Bicycle Bride

My boyfriend took me to a screening of the film a few weeks back and, I must say, I thoroughly enjoyed Bicycle Bride. It was lighthearted and zany at times, but it was also very touching at others. Apparently, the tradition of arranged marriage is still alive and well in the US. I had no idea until seeing this film that the practice was so common here. It was interesting to see dynamic between the main character Beena and her traditional Indian mother as they seek out happiness for themselves and for each other.

While at the screening, I had the pleasure of meeting the Director of the film, Dr. Hassan Zee. Dr. Zee's story is truly inspirational. Before moving to the States He was a practicing doctor in a burn unit in Pakistan. While working at the burn unit he met several women who set fire to themselves because they felt they had shamed their families. When Dr. Zee came to America to pursue his dreams of being a filmmaker, he brought the memories of those he helped along with him.

It is evident from my brief encounter with Dr. Zee that he is an impassioned individual with a great appreciation for life. This passion reverberates throughout his film Bicycle Bride. The film is about love and relationships but it is also a lesson in courage and female empowerment. Bicycle Bride is smart, sweet, funny, and above all… super entertaining!

Bicycle Bride is a surprising combination of meaningful themes and funny, campy moments. There are hilarious details reminiscent of Almodovar films, especially the wig-wearing older female and prankster friend of the lead. "James Dean" is a surprising name for someone from Sweden, but the lead character's sincerity and serious charm are a nice contrast to the other characters. I particularly liked the writing and portrayal of the lead female's mother. Bicycle Bride is both funny and uplifting. Director Zee has a lot of promise, reminding me again of Almodovar at this point in his career. It will be interesting to see what's coming next from Zee.

Bicycle Bride is a smart, witty and educational film that sheds a much-needed positive light on Muslim culture in the United States. It features a pretty girl, a handsome boy and an overbearing mother that would give Darth Vader a run for his money! Americans have the benefit of freedom when picking a husband or wife. Some do it online while others do it the old fashioned way. For Muslims, dating is about as acceptable as drinking alcohol or noshing on a little pork. They just don't do it. Parents pick their children's spouses, like American girls buy clothes. Shocking I know, but that's the reality. Bicycle Bride is a clash of cultures, east vs. west, tradition vs. modernity and liberty vs. servitude. This film covers a lot of ground in both an entertaining and touching way. Most importantly, Bicycle Bride gives us a refreshing window into one of the world's most important religions.

Bicycle Bride is a family oriented film with all the elements of a high drama and comedy. This movie takes you on a one woman's journey who is struggling to maintain past cultural values and family happiness against fast changing cultural norms in a foreign land. The motional journey between her and her educated daughter is worth watching on the big screen.

This movie reflects a nice blend of Eastern traditions and Western culture. It has color, richness and sensitivity depicted beautifully.

In terms of performance and direction, everybody has done an exceptional job. The leading ladies, Shruti and Melanie, have done an amazingly wonderful job with their character and Hassan has invested his heart and soul to make this a wonderful and entertaining movie for the masses.

I seriously enjoyed this film! I typically don't go for romantic comedies but Bicycle Bride was funny and heartwarming, without being too campy or cheesy. The film's main character Beena, played by the beautiful Melanie Kannokada (former Miss India America), is a strong, modern Indian-American woman struggling with her family's traditional Indian values. Beena's parents wish her to marry an Indian man named Bubba, but Beena believes the choice of partner should be hers to make.

I found Bicycle Bride to be fun and inspiring and well worth the price of admission. I highly recommend it for men and women alike. So hop on your bike and check it out! See Bicycle Bride with your friends or take a date...you won't be sorry!