My Name Is Khan

Whatever else is in the movie, THIS IS A LOVE STORY. Anyone who doesn't realize that has missed the entire point. A man living in turbulent times and circumstances, afflicted with a difficult handicap, goes to extraordinary lengths for the woman he cannot stop loving. All the rest is background, albeit entertaining background.While I found the different point of view (that of Muslims and Hindus in America) interesting and enlightening, no one should take the political and/or social aspects of this movie seriously other than to view them as educational. It's simply part of the setting. That's why no one attempted to DO them very seriously...because they were background to the plot, they were not the plot itself. This is not a failed front for a social/political documentary. It's an extraordinarily successful, beautiful, and sensitive love story.Ironically, though the movie is about Muslims and Hindus and not a mention is made of the Christian religion in the entire film (other than to show a couple of non-religious scenes in a church), there is a powerful Christian message (probably common to most religions): that love heals and hatred destroys, and that character and moral courage (not bravado) are what make real men.It's sad that no one has thought to praise the remarkable performance of Shahrukh Khan, who portrays a man afflicted with Aspberger's Syndrome, a high-functioning form of autism. Khan is at a disadvantage: Had Dustin Hoffman never done Rainman, nor Leonardo DiCaprio given us his amazing performance in What's Eating Gilbert Grape, Khan's portrayal of Risvan Khan might have been given the considerable respect it deserves. As it is, in my view he still excels the others in one respect: he manages to infuse charm, high intelligence, and even sexiness into his very convincing portrayal of a disability generally not thought of as very sexy.The charm and comedy of this movie are irresistible. The chemistry between the leading actors is legendary in India (they've made at least 5 movies together). The directing is flawless, the acting top-rate, the photography excellent, the music lively and compelling. One note about the music: it's ethnic (hence Indian), which means it's not what American audiences are used to hearing. But if you can get past the culture shock, you may do as I did and end up loving it enough to buy the CD.There is enough action to keep even my husband, who loves nothing more than to see buildings blowing up, interested. When asked if there are very many subtitles to read, I told my daughter there were some, but not enough to distract from the movie. Only when I watched it a second time did I realize there are subtitles throughout most of it (I was too absorbed to even realize I was reading subtitles most of the time. Hint: use the Pause button as needed). I was riveted throughout the entire movie and never found a single moment boring. In fact, I was surprised at how fast the time had gone. And when the movie was over, even my action-loving husband said, "I'm not sure, but that may be the best movie I've ever seen."For parents: This movie does not contain nudity, sex scenes (although the word "sex" is mentioned), nor does it contain anything crude. There is some violence, but it's not pervasive, nor is it graphic. And here's a wonderfully refreshing twist: the couple actually marries before sleeping together! My husband did think he heard the F word in one scene, but I've watched the movie twice and didn't hear it; so if it's in there, it's not obvious.

Best movie that everyone should own

Where to I begin? Khan is a fellow from India living in America (played by Bollywood Superstar Shah Rukh Khan). He shows classic mannerisms of Asberger's Syndrome (SRK gets it right...), but is high functioning and living with his brother and family -- has a job and falls for a lady. That's where things begin....And for a while things go OK. He adapts and begins to learn his world.... Then something happens on a sunny day in September 2001 and Mr. Khan who is a devout Muslim.... Well, you can fill in the blanks....No spoilers here, but suffice to say things don't go well. As a Muslim he prays wherever he's at 5 times a day.... And not everybody finds this comforting....Trouble ensues and Khan decides (after things have gone REALLY wrong) that he needs to talk to the American President: he wants to tell him: "My name is Khan and I'm not a terrorist..."Sounds pretty simple. Right?Wrong....This is one of my favorite movies (I suppose I should add I'm not from India and I'm not a Muslim, not that it matters...). There's not much Bollywood singing and dancing (some..., enough), but, boy, does SRK nail this! Keep in mind that SKR is a Superstar in India and is a Muslim (who is definitely NOT a terrorist!). I can only believe that he must have really wanted to tell this story.And the ending -- after so much goes wrong -- really works... but, Spoilers, Sweetie (see Dr. Who if this reference is too obscure...).Bottom Line: Get it. Watch it.

You often think of Bollywood as actors dancing around mountains. This movie defied that stereotype by presenting a serious and relevant theme. You often think of Bollywood as very India-centric and dealing with themes only relevant to the Indian experience. But this movie combined the experience of the NRI, Muslim American, African American and Caucasian American and melded these experiences together.I was impressed with the acting of Shah Rukh Khan and his ability to take on the role of someone with Aspergers syndrome. I don't watch too many Bollywood movies, but in all of the movies, SRK seems to have the upper hand (in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, he was the "cooler" one; In Kabhi Kushi Kabhi Gham he was the richer one. So it was interesting, for once, he took the back seat, and was the one who was the more awkward one. I now have a new respect for him.It is obvious that Karan Johar did his research and incorporated American themes such as the song "We Shall Overcome," the black church, bullying, into the theme.However, as an American, I did see some minor inaccuracies: when Khan said he needed to see Bush because the election was in three days. (Actually, Bush would continue to be President for another two and a half months). Also, if a young boy has been born and brought up in the States, he would likely speak in an American accent - but Mandira's son did not. This is insignificant to the movie, but it's something I noticed.