The Namesake
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Movie Reviews of The Namesake
Movie Review: WOW....fantastic film
Summary: 5 Stars
Wonderful character development. Even though the film spans 25 years, I still felt a keen sense of what these characters were about, despite the fact that they grew and changed so much during the film, much of it off the screen.
The film shows problems common to many immigrant families in which the children do not hold the culture in the same reverence as the parents do...but with a fresh look. There is no sense of the director making accusations or judgements. We see events through the perspective of different family members --- which gives the viewer a sense of what would be felt by anyone, in any cultural or ethnic group.
Understated and not at all melodramatic, THE NAMESAKE gives an honest portrayal of a family that is coping with assimilation while trying to maintain its cultural heritage.
Every actor did a marvelous job, sometimes conveying great emotions with just a glance, no words needed. This, to me, is a sign of great acting.
Movie Review: Darling of a tale!
Summary: 5 Stars
A coming-of-age film about the choices a family makes and the difficulty of dealing with the death of a loved one while living in a foreign land, far from your comfort zone and extended family. The film is linear, taking us on the journey of a marriage between two strangers, their adjustment to one another, and how they grow as their 'Americanized' children grow and push agaisnt their parents' cultural values. Many of the 'opposing values' scenes are subtle, which makes them more powerful in my opinion. This movie based on the best selling novel by Jhumpa Lahiri is one I found endearing. I suspect that my seventeen year old son only watched it because it featured Kal Penn (Harold and Kumar go to White Castle), but he's glad he saw it and appreciated Kal Penn's ability to play a 'serious' role with such heart.
Chrissy K. McVay - Author
Movie Review: Straddling two cultures
Summary: 5 Stars
Ashoke Ganguli returns to his native India to marry Ashima and bring her back to the U.S. Feeling lonely and not yet bonded to her husband, Ashima struggles with life in her adopted country. Eventually the Gangulis have two children, Gogol and Sonia, and they become socially involved with other Indian immigrants. Asoke and Ashima stay closely tied to their Indian heritage while their children try to be as American as they possibly can. This wonderful movie explores the plight of the immigrant and shows how difficult it is to live in one country and have one's roots in another. I read the book before seeing the movie and that certainly helped to fill in some gaps and make the movie more enjoyable. This is a beautiful movie which closely follows the book and which is both touching and illuminating.Movie Review: Very nice!
Summary: 5 Stars
I just watched "The Namesake" today and I must say it was a very delightful experience. I had waited for it to be in rental DVD, as I had read a lot about the movie. I enjoyed previous Nair's films, and I have always like Tabu's work. Without reading the book, I can say it is well-executed, with beautiful photograhy and excellent music. I was anxious to see a movie that would cover the very contemporary subject of belonging to a culture via parents, and belonging to another physically. I was very very pleased with the result. The only criticism I would have is the lenght. It does cover a lot for one movie, and I was curious to know what happened to some characters after the end. Besides that it was great to see Indian actors doing a great job in an American production. Very recommendable!Movie Review: Absolutely Brilliant
Summary: 5 Stars
Yet another five-star review for a Mira Nair film. It's apparently the only rating I'm able to give her.
This is based on a novel that I haven't read yet, although I'm a big fan of the author. The DVD blurb identifies it as an "epic family saga." Yep. It covers a longer time span than the other Mira Nair films I've seen. Brilliant characterizations of its people and its two settings, India and New York. Funny and touching; very perceptive of human nature; brilliantly written, acted and directed.
I'll be watching this one again, which is what's so good about owning DVDs. Once in a while you find one that you want to hang onto.