hddu10 Take away the cultural aspect of this story (i.e. an Indian-American coming from a closely-knit society that has strict expectations on how and to whom one will marry) and this is just a typical story of a guy looking for a girl. Yet in the process, we get to learn (or rather get confirmation...for some of us) just how shallow, racist and petty Indian culture can be. Maybe the most telling scene was when the son whines over the phone "But MOMMY....I told you: no fatties!" Yes, we get some banter from the parents whom I'm sure were told "aren't you adorable...you should be in a movie!" by their relatives, but the reality is Indian culture just is not very exotic anymore. Being racist and shallow is not "cute" nor is it acceptable just because it's part of one's culture. And the whiny son trying to get a girl who will make him happy and fit in with his family really is not at all original, regardless of the setting. Had we gained any NEW insight or information (maybe such as why dumpy, odd-looking Indian guys with acne and no career to speak of feel they somehow deserve to marry a super-model) there may have been value or entertainment here.

p_vishal Toronto has the highest ratio of Indian people compared to any other North American city.. Literally more indians then caucasians...This is probably why this movie doesn't apply to me... It's really nothing like the movie depicts here.. Parents are not that strict here. I was totally able to bring girls over or have them call me.. And I was no exception every other gujarati person was able to.. This was a little odd to me that every one in the movie said the same thing.. American vs Canadian Gujarati are totally different. Big time.However it was enjoyable definitely funny! Worth the watch especially if you are from Gujarat especially a Patel!

David Ferguson Greetings again from the darkness. These days the topic of racism is usually only addressed in the form of hatred and closed mindedness. This documentary/comedy looks at how racism within a culture is sometimes not only acceptable, but even encouraged as a tradition … and somehow it makes some sense.You might recognize Ravi Patel. He is an actor from Transformers and "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia", and here his real life search for a wife is the focus – as is the cultural contrasts between his roots in India and his single life in the United States. Ravi co-directs with his sister Geeta Patel, though Ravi is predominantly on screen while Geeta spend her time operating the camera … while simultaneously jabbing and prodding her 29 year old brother with questions on his dating approach.The movie picks up when Ravi has recently split with his long time girlfriend, Audrey Wauchope. Despite being very close with his parents, there is one reason Ravi never informed them of the relationship: Audrey is a white girl, not an Indian. Ravi's parents are the product of an arranged marriage, the long-standing cultural tradition that not only matches male and female Indians, but takes it a step further by only pairing up Patels with roots in the same small geographic area of India. It's a form of selective mating that dates back many generations.Things get interesting and the laughs pick up as Ravi agrees to let his parents work the Indian dating network so that he can test out their traditions – in hopes of finding a match as well-suited as what theirs is. This process begins with "biodata"; a type of personal resume submitted by boys and girls – a precursor to the meet-up.It really plays like a home movie, or a video journal, as Geeta films Ravi on dates and directly after, as he provides feedback on whether it was a good match. There is also a creative use of black & white animation to fill in the interview gaps where only Ravi's audio is available.The family quest to find a mate for Ravi provides some interesting and entertaining insight into the culture, but the best parts of the film come courtesy of the parents. The mother and father are exceptionally intelligent and very loving and engaged in supporting the success of their kids. Whenever the film drags a bit, a scene with either parent picks us right back up. It's their commitment to the cause that highlights the cultural customs and challenges faced by immigrants as they struggle to get in step with American society while holding onto the tradition they so respect.

Cynnik I watched this documentary with no expectations, just an interest in learning about a cultural experience. The outcome of the documentary was apparent from the start. I expected the journey that lead us there, however, to be far more interesting. The documentary lacked basic fundamentals. The main intent of the film is obscure. As far as the character development goes- there is little. The parents are absolutely wonderful and the saving grace of this documentary. Mr.Patel is amazingly charming. I would love to have known more about Geeta. Her story is the one I found more compelling and it was only briefly touched. (Major spoiler coming) The relationship between Ravi and Audrey never seemed genuine. After being together two years he kept saying he didn't know if he loved her. At no point in the film was their affection for each other shown, but it was obvious through the script that they would end up together. The failed attempt at a "surprising twist" was awkward. I was left feeling sorry for Audrey.