One of the many productions dealing with the offshoring of American jobs, but narrated with class and delicacy, with no clichés. There's plenty of culture shock, due to new food, busted infrastructures, and other cultural barriers but with a pace never seen before, in my opinion. It's funny but becomes a romance as well and has one of its best moments when the two leading actors imitate the stereotype of the other, with impressive results. Almost entirely shot in India, Outsourced is a truly tiny movie that ultimately says a lot about troubles crossing cultural divisions. Among many films handling the subject this is one of the best.
74 Reviews
From the heart.
BoudewijnUS27 September 2007
I had an absolute blast watching this movie today. It was funny, moving and most of all, sincere. It would have been very easy for the filmmakers to fall back into stereotypes while writing and shooting this movie, but they skillfully steered clear of any pitfalls that plague so many other movies out there, especially in this genre.
I got the chance to see this movie at a special screening at UW in Seattle today and join in a Q&A session with the writers (and director) John and George, Ayesha, who plays Asha, and a few of the producers. John, the director and co-writer, mentioned he had spent quite some time in Nepal and India during his student years. And although the story itself is a fictional one, the cultural shocks and experiences Todd goes through were largely based on John's own experiences during his time abroad. This seems to make for a very honest take on the nuances of this story. Luckily the movie not only focuses on Todd's shock of arriving in a completely new culture. The local people that Todd deals with on a daily basis also find they need to adjust to Todd's American way of running a call center. This makes for a balanced telling of a story about cultural differences and, maybe more importantly, the similarities.
It may not be a groundbreaking movie by any blockbuster standards, but the sincerity seems to be coming straight from the heart. And that's something you rarely see in movies nowadays. This movie deserves all the attention it gets. So go see it! And if you like it, tell your friends.
I got the chance to see this movie at a special screening at UW in Seattle today and join in a Q&A session with the writers (and director) John and George, Ayesha, who plays Asha, and a few of the producers. John, the director and co-writer, mentioned he had spent quite some time in Nepal and India during his student years. And although the story itself is a fictional one, the cultural shocks and experiences Todd goes through were largely based on John's own experiences during his time abroad. This seems to make for a very honest take on the nuances of this story. Luckily the movie not only focuses on Todd's shock of arriving in a completely new culture. The local people that Todd deals with on a daily basis also find they need to adjust to Todd's American way of running a call center. This makes for a balanced telling of a story about cultural differences and, maybe more importantly, the similarities.
It may not be a groundbreaking movie by any blockbuster standards, but the sincerity seems to be coming straight from the heart. And that's something you rarely see in movies nowadays. This movie deserves all the attention it gets. So go see it! And if you like it, tell your friends.
Outsourced -- the next "Big Fat Greek" movie?
radiobiggs8 March 2007
First, the bottom line: "Outsourced" is a fantastic film, that deserves a wide Hollywood release despite the lack of a celebrity actor. Why? It's just that good. Finally a feel good film about something almost nobody in the U.S. feels good about: outsourcing. I saw "Outsourced" at its debut at the Cinequest film festival in San Jose, and the audience response was simply overwhelming. It's funny, smart, romantic and manages to do all of this while teaching Americans valuable lessons about life in a globalized world. GO SEE THIS FILM! My overly-optimistic prediction is "Outsourced" will be the next "Big Fat Greek Wedding"...if Hollywood manages to look past the lack of a big-name actor. -M. Bigler
This is a "must see" romantic comedy
charlesdias27 November 2007
I am not a fan of romantic comedies, specially "Friends" like ones because I think it is too pasteurized, politically correct. I thank God there is some nice romantic comedies with another spice that taste great for me and this movie is an example of it.
Basically it show the cultural shock of a sad US call center manager sent to India to train an outsourced team. It is very nice how this movie shows the way the de-passionated yank finds the meaning of life in such different place and culture.
I am Brazilian and I know some US people that comes here to visit the country and decided to stay and adopted Brazilian way of life. This movies shows very well this happening.
If you want a very nice movie to watch when you are depressed with your work, pick this one ... and prepare yourself to be eager to travel to an exotic place after it ends.
Basically it show the cultural shock of a sad US call center manager sent to India to train an outsourced team. It is very nice how this movie shows the way the de-passionated yank finds the meaning of life in such different place and culture.
