All supporters of Slumdog, watch this movie and then you will know what a classic is like-the quality of good directors, good editing, cinematography..a good film that can move you.
This is one of the most moving films I'v ever seen close on heels of Ray's Pather Panchali and Majidi's Children of Heaven. It portrays the character of a blind boy (Mohammed)who knows he is unwanted by even his close ones (even his own father). Its wisdom which spoils. Mohammed's father wants to disown him because it is a ridicule to him and he thinks of Mohammed as a punishment. His character is tragic too as somebody is just born to be a loser. His character is a contrast to Mohammed. Mohammed though blind can see the wonders and joys of life. His father on the other hand considers himself a loser despite being better off than many others.
The pristine landscapes are a treat to watch. There isn't one scene in this movie which is unwanted. The ending is a jewel. Majidi is definitely one of my favorite directors.
Overall 8/10
Direction 8.5/10
Showing posts with label Drama. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Drama. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Sunday, March 1, 2009
You've Got Mail
This is an absolute crap pomantic comedy. Probably not comparable to other movies I have reviewed in this blog. But still this movie moved me. And here I am.
The storyline is almost predictable. Yet its the execution which is near flawless. Meg Ryan is sweet, innocent and jolly yet has a depth of character.The chemistry between Hanks and Meg is enviable. And the wit and wisdom that one garners from this movie is almost unparalleled.
"Remember life is a dream "
"There will be a tomorrow; clear the cobwebs of sorrow :)"
"People always tell you, change is a good thing, but all they want to say is that something you didnt want to happen has happened"
And lots more..
This one tops my list
"The whole purpose of places like Starbucks is for people with no decision-making ability whatsoever to make six decisions just to buy one cup of coffee. Short, tall, light, dark, caf, decaf, low-fat, non-fat, etc. So people who don't know what the hell they're doing or who on earth they are, can, for only $2.95, get not just a cup of coffee but an absolutely defining sense of self: Tall! Decaf! Cappuccino!"
Overall 6.5/10
The storyline is almost predictable. Yet its the execution which is near flawless. Meg Ryan is sweet, innocent and jolly yet has a depth of character.The chemistry between Hanks and Meg is enviable. And the wit and wisdom that one garners from this movie is almost unparalleled.
"Remember life is a dream "
"There will be a tomorrow; clear the cobwebs of sorrow :)"
"People always tell you, change is a good thing, but all they want to say is that something you didnt want to happen has happened"
And lots more..
This one tops my list
"The whole purpose of places like Starbucks is for people with no decision-making ability whatsoever to make six decisions just to buy one cup of coffee. Short, tall, light, dark, caf, decaf, low-fat, non-fat, etc. So people who don't know what the hell they're doing or who on earth they are, can, for only $2.95, get not just a cup of coffee but an absolutely defining sense of self: Tall! Decaf! Cappuccino!"
Overall 6.5/10
Saturday, February 28, 2009
The Exorcist
The tagline for this movie (Somewhere between science and superstition, there is another world. The world of darkness) moved me and drew me to watch this movie. Contrary to what others may say, this movie is not a horror movie. In my opinion the director even didnt want to make a horror movie. There is no sudden brandishing of scary face that is cliche in many other films. Its a terrifying mysterious drama. A grasping one.
The director challenges faith and our blind devotion to science. This is most beautifully brought forth in the character of a psychiatrist boxer turned priest. We see the devil so often yet never see God. Is there a God??
The acting is superb in this movie. Dont watch this movie expecting nerve wrecking horror and you will enjoy it.,
Overall 7/10
The director challenges faith and our blind devotion to science. This is most beautifully brought forth in the character of a psychiatrist boxer turned priest. We see the devil so often yet never see God. Is there a God??
The acting is superb in this movie. Dont watch this movie expecting nerve wrecking horror and you will enjoy it.,
Overall 7/10
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Slumdog's Millionaire
NB: This is not a classic. Not even close to it. I am writing this review because I cant tolerate the hype that this movie is generating.
If you want to see a good movie on the life in slums, see Dharavi or Salaam Bombay. If this gets to Oscars, Salaam Bombay should have swept it. This movie lacks the basic tenets of a classy movie. The premises of this story are so stupid that even a 5 yr old kid would recognize the fallacy. If you could know who invented the revolver just because you saw your elder brother use one, you would know who came up with the idea of mobiles just because you use them everyday!!!! And lots more...infact almost all the premises are improbable to say the least...a blind Indian beggar in Mumbai knows that Benjamin Franklin is on a 100$ note.
This movie has been made with a deliberate attempt to sell misery. There are lots of ways to show it, this is just a commercial way. The worst part of the movie was when a policeman was hitting the protagonist(Jamal) for being an aide to car thieves. Jamal told 2 American tourist, "This is the real India". The tourists gave him a 100$ bill saying, "This is the real America son". Mind O mindless arrogant money beasts, Indians are not beggars....
Whats even more enraging is the way the quiz host, Anil Kapoor behaves with Jamal in this movie. If a chaiwallah really has the skills to come up to a quiz show, the audience and host will actually help and empathize with him,praise him. Not act with contempt. Mr Rehman, you must be ashamed to be associated with this movie.
