…for once making all the women out there think that there is a possibility of feeling good about one’s own self.
Some people may think this is such an ordinary thing happening in day-to-day life. And it may sound silly too. But there are many women out there, who are put down by their husband or in-laws or official boss in front of others. When these women keep quiet, the others follow suit and there begins a heart-broken woman’s journey to self-destruction.
And this movie, English Vinglish, is a comeback for a woman from her heart-broken journey to a happy one.
People might say that this is kind of a fairy tale or it cannot happen in everyone’s life. But there is this wonderful message which is applicable to all – “Its only you, who is responsible for your happiness” !! How true is that…
And a firm belief in this message can turn around things for you, if there is belief !!!
In many scenes, whenever Shashi is put down for her lack of English knowledge, it’s the husband who is at fault. Because of all the ill-worded comments spoken in front of his family, his daughter also follows suit. This man, who is supposed to be the equal life partner for his wife, never treated her as his equal. Actually not even as a worthy human being. And when its his responsibility to bring up his children with good basic discipline, he allows his daughter to talk with dis-respect to her mother. He has failed as a husband and as a father.
Many reviews which I had read about this movie states that the second half is the boring English classes, which seems like it’s out of the “Know your English” serials which we have watched !!!
But every scene in the English class, beautifully portrays the building up of self confidence for Shashi and I actually loved it. I still love the way she kept telling “entrepreneur” to herself and doing a jig and being happy !!!
Finally, when Shashi thanks the French man, for helping her to feel good about herself, I totally understood how important is feeling good to her. She had been deprived of that feeling for a long time in her life.
And it is also important for the husband to stand by the woman for all that she is and vice versa, for a great happy family bonding.
PS : My younger daughter wanted a twist in the tale, by Shashi choosing the French man over her husband 
But, oh dear !!! Do such things happen in Bollywood movies ???
I loved the movie too. It is obvious the man loved his wife, but he did not know enough to value her. Yes, a husband/father should never (and that should read N.E.V.E.R ever) encourage children bu speaking disparagingly about wife/mother even in a jocular way. He has to set the example of respect. But just think of it. That man is typical of most males in our society, most are worse than him. They poke fun at wife and don’t correct children when they do the same. They laugh with the children at the mother. What sort of upbringing is that?
Recently I saw a Mallu movie where the daughter and mother are at loggerheads. Mother is right, but the father sides with the daughter and spoils her rotten. She is someone who you feel like slapping when she opens her mouth. You meet the kind in real life a lot too.
To be fair I have seen the other side too, where mother belittles the father. That is another sad story,
I liked the movie.
*should never speak disparagingly about wife/mother even in a jocular way
Yes, I do agree. He does love his wife but he thinks that making small fun talk is OK. Love should come with respect and that’s what the children will learn.
These people who make the movies – do they know the kind of influence their movie has on the young minds ???
Agree!! Loved this post and these comments.
Now i so wanted to see this movie….Nice review uma…
Shall I send you a CD, Sari ???
Thanks for asking Uma..will check if i get a cd here…haven’t been to a CD library here…
I would love to see the movie!
Please do, if you can get hold of that CD
I loved this movie.English is one of the languages and a tool that is used for communication. Sadly many don’t realize and start to embarrass a person who does n’t know to talk. True respect has no language. Nice review Uma. By the way how are you. Ping me when you are free.
Yes Subha, its the respect thats lacking and ppl find different means and ways to disrespect others.
Thanks…yes, am doing good, little bit busy.
yeah, i wanted that twist too
he was yummmy 
on a more serious note, i have never understood why we have this obsession with english! it is not our first language; it is not what defines our persona or character. not being able to speak immaculate english is NO reason to put down someone! that came out very well in the movie
ha ha ha Priya…I know you would agree on that
If its not language, its something else Priya – the men always try to find something to make fun of the women !!! I am glad that there is a positive change in the movie.
I want to see this movie too…and Talaash….and a number of other movies too…wonly if I could get some time from the babies and Fb
your daughter has some taste eh? 
Should I send the CDs in the next parcel ???
ha ha ha…she is too good with such twists
Unfortunately this movie would not be watched by the people who really have something to learn from this!
ha ha ha…think about it – the whole lot of the men around need to go for this one and understand it to learn from it….quite a difficult task Bins !!!
nice review uma! similar to my opinion.
Any woman of our society can relate to shashi for being pulled down by men for some reason, if it is not english then something else.me too. there are many shashis in our society waiting for that good climax throughout their life,many end up without getting that moment. why do we need someone to make us feel good about ourself?
i liked the director’s touch in every character.good work by gowri shinde.
I too liked shashi’s reaction for being called ‘entrepreneur’.
that twist is good if shashi is not an indian
I knew we would agree on the opinion part
Hugs Dhana…it just takes a strong stance from your side to show them that you are feeling very good about yourself. That’ll make the men stay away from you – men never like strong women who are happy with themselves.
No Dhana, Shashi being Indian or not doesnt matter – its Bollywood, the Indian way of looking at things that will not allow Shashi to choose some one else over her husband. Anyway, this movie was not about that !!!
The only movie I saw in 2012 which I loved..and I think its the only movie I saw apart from Mission impossible in 2012…totally loved it and totally worth the money I spent in the cinema hall
Yes, I am glad that I saw this movie, that too with the whole family – it made a lot of difference when my husband reiterates to our daughters the importance of respecting women
i loved the movie.. for first time, i left my daughter at home and wanted a MY time.. enjoyed seeing a perfect movie for MY time.. loved the fact that my MIL thought i needed a break and wanted me to go out on a holiday and not think of family or kids for few hours..
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That’ll be really good – but I love going with friends or people I can relate my feelings with !!!
Good, you got a break !!! Hugs
I loved every bit of the movie too
Happy 2013 Ums!
Just like me
Happy New Year to you…let this year make up venues and opportunities for us to meet !!!
I guess, it is available on Tata Sky Showcase, and I am going to see it tomorrow definitely!!
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Hi UmaS, came here through RM’s blog and loved this post. I think I agree with Shail’s comment here– I too thought the man loved his wife in his own way, just that he thought it was okay/ manly/ proper to laugh at her occasionally. I’ve seen many men with exactly the same attitude towards their wives, and come to think of it, it is more pronounced in men whose parents happen to live with the couple. It is probably done to reassure the parents. It is obnoxious for sure.
LOL at the twist in the tale
Yes, we have a long way to go before such twists happen in Bollywood.
I’ve done a post on the movie too.
http://musingsofanunknownindian.wordpress.com/2012/10/17/english-vinglish/