The Namesake (2006)
Moderate themes, infrequent drug use
Spanning two generations, two clashing cultures and two very different ways of life that crash into each other only to become lovingly intertwined, The Namesake is the story of the Ganguli family whose move from Calcutta to New York evokes a lifelong balancing act to meld to a new world without forgetting the old. Though parents Ashoke and Ashima (Irrfan Khan, Tabu) long for the family and culture that enveloped them in India, they take great pride in the opportunities their sacrifices have afforded their children. Paradoxically, their son Gogol (Kal Penn) is torn between finding his own unique identity without losing his heritage.
| Status: | Normal |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 117mins |
| Origin: | INDIA |
| Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 |
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Member Reviews (30)
30 Member
Reviews
Chris
says
Great movie, some of the accents made it a little difficult but overall well worth it. A beautiful story
David Williams
says
A must see for those who enjoy serious filmmaking.Great job done by all concerned.
chin
says
Brilliant, sad, moving, poignant
Joanne
says
An excellent and moving movie. Depicted well the struggles of moving to a new country and cultural conflicts. Well acted
Naomi
says
An enjoyable movie, makes you appreciate how hard it is to move to another country. I really enjoyed this story.
Karinya S.
says
Incredibly mastered film showing the attitudes, changes and cultures across two generations and two countries. Builds very slowly, and is very 'life like'. Whilst worthwhile watch, warning that like life often is this is not a light or feel good movie.
Jack
says
Cultural conflict, so well done by director Mira Nair (Salaam Bombay and Mississippi Masala), here follows two generations of a Bengali family, the Gangolis who begin their married life in New York. Their son Gogol is given his name because of a near death experience that changed the life of Gogol’s father. However, the name becomes a source of embarrassment for the teenager until as an adult he reconciles his Indian roots with his Yankee upbringing. Similar stories have been filmed before, and viewers probably won’t be surprised by most developments. Also readily apparent is the film’s book origins; some key events over 30 years must be compressed into less than satisfactory length scenes. Still, humour, love, and commitment are heart winners.
Mark L
says
A very well acted movie. A great depiction of growing up in a different culture.
stimpy
says
I must have related... the film bought a tear to my eye.
Brian M.
says
Highly entertaining movie dealing with a couple from Calcutta who marry by arrangement and then move to NY to set up a new life. Great story, acting and photography. The extras are very good on this DVD also. Especially the "round table" master class with film students and the makers of this film. Highly recommended.
Michael W.
says
Very enjoyable movie. Lovely soundtrack. Great actors. I'd love to see Kal Penn do more serious movies.
Gay B.
says
I loved this movie, it appealed to me because of the different cultures involved and I could see the struggle that was going on in the different generations.
Maria C.
says
An emotionally and powerful movie movie that highlights the clash of cultures,
Mrinal S.
says
Possibly one of the best crafted movies of late. Depict an amazing journey across countries, cultures and relationship.
Okto F.
says
Worth Watching - Nice to learn new culture.
Kendal F.
says
A great film set basically in the USA, with scenes from Calcutta, set around an Indian migrant family. The film explores many of the issues facing such families including the rediscovery of the importance of their family's culture by the US born children. The boys name is in some ways the link between the old and new culture and reflects the confusions and barriers for a migrant child.
John N.
says
At a Bengali family gathering, with the husband of their choice present, the daughter to be married cautiously joins them, asks a question, recites a poem, glances in his direction, approves and the match is made. Not an auspicious start to their life together you would think. They emigrate and in their new country make compromises and adjust to the 'American Way' but still hold to the essentials of their culture. Their tender and loving relationship with each other and with their two children as they grow up is touchingly portrayed, especially that between father and son. Very moving and beautifully shot, this movie is something special.
Philip H.
says
This is a very simple, unpretentious movie with an excellent story and great performances by the cast.
Sue K.
says
saw this one at the movies.one of those that didnt get much hype.i loved it .a real family with real emotions.i will watch again and add to my collection
Marianne A.
says
For once a movie that was as enjoyable as the book, which it closely followed.
Kitty L.
says
Quite a slow movie but absorbing. Interesting juxtaposition between two very differing cultures
Kathleen J.
says
most enjoyable, characters beautifully portrayed, would recommend you savour this movie when you have a spare 2 hours
Anna V.
says
l did enjoy this movie. It was great to see a different culture
Maureen E.
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Ainslie S.
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Kristen B.
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Jonathan B.
says
Oustanding film. Beautiful story, masterfully told.
Eardley J.
says
Very interesting mix of cultures and may recommend to non resident Indians.
Sam
says
I really enjoyed this movie, great insight into this colourful but somewhat backward culture. I loved the simplicity of the whole movie, shed a few tears as well..lol.
Alan G.
says
Good study of father son relationship and clash of cultures.Please take time to embrace this finely crafted film.