Kaikasha Mirza takes on the patriarchal judgment of her Mumbai community as she hopes to be selected as a rare Muslim in a prestigious women's cricket team. Jeremy Guy's beautifully conceived and directed and evocatively shot story about family, tradition, sports and religion, Purdah is a totally compelling documentary. In a time filled with intolerance for Muslims and burka bans, Purdah offers up a powerful, life-affirming story for and about strong women. But everyone should watch this essential, moving documentary!
167 Reviews
Breathtakingly beautiful
filmentity-2051618 September 2019
This film is so visually beautiful and touching I can't stop thinking about it. It has such a cinematic feel. The shots are so artistically composed and it feels like I am watching a narrative film or real life experience rather than a documentary. Perhaps that is because the interviews are so artfully done. No talking heads here, just real honesty coming from the subjects. The story is uplifting and speaks to women striving for self empowerment in patriarchal societies around the world. Purdah is filled with hope at a time when we need it most. The music is also so fitting. So well done!!!
A salute to strength!
mmkkss-3173410 July 2019
Although the cricket-loving daughter is the film's central focus,. this is a salute to the strength of many women in an India-based Muslim family. As I'm a cricket lover (and ex-amateur player) myself, the film resonated in so many ways, and I felt like I was accompanying these brave, pragmatic women through their many ups and downs.
A superb score is married to unforced, solid visuals, and director Jeremy Guy gets great "performances" out of the subjects of the story. The social and religious obligations (and traditions) that often chain these women are contrasted with individual ambitions and attachment to family.
Ultimately, this is a raw, emotional portrait of resilience, and there's not a frame of fakery in it. Certainly recommended.
In cricket parlance, this scores a "Six!"
A superb score is married to unforced, solid visuals, and director Jeremy Guy gets great "performances" out of the subjects of the story. The social and religious obligations (and traditions) that often chain these women are contrasted with individual ambitions and attachment to family.
Ultimately, this is a raw, emotional portrait of resilience, and there's not a frame of fakery in it. Certainly recommended.
In cricket parlance, this scores a "Six!"
Great Film!
patrafner17 May 2018
Purdah is a great film. The documentary is a really inspiring and dramatic story of three sisters in India who have to take on a mountain of obstacles. The girls are really charismatic and you can't help but root for them. I found myself both laughing with them at times and then crying for them at other times. This movie has some very big surprises in it. I highly recommend seeing this film as it is a beautiful looking film that transports you to a place and people that I would never otherwise learn about. The documentary is particularly timely nowadays too, given all of the controversy over proposed Muslim bans and even burka bans in some places. Purdah is a film for anyone who likes great documentaries, stories about strong willed women, or wants to learn more about different cultures. Go watch it!
Very inspiring indie documentary
jblockbuster1 July 2019
I like uplifting stories about women who find their way. This documentary follows Kaikasha, a young Muslim girl, who is trying to find her place between religion, tradition and her own dreams. The film then extends to the stories of all three sisters, and it made me think how privileged so many of us are born. Those sisters are real heroes in my point of view.
Captivating documentary. Well told. I really enjoyed following their journey through harrowing ups and downs, and I hope that many girls will take their lead to stand up for what they believe in.
Captivating documentary. Well told. I really enjoyed following their journey through harrowing ups and downs, and I hope that many girls will take their lead to stand up for what they believe in.
A sensitive look behind the veil of conservatism
jc-655-86943428 May 2019
With intimate access, Purdah captures the complexities of a Muslim Indian family's life, with a sensitivity that comes from true insight into the examined society that is the backdrop of this film. Set in this decade, the film leads us into the Mirza family's individual dreams - and constraints - through the middle daughter's abiding passion for playing cricket. From there, the dynamics between religious/social conservatism, intrinsic personalities and various professional goals within the family play out. There is an unexpected transformation of family fortunes. The film enables us to relate emotionally as each family member - with a focus on the girls - seeks to bridge their religion and their reality. Poignantly, there is a sense of deeper pain left unsaid as the family charts its course between modernity and tradition. The excellent editing, music and sound design deserve special mention. A film worth watching!
Excellent Character Driven Documentary
mentalrev9 July 2019
This is a film about family more than cricket, it's about identity and drive and changing attitudes in a conservative Muslim family and community. The true family dynamic does not reveal itself right away, but rather through the journey of Kaikasha her pursuit of cricket and the paths of her sisters, brother and mother who gain strength to support each other when patriarchal attitudes threaten to destroy their family.
I appreciated the hands-off approach of the filmmakers, there is no need for editorializing in this film. It is not a film that condemns religious identity in any way, rather it's a very humanizing story about finding one's path in life and supporting those you love while learning to ignore the gossip of neighbors and expectations imposed without one's consent. The women in this film become more powerful as the story naturally progresses which is a testament to the editing of the film and the direction of the filmmakers.
Character arcs can be difficult in documentary, it takes years of patience while allowing the story to unfold naturally, but Purdah delivers and I would highly recommend watching and discussing the film.
