The Braid movie review – based on the best-selling novel
By Alexandra Heilbron on January 18, 2024 | 2 Comments
It’s a fortunate coincidence that two movies that give audiences a look at caste systems arrive in theaters this Friday. Shortly after watching Origin, which gives examples of how Dalit people in India live, I saw The Braid, in which an Indian family of the lowest caste in India plays an important part. Dalits, also known as “Untouchables,” are not allowed to look others of higher caste in the eyes, and have to do the most distasteful jobs in the community for very little pay. If they complain or try to get away, they’re tortured and/or killed. Having seen Origin, I had a better understanding of the caste system in India and how unjust it is that a portion of the population was selected thousands of years earlier to be discriminated against.
The Braid follows the lives of three woman. One lives in India, another in Italy and the third in Canada. In India, Smita (Mia Maelzer) has to clean up human waste from outdoor toilets. Her young daughter Lalita goes to school, but is beaten by the teacher and told to sweep the classroom while the others study. Smita wants to run away to the south of India, where Untouchables are treated better, but her husband is firmly against it, for fear they’ll be harmed.
In Italy, Giulia (Fotinì Peluso) works in her father’s company, which is struggling. A team of female workers comb and treat hair in order to have it made into wigs. When her father is injured in a car accident, Giulia has to run the company on her own, but discovers her father is in deep debt, and the family may lose everything.
In Canada, Sarah (Kim Raver of Grey’s Anatomy) is an attorney with a big firm, who’s expecting a huge promotion. When she’s diagnosed with cancer, she tries to hide it from her children and her boss, fearing the news will halt her promotion.
These women’s lives will be linked in a heartwarming way that gives hope to all their lives.
The performances are spectacular, and Sajda Pathan, the little girl who plays Lalita, was found by the filmmaker, Laetitia Colombani, on the streets. An Untouchable, she was begging for food and money to buy food. Following completion of the film, Colombani set up a trust fund to take care of Sajda so that she can go to a good school and have a future that will keep her off the streets.
The film is based on the book The Braid, also by Laetitia Colombani, which has sold over 5 million copies worldwide.
The Braid opens in Toronto, Otttawa, Calgary and Saskatoon this Friday, January 19, then opens in more cities each week through February 9, 2024.
If you have seen The Braid and would like to review/rate it yourself, click here.
Comments & Discussion
Similar Articles
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire – movie review
March 28, 2024 | Leave a Comment
Godzilla x Kong: the New Empire is engaging with a great, action-packed story. Combined with the special effects, this is a must-see on the big screen.
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire features originals: movie review
March 21, 2024 | 1 Comment
The original Ghostbusters come to the aid of the new Ghostbusters in this entertaining romp that finds them facing their most terrifying spirit to date.
Sounds really good, I’m hoping to see it this weekend.
Very good movie …!
The three women will keep your heart on the edge!
Beautiful scenery.
Enjoy!