 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Namesake
- Review Date: November 25, 2007
- PG-13
- Genre: Drama
- 2007
Common Sense Media says
Fabulous immigrant-family saga to see with teens.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this mature drama about two generations of a Bengali family living in New York is a great movie to watch with your teens. Like most immigrant narratives, the story includes deaths, births, marriages, break-ups, and other important milestones that mark a family's history. A son's disinterest in his Indian culture -- and his unusual name, Gogol -- is the central theme of the film. Like most immigrant children, he and his sister sometimes ridicule and resent their parents' traditions. The mature subject matter includes arranged marriage, adultery, discrimination, cultural differences, parental deaths, and -- most important -- self-identity. A brief scene shows the victims of a train crash, and there are a few passionate love scenes.
What's the story?
Based on Jhumpa Lahiri's acclaimed novel, THE NAMESAKE is a heartfelt depiction of two generations of a Bengali-American family. At the center of the story is Gogol Ganguli (Kal Penn), the oddly named son of a professor and his traditional Indian wife. He's late to his high-school graduation party because he's passing around a joint with his best pals. And after graduating from Yale, he prefers to hang out with his Manhattan-bred (read: "white") girlfriend and her wealthy parents than visit his parents in Westchester. But a sudden tragedy brings him home, both physically and emotionally. In dealing with his intense grief, Gogol rediscovers the meaning of his name, which is tied not only to the Russian author his father admired but a life-changing event in his father's life. Gogol's reexamination leads him to a new life with a fiercely modern -- but still Bengali -- wife and a deeper appreciation for his parents.
Is it any good?
Mira Nair's adaptation faithfully and richly translates the much-loved book and as Gogol, Kal Penn perfectly emotes the complexity of being raised in the States by immigrant parents. Yet while the titular character is Penn's, the movie's strength lies in Gogol's parents, Ashima and Ashoke, who are played by Indian stars Tabu (a gorgeous actress with glowing skin and telling eyes) and Irfan Khan (a quiet force throughout the film). They're the true immigrants, dealing with the radical cultural shift between their homeland and the United States. The kids grow up mostly American, but the parents must constantly navigate both worlds.
Powerful family films are rare, especially when most cinematic families consist of idiot husbands, their long-suffering wives, and annoyed kids. For once, forego the belly laughs (although the film offers plenty of funny moments) and experience the touching journey that is The Namesake.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the movie's themes of immigration and identity. If your family is from another country, discuss what makes your cultural heritage distinct.
Kids: Do you feel like Gogol and Sonia when it comes to your customs?
And if you aren't from another country, what parts of the relationship
between parents and kids are universal?Families can also discuss how the media treat other cultures -- and
immigrants -- in general. Do some groups get treated differently than
others? Why?
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AGE
Amazing Beautiful Movie
The movie was just amazing. Beautifully filmed. Great acting. Your whole family will love it.
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| Studio: | Fox Searchlight |
| Director: | Mira Nair |
| Cast: | Irrfan Khan, Jacinda Barrett, Kal Penn |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 122 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | March 9, 2007 |
| DVD release date: | November 27, 2007 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | sexuality/nudity, a scene of drug use, some disturbing images and brief language. |
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