An interesting if poorly constructed and self-contradicting drama, directed with something less than assurance, but given some appeal by the honesty of its performances.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
Mississippi is full of good will, but it's not preachy, and its story of romance in an ethnic broth is fascinating when it's working right. [14 Feb 1992, p.5G]
The movie assumes its multiculturalism with grace and humor, moving between its various worlds with a delighted eye for distinguishing features and a rich sense of character. [14 Feb 1992, p.B7]
In its sweet, slightly melancholy, gently humorous way, it fills the screen with the freshest, most winning love story we've seen in ages. [14 Feb 1992, p.39]
New York Daily News by Kathleen Carroll
The movie is both wonderfully tender and wryly funny. [05 Feb 1992, p.31]
Austin Chronicle by Kathleen Maher
It takes love to bring all these elements together into harmony, and Nair makes it look easy even when it's most difficult for her characters.
Los Angeles Times by Peter Rainer
Despite the awkwardness of much of the staging, and the unevenness of the script, the movie does give you a sense of real people living real lives. [14 Feb 1992, p.B9]
Chicago Sun-Times by Roger Ebert
All of these serious questions linger just under the surface of Mississippi Masala, which is, despite its subject, surprisingly funny and cheerful at times, and generates a full-blown romanticism.