Customer Reviews

Jab We Met

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I should thank my stars that this movie was playing on Singapore Airlines on my way back home from India. I am always skeptical about Bollywood movies and so obviously started watching it with my usual cynicism. But, right from the beginning it held me attention and within 15 minutes I was completely engrossed. Loved every bit of it and loved Shahid Kapur, what a revelation! Must watch movie(guys, remember this is Bollywood so you have got to take it with a pinch of salt, you can't try to get 100% realistic). I have watched it now 20 times on the DVD and have bought all of Shahid Kapur DVD's as well. Go get this movie...

JAB WE MET became one of the biggest hits in Bollywood cinema in 2007, and it's quite easy to see why. This is a very watchable romantic comedy and the two leads, Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor, dazzle in this, their best acting performances yet. After having seen this one just now, and Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (2DISC SET) recently, I am this close to buying a train ticket to wherever. There've been other cinematic romances on the rails, yeah, but surely they couldn't have been more fun than the time spent on and off the tracks by Aditya and Geet in JAB WE MET.

Aditya (Shahid Kapoor) hasn't had a good time of it of late. His father had passed away a year ago, leaving him the reins to his corporate empire. But now business is on the skids. Too, the girl he loves has just gotten married. Despondent beyond belief, Aditya just simply wanders away. He somehow ends up on a train, and this is where he runs into Geet (Kareena Kapoor), who will change his life. Geet is a cute Punjabi girl who just will not stop talking. She exudes this vitality and exuberance which at first grates on Aditya's nerves; he actually implores her to leave him alone. But she keeps talking.

So it sucks for Aditya that, when he dispiritedly disembarks from the train, the girl follows him (to tell him the train is leaving) and is herself stranded. Aditya is left with no choice but to do the right thing, which is to escort Geet to her Punjabi home, from where, she cheerfully tells him, she plans to promptly run away and elope with her boyfriend (some guy named Anshuman). Aditya's irritation at Geet gradually turns to affection and then to something more. But, after a travelogue of adventures with her, he finds himself parting ways near Anshuman's doorstep as she goes to meet her lover. And yet the plans of mice and men and Geets don't always pan out. Because, nine months later...

JAB WE MET is a marvelous feel good movie, although you can't tell it by the opening scenes, which are depressing (the world falls apart for Aditya) but will intrigue you enough that you'll keep tuned in. Things perk up once Geet makes her appearance, and then get even better as Kareena and Shahid meet and instantly spark up the screen. JAB WE MET is the fourth teaming of these two (after Fida (2004), Chup Chup ke, and 36 China Town, with 2008's MILENGE MILENGE being the fifth), and they've obviously managed to perfect that chemistry thing. There might be something to be said for these two having dated for several years in the past in real life (although they've since broken up).

In fact, this is the best I've seen of Shahid and of Kareena, whether together or in separate films. It's weird, because Aditya and Geet do end up in some pretty off-the-wall scenarios, but, although you know there are plenty of manipulative moments here, they never feel that contrived. The film unfolds in a graceful, natural way. All credit again to Shahid and Kareena (and, I guess, to the writing and directing). Shahid's Aditya, suffering from heartbreak and from pressures at the job. Kareena's Geet, feisty, carefree, and a constant chatterbox. Both actors put in beautiful, nuanced performances, never quite going over the top, to that point where credibility is lost. Kareena goes away from her vacuous "beauty princess" roles, and this is a good thing. Geet is so vibrant for most of the picture that it's a semi-shock to see her metamorphose into a sad, dejected girl in the film's second half. Your heart will go out to her. Kareena, for this role, won for Best Actress in various 2007 Bollywood award shows. She's so engaging in this picture that even her character's mile-a-minute prattle never gets annoying.

Meanwhile, Shahid has the tougher role. His part calls for a lack of showboating. Note that he doesn't scream or yell out or overdramatize his anguish to the world. Shahid is so good here, in the little things that he does - whether it's a look or a certain posture or maybe a quiet delivery of a line - that his pain is clearly conveyed. He makes a perfect foil for Kareena's flighty, optimistic character. Like Kareena, he's never been better.

