Directed by: Jamil Dehlavi
Stars: James Wilby, Melissa Leo, Shabana Azmi
Language: English
Country: Uk
Description: A childless Western couple visit a fertility shrine in Karachi run by eunuchs and set off a huge culture clash.
This is an unusual and intriguing study of a woman’s desperation to have a child, set against the background of Pakistan.
Stiff upper lip Brit James Wilby plays an employee of the World Wildlife Organization who’s married to blonde American senator’s daughter Hannah (Melissa Leo). The pair, despite several efforts, are increasingly frustrated in their attempts to have a child, and partly out of curiosity, partly out of desperation, Hannah explores possible “folk” remedies to her problem.
Her photographer friend Shamira introduces he to a shrine run by eunuchs which claims to cure infertility. Hannah is encouraged to bring her husband for the weekend. James reluctantly agrees and to their delight she becomes pregnant shortly after. But the sect decides to stake an unwelcome claim on Hannah’s child, especially when it is revealed how the “miracle” took place.
Although it takes an unconscionable time to get going, this is a new approach to a timeless theme. The cinematography and use of Karachi locations are breathtaking, and the screenplay audaciously tackles issues of racism and interracial sex.
Wilby is convincing as the harassed environmentalist observing helplessly as a nightmarish scenario unravels around him, while Melissa Leo is as attractive as fearless playing the fatally flawed Hannah encumbered by her maternal desires.
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