I am Brazilian and I know some US people that comes here to visit the country and decided to stay and adopted Brazilian way of life. This movies shows very well this happening.
If you want a very nice movie to watch when you are depressed with your work, pick this one ... and prepare yourself to be eager to travel to an exotic place after it ends.
a low-keyed charmer
Buddy-518 January 2011
"Outsourced" is a genial and charming fish-out-of-water tale about a young American telemarketer who learns that his job is being shipped overseas. To add insult to injury, the novelty company he works for has decided to send him to India to train his own replacement. The movie is a bit predictable and unoriginal at times, but only a complete curmudgeon could be totally immune to its spell.
Josh Hamilton is immensely likable as the nice-guy protagonist, and Ayesha Dharker is lovely and radiant as the freethinking co-worker with whom he has a clandestine dalliance. Indeed, all the actors are first-rate, and the striking settings and iridescent colors add to the movie's appeal.
Moreover, the culture clash aspects of the story are dealt with in droll and subtle terms, as the initially "superior" foreigner begins to loosen up and immerse himself in all that this strange and exotic world has to offer.
It's a dicey business trying to make a feel-good comedy out of a subject as controversial and serious as outsourcing, but writer/director John Jeffcoat somehow manages to pull it off.
Josh Hamilton is immensely likable as the nice-guy protagonist, and Ayesha Dharker is lovely and radiant as the freethinking co-worker with whom he has a clandestine dalliance. Indeed, all the actors are first-rate, and the striking settings and iridescent colors add to the movie's appeal.
Moreover, the culture clash aspects of the story are dealt with in droll and subtle terms, as the initially "superior" foreigner begins to loosen up and immerse himself in all that this strange and exotic world has to offer.
It's a dicey business trying to make a feel-good comedy out of a subject as controversial and serious as outsourcing, but writer/director John Jeffcoat somehow manages to pull it off.
interesting experiment with the subject
anuragr1 July 2009
There is a certain way of making movies about India – a tradition that has descended from great directors like Louis Malle and Richard Attenborough that helps us appreciate movies like Born-into-brothels, city of joy. Most of these movies present us the abject poverty of India, the absolute penury of its people. Yet, there seems a way out of this dejected existence – one that leads to happiness despite the misfortune of disease and untimely death.
Words may not be enough to express the genius of Louis Malle or Attenborough, but somehow too much water has flown down Thames since that image of India was believed in. The wilderness in East that we knew India as has experienced some major changes since World War II. With globalization, it is transforming into something else for better or worse.
I would remember this movie not because of what it had to say about outsourcing but because of its somewhat accurate representation of India. There are things about India that are despicable- to most Westerners. But the way the movie approached the subject was not through insulting humor the way American comedies usually do, but instead with an entertaining exploration into the very land of mystery. Although mild it is a comedy, but the script seemed very much educated about how India really is. That it never mixed up any Arab stereotype with the Indian ones is both surprising and commendable for an American movie.
The first half of the movie that takes time to build up the image of India perceived by a foreigner is actually quite accurate. There are things unbearable and overwhelming about India, but much the way the protagonist discovers, it all becomes much easier when you lose yourself into the wilderness that India is. Holi, a festival in India, is seen as a a metaphor to that - an act of curiosity met with a deeper involvement.
Of course, it is the wilderness after all that forms the appeal of India. There is this whole set of rituals, mythologies, beliefs and practices that evolved with complete disconnection from the West and offer an alternate reality to the foreigner. This dualism of disgust and curiosity flows parallel in the movie and achieves a sort of resolution in the end. There are very few movies that have chosen to explore this interest in India, without getting into yoga, kamasutra and henna.
This movie does not aspire to do in cinema what the book world-is-flat did in popular literature. It is not trying to tell you that the world is changing to the advantage of the Third world or argue on whether capitalism is the only hope for the poor. It mildly makes fun of this whole world that corporate culture has given us when it pokes fun at imitation of American accents and at how that becomes a career skill for some. It looks at outsourcing as the outcome of this commoditization of human experiences altogether. I was made to feel that outsourcing is a by-product of uneven growth that our current economic systems result in. The resolution is probably through not letting oneself become a product of one's circumstances – be it corporate policies or greed for money.
