My book group chose to watch the movie Water for our December meeting. I use the word "chose" with a bit of guilt, since I have been pushing this film for several years now, and I think that everyone was either worn down by my constant pressure, or they decided I needed an early Christmas gift.
Because I saw it many years ago, after reading the book by the same name, I forgot it is in subtitles, something I don't care for, and something that is appreciated very little by several others in the group. But, I am hoping that the message, the intensity, and the ironic beauty of the film outweigh the incovenience of the format.
Chuyia is a young girl, about nine, when she is given in marriage. Unfortunately, her husband dies shortly after, and this bad karma, lands her in a widow's home. The house mother is slovenly, bitter, lazy, and unkind. She presides over all ashram actions, including the decision to pimp a young, beautiful widow out in order to bring in more money for the home. Chuyia believes that she will return to her parents someday , but we learn from a holy man, that child marriages are a financial matter. Getting rid of a young girl makes room in the household, and saves money on the four saris that a girl is given throughout her life.
Sounds bleak, but yuou will find Chuyia engaging and resiliant. I was amazed how much injustice a person can endure when there is support, understanding and hope. The beautiful scenery contrasts with the hollowness of the women's lives. There is much to be learned from Water.
This moving story will stick with you for a long time. It is part of a trilogy of films, the others being Fire and Earth.
Thank you for not being this shopper!
Some 24% of people who bought books online said they had looked at the book in a bookstore first and 39% of people who bought books from Amazon said they had looked at the book in a bookstore first, according to a survey conducted by Codex Group and quoted by the New York Times.
Many indie bookstores are combating this behavior by guilting customers with a sign reading "See it here. Buy it here. Keep us here."
