Review of Born into Brothels: Calcutta's Red Light Kids (2004) by Trevor R — 09 Oct 2010

A bittersweet documentary about a handful of gifted children born and raised in Calcutta's Red Light District, "Brothels" is as heartbreaking as it is sincere.

At its core,"Brothels" is a story about eight wonderfully bright but terribly underprivileged kids and their often-impressive photographic skills (yes, their pictures are GOOD). But better than that is the film's ability to present each child as an individual, brilliantly self-aware, rife with aspirations and emotions. It's wonderfully humanizing, but in a way that allows the viewer to recognize that the children's personalities defy construction: they are intelligent, thoughtful, talented (real) people, with or without the camera's eye.

But "Brothels" isn't just about this cadre of young artists. It's also the story of co-director/photography teacher Zana Briski and her endearing humanitarian efforts to build a future for the ostracized Red Lighters; an exploration of the maligned District and its inhabitants; and a commentary on Calcutta's backward sociopolitical system.

Often times, films fail for trying to do or be too much. Similarly, "Brothels" is hampered by its inability to give each storyline equal attention. A deeper analysis of Calcutta's politics and the social affects of the Red Light stigma would have helped flesh out the children's stories; and Briski (seeming initially to be an intruder in her own film) deserves to have her charitable efforts chronicled completely. But "Brothels" still manages to soar, leaving you wanting more. That's a high compliment for any film.