Mississippi Masala (1991)
This was genuinely completely unknown territory of the Criterion Challenge, as Mira Nair likely wouldn’t have been on my radar otherwise. Thankfully this was a lovely melodrama (in the positive sense), lots of personal chemistry on screen and a bit of a history lesson on top. Sarita and Denzel are really great together, and their interactions makes for a perfect vehicle for a story about cultures, background, identity and belonging to a time and place. The intersection between American, African and Indian culture was really interesting and unique, with how some struggles are the same while others are not. The films lovely cinematography and atmosphere creates a sweet balance of hopeful romanticism without downplaying the serious racial and political elements.
While the young couple steals the scenes with their presence and charm, it is the story of the father that is the most emotionally moving. It is easy enough to side with the young people and their wish to make their own decisions, but you also understand where he comes from and what bigger sacrifice he has to make - and ultimately how far he has moved by the end.
Criterion Challenge 2026 - 40. Directed by Mira Nair
Rating: 3.5