JAB WE MET is set against a backdrop of eye-catching landscapes (from Mumbai to Bhatinda to Manali), and, this picturesque flavor enhances the film, trust me. The musical interludes are lively and colorful and catchy (especially the very upbeat "Mauja Hi Mauja" and "Nagada Nagada Nagada Baja"). JAB WE MET is a warmhearted romantic romp. And it's funny. Some of the film's plot complications involve the usual screwball suspects: misunderstandings, mistaken identities, false pretenses... But it's all executed with such charm and good timing. JAB WE MET deserves to be seen, and seen by a lot of people. So, if you haven't yet, do give this one a try. Much as Geet did for Aditya, let Kareena and Shahid put color in your drab world.

I am serious about getting that train ticket...

Well she didn't miss the train this time. Jab We Met fell into my lap from Amazon ad and I proceeded to read online reviews which had something to the effect of:
- boy meets girl
- boy helps "damsel in distress"
- boy takes girl home
- family mistakes him for her finance
- boy and girl try to prove them wrong
- finally boy and girl realize they are in love and the rest as they say "is history"

If you're familiar with Bollywood productions, I bet you can name quite a few movies with the same premise of which Dhaai Akshar Prem Ke is one. Maybe then you can relate with my initial cynicism about Jab We Met. But I got to see the movie, and I was smitten then I got hooked and the rest again "is history".

Okay so I'll try to move into the movie review. Well "Jab We Met" does have the above mentioned plot to it and seriously there's nothing original or suspenseful about it. You know where the story is going 15mins into the movie, but what keeps you glued to your seat really is how we get to the "last train stop". And yes, metaphorically, catching trains is the theme of this movie; a shade of meaning for not missing out on love.

Here it is: Aditya Kashyap (Shahid Kapoor) is a very rich young man who has just inherited his father's shares in a large Indian corporation. A number of things missing in his life (can't say coz u won't have fun watching the movie) cause him to walk out on a very important boardroom meeting. He mindlessly roams the streets and eventually gets on a train. In comes Miss Motormouth aka Geet (Kareena Kapoor). She just can't seem to shut up. She even talks about shoe-shopping in her sleep! One thing leads to the other and Aditya gets stuck with Geet and he has to take her home. Then they go their separate ways, but somehow it seems they'd never stop meeting by chance, and then the climax. Unfortunately this is where I "shut-up" so you can have fun watching this movie.

Cons:
- Nothing new about the plot
- Nothing monumental about the script

Pros:

- Believable chemistry between Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor (one of the movie's biggest driving machine)
- This is my first view of Shahid Kapoor and I must say he's quite talented. His interpretation of this guy is very mature especially in the nuances. For instance the first time Geet misses her train and she chose to shift the blame, you can't help but feel sorry for the perpetrator instead of the victim (according to Geet's judgement book). Kareena is yelling at the top of her lungs and this guy's response wasn't in kind. In fact, he was so calm that I went "This man is going places if he chooses to remain an actor". And I must confess I usually skip through opening credits in a movie, but Shahid is quite engaging as a man in despair as he walks the streets of Mumbai that I just couldn't get myself to skip the opening.

- Hum...almost forgot the songs. Yes the songs! I thought they were good. My favorite is Nagada. If your ears are tuned to heavy percussion instruments in music then I bet you'll like it too. Besides the choreography isn't too bad. Plus the dancers are not stiff especially Shahid. He dances well enough that one can safely say "Watch out Hrithik Roshan, looks like you have a competition in Shahid"

- Finally, if you are reading this review then I know you most likely have some interest in Bollywood, so check out this movie. This movie in one word is CUTE. If you like cute, then I bet you'll like this movie too. If not just check it out anyway; no harm done.

Playback singing in Jab We Met is superb. The female vocalist in the Ye Ishq Hai is wonderful. The background score is marvelous and unobtrusive with some occasional virtuoso flute music. The middle of the movie is a great song and dance fest that actually flows with the movie and seems completely unspoiled by western influence. It's difficult for us to stay in our chairs during Nagada Nagada and you know what? We don't.

The screen play is clever and sometimes laugh-out-loud funny both in what is said and what is seen. Directing and acting combine to produce many delightful scenes. You must be able to keep up completely with the subtitles, the expressions on the actor's faces and the flow of the story to fully appreciate the high quality of this film. There are no cheesy moments and no unnecessary scenes. There are no thunderclaps or lighting bolts to provide emphasis. There is no slap-stick, there is no silliness and there are no negatives.