After all the scathing review, I must admit it corresponds to a well made Hindi movie with a happy Bollywoodish ending making it a good watch. The 2nd half was lot better than the first part. Music is good but probably AR has delivered better before this.
Nevertheless go and watch it, you will come to know how to make a movie that sells well though will not go down in history. Fortune favors the brave.
Overall 6/10
If you want to see a good movie on the life in slums, see Dharavi or Salaam Bombay. If this gets to Oscars, Salaam Bombay should have swept it. This movie lacks the basic tenets of a classy movie. The premises of this story are so stupid that even a 5 yr old kid would recognize the fallacy. If you could know who invented the revolver just because you saw your elder brother use one, you would know who came up with the idea of mobiles just because you use them everyday!!!! And lots more...infact almost all the premises are improbable to say the least...a blind Indian beggar in Mumbai knows that Benjamin Franklin is on a 100$ note.
This movie has been made with a deliberate attempt to sell misery. There are lots of ways to show it, this is just a commercial way. The worst part of the movie was when a policeman was hitting the protagonist(Jamal) for being an aide to car thieves. Jamal told 2 American tourist, "This is the real India". The tourists gave him a 100$ bill saying, "This is the real America son". Mind O mindless arrogant money beasts, Indians are not beggars....
Whats even more enraging is the way the quiz host, Anil Kapoor behaves with Jamal in this movie. If a chaiwallah really has the skills to come up to a quiz show, the audience and host will actually help and empathize with him,praise him. Not act with contempt. Mr Rehman, you must be ashamed to be associated with this movie.
After all the scathing review, I must admit it corresponds to a well made Hindi movie with a happy Bollywoodish ending making it a good watch. The 2nd half was lot better than the first part. Music is good but probably AR has delivered better before this.
Nevertheless go and watch it, you will come to know how to make a movie that sells well though will not go down in history. Fortune favors the brave.
Overall 6/10
Friday, February 20, 2009
Dosar (The companion) (Bengali)
Its a movie about infidelity. A movie about the colors of life in black and white. Infidelity for no apparent reason. This movie is a emotional journey through the aftermath of infidelity.
The acting in this movie is awesome especially by Konkona. The treatment in black and white makes it artistic. However I felt few scenes in color or sepia would have made even more impact. The ending is chauvinistic and too sudden. Rituporno excels as a director, clever interweaving comedy in a movie with a serious theme making it an enjoyable watch. The use of poems amplify the effect of this movie. One of my favorites(from this movie, as it contains the essence of this movie) is:
"tomar thoth amar thoth chulo
jodio ei prothombar noi
chumbon to ageo bohubar...
eibar thothe mileche ashroi
vromon shob bhoyer golpe
doitto danob rakkosh r khoi
tile tile shukhoi rajkumari
ontomile rajputrer joy"
My English translation
(Your lips touched mine
Though not the first time
Kisses had flown then
Now lips are my haven
Traveling though the scary tales,
Beasts ghosts fiends and swines
The Princess withers gradually
Until the Prince's victory)
Overall 6/10
The acting in this movie is awesome especially by Konkona. The treatment in black and white makes it artistic. However I felt few scenes in color or sepia would have made even more impact. The ending is chauvinistic and too sudden. Rituporno excels as a director, clever interweaving comedy in a movie with a serious theme making it an enjoyable watch. The use of poems amplify the effect of this movie. One of my favorites(from this movie, as it contains the essence of this movie) is:
"tomar thoth amar thoth chulo
jodio ei prothombar noi
chumbon to ageo bohubar...
eibar thothe mileche ashroi
vromon shob bhoyer golpe
doitto danob rakkosh r khoi
tile tile shukhoi rajkumari
ontomile rajputrer joy"
My English translation
(Your lips touched mine
Though not the first time
Kisses had flown then
Now lips are my haven
Traveling though the scary tales,
Beasts ghosts fiends and swines
The Princess withers gradually
Until the Prince's victory)
Overall 6/10
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Stolen Kisses (French)
When I first watched this movie along with a friend, we both concluded that this movie was trash and overhyped. Now, after some thought I realize that it was a good movie..much better than many others..Its a different kind of film(or a normal Truffaut film) which is not pure entertainment..it has to be analyzed to understand the significance.
The biggest problem with this movie is that it is incoherent. you cant really understand the significance of every scene. The movie doesnt really go anywhere, it just meanders about the same region. But I guess that is what the movie wants to portray. The youth is the stage of life, when we are incoherent. Not very pragmatic. Life doesnt really have a direction. Quite like the protagonist, there is little experience in us that can lead us to a job. And people do not regard very highly of us. Even on the personal front, we are not 'settled' and often drawn to glamor.
In my view, the film portrays the essence of youth.
There are two scenes in this movie which I absolutely love. One where the protagonist's girlfriend tries to guess his new profession. Two when they are eating breakfast and the he puts a can opener like a ring on her finger.
Watch the movie at your discretion. You may enjoy it.
