I must say, its one of the best movie of 2007 and one of the best movie made on similar theme. I am not sure why such movie do not get the deserved appreciation. It can bring tears to anyone's eyes such is the story and the acting of the cast. Manoj bajpai does not need an introduction if we talk about acting skills, but here rest of the cast too justified their roles.Does not matter which country you belong to, give it a try and you wont regret.

I saw this the 2nd time yesterday night and it impressed me even more than the 1st time. There's not a single fault I could find with this movie and so I had to give it a 10. Usually I never go beyond 8.Its very hard hitting, engrossing with some very crisp screenplay, direction and super acting from everyone involved. Even the end is so different.One of Manoj Bajpai's best work - Hats off to you, sir Very surprised the director hasn't done anything since then - Where has he disappeared? Take a bow, everyone who is involved with this movie - Its a masterpiece.Do yourself a favour and get a DVD of this movie with some popcorn - You will NOT regret it for a minute

The Left Elbow Index considers film in terms of seven variables--acting, plot, production sets, dialogue, character development, continuity, and artistry--on a scale from a high of 10 to a low of 1. The acting seems generally weak, basically on par with the typical adventure film with a lot of screaming and running, augmented by a prolonged chase scene, thereby rating a 4. The Plot is fairly uncomplicated, since an escape movie is an escape movie. There are patriotic issues in the film, yet the disclaimer indicates the this story is not based on a real incident or real people. The plot rates 5, mostly from the inclusion of seemingly unrelated subplots and distractions, like POWs dancing the Bhangra. The production sets are judged relatively strong, and a 6 seems a logical rating. This includes the POW camp, the small towns, and the costumes-or uniforms, in the case. Dialogue is average and functional , resulting in a rating of 5. Some of the dialogue seems strange: "This is not a movie scene" and "You have not seen a movie in a long time" appear somewhat puzzling. The characters are stock and stereotypical, a 3 since there appears to be little development beyond their introduction. Continuity seems challenged, mostly because of the episodic nature of the production, therefore a 4. There seems to be little artistry beyond standard special effects. At times the background music can be annoying, and the repeated strains from from the beginning of the "Col. Bogey March" seem strangely imperial. Artistry therefore rates a 2. The composite ranking for this film according to the Left Elbow Index is a 4. If you like escape movies, you'll like this one. If you like patriotic films, so too. Films do not have to be technically correct to be entertaining. Abbott and Costello movies were continually panned by the critics, yet audiences loved them. In addition, the continuing conflict between Pakistan and India tends to raise support for this film. Abbott and Costello movies have stood the test of time. It will be interesting to see how 1971 does.

'1971', though deals with the Indian prisoners of wars in Pakistan, it isn't a film that would only appeal to Indians but to the world. One of the most finely crafted films of recent times, '1971' scores high on every department. Though the plot is fictitious, this movie does raise the question of what happened to the real prisoners of war who were last seen in Pakistan in 1988. Completely ignored, by the rest of the world, what has become of those brave soldiers? '1971'is finely balanced. Nothing is over the top or unrealistic. It refrains from the stereotypical hatred and bloodshed that has so often been shown in films of this genre. '1971' is breathtaking in its technical craft. Maybe a few scenes would have been more effective without the background score. Yet, the score itself is mesmerizing and helps us follow the characters' journey. Amrit Sagar deserves immense credit for taking up the challenge and giving us a fine piece of work through brilliant execution, strong characterization (credit also goes to Piysuh Mishra) and amazing storytelling that ends with a shattering conclusion.Manoj Bajpai delivers the finest male performance of the year (and one of his best). It's great to see him after a long time with a film that does full justice to the actor. The rest of the cast including Deepak Dobriyal (another fine work after 'Ómkara'), Chittaranjan Giri, Ravi Kishan, Kumud Mishra, and Manav Kaul were equally excellent in their roles. The film doesn't have many songs but the few were used effectively (in the background mostly). Screenplay is one of the best and is simply beautiful. It has its few light moments and dark moments but as I have mentioned above, nothing over the top. Cinematography is well done. Editing is allows the film to be complete as every moment in the film sticks to the main plot.Now I wonder how such a fine piece of work hasn't received any attention from critics or audiences? It seems to be already forgotten and it hasn't been more than a few months since its release. I wouldn't scare away from calling it one of the best films and more people should watch it. I'll quote another commenter because I exactly feel the same ¨Watch this movie for it's passion. Watch this movie if you want to learn what film-making is all about. Watch this movie to take home some true feelings about the people who have never been thought of. Don't let the sand wash away, preserve your soil. Let the talent be ripe in this dying beautiful world. But for the almighty sake, don't watch this movie for the critics. Watch it for yourself, watch it alone and you will walk back with great honor in your heart. That's my word for you.¨ This is one movie that's not to be missed as it's rare to find something as balanced, brave, brilliant and beautiful created by a filmmaker (let alone a débutant).