Kareena turns in a performance that (in my opinion) is on par with Rani in the movie Black. Shahid is right there with just the right expressions on his face. A very good film.

"Jab We Met" was a delightful bollywood, heartfelt and entertaining. As a viewer only recently discovering the joys of bollywood films, I am learning the differences each film has to offer. In this film, as with most, music plays a key role; however, in "Jab We Met" the music is more of a background player, with less choreographed dance numbers. This allows the acting, story line, and especially the character development to shine through.
Kareena Kapoor does a fabulous job as Geet, an outspoken, independent, and spontaneous girl. The journey her character takes, and the breadth of her acting through was the highlight of the film in my eyes.
This film is a shining example of what a romantic comedy should be, and demonstrates what American Rom-Coms are lacking.

I love watching Bollywood films. I'm addicted. A free-spirited woman meets a despondent man on a train. There is an unfolding of their stories as the film progresses, and the lessons she teaches him, he ends up teaching her when her life and her spirit falls apart. These two characters are attractive and fun to watch.

The story a bit drawn out, mistaken identities and a not very believable love story included, and a few cheesy effects that made me laugh (model trains and autos -- perhaps they were placed tongue in cheek? it didn't strike me as a low budget flick to me) but it retained it's charm.

It's a cute film, light, with an obligatory dance sequence. But not nearly on the same level of a "Bride and Prejudice". If you approach this film with an open heart and no expectations, you'll be sure to enjoy the ride.
##

JAB WE MET became one of the biggest hits in Bollywood cinema in 2007, and it's quite easy to see why. This is a very watchable romantic comedy and the two leads, Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor, dazzle in this, their best acting performances yet. After having seen this one just now, and Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (2DISC SET) recently, I am this close to buying a train ticket to wherever. There've been other cinematic romances on the rails, yeah, but surely they couldn't have been more fun than the time spent on and off the tracks by Aditya and Geet in JAB WE MET.

Aditya (Shahid Kapoor) hasn't had a good time of it of late. His father had passed away a year ago, leaving him the reins to his corporate empire. But now business is on the skids. Too, the girl he loves has just gotten married. Despondent beyond belief, Aditya just simply wanders away. He somehow ends up on a train, and this is where he runs into Geet (Kareena Kapoor), who will change his life. Geet is a cute Punjabi girl who just will not stop talking. She exudes this vitality and exuberance which at first grates on Aditya's nerves; he actually implores her to leave him alone. But she keeps talking.

So it sucks for Aditya that, when he dispiritedly disembarks from the train, the girl follows him (to tell him the train is leaving) and is herself stranded. Aditya is left with no choice but to do the right thing, which is to escort Geet to her Punjabi home, from where, she cheerfully tells him, she plans to promptly run away and elope with her boyfriend (some guy named Anshuman). Aditya's irritation at Geet gradually turns to affection and then to something more. But, after a travelogue of adventures with her, he finds himself parting ways near Anshuman's doorstep as she goes to meet her lover. And yet the plans of mice and men and Geets don't always pan out. Because, nine months later...

JAB WE MET is a marvelous feel good movie, although you can't tell it by the opening scenes, which are depressing (the world falls apart for Aditya) but will intrigue you enough that you'll keep tuned in. Things perk up once Geet makes her appearance, and then get even better as Kareena and Shahid meet and instantly spark up the screen. JAB WE MET is the fourth teaming of these two (after Fida (2004), CHUP CHUP KE, and 36 China Town, with 2008's MILENGE MILENGE being the fifth), and they've obviously managed to perfect that chemistry thing. There might be something to be said for these two having dated for several years in the past in real life (although they've since broken up).

