Unlike other films that I see after reading some review or the other, I decided to see this film primarily based on the following facts.
Produced by : Steven Spielberg, Oprah Winfrey and Juliet Blake.
Intriguing cast led by Helen Mirren and Om Puri.
Music : A R Rahman.
I am told that the others involved are not light weights but these names in my book are heavy weights and I was intrigued enough that with this motley crew a film in English has been made. I decided to go and see it despite the funny timings on offer and when I just suggested that Manjiree and Ranjan join me, they too jumped at the invitation after their own research. So, off the three Rajgopauls went to the movies for a Sunday matinee show and none of them has any regret for having done so.
It is a very plausible story line with each character perfectly fitting into the plot and all the actors ably portraying each character to make it a very enjoyable experience. We were perhaps able to enjoy it more than a Western audience would because of, some of the nuances that the use of the Hindi language brings in. But that is a minor factor which should not deter my readers from seeing it as they are not too many.
My one disappointment with the film was that A R Rahman was not made better use of. Unlike other Indian films, there is hardly any music, and what there is is very subtle and in the background. This little disappointment is more than made up by the low decibel sound effects!
I have no hesitation whatsoever in giving this film a full house rating of [rating=6]
PS. We saw some trailers which has intrigued us as well and August promises to be filled with a few more outings for movies.
I like the idea that the sound level isn’t too high. I’ve saved it on Netflix and may watch it when it becomes available. I’m glad you had a good time. 🙂
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Incidentally, I have now bought some reusable earplugs which I hope will make it more pleasant when the decibel level is high in a theater.
Helen Mirren and cooking – what could be better? I am looking forward to seeing this one along with the second Marigold Hotel which is on the horizon.
Her performance is outstanding Chuck and you will not regret seeing it.
Not familiar whatsoever with the title but if Helen Mirren is starring in it there is little doubt I won’t give it a look see. Not to mention the fact that Spielberg directed it! 🙂
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Small correction Alan. Spielberg is one of the producers. He did not direct it. The Director is Lasse Hallström.
“Unlike other Indian films, there is hardly any music” … I sometimes get the impression that Indian films are nothing but ‘music’, which is why I was hoping that your young friends Shiva and Jagan would give you a part in a mini-Bollywood extravaganza. I’d pay good money to see that ! .. 🙂
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I am hoping so too John and I will take you up on that good money offer!
I’d like to see it if it’s ever available for streaming.
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I hope that it becomes available and that you see it. You will not regret it. The Indian partners have their own version of the Netflix in India and so it would not surprise me if they collaborate with the latter for release in the West.
We have been looking forward to seeing this. I’m so happy to have your stamp of approval from a cultural standpoint. One never knows from Hollywood…
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You will not regret it Mother.
I did see the movie, and enjoyed the first half, but the second half dragged a bit for me. Very predictable outcome, don’t you think? And somehow, all the emotions shown throughout felt very glossed over. No real depth. Okay okay. It was like everyday life. Things happen, and life goes on. I want some drama in the movies!
the good-looking lead playing Hassan did help though 🙂
Indeed!
Would more drama have helped? There was quite a bit of melodrama there!
Just saw it yesterday and had a fantastic time! Not the great depth and predictable story but so what? Would like to have it in my library for times when I feel little flat
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Exactly my reaction too. No sooner the DVD is available, I shall procure one for my library as well.