Overall 7/10
Direction 8/10
The biggest problem with this movie is that it is incoherent. you cant really understand the significance of every scene. The movie doesnt really go anywhere, it just meanders about the same region. But I guess that is what the movie wants to portray. The youth is the stage of life, when we are incoherent. Not very pragmatic. Life doesnt really have a direction. Quite like the protagonist, there is little experience in us that can lead us to a job. And people do not regard very highly of us. Even on the personal front, we are not 'settled' and often drawn to glamor.
In my view, the film portrays the essence of youth.
There are two scenes in this movie which I absolutely love. One where the protagonist's girlfriend tries to guess his new profession. Two when they are eating breakfast and the he puts a can opener like a ring on her finger.
Watch the movie at your discretion. You may enjoy it.
Overall 7/10
Direction 8/10
Thursday, November 27, 2008
The Notebook
"I would like to die; they wouldn't let me to"-> "You cant have everything in life" The film starts with such a dialog, but then what it shows is that if you are determined you can get everything in life.
Your heart will dance and weep to the tunes of this movie. Yeah this looks like just another teen love story set in astounding locales. But there is lot more to it. The film is set in an entertaining story within a story style where both these stories converge at the end. Though I felt the ending was a bit sudden and could have been a lot better. The acting was spot on as were the tracks.
However the main reason this movie holds acclaim is the fact that it makes you feel. The nonchalant eyes of Ryan speak volumes and make you delve deep into the story. There were two very touching scenes in this movie. One where Rachel's fiance (after coming to know of Ryan) says " I have three options: One, I shoot him. Two I give him a damn. Three I let him have you. But none of these let me have you... I love you" This was just one example of hoe this movie touches you... Go and watch it. Its a story about two souls who had all differences for which they fought but only one thing in common: They were crazy about each other.
Overall 7.5/10
Your heart will dance and weep to the tunes of this movie. Yeah this looks like just another teen love story set in astounding locales. But there is lot more to it. The film is set in an entertaining story within a story style where both these stories converge at the end. Though I felt the ending was a bit sudden and could have been a lot better. The acting was spot on as were the tracks.
However the main reason this movie holds acclaim is the fact that it makes you feel. The nonchalant eyes of Ryan speak volumes and make you delve deep into the story. There were two very touching scenes in this movie. One where Rachel's fiance (after coming to know of Ryan) says " I have three options: One, I shoot him. Two I give him a damn. Three I let him have you. But none of these let me have you... I love you" This was just one example of hoe this movie touches you... Go and watch it. Its a story about two souls who had all differences for which they fought but only one thing in common: They were crazy about each other.
Overall 7.5/10
Friday, November 14, 2008
Amadeus
An evergreen classic... speechless.. a film that encompasses all emotions and touches all hearts...the music oh the music...if you dont intend to see it, you are sacrificing something..
Well you wanna hear all that cliche praise go to http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086879 . Here I intend to expand and rectify the theme to some extent.
Salieri says he is "patron saint of the mediocre" huh... he is someone who has written 40 operas and was the court composer. Its like a Nobel Laureate saying he is mediocre!!!!! What do they know about the pangs of mediocrity?? Huh
There are two kinds of intellectually famous people- the Genii and the Miracles. The genii get their position by hard work accentuated by super brain power. People admire them. But then there are Miracles. They perform 'impossible' deeds: Deaf composing music, propose astounding theories based on apples, Remember a whole book with one read... and what not... These are the demi-gods ppl worship. And it is this worship that the Genii crave for but cant get anything beyond admiration. There are some heights hard work cannot help you scale.
And among the rest there are two kinds of people- the mediocre and the common mass. Both of these worship the Miracles and admire the Genii. But there is a big difference between them. The common mass have no big ambition and are happy with their family. Its the mediocre whose life is torturous. They start out with big ambitions. When they are kids they think they too would be worshiped some day. That drowns with the fantasies of the youth. Frustrated, they strive hard to be at least admired. Admired they are in a small circle; which rather than helping only infuriates further. It seems like a taunt. They waste their life like a dog to be one among the Genii. Its only at the fag end of life that they realize it was much easier to live the life of a common man. You get just one life. If you haven't even enjoyed it, was the effort any worth? Even if the Mediocre is elevated to the elite group of the Genii, he will not be contented, he will regret not having been sent by God as a Miracle..as Salieri did. Hundred years later only the Miracles will live. If you are anything short better enjoy life as you go along. A grain of sand in a beach of mediocrity is indistinguishable; only the Pearl is.
PS: I found it funny that Salieri's character got the Oscar while Mozart's didnt
Well you wanna hear all that cliche praise go to http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086879 . Here I intend to expand and rectify the theme to some extent.
Salieri says he is "patron saint of the mediocre" huh... he is someone who has written 40 operas and was the court composer. Its like a Nobel Laureate saying he is mediocre!!!!! What do they know about the pangs of mediocrity?? Huh
There are two kinds of intellectually famous people- the Genii and the Miracles. The genii get their position by hard work accentuated by super brain power. People admire them. But then there are Miracles. They perform 'impossible' deeds: Deaf composing music, propose astounding theories based on apples, Remember a whole book with one read... and what not... These are the demi-gods ppl worship. And it is this worship that the Genii crave for but cant get anything beyond admiration. There are some heights hard work cannot help you scale.
