Wow. All I knew walking into "Lagaan" was that it was 4 hours, it was Indian (as in, from the country of India) and it was a musical. I have no idea why, but I really was intrigued. I don't really have any interest in Indian culture. And Indian music is usually annoying with it's whiny, nasal chant-like quality. Yet "Lagaan" is one of the most fun and pleasurable film-going experiences I've had all year.

The plot is simplistic musical fodder. Set in 1893, the villagers in a small farming community are taxed beyond all belief by their British invaders. Under the guise of protecting them, the British take most of their crop production as taxes. Calling on local royalty and the British commander of the area finds the villagers challenged to paying twice the taxes, aka the titular "lagaan," in one year.

When their protestations interrupt a cricket match at the British encampment, the commander challenges the villagers to a match for the tax. The bet? 3 years free if they win; three times the tax if they lose. Of course, the villagers know nothing of how to play cricket.

The villagers are headed by Bhuvan, who is also the romantic interest of Gauri. Bhuvan accepts the challenge by the British only to be met by opposition from his fellow villagers. But, as is the case in many "underdog" films, he eventually charms many into believing him until, finally, the whole village is with him. Ultimately, the film's final section is the cricket match, which takes 3 days (about one hour in cinematic time) to be played.

For many Americans, like myself, this film will be full of things that they believe won't really interest them. I'm not into Indian culture and I surely don't know very much about cricket. But the film wins us over with it's charming characters, it's beautiful imagery and, most importantly, it's undauntable spirit. For nothing is more obvious than the ridiculous nature of the challenges put forth by the British here. In a communal farming society fighting for survival during a drought, nothing could seem more absurd or unimportant than a sport as silly as cricket. (Before Anglophiles start writing nasty letters, let me say that the idea would be just as ridiculous if baseball or basketball were the sport in question). Watching the eclectic cast of villagers rise to the occasion is invigorating.

As for the music, it is breathtaking. The songs here, and there are only 6 of them, are not historical tunes; rather, they are modern Indian songs in a pop style. Think of it as a less harsh, Hindi "Dancer in the Dark" or perhaps a more reality-based "Moulin Rouge." The songs are so beautiful and so inspirational that they will fill your heart. After watching the film, I wanted to buy the soundtrack immediately. There is something about this mix, this cinematically beautiful look at a historical desert farm community mixed with wonderful musical-style, Indian pop tunes that just brings the film out. It is stylish without being phony, exhilarating without being saccharine.

And although the story is rather typical, moving from an "evil landlord" type of film (the British commander even looks like Snidley Whiplash) to a sort of "Mighty Ducks" underdog film, nothing could be more moving nor more pleasurable. This film will charm your socks off. It has a heart as big as India itself. To be sure, there are many inspirational moments, especially the songs, but if the most humane and wondrous moment in the film, the speech Bhuvan makes about the cripple, doesn't bring tears to your eyes, you are not human.

"Lagaan" is an massive, extraordinary, musical, dance-filled, inspirational epic. It is a film that will be considered a classic for years to come. If you think you wouldn't enjoy a 4-hour Indian musical with an hour long cricket match at the end, you are so, so very wrong.

Report Card Script: B+ Acting: A Cinematography\Lighting: A+ Special Effects\Make Up: A+ Music: A+ Final Grade: A+

And Help Support Filethirteen! Get Your "Lagaan" Stuff... Search: All Products Books Popular Music Classical Music Video DVD Toys & Games Baby Computer & Video Games Electronics Software Tools & Hardware Outdoor Living Kitchen & Housewares Camera & Photo Wireless Phones Keywords: