John DepkoBright, clever and full of boundless...

John Depko

Bright, clever and full of boundless energy, “Bride and Prejudice” is

a galloping circus parade of a movie. It has romance, comedy, action,

music and dance, all in merry measure. It’s got something to

entertain everyone, as long as you’re not looking for anything really

serious and you don’t mind a little farce with your tea and sympathy.

Very loosely based on Jane Austen’s famous novel, the screenplay

updates the story of young maidens in search of worthy husbands.

Beautiful women of modern India compete with verve for the attention

of successful Western businessmen. The fast-paced story spans

cultures and continents with lighthearted humor and sly observations

of the international dating game.

Through Bombay, London and Los Angeles, the elegant yet

unpretentious woman at the center of attention is the stunning

Aishwarya Rai. A former Miss World recently featured on CBS’s “60

Minutes,” she brings a quiet grace and high intelligence to a role

that no American sex symbol could pull off.

Among its charms, this movie includes funny but silly elements of

India’s Bollywood scene. Actors suddenly break into unexpected songs.

Gyrating dancers appear out of nowhere for a wild two-minute boogie,

then disappear just as quickly never to be seen again. Splashing

vibrant colors accompany the smiles and chuckles that permeate the

movie.

More substantive than cotton candy, but every bit as sweet. Call

it “My Big Fat Hindu Wedding,” and enjoy its sophisticated

simplicity.

* JOHN DEPKO is a Costa Mesa resident and a senior investigator

for the Orange County public defender’s office.