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Movie Description
Like her previous films VANITY FAIR, MONSOON WEDDING, and HBO's HYSTERICAL BLINDNESS, Mira Nair's THE NAMESAKE is a lush, beautiful film bursting with rich color and visual texture. Based on the bestselling book by Jhumpa Lahiri, the film follows two generations of the Ganguli family. After wedding via an arranged marriage, Ashima (Tabu) moves with Ashoke (Irrfan Khan) from her native Calcutta to New York. As Ashima struggles to adjust to life in her new home, a true love grows between the newlyweds. When they give birth to Gogol (who does not learn the true origin of his name until adulthood), the Gangolis decide to stay in American for their child's sake, settling in the suburbs and eventually giving birth to a daughter, Sonia (Sahira Nair). While Ashima and Ashoke attempt to balance their new life with Indian traditions, their children have the very different experience of being raised first-generation Americans. With little interest in their ancestry, both Gogol and Sonia disappoint their parents by having little respect for the sacrifices their parents made for them. Gogol's desire to change his name, and his relationship with a wealthy American girl (Jacinda Barrett), places a strain on the family which Gogol will later regret.
Here, Penn proves he can play a serious role while still using his comedic skills to great affect. The actor shows impressive range in growing a clueless teen to a man his father would be proud of. Nair's skill at directing can be felt in the film's many great performances. Both Tabu and Irrfan Khan embody their characters so fully that the viewer really feels a personal connection to the story. As the head of the household, Khan's character will subtly make viewers laugh while breaking their heart. Packed with unique characters, THE NAMESAKE offers audiences an outlet into Bengali traditions and the immigrant experience while telling a universal story of family bonds which all parents and children should connect with. Nair excels in what is her most personal work to date.
Industry Reviews
3.5 stars out of 4 -- "THE NAMESAKE is a thoroughly engaging, terrifically moving family story that's rich in beautifully observed and lovingly conveyed human detail."
Premiere - Glenn Kenny (03/01/2007)
"[M]oving and marvelous....Penn, who has a gift for letting feelings burn through his skin, shows you the conflicts roiling inside him..." - Grade: A-
Entertainment Weekly - Owen Gleiberman (03/16/2007)
3.5 stars out of 4 -- "THE NAMESAKE is an engaging and moving film with a universal story about the bonds of family as told through two generations of a Bengali family."
USA Today - Claudia Puig (03/09/2007)
3 stars out of 4 -- "This is a generational family saga everyone can relate to, and Nair gives it her special magic."
Rolling Stone - Peter Travers (03/22/2007)
3 stars out of 5 -- "[The film] casts a spell thanks to committed performances across the board and Nair's sharp eye for local colour."
Total Film - Neil Smith (05/01/2007)
3.5 stars out of 4 -- "THE NAMESAKE is an engaging and moving story about the bonds of family as told through two generations of a Bengali family."
USA Today - USA Today Critic (03/16/3007)
"Kal Penn anchors the movie with his eloquent portrayal....This immigrant journey ends on a deeply moving note."
Movieline's Hollywood Life - Stephen Farber (03/01/2007)
"Kal Penn...exactly catches the awkwardness of adolescence, carrying us with him as he matures."
Sight and Sound - Philip Kemp (04/01/2007)
"[An] immensely pleasurable film....The Indian film star Tabu is exquisite as Ashima. Ashoke is played, magnificently, by Irrfan Khan..."
Wall Street Journal (02/27/2009)
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