Bollywood!

Never heard of it? Bollywood is India's answer to the American movie industry. These motion pictures are extravagant, colorful, musical and sappy; but most of all they are fun.

Did I say extravagant? Remember those 1940s films that had everyone in suits and always included three or four songs? Bollywood is India's version. The costumes are fabulous, bright and flowing. Plots are sometimes thin and predictable, mainly written as a vehicle for the music, which is big.

Wow, is it big! Large choruses, lots of percussion, and dancing. It's high energy pop music brought to the screen in a way that American producers couldnt get away with. These folks understand that it's still possible to make a good musical sequence, and they go about it with elation. One cant help but get caught up in the spectacle.

Apart from the music, the other focal point of Bollywood is beauty. I've already mentioned costuming. Of equal importance, though, are the people in the costumes. To judge India from these movies would be the same as judging America by films from the 1930s and 40s. The women are striking. Here, see for yourself.

First, the subject of arranged marriage is common. Parents arrange their childrens' marriages as a matter of convenience and family welfare. (If you ask me, it's a much better system than the American one, which ends in divorce more than half the time.) It's accepted that marriage comes first and love grows within its parameters. The lucky person meets someone and gets the parents to agree. Of course, no one is required to marry the parents' choice. Family standing and tradition are the pressure points.

Also, religious traditions are different in these films. You wont see brides in white gowns walking slowly down the aisle accompanied by Mendelssohn's wedding march. You wont see crosses or churches anywhere, but there is a lot of religion, nonetheless. Hindu thoughts and ideas are implicit in these films. Dont get me wrong. There's no attempt to compare religions or convert anyone. Just as our American films reflect the influence of our religious traditions, so do these.

Having said all of this, you may have gotten the impression that Bollywood films are not substantial. As in this country, substance is relative. It depends on what you want from a movie. If you're looking for a fun loving, good time at the movies, you can find that. If you want something with more grit, that's available, too.

My first bona fide Bollywood experience was Monsoon Wedding. It had been recommended by a friend, so I bought it on the cheap from the Blockbuster bargain aisle.I didnt get the marigolds or any of the other wedding traditions. Still, it was a wonderful, pleasant surprise.

While the film centers around a wedding, there are powerful issues within. The most intriguiging character, to me, was the father of the bride. Amid all the demands of wedding preparations, he also has to face some weighty problems. It's well acted and directed. The cinematography is beautiful. I've recommended it to lots of people because of all these things. Is this an essential film? Probably not. It is a good movie? Absolutely. Here's the trailer.