rang de basanti

Rating: 10/10 (21 November 2013)

I always feel bad having to admit my ignorance when it comes to Bollywood movies. Try as I might I just don't get most Indian films with the majority that I've seen being far too long, cheesy and badly acted. Yet I do admire the fact they don't try and blindly copy American cinema but still manage to be popular and enjoyed by millions. Rang De Basanti comes with lofty expectations: pick any review on IMDb and it will probably come with ten stars and claims of greatness, and perhaps for an Indian audience these hyperbole-filled comments are fully justified, but for an ignorant outsider such as myself I'm not quite so convinced.
Rang De Basanti (translated as Colour it Saffron) is about an English documentary filmmaker attempting to make a film about the 1920s fight for Indian Independence. Utilising university students as actors she discovers they can become just as radicalised as the inspiration for her original story. Whilst it is undoubtedly a film with admirable intent I'm not completely sold on its execution, particularly in its heavy handed final hour. The way it draws parallels between present day and '20s freedom fighters is rather clumsy too although at least it isn't preachy, even if its early lightness of touch doesn't always suit the heavy subject matter that follows.
Given its budget the production values are reasonably high with competent cinematography to match. Performances are a mixed bag but I put that down more to my own struggles with the Bollywood style rather than actual bad acting. Although it is a film about youth and their relationship with corruption and the state it was a bit disappointing that the older and experienced cast members weren't given more to do. As usual the film is at least half an hour too long with intrusive dance numbers that add little. Even A. R. Rahman's score was pretty forgettable too.
I realise this review makes me sound like one of those people who don't watch foreign language films or is ignorant of other cultures and I apologise for that. My New Year's resolution for 2013 will be to try and watch more Bollywood movies.