Mother India and Fire

I enjoyed watching both "Mother India" and "Fire", because although they had two completely different themes, they offered significant messages relating to feminist issues according to their time periods. Mother India's primary goal was to go against the image that a foreigner gave the world of her take on the country, which was the opposite of how most India's felt about their homeland. It was very interesting how the main character in the film remained loyal to her family and the land she lived on regardless of the tribulations they caused her. Yet, by the end of the story she becomes fed up and in fact kills her son for the sake of her country. The 1950s film depicts the Indian woman to be one of great physical and emotional strength, just as many American films depict the women of our country today.

The fact that the actors and filmmakers behind "Fire" chose to go forth with the film despite the opposing Indian culture was a very brave act. In recent years, the U.S. as become more welcoming of ideas of homosexuality in our media. However, other countries aren't as open to the idea of homosexuality, or for that matter, any subjects that stray away from traditional culture. In the bonus clips, the individuals behind the film discussed their views and the fact that the focus wasn't as much on two women being in a romantic relationship, but more so about them being able to go against Indian customs to do what they choose. I can understand this reasoning when taking a look at the movie in its entirety. Marriage is considered worldwide as a sacred act, yet the central characters in the film are in marriages with the basis of tradition, reproduction, and housekeeping instead of love and compatibility. "Fire" takes a unique approach on issues that not only pertain to the people of India, but tackles issues that could still be considered taboo in most cultures.