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Parting problems

PARTITION (Vic Sarin). 116 minutes. Opens Friday (February 2). For venues and times, see Movies, page 85. Rating: NN Rating: NN


There are many different kinds of bad movies, but none as dismal as those that desperately want to be the next Doctor Zhivago or The English Patient. Failed epics aren’t a pretty sight.

In Partition , cinematographer-turned-director/co-writer Vic Sarin gives us stunning vistas instead of compelling drama, rich colours instead of complex characters. Brian Tyler ‘s syrupy John Barry-esque score, meanwhile, attempts to add weight and seriousness.

Set against the violence of the partition of India and Pakistan after the second world war, the film chronicles the doomed romance of Sikh farmer Gian ( Jimi Mistry ) and Muslim Naseem ( Kristin Kreuk ).

After Naseem survives a Sikh attack and is separated from her family, Gian disguises her and brings her home. Villagers hate her, then back off. The two marry and raise a child, but Naseem always wonders what became of her family.

That’s where Neve Campbell ‘s British bureaucrat comes in. Actually, Campbell’s probably there to ensure a broader demographic, but never mind. The character’s a total plot contrivance.

Sarin has dreamt of making Partition for more than two decades. It’s a shame some of that time wasn’t devoted to trying to learn how to work with actors or cobbling together a more absorbing story.

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