I appreciated the hands-off approach of the filmmakers, there is no need for editorializing in this film. It is not a film that condemns religious identity in any way, rather it's a very humanizing story about finding one's path in life and supporting those you love while learning to ignore the gossip of neighbors and expectations imposed without one's consent. The women in this film become more powerful as the story naturally progresses which is a testament to the editing of the film and the direction of the filmmakers.
Character arcs can be difficult in documentary, it takes years of patience while allowing the story to unfold naturally, but Purdah delivers and I would highly recommend watching and discussing the film.
An excellent inspirational documentary
verdenfell123428 July 2019
This was a wonderful documentary about family; one's own unique identity, and not being afraid to be who you truly are while pursuing your dream. The sisters this film follows are fearless in their increasingly restrictive environment and that 'Never Give Up' spirit will move you. Well done!
Beautiful film!
melissacenter16 June 2019
I saw this film at a film festival last year and was so excited to see it available on Amazon! This is a beautiful story featuring a female heroine, which I LOVE! The story itself is compelling & relevant. It's also quite heartbreaking. I HIGHLY recommend it.
Moving story!
thejhorton13 April 2020
What a find! A Purdah is the veil Muslim women wear to hide their faces. And this touchy documentary explores the other ways they have to hide . I found it extremely moving, and so well shot and put together. Great story with spectacular filmmaking behind it. Big recommend.
An interesting doc that offers tons of perspective
baccaruda117 April 2021
This unique doc provides a deep look into the lives of a family of girls in Mumbai, and gives its viewers a healthy dose of perspective. Living in the U. S. doesn't come close to showing what people do on the other side of the world to find their rightful place, and when you're a Muslim female, it's FAR tougher to become self actualized. So when one of the daughters decides to pursue playing cricket professionally, it is a shock to their fairly traditional father, who initially believes that cricket is decidedly not for girls. Eventually he relents, setting the stage for her to find meaning in a non-traditional career. Even a world away, families still have issues, and this one is no different. Dad leaves, Mom and the girls struggle to make ends meet and find meaning, and yet in the end, they all do. There is a quiet dignity in their search for their place in their respective worlds, and it was a privilege to experi nice their journey together.
Capturing the essence of India that's transforming
drjaswal20 January 2019
Purdah captures the essence of how Indian Muslim girls are challenging traditional values. It's a film (a true story) about three girls living in Mumbai who are chasing their dreams and aspirations. They wish to live their dreams.
The film is a journey of what happens to them and their dreams.
They face unsurmountable challenges but still are standing tall amidst trying times.
The movie is inspiring and Jeremy has the clarity about what he wants to convey to his audience. It's worth appreciating how Jeremy could capture the essence of each character and their struggles so profoundly.
The film also reflects on gender differences and that's why I liked it even more.
Truly a great movie to watch.
Beautiful look into a young woman's dreams
yuguwiac17 February 2019
A beautifully shot and scored documentary that sheds an intimate light on a young girl pursuing her dreams against familial and social pressures. It's so much more than just about cricket, and is much more than a coming of age story. As a viewer, you're dropped into a vibrant and emotional world. Entertaining and up-lifting. Highly recommend to anyone of any age!
A film about so much more than cricket
thegooddaysirs12 July 2018
Purdah is a sports film but, as the title suggests, about so much more than this. Set in Mumbai, Purdah is a simply and beautifully crafted portrait of a family, their hopes and dreams, and the culture surrounding these dreams. Watching it, the filmmaker brought me into another world, one I was completely unfamiliar with, and left me with a greater empathy and understanding of these women's everyday struggles. The characters are treated with such genuine compassion, and I firmly believe that as viewers we deserve more compassionate filmmaking, such as is on display here. Highly recommended.
My kind of documentary -- women pursuing their dreams against cultural odds!
pj-woodside3 August 2019
This documentary is such a great introduction to a world little known by Westerners. I have a soft spot for India anyway, and this story of a Muslim girl playing Cricket in Mumbai just combines so many interesting elements. At once you're watching a sports tale and a female empowerment story with cultural conflict and religious expectations all thrown in. Beautiful and meaningful. Kudos to the filmmakers!
Beautiful film exploring the life of one family in India.
turrou-66-90704821 July 2019
This was a beautiful slice of life documentary about a Muslim girl in Mumbai and her family. It's advertised as mainly being about her drive to play cricket, and how that flies in the face of the cultural conditions, but it's really so much more than that. I loved how it took the time to get to know all of the members of the family, and gives the viewer the chance to be in the home of a culture and place many of us will never get to personally experience. I also loved being in India for a while- I've visited with my wife, and it was fun to get to go back for a while, so to speak. I'm so glad I saw Purdah, and I'm sure you will be, too.
This documentary is a gem.
jaress-114 February 2019
This film will enlighten the viewer about life in India, one Muslim family, the chalenges of their culture and most of all - the resrictions that are put on womem. It follows the girls in a family for more than ten years, through happy times and devastating circumstances. You feel their heart break, as well as their indomitable courage which allows them to survive.
It's a beautifully crafted film, set against the backdrop of India. Buy it, rent it and recommend it to your friends.