In fact, this is the best I've seen of Shahid and of Kareena, whether together or in separate films. It's weird, because Aditya and Geet do end up in some pretty off-the-wall scenarios, but, although you know there are plenty of manipulative moments here, they never feel that contrived. The film unfolds in a graceful, natural way. All credit again to Shahid and Kareena (and, I guess, to the writing and directing). Shahid's Aditya, suffering from heartbreak and from pressures at the job. Kareena's Geet, feisty, carefree, and a constant chatterbox. Both actors put in beautiful, nuanced performances, never quite going over the top, to that point where credibility is lost. Kareena goes away from her vacuous "beauty princess" roles, and this is a good thing. Geet is so vibrant for most of the picture that it's a semi-shock to see her metamorphose into a sad, dejected girl in the film's second half. Your heart will go out to her. Kareena, for this role, won for Best Actress in various 2007 Bollywood award shows. She's so engaging in this picture that even her character's mile-a-minute prattle never gets annoying.

Meanwhile, Shahid has the tougher role. His part calls for a lack of showboating. Note that he doesn't scream or yell out or overdramatize his anguish to the world. Shahid is so good here, in the little things that he does - whether it's a look or a certain posture or maybe a quiet delivery of a line - that his pain is clearly conveyed. He makes a perfect foil for Kareena's flighty, optimistic character. Like Kareena, he's never been better.

JAB WE MET is set against a backdrop of eye-catching landscapes (from Mumbai to Bhatinda to Manali), and, this picturesque flavor enhances the film, trust me. The musical interludes are lively and colorful and catchy (especially the very upbeat "Mauja Hi Mauja" and "Nagada Nagada Nagada Baja"). JAB WE MET is a warmhearted romantic romp. And it's funny. Some of the film's plot complications involve the usual screwball suspects: misunderstandings, mistaken identities, false pretenses... But it's all executed with such charm and good timing. JAB WE MET deserves to be seen, and seen by a lot of people. So, if you haven't yet, do give this one a try. Much as Geet did for Aditya, let Kareena and Shahid put color in your drab world.

I am serious about getting that train ticket...

I saw this movie on "India Air," flying from France back to the US. I had to use the English subtitles to understand everything that was said. This movie was fantastic! It is a love story, and I sat on the edge of my seat the whole time, wondering who was going to end up together! I enjoyed this movie so much that I had to see if Amazon sold it! Now I'm going to buy it!

JAB WE MET (HOW WE MET, I believe) is a totally endearing, sprightly screwball Bollywood comedy romance which may remind you of BRINGING UP BABY, with Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn or WHAT'S UP, DOC, with Ryan O'Neil and Barbra Streisand. In all three of these movies, the slightly (or very) nutty girl tries to get the guy by doing anything that comes into her adorable head. The only difference in this Bollywood film is that the girl seems unaware of the reasons for her behavior, at least we can look at it this way. The important thing is that Aditya (ably played by appealing male lead Shahid Kapoor) and Geet (excellently played by the exquisite Kareen Kapoor) have met, and that, one way or another, they do finally marry. They make a great couple; she's full of manic energy and life, and he's a melancholy millionaire who needs her influence so he can come back to life. The entire movie is a flashback relating to their children how they met.

The stars apparently have not been married, though they were dating for a few years before this movie, after which they seperated! That's almost the opposite of this movie's plot. Kareen Kapoor won Filfare's Best Actress Award for '07 for her energetic and fine-tuned performance as the nutty girl who gets the level-headed guy and inspires him to take back his life and then to excel. She is also the main influence in this excellent movie which makes it excel.

The DVD is well produced with good picture and sound.

As most everyone else has already said, "Jab We Met"'s plot is unoriginal. But so was "It Happened One Night"'s.

Most of the film's appeal for me came from Kareena Kapoor's energetic portrayal of the scatterbrained but plucky and utterly charming Geet.

Movies like this aren't made in America anymore, and I'm sorry we've become too sophisticated for our own good. Scenes that are natural and sweet in "Jab We Met" could only be played with irony here, and that's too bad.

I remember when "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Tiger" was such a hit here in the U.S. It was as if no one in American filmmaking had ever thought of showing, without explanation or apology, warriors who could leap to the treetops, as if such a thing were naturally within human power and capable of being filmed in real time. Some scenes in "Jab We Met" will strike some Americans as corny, and that is too bad. I loved it.

I haven't seen many Bollywood films, but the ones I've seen have all touched my heart *and* entertained me. There haven't been many U.S. films made in the last 30 years that have such unabashed romantic appeal for me.