The Namesake (Nair, 2007)
 

<img src="http://foxsearchlight.blogspot.com/uploaded_images/namesake-poster-766860.jpg">

HD Trailer: 480 | 720 | 1080 -- IMDB -- RT Rating: 56% (as of 2/14)

I've seen this preview in theaters twice now and I'm not sure what about it is causing me to really want to see it. It seems better than the average coming-of-age / dealing-with-your-culture drama. I haven't seen anything by Nair - until just now I didn't even know she directed Mississippi Masala. This looks like a decent, enjoyable movie. Nothing earth-shattering, but worthwhile. Plus, it's nice to see Kumar's more serious, non-terrorist side.

I caught this film at the Toronto International Film Festival last year. I was totally moved by it, and I was happy to share these feelings with Nair herself. The trailer doesn't nearly capture the epic-like story this film is. Some may wrongly perceive the film to be an interracial soap opera centering on Kal Penn's character, but it's more than that. Go see it! You won't be disappointed.

Here's my brief review:


Mira Nair’s (Monsoon Wedding) latest directorial effort, The Namesake, is an intriguing chronicle of the lives of an Indian couple who immigrates to New York City. Nair effectively explores the complexity of raising a family with traditional values while living in a new country. Tabu, one of India’s leading actresses, is incredible as the matriarch, but the film’s strength is largely drawn from Irfan Khan who portrays the quiet father figure. The Namesake is a heart wrenching motion picture about the importance of family and discovering one’s path.

I saw the trailer for this a while back and it looks like a great film.

Looks good but predictable.

What's ypur prediction on the ending?

He realizes what his name means, comes home with much respect for his family and his heritage, his family is pleased, life is good, the end.

Well, I'm happy to say that Zodiac is pretty much off the mark with the ending. What the commercials aren't telling you (so far, according to Nair the marketing is taking a shift in coming weeks) is that this isn't just the story of Kal Penn's character, it focuses greatly on the love story between his parents as they come to America. Saw a screening last night in TO, which Nair was at. The movie was very beautiful, moving and in some parts, very funny. Highly entertaining with some great performances by Tabu as the mother Ashima and Irfan Khan as Ashoke the father. There are a few moments that are telegraphed or a bit predictable, but since this is a story about the characters rather than the destination, it didn't detract from my enjoyment at all.

Nair was very well spoken and told about casting Kal Penn (her 15 year old pressured her to do it), challenges of getting a "non caucassian film made on a caucassian film budget" and her intentions. She succeeded with what she set out to do and I think this movie will please audiences, if they'll only give it a shot. It's not the best movie ever, but it's certainly worth seeing when it opens on March 9. I'd give it 4 stars out of 5.

MATT

Hey Matt,

Where was the screening? I didn't know there was a preview in town.

Personally, I gave the movie an A.

Agree completely. I saw this on Tuesday night here in Philly and Nair was there as well and commented on some of the same things she mentioned in toronto. I thought it was really good and it does lead in a different way in the second half of the movie. And in the Q&A Nair was just a great talker and a sweetheart.

And having seen it last weekend, I'd have to say that's a pretty accurate description. As a tale of the contemporary immigrant experience it was wonderful. However, I really felt like I had Sam Morse sitting next to me through the film.

That's racist. :mad:

(dot, dot, dot)

(Extreme spoilers)


Spot-on prediction. :rolleyes:

Finally got a chance to see this. I'm glad the local multiplex kept this around for a few weeks as I didn't get the chance to see this before. This is my favorite movie about a family that I've seen since You Can Count on Me. It is exhaustive if not exhausting because the movie takes place over thirty years and this could've very easily turned into a mini-series or a series. What works for me is that the movie is not so much about the Indian immigrant experience as it is (warning: terrible, cringe-inducing cliché ahead) about the human experience. Kal Penn does an admirable job and aside from Jacinda Barrett the cast is very good.

My only problem is trying to cram the source novel into two hours makes it feel rushed at some points. If anything, like many adaptations, it just makes you want to read the book for more.

Highly recommended.

(An interesting aside: since my original post the RT rating has gone up to 88%).