May 2 - Kambakht Ishq - Don't judge. I'm allowed to watch atrocious movies once in a while
May 5 - The secret in their eyes - A 2009 Argentine movie. Won an Oscar for the best foreign language film. I was unaware of such weighty credentials before watching the movie. But after having experienced the magic of such powerful cinema, I can safely call it the best I've seen this year and definitely one of the most compelling onscreen romances ever. On the face of it, the plot's about a legal thriller panning 3 decades, involving a brutal and unresolved rape. That the movie is set in a class ridden, bureaucratic Argentinian society of the 70s adds to the atmosphere. Stylishly directed; as you peel further, the story offers strands of love, humour, hatred, hope, longing, loss and retribution. The romance is achingly unalloyed and ethereal. It is completely to the credit of the makers to have portrayed such raw and complex emotions so sincerely. Ricardo Darin and Soledad Villamil make for a superb lead and are pitch perfect in their performances. It is impossible to remain untouched by this story.
May 11 - Hugo - A visual extravaganza and heartwarming performances. I'd give anything to inhabit such a beautiful Paris. Highly recommended for cinema lovers.
May 12 - Blue Valentine - So, my first Ryan Gosling movie. THE Ryan Gosling. Boy, was I stumped! The next I know, I'm watching his movies in a row for the entire month. This one's a well made film - a distressing story about the dissolution of a relationship. The film is difficult to watch due to its imminent melancholic climax. Yet, it works on several levels, especially the performances.
May 16 - Before the devil knows you're dead - A Sidney Lumet thriller. A one time watch.
May 17 - Drive - Ryan Gosling. Superb music that I've been listening to almost everyday. An intense, stylish thriller which re-enforces the thought that 'still waters run deep'.
May 18 - Lars and the real girl - Yeah, Ryan again. Though I'm yet to watch Half Nelson (a movie which won Gosling an Oscar nomination), this one's my favourite. The movie has such unbelievably generous characters that I wished to meet them in person. If only the world was this kind. You've to see this movie to believe what Ryan is capable of.
May 19 - Ides of March - Ryan Gosling. A political thriller. A decent watch
May 20 - The Notebook - So, apparently this Ryan flick makes women lose all grey cells and act against their better judgement. Well, I hate saccharine filled movies about 'louuvve' and am just not into a Romeo-Juliet kind of saga. So, I found it trash. Don't get me wrong. This one too is about eternal love and the blah, but it just didn't work for me.
May 20 - Crazy, Stupid, Love - I enjoyed this romantic comedy. An uber cool performance by Ryan and an equally funny act by Steve Carell. For those of you who have seen it, I found the "Steve Jobs" scene hilarious.
May 22 - All good things - Tada! Ryan Gosling again. This one's based on a real life incident. I don't have much to say here apart from the usual "Ryan was good".
May 25 - Fracture - A rather boring Ryan movie. Supposedly a thriller.
May 26 - Vicky Donor - An ingenuous plot and neat performances.
May 27 - Keith - A random teen romance I picked which left me pleasantly surprised. Not your run of the mill stories. A different plot with commendable performances by the lead.
May 31 - The Artist - I had a wide smile plastered on my face throughout this one. Every single minute was a pleasure to watch. Every actor, perfect. It takes real skill and bucket loads of audacity to make a B&W, silent movie in this age. With all things doctored and cosmetic around us, The Artist comes an absolute delight and confirms that great stories can still be told simply. And Jean Dujardin - they don't make men like him anymore! What a handsome and expressive face! The tap dance at the end had me mesmerised. But, everything said and done, I'd still have a difficult time deciding the better performer between Juan Dujardin and Uggie. Wouldn't you?
The King's Speech is about the Duke of York, Albert, an heir who is 4th in line to the British throne, after his grandfather, father and brother.
Fate however has different plans for him. The Duke, must take the reins of the Monarchy and be coronated as King George VI.
He must restore public faith in the Monarchy - which had been dipping during the late 1930s and early 1940s.
Through show of courage and perseverance, he must lead his countrymen and keep them hopeful, during the World War II.
Only, there is a minor glitch.
The Duke will do everything in his powers to keep away from the throne.
A chronic stutterer and low on self confidence – he will not jeopardise the fate of his countrymen and make them suffer due to his shortcomings.
How the Duke finally finds his voice and earns his rightful place in history, forms the crux of this movie.
Any adjective I use for The King's Speech will fall short of what I experienced last night, while watching it.
