Hey- Just recorded my first CD- have a listen at http://www.myspace.com/thomasw lesq. Would really ...
Hey- Just recorded my first CD- have a listen at http://www.myspace.com/thomasw lesq. Would really appreciate any comments. The lyrics for 'Every Beat' can be found in my Ciao reviews section. Thanks, Thom
Member since:10.09.2004
Reviews:35
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A film about a cricket match might not sound that appealing to many. However, a film that conveys love, hardship, despair and ultimately joy in equal measures may sound more promising. Lagaan ('Land Tax') is the legendary story of a group of Indian villagers who take on the British Empire armed with nothing but a bat, a ball and their hearts.
The film is set in the village of Champener, central India in 1893, during Queen Victoria's historical reign of the British Empire.
The plot focuses on the cruel land tax charged by the British authorities on the local farmers- a percentage of all their harvested crop. The justification being that the British would maintain law and order and protect the various Rajahs territories from each other. For many Indians, this is a struggle that they have grown accustomed to under colonial rule. That is, until Captain Andrew Russell announces plans to introduce 'dugna lagaan' (double tax) amidst a drought that has already rendered the soil infertile. After much complaint, Captain Russell attempts to further abuse his authority and proposes a cricket match between the British soldiers and the local villagers. If the villagers win, they pay no lagaan for 3 years. If the British win, its triple lagaan! The film tracks the development of the team until the big day.
There is, of course, a romantic sub-plot. Bhuvan, as the rebellious leader of the underdog Indian team, manages to get himself stuck in the middle of a love tug of war between Gauri, a humble village girl and Elizabeth Russell, the sister of the heartless captain.
This film pretty much epitomises the word 'epic'. Like all Bollywood films, it is shot on a grand scale with hundreds of extras, entertaining song 'n' dance and some rather theatrical performances. The film portrays brilliantly the misery suffered by the Indian people at the hands of the British as well as dismissing stereotypes about the 'untouchables' and 'white people' (largely due to the fact that Elizabeth actually HAS a heart!).
Unlike many Bollywood titles, the film is not dominated by the music. Instead, the music is well integrated within the storyline and provides us with some catchy melodies and some groovy dances (I attempted to emulate them but sadly failed). The acting is very good. Aamir Khan is excellent as the heroic Bhuvan; his emotive performance allows the viewer to sense his frustration with the British and passion for the villagers' cause. Meanwhile, every individual within the village cricket team each his own comic idiosyncrasies and character traits.
Looking for negative points; the film is LONG. There is actually an intermission- the first time I can recall such a thing on DVD. The actual running time is 225 minutes so make sure you set some time aside for this marathon of a film.
Lagaan is a joyous celebration of the potential of the every day man to achieve remarkable things. It encourages you to reach for the stars- to fulfil your dreams and never lose your aspirations. Lagaan isn't about the joys of cricket, its a film about the roller-coaster ride that is life, presented with charm and poignancy.
Production Year: 2004 - Drama - Director: Nick Cassavetes - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over, 12 years and over - Starring: Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling, Gena Rowlands
Ive only seen one Bollywood film, they are amazingly different to western ones, which is exactly what makes them great. Its nice to see some culture kept somewhere in the world, instead of all morphing into single thinking single doing!
purplelynne 05.11.2004 19:47
I've heard good things about this film. Lynne x
happy_kitty 28.10.2004 13:58
Hmmm, don't think I would like this. Good review though.
Advantages: The film stars Aamir Khan !!! and some of the film is in english Disadvantages: Film based around Cricket so it may not be everyones cup of tea.
sim5 07.08.2001 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of Lagaan (2001)
![Lagaan [DVD] [2001]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/78526097.jpg "Lagaan [DVD] [2001]")
![Lagaan [VHS] [2001]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/83968093.jpg "Lagaan [VHS] [2001]")
Oct 23rd, 2004
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