Crushed Wings (2021) User Reviews

Deeply moving and necessary

[movimentoguastafeste · 9/10 · 24 October 2021]

In this fantastic portrayal, Bhusal aptly depicts the complexities of one of the most poignant global issues pertaining to women's rights: FGM, which is still widely embraced and practiced across cultures and in several countries.

It is impossible not to note the immense bravery of the protagonist, leading a life laden with incredible pain and surviving through adversities. Her story is woven into a beautiful and empowering tale of female friendship and solidarity as the antidote to the violence of the patriarchy.

Honesty and vulnerability are the focal point of the movie, opening up a much needed conversation and providing necessary information to understand the intricacies of the topic at hand.

A dark reality that is unknown to many.

[namratagoswamimct · 8/10 · 19 April 2022]

The story is mind-bending. It makes the viewer question oneself to know a better world. The dark reality is unknown to many. The victims of FGM don't know any good for themselves. But this one will inspire them to get out of the depressing life that they don't deserve and to take a stand for themselves.

Moving, heartfelt and a learning experience!

[anina007 · 8/10 · 27 October 2021]

As a woman living in the Philippines, a conservative country, and religion as the basis of morality, I feel this movie. Although some cultural practices or traditions may differ, I can still relate to the stigma when it comes to female sexuality. How a woman's purity and worth are based on their genitalia, and women are nothing more but the bearer of the children and servant for the husband.

The scenes are depicted strongly and very moving! It can be an eye-opener for children's rights, women empowerment, and sexual violence. I love how they showcase the scenes realistically as possible. It can strike a conversation. I believe that these things happen and need to talk about more often. When it comes to consent in terms of FGM, it gives in-depth detail about the said practice. It can affect a person and can cause trauma. A traumatic experience can last a lifetime.

Ria's narratives are heartfelt. Her dialogue is relatable and easy to understand that's why you can empathize with her. Her symbolisms and metaphors are interesting that makes her dialogue more catching. As she walks through life alone, you can feel her despair and longing for answers.

All in all, I can say that this can be used to open taboo and stigma-related topics.

Great movie about a terrible reality

[fmonsari · 10/10 · 26 October 2021]

Portrait of a crude reality that feels alien to us in other parts of the world but that doesn't make it less relatable or painful to see, and that it takes a path where this cultural heritage is questioned and shown from the perspective of those who suffer the consequences (one cannot help but to cheer for Ria in the mission she embarks on).

It shows that it is possible to question and break the cycle of a tradition that oppresses and tortures millions of women today, gives a voice and hope to the victims of these FGM rituals, especially bearing in mind that it is based on a collection of stories by survivors with different backgrounds.

Regarding the technical aspect, I think it is very successful, photography is impressive and quite typical of the place to which it refers, the edition feels very natural and the direction of Lalit Bhusal builds a story very fluent and entertaining to watch.

Deep and nuanced, this one is a winner!

[rehan_abbasi93 · 24 October 2021]

Directed by Lalit Bhusal, Crushed Wings showcases a powerful tale of fighting against the odds and against culture to do what is right. Taking inspiration from millions of women around the world forced to undergo FGM, Crushed Wings develops a protagonist forced to undergo the same procedure, only to empower her to chart a dangerous journey in a deeply patriarchal society to save her two sisters from the same fate that beset her.

Doing double duty as both writer and director, Bhusal weaves a complex yet intimate portrayal of a sensitive issue. Using a moving script and powerful yet nuanced performances, Bhusal puts the audience right into the protagonist's shoes, making a bold and daring statement about a practice that the world has been so far unable to eradicate.

Moving and poignant, Lalit Bhusal's feature about the horrific practice successfully holds up the mirror to society, moving its audiences everywhere to redouble their efforts to bring an end to FGM. Anchored by terrific performances and an emotional story at its core, Crushed Wings will definitely breathe a new life into the movement to end FGM and is bound to make much deserved waves at upcoming festival screenings.

A film that dusts off a bleak reality that must unfold

[azgagyassine · 10/10 · 30 October 2021]

The only fault of the poor Ria is that she grew up and lived her childhood in a society that adopts wrong beliefs with no relationship with the religion that's based on mercy and softness and prohibits and bans everything that could harm a person.

As I live in a conservative society and may adopts some false beliefs, even if it will lead to harmful, i found this film unveiled a deep and a classic phenomenon on our arabic society such as the female genital mutilation and forced marriage.

It's a great film that I advise the arab society to which I belong to watch it, as it addresses a social dilemma that must one day end.

Sensitive Issue which has been Interpreted Beautifully on Screen

[jasdiva · 8/10 · 12 March 2022]

Beautiful Film, I believe the Topic, FGM has been Interpreted quite Sensitively by the Director and the whole team. Oznur has done a great job, being the main lead and so have the others. Simplicity, Speaks Volumes, Whilst Conveying a Important Social Message.

Intense Story...

[adhikariseaserve · 10/10 · 8 April 2022]

This movie is a masterpiece, it is a great intense emotional movie. The direction was great, the actor acted really well. This movie will literally make you think about the patriarchal society and their norm's.

An amazing film

[jackiestaite-74163 · 10/10 · 4 February 2023]

This film is deeply moving about a subject that people need to know more about. Brilliantly filmed in Asia and the Uk. It follows one woman's story. Her relationship with her family who force into FGM as a child shows a child with broken trust and a fierce need to protect her sisters. An abusive marriage and loss of a baby bring her to an all time low. But a kindly doctor and a teacher friend help and she gains strength from her friend Emma to finally break out of the damaging circle and become herself.

This is a film that you need to watch but it is not boring it goes from one piece of action to another. Showing how adversity can be overcome.

Genuine Issue with great writing and direction , Must watch

[abhitripathi-88925 · 10/10 · 26 September 2022]

Its a story of a girl and how she has gone through orthodox issue FGM. Good acting form each and every actors. Film raises a genuine issue of society . No one comes forward to raise this type of issue through cinema. Grand salute to all the actors and director of this movie for raising such a concerning issue to public. Government officials should have to watch this movie and promote it to official level. Screenplay and editing is top notch. Many of us are not aware of this FGM orthodox , its a must watch to atleast know about such issues so that we can prevent it in society . This film shows the situation of girls who go through such phases .I will recommend to watch and share this to other. Very rare subject and it must have to reach everyone .