Something Like a War

Years ago, India employed a cruel family planning programme. Something Like a War examines this issue from the point of view of women themselves, those who were pushed to participate and seduced into believing their politicians, only to regret it dearly later on. The reproductive rights of women, population control, the differences between social classes, the endless corruption: all of it is exposed in this daring and engaging documentary, filled with interesting interviews and observational sequences. The film became study material for many universities around the world, and in all the years since it was made, it has served many social, political and cultural purposes. Something Like a War openly exposes society's cynicism. The brutality of the social reforms, especially when they involve human bodies, fertility, family affairs, sexuality and health, are put under an artistic magnifying glass. Shot with great attention for the women's faces and their emotional expressions, the powerful images of cameraman Navroz Contractor fit perfectly with director Deepa Dhanraj's dramatic composition to expose the injustice and hypocrisy of society. (International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam)