The Clay Bird (2002)
- General info
- Available formats
- Synopsis:
A visually stunning, culturally fascinating, politically timely film based on the director's own childhood, 'The Clay Bird' has been called one of the most important works to come out of the Muslim world. Set against the backdrop of Pakistan during the turbulent 1960's, a family is ripped apart by religious beliefs and civil war. Anu (Nurul Islam Bablu), a shy young boy from rural East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) is sent away by his father Kazi, an orthodox Muslim, to a Madrasah. Far from his family and the warmth of his region's vibrant Hindu festivities, Anu struggles to adapt to the Islamic school's harsh monastic life. As the political divisions in the country intensify, a split develops between moderate and extremist forces within the Madrasah. In the village, these same tensions create a growing divide between the stubborn Kazi (Jayanto Chattopadhyay) and his increasingly independent wife, Ayesha (Rokeya Prachy). 'The Clay Bird' is an authentic and loving portrait of Bangladesh, showing the country in all its colour and complexity - its seasonal beauty, rich folkloric traditions, extraordinary music, and pluralistic culture. Touching upon themes of religious tolerance, cultural diversity, and the complexity of Islam, Tareque Masud's poignant and moving film has a universal relevance that should not be missed. - Actors:
- Nurul Islam Bablu, Russell Farazi, Jayanto Chattopadhyay, Rokeya Prachy, Soaeb Islam, Lameesa R. Reemjheem, Moin Ahmed, Md. Moslemuddin, Abdul Karim, Shah Akam Dewan, Golam Mahmud, Pradip Mittra Mithun, Auyon Chowdhury, Masud Ali Khan, Manjila Begum
- Directors:
- Tareque Masud
- Producers:
- Marin Karmitz, Catherine Masud
- Writers:
- Catherine Masud, Tareque Masud
- Aka:
- Matir Moina
- Genres:
- Drama
- Countries:
- Bangladesh
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Reviews (1) of The Clay Bird
Shattering the Cage - The Clay Bird review by griggs
Tareque Masud’s debut The Clay Bird is a quietly affecting coming-of-age tale set against the backdrop of a nation on the brink. It’s rich in symbolism—songs about caged birds, the titular clay bird itself—all hinting at a longing for freedom, both personal and political. The child actors are outstanding, often outshining the adults.
It brought Kes to mind more than once: both films find aching beauty in a boy’s brief glimpses of freedom. Where Kes soars through Yorkshire grit, The Clay Bird drifts through spiritual and political turmoil. But both share a deep empathy for children boxed in by adult dogma, and both use birds as gentle, tragic symbols of escape.
While the film is thoughtful and deeply felt, Masud occasionally overdoes the stylistic touches, which can pull focus from the story’s emotional core. Still, as a first film, it’s ambitious and moving—a heartfelt portrait of innocence caught in the crossfire of ideology.