Did you people see the same film I saw?

I saw this movie before reading any reviews, and I thought it was very funny. I was very surprised to see the overwhelmingly negative reviews this film received from critics.

The biggest problem with this movie is it’s a little better than you think it might be, which somehow makes it worse. As in, it takes itself a bit too seriously, which makes most of the movie feel kind of dull.

The thing I enjoyed most about the film is the fact that it doesn't shy away from being a super-sized-cliche;

This was the first but also the best Indian movie I watched. I rewatched it again weeks ago and it never fails to make me laugh, cry and be inspired in the end.It has a great message to convey. I also admire Aamir Khan because he is the director, producer and an actor in it too. He is my favorite Indian actor.Though only a movie, it is very much connected to reality. If ever I have children, I will let them watch it too hehe. ^.^

After seeing other Aamir Khan movies I expected a lot less. But to be honest, this an ok movie (but nothing more). Don't think the movie is very different from other ones starring Aamir Khan though: - Again basic ethical problems and ideas are the basis for the subject of the movie. In here also lies a cultural difference, what might be accepted and understood in the west isn't allways in poor and underdeveloped countries like India. Again it show how terrible everyone is dealing with people they don't understand, how they are misjudged and forsaken and not appreciated enough. And again Aamir Khan's personage is the gooder that shows everyone how we should accept and treat people that don't precizely fit in our general picture of being a normal. Where would India be without it's saint Aamir Khan... Some of the elements I liked were the animated intermezzo's in the first hour of the movie where you get to know the inner world of Ishaan, (most of) the effects were nicely done and brought something extra, the fact that you really get to feel some sympathy for the boy and the acting is actually quite good. The songs in this movie weren't all that bothersome (except maybe the one where Aamir joins the movie, extremely over the top) and some actually add something to the movie, camerawork was fine.What I didn't like is the length of the movie. Some scenes are way too long and unnecessary. It's sometimes overdone, way too melodramatic, unrealistic. The characters are too stereotypical. I wasn't fond of the sudden change of perpective when Aamir joins the show (from the point of view of the little boy to that of the teacher). I would have liked the perspective of 'the boy that gets help from a teacher' instead of 'the teacher that helps a boy'. Even though Mr. Khan didn't show up until 75 minutes into the movie, it seems he's not thát modest to keep the focus on the boy instead of taking over the lead role.It's probably obvious that I really dislike the way Aamir Khan presents himself in his movies time and time again. Though I don't deny the good that the life lessons that are so important in his movies might do in a country like India, I can't help but feeling that it's all to maintain an image instead of genuinity. It would be nice to see someone else playing the role of gooder in one of his movies for a change.And sure, every child is special. But why must this be shown by an dyslectic kid doing something great? Everyone has his or her flaws and strengths, but most (at least 99%) of all dyslectic kids never achieve something like what is shown in the movie (just like at least 99% of all non-dyslectic kids) and are nevertheless special and deserve to be appreciated for their strengths. Off course the idea is that parents and teachers must never stop trying to find a childs true potential, but with this the movie contradicts it's own preaching: that someone doesn't have to be the best in anything to be loved, understood and appreciated.

Like Stars on Earth gives us several strong life lessons for the often disrespected job of a teacher through different aspects, such as: the importance of the teacher and student relationship, the teacher applying different styles in his class, the teacher who approaches all of his students individually, forming bonds with them, about the teacher who lives for his job, and not for the benefit of earning a salary. On the other hand, the whole plot seems not so convicing: although musical parts were incorporated in a way that they are not at the expense of the plot, but mostly unconvincing performances (it is as if they are all gonna laugh in a sec)...

Good movie and I strongly recommend to see, but be forewarned that you will have to watch a child be severely emotionally abused for what feels like an hour. You will cry so have a box of tissue ready. However, it leaves a lasting impression, truly teaching and creating awareness regarding the behaviors, sufferings and intelligence of children with dyslexia. It's nice, for a change, to have an inspiring example of someone (the art teacher) who not only cares but takes action to help. This movie will surely influence change in society. I give it 8 rather than 10 because it was a bit overdone, contrived.