Midwest Bollywood
While in the Midwest, I couldn’t resist the chance to check out Bollywood flick "Chak De India," (Buck Up India!) which was playing at the AMC 30 in Barrington, IL. To my surprise, they were playing two Bollywood films, "Heyy Babyy" being the other one. I give "Chak De India" 5 out of 5 samosas, and more if my own ratiing system would allow it. It’s a compelling story about the rag-tag Indian women’s field hockey team and their coach who led them to World Cup Gold. It’s based on a true story about a male Indian field hockey player who was ostracized and vilified by Indians after losing to the Pakistani team in the World Cup finals. He later becomes the coach of the women’s field hockey team and redeems himself.
The team in the movie comes from many different states in India, and it’s very interesting to watch how the women interact, get past their prejudices, and learn how to be a team. Who would think field hockey could be so inspiring and empowering? This is not like the Madonna movie "A League of Their Own" and it’s better than "Bend it Like Beckham." There are no songs or dances in this film and no love stories either, except for the patriotic love of India. The movie has a great cast of unknown actors, real sports action (many of the actors played field hockey in school or on professional teams), and Shah Rukh Khan who doesn’t dominate the movie. The women do. Go India! "Chak De India" is now playing at the Naz 8.
Previous post with tips for the Naz 8.
Articles about the movie: here, here, and here.
you were my third colour . . .
I gotta agree though, Chak De! India was veddy veddy good
Comment by MK — August 30, 2007 @ 6:33 am