Movie Review: Monsoon Wedding

Story: This film is a pure joy! If I weren't such a chicken about flying these days, I would book another trip to India tomorrow. We visited India in 1995 and I fell in love with that beautiful country with all of its complexities, color and chaos...oh oh, I digress. Back to the review - director Mira Nair (Salaam Bombay) treats us to a love-fest about India, its people and their rich cultural traditions.

The story focus' around the four day frenzy before an arranged marriage between a young couple who both come from upper middle class families living in Delhi. We witness the joy and color of centuries old traditions, the clash and noise of a large extended family, the usual class (caste) distinctions and story lines, the usual comedy of errors, the inevitable pathos and of course...the weather.

If you want to feel alive, have a few laughs, tap your feet and generally feel good...go to see this film.

Acting: The ensemble cast if fabulous. Yes, there are stereotypes but no one is insulted.

Critters: It is India...of course there are critters everywhere.

Food: The main food item is...marigolds.

Visual Art: Besides the richness in color of the entire film, the contemporary art in the upper middle class homes is quite interesting.

Blatant Product Placement: None.

Soundtrack: A wonderful mix of traditional Indian music and contemporary tunes.

Opening Titles: Knock your socks off bands of color.

Theater Audience: The theater was very crowded and the audience cheered and applauded at the end. And almost everyone stayed through the credits. The theater (The Paris) was playing Indian music before the film began...a nice touch.

Sappy Factor: 2

Quirky Meter: 3

Predictability Level: High

Oscar Worthy: Why not.

Nit Picking: Not a nit to pick.

Big Screen or Rental: Big screen for sure. How about a Mira Nair weekend rental with: Salaam Bombay, Mississippi Masala, The Perez Family and Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love?

Length: 2 hours.

LOBO HOWLS: 8