This is a modern day adaptation of the Jane Austen classic 'Pride and Prejudice'. I can not possibly comment on how it compares to the original as I have not read it or seen the adaptation of the original, but I can certainly share my thoughts and experiences of it.
The film is directed by British Asian director Gurinder Chadha, who received much critical acclaim for her hit film 'Bend It Like Beckham' two years ago. Due to the success of Bend It Like Beckham, this film obviously had high expectations. Unfortunately, in my opinion, the film failed to meet those expectations. (Ironically, my first review on Ciao was on 'Bend It Like Beckham'!)
The plot focuses on Lalita, played by the stunning Aishwariya Rai who makes her debut into the mainstream cinema with this film. Lalita is an intelligent, educated, proud Indian girl living with her parents in Amritsar, India. Lalita's mother is a very enthusiastic matchmaker, who is keen to find wealthy husbands who are preferably settled abroad, for each of her four daughters. Lalita is not keen on her mother finding someone for her to marry as she believes in marrying for love.
Whilst Lalita's sister Jaya is getting cosy with Mr Balraj, a wealthy Indian man from the UK, it is his American friend Will Darcy that has caught Lalita's eye, and vice versa. The problems they encounter stem from the cultural differences as Lalita is a headstrong, proud Indian girl, whilst Darcy is a white American business man who is used to living the high life and finds it hard to comprehend certain things about Lalita's country and culture, hence the prejudice.
Despite his prejudices, Darcy may irritate Lalita, but something about him draws her to him. That is until Wickham, Darcy's long-term enemy, throws a spanner in the works by trying to woo Lalita and her family and get them all on his side. The plot then turns into a somewhat tug of love, with several characters being caught up in the web.
The film has some funny scenes, I particularly enjoyed watching the character Kohli played by Nitin Ganatra, the Indian from America. He was hilarious and had some great one-liners. Another scene that stands out is the snake dance scene- those who have seen it will know what I mean!
As for the cast members, Aishwariya Rai was a pleasure to watch on screen, she has amazing star presence and did quite well in her first English speaking role in the mainstream cinema. Martin Henderson has won quite a few female admirers with this movie, but acting wise he was OK. For me it was Nitin Ganatra who stole the show as Kohli.
The scenic views the audiences are treated to moves between Amritsar and Goa to London and Beverley Hills. The Golden Temple in Amritsar was a breathtaking scene, and the city of London has never looked so good, the way it was picturized in this film.
Overall, the film was colourful, oozed plenty of culture (Indian) and was relatively entertaining. I was quite disappointed with the ending of the film; I felt it was quite rushed and unrealistic.
All credit due to the director of the film, Gurinder Chadha, for her efforts to bring Bollywood to the mainstream Western audience. It was a tough and ambitious project and I feel she did justice to her objectives and managed to get the Bollywood feel across very well, particularly via the song and dance sequences although I felt they did drag on a bit!
The film is watchable, but nothing spectacular. Personally I would recommend seeing it just to judge for yourself, but do not go in with high expectations.
The film is rated 12A and contains use of moderate language.
Stars: Aishwarya Rai, Martin Henderson, Naveen Andrews, Namrata Shirodkar, Nitin Ganatra, Daniel Gillies
Length: 111 minutes
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Bride and Prejudice
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Production Year: 1999 - Music / Performing Arts - Original Language: English - Classification: Exempt - Starring: Donny Osmond, Joan Collins, Richard Attenborough
Great review! I started to watch this the other night on tv but my friend wanted to turn it off so I only got to watch the first hour!
Thanks for the comments on my review too...
js2ht2andl 29.08.2006 17:41
BTW - I loved the pics, I see what you mean about the film being colourful. It's been on my list for a while so just waiting for those cold winter night when I can have an excuse to stay in and curl up in front of the telly. x
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Advantages: Light and entertaining, colourful and vibrant, gives a light insight into Indian culture Disadvantages: If you don't like musicals, don't go
Advantages: The photography is superb (includes the Golden Temple, the London Eye, the Grand Canyon); the casting was wonderful; it is an extravaganza of colour & culture in English! Disadvantages: If you dislike "Bollywood" musicals and dancing, Morris dancing or Romance you might not like this.
Advantages: Occasionaly brings a smile to the face with the odd funny remark. Disadvantages: A real let down, espescially considering the previous film (Bend it Like Beckham)
wolfer 11.10.2004 (11.10.2004)
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Review of Bride And Prejudice (DVD)
![Bride And Prejudice [2004] [DVD]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/78506187.jpg "Bride And Prejudice [2004] [DVD]")
Oct 17th, 2004
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