And among the rest there are two kinds of people- the mediocre and the common mass. Both of these worship the Miracles and admire the Genii. But there is a big difference between them. The common mass have no big ambition and are happy with their family. Its the mediocre whose life is torturous. They start out with big ambitions. When they are kids they think they too would be worshiped some day. That drowns with the fantasies of the youth. Frustrated, they strive hard to be at least admired. Admired they are in a small circle; which rather than helping only infuriates further. It seems like a taunt. They waste their life like a dog to be one among the Genii. Its only at the fag end of life that they realize it was much easier to live the life of a common man. You get just one life. If you haven't even enjoyed it, was the effort any worth? Even if the Mediocre is elevated to the elite group of the Genii, he will not be contented, he will regret not having been sent by God as a Miracle..as Salieri did. Hundred years later only the Miracles will live. If you are anything short better enjoy life as you go along. A grain of sand in a beach of mediocrity is indistinguishable; only the Pearl is.
PS: I found it funny that Salieri's character got the Oscar while Mozart's didnt
Friday, November 7, 2008
A walk to remember
"Love is like the wind.... I cant see it but I can feel it"
"There's more to attraction than meets the eye"
""Love is always patient and kind. It is never jealous. Love is never boastful or conceited. It is never rude or selfish. It does not take offense and is not resentful."
""Find out who you are, and do it on purpose."
And one more which probably matches the theme of this movie but is from Titanic...
" Love can touch just one time, but last for a lifetime"
Okay I wont keep on compiling a list of quotations... but this movie leaves me speechless....I have seen few romantic movies but I was floored by this one...The soundtrack is awesome so is the acting by the lead characters Mandy Moore and Shane West...
Its like one of my friends commented.. "after watching this movie you feel like crying but this movie teaches you not to" .. Love is powerful; it can change somebody "heading on the wrong path" to somersault. And it is selfless and not jealous.....The film is so natural...You will feel the way the lead characters do....
This movie has elements of teen comedy, great dialogues, beautiful locales and shots and above all an inspiring message....Dunno why it doesnt have good ratings. Its a movie of faith...This is definitely "A FILM TO REMEMBER"
Overall 8/10
Music 8/10
btw: Mandy Moore looks cute in this movie :) The movie is worth a watch for her even if you dont appreciate romantics....
"There's more to attraction than meets the eye"
""Love is always patient and kind. It is never jealous. Love is never boastful or conceited. It is never rude or selfish. It does not take offense and is not resentful."
""Find out who you are, and do it on purpose."
And one more which probably matches the theme of this movie but is from Titanic...
" Love can touch just one time, but last for a lifetime"
Okay I wont keep on compiling a list of quotations... but this movie leaves me speechless....I have seen few romantic movies but I was floored by this one...The soundtrack is awesome so is the acting by the lead characters Mandy Moore and Shane West...
Its like one of my friends commented.. "after watching this movie you feel like crying but this movie teaches you not to" .. Love is powerful; it can change somebody "heading on the wrong path" to somersault. And it is selfless and not jealous.....The film is so natural...You will feel the way the lead characters do....
This movie has elements of teen comedy, great dialogues, beautiful locales and shots and above all an inspiring message....Dunno why it doesnt have good ratings. Its a movie of faith...This is definitely "A FILM TO REMEMBER"
Overall 8/10
Music 8/10
btw: Mandy Moore looks cute in this movie :) The movie is worth a watch for her even if you dont appreciate romantics....
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Chocolat
If you are a diabetes patient you should not watch this movie... :P luscious chocolate being made by a pretty woman..This has all the elements of a good feel good movie.. Its out and out comedy with elements of romance and drama...Its one of the most enthralling movies I have probably ever seen...
The film was storytelling at its best..and ofcourse strong performances...the characters were all so believable!!!!!! but I think it delivers a strong message through the speech of the priest.... and it is one of the reasons I am in love with this film :"we can't go 'round measuring our goodness by what we don't do, by what we deny ourselves, what we resist and who we exclude... we've go to measure goodness by what we embrace, what we create, and who we include."
How true!!! most of us do that....and for my part I too did that...everybody is good in his/her own eyes....its only when we expand our horizons that we become great...often we are told :"forgive the sinner"..who are we to decide if we are sinner????? How do we decide who is the sinner? the one who is in the minority!!!! and cant the minority be right???? this film teaches just that....continuing on the "A Wednesday theme, any attempt to overthrow a rule is termed a rebellion, they are seen are traitors and insane fanatics.. But often they are right....mostly they are brutally suppressed (as in the Orwell's 1984) or sometimes they win (as in Star Wars)...But yes the bottomline is even a minority can be right.. we are nobody to judge others..
I have drifted a lot from the movie.. go and enjoy it.. :)
Overall 7.5/10
The film was storytelling at its best..and ofcourse strong performances...the characters were all so believable!!!!!! but I think it delivers a strong message through the speech of the priest.... and it is one of the reasons I am in love with this film :"we can't go 'round measuring our goodness by what we don't do, by what we deny ourselves, what we resist and who we exclude... we've go to measure goodness by what we embrace, what we create, and who we include."
