The horror of how terrible it was is still fresh. I'm making it sound like I hated it because of it's Bollywood influence, but nothing's further from the truth. I love Bollywood. My favorite Bollywood is Yeh Jaawani Hai Deewani (Go Bunny). That movie is a blast to watch. But this movie - this Bride and Prejudice - this abomination - was not Bollywood. It was faux Bollywood at its worst. It was just too American. The beauty and energy of Bollywood was ruined by the American filter. I'm still reeling at the fact it was in English.
Here's my issue: I like American movies. I like Bollywood. Why do I hate them together? Isn't the fusion of cultures supposed to be celebrated? Isn't that how we overcome differences/achieve world peace/etc.? If that's what they were trying to do, they failed.
Bride and Prejudice shows just how important staying true to your roots is. I hadn't realized how much I would dislike a diluted Bollywood movie. Bollywood is beautiful because of the wonderfully un-American enthusiasm for vibrant colors, for the distinct flavor of ancient traditions swirled together with the modern world, for its unashamed cheesiness. I don't think trying to mix the two cultures together here is the solution to bridging the gap between cultures. Accepting another culture as is - that's where the beauty of our meshing world comes alive. That's where the beauty of each culture still comes through fully and completely. Warping them together - destroying the distinct beauty of each - leaves a jaded shadow that leaves so much wanting of each.
So, to get preachy: Accept the differences. Celebrate your own. Everyone's better off.
YES: YES:
NEVER AGAIN:
That's awesome you're so into Bollywood entertainment. That's disappointing they're trying to mirror American entertainment. I definitely agree that every culture is precious and should embrace its own identity and uniqueness. If we were all the same, life would be so boring.
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