Gangs of Wasseypur

A crime epic that spans seven decades and three generations, Gangs of Wasseypur has been described as India's The Godfather saga. Inspired by a true story, the film covers the conflict between two crime families—one steps in to take charge (and make a fortune in graft and protection) after the British leave in the wake of India's independence, while the other tries to battle its way into power—that leads up to an inevitable bloodbath, in which the sons and grandsons of the original crime godfathers bring the family feud to a violent close. This is technically a Bollywood musical—featuring 25 original songs—only here the characters do not break into song and dance (instead, the music plays as accompaniment or commentary), and the story has no florid romantic complications. Director Anurag Kashyap uses typical Bollywood bright colors while creating a world that burns with injustice, inequity, and anger. The violence is largely underplayed during the first half, but the environment is brutal, as the poor either accept their lot or turn to crime. In the second half, the tension between the two clans finally explodes into bloody gang war. A two-parter that runs nearly five-and-a-half hours, this compelling epic (Martin Scorsese is a fan) is recommended. (S. Axmaker)