How true!!! most of us do that....and for my part I too did that...everybody is good in his/her own eyes....its only when we expand our horizons that we become great...often we are told :"forgive the sinner"..who are we to decide if we are sinner????? How do we decide who is the sinner? the one who is in the minority!!!! and cant the minority be right???? this film teaches just that....continuing on the "A Wednesday theme, any attempt to overthrow a rule is termed a rebellion, they are seen are traitors and insane fanatics.. But often they are right....mostly they are brutally suppressed (as in the Orwell's 1984) or sometimes they win (as in Star Wars)...But yes the bottomline is even a minority can be right.. we are nobody to judge others..
I have drifted a lot from the movie.. go and enjoy it.. :)
Overall 7.5/10
Thursday, May 22, 2008
As Good as it gets
Jack Nicholson probably has a strong disposition of being a crackpot...I am really at sea to understand how he can pull off the characters of 'ab'normal people so well!!!!!!! we saw it in One Flew over the cuckoo's nest, The Shining...and now this...
This is a strange film....Its difficult to classify it in genre nevertheless, it brandishes human emotions and shades so fervently that you cannot duck...The frustration of Helen Hunt, a single mother at not having someone who loves her is touching...When she says-"That is why I make Spence(her kid son) hug me more that he wants to", Mr Sigmund Freud must have danced in Hell... :P ..but yes it's probably true...
Greg Kinnear as the gay artist shines...He dazzled in Little Miss Sunshine and he supports the film brilliantly..I am probably wrong at interpretation but I felt the character of Helen Hunt was attracted to him, despite knowing that he was gay...which is pretty much comprehensible given the fact that the only guy who probably craved for her was a psycho like Jack...
This is really as good as a film on human(and dog) relations and emotions gets.....I simply cannot forget the cute expressions of Verdell the dog.....The cold war between Greg and Jack on the ownership of the dog is probably symbolic..there was a scene I wont forget...jack tells greg that Verdell is more fond of him only because he keeps bacon in his pocket....but the dog retreated to Jack lap even when Greg had the bacon....food and shelter it not at all that matters....We are emotional people and cannot live without communicating in the universal language of love....watch the movie and debate with me... :)
Overall 8/10
Acting 8.5/10
This is a strange film....Its difficult to classify it in genre nevertheless, it brandishes human emotions and shades so fervently that you cannot duck...The frustration of Helen Hunt, a single mother at not having someone who loves her is touching...When she says-"That is why I make Spence(her kid son) hug me more that he wants to", Mr Sigmund Freud must have danced in Hell... :P ..but yes it's probably true...
Greg Kinnear as the gay artist shines...He dazzled in Little Miss Sunshine and he supports the film brilliantly..I am probably wrong at interpretation but I felt the character of Helen Hunt was attracted to him, despite knowing that he was gay...which is pretty much comprehensible given the fact that the only guy who probably craved for her was a psycho like Jack...
This is really as good as a film on human(and dog) relations and emotions gets.....I simply cannot forget the cute expressions of Verdell the dog.....The cold war between Greg and Jack on the ownership of the dog is probably symbolic..there was a scene I wont forget...jack tells greg that Verdell is more fond of him only because he keeps bacon in his pocket....but the dog retreated to Jack lap even when Greg had the bacon....food and shelter it not at all that matters....We are emotional people and cannot live without communicating in the universal language of love....watch the movie and debate with me... :)
Overall 8/10
Acting 8.5/10
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Children of Heaven (Iranian)
After a long long time has some film brought tears to my eyes...No overflowing sentiment, no soap opera blubbering...but a splendid everyday life plot that takes you back to your childhood...Kudos to MM(Majidi-the director)
The film revolves around two kids-Ali and his cute little sister Zahra. They share a little secret which they dont want to blurt out to prevent any try financial trouble to their parents. (I recollected the petty secrets that I shared with my sis :) ) The secret is nothing but the fact they have lost Zahra's shoe and dont want their father to buy one until he gets the new month's salary. ALi's love for his sister and his sobs make him the embodiment of your childhood. Towards the end, when he is crying at having come 1st in a race (he wanted the 3rd position as the 3rd prize was a pair of sneakers) is extremely touching. However the film ends on a happy note.
MM is subtle and the music is aptly matched. Its difficult to find any faults with films of this class. If you havent watched it yet, try to get hold of it as soon as you can. This is an experience you wont want to miss-being transported back to your childhood for one and a half hours.
This will remain among my fav list. It bears a weak resemblance to The Bicycle Thief in the change of human emotions. However this is at the level of a child. But the desperation is apparent in both cases.
Overall 9/10
Direction 9/10
Acting 9/10
The film revolves around two kids-Ali and his cute little sister Zahra. They share a little secret which they dont want to blurt out to prevent any try financial trouble to their parents. (I recollected the petty secrets that I shared with my sis :) ) The secret is nothing but the fact they have lost Zahra's shoe and dont want their father to buy one until he gets the new month's salary. ALi's love for his sister and his sobs make him the embodiment of your childhood. Towards the end, when he is crying at having come 1st in a race (he wanted the 3rd position as the 3rd prize was a pair of sneakers) is extremely touching. However the film ends on a happy note.
