One of the most effective and joyous examinations of family ever put on screen, this film is a delight from start to finish, even when it dips into serious issues. The Verma and Rai family are about to collide when Aditi (Das) is promised to marry Hemant (Dabas). They meet properly for the first time at their engagement party and only have a few days to get to know each other before the big wedding, for which family members have travelled to Delhi from both America and Australia. Aditi's mother and father (Dubey and Shah) have a lot to do--and their family and friends don't make things any easier for them!

The whole film bristles with energy as we get to know members of the extended family. This is a truly bilingual film--dialog slides back and forth between English and Hindi (with superior subtitles). And it captures the energy, colours and culture of these people remarkably, with powerfully honest performances all around. But even more effective is the way it examines family issues that are the same everywhere--little tensions, big secrets, profound loyalties and unexpected surprises. Director Nair and writer Shawan have filled every frame with little details, hilarious comedy and astonishing emotional resonance. There are at least three fabulous love stories in here and one very dark family drama, all blending seamlessly together ... with a few full-blown Bollywood musical numbers thrown in here and there just for fun. This is breathtakingly good filmmaking--thoroughly entertaining, deeply moving, warmly funny and profoundly evocative. It's simply so wonderful that I won't say a word against it.

adult themes, language

23.Oct.01 lff

"Hollywood has disappointed me. Monsoon Wedding has won me over to the international film community. Never before have I seen a movie that was so genuine, enjoyable and not overly fabricated. I found an instant attraction to this without being bombarded with boring previews. Please make more movies!" --Joe Edquilane, San Leandro, California 18.Oct.02