There’s nothing wrong with romance for romance’s sake, but it sticks a whole lot better when you sandwich it into a nice blend of drama, historical fiction and humor. Such is the case with Mississippi Masala, the latest film we’ve had the joy of experiencing.

• Before anything else, let me just say that this quarter has been an experience unlike any other in terms of media – both the novels we’ve read and the films shown were things I can’t imagine ever exploring on my own volition, and from them I’ve learned about both the versatility of film as well as APIA history and culture.
• In this film we got a lot more historical context than a film like, say, The Debut, which featured a whole lot of culture but not as much history. The tragedy that it opens with was as jarring as it was frightening, and like many tragedies we’ve covered, it was something I hadn’t been familiar with before this course.
• Returning themes include racism, both overt and covert, the pursuit of purpose in America, and living life as the “Other”.
• Interracial relationships have become much more common in the decades following this movie, but they still face a lot of harsh criticism from certain demographics. It was nice to experience a story that introduced both characters so thoroughly before developing a romance. It didn’t feel forced, either, which made it all the more tragic when Mina and Demetrius were kept apart.
• Like many stories, this one doesn’t really end on a definite “happy” note. Sure, the post-credits show what is most likely Demetrius and Mina’s marriage, but I think it was intentional to not depict the sort of ‘girl and boy live happily ever after’ that Westerners are so used to. That, in itself, made it more believable.
• I’ll definitely seek out more movies and shows like the ones we’ve watched once this program is over – it’s opened a whole new cabinet of possibilities!