When you're reviewing a film, try to keep in mind what the makers were shooting for, and then evaluate it accordingly. I don't think these film makers were trying to make a deep political statement or provide a documentary representation of India. It was a light romantic comedy with a topical current affairs background. Having said that, they did it satisfactorily.
I liked the lead actor. He had an "everyman" quality. I liked his sardonic recognition and acceptance of his less-than-glamorous job and single status. I do believe that an unemotional, disappointed average guy like him, would react to situations more or less like he did.
I had my guard up about political manipulation. Some things bothered me, but overall it was pretty mild. I can't officially speak from an Indian perspective, but I'll give it a try. It IS the Third World, and from all accounts, dirty and crowded. So I'm guessing that part was true. But it also showed the dignity of individual lives and some of the beautiful aspects of the culture.
I didn't care for the lead's remark about Americans working their butt off for a 50 inch plasma t.v. Not everyone works in a Seattle call center, lives alone, and spends their money on material possessions. In America there are small towns, villages, farms, ranches, etc., just like in rural countries. People work eight hours, which is hardly working your butt off, and a plasma T.V. is not even that expensive.
The sexual affair thing was awkward. This girl was a virgin in a religious society and she slept with a foreigner after knowing him for a few weeks. We see them laying in bed afterward like it was nothing. Wouldn't it have physically hurt and involved blood? Wouldn't it have been an emotional volcano for a girl like that? But of course we don't need to see all that in a light romantic comedy.
People pointed out that call centers in India are in beautiful modern buildings, not rural shacks. But this was an American novelty company, not American Express. So maybe they were trying to go cheap.
This is a peaceful, mildly entertaining/humorous movie with some interesting cross-cultural observations and scenery. Add a little love to the mix. The photography and music score were better than average.
I liked the lead actor. He had an "everyman" quality. I liked his sardonic recognition and acceptance of his less-than-glamorous job and single status. I do believe that an unemotional, disappointed average guy like him, would react to situations more or less like he did.
I had my guard up about political manipulation. Some things bothered me, but overall it was pretty mild. I can't officially speak from an Indian perspective, but I'll give it a try. It IS the Third World, and from all accounts, dirty and crowded. So I'm guessing that part was true. But it also showed the dignity of individual lives and some of the beautiful aspects of the culture.
I didn't care for the lead's remark about Americans working their butt off for a 50 inch plasma t.v. Not everyone works in a Seattle call center, lives alone, and spends their money on material possessions. In America there are small towns, villages, farms, ranches, etc., just like in rural countries. People work eight hours, which is hardly working your butt off, and a plasma T.V. is not even that expensive.
The sexual affair thing was awkward. This girl was a virgin in a religious society and she slept with a foreigner after knowing him for a few weeks. We see them laying in bed afterward like it was nothing. Wouldn't it have physically hurt and involved blood? Wouldn't it have been an emotional volcano for a girl like that? But of course we don't need to see all that in a light romantic comedy.
People pointed out that call centers in India are in beautiful modern buildings, not rural shacks. But this was an American novelty company, not American Express. So maybe they were trying to go cheap.
This is a peaceful, mildly entertaining/humorous movie with some interesting cross-cultural observations and scenery. Add a little love to the mix. The photography and music score were better than average.