Film Review: Born into Brothels
Born into Brothels is one of those films that has a hard time getting past its name. The film has received advanced judgment from some, only because the word "brothel" is in its title.
The fact of the matter is that the film does take place in a brothel in Calcutta, India, but this is a documentary about the children of prostitutes, not an exploitation film.
Born into Brothels follows filmmaker Zana Briski's efforts to teach children born and living in a brothel in Calcutta's red light district how to take photographs. The film also shows Briski's efforts to get the children out of the brothels and into good schools, where they can get an education, and escape a future of following in their parents' footsteps. For some of the children, photography may even by the window of escape.
Along with the children, we meet some of their families, and see that some still have grandmothers working the streets. Most of the female children are expected to become prostitutes at puberty simply because the parents think it is the children's duty.
Through the innocent eyes of the children we glimpse a point of view of this world many living there may not even notice: The beauty of simple colors. The beauty of the sea. The painful, but neccessary truth of human experience. What we do not see, however, is what goes on behind closed doors: most of the adults are friendly to the videocameras, but the camera is never allowed near when "business" is conducted. We still get a good enough glimpse of the adults, male and female, to know that even one child left to grow up here would be a tragedy, but unfortunately, an everyday occurance.
Overall, Brothels may not be the most well-edited documentary of our time, but where it lacks slick polish and an expensive look, it makes up with a giant heart. The film may end a bit abruptly, but the story it tells is so important, so neccessary, and so clearly shown that Brothels lack of popularity, despite winning the Oscar for best documentary, is a tragedy itself.
I do not want to delve into the events of the film more, as I feel I may be robbing you of such an honest experience, but this film gets a high recommendation.
OVERALL FILM RATING: ***1/2 out of ****
The fact of the matter is that the film does take place in a brothel in Calcutta, India, but this is a documentary about the children of prostitutes, not an exploitation film.
Born into Brothels follows filmmaker Zana Briski's efforts to teach children born and living in a brothel in Calcutta's red light district how to take photographs. The film also shows Briski's efforts to get the children out of the brothels and into good schools, where they can get an education, and escape a future of following in their parents' footsteps. For some of the children, photography may even by the window of escape.
Along with the children, we meet some of their families, and see that some still have grandmothers working the streets. Most of the female children are expected to become prostitutes at puberty simply because the parents think it is the children's duty.
Through the innocent eyes of the children we glimpse a point of view of this world many living there may not even notice: The beauty of simple colors. The beauty of the sea. The painful, but neccessary truth of human experience. What we do not see, however, is what goes on behind closed doors: most of the adults are friendly to the videocameras, but the camera is never allowed near when "business" is conducted. We still get a good enough glimpse of the adults, male and female, to know that even one child left to grow up here would be a tragedy, but unfortunately, an everyday occurance.
Overall, Brothels may not be the most well-edited documentary of our time, but where it lacks slick polish and an expensive look, it makes up with a giant heart. The film may end a bit abruptly, but the story it tells is so important, so neccessary, and so clearly shown that Brothels lack of popularity, despite winning the Oscar for best documentary, is a tragedy itself.
I do not want to delve into the events of the film more, as I feel I may be robbing you of such an honest experience, but this film gets a high recommendation.
OVERALL FILM RATING: ***1/2 out of ****
posted by The Nicsperiment at 1:33 PM
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