DVD of the Week: The Namesake
Monday, August 18th by leinana
What’s in a name? Would a rose by any other name smell just as sweet? These questions take on new meaning and are at the heart of the story The Namesake. Gogol is a man who must learn the true meaning of his name, and when he learns the meaning, he must then learn to live up to it.
The movie begins with the arranged marriage of Ashima and Ashoke in Calcutta, India. After the wedding, the couple settles in New York, where Ashoke had been living and studying. Ashima’s introduction to the American way of life includes new things like Rice Krispies, which she instinctively mixes with chili powder and peanuts.
They soon have a son, whom they name Gogol, and a daughter Sonia. As is often the case with first generation immigrants, it becomes clear that by the time Gogol and Sonia are teenagers, the cultural divide between them and their parents is wide indeed. As a couple whose marriage was arranged for them, it is especially hard for Ashoke and Ashima to relate to the dating customs of their two Americanized children.
Some of the cultural differences are quite funny, others more poignant. This film reminded me in some ways of My Big Fat Greek Wedding, except that it was much more beautiful and a lot less annoying. Credit for that should go to Mira Nair, a favorite director of mine. If you like this film, you will definitely like some of her others that similarly explore themes of cultural identity like Mississippi Masala and Monsoon Wedding.
The Namesake (2007)
DVD Date of Release: November 2007
Based on The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri
