English Vinglish, Gauri Shinde's first feature is a likeable film, which gives us a silky- smooth first half, a slowed-down second, broad-brushstroke-y characters, and an actress who makes it all work.

A capable supporting cast and a fun cameo from a male megastar add to the appeal of this slight, enjoyable but ultimately predictable journey.

The image of the newly confident Shashi striding down a Manhattan street, a takeout coffee in hand and a trench coat belted over her sari, will make you smile days after you leave the theater.

English Vinglish was a film so frightfully resonant that I've lacked the courage to watch it again.