Summary written by Omar P.L. Moore

Mira Nair's exquisite film is one of the best she's directed, and "The Namesake", based on Jhumpa Lahiri's novel, is a deeply absorbing journey of a family's migration from Calcutta to New York and its successive generation's return to the ancestral homeland of India.  Kal Penn (far left, of "Harold and Kumar") is great here as the Americanized son of Indian parents (played by Irrfan Khan and Tabu (far right) -- Mr. Khan (second from left) is excellent here and should be nominated by the Academy for his work; he is also great in "A Mighty Heart".)  The sumptuous visions on display as Ms. Nair explores cultural barriers, homesickness, assimilation, interracial romance and familial traditions and rituals, are visions of splendor.  One can taste New York City and Calcutta just by watching the glorious film that is "The Namesake".  Ms. Nair reaches back to her roots and creates a tapestry of texture, color and intricately woven storylines, in a film that has great scope as well as intimacy.

Significant line of the film: "I despise American television."  (Spoken by Moushimi Mazumdar.)

Film's length: Two hours and two minutes

Read The Original PopcornReel.com Movie Review of "The Namesake"

PopcornReel.com Feature Story on Mira Nair

(Photo: Fox Searchlight Pictures)