THE OFFICIAL RD REVIEW FOR THE MOVIE " THE NAMESAKE"....

Fight_Tibet · March 15th, 2007, 04:06 AM

There are books that can be made into movies and there are books that can’t be made into movies. Unfortunately for Mira Nair, Jhumpa Lahiri’s ‘The Namesake’ falls under the latter category. And it’s understandable. Everyone who has read the book knows that it’s not High Fidelity or Fight Club.
That said, it is still a movie that I think every ABCD should give a watch, especially the ones who are always complaining about how their parents don’t understand them, their wishes, and their views. The movie really does offer a valuable perspective on where the immigrant parents are coming from as in their point of views and also does justice to the plight of hyphenated children born of immigrant parents. The much debated clash between the ideals of the ‘old world,’ and the independent spirit of the ‘new world’ are pitted against each other in a manner that’s not confrontational but engaging. The movie succeeds in moving the audience and leaves one feeling more educated, more emotionally enriched.
The stars in the movie have given terrific performances. Tabu is just AWESOME, and the way she delivers English in this film proves that emotions are not in accents and lingos but in the words you choose and how you choose to use them. Irfan Khan always has had that theatrical quality suited for character roles and he proves it once again. Contrary to what people might think Kal Penn is not the star of the movie. Although the book and the movie’s title were chosen keeping Penn’s character in mind, the movie however is much more about Ashima, the character played by Tabu. She’s the protagonist and it’s her character that stays with you long after the movie is over. Penn is very much at home in his role nonetheless and does justice to his character.
The way Nair has directed the shots for this movie is another reason why the seemingly plotless movie gets its grip on the audience’s attention and never lets it wander around. I was reminded of Monsoon Wedding all over again in the scenes shot in Calcutta. The spatial switch between the gloominess of New York winters, the loneliness of an alien city life, and the sheer madness of Calcutta is interwoven in a way possible only through cinematic art.
On an end note, I must commend Nair for her taste in music. The soundtrack for the movie is just hauntingly beautiful and is one of the key elements that holds the movie together. I would say almost to the point of saving it from falling in the realms of melodrama.
So watch it if you’re looking for some mental stimulation and maybe learning a thing or two. But do not call your gfs and bfs to go out to this movie expecting a “Good Time.” Unless of course, you’re a fan of Gogol.

kudiPaTaKa · March 15th, 2007, 04:22 AM

Great review!
I've heard about the same from everyone.

They played it on campus before it was out a couple weeks ago, but I couldn't go because I had a midterm. Bitches.

What do you have to say about 300, Karmz?

Stillwaiting · March 15th, 2007, 04:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fight_Tibet

There are books that can be made into movies and there are books that can’t be made into movies. Unfortunately for Mira Nair, Jhumpa Lahiri’s ‘The Namesake’ falls under the latter category. And it’s understandable. Everyone who has read the book knows that it’s not High Fidelity or Fight Club.
That said, it is still a movie that I think every ABCD should give a watch, especially the ones who are always complaining about how their parents don’t understand them, their wishes, and their views. The movie really does offer a valuable perspective on where the immigrant parents are coming from as in their point of views and also does justice to the plight of hyphenated children born of immigrant parents. The much debated clash between the ideals of the ‘old world,’ and the independent spirit of the ‘new world’ are pitted against each other in a manner that’s not confrontational but engaging. The movie succeeds in moving the audience and leaves one feeling more educated, more emotionally enriched.
The stars in the movie have given terrific performances. Tabu is just AWESOME, and the way she delivers English in this film proves that emotions are not in accents and lingos but in the words you choose and how you choose to use them. Irfan Khan always has had that theatrical quality suited for character roles and he proves it once again. Contrary to what people might think Kal Penn is not the star of the movie. Although the book and the movie’s title were chosen keeping Penn’s character in mind, the movie however is much more about Ashima, the character played by Tabu. She’s the protagonist and it’s her character that stays with you long after the movie is over. Penn is very much at home in his role nonetheless and does justice to his character.
The way Nair has directed the shots for this movie is another reason why the seemingly plotless movie gets its grip on the audience’s attention and never lets it wander around. I was reminded of Monsoon Wedding all over again in the scenes shot in Calcutta. The spatial switch between the gloominess of New York winters, the loneliness of an alien city life, and the sheer madness of Calcutta is interwoven in a way possible only through cinematic art.
On an end note, I must commend Nair for her taste in music. The soundtrack for the movie is just hauntingly beautiful and is one of the key elements that holds the movie together. I would say almost to the point of saving it from falling in the realms of melodrama.
So watch it if you’re looking for some mental stimulation and maybe learning a thing or two. But do not call your gfs and bfs to go out to this movie expecting a “Good Time.” Unless of course, you’re a fan of Gogol.