That resolution could've been expressed much better way- but unfortunately the movie fumbled in the second half. If I weren't really impressed with the first half, I might not have finished watching it. Sometimes it even appeared whether the movie was meant to be a comedy or something else. Still, overall this makes for an interesting experiment with India.
Words may not be enough to express the genius of Louis Malle or Attenborough, but somehow too much water has flown down Thames since that image of India was believed in. The wilderness in East that we knew India as has experienced some major changes since World War II. With globalization, it is transforming into something else for better or worse.
I would remember this movie not because of what it had to say about outsourcing but because of its somewhat accurate representation of India. There are things about India that are despicable- to most Westerners. But the way the movie approached the subject was not through insulting humor the way American comedies usually do, but instead with an entertaining exploration into the very land of mystery. Although mild it is a comedy, but the script seemed very much educated about how India really is. That it never mixed up any Arab stereotype with the Indian ones is both surprising and commendable for an American movie.
The first half of the movie that takes time to build up the image of India perceived by a foreigner is actually quite accurate. There are things unbearable and overwhelming about India, but much the way the protagonist discovers, it all becomes much easier when you lose yourself into the wilderness that India is. Holi, a festival in India, is seen as a a metaphor to that - an act of curiosity met with a deeper involvement.
Of course, it is the wilderness after all that forms the appeal of India. There is this whole set of rituals, mythologies, beliefs and practices that evolved with complete disconnection from the West and offer an alternate reality to the foreigner. This dualism of disgust and curiosity flows parallel in the movie and achieves a sort of resolution in the end. There are very few movies that have chosen to explore this interest in India, without getting into yoga, kamasutra and henna.
This movie does not aspire to do in cinema what the book world-is-flat did in popular literature. It is not trying to tell you that the world is changing to the advantage of the Third world or argue on whether capitalism is the only hope for the poor. It mildly makes fun of this whole world that corporate culture has given us when it pokes fun at imitation of American accents and at how that becomes a career skill for some. It looks at outsourcing as the outcome of this commoditization of human experiences altogether. I was made to feel that outsourcing is a by-product of uneven growth that our current economic systems result in. The resolution is probably through not letting oneself become a product of one's circumstances – be it corporate policies or greed for money.
That resolution could've been expressed much better way- but unfortunately the movie fumbled in the second half. If I weren't really impressed with the first half, I might not have finished watching it. Sometimes it even appeared whether the movie was meant to be a comedy or something else. Still, overall this makes for an interesting experiment with India.
two fish out of water stories
roedyg13 May 2012
This is not a comedy in the usual sense. It is more two fish out of water stories intertwined. An American goes to India without any knowledge of customs, sanitation etc. The Indian workers are completely baffled by American slang, consumer culture, and absurd corporate greed, but they have to learn it.
The India it presents shows many of the things that jarred me when I went to Bombay (now Mumbai) to work for 3 weeks in 1985. The movie is somewhat sanitised, and of course you can't smell anything it shows.
It sidetracked the overpowering odour of garbage everywhere and flies that people just ignore. Even the beggars look like well-dressed school children.
You watch India help the driven American relax into a more sane pace, while he simultaneously drives his workers with a giant up to the millisecond scoreboard of productivity.
Much of the humour comes from watching Indians trying to pass as American on the sales calls, and one politically incorrect scene when the American mocking pretends to be Indian.
It could be considered a video guidebook to give you a bit of an idea what to expect if you go to India. It is a light fun movie.
The India it presents shows many of the things that jarred me when I went to Bombay (now Mumbai) to work for 3 weeks in 1985. The movie is somewhat sanitised, and of course you can't smell anything it shows.
It sidetracked the overpowering odour of garbage everywhere and flies that people just ignore. Even the beggars look like well-dressed school children.
You watch India help the driven American relax into a more sane pace, while he simultaneously drives his workers with a giant up to the millisecond scoreboard of productivity.
Much of the humour comes from watching Indians trying to pass as American on the sales calls, and one politically incorrect scene when the American mocking pretends to be Indian.
It could be considered a video guidebook to give you a bit of an idea what to expect if you go to India. It is a light fun movie.
