Critic Reviews

Stirring on religious and humanitarian levels, and very timely notwithstanding its 1979 setting.

Has relevance in the world as we now know it.

But by the time you understand the meaning of its title, Sabiha Sumar's film has delivered an emotional punch.

Sumar's debut feature could scarcely be more relevant to Pakistan's present, or, given this country's history of backing such repressive regimes, to ours.

Converts relevant contemporary history into intimate personal drama.

It highlights a still shadowy moment in the creation of Pakistan that saw the abduction of nearly 100,000 Sikh and Muslim women in both India and Pakistan.

The fact that these atrocities are not well known in the West is a good reason for this film to exist.

Silent Waters is several different movies, and most of them feel negligible and meandering, until the film finally packs a wallop.

The provocative issues of Silent Waters are unfortunately undercut by schematic plotting and one-dimensional characterizations, but the forcefulness of its message makes it a rewarding cinematic experience.

Worthy intentions are drowned by schematic scripting and only OK direction in Silent Waters, an achingly PC drama on how Islamic fundamentalism wrecks families and oppresses women.