Review of Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India (2001) by Lanning : — 09 Jul 2007

The tax that Indians must pay to the British occupational government at the turn of the 19th century is "lagaan." This is the price that occupied peoples are always expected to fork over in some form or another whenever they have been "adopted" for their own good by "benevolent" foreign powers.

This tax is always as unjust as is the tyrannical reign of outsiders over indigenous peoples. In Lagaan, a Bollywood spectacle complete with often unexpected but very much appreciated musical numbers, the tax has become unbearable in a time of drought and deprivation.

How do the oppressed free themselves from this burden, albeit temporarily, and get back at the oppressors? Why of course, in fine political form, the Indians appropriate the British game of cricket from them and then beat them at it, thus winning a foolhardy and egotistical bet that means no payment of lagaan for three whole years.

Beating the Brits at their own sport, a beautiful foreshadowing of the end of empire. If Shakespeare were alive to see this film, I'm sure he would approve of its broad sweep. There really is something for everyone here.

The groundlings as well, would surely approve : ).