Monsoon Wedding MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +3 1/2 Content: -2

[Ed. note: Although in limited release, which negates judging audience response by box office figures, the film was considered by the reviewer to be highly entertaining.] With most weddings, the joys of seeing family and friends share the stage with the ceremony. However, for the immediate families involved, the joys also share time with the stresses of planning and preparation. MONSOON WEDDING tells the story of one such family, planning a traditional arranged marriage for their daughter, Aditi (Vasundhara Das). However, although she agreed to the ceremony, she still cares about her ex-boyfriend, a married man that never would leave his wife for her. Aditis parents, Lalit (Naseerudin Shah) and Pimmi (Lilette Dubey), have the responsibility not only of planning the elaborate ceremony to be held at their home, but also welcoming the large families on both sides, adding more stress to an already shaky marriage. Ria (Shefali Shetti), their adopted niece, plays a role similar to the maid of honor in an American wedding. As the story leading up to the wedding unfolds, audiences are treated to budding romances, past secrets uncovered, and family bonds strengthened. In English, along with Hindi and Punjabi, MONSOON WEDDING is a truly special movie about the connection, support, and encouragement people can find in and through their families.

Each of the main characters must face the different stresses and issues that rear their ugly heads in the days before the wedding. Issues range from Aditi dealing with feelings for her ex-boyfriend, to problems within existing marriages, and even past instances of family abuse. The film handles each of these and others effortlessly and, with such reality, that they truly hit home with the audience. To its credit, discretion is exercised in a couple of scenes that could have been needlessly graphic. The major offenders in this foreign film include sexual content and obscene language. Although some sexual comments are made, the most graphic occurs on a live television show (reminiscent of a famous scene from "When Harry Met Sally") when a woman fakes sexual climax in a demonstration for panel discussion. Vulgar language includes a dozen obscenities and nine moderate crudities, which prevents Preview from saying, I do to MONSOON WEDDING.

Preview Reviewer: John Adair
Distributor: USA Films, 9333 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90210