White Rainbow (2004) User Reviews

powerful film

[Hellotink · 8/10 · 24 June 2007]

The White Rainbow is an powerful film about the inhumane treatment of widows in India. This story is about several widows who must face the fact that their society has no use for them. They can give into their fate or fight back. These widows decided they would some how find a way to fight back. Watching this film, I could relate to these women. I understand how important it is to have a voice about your own destiny. This film is a must see. The White Rainbow gives you courage to know we all have the power to change our lives, we just have to do it! THe film has an important message we all need to hear. The film is beautifully shot . A big thumbs up!

Worthwhile Movie for a GREAT CAUSE

[araxxd · 8/10 · 31 October 2006]

This movie is wonderful and should be watched by everyone. The good thing about it is that it addresses a terrible issue, but it doesn't just say how bad things are for poor, destitute widows in India but it also shows that something is being done. The main character is based on a real women called Mrs. Mohini Giri(although modernized her character as she is now an elderly lady ) who runs the GREAT organization called the Guild of Service which works for the empowerment of the TRULY DESTITUTE in India.Seeing this movie will open your eyes and show you how sharp class/economic divisions are in this world, and how you can make a difference if you really try.

Review of the film White Rainbow

[lillybirdsong · 10/10 · 8 April 2006]

This film was absolutely amazing. The power of the film was incredible - there were so many times when I felt very connected with the characters, and my resulting emotion on the subject was astounding even to me. This film tackles a topic, widows in India, that has been addressed clinically, unemotionally, and factually, and takes all of the information that was gathered and gives it a human face by focusing on the story of only a few women who are representative of many. It brings awareness to a subject that often gets swept under the rug. The women's issues in this film are the same issues that face many different cultures, places, and times in History. They are, therefore, issues that touch upon us all, and that affect as all, whether directly or indirectly.

I HIGHLY recommend this film. It will almost certainly have an impact on any and all who watch it.

A tribute to the widows of India

[Shivaaji · 10/10 · 22 March 2006]

An extraordinary film which everyone has to see(especially Indians who don't even who our neighbors are and its happening in our own country...which includes me too).

Dharan Mandrayar's courageous attempt to do a tight rope walk with swords below and achieving his goal need mention , for this is not the kind of subject anyone would attempt to film in the age of Lord of the Rings Harry potters and Narnias....

He has narrated the story well and much care has taken not to hurt the sensitiveness of the widows.

Movies like these are a treat to watch and I am proud to say that it has come from a SON of India.

Never a miss a chance to see this film .... its worth watching...

Painful Widowhood

[leiser18 · 10/10 · 11 April 2006]

White Rainbow is a outstanding movie. It is so powerful, one cannot forget any of the scenes. The story is about widowed women in India, who are cast away by their families, including their children. They are shunned as if they were lepers and all they did was survive their husbands. This awful practice must have its roots in the very dark ages of India's history. It's unfathomable to the Western World! The plight of these women is heart-breaking, one can literally feel their pain and agony. One of the widows takes charge and luckily, being fairly rich, she is able to change the lives of some of the other widows. The story focuses on four women, each with her own tragic background. The end of the film is uplifting and gives us a glimmer of hope that things may change in the future. This is an absolute MUST-SEE film, terrifically directed and acted. 10 STARS!

White Rainbow

[thewrightsource · 10/10 · 17 December 2005]

White Rainbow gives a voice to many women. While focusing on the issues of widows in India, the pain suffered by the women in this film is universal. One does not need to be of this particular culture to feel and relate to the pain brought on by a society that devalues women. The government of India, at times so callus, reminded me of my own government(U.S.A.).

While the real names of the women have been changed it is clear the stories are from real women, you can feel it. So beautiful are the scenes of the four women gathering near the water. So beautiful their laughter, their smiles. These widows are like White Rainbows: colorless, nameless, empty and blending in with the regular clouds.

Through their strength, courage, faith, trust, love, hope, pain, and experience these women transcend. They inspire.

White Rainbow is a reminder that you can create your own fate. You are in control. All these women needed was the opportunity and once empowered they far exceeded all expectations.

An important film

[pratibha-1 · 10/10 · 21 June 2007]

This movie is a gripping canvas on which we see the grotesque and tragic reality of yet another important section of society - of women who are 'bindi'less and are therefore considered as not just unimportant and 'discard'able, but also objects of hatred and lust. The actors have played their roles with depth and feeling, making every scene a memorable one. One cant get up at the end of the film without being affected in some way. It is a fabulous film because though it is not a commercial film, it has the power to hold the viewers' attention. And eventually to find the ray of light in a bleak world!!! I hope world over everyone sees the film.