MM is subtle and the music is aptly matched. Its difficult to find any faults with films of this class. If you havent watched it yet, try to get hold of it as soon as you can. This is an experience you wont want to miss-being transported back to your childhood for one and a half hours.
This will remain among my fav list. It bears a weak resemblance to The Bicycle Thief in the change of human emotions. However this is at the level of a child. But the desperation is apparent in both cases.
Overall 9/10
Direction 9/10
Acting 9/10
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind
"Blessed are forgetful for they get the better of even their blunders"-Nietzche...this line is probably the very antithesis of the theme of the movie.
Is it really good to have memories erased......a child is like a uniform lump of clay with no impressions....as he/she grows up, various impressions shape it up....however it is these impressions that cause him all the pain that a child is spared of....should such painful impressions be obliterated or be fossilized for eternity?
Pain is nothing but the friction caused due to strong attraction.....the malicious pain tends to shroud the dove of love....it is only when the bond breaks that one realizes what has gone missing.......
This is a excellent movie with an original style....it may be difficult to grasp the proceedings w/o a bit of concentration...but the two hours you spend on this will be worth it.
overall 8/10
acting 8/10
originality 9/10
Is it really good to have memories erased......a child is like a uniform lump of clay with no impressions....as he/she grows up, various impressions shape it up....however it is these impressions that cause him all the pain that a child is spared of....should such painful impressions be obliterated or be fossilized for eternity?
Pain is nothing but the friction caused due to strong attraction.....the malicious pain tends to shroud the dove of love....it is only when the bond breaks that one realizes what has gone missing.......
This is a excellent movie with an original style....it may be difficult to grasp the proceedings w/o a bit of concentration...but the two hours you spend on this will be worth it.
overall 8/10
acting 8/10
originality 9/10
Monday, March 10, 2008
Lost in Translation
Sofia Coppola's venture is one of the unique pieces of cinematography in recent times. Its about depression, yet its hilarious in parts. Crisp editing, symbolism, realistic situations and acting, life like camera movements etc transform the film almost into almost a flawless piece.
Two characters are extremely depressed....in the middle of an alien land(Japan) and lost in translation....nobody to talk to.....This string leads them to develop a bond.....They are akin in many sense..both of them are facing a crisis in their married life....both desperately want to return to their homeland...to stage a 'prison break'...this bond would lead probably nowhere but both of them would cherish it forever and store it in a niche corner of their heart.
You would recede into a gloomy cocoon at the sight of Bill Murray's face, Scarlet's blank stare at the skyline of Tokyo would blow a whiff of the pangs of solitude onto your mind....yet the situational comedy will blast your stomach. Scarlet's smile will change your mood. The conversations with tuned pauses and seemingly idiotic statements will make you forget that this is a film.....need I say more....To convey the sense of depression, the director has shown a scene where the protagonists sit and watch 'La Dolce Vita'-the mother of all films on depression and frustration. In my opinion in that category, Lost in Translation is not far beyond the Vita masterpiece.
Watch this movie sometime. It wont be a waste of your time...
Overall 8/10
Acting 8.5/10
Two characters are extremely depressed....in the middle of an alien land(Japan) and lost in translation....nobody to talk to.....This string leads them to develop a bond.....They are akin in many sense..both of them are facing a crisis in their married life....both desperately want to return to their homeland...to stage a 'prison break'...this bond would lead probably nowhere but both of them would cherish it forever and store it in a niche corner of their heart.
You would recede into a gloomy cocoon at the sight of Bill Murray's face, Scarlet's blank stare at the skyline of Tokyo would blow a whiff of the pangs of solitude onto your mind....yet the situational comedy will blast your stomach. Scarlet's smile will change your mood. The conversations with tuned pauses and seemingly idiotic statements will make you forget that this is a film.....need I say more....To convey the sense of depression, the director has shown a scene where the protagonists sit and watch 'La Dolce Vita'-the mother of all films on depression and frustration. In my opinion in that category, Lost in Translation is not far beyond the Vita masterpiece.
Watch this movie sometime. It wont be a waste of your time...
Overall 8/10
Acting 8.5/10
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Cries and Whispers (Swedish)
A masterpiece. A difficult film. An image of life. A tryst with the pangs of death. A painting of the complexities of life in RED. Thats Bergman.
Its useless reading about this movie. It presents an experience. A visual agony. The whole film is set in a background of red. Perhaps that is a reflection of the sins of the mind- SINS which go against our sense of morality. Elements of sadomasochism, lesbianism, adultery, incest, selfishness, jealousy etc have been sprayed subtly into the film. The self-centred, narcissist attitude of the two sisters, Karin and Maria has distanced them from each other and prevents them from caring for their dying sister. A down to earth maid, devoid of complexities is closer to their dying sister.
This movie is not entertainment. It is too serious. Nevertheless experience it atleast when Man's perennial obsession with death comes to haunt you. The brilliant acting will leave you dumbstruck; the camera with closeups and monotonous RED background will besiege you; the emotional subtleties will ensnare your mind....
