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An Indian friend of mine shared this film with me. I enjoyed it very much. I had seen Indian films before, so I was prepared for the "cast of a thousand" musical production numbers. I also knew something about Indian history and culture, but almost nothing about cricket, except that people from former British colonies have become superior players, much in the same way that baseball players from Latin and Caribbean backgrounds are now powerhouses of the "American" sport. I thought "Lagaan" would be mostly "about cricket". I was not prepared for a film that had so many levels.

I think it is plain that the villagers' struggle to "beat the British at their own game" is a metaphor for the "power of the human spirit" (regardless of culture), as well as the nascent potential of India, and other "non-western" countries, to learn from and compete with the west in spheres of art, science, culture, industry, and sports. The film tries to be "balanced" in showing that not ALL westerners are "bad guys", nor are all Indians "good guys", however, there is a clear villain and a likable hero.

The film weaves a romantic subplot, historical elements, the main conflict (multi-caste/ethnic Indian villagers vs. the haughty British occupiers), the details of the sport (cricket), comic and dramatic elements, even song & dance numbers in such a way that the film does not seem overlong. The film is plotted and paced beautifully. Some might find it too "saccharine", but I think that, like the sports classic "Rocky", "Lagaan" believes in the qualities of compassion, patience, endurance, ingenuity, teamwork, sportsmanship and love that it espouses - and as a result, the film works!

If you have NOT seen many Indian films other than "Monsoon Wedding", but you are open-minded and like sports, culture and history, be prepared to step back in time to the days of the British Raj as seen from an Indian point of view. I think you will enjoy "Lagaan".

I saw this film as a twelve year old kid in Arkansas. I have not seen it since then, though I have strong memories of the film, and I have been looking for it. As I recall (I can still recall specific scenes) the pacing and story development created great tension and suspense.

The interaction among the boys seemed so realistic. Kids can be so cruel. Also, the militaristic mindset is so easily passed on to children. The film is a "book end"of a kind to "Lord of the Flies". The ending is shocker (it was to me)and turned my stomach. I wish this film was available to rent. I have searched Netflix and they don't have it. Perhaps if enough of us request it...

I saw this film as a child (10-12 years old.) The ending shocked me. I remember it as a very powerful film. I always thought it was titled "A Short walk to Glory". I found it in a search of the IMDb. I would like to be able to see it again. think the IMDb is a great resource.