Mississippi Masala

REVIEW
Director Nair sets her sights on the subtleties of insidious racism in this affecting modern-day "Romeo and Juliet" set in the deep South. The story follows the forbidden love that blossoms between a young Indian woman (Choudhury), whose family fled Idi Amin's Uganda, and an African-American carpet cleaner (Washington). Nair expertly exposes the unspoken and unacknowledged racism that permeates the Indian community. Washington and newcomer Choudhury give heartfelt performances and Nair puts their stunning looks to good use. Seth delivers yet another superb supporting performance as Choudhury's lawyer father who yearns to return to Uganda.