Overall 9/10
Acting 9/10
Cinematography 9/10
Its useless reading about this movie. It presents an experience. A visual agony. The whole film is set in a background of red. Perhaps that is a reflection of the sins of the mind- SINS which go against our sense of morality. Elements of sadomasochism, lesbianism, adultery, incest, selfishness, jealousy etc have been sprayed subtly into the film. The self-centred, narcissist attitude of the two sisters, Karin and Maria has distanced them from each other and prevents them from caring for their dying sister. A down to earth maid, devoid of complexities is closer to their dying sister.
This movie is not entertainment. It is too serious. Nevertheless experience it atleast when Man's perennial obsession with death comes to haunt you. The brilliant acting will leave you dumbstruck; the camera with closeups and monotonous RED background will besiege you; the emotional subtleties will ensnare your mind....
Overall 9/10
Acting 9/10
Cinematography 9/10
Monday, January 14, 2008
Taare Zameen Par(2007) (Hindi)
This movie had all the ingredients of being a classic, yet it is not. Immature direction, sloppy editing and bit of concern towards the commercial success in Indian markets barred it from a classic evergreen status.
The movie is about a kid affected with dyslexia. The kid acts so naturally that sometimes one feels if he actually suffers from it....He had a vivid imagination which his peers could never notice..the failure in acads was much more disparaging to them....The film does bring in a point against the rat race-every parent wants toppers in their house...that there cannot be 100 toppers in the same class is of no concern to them....Winning is not all, and all do not have to win the same game.....
Despite a brilliant first half, the film slacks in the 2nd where it becomes more like a conventional Bollywood film with song and dance....The parents of the kid are happy only after he won the painting competition....this contradicted the point the film was apparently tryin to make!!!!! Maybe I am wrong about its notion, but still I hope many of you will agree that the film does return to a more Bollywoodish note in the 2nd half...
there are plenty of flaws in the movie...a 8 yr old kid walks slowly out of the school, the doors are kept open as if only for him!!!!! he walks out aimlessly, how he returns is left for the audience to guess......and then he tells his bro that he had climbed the walls!!!!!! Nikumbh comes in as a arts teacher and sings and dances on benches(I would accept that in a SRK film, but why spoil this good film)... Nikumbh(Amir Khan) tells a bunch of class 3 guys the story of Einstein's relativity, Picasso's Cubism and what not and the children seem to understand everything....wot a bunch of advanced lads!!!!!To talk about its flaws I would bore you....
After all this I recommend every1 to watch this movie....with fewer songs and a better ending and cohesion in the story this was a sure Oscar winner..The kid's acting is brilliant..And all other characters seem realistic...the mind of a dyslexia kid has been very well captured..the lyrics of the scores are haunting.....its a very impressive debut....watch it and you will understand that Bollywood is slowly coming out of its shell..
Overall 7.5/10
Acting 8/10
The movie is about a kid affected with dyslexia. The kid acts so naturally that sometimes one feels if he actually suffers from it....He had a vivid imagination which his peers could never notice..the failure in acads was much more disparaging to them....The film does bring in a point against the rat race-every parent wants toppers in their house...that there cannot be 100 toppers in the same class is of no concern to them....Winning is not all, and all do not have to win the same game.....
Despite a brilliant first half, the film slacks in the 2nd where it becomes more like a conventional Bollywood film with song and dance....The parents of the kid are happy only after he won the painting competition....this contradicted the point the film was apparently tryin to make!!!!! Maybe I am wrong about its notion, but still I hope many of you will agree that the film does return to a more Bollywoodish note in the 2nd half...
there are plenty of flaws in the movie...a 8 yr old kid walks slowly out of the school, the doors are kept open as if only for him!!!!! he walks out aimlessly, how he returns is left for the audience to guess......and then he tells his bro that he had climbed the walls!!!!!! Nikumbh comes in as a arts teacher and sings and dances on benches(I would accept that in a SRK film, but why spoil this good film)... Nikumbh(Amir Khan) tells a bunch of class 3 guys the story of Einstein's relativity, Picasso's Cubism and what not and the children seem to understand everything....wot a bunch of advanced lads!!!!!To talk about its flaws I would bore you....
After all this I recommend every1 to watch this movie....with fewer songs and a better ending and cohesion in the story this was a sure Oscar winner..The kid's acting is brilliant..And all other characters seem realistic...the mind of a dyslexia kid has been very well captured..the lyrics of the scores are haunting.....its a very impressive debut....watch it and you will understand that Bollywood is slowly coming out of its shell..
Overall 7.5/10
Acting 8/10
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Roman Holiday
This movie needs no introduction...It is one of the sweetest movies on celluloid. Its a painting of the colors of life in black and white...
The movie describes the escapades of a youthful spirit embellished in heavy royal drapery. Everything in her life is based on a "schedule"..Nevertheless, her pubescent heart want to break free, to enjoy the life..the movie then moves on a romantic, fairy tale of a news correspondent's tryst with "Her Highness"....In some senses it is the Cindrella's story reversed..... Just as Cindrella had to return back before her shoes gave out, Anne too had to return to the prison of royalty..He sense of duty to her country prevented her from enjoin herself..
