The Lunch Box (PG)
29/04/14 21:14 Filed in: 2014
Starring: Irrfan Khan
February 2014
This review was originally tweeted in Real-time from the back row of a movie theater and appears @BackRoweReviews. Though efforts were made to tease rather than ruin this movie’s memorable lines and moments, some spoilers may exist in the following evaluation. The original tweets appear in black, while follow-up comments appear in red. For concerns over objectionable content, please first refer to one of the many parental movie guide websites. All ratings are based on a four star system. Happy reading!
More like rich and spicy, I suppose.
Quite a production for delivering lunch boxes.
Though it isn’t nearly as intricate as their computer and phone wiring system.
Never tell a woman her food is “just good.”
A surefire way to insure an uncomfortable night’s sleep on the couch.
The first note is discovered. The premise and story structure is established.
We forget things when we have no one to tell them to. A poignant truth.
Is this why old people always insist on regaling the glories of yesteryear?
Empty lunchbox prompts a heartfelt note. Touching scene.
Final analysis: a touching tale of unrequited love brilliantly portrayed by Khan and Kaur.
Rating: 3 out of 4 stars. Moral: Sometimes the wrong train leads to the right station. All aboard!
Though the premise is simple and the story is straightforward, there’s an emotional depth to this movie that far transcends its status as a drama/romance hybrid. The film features real people in real situations and their actions and reactions are wholly believable all the way through to the existential ending. The movie is preoccupied with two of life’s greatest necessities and pleasures…love and food (and how the two often intersect). The visuals of food preparation and consumption, aided in no small part by mouthwatering descriptions of aromas and flavors, produce an almost Pavlovian reaction in the viewer. It’s recommended that you watch the movie on a full stomach—otherwise you might leave the theater with nubs where your fingers used to be. The location work is wholly immersive and makes you feel like you’ve taken a two hour vacation to Mumbai. And, all things considered, this isn’t a bad way to spend two hours. Just don’t be surprised if you’re craving Indian cuisine for the next week.