Like Stars on Earth
2007 · 162 min · Drama
Directed by Aamir Khan
“Every child is special.”
Ishaan Awasthi is an eight-year-old whose world is filled with wonders that no one else seems to appreciate. Colours, fish, dogs, and kites don't seem important to the adults, who are much more interested in things like homework, marks, and neatness. Ishaan cannot seem to get anything right in class; he is then sent to boarding school, where his life changes forever.
Why it's worth watching
This deeply moving film is a beautiful exploration of compassion, patience, and the unique value of every child. It offers a profound look at how understanding and love can transform a struggling child's life, making it an excellent and emotionally resonant watch for parents, educators, and families alike.
What it praises
It praises the virtues of empathy, patience, dedicated mentorship, and the unconditional love and restoration of family.
For discernment
A tender, emotionally rich film about seeing and valuing a child the world has written off — a dyslexic boy crushed by graded, tidy, achievement-obsessed adults until one patient teacher restores him — and its picture of compassion, patient mentorship, and every child's God-given worth is genuinely moving and edifying. The weight to prepare for is emotional rather than sensual: the boy briefly contemplates suicide, is bullied by his own father (who calls him a 'retard' out of frustration), and spends long stretches in visible distress after being torn from home for boarding school. Language is mild and confined to adults — 's***,' 'g******,' 'bloody,' 'hell.' Faith is neutral and the restoration is human rather than explicitly spiritual. One of the most worthwhile family dramas here for its heart, provided you're ready for its heavier notes about a hurting child.
- NoteThe young protagonist briefly contemplates suicide and spends long stretches in acute distress after being sent away to boarding school.
- Faith & familyThe boy's father bullies and belittles him over his dyslexia, at one point calling him a 'retard' out of frustration.
- LanguageMild profanity spoken by adults, including 's***,' 'g******,' 'bloody,' and 'hell.'
Cast
Darsheel Safary
Ishaan Nandkishore Awasthi
Aamir Khan
Ram Shankar Nikumbh
Tisca Chopra
Maya Awasthi
Vipin Sharma
Nandkishore Awasthi
Tanay Chheda
Rajan Damodaran
Sachet Engineer
Yohaan Awasthi
Girija Oak
Jabeen
Shankar Sachdev
Tiwari Sir
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