The critic consesnsus is: An ambitious exploration of the immigrant experience with a talented cast that serves the material well.. What reviews supported this critic consensus?
1. It's an oft-told story of tolerance and assimilation, of no particular interest in itself, but Nair has such a cinematic eye that her films are always a visual feast. She does not disappoint here.
2. This is a wonderful movie.
3. As rich, fulfilling and complex as a traditional Indian meal.
4. Kal Penn can actually ACT. Who knew?
5. The Ganguli's become real people; we experience with the Ganguli's the joy of life and the pain of death and all that comes in between -- nothing earth-shattering, but altogether true.
6. This Indian immigrant family saga is a pleasant watch, but given the emotive source novel, it's surprisingly superficial.
7. It's good to know nominal lead Kal Penn now has something more substantial on his resumé than Harold & Kumar Get The Munchies
8. If it remains engaging for most of its two-hour running time, it's largely thanks to the casting.
9. A moving generational drama focusing on a Bengali family but searingly universal in its subtle, tender grasp of love, regret and the search for identity.
10. The Namesake doesn't reduce itself to simple ethnic politics and easy critiques.