muvi-fan-73
Tone, Script & Story: In ancient India ruled by British, tax was collected from farmers residing in villages. In one of such villages Bhuvan resided, who challenged British officer that if Bhuvans team win's against British team in the game of cricket, the British would exempt them (villagers) from paying any tax for three years (tiguna lagaan). The other condition was in case of loss the Bhuvan's team wud required to pay dugna lagaan (twice). The movie takes us on further journey which include love, faith, deception, drama, team game, help and so on..The essence of India and its villages is captured really well. Every character acting has been carved well. It would have been an even more delicious treat, if I would have found out if the story was real, sadly it was not.What is common between the movies Dangal and Lagaan? Without taking time one would answer, they both contain Aamir. I would like to put, there's one more thing. It is the knowledge of game. They are wrestling and cricket. It's a treat when knowledge is imparted, along with entertainment.Direction, Screenplay, Cinematography: As discussed earlier, the mentioned factors capture well the essence of India. Music: Music is very good. Acting: Acting captures what is required by script from all leads.Final Verdict: It gives you a glimpse and essence of ancient India. It is worth adding to your collection.
Ian
I was reluctant to watch this after learning it was a musical, and a loooong musical, as I rarely like musicals yet I kept reading so many rave reviews so I gambled. Thankfully, for me, the musicals didn't dominate the film and the quality drama and acting did. Thrust into India in 1893 during the time of British occupation, the British are going to raise taxes on many poor farming villages, which they cannot afford due to lack of recent rains. After pleading with a cocky British officer to not raise the taxes, the officer strikes a deal with the people. If the inexperienced Indian people are able to beat experienced British officers at a game of cricket, they will not have to pay taxes for three years. If they lose, taxes will be raised thrice the current amount! Who will win? Will the villagers be able to learn the game and practice enough to make a competitive match? This was actually a really good film! Good acting, great story with nice tension and some little twists. The musical numbers were unique and did progress the story and were few and far between. The British, here are portrayed as evil, cruel and ruthless. This is a different film for those looking for something different.
Thanos Karagioras
"Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India" is an Indian musical movie in which we watch the people of a small village in Victorian India try to survive due to difficult circumstances. In these difficulties came one more about the taxes and everything will be judged on a game of cricket between the locals and the British.I liked this movie because it was something different for me and I found it very interesting and beautiful. I also liked this movie because of the plot and the storyline. The direction which made by Ashutosh Gowariker was magnificent and equally good was the music and dancing. About the interpretations I have to mention the interpretation of Aamir Khan who played as Bhuvan and he was simply outstanding. Some other interpretations that have to be mentioned are Paul Blackthorne's who played as Captain Andrew Russell and of course the beautiful's Rachel Shelley's who played as Elizabeth Russell.Finally I have to say that "Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India" is a very interesting movie to watch because it shows what happened to India in the Victorian times. What difficulties Indian people got through and how were their lives back then. Musical movies are different than the classic movies but I believe that this movie is not just a musical movie because it teaches us many things about India and its culture.
SnoopyStyle
The year is 1893 in a small village in the heart of India. A British Cantonment bordered the village. They protect the local Raja from neighboring Rajas as well as the other Rajas. So they are able to demand Lagaan (tax) from the hard-upon local villagers. There is a drought but the cruel arrogant Captain Andrew Russell (Paul Blackthorne) doesn't care and doubles the Lagaan. Local villager Bhuvan (Aamir Khan) rallies the villagers to appeal to the Raja. There they witness their first game of cricket played by the British. Russell offers to forgive the Lagaan for the entire province for the next three years if Bhuvan can lead a team to beat the British. If the villagers lose, he will triple the Lagaan. Few villagers believe in the gamble except for Gauri (Gracy Singh) who loves Bhuvan. The captain's sister Elizabeth (Rachel Shelley) comes to teach the hopeless villagers how to play the foreigner's game.Indian movies are not usually my thing but this one works very well. I'm still not a big fan of the Bollywood song and dance. However the story works here. The Captain is a bit of a cartoon who needs to be a better villain. The love story is good but the love triangle needs to hold off its resolution. The game is pretty much a Bad News Bear situation where all the disparate players join together. The game is interesting. They made it compelling and almost understandable.
AD
