Domestic violence in extreme cases can lead to loss of life. In most cases, women suffer the most from abusive husbands and boyfriends. The film “Provoked” redefines provocation in domestic abuse. In the movie, the judiciary system is called upon to evaluate its judgement on provocation and murder. This paper seeks to critically reflect on the significance of the film “Provoked” as it relates to the treatment of women’s issues and the role of the justice system. It explores how the ultimate goal of seeking prosecution can in the long run deny individuals justice.
At the center of “Provoked” is the question of whether Kiranjit Ahluwalia, the wife who set her alcoholic abusive husband on fire was in a lucid and clear mental state when she killed him. When the movie opens, it shows a distraught Kiranjit, holding on to her sons while the responding officer tries to help her. Because of the shock that came with the act of burning a man alive, she is unable to provide a clear justification for her actions which leads to her conviction.
Physical and emotional abuse affected her responses when she was questioned by the police. This shows that the effects of domestic abuse go beyond the bruises and emotional trauma, it affects an individual’s capacity to communicate with the outside world (O’Donovan, 1991). Because she spoke without an attorney, Kiranjit could not claim self-defence and that marked the beginning of her court ordeal.
It is apparent that Kiranjit was dazed and incoherent when the responding officer got to her place but during the trial, she has to contend with the words of the officer whose opinion was tainted by his superiors. This is a part that is least developed about the film but it changes the whole case. A corrupt and bullying justice system sent the woman to prison, ignoring the fact that years of abuse had affected her capacity to respond to abuse in a rational and critical way. The officer’s wrong testimony was a bad development for women’s rights and the fight against domestic abuse.
The question of lucidity also brings to the fore questions about the justification of murder. Provocation alone cannot be enough justification for murder. It can be noted that the case of Kiranjit was one of survival. Had she not set the man on fire, she would have died herself from constant mental and physical abuse (Hunter et al., 2010). Deepak was a sadist who took advantage of the fact that his arranged marriage bride had no outlet or means to fight. She barely spoke English and was barely aware of how the British justice system worked.
The case of Kiranjit is one of being resolute and luck playing a role in her resultant change of conviction. In prison she meets Ronie or Veronica, the sister to a highly respected queen’s counsel who helps convince her brother to file an appeal. In Ronie and Kiranjit and the other cellmates, it becomes apparent that domestic violence pushes most women to the extreme ending in fatality (O’Donovan 1991).
In prison, Kiranjit learns about sisterhood and its potential to help individuals in hopeless scenarios. There is also a lesson about how to stop the circle of violence. As the movie ends, Kiranjit stands on the court entrance stair and makes a plea on how to end domestic abuse. She suggests that, “mothers have the responsibility to teach their sons how to treat women with respect” (Provoked 2006).
The makers of “Provoked” make a concerted effort to rid the film off sentimentality. It manages to retain an object look at justice but also makes the movie more bland. Removing of emotions, helps concentrate on the justice system but also affects the viewer’s capability of empathizing with the characters (Hunter et al., 2010). The Southall Black Sisters are portrayed as struggling and not able to afford a copier. They do however play an important role in the second half of the case. For an organization that helped change the landscape of domestic abuse laws in the United Kingdom, Southall Black Sisters’ significance lies only in their appearance rather than depth on how it conducted its work.
In conclusion, “Provoked” reflects on the challenges faced by women in abusive relationships. It also critically portrays the redefinition of provocation by stripping away sentimentality and leaving the activism of Southall Black Sisters as well as the courts to define the future of domestic violence laws. Patriarchal domination is enhanced by the nature of arranged marriages. Deepak thinks he owns Kiranjit and is driven to rage just by the mere sight of his wife dancing with another man even though it is out of his own insistence. The result in violence and death.
References
Hunter, R., McGlynn, C., & Rackley, E. (2010). Feminist Judgements: From Theory to Practice.
Bloomsbury Publishing.
Manohar, S. M. (Producer), Mundhra, J. (Director). (2006). Provoked: A true story. United
Kingdom; Private Moments Limited.
O’Donovan, K. (1991). Defences for battered women who kill. Journal of Law and Society 18, 2, p. 219-240.
