ABCD

Released Nov 30, 2001

1h 46m

Drama

Romance

List

70%

20 Reviews

Tomatometer

52%

250+ Ratings

Audience Score

"ABCD" is the story of Raj and Nina, first generation Asian-Indian immigrant children who have grown up in America, and their mother, Anju, who is desperately trying in her old age to reconcile her decision to come to America long ago. "ABCD" revolves around characters who are culturally lost. They can no longer fully adhere to the customs of the country they have left behind, and yet do not belong to the mainstream American culture because of their ethnicity.

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Audience Member

An interesting movie that follows a pair of adult siblings raised in America, Nina and Raj are close, and supportive of each other, but the two possess characteristics that are as opposite to each other as night and day. Nina is headstrong, fierce, and obviously independent. Raj is obedient, honest, and downright amiable. Constantly at ends with her mother, Nina rebels and chafes at the idea of conforming within marriage and traditions. Raj only hopes that the decisions, and the progress he has made, will only further please his mother, Anju. Hoping that her adult children will one day embrace their culture and traditions, Anju fears that their actions will result in horrible, and lonely, lifestyles so she strives to make the choices for them as much as this further infuriates her children. Sheetal Sheth, Aasif Mandvi, Faran Tahir, Madhur Jaffrey, David Ari, and Jennifer Dorr White stars. Worthy!

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/24/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Really enjoyed this movie: American Born Confused Desi (ABCD) Was disappointed in their choices at the end... but that's reality I suppose... as in fate had it's hand. Wonder if any of that was written on her palm? ;) A thorough look into the lives of a brother and sister, struggling with their Indian culture in Western society. Acting was a bit new, but the great story tops it.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/25/23

Full Review

Audience Member

ABCD - American Born Confused Desi! Definitely An Eye Opener About The New Generation Of American Born Asians & The Conflict Between 'Straight Of The Boat' Indians & Westernized Indians. Could Have Done With More Comedic Moments!

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/12/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Dramatic and from the hip. Often these themes are satirized.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/23/23

Full Review

Audience Member

This movie sort of scared me about reality.. Is this what 2nd generation indians have become... i hope im not this way but who knows i guess. It does deal with the love lives of two ABCD's and talks about the struggles with dating for indians... its worth watching but i wont rave about it -- If anything Sheetal Sheth is gorgeous !

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/02/23

Full Review

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Krutin Patel

Director

Madhur Jaffrey

Anju

Faran Tahir

Raj

Sheetal Sheth

Nina

Aasif Mandvi

Ashok

David Ari

Brian

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Ted Shen

Chicago Reader

Despite the familiar story, both kids are three-dimensional characters, and first-time director [Krutin] Patel embraces their generational dilemmas with feeling and wit.

Feb 14, 2020

Full Review

Carrie Rickey

Philadelphia Inquirer

An involving study of sibling and interpersonal relationships.

Rated: 3/4

Feb 21, 2002

Full Review

Russell Smith

Austin Chronicle

Rated: 2.5/5

Dec 16, 2001

Full Review

Ted Murphy

Hollywood.com

ABCD gets an "A" for its intentions, but unfortunately just barely passes on all other accounts.

Rated: C

Jan 11, 2007

Full Review

David Chute

L.A. Weekly

At times the deck is egregiously stacked.

Sep 30, 2002

Full Review

David Noh

Film Journal International

Nothing particularly fresh or exciting, but its intentions are so sincere and, for the most part, it's so well-acted that it emerges as quite affecting.

Dec 9, 2001

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Synopsis

"ABCD" is the story of Raj and Nina, first generation Asian-Indian immigrant children who have grown up in America, and their mother, Anju, who is desperately trying in her old age to reconcile her decision to come to America long ago. "ABCD" revolves around characters who are culturally lost. They can no longer fully adhere to the customs of the country they have left behind, and yet do not belong to the mainstream American culture because of their ethnicity.

Director: Krutin Patel
Screenwriter: Krutin Patel, James McManus, Krutin Patel
Distributor: Eros Pictures
Genre: Drama, Romance
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 30, 2001, Wide
Box Office (Gross USA): $83.4K
Runtime: 1h 46m
Sound Mix: Dolby Stereo, DTS
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)