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.

"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!

A powerful portrayal of what a good teacher ought to be: caring and seeking to meet the needs of all the students in their care; diligent and helping each student to reach their potential. This film is a must-see. The art teacher called Nikumbh who helps 8-year-old Ishaan overcome his problem is simply amazing; he does not give up on this 'problem' child while every other teacher has! Shame on them, but well done Nikumbh. If more teachers were like Nikumbh the world would be a better place for the many children who struggle daily at school all over the world. The strongest message is caring: show a child you care and they will thrive, no matter what their 'intelligence' is. I loved the story, loved the music, loved the songs that were all all in Hindi. I don't keep many films but I shall be keeping this as one of my favourites.

Wonderful wonderful film in English, looking from the point of view of a dyslexic child who is misunderstood and sent away to a boarding school. With the poor treatment of teachers and family who do not understand him, he loses himself in depression and it takes a new radical loving art teacher (Amir Khan) to see his distress and work out how to help him. Very moving - the toughest people have cried at this film - but delightful, superbly acted and directed, moments of pure joy and an absolute gem.

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

Well, OK, not ONLY for parents (I'm not one), but it touches on themes closest to the hearts of parents (I would imagine). It's quite hard for me to categorize this film, as I haven't seen many Indian movies, avoid Disney productions like the plague and mainly watch 'World Cinema' titles with more adult (not in the smutty sense, I hasten to add) themes.This particular film deals with a young Indian school boy and his fight to overcome certain learning difficulties, with the help of a sympathetic teacher. Too much more about the plot, I should not say. The title implies that every child is special (which all parents seem to feel about their own children anyway, hence my earlier reference to them) and I think that this point is made amply well in the end.I found it to be an educational (slightly) and ultimately uplifting film, which was a little 'syrupy' in places (lots of male tears shed), but none the worse for it. Worth a watch!

This is a really wonderful film.It is about a little boy who has unrecognised dyslexia and how he gets labelled and misunderstood especially by his ambitious and strict father who has him sent off to a boarding school where one day a interim teacher who uses more creative and imaginative ways of teaching recognises the boys difficulties and also his artistic potential.It sounds like it might be a bit cheesy but it really isn't,it is done with great heart and shows the real pain and anguish of the young boy to the point he contemplates suicide.It really is a film full of heart and soul and I would recommend to watch it with many younger or older children to get across the message that we all have talent and potential in some area,it is just a question of recognising it.