Though I am a cinema lover, it is hard to come by movies that make one's heart soar.
The King's Speech had me choked throughout its running time. And this, I say in a good way.
It is hard to live with a physical/mental/speech defect, harder still to be belittled for it. But what is hardest and even daunting, is to be put under a microscope and be judged for your defects. To remain in the public eye and meet the sympathetic glares of your close confidantes and subjects. To live with a constant feeling of having failed in your duties.
The King's Speech offers many such terrifying moments – moments where you feel one with the King, in his humiliation and loneliness, failure and torment.
Though I could grasp what King George VI must have been through, I just couldn't stop marveling at Colin Firth's portrayal of the distressed King. I wonder which recesses of his mind he must have tapped into, to bring to life such a complex character. At one level, I experienced the King's acute sense of terror in front of a huge audience, yet, at another, I was aware of the unfolding of a very uplifting personal story.
While the entire cast comes up with a commendable act, I choose only to talk about Colin. I do hope he gets to portray meatier roles and moves away from his Darcy image.
As a viewer, The King's Speech will treat you to some rare, poignant cinematic moments; they will stay with you long after the King has made his eloquent speech.
Needless addition, still – Go watch it!
*****
Next in line, Black Swan. Will keep you posted.
My latest recommendation is Groundhog Day.
Just the description of the story (on IMDB) created enough interest to give it a try -
"A weatherman finds himself living the same day over and over again".
Yes, Phil Connors, a weather reporter with a local news channel, takes up an assignment to cover the Groundhog Day celebrations in Pennsylvania. A sarcastic and cynical man, fun begins when Phil realises that he is living in a time loop.
How would you live life if every other day was exactly the same as the previous one - with this sentiment, the movie creates some hilarious moments and shows a very skillful transformation of Phil.
Also I loved the fact that, like in most movies, the protagonist isn't a changed man when the ordeal ends, he is only an improved version of his previous avatar.
Some other subtle messages too here, but I wouldn't want to spoil it for you.
I generally watch two movies back to back. However, this one offered enough funny and sublime moments and I just didn't want to spoil it.
So, go right away and watch this one as a priority !
I watched this Romantic movie (Sunrise) and the sequel (Sunset) a few days back.
Both played on my mind for a long, long time.
Still, I refuse to do a review. I just don't think I can sum up the experience.
I like open ended movies. They give me a chance to guess and have the satisfaction of an ending per my likes.
Yet, as thoughtful as this series was, it was a difficult one too, as a viewer. Watch it to know what I mean.
Before I end, I have to add - Sunset (my favourite between the two), has some of the bestest conversation you will see between a lead pair. Really.
I wonder if Bollywood pairs will ever move to this level. Or do they atleast wish to ? Or, do they atleast understand ??
I have had a chance to watch three of Majid Majidi's movies.
Children of Heaven, Color of Paradise and Baran.
Each, a masterpiece.
Very few directors can take mundane, everyday issues and turn them into meaningful cinema. Majid is very well versed with this.
Children of Heaven essentially is about a pair of lost shoes and the heartburn it brings to a little bro-sis duo.
Color of Paradise on the other hand, traces the life of Mohammed, a blind child.
Baran takes a look at a budding love story set in a war ravaged Afghanistan/Iran.
Now, Children...is really about Children. It's about innocence and kiddy issues, family love and sacrifice. Color...is again truly about a blind boy. It's not heroic nor does it offer any wisdom on how to deal with such a life. Baran is a soft love story, without a word spoken between the protagonists. It's not sleaze that we are fed by Bollywood every year.
I don't think Majid makes movies to preach. He does take up important issues, yet, tweaks them in ways that don't seem overtly academic. In fact, if you don't like to think, the issue might just not surface for you.
What also comes across is the fact that his stories are set, not in New York or Switzerland. He doesn't take much help from our so called "Modern day" technology or film craft. And there are just no eye candy protagonists.
Yet, each of his movies, stands out, for it's unkempt and raw beauty, plot, lovable performances and tender moments.
I could use more adjectives like Pure, Divine, Serene and Delicate. You get the point ?
It is difficult to make movies that are innocent, hopeful and yet heart breaking. Most movie makers mess it up with too much melodrama or an overdose of cynicism.
But Not Majid.
He dishes out fine movies, with heart tugging performances and lots of fodder for thought.
Having said this, let me also warn you, that his style of story telling might not satiate you.
