An adaptation of Jhumpa Lahiri's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, the story starts when newlyweds Ashoke and Ashima move from Calcutta to New York in the 1970s. Among a series of culture shocks comes the obligation to name their new son before he leaves the hospital. They hurriedly decide on Nikhil, with the pet name of Gogol after Ashoke's favorite author. As the boy grows up, he struggles between loyalty to his Indian heritage and his affinity for American culture. His preferred name changes over the course of the film as he navigates his way between two cultures. Director Mira Nair weaves the stories of Gogol/Nikhil and his parents together with sensitivity and emotional resonance, to create a dynamic film about love, loyalty, and family. "This is a generational family saga everyone can relate to, and Nair gives it her special magic." (Rolling Stone) more at foxsearchlight.com/site/thenamesake 35mm
2007, color, 2 hours 2 minutes, India/USA