The Namesake

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.