Like Stars On Earth [DVD]

A truly amazing gift for every child and parent, it does not matter if you are black, white, Indian or Chinese, this brilliant story should be watched by anyone who plays a part in the development of a child.A beautiful story that will get all your senses and emotions involved and judging by the extras on this dvd, the cast and crew deserve major credit for putting together a spellbinding film which must have been extremely difficult to execute, as the majority of children in this film were non actors.The story revolves around eight year old Ishaan who enjoys using his imagination, and the type of creativity that demanding, stressed and pushy parents of the 21st century just would not understand. They put his behaviour down to mischievousness and being slow and therefore send him to a boarding school, where he meets a teacher that helps him reach his true potential and whilst doing that he educates the parents on how to nurture and love a gifted child like Ishaan.How this film did not win an Oscar is beyond me, especially when a film like Slumdog Millionaire managed to scoop 8 Oscars. I can only think that it is because it had a British director and star in it, which is a real shame, as this film has the potential to educate the masses, not just fans of Who Wants to be a Millionaire.Well done to Aamir Khan and to the star of the future: Darsheel Safary.

This film is originally called "Taare Zameen Par" and was made in India in 2007. Essentially, it's about how each child is special.It's based on how school system in most countries is quite limited to educating children academically, and how those who aren't academically inclined, through choice or with learning difficulties, are looked down upon, sidetracked or treated negatively.I was amazed that this subject was tackled in India. Bollywood singing and dancing films are fun but rarely tackle societal problems. This film couldn't be more different!I have a nephew who has dyspraxia & is also slightly dyslexic. Watching this film made me understand him so much more and I even found myself crying tears of joy.Please consider watching this film whether you need to or not - you will come away enlightened and with an improved insight in how whether we live in the UK, India, or anywhere in the world, as human beings we are really all so very similar.PS: Aamir Khan, the protagonist, has just released another film on xmas day 2009 called "3 Idiots" which is a "growing up into university/college" version of Like Stars on Earth. It's breaking all box office records and I'm off to see it. It's showing in selected cinemas in London.

A "must see" film - if you can't cope with subtitles, the dvd gives you the option of seeing it dubbed in English (although I much prefer the Hindi version with English subtitles).A dreamer of a boy, the son of pushy parents, is failing at school. The first half of the film sees him gradually becoming more and more withdrawn, driven away from the real world by the harsh and ignorant behaviour of the adults around him. Finally, just as you despair for him, the right teacher comes along.This film is thought-provoking and thought-changing. The central performance by Darsheel is astounding and I have never admired Aamir Khan more, both for his direction in eliciting that performance and for his generosity in throttling back his own performance to ensure that it is the boy and not Aamir who is always at the centre of the film.This is a film to watch again and again.

"Taare zameen par" (Stars on Earth) tells the story of a wonderfully imaginative, creative, sweet boy whose undetected dyslexia leaves him suffering the wrath of hostile parents and teachers, leaving him on the brink of complete psychological breakdown. It is only when a sensitive temporary art teacher enters his life that his tormented life is effectively saved. Without giving too much away, this film is made with great depth and sensitivity and it shines a light on an all-too-familiar trait of Indian society (and of others, of course) and challenges the obsession which parents might have of forcing children to a mould of their own making in the obsessive pursuit of "success" while completely ignoring the individual and unique character, abilities and needs of their child. Both heart-wrenching and heart-warming, it is hard to imagine anyone not liking this film - excellent!

Taare Zameen Par is honestly one of the most beautiful films i have ever seen. I have watched this about five times in Hindi. I only know english and didn't understand a word, but the film has such a wonderful meaning, despite the different language the meaning is the same. I am Dyslexic and struggled through school not being regongnised, all i wanted to do like Ishaan was draw, paint and create, and i was fasinated by the colours and things around me. When i look at Ishaan i see myself. It wasn't until an art teacher believed in me that i learnt i wasn't stupid and began to believe in myself. This film has a great meaning to me. I am overjoyed that it is now available to by in uk. I bought it as soon as i knew. An amazing film

Great performance from young star. Insights into another culture, really nice photography and use of music (with one exception) and colour. Could use some much stricter editing. Overlong by about thirty minutes. Ending utterly predictable.