..i wonder if my theatre has it

Fight_Tibet · March 15th, 2007, 04:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kudiPaTaKa

Great review!
I've heard about the same from everyone.

They played it on campus before it was out a couple weeks ago, but I couldn't go because I had a midterm. Bitches.

What do you have to say about 300, Karmz?

First of all a jhappi

and now for 300...Exact opposite of The Namesake. Go watch it for a "Good Time." But dont expect any epiphany or revealation. Good movie nonetheless.

Fight_Tibet · March 15th, 2007, 04:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stillwaiting

..i wonder if my theatre has it

its only playin in select cities right now but will expand later...
wehre are you?

**ÖµÖµ_ssxman** · March 15th, 2007, 04:32 AM

It is too long [your review] and I refuse to watch a movie based on thee fact that it has indians/desis in it.

Stillwaiting · March 15th, 2007, 04:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fight_Tibet

its only playin in select cities right now but will expand later...
wehre are you?

miami florida

Fight_Tibet · March 15th, 2007, 04:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stillwaiting

miami florida

hmm...i doubt its playin there right now...but i think they gonna open all across the country soon..

Fight_Tibet · March 15th, 2007, 04:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ÖµÖµ_ssxman

It is too long [your review] and I refuse to watch a movie based on thee fact that it has indians/desis in it.

its actually less than a one page word document...
and i never said you should watch any movie just because there are desis in it.

poojasxy · March 15th, 2007, 04:42 AM

kal penn is so hot.

Fight_Tibet · March 15th, 2007, 04:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by poojasxy

kal penn is so hot.

do you ever think of anything about anyone wihtout thinking if they're hot or not?...
he did a good job btw...

kudiPaTaKa · March 15th, 2007, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fight_Tibet

First of all a jhappi

and now for 300...Exact opposite of The Namesake. Go watch it for a "Good Time." But dont expect any epiphany or revealation. Good movie nonetheless.

Yeap, it was a good movie. Cinematography/costumes/bodies were amazing. I couldn't get over the fact that the man who play Leinitis had aboslutely NO jiggle on his body.

Definitely a good movie. The end and the realist guy pissed me off, though.

MoonChildChick · March 15th, 2007, 03:28 PM

I read Interpreter of Maladies a few years back. Haven't read The Namesake but thanks for the synopsis, I'm interested in seeing it.

Fight_Tibet · March 15th, 2007, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Metal_Messiah

True!

Same goes for Da Vinci Code..I think the movie sucked.

woah..havent seen the da vinci code...but my review does not say that this movie sucked...

Fight_Tibet · March 15th, 2007, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kudiPaTaKa

Yeap, it was a good movie. Cinematography/costumes/bodies were amazing. I couldn't get over the fact that the man who play Leinitis had aboslutely NO jiggle on his body.

Definitely a good movie. The end and the realist guy pissed me off, though.

I think the end was supposed to be like that since thats what happened in the graphic novel and in the history too..
but who do you mean by the realist guy?

Fight_Tibet · March 15th, 2007, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MoonChildChick

I read Interpreter of Maladies a few years back. Haven't read The Namesake but thanks for the synopsis, I'm interested in seeing it.

Yeah I like the stories in that book.

creamfield · March 15th, 2007, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kudiPaTaKa

Great review!
I've heard about the same from everyone.

They played it on campus before it was out a couple weeks ago, but I couldn't go because I had a midterm. Bitches.

What do you have to say about 300, Karmz?

you look alot better in that sig picture

spicycurry25 · March 15th, 2007, 04:41 PM

I'm SOOOOOO excited to see that movie.

Fight_Tibet · March 15th, 2007, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spicycurry25

I'm SOOOOOO excited to see that movie.

its only playing in select cities right now..where are you?

kudiPaTaKa · March 15th, 2007, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fight_Tibet

I think the end was supposed to be like that since thats what happened in the graphic novel and in the history too..
but who do you mean by the realist guy?

I don't know my Greek history, so I was taken by surprise.

The realist...the man who betrayed the queen. At least that's what he called himself.

kudiPaTaKa · March 15th, 2007, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by creamfield

you look alot better in that sig picture

All of the half of my face that is showing? Jee thanks.

Fight_Tibet · March 15th, 2007, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kudiPaTaKa

I don't know my Greek history, so I was taken by surprise.

The realist...the man who betrayed the queen. At least that's what he called himself.

oh yeah...Dominic West...his character was an asshole...I was so happy when the queen stabbed him...such a badass scene..
i had no clue about greek history either...i just came to learn all these things only after i saw the movie...

spicycurry25 · March 15th, 2007, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fight_Tibet

its only playing in select cities right now..where are you?

