Film Review: Amu

Amu
February 18, 2007

Run don’t walk to this powerful production. I have always loved to read novels by Indian authors and see films about the country. I am fascinated by the history. This daring film tells the story of the massacre of over 5000 Sikhs in New Delhi in 1984. Many Indian people are unaware of this historical event. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated on Oct. 31, 1984 by Sikh bodyguards. In retaliation the massacre of innocent Sikhs in the slum area of New Delhi has been kept a dark secret for a long time. It is known that the government and police orchestrated and coordinated the massacre. It was not a riot of the common people. The story is told in a beautiful manner. We don’t see endless battles of brutal murder. We know it happens and little vignettes are shown. I like so much the concept of telling an historical event through the eyes of a family.
Amu is an adopted Indian girl living in the United States. After graduating from the university she sets out against her mother’s wishes to visit with family in India. She has a wonderful time with her cousin and darling grandmother. Her aunt and uncle make her so welcome. She meets a young boy, Kaju from an upper class family. They become friends and he helps her in her quest to find out about her past. Like a Pandora’s Box facts and events lead her to discover the truth about her birth parents and their terrible deaths. Her adopted mother makes a surprising visit to India to be with the family. Daughter and mother struggle emotionally as Kaju learns the truth. Of course this raises questions as to why she wasn’t told the truth earlier. It is all symbolic of the way the country kept this terrible tragedy from the world. The woman playing the adopted mother is the actual aunt of the director. It is a first acting experience for her and she is fantastic. All the actors are masterful and believable.
The cinematography is wonderful. I loved the sights of New Delhi and the countryside with the mustard fields. I felt at home as the family sang and danced and enjoyed good food. I felt such empathy for Kaju as I looked into her big brown questioning eyes.
This was a history lesson that I will not forget. It doesn’t hit you over the head with gruesome details but it packs an emotional wallop as we find out the facts through a family living in New Delhi.
The audience was treat5ed to a wonderful surprise. The producer came from Los Angeles to discuss the film with the audience. What a treat! His wife Shonali Bose wrote and directed the film. Someone asked how India received this film. Apparently the censors originally did a lot of cutting. Every time the widows spoke the film rolled but there was no voice. It was stated that it is ironic that even after 22 years the widows are still being silenced. They are looking for justice and still fighting to receive something from the government. We were privileged to see the whole film.
This film has been selected at countless Film Festivals around the world. It was a sell out during the 2005 Toronto Film Festival. It is a total winner and I urge you to attend.