Harsh Realities

[psalm118 · 9/10 · 5 July 2007]

This movie took daring to produce in portraying what 50 million widows are subjected to in India. I had just learned of their plight ten years ago and was appalled at what they were forced to go through. I thought such societal behavior was overcome decades ago.

This movie gives the simple truths of four lives and how they faced widowhood. I pray this work will wake up the leaders to reach out to this precious oppressed segment of their society. We need to remember that many of the widows of India also have children. Forcing them out creates millions of orphans. The bleed of the needs of these women and children is a weight that will hold back a country that is filled with so many gifted people who can do so much, but more importantly, deserve to be treated with respect as human beings. I am so pleased that some of their stories are being told here.

Heart rending depiction of one of India's darkest secrets.

[DarrellHartsock · 10/10 · 19 June 2007]

White Rainbow's shocking portrayal of widows stripped of their dignity and consigned to a life of abject emptiness in a sorrowful city is aptly named. But the viewer's heart again rejoices when a handful of compelling characters join souls to put the color back into their rainbow. Masterful cinematography and spellbinding dialog carry a stressful sense of urgent calm throughout this film. The filth and squalor of Vrindavan's streets and alleyways are ingeniously contrasted with the impeccable human character of these sweet and humble widows, rejected by their own, constantly abused and devoid of hope. The viewer bonds with them, loves them, hopes with them and believes with them as they cast their collective lot to defeat the demons of their enslavement when a new widow of a different stripe arrives in Vrindavan. Three thumbs up!!!

Inspirational Film with Important Message

[sisindia · 10/10 · 26 November 2007]

I rented White Rainbow on the suggestion of a friend and I found it to be a really inspirational film. Although the film takes place in India and it is about women who have lost their husbands, I found the film to be relevant to me as it struck a chord with my own emotions. I too have been stigmatized and on the surface no one would know, but many of us carry unseen scars. This film made me realize that I can rise above my situations and I don't need to have other people tell me who I am or what I can do. I was also very interested in watching the special features on the DVD. When I see a film that is based on true events, it is nice to see the real people behind the story. I hope people will be motivated to help these women. Definitely worth the watch!

White Rainbow is a story that needs to be told!

[linda-226 · 10/10 · 6 June 2007]

When I first heard about the story line for White Rainbow I did not believe that it could be true. How could women who were widowed be blamed for the death of their husband and be cast out by their families? I have traveled to India many times and I had never heard about this poor treatment of widow's but after doing research myself, I came to realize that this is true. That widows from many parts of India are still considered "unlucky" and to have bad karma. White Rainbow does an excellent job of explaining the situation that many Indian women face when they become widowed and it does so telling compelling stories that draw you into their plight without being preachy. You must see it to believe it! Oprah should highlight this movie on her show so that more people will come to learn about this horrible injustice and positive change can take place! If you have friends that care about women's issues urge them to see this film when it comes out on DVD.

"White Rainbow " - An Outstanding Piece of Work

[hisbabe1938 · 10/10 · 2 June 2006]

I wanted to let you know how much I valued seeing "White Rainbow", entering into the experience of these women which your film allowed me to do. It is indeed a very compelling piece of work and consistently rings "authentic" throughout - the acting and the storyline neither overdone nor underplayed, but very believable while at the same time involving passions to the max - a hard balance to maintain! I came away with the satisfying sense of having received that sufficient cathartic outlet great films are capable of releasing, a gift they leave behind with the participating viewer. (The only exception to this believability for me might possibly be Priya's complacent, accepting response to the death of Roop - as contrasted with her devastation at Mala's death. Of course, I rationalize, the two deaths were from markedly different causes, and Roop was well ready to go - but still, Roop's departure was a huge loss too. Just a little thin there, and no explanatory bridge, to my way of thinking.) Interestingly, what might have been too much of a stretch with the rapid windup of developments toward the end of the film, was entirely credible to me! (Granted, I tend anyway to be a believer in miracles and the uncanny timing of events.) The evil pursuer is suddenly killed in traffic at the same time that Dr. Vikram reunites Deepti with her parents only a block away. I think also the surprise coupling with Deepti and the doctor at the end "works"; I like it especially since we in the audience have of course assumed he would eventually want to marry ravishingly attractive Priya!

Moving film, akin to "Not Without My Daughter"

[ZoetZonlicht · 10/10 · 16 July 2007]

This movie highlights a current problem in India and is akin to "Not Without My Daughter" in that it sheds light on a negative situation that is ingrained in the culture and accepted by many. It is a controversial film because of the subject matter. However, the filmmakers bravely portray the truth.

Once these women are widowed, they give up everything and are made to wear white. It's their 'sentence' for having a husband die. The main character is an educated widow who decides to go to Vrindavan to make a difference in the lives of other widows.

This is a problem that transcends all cultures--it is a problem of control and a problem of abuse. This moving Indie film is a cinematic triumph.