January 4, 2002
Mirabai Films etc.
Comedy, Drama, Romance, Musical
VHS
B
This film was embraced internationally. (The release date I chose is the one for the UK, on the theory that that is the first country it appeared in that I could've hypothetically seen it in, although it was actually a few months later that I traveled there.) With all the code-switching between English and Hindi, the viewer has to both listen and read subtitles, as well as watch facial expressions. And the music on the soundtrack weaves in and out, so although this is by no means "Bollywood," I think it is fair to describe it as a musical. It is also visually dazzling, with bright colors on fabrics and flowers in particular. (You may never think of marigolds the same way again.)
The story of an extended family in the days leading up to and including the wedding of the title, it can at times be a little overwhelming. Once you sort out who's related to whom, you may find that not every plot thread is resolved, the main weakness of the movie. That said, the blend of drama and humor (sometimes within one thread) is generally well done. The movie is also interesting for its blend of modern (including email and cell phones) and traditional.
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| A kaleidoscopic film |
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