"Partition": A DVD Movie Review

"Partition" is a little known movie that deserved much more attention than it received. It is, at heart, a story about the wonders of love and the destructive power of hate.

Set in India in 1947, the movie takes up after the British decide to leave the country that they have for so long occupied. However, before they leave the country they decide to divide it into Islamic Pakistan and India proper. It is this division and its religious complications that form the backdrop of the movie.

As it begins, three friends are off to fight in the war of 1941. Two are Indian - - Gian Singh (played by Jimi Mistry) and Avtar Singh (played by Irfan Khan) - - and one is British - - Andrew Stilwell (played by Jesse Moss).

The group is seen off by Andrew's sister, Margaret (played by Neve Campbell). His friends promise to return the young man back safely to his only remaining family member. However, fate has other plans in store and Andrew is killed in action.

Gian and Avtar return from the war. Gian becomes a farmer and turns his back on the killing that cost him his best friend. His lifelong friend, Avtar, however, continues the fight.

As millions of Muslims cross India on their way to Pakistan, those of other religious faith cross to India. But neither side is without hatred for the other and hundreds of people are slaughtered along the way as they pass one another.

It is along the travel route that young Naseem Khan's (played by Kristen Kreuk) father it slaughtered and she is separated from her family. She runs for her life and ends up hiding out in Gian's home. He takes the girl in and protects her from those who want her dead for no other reason than her religion.

He even calls on his old friend Margaret to help locate the girl's family. However, everything in the country is in turmoil and no one seems capable of finding anyone quickly. Consequently, Naseem spends several years in Gian's care without any word of her family.

The two, of course, fall in love. The community eventually accepts her into their fold and she is allowed to marry Gian. They have a son and seemed poised to live happily every after.