Review of The Namesake (2006) by Ramsha A — 18 Sep 2010

The Namesake was about a couple named Ashoke and Ashima Ganguli who migrate to America to start a new experiences and life with their children Gogol and Sonia. Ashoke and Ashima?s son Gogol is given a particular name by Ashoke to understand the true meaning of life with freedom and liberation. Ashoke foolishly does not understand why he was given this name after being tormented in school about his name he decides to change it. Being thrust in two different types of cultures it seems difficult for him to choose what type of person he really wants to be. Gogol?s parents are still trying to understand the modern culture of America but still want to retain their culture and religion which represents a big aspect of their life. After Gogol comes home with an American girlfriend their parents are apprehensive on letting her come over but intentionally welcome her in and to make her understand their traditional ways. Gogol is wrapped up in his American life without calling his parents even one until he gets a call from his sister that is father has passed away. Gogol suddenly realizes that he has made a mistake not being more involved in his religion and heritage. Gogol then decides to spend more time with his mother. Gogol?s mother encourages him to meet a girl that he had interacted when he was a teenager. Gogol disagrees but reluctantly goes and see?s that the girl has changed in many ways. Gogol marries Moushumi and lives a blissful few years until he find out that she cheated on him. Gogol has now been left alone but understand what his name truly means which is to seeing the world in many aspects of life. Gogol?s mother returns back to her homeland to find her peace in singing again.

In the Namesake Hinduism is described as religion that is very much versatile being adjusted according to a new country and atmosphere. But in Namesake the moral is the same as Hinduism is to find your inner Self atman whether it?s in singing or in just finding yourself in different possibilities. The Namesake retains in showing a traditional Indian wedding in a step of the male being in the lead and the female following the male?s footsteps which represents Ashoke and Ashima dynamic life. Ashima was with her husband and children every step of the way which represents the shakti power. Towards the end of the movie the message of liberations represents Hinduism facet of life and how people found their Brahman their own ways.