On the heels of their arranged marriage, Ashoke (Irrfan Kahn) and Ashima (Tabu) jet off from sweltering Calcutta to a wintry New York where they begin their new life together. Virtual strangers to one another and with Ashima now living in a new and very strange land, their relationship quickly takes a turn when Ashima gives birth to a son. Under pressure to name him quickly, Ashoke settles on Gogol (Kal Penn), after the famous Russian author - a name that serves as a link to a secret past and, Ashoke hopes, a better future. But life isn't as easy for Gogol as his parents might wish. As a first-generation American teenager, Gogol must learn to tread a razor-thin line between his Bengali roots and his American birthright in the search for his own identity. As Gogol attempts to forge his destiny - rejecting his given name, dating a rich American girl, heading to study architecture at Yale - his parents cling to their Bengali traditions. But their paths keep crossing with both comic and painfully revelatory consequences… until Gogol begins to see the links between the world his parents left behind and the new world that lies in front of him.
After moving from Calcutta to New York, members of the Ganguli family maintain a delicate balancing act between honoring the traditions of their native India and blending into American culture. Although parents Ashoke and Ashima are proud of the sacrifices they make to give their children opportunities, their son Gogol strives to forge his own identity without forgetting his heritage.
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Watch this film. It is a hidden gem.Visually stunning! A strong heartfelt story. The characters are so believable. A beautiful opportunity to get a glimpse of the Eastern Indian culture..Score: 4/5
TearfestI cried from the beginning to the end of this movie. I think this is one of the best movies I've ever seen. The actors were amazing, directing, etc., just brilliant..Score: 5/5
Great storyThis is an excellent film. The story is very touching and very moving. I think its hard sometimes to understand what immigrant families go through when they move to another country but it is always refreshing to get a perspective through a story such as this. You do have to be in a certain mood to watch this type of movie in general. give it a shot! worth the $.Score: 5/5
Must see - especially if your parents are immigrantsThis movie is absolutely fantastic. I loved the book but the movie was no let down. Acting is brilliant and evokes so well growing up between cultures. I experienced a full range of emotions but left the experience feeling hopeful and full. Definitely check it out!.Score: 5/5
Sad But GreatI loved this movie at first i didnt get it but then it all came together. i think i cried at some parts like with the phone call saying that his dad died:(. and than at the end there was some nudity. like theres a part where it shows the bottom. but then its fine. this is a great movie and great plot..Score: 4/5
Long-winded but goodI'd say about 30% of this film could have been edited out, but it was beautiful to watch and very touching..Score: 4/5
A Love Story of a Different SortThis film was both touching and captivating, which are hard qualities to put together. The story between Gogol and his family, his father in particular, will make you want to pick up the phone and call your parents just to tell them how much you love them. A poignant and beautiful love story of a different sort..Score: 5/5
Nice movie but you can skip the last thirdGreat movie about cultural and family values conflicting with modern world, great actors and picture. But the loop back to how family and tradition will at the end be the refuge and only rightful direction to follow is plainly boring..Score: 3/5
Well Made FilmThis was a well made film. Most Indians could relate to this movie, but for non-Indians it would be an interesting view of the tension that occurs between parents and their children when they immigrate to a new country..Score: 4/5
Book and movieI first read the book last summer for school and I instantly feel in lvoe with story, especially because it comes from my own ethnic background and because I could practically relate to the main character. There were so many meanings throughout the book, so many themes that I feel like the movie failed to bring out. The movie, in my opinion, only emphasized the changing of his name rather than the connection from culture and one who owns that ethnic background. Okay movie, but if I had seen this movie first, I wouldn't have been able to relate to it so easily..Score: 2/5
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TimelessIrfan and Tabu bring out the essence in a name and its value that travels through generations.Score: 5/5
BookThis movie is based on the book by Jumpa Lahiri which is also called The Namesake. The book is brilliant and the movie is also good. I highly recommend this author. She is brilliant..Score: 4/5
AmazingThis movie was amazing i saw it on a plane the first time and loved it! the second time i saw it at home and it still had the same affect on me its a tear jerker at the end but its a great film buy it !!! you wont be dissapointed.Score: 5/5
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