Terrific
Geof-427 September 2007
I went into this film thinking I would see a "nice" film that "deserved to be seen" (which is too often code for a boring movie). I laughed my ass off, as did the whole audience. This is the most entertaining movie I've seen in months -- time and again the filmmakers found a way to surprise me. A tight story. Terrific performances from the stars all the way down to the tiniest roles. Perfect pacing. Graceful, muscular directing. This is not a "good little movie" -- it's a good movie, period and it's a crime it's not getting wider distribution just because the male lead isn't played by the flavor of the month. A smart, funny film.
Simple, funny and one of the Best!!!!
afterbuddha19 January 2008
I watched the trailer of outsourced and thought on watch it. unfortunately there were not much cinemas playing the movie! Finally, I got to see the movie in a theater which was 25 km away from me!! One should not miss Outsourced as it is one of the best films made. I am not going into the film plot as i would advice you to watch it. All the characters are damn funny! Trust me, there are some scenes where you would laugh out loud!! The scenes are well planed and the cinematographer has done a wonderful job, specially in the festival scene. I film deserves to be released globally as a main stream Hollywood movie. This is a well made film and I appreciate Josh's acting and the director as he has made this film from his heart!!!
Delightful and kind of educational as well
kzoofilm19 September 2006
One of the happiest surprises of this year's Toronto International Film Festival was this delightful, beautifully shot comedy, which is not only funny and touching but actually offers a few insights into Indian culture as well. Josh Hamilton is terrific as Todd, an American businessman who is less than thrilled to learn his Seattle office is going to outsource its work to a call center in India. He's even more perturbed when his boss makes it clear that Todd will be in charge of training the Indian workers to efficiently handle orders while sounding as American as possible; that's important since the firm markets all-American knickknacks, such as miniature flags, hot dog toasters and Wisconsin cheese hats. The culture clash that results is beautifully played and wonderfully written. This has the potential to be another MY BIG FAT Greek WEDDING, if it's handled properly. I hope it is. I've been a big fan of Hamilton for years and he deserves a big hit.
Mostly a Contrivance Shrouding the Truth
amalalane18 July 2009
Yes, I admit I watched the whole movie. I've lived in India, work with people from there and wanted to see how this movie portrays this ancient and contemporary society.
Very stereotypical characters both amongst the Americans and Indians. While there were many truths conveyed about life and the social/economic issues, except for Asha's revelation that she can indeed do anything, the rest didn't come across in an organic, natural way. The whole film to me was quite awkward (due to the awkwardness of the lead male actor, and that wasn't just the character he portrayed).
Many of the Indian actors were very good and put up with the condescending script that was written.
Laughs were there, and even a tear for Asha and the conversation about cardamom, and the lead male leaving India etc. but not enough to recommend it. Sorry! Still, hope the next film comes out really great and that the filmmakers work more on script development.
Very stereotypical characters both amongst the Americans and Indians. While there were many truths conveyed about life and the social/economic issues, except for Asha's revelation that she can indeed do anything, the rest didn't come across in an organic, natural way. The whole film to me was quite awkward (due to the awkwardness of the lead male actor, and that wasn't just the character he portrayed).
Many of the Indian actors were very good and put up with the condescending script that was written.
Laughs were there, and even a tear for Asha and the conversation about cardamom, and the lead male leaving India etc. but not enough to recommend it. Sorry! Still, hope the next film comes out really great and that the filmmakers work more on script development.
Like going to India for 90 minutes
storybus31 May 2007
The sweetest movie I've seen all year, full of funny cultural misunderstandings and whiffs of the foreigner experience. Amazing performances by Indian actors, especially a certain "Auntie G" who is the "Hyacinth Bouquet"/"Hostess with the Mostess" of Bombay. The fellow who plays Puri charms as consummate straight man to cross-cultural business humor. Loved that the company's products are American patriotic crapola, and that they still mean something to the striving foreign vendors. Much poetic poignancy between the laughs in this film. Josh Hamilton's character's evolution is believable and rewarding, reflecting a journey many more Americans need to take. Don't miss this trip!
An education on India.
wynonasbigbrownbeaver29 December 2009
Warning: Spoilers
Before any Westerner visits India for the first time, I strongly recommend them to view Outsourced prior to their arrival. The "bread and butter" of the movie is that there is so much one can learn by analyzing some of the customs and trends of Indian culture.
Outsourced is a very light-spirited venture about the life of an American sales manager who is prompted to make a business trip to India in order to train his replacements. All the characters are likable and the key situations that occur seem realistic. (Of course the majority of the cast is obviously Indian so it would make sense.) It was interesting to see the main character go through the transition from adjusting to vegetarianism, learning compassion through generosity, consciously eating with the right hand and other habits.
Being a good hearted film, the only thing outsourced lacks is some prolonged suspense. There is nothing too dramatic about the changes the main character had to go through other than his initial embrace to Indian life, a mild issue with an extra-marital affair, and the brief moment where he had to tell his trainees that they've been laid off. Everything seemed just a little too easy though I am aware it is in the culture of the supporting cast to positively adjust to change.
As said before, I would recommend this movie to any American or Western traveller to forewarn them of the culture shock that he/she would face. I've actually enjoyed this movie to my surprise.
Outsourced is a very light-spirited venture about the life of an American sales manager who is prompted to make a business trip to India in order to train his replacements. All the characters are likable and the key situations that occur seem realistic. (Of course the majority of the cast is obviously Indian so it would make sense.) It was interesting to see the main character go through the transition from adjusting to vegetarianism, learning compassion through generosity, consciously eating with the right hand and other habits.
Being a good hearted film, the only thing outsourced lacks is some prolonged suspense. There is nothing too dramatic about the changes the main character had to go through other than his initial embrace to Indian life, a mild issue with an extra-marital affair, and the brief moment where he had to tell his trainees that they've been laid off. Everything seemed just a little too easy though I am aware it is in the culture of the supporting cast to positively adjust to change.
As said before, I would recommend this movie to any American or Western traveller to forewarn them of the culture shock that he/she would face. I've actually enjoyed this movie to my surprise.
I really wish one of the director's read this from me
asheztodust6 September 2009
I have been an Indian for 28 years now, and have not seen my culture or country being made portrayed more awfully than this.
1. Shiv-lingam : Is not a phallic emblem. None of you would like an Indian movie which calls Jesus a bastard. How do you expect Hindus to digest this. Being the third largest religion in this world we deserve some respect for our beliefs, we aren't as aggressive as Muslims to blow bombs on this topic, but at least one could have researched on thi topic before making a movie.
2. The Indian BPO Industry : Is booming, doesn't mean that there are call centers even at places where there cannot be an internet connection, You ought to see few of our really nice call centers, due to economy of construction costs, they look much better than a lot of American companies. Location selected for this movie was pathetic.
3. Hindu Girls : Your Hero character did nothing to impress the girl, I mean come on, I have dated so many girls but I know it takes time man!, Its not like you go together book a room and "Asha can do anything"...its your exaggerated fantasy of getting a decent girl in a cheap and easy way. Try it yourself!, You can't even date an Indian hooker that easily, girls really do have a class here unlike anyone in US.
Please do some research before you make another freaked out Indian movie.
1. Shiv-lingam : Is not a phallic emblem. None of you would like an Indian movie which calls Jesus a bastard. How do you expect Hindus to digest this. Being the third largest religion in this world we deserve some respect for our beliefs, we aren't as aggressive as Muslims to blow bombs on this topic, but at least one could have researched on thi topic before making a movie.
2. The Indian BPO Industry : Is booming, doesn't mean that there are call centers even at places where there cannot be an internet connection, You ought to see few of our really nice call centers, due to economy of construction costs, they look much better than a lot of American companies. Location selected for this movie was pathetic.
3. Hindu Girls : Your Hero character did nothing to impress the girl, I mean come on, I have dated so many girls but I know it takes time man!, Its not like you go together book a room and "Asha can do anything"...its your exaggerated fantasy of getting a decent girl in a cheap and easy way. Try it yourself!, You can't even date an Indian hooker that easily, girls really do have a class here unlike anyone in US.
Please do some research before you make another freaked out Indian movie.