Arent we all like that.. We do things that we are supposed to do, but we may not like it....A life in schedule is life confinement within sky high Bastille walls....and to remain within this system and perform our duties we need some escapades, free from the worries of daily life..
Are you still reading my review? what a sucker!!!! go and catch this movie if you havent already....if you have, watch again if you havent thought about all these..
Overall 8/10
Acting 8.5/10
The movie describes the escapades of a youthful spirit embellished in heavy royal drapery. Everything in her life is based on a "schedule"..Nevertheless, her pubescent heart want to break free, to enjoy the life..the movie then moves on a romantic, fairy tale of a news correspondent's tryst with "Her Highness"....In some senses it is the Cindrella's story reversed..... Just as Cindrella had to return back before her shoes gave out, Anne too had to return to the prison of royalty..He sense of duty to her country prevented her from enjoin herself..
Arent we all like that.. We do things that we are supposed to do, but we may not like it....A life in schedule is life confinement within sky high Bastille walls....and to remain within this system and perform our duties we need some escapades, free from the worries of daily life..
Are you still reading my review? what a sucker!!!! go and catch this movie if you havent already....if you have, watch again if you havent thought about all these..
Overall 8/10
Acting 8.5/10
Sunday, January 6, 2008
The Red Shoes
It is poetry set on celluloid. The movie is slow, its about a ballet and the people involved in it, showing both what is on and off stage....
Does this put you off? It may...But if you have some time to 'waste' do watch this movie....often there are situations in life where one has to choose between his/her ambitions and his/her emotions...the protagonist of the movie faces exactly the same situation....
The music score throughout the film is superb. It will surely grasp you unless you are a ROCK.
Its a wonderful 'feel-good' movie...
Overall 8/10
Direction 8/10
Music 9/10
Does this put you off? It may...But if you have some time to 'waste' do watch this movie....often there are situations in life where one has to choose between his/her ambitions and his/her emotions...the protagonist of the movie faces exactly the same situation....
The music score throughout the film is superb. It will surely grasp you unless you are a ROCK.
Its a wonderful 'feel-good' movie...
Overall 8/10
Direction 8/10
Music 9/10
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Main Meri Patni Aur Woh (2005)(Hindi)
Well, dont complain about this film finding a place among all other stalwarts....this is not a classic...However Bollywood has been evolving in the last decade or so....there have been quite a few with an alternative storyline...
The film talks about the universal feeling of insecurity a husband might face if his wife is beautiful...way over what he could have deserved...while the husband has delved deep into a pit filled with the stench of suspicion and sewer of jealousy, the wife, oblivious of everything is happy with her family life....
the story line is simple..but it is a watchable comedy if want to see something light..the music is pleasing and background score appropriate...there might not be much to ponder after the movie is over, but definite the brilliant performances will grip you.
Overall 6/10
acting 7.5/10
The film talks about the universal feeling of insecurity a husband might face if his wife is beautiful...way over what he could have deserved...while the husband has delved deep into a pit filled with the stench of suspicion and sewer of jealousy, the wife, oblivious of everything is happy with her family life....
the story line is simple..but it is a watchable comedy if want to see something light..the music is pleasing and background score appropriate...there might not be much to ponder after the movie is over, but definite the brilliant performances will grip you.
Overall 6/10
acting 7.5/10
Friday, December 28, 2007
Shatranj ke khilari (Hindi/English)
The collection of classic films on this blog was incomplete without an entry from Satyajit Ray...in the league of extraordinary directors...he is probably the only Indian who stands out...
this film is pure art...a flawless piece of art..and it has achieved what none other form of art could probably have done...a complete description of the Indian aristocracy before the Indian revolt of 1857..
The film opens with a chess board and reminds of Bergman's "The Seventh Seal". this movie too is a treatise...
The movie is based on the annexation of Awadh by the East India Company in 1856...the movie is sure to take u back in time...the sets are flawless...Ray used cartoons to depict parts of the film...I think this was the first time such a concept was used in India....
The acting is engrossing...Amjad Khan speaks with his eyes....the movie is just a poetry translated on celluloid...for all cinema lovers this is a must watch...(beware..the pace of the movie is a bit slwo)
Acting 9/10
Direction 9.5/10
Overall 9/10
this film is pure art...a flawless piece of art..and it has achieved what none other form of art could probably have done...a complete description of the Indian aristocracy before the Indian revolt of 1857..
The film opens with a chess board and reminds of Bergman's "The Seventh Seal". this movie too is a treatise...
The movie is based on the annexation of Awadh by the East India Company in 1856...the movie is sure to take u back in time...the sets are flawless...Ray used cartoons to depict parts of the film...I think this was the first time such a concept was used in India....
The acting is engrossing...Amjad Khan speaks with his eyes....the movie is just a poetry translated on celluloid...for all cinema lovers this is a must watch...(beware..the pace of the movie is a bit slwo)
Acting 9/10
Direction 9.5/10
Overall 9/10
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