You may want to see the characters smile and rejoice. And mostly, things do end up on a satisfactory note.
Yet, as an audience, you always feel the need for more.
Majid just doesn't give you the pleasure of a closure.
This very quality of film making, makes me love and hate his style at the same time.
I highly recommend Majid Majidi to one and all.
Do let me know if you have had a chance to watch any of his movies. Discussing the nuances of his style of film making would make me happy.
P.S. - If you don't choke/cry while watching his movies, please get back to me. I will refer you to a counsellor.
This isn't a review of Jab We Met. It's way too late for that.
Last night, JWM, was again being featured on a movie channel.
And I, yet again, sat down to watch it !
I think this is the only movie after Andaz Apna Apna and Swades that I might have watched for God knows how many times.
My fixation with the movie is a source of irritation for people at home.
Faaltu ladki, zindagi mai koi kaam nahi bacha kya ki fir se yehi movie dekh rahi hai...? is often muttered by my brother.
So, I will try to dissect what it is about the movie that I can't get enough of it.
I remember watching JWM while in HK. My brother and cousin had watched it in India and thought it was a good time paas and could be enjoyed for its sweet moments.
Even though they recommended it, I wasn't very keen to watch it, primarily because it had two of the most irritating actors of that time ! Yeah, I thought Shahid & Kareena were an irritating couple.
Two factors, Imitiaz Ali and Shahid & Kareena's separation, led me to watch the movie.
Since then, every time I watch the movie, I come back with a new discovery, a nuance missed while watching it on previous occasions.
I love the movie because of :
- The love story. It is not your girl meets boy routine. It's your girl "in love" meets the boy "lost in the battle of love". The most appealing part of the story is that both, Aditya and Geet, do not set out to impress and patau each other. That they see each other with their inherent differences of opinion and yet fall in love is what makes the movie click for me. Both have certain notions of their "perfect" match and yet come to like and respect each other is endearing. Neither character sets out to "change" the other. Accepting each other as they are is what makes JWM a gem. Obviously, that love can be found in the least expected of times and places also makes it a worthwhile watch
- The friendship. That Aditya and Geet start out as friends makes the story more rooted
- The dialogues. The "no frills" and simple dialogues make it easy to connect with the characters. No flowery words, no "chaand taare tod laaunga", no zor zabardasti. In fact, nowhere in the movie does Aditya profess his love to Geet. The undercurrents of romance are what make JWM an exciting experience
- The performances. I was surprised to watch Kareena and Shahid come up with such a spectacular act, despite undergoing their break up pangs while the movie was being shot !
- Aditya. Shahid Kapoor. No doubt that Kareena brought a new life and meaning to the Sardarni's role. The naive and talkative girl from Bhatinda was an instant hit. Yet, Geet is incomplete without Aditya. I was floored by Shahid, in what I can safely call his best performance till date. He has never looked so handsome, smart, sharp, melancholic, cynical, innocent, brave, wise and playful ! I felt bad when Kareena walked away with all accolades for the movie. Shahid deserved an equal treatment
- The "Kutte, Kameene, Keede ki maut marega, Teri Maa Ki...!" scene which remains my favourite till date
- The Chota Sardar who runs to Dadaji every time Geet does anything worth some masala. Such a Chuglikhor bachha !
- The Dada ji who is always ready with "I told you so"... "Hamari umar mai..." dialogues. Just how much fun can it be to have such a Dada Ji around !
- The jerk boyfriend, Anshuman. Remember the scene... "Yeh Launde mujhe Ganne ke Khet dikhana chahte hain...Kyun dekhun mai ganne ke khet, kya hai ganne ke khet main? Nahi dekhne mujhe yeh Ganne ke khet !!" Just how could any girl fall for such an idiot? :D
- The "aa aa aa aa" in the song Tum Se Hi
- The lyrics of Tum Se Hi
- The snow of Shimla/Manali combined in Yeh Ishq Hai
- The authentic use of a Washing Machine in the song Mauja Hi Mauja. Yes, if you observe closely, the Lassi being served to guests is being churned in a washing machine ! This is what is actually done in rural India and Punjab, specifically
- Hotel Decent
- A clean romantic comedy which one can watch anytime one wishes to
The point is, JWM might not be the first of it's kind in the romantic genre.
It is definitely the first of it's kind in being a nice, frothy, authentically made and an understated romantic comedy.
I think Devil Incarnate has opened a Pandