Hi! I also thought Lagaan was a welcome break from Hollywood movies.  I have a VCD copy of it (VCDs are more popular here where I'm from (Manila) and didn't regret buying it.  It was very entertaining and to think I'm not Indian and I have no idea of what cricket is all about.  I rather thought Amalie (the other Foreign Film Nominee) is too Ally-McBeal-ish with all the special effects and the doe-eyed girl.  Too sacharine for me.  Give me Gracy Singh anytime!