BrianSez's Review

Summary - Great 4.0

In this time of great movies about Indian culture (Slumdog Millionaire, Outsourced, etc.), I thought I’d take a look at 2006’s Namesake. This film is about Gogol Ganguli (Kai Penn) who has to deal with his heritage and traditions in the different and new world of Boston. The movie was thoughful, endearing, funny and engaging tale that does a masterful job of highlighting different cultures in a way that is not in any way artificial and also very thought provoking and heart warming. Billed as a coming-of-age story, this movie goes beyond that to cover learning about one’s self – regardless of culture.

Acting - Great 4.0

Kai Penn did an admiral job as Gogol. Fit the role of questioning teen and young adult very well. But I feel the real stars were Ashima the mom (Tabu), who was not only hot, but her acting made her seem completely genuine throughout, and she makes the transition from young newlywed to older mom without flaw – mixing subtle humor with seriousness as well as deep emotion. Ashoke the dad (Irrfan Khan) was the other standout as a friendly, caring, and sometimes goofy man in a conservative sort of way. Ahoke and Ashima had a chemistry that was a natural fit and it was a joy to watch them grow older and raise the kids.

Film - Really Great 4.5

The film paid a little attention up front to journey of Gogol’s parents marriage and journey from Calcutta (with some funny adjustment scenes — spices and nuts in your Rice Crispies anyone?). The full circle effect is played as they return when the kids are teenagers. The scenes from India were well done, and the switching between scenes from America and scenes back in India throughout the movie helped keep you aware of the constrasts. When the family went back to visit India it was especially humorous to see the American raised teenagers dealing with their new found ’in India" reality.

Edge - Tame 1.0

Reality - Glib 1.2

1 Comment

• BrianSez Oct 30, 2010 6:43PM

  Wow – is this a first? I actually came in with a Great on a movie with a Wick Ok rating. Usually I’m the tough reviewer.

• Feed
• Movies
• ViewLists
• NewOnDemand