Water: The Movie

I just watched Deepa Mehta's 2005 OSCAR-nominated film "Water." (Released nine years ago. I know. Don't judge. I was getting an advanced degree.)

After her husband dies of an illness, eight-year-old—yes, eight—Chuyia is forced to live out the rest of her days in a temple for Hindu widows, sharing life with fourteen other women and a cold-blooded headmistress. Through the trials of another widow, a prostitute named Kalyani (Lisa Ray) who's being courted chastely by a man from a higher caste (John Abraham), Chuyia learns the true restrictions of widowhood. The story of Ghandi is woven in, grounding this film in a historical setting. Those with special interest in women's advocacy will appreciate this story. Beautifully told and highly recommended. 117 minutes.