Maryland....which cities does it play in? I thought it only came out in nov.? I didn't think it'd be out yet.

maryammmm · March 15th, 2007, 07:43 PM

im excited to watch it next week!

Fight_Tibet · March 17th, 2007, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spicycurry25

Maryland....which cities does it play in? I thought it only came out in nov.? I didn't think it'd be out yet.

I think its only sf, la, ny, and one more city for now....

March 15th, 2007, 04:06 AM	#1
Fight_Tibet Banned Join Date: Jan 27 2007 Location: Oak_Town Posts: 9,999 Reputation: 10 --> Rep Power: 0 Casino cash: $1000	THE OFFICIAL RD REVIEW FOR THE MOVIE " THE NAMESAKE".... There are books that can be made into movies and there are books that can’t be made into movies. Unfortunately for Mira Nair, Jhumpa Lahiri’s ‘The Namesake’ falls under the latter category. And it’s understandable. Everyone who has read the book knows that it’s not High Fidelity or Fight Club. That said, it is still a movie that I think every ABCD should give a watch, especially the ones who are always complaining about how their parents don’t understand them, their wishes, and their views. The movie really does offer a valuable perspective on where the immigrant parents are coming from as in their point of views and also does justice to the plight of hyphenated children born of immigrant parents. The much debated clash between the ideals of the ‘old world,’ and the independent spirit of the ‘new world’ are pitted against each other in a manner that’s not confrontational but engaging. The movie succeeds in moving the audience and leaves one feeling more educated, more emotionally enriched. The stars in the movie have given terrific performances. Tabu is just AWESOME, and the way she delivers English in this film proves that emotions are not in accents and lingos but in the words you choose and how you choose to use them. Irfan Khan always has had that theatrical quality suited for character roles and he proves it once again. Contrary to what people might think Kal Penn is not the star of the movie. Although the book and the movie’s title were chosen keeping Penn’s character in mind, the movie however is much more about Ashima, the character played by Tabu. She’s the protagonist and it’s her character that stays with you long after the movie is over. Penn is very much at home in his role nonetheless and does justice to his character. The way Nair has directed the shots for this movie is another reason why the seemingly plotless movie gets its grip on the audience’s attention and never lets it wander around. I was reminded of Monsoon Wedding all over again in the scenes shot in Calcutta. The spatial switch between the gloominess of New York winters, the loneliness of an alien city life, and the sheer madness of Calcutta is interwoven in a way possible only through cinematic art. On an end note, I must commend Nair for her taste in music. The soundtrack for the movie is just hauntingly beautiful and is one of the key elements that holds the movie together. I would say almost to the point of saving it from falling in the realms of melodrama. So watch it if you’re looking for some mental stimulation and maybe learning a thing or two. But do not call your gfs and bfs to go out to this movie expecting a “Good Time.” Unless of course, you’re a fan of Gogol.

March 15th, 2007, 04:22 AM	#2
kudiPaTaKa Addicted Join Date: Jan 15 2007 Location: AmErEeKa Posts: 4,255 Reputation: 10 --> Rep Power: 30 Casino cash: $1000	Great review! I've heard about the same from everyone. They played it on campus before it was out a couple weeks ago, but I couldn't go because I had a midterm. Bitches. What do you have to say about 300, Karmz? __________________

March 15th, 2007, 04:32 AM	#6
ÖµÖµ_ssxman Should I Consider Retiring??? Join Date: Jul 16 2004 Location: o_0 Posts: 23,492 Reputation: 216751458 --> Rep Power: 21675259 Casino cash: $11663	It is too long [your review] and I refuse to watch a movie based on thee fact that it has indians/desis in it. __________________

March 15th, 2007, 04:42 AM	#10
poojasxy Should I Consider Retiring??? Join Date: Jul 10 2005 Posts: 9,254 Reputation: -12543599 --> Rep Power: 0 Casino cash: $1336	kal penn is so hot. __________________

March 15th, 2007, 03:28 PM	#13
MoonChildChick Addicted Join Date: Jan 2 2005 Location: ATL Posts: 3,642 Reputation: 10 --> Rep Power: 34 Casino cash: $1875	I read Interpreter of Maladies a few years back. Haven't read The Namesake but thanks for the synopsis, I'm interested in seeing it. __________________

March 15th, 2007, 04:41 PM	#18
spicycurry25 Can't Stay Away Join Date: Jan 13 2007 Posts: 2,114 Reputation: 10 --> Rep Power: 21 Casino cash: $1000	I'm SOOOOOO excited to see that movie. __________________ My sig is no more

March 15th, 2007, 07:43 PM	#24
maryammmm Veteran Join Date: Sep 20 2006 Location: New York Posts: 5,033 Reputation: 214748589 --> Rep Power: 21474891 Casino cash: $1788	im excited to watch it next week!

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