Review of Jodhaa Akbar (2008) by Eriqua P — 09 Oct 2008

Two families are allied through marriage. A jealous mother figure loses her son and the boy she raised as her own. A daughter is betrothed against her will to save her father's kingdom.

A battle of wills ensues...

Sound epic enough?

Jodhaa Akbar is a beautifully filmed movie. The costuming and landscapes are amazing and a different portrayal of India than in Bollywood pop. It got me thinking of the history and how Hindustan actually became united.

It reminded me of seeing epic films about European or Chinese family alliances.

Akbar, Mughal head of the throne, reminds me of how King Richard has been portrayed in film: fearless, kind to his subjects.

Jodhaa reminds me a bit of how Maid Marian is portrayed...a woman with a mind of her own.

I was dissatisfied with the ending, but throughout the movie I loved watching the characters play off one another.

The soundtrack is close to superb. The love ballad leaves a little to be desired, but the score and the song "Azeem-O-Shaan-Shahenshah" is amazing. Representatives of kingdoms come to pay their respect to their ruler in a colorful tribute. It's almost a "dance-off" with each kingdom trying to out-do the prior in their homage.