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Children of War backdrop

Children of War

16 May 2014Hindi2h 40m
DramaHistoryRomance
out of 10
Mixedlukewarm or divided
Monk Score · 7 scored reviews · 1 not rated

Sincere but thin, this 1971 war drama struggles under the weight of its own subject.

Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.

  • Praised: Sincere, direct handling of subject
  • Criticised: Insufficient depth and historical context

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Critic consensus

What 8 critics are saying

Critical reception for Children of War is sharply divided, ranging from dismissal to proclamations of masterpiece. Several critics acknowledged the film's sincerity and its importance as a historical document of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, with earnest performances and a head-on approach to difficult subject matter drawing measured praise. However, a recurring criticism is that the film lacks sufficient depth and historical grounding for the gravity of its subject, and its relentless bleakness leaves little emotional relief. One outlying enthusiastic review contrasts with a broader consensus that the film is commendable but falls short of its ambitions.

How the 7 scores spread

1 not-rated review isn't plotted

Positive / mixed / negative reviews

Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10

AI-generated summary of 8 critic reviews · may contain errors

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From the papers

Critic reviews (8)

Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated

  1. Top critic

    Indian Express

    Film review ·

    There should have been more history and more competence in 'Children Of War' for it to be the film it had set out to be.

  3. SKJBollywoodNews

    Film review ·

    It is impossible to believe that this war epic has been directed by a first-time filmmaker.How can a virgin artiste conceive such a vivid portrait of the rape of a civilization? This isn't really a film. It's a work of art, tempestuous and terrific. Yes, this is a masterpiece.

  4. NowRunning

    Film review ·

    Do not watch Children of War if you are looking for a dose of entertainment. Watch it to understand what could have caused one of the world's most painful struggles for independence.

  5. Mumbai Mirror

    Film review ·

    The magnitude of brutality and shock is always amplified if preceded by brighter times, but in Children Of War, there is rarely any cause for hope or joy and sadness is only succeeded by further despair. I recommend its power to feel alive, but this isn't for the faint-hearted.

  6. TimeOut

    Film review ·

    Like Madras Cafe last year, Children of War is a welcome indication that some Hindi filmmakers are starting to look outside India for stories. That Devvrat tackles his subject head-on is something else to feel encouraged about.

  7. Times Of India

    Film review ·

    In spite of the odds, COH stands out for its earnest performances and thoughtful music. The film is tense and atmospheric. Wish it was more in-depth as well, given the gravity of the subject.

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