Great movie!
smitch898012 November 2008
Having just returned from a 3 week trip to India I found this movie to be absolutely delightful and so funny and so true. It was like I was transformed back to India. The culture shock when one first arrives in the country was beautifully portrayed as he stops to get a drink and then is over run with hawkers on the way to get a taxi and ends up in a motorized three-wheeler and the ride of his life. One has to experience it to know the feeling. Even the little nod of his head as he speaks has it nailed! And anyone who has had to call for computer help and gets their call sent off to a center in India will especially see the humor in this movie.
One night stands
sudraj28 October 2009
We liked the movie because it kept you continuously engaged. But do Indian girls like Asha sleep and have one night stand so easily ??? She even says her friend did the same thing running away with a classmate to Goa to have fun just before her wedding. And the worst part is that she says Todd should not show his physical attraction in public. This is so hypocritical. We thought Indian girls don't cuddle up naked in bed so easily before wedding and those who do invariably end up marrying the guy. Or many college girls get into petting and necking. Todd comes out with a very good idea of paying incentives to increase MPI and this shows he is professional but having affair with his subordinate seems so unethical. Do Managers simply have sex with staff so easily ?!
Okay comedy
therealkromaxtra6 May 2023
This show wasn't the best- it could have gone a lot further given the content. Outsourcing and call centre life is a common way of life for people and corporations around the world. There's certainly some comedic moments, but for a series that's meant to be set in a country as culturally rich and diverse as India, it fails to showcase this. You can easily tell you're not in India- besides the fact that most of the actors aren't born and bred in India, which has some bearing on their performances and characterizations.
Never the less, if you've got a bit of free time and want a few chuckles, the show is watchable.
Never the less, if you've got a bit of free time and want a few chuckles, the show is watchable.
Pleasant and not Too Offensive
dansview22 September 2014
Warning: Spoilers
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.
Great movie about Indian and American cultures
seattlewausa18 June 2007
Really well written movie that pokes fun of both American and Indian cultures but with respect for each. Filmed partly in Seattle, but mostly in India. You see an American call center director has his section outsourced and he reluctantly travels to India to keep his job for a few weeks more till his stock options vest. He finds a culture he slowly comes to respect and embrace through an Indian woman he falls for and friendship with his coworker. The story plays out over many location shots in and near Mumbai. You almost feel you've been there by the end of the film. A great Indian cast really puts this one over the top with many laughs. Your next call with an Indian call center won't be the same.
Alright
mnorell-957-71704825 March 2014
Warning: Spoilers
I would give the movie Outsourced seven stars out of ten stars. I do not think that Outsourced is a fun movie to watch. It is longer than it needs to be and there is not good character development. In reality the production is not that great either. The reason that I am not giving this movie three stars out of ten instead of seven is because if the message behind the movie. The movie is revolved around the transformation of Ted (main character and boss). While not the best movie, it is able to get its point across and the viewer can see this change in Todd. We see Todd change from a closed minded American who only cares about superficial things turn into a more open minded person who cares more and is more humane.
I watched Outsourced online. Josh Hamilton plays Todd Anderson the boss of the outsourced employees. Ayesha Dharker plays Asha, the woman that opens Todd's eyes to the world around him. The movie basically follows Todd around his move to India when his company outsources their calling center and we see Todd experience a new country and a new outlook on life. In the movie we see Todd come to India and meet many new people and experience many new things. He comes across things that he never has seen. He has a close-minded attitude about his situation and does not really enjoy himself in India. This is until he meets more people and starts to open himself to different experiences. Todd starts talking to and meeting with Asha (one of his employees) and they develop a close relationship with each other and we see a complete change in Todd's outlook. In the end we see Todd make an executive decision about his life and what he wants to be doing. My favorite part of the movie is the ending. I would not call the ending of the movie a happy ending in which everyone lived happily ever after but it is definitely not a sad ending. We see potential for good things to happen and we see Todd starting to go down the road in which he will live a better and more fulfilling life. The ending does a really good job at leaving the mind open to wonder and come up with your own ending, which in effect also makes you think about your own life. The ending really makes you question yourself and analysis yourself in a healthy way. Instead of other movies making you wish you had super powers, or that you were extremely skinny, or funny this movie makes you really ask yourself if you are really happy. This is what makes this movie good and worthwhile watching. The movie also focuses on some of the other Indian people working in the calling center and for many people who have no had the experience of meeting or talking to an Indian person we see what it is like for these people who work in these places. We see the warm hearts and the different cultures of these different people and the way that they have a work attitude that you would never believe. Over all, after reviewing this movie would I recommend it or not? I would say if you are not busy and you are in the mood to open your eyes to new perspective then watch Outsourced. It will be enjoyed by most for a little and then lose one's attention but is worth the watch. The movie opened my eyes to what I can change about myself and how I can work towards creating a better me.
