The Words of the Doroski Family
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The Words of the Doroski Family |
Few movies today are entirely focused on the topic of unconditional love, a love that is absolute and eternal, which is the basis of Unificationist faith and spiritual growth, but a new foreign film from India qualifies for this status. My Name is Khan (2010), directed by Karan Johar, with main actors Shah Rukh Khan (Rizvan Khan) and Kajol (Mandira), is the triumphant story of an unconventional hero overcoming obstacles to regain the love of his life.
Set in present-day, the story begins in India with a mother who thrives to nurture and educate Khan, her autistic son. The mother has unbelievable love for this child and she teaches him ata very young age that all men are the same, and that one group is not greater than another.
This mother realizes the greatness of her son and invests to have him study with a highly-credited teacher. Although Khan suffers from not clearly understanding people due to his Aspergers Syndrome, he shows a great ability to repair anything mechanical.
The social milieu around Khan is one of conflict between Hindu and Muslim culture which leads to violence. When Khan has grown into a man, his mother, in her last words as she passes to the next world, says, "Make a happy life for yourself."
Khan immigrates to America where his brother shelters him and helps him get a job selling cosmetics. Khan is brutally honest when communicating with clients, not allowing people to over buy so they won't have out-dated cosmetics. As he visits beauty salons, selling his products, he meets Mandira, a beautiful and very loving young mother who is recovering from an abusive marriage.
Khan spends time with Mandira, and they become good friends. Mandira has no problem with his autism and Khan is a good father figure to her child. One day Khan says, "Marry me", and she teases him, saying, "Show me something in the city I have never seen." With his autistic, yet brilliant, mind he sets to work on the task, and in the process unfolds Einstein-like abilities to answer impossible questions.
The conflict surrounding his Muslim faith follows him to America. Tragedy happens in New York City in the middle of his new happy life, and Khan sets to work to bring back his lost love. In trying to right a wrong, Khan goes on a quest to meet the President and gains great fame; but not before he is misunderstood to be a terrorist and imprisoned. This film is probably one of the most touching movies ever made, and can move the hearts of whoever sees it. It is a story of what True Love really is.
At one point in the film, Khan puts aside his personal quest, and does his part to save lives in a town that is under water. This reminds us that sometimes we need to set aside our own goals to practice that unconditional love we profess to believe in. This film teaches how life should be lived, overcoming all obstacles with true love.
Reviewed by Nanette Doroski
Nanette Doroski studied at the School of Visual Arts in New York City as a Film-making Major with a concentration in Writing and Directing Feature Length Films.