In what is a beautifully painted portrait of small town South Africa during the Apartheid era, Shamim Sarif's film about two women who fall in love under a state of oppression, is a well balanced work of art.

Not only is the cinematography flawless, the acting is pretty close to it, the movie itself is a soulful investigation into the world unseen at the time.

In the pressure cooker of apartheid South Africa, two Indian women meet and their worlds are turned upside down. Miriam is a traditional Indian mother — hardworking and meek, while Amina is a young and fiery character who breaks all the rules.

Miriam's cheating husband who cannot understand her, keeps her locked up and she has almost accepted her sad and oppressed life until Amina comes into it and makes her challenge the boundaries of her existence — including falling in love with a woman.

In a system that divides white from black, black from Asian and the women from men, Sarif explores the idea of mixed marriage and lesbianism which was punishable at the time.

Well-known actors like Natalie Becker and Colin Moss form part of a cast that's rather easy on the eye, and mostly South African. The lead actress playing Miriam, Canadian actress Lisa Ray, is outstanding and brings a touch of 'world class' to the stage.

Although the plot sometimes dwindles a little, 'The World Unseen' is a poignant reflection of the old South Africa, and makes one realise just how far we have come...