The determined Mrs. Bakshi sets out to find marriage matches for her four beautiful daughters while there's a lavish wedding party in town. Right away, the smart and headstrong Lalita announces she will only marry for love, giving her mother nightmares. Then Lalita meets wealthy American Will Darcy, and sparks immediately fly. But is it love or hate? Darcy comes off to Lalita as an arrogant California snob. Lalita looks to Darcy like a small-town Indian beauty who knows nothing of the world. Alternately enchanted by and suspicious of one another, Lalita and Darcy nearly fall prey to assumptions, gossip and a comedy of errors--until pride is humbled and prejudice overcome so that love can triumph.
Cute movie. I love the 2 famous movie versions of "Pride & Prejudice" - one starring Colin Firth and the other with Keira Knightly, which are both more serious and intense dramas while this one was very different, more playful and a lot of fun. It's more light-hearted and somewhat whimsical instead of being serious and romantic. It also highlights parts of India and all the vivid, rich color and distinctive sound of that particular country.
This version was done as a musical, but it did not overtake the film by breaking into song every minute. I enjoyed the humor, which lovingly pokes fun at the traditional Indian customs, and I liked the mixing of the Indian, British and American cultures. The women are stunningly beautiful, especially the lead character Lalita (in the Lizzy role), played by Aishwarya Rai, a very popular actress in India. William Darcy is portrayed here by American Martin Henderson, who, while good-looking and likeable, just doesn't have the charisma to pull off Mr. Darcy like Colin Firth or Matthew Macfadyen. Nevertheless, the songs are catchy and playful, the dress and culture fascinating, and the mood light and fun. The perfect movie to see when you are looking for something amusing and a bit different. I would have loved it more if the romance between Lalita and Will had been stronger, but all in all, I don't feel like I wasted 2 hours. In fact, they flew by.
From Gurinder Chadha, the same director who brought us "Bend It Like Beckham", a movie I enjoyed very much, "Bride and Prejudice" is a friendly, funny treat, one that had me laughing and and wanting to dance right along with the music. I thought it was delightful, and didn't take itself too seriously. Fun times.
Rating: **** out of *****
Any fun films you'd recommend?
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Labels: quickie reviews, take on Bollywood
posted by Stacy~ at 12/03/2007 09:10:00 PM
I love this movie. It's so fun and doesn't take itself too seriously at all!
byGlad you enjoyed it!
I have had this movie in my hands a few times, but put it down, I will ave to find it again. Thanks for the recommendation.
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