair laws. The social situation challenge and ultimately threaten to destroy their budding romance. However the social situation fails to vanquish the bond between two very different women, Miriam(Liza Ray) and Amina(Sheetal Sheth).
Miriam and Amina fall in love consciously. The subtle nuances in their relation are mostly conveyed by glances, looks and silence. Amina played by Sheetal is independent and bold. She sort of challenges Miriam to fear from wanting to be like her. Miriam is an oppressed house wife whose husband Omar played by Praveen Dabaas is having an affair with another woman. They have three children and Miriam is reluctant to set sail in the boat of romance with Amina even though she knows that she is powerfully attracted to her in every way.
Does she really win over her reluctance to liberate herself from life’s unfair dealings? Do watch the movie to know. The cinematography is beautiful with scenes that are handled with constraint even when they emerge as being heart wrenching at times. Especially the scene when Miriam refuses Amina and the latter breaks down with emotion and disappointment.
There are also subtle comparisons apart from that between the character of Miriam and Amina. For example, Rehmat played by Nandana Sen has ideas so antagonistic to brother Omar. Farah, Omar’s sister in law who is not sexually shy and Miriam who fears to show her passion for Amina. All these create a beauty of a movie that should be attentively watched.
There are also subtle ironies. For example, Omar asks for help from Amina for gardening and then later allows her to teach his wife(Miriam) driving thus bringing the women together. Omar has an affair with Farah but even Miriam feels drawn to Amina and lets her kiss her.
Also commendable is the chemistry between the two lead actresses. They look really in love. There is also a beautiful song at the end of the movie which really surprised me. It’s an open ended ending so it gives you room for thought.