I watched Outsourced online. Josh Hamilton plays Todd Anderson the boss of the outsourced employees. Ayesha Dharker plays Asha, the woman that opens Todd's eyes to the world around him. The movie basically follows Todd around his move to India when his company outsources their calling center and we see Todd experience a new country and a new outlook on life. In the movie we see Todd come to India and meet many new people and experience many new things. He comes across things that he never has seen. He has a close-minded attitude about his situation and does not really enjoy himself in India. This is until he meets more people and starts to open himself to different experiences. Todd starts talking to and meeting with Asha (one of his employees) and they develop a close relationship with each other and we see a complete change in Todd's outlook. In the end we see Todd make an executive decision about his life and what he wants to be doing. My favorite part of the movie is the ending. I would not call the ending of the movie a happy ending in which everyone lived happily ever after but it is definitely not a sad ending. We see potential for good things to happen and we see Todd starting to go down the road in which he will live a better and more fulfilling life. The ending does a really good job at leaving the mind open to wonder and come up with your own ending, which in effect also makes you think about your own life. The ending really makes you question yourself and analysis yourself in a healthy way. Instead of other movies making you wish you had super powers, or that you were extremely skinny, or funny this movie makes you really ask yourself if you are really happy. This is what makes this movie good and worthwhile watching. The movie also focuses on some of the other Indian people working in the calling center and for many people who have no had the experience of meeting or talking to an Indian person we see what it is like for these people who work in these places. We see the warm hearts and the different cultures of these different people and the way that they have a work attitude that you would never believe. Over all, after reviewing this movie would I recommend it or not? I would say if you are not busy and you are in the mood to open your eyes to new perspective then watch Outsourced. It will be enjoyed by most for a little and then lose one's attention but is worth the watch. The movie opened my eyes to what I can change about myself and how I can work towards creating a better me.
Beautiful
nassim_abed12 December 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Movie earned warm heavy applause after its screening in the Dubai International Film Festival yesterday evening: the audience, a mix of Europeans, Middle Easterns, and Indians, showered the director and author and lead actress with questions after the show. I particularly admired the ending (spoiler ahead): sticking the "bindi" on George Washington's forehead - an excellent subtle invitation for a critical look on what drives work (and inevitably life) that the movie did not pretend to tackle head-on yet illustrated throughout: after all, placing the missing piece isn't foreign to Seattle.
It is also quite remarkable that both authors are not Indian: asking my Mumbai-native friends for a reality check, they only confirmed the movie did indeed capture a good realistic snapshot of what India is like. At least in those corners explored. Quite impressive research efforts from the two authors.
It would be a shame if this movie doesn't spread to more screenings in more theaters in more countries: although marketing it may seem a challenge in a monochrome world, it definitely can have many advocates among those who go and actually see it. It would be fantastic to work on spreading it by independent unconventional means then track its success: are we about to witness a new revolution in cinema marketing? I can dream on but then, myself neither Indian nor American, I cannot see how one must be either to absolutely enjoy this excellent piece of work.
It is also quite remarkable that both authors are not Indian: asking my Mumbai-native friends for a reality check, they only confirmed the movie did indeed capture a good realistic snapshot of what India is like. At least in those corners explored. Quite impressive research efforts from the two authors.
It would be a shame if this movie doesn't spread to more screenings in more theaters in more countries: although marketing it may seem a challenge in a monochrome world, it definitely can have many advocates among those who go and actually see it. It would be fantastic to work on spreading it by independent unconventional means then track its success: are we about to witness a new revolution in cinema marketing? I can dream on but then, myself neither Indian nor American, I cannot see how one must be either to absolutely enjoy this excellent piece of work.
Film is SO true-to-life, such great memories of a great place
ragness1 October 2007
Warning: Spoilers
I did consulting work for ten weeks last year in Hyderabad and Mumbai on a contract with IBM for BellSouth. (Got trouble with your BellSouth DSL? Plan on talking to "Rocky" in India.) This film brought back such warm memories of a wonderful country and its wonderful people.
