Once Upon a Time in India

Pop quiz. You have a stomach full of korma, a hankering for film and four hours in your hand. What do you do?

You watch Lagaan; a gem of a Bollywood film nominated for, and subsequently robbed of, the 2001 Oscar for best foreign film. It has won over 40 other international awards.

Imagine: It's 1893 in India. Last year there was no rain and the British ruled Provinces allowed their subjects to pay only half their tax. This year there is no rain yet, and the British demand double tax to make up for last year's shortfall. Doomed by the unpayable tax, the villagers face starvation. When Bhuvan (Amir Khan), our charming young hero leads his village to complain, the power mad British Captain (Paul Blackthrone) offers to forgive the tax on one condition - that Bhuvan field a team and beat the British army in a cricket match. Ignorant of how to play, and with none to play with him, Bhuvan cannot accept the offer - so the Captain sweetens it until it's not just an offer, but an irresistible, life changing dream. The final stakes: If Bhuvan wins, not just his village, but the whole province will be given three years without tax - enough grace to not only survive, but to throw off the yoke and flourish. But if Bhuvan loses, the province will suffer the devastation of triple tax. Reviled by his village and his countrymen, bouyed only by the faith of his mother and the admiration of Gauri (Gracie Singh), Bhuvan begins his three month journey to field and train a cricket team that can shatter the oppressive British rule. Along the way, he discovers that to be free of the British, his people must first be freed from the petty grievances, fears and caste taboos that have separated and marginalized his own people. As Bhuvan's hope, dream and courage spread, people find the conviction to look past their differences and take a stand on their common ground. Adding tension to the whole piece is the love triangle that develops as Bhuvan is drawn to the Englishwoman who has come to teach them the game.

Frankly - this is probably the most enjoyable film I have ever seen. It's an incredible story, with superb music (the lyrics translate into beautiful English poetry), excellent casting, direction, cinematography and with truly enchanting performances from Amir Khan and Gracie Singh as Bhuvan and Gauri; one of the most engaging screen couples I've ever rooted for.

So get thee some some korma (or whatever Indian cuisine you prefer) and four hours of couch time and watch this movie.

Yes, this movie is the better part of four hours long. But it doesn't feel like it.