Over the last few weeks I've watched about a half dozen Indian movies and almost all of them star Aamir Khan and offer extended scenes of colorful song and dance numbers. Being a new film experience for me, I thought those details were worth noting, as I don't know how far that stereotype goes.

The story here, though a good one for it's subject material, I thought was almost too simplistic and straightforward, as one could pretty easily figure out what the outcome would be. The learning disability that young Ishaan (Darsheel Sagary) had wasn't some big mystery, but a simple case of dyslexia. For that reason, I couldn't understand why he wasn't taken more seriously when he made the statement in my summary line above during one of his classroom experiences. It seems a perceptive teacher should have picked up on that hint long before Ram Shankar Nikumbh (Khan) came along.

There's a part of me that always wants to caution about the way a certain type of message is conveyed about children. The saying that 'every child is special' bothers me somewhat, in as much as if we elevate every child to that level, then we've simply redefined what's normal. So that winds up saying that if every child is special then no child is. The better way to phrase such a concept to my mind is that every child is special to someone, and that all children have the right to every opportunity life can afford them. I don't want to give the wrong impression here. I have four grandchildren and they're all special to me, even if they're not going to be world class athletes or the next Einstein. Or maybe one of them will, who knows?

With that out of the way, I have to comment on the young actor portraying Ishaan. Darsheel Safary is more talented than a lot of adult actors I've seen, and ran through an amazing arc of emotions that I simply found incredible. I really can't imagine how he pulled off some of the scenes he was required to carry. Quite amazing to my mind, enough so that I would state that in this case, he was pretty special.

I love Indian films and have seen more than most Americans. However, considering the country makes more films than any other (about 800 a year),I really have only seen a small number of their films. But, I must say that "Tarre Zameen Par" ("Like Stars on Earth") is the best Indian film I've seen...even slightly better than "Kahaahi" and "Three Idiots" (another Aamir Khan film). It truly is a wonderful film and is better than nearly anything coming out of Hollywood these days.

The story is a sad but ultimately happy one. Eight year-old Ishaan is a problem child. Nearly everyone around him sees him as a trouble maker and kid with a horrible attitude. But no one bothers looking at these behaviors as signs of a deeper problem...the boy is illiterate and also cannot do math because he has very severe Dyslexia. At first, you see him acting out. Later, when he's been punished for this by sending him off to a boarding school, his spirit is crushed. He's sullen, and most importantly, severely depressed and almost non-communicative. And then...he has a new art teacher who has worked with disabled kids before...and he recognizes the kid's problems...as well as the kid's potential! Considering it's a nearly three hour film, there of course is much more to it...and the film is a joy to watch.

Brilliant writing, brilliant acting and a very brave and lovely production overall make this an amazing and perfect film. I have no complaints about ANYTHING in the film...nothing. It's perfect.

Ishaan Awasthi is an 8 year old boy struggling in his second time as a 3rd grade student. He is unfocused easily distracted. He is frustrated and horrible in the classroom. He gets into a fight with a school bully. His father is angry at his perceived laziness. His mother is concerned. When the parents meet the school teachers, it's obvious that Ishaan will never pass 3rd grade. The parents send him away to a strict boarding school. His spirit is broken down until substitute teacher Ram Shankar Nikumbh arrives. Ram soon figures out that the boy has dyslexia.

The boy lead is amazing. I completely buy his acting. He is adorable and believable. His relationship with his mother is heart breaking. The movie up to the point with Ram is absolutely riveting. I do have a couple of minor problems with Ram. Being an Indian movie, he does too much song and dance for me. I also don't like Ram's attitude towards the parents. He should dial down the self-righteous anger and dial up the sympathy. What I do like is the great realistic performance of the boy. He could help melt the most hardened heart.