Jill Jaress
It's a beautifully crafted film, set against the backdrop of India. Buy it, rent it and recommend it to your friends.
Jill Jaress
Excellent Documentary
tlg31720 February 2019
Purdah is a great documentary for two reasons: heart and story. In a time when we are constantly bombarded with cultural docs, Purdah takes this genre to the next level when dives beyond the mere facts of the societal norms of a culture to the humanity directly affected by them. As we see the story of the entire family unfold, one can't help but be touched by it. Secondly, I loved the structure of the film. While Purdah on the surface seemed to have a typical doc structure, I was thrown for a loop when it dove deeper into the lives of the family. After that cut to black, everything changes. You'll see what I mean.
Fascinating View into a Different World
EAreviews22 March 2021
Purdah takes western viewers to a world that is otherwise inaccessible. It was fascinating to witness the perseverance of the movie characters to make the best out of the circumstances that life has given them. A humbling contrast compared to the freedom and opportunities that many of us take for granted. An ode to the power of the human spirit to push forward in the face of adversity.
Inspirational
d_bitch323 March 2021
Watching these unyieldingly powerful women go after what they want despite their challenges makes anyone feel empowered to do the same. It can make one realize how much we take our liberties and privileges for granted. Inspiring and moving story. Visually breathtaking. Compelling storytelling.
Lyrical and Profound
briandilorenzofilm8 December 2020
I was completely touched by Jeremy Guy's "Purdah" chronically a family of
ambitious young Muslim women, including one who yearns to play for Mumbai's women's cricket team.
I loved the simple verite snapshots of home life, watching Kaikasha, watching Cricket with her family, seeing a life that is closed off to her and striving to achieve it.
"But we must know our limits and be honest"
An act - as harmless as playing a game of cricket - is a perfect metaphor for the liberties not afforded to many young women in Kaikasha's native India.
In subsequent sit down interviews with the family, we spend more and more time with Kaikasha's mother and father, and gain a deeper understanding of the sacrifices and hopes they have for their children, that is often combated by societal judgements and financial pressure.
Guy's camera and editorial choices never judges or goes for easy answers, favoring instead a three-dimensional examination of Kaikasha's entire family.
Watching Kaikasha travel the hour and 45 minutes to practice each way and the love that she has for the game were truly inspiring. Equally thrilling were scenes of the cricket team tryouts, where it fell like everything was on the line. The second half is completely heartbreaking and doesn't end in quite the way you hope or expect, but in a way, makes it s impact even more profound. Don't miss out on this wonderful gem of a film.
I loved the simple verite snapshots of home life, watching Kaikasha, watching Cricket with her family, seeing a life that is closed off to her and striving to achieve it.
"But we must know our limits and be honest"
An act - as harmless as playing a game of cricket - is a perfect metaphor for the liberties not afforded to many young women in Kaikasha's native India.
In subsequent sit down interviews with the family, we spend more and more time with Kaikasha's mother and father, and gain a deeper understanding of the sacrifices and hopes they have for their children, that is often combated by societal judgements and financial pressure.
Guy's camera and editorial choices never judges or goes for easy answers, favoring instead a three-dimensional examination of Kaikasha's entire family.
Watching Kaikasha travel the hour and 45 minutes to practice each way and the love that she has for the game were truly inspiring. Equally thrilling were scenes of the cricket team tryouts, where it fell like everything was on the line. The second half is completely heartbreaking and doesn't end in quite the way you hope or expect, but in a way, makes it s impact even more profound. Don't miss out on this wonderful gem of a film.
Amazing Documentary!
Smgrte2358604 February 2019
Purdah is an intensely compelling sports documentary about Kaikasha Mirza, a Muslim woman who wants to play professional cricket. Kaikasha is such an easy protagonist to root for as you follow her on her surprising and emotional journey. Director Jeremy Guy gives an eye-opening look into Indian culture and the sport of cricket. A definite must watch for anyone regardless if they're interested in sports or not.
Fantastic doc!
saradini13 July 2019
A truly master piece!
ruddycarpio21 February 2019
Purdah is a beautiful and important film in our times. The film features inspiring individuals and exposes the raw reality of the human condition. A young girl pursuing her dreams against family and social pressures. She wishes to play professional cricket, yet she comes from a Muslim conservative family. As her emotional journey twists and turns in unimaginable ways, the viewer is transported into a vibrant and emotional world where the protagonist is eager to fight for her dreams. As the film progresses, it inspires you to pursue your passion for the things you love. Purdah is a fantastic inspirational documentary that everyone should see. The cinematography and direction are just impeccable.
An Outstanding Documentary
dianatownsend23 February 2019
Purdah is an outstanding documentary telling the story of a young Muslim woman called Kaikasha who dreams of playing cricket for India. Unfortunately, she faces massive obstacles both from members of her family and the expectations of her religion.
The film gives a truly moving insight into Kaikasha's life and also those of her mother and sisters as they struggle to make the best of the few opportunities they have. The women were inspiring, honest and authentic and I strongly recommend watching their story.
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