By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 4.5 cats
Director: Mira Nair
Starring: Lillete Dubey | Naseeruddin Shah | Shefali Shetty | Vijay Raaz
Country: france, india, italy, united_states
Year: 2002
Running time: 114
IMDB: http://us.imdb.com/Details?0265343
Diane says: “Janet and I liked MONSOON WEDDING very much. We’re both nom’ing Vijay Raaz (events manager) who makes a beautiful transition from an ugly boor to an eccentric lover. The opening and closing credits are very colorful and original. We found the first half to be just average, but as the plot threads began to pull together it became a four-star movie. Foreigners learn a lot about Punjabi wedding customs–I always like an educational film!”
Hilary says: “I think the success of MONSOON WEDDING lies in the fact that it blends contrasting themes — tragedy and comedy, Eastern and Western, modernity and tradition — throws in a few musical numbers, and manages to stay interesting. And, more importantly, is great fun to watch.
“I enjoyed the visual juxtaposition of saris and Western business suits, cars and cattle herds, a cordless phone in the henna- painted hands of a bride, to name a few. The fact that the characters spoke in a mix of English and native languages also contributed to the overall feel of the film. I would be remiss not to mention the soundtrack, which combined traditional songs with more modern sounds and kept the action rolling along.
“The central theme of the wedding was a perfect vehicle to explore the differences between cultural traditions and contemporary society, older and younger generations, natives and émigrés, expectations of behavior according to gender and class, and so on. Although none of the story lines seemed more than subplots, it didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the film. I was engrossed in the preparations and ceremonies leading up to the wedding and thoroughly impressed by the spectacle of the actual ceremony.
“The visuals were so very rich — the intricacy of detail and vibrant hues of the wedding garb, the bright colors of the tent and the umbrellas, the sheer number of participants and their rollicking dance all of which was enhanced by the monsoon conditions and accompanying shower of marigold blossoms. Much like when watching the opening scene of GHOST WORLD, I wanted to get up and join in the dancing.”
Bob says: “I liked this one a lot too, and it’s been quite a while since I’ve seen anything I thought was worthwhile. It was very interesting how Nair used handheld cameras throughout the film, almost as if we were watching home movies. It made the whole thing seem much more intimate. I also liked the way so many different elements and genres were brought into the film (a la Bollywood), but within a realistic context, like throwing in a musical number with the premise that the characters were putting on a performance for the wedding celebration.”
Jane says: “MONSOON WEDDING is a gorgeous piece of work. Declan Quinn did a fabulous job with the cinematography. It was wonderful to get an inside look at what it takes to put together an Indian wedding….I enjoyed the subplot involving the wedding planner – well, actually I enjoyed each and every subplot. The casting/acting was great. I feel this was a true tour de force for Mira Nair.”
Michael says: “Mira Nair’s MONSOON WEDDING is a delightful look at Indian culture as a family prepares for their only daughter’s arranged wedding. I had a great deal of fun watching this film, but it’s not all fluff and cheer, as a serious storyline is powerfully played out as well.
“Hand-held cameras lend a realistic feel to this lushly produced, film with romantic and musical elements of the traditional Indian Bollywood genre present as well. The cast is excellent, particularly Naseeruddin Shah as the patriarch of the family, and Shefali Shetty as their ‘adopted’ daughter. Vijay Raaz adds a comic element as the event manager in charge of the wedding who gets wrapped up in a romance of his own.
“I definitely recommend MONSOON WEDDING, and plan on early consideration for several nomination categories. Hmmmm, Taskforce Award possibilities for Ms. Nair as well?” 4 1/2 cats
Nathaniel R. says: “Mira Nair is a wonderful director. And if any of you haven’t seen it I would highly recommend SALAAM
BOMBAY as well. MONSOON WEDDING was actually kind of a relief to see because it’s been famine at the movies lately.”
Nathaniel T. says: “Saturated with beautiful colors and a soundtrack MOULIN ROUGE! would envy, MONSOON WEDDING is one of the most pleasing movie experiences you’ll have for a while. Directed by Mira Nair, MONSOON WEDDING is funny, smart, and seriously refreshing. The thing that impressed me most about the film is that it was incredibly engaging and accessible by any
audience, but it also retained a distinctly Indian voice. MONSOON WEDDING is both sad and funny, artistic and emotional, equally moving and thought provoking. What really stunned me about the film (and the thing that will keep it in my mind until the end of the year) was the use of colors. The handheld cameras gave an edge to the cinematography, but the oranges and reds in the film burst through the screen and suck you in. With a pulsing soundtrack and gorgeous visuals, MONSOON WEDDING is very pleasing to the eyes and ears. But for the mind (and isn’t that what most Chlotrudis members like to indulge?) you have a witty screenplay and a magnificent ensemble. I humbly submit Naseeruddin Shah for your consideration for Best Actor and Vijay Raaz for Best Supporting Actor. I also hope people remember the incredible cinematography, I know that its got my vote.”