Love Story of ‘Kites’ Soars as a Marvel of Modern Moviemaking

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CHICAGO – One of the most provocative and unusual films this year, or any year, is an amazing production from India entitled “Kites.” American director Brett Ratner (”Rush Hour”) was so taken by this film, that he agreed to edit the original (or remix) for the U.S. presentation. Both versions will be will be in the marketplace for a limited release.

Rating: 4.5/5.0

And what a release it is. Combining elements of the traditional Bollywood soap operas– including the songs and dance associated with genre – with astounding and inventive action sequences, Kites is an awesome movie experience that true love can conquer all, including Las Vegas.

The film opens with a train. Several Mexican workers surround it, to begin the day labor of unloading the hay from its cars. When they open the door, an unconscious and injured man rolls out. His name is Jay (Hrithik Roshan), and he is about to tell his story.

In flashbacks, there is Jay as a Hindi immigrant seeking the American Dream in Las Vegas. He is a jack-of-all-trades, a hustler of several jobs, including dance instructor and groom-for-hire (he marries women immigrants so they can score a green card). It is in dance class that he meets Gina (Kangana Ranaut), daughter of one the most ruthless and powerful casino owners (Kabir Bedi) in Sin City. Gina falls hard for Jay, and in that relationship he sees an opportunity for upward mobility.

While luxuriating on a yacht with Gina in his rich new lifestyle, Jay recognizes Natasha (Bárbara Mori), a Mexican immigrant who was the last of his green card marriages. It turns out she is engaged to Gina’s brother Tony (Nicholas Brown), and is also indulging in her new found wealth. But the spark that was generated between Jay and Natasha during their marriage charade is suddenly ignited to flame. The star-crossed lovers are about to give up everything they ever dreamed of to simply be together, which results in Jay’s slack body falling out of a hay car, and continues toward a destiny that neither of them anticipated.

Continue reading for Patrick McDonald’s full review of “Kites”

Let Us Be Lovers: Bárbara Mori as Natasha and Hrithik Roshan as Jay in ‘Kites’ Photo Credit: © 2010 Reliance Big Pictures

Continue reading for Patrick McDonald’s full review of “Kites”