Monsoon Wedding

I finally had the time to finish this movie. I was up most of last night with a bad stomach bug, but began to feel better as the day went on. I was able to get on the bike today as well. I was planning on taking it easy and do only 10 miles, but could not stop...it is becoming a sickness. I completed 20 miles and really felt good afterward. I am behind on my movie reviews, but not on the miles...this is a good thing.

Monsoon Wedding (2001) was directed by Mira Nair. Monsoon Wedding is a dark version of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding". This film centers on the Verma family and the arranged marriage of daughter, Aditi, to Hement Rai. Aditi's father, Lalit, stresses over the financing of this large affair, as well as argues constantly with the slacker wedding planner, P.K. Dubey. While Dubey plans the Verma wedding, he finds love as well.

As the celebrations unfold conflicts of tradition and modern ways arise, as well as dark family secrets...including the secret affair the bride was having with a married TV Producer. Set in India, this movie allows the viewers insight into a culture rich in tradition. The ceremonies were beautiful and the dancing was very entertaining. It was difficult to connect with the characters, as the characters were not fully developed. The exception to this was Lalit Verma (bride's father) and P.K. Dubey. It was easy to become endeared to Lalit. He is a family man, who has a quiet manner that may be seen as weakness. As the movie unfolds, his quiet strength becomes apparent. P.K Dubey provides comedic relief in an otherwise dark movie. His bumbling ways and facial expressions are what this movie needed.

My favorite scenes of this movie were the celebrations. The music and dancing were very entertaining to watch. My grade for this movie is a B-. It is no "Slumdog Millionaire", but it is worth a watch.