From the opening scene in the Mumbai airport with its marble floors and dirty white walls... to the teeming crowds waiting outside (I had one white face meeting me at 4:00 a.m. after flying from Orlando to Detroit to Amsterdam to Mumbai to Hyderabad, amidst the hundreds of brown faces clamoring for your attention)... to the little three-wheeled jeeps careening through the streets... the marvelous shots of Victoria Station and the Gateway of India... to the merriment of Holi. Not to mention the call center agents!
This film (and the howls of laughter from those in attendance, at the 13th Annual South Asian Film Festival, here in Orlando at http://www.enzian.org/ ) made me want to pack up and go back tomorrow.
"I'd kNowingly Do It Again!"
From the opening scene in the Mumbai airport with its marble floors and dirty white walls... to the teeming crowds waiting outside (I had one white face meeting me at 4:00 a.m. after flying from Orlando to Detroit to Amsterdam to Mumbai to Hyderabad, amidst the hundreds of brown faces clamoring for your attention)... to the little three-wheeled jeeps careening through the streets... the marvelous shots of Victoria Station and the Gateway of India... to the merriment of Holi. Not to mention the call center agents!
This film (and the howls of laughter from those in attendance, at the 13th Annual South Asian Film Festival, here in Orlando at http://www.enzian.org/ ) made me want to pack up and go back tomorrow.
"I'd kNowingly Do It Again!"
Watch this movie only if you have half a brain
vivekjacob2512 March 2009
Couldn't bear to watch this movie for more than 30 minutes. Pretty boy, Josh Hamilton can barely act. He spends most of the time waltzing around with a dazed expression on his face. The movie is so full of inconsistencies. Believe that a call center will be set up in middle of a village with cows for company and you will believe anything. Most villages in India do not have access to electricity,let alone high bandwidth internet connections to support a call center. The tone is so supercilious. There was a very stoopid dialogue. 'Accept India and don' resist it'. (PUKE). Thanks, I must say for accepting us. We felt kinda lonely when you resisted us... That coy Ayesha Dharker was so irritating 'Youu neeed to learn Indian culture Todd'. Yeah baby, culture my posterior.
What happens at the end of the movie. Did loser Todd start working with coy Asha at the village or did Asha move to u.s with Todd. I am assuming they would have found each other endearing enough to get married.
What happens at the end of the movie. Did loser Todd start working with coy Asha at the village or did Asha move to u.s with Todd. I am assuming they would have found each other endearing enough to get married.
Outsourced - Terrific comedy!
dauntless-322 September 2007
I thought this was a terrific comedy. The dialog is well-written and believably delivered on the screen. It has clever comedy set-ups with payoffs late in the film, which is hard to do well and I really love when it is. It was genuinely funny all through the movie. I felt it captured a part of Indian culture not often seen elsewhere. This is not Bollywood! All the characters are well-acted and believable. The American versus Indian culture gap hits all the marks and is mined for comedic gems. The romance between the lead characters plays very well, both are wonderful and appealing. I left the theater feeling like I had just enjoyed a delicious Indian feast. Don't miss it!
Absolutely charming
louisecardinal17 September 2006
The story is one of our age, one of disappearing jobs, forced intermingling of different cultures, and what it means to learn and expand in our world view. Because others have told the outline of the story, I won't redo that here, but rather focus on why I so completely enjoyed the film. I too saw it at the Toronto Film Festival, sitting in the first row because I was in the "rush" line. It speaks to the warm, human, and entirely charming story that I was able to actually stay with it from the perspective being practically underneath the huge screen, looking up, making sure my eyes were looking through the right part of my glasses. As a westerner who has traveled, worked, and loved being in India, I found the writing true to life and always seen from a positive angle. Todd's openness and vulnerability contributed to his steep upward learning curve, and was essential to his success there. We too must be open and interested if we want to live in a world that is increasingly global and challenging. I'm not sure how the romantic part of the story will be received in India, should the film get a distributor there, as I have found that most are pretty conservative regarding what they want to see on screen. But I wish the filmmakers all the success, and I hope they make many more films like this one.
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