Review of The Namesake (2006) by Jeremy W — 27 Jan 2010

Sometimes the best movies we've seen may be the ones the ones that have passed us by. So may be it, but sometimes the most remember-able times in life may have also passed us by without warning. A good drama to me is the expression of life we live, sometimes one we dream to have when at times we actually have without knowing it. This essence we unknowingly wish to be present during the short time we have in the world in hope we are welcome to enjoy while it passes by into the wind.

This is a hard one to portray for one who hasn't seen it but it is about a family as a whole, with the parts equaling its sum. A man in his younger years who is of to see his grandfather barley scrapes by during a horrible accident and almost loses his life like so many others did in a tragic train accident in India. With a different mindset afterward he set off, finds a wife and moves to America. Many years pass while having children and giving them respectable names that have a meaning behind them that can only be understood by knowing their past, and understanding that some day hopefully they will understand what life is really about.

Throughout the first half the acting was strong by all the actors and the story was very clear about how the life of immigrants can be tough and so much different than their home lands. Even though I was enjoying it, I kept thinking what makes this get such high ratings. At about half way it started making a lot more sense. I could understand where the story was headed, and really got into it more.

From start to end at least 25 years pass maybe more, so it seems to jump a lot. When It gets settled it makes more sense. This is a struggle with life and the reality it brings with it. The ending is what made it for me. When most people usually give up in a movie that is when they will really lose the point of this drama. I know that may sound negitive but if you knew my close and stubborn friends you would understand why I said that. Its not only the ending that makes a good drama, but the sum of its parts.

I have never seen anything from this director Mira Nair or any of the actor's except Kal Penn from the Harold & Kumar films but all together they did very well in my mind. I have more respect now with Kal Penn he is more than just a one way actor.

I can understand why a few wont like this one but I am very glad I saw it. I agree with both the critics and community that gave it a 85%. There was a link Stunner was sending around that had some good movies on it that contradicted with the AFI list and I'm pleased I read it. This one is not one of the best I've seen but I loved it none the less. If you like dramas and are looking for one to watch you found a nice one here.

1 award 3 nominations.