MIRA NAIR

Bil’s rating (out of 5):   BBBBB. 

India/USA/Italy/Germany/France, 2001.  IFC Productions, Mirabai Films, Pandora Filmproduktion, Paradis Films, Mirabai Films Delhi.  Screenplay by Sabrina Dhawan.  Cinematography by Declan Quinn.  Produced by Caroline Baron, Mira Nair.  Music by Mychael Danna.  Production Design by Stephanie Carroll.  Costume Design by Arjun Bhasin.  Film Editing by Allyson C. Johnson.  

Bollywood splendour finally gets its showcase in the western world with Mira Nair’s exquisite film. Essentially it takes place in the days before a big family wedding, and how original is that story, but in reality it’s so much more. Each character is given their due in the delightful script, and all of the festivities are brought to gorgeous life in Declan Quinn’s bright and colourful photography. The wrinkle in the story occurs when we discover that the bride-to-be is also having an affair with a married man. Is she really looking forward to marriage, or is it just the best way out of her hopeful situation? This wonderful film is a ride you’ll want to take again and again.

The Criterion Collection:  #489

European Film Award Nomination:  Screen International Award

Golden Globe Award Nomination:  Best Foreign Language Film

Toronto International Film Festival:  2001

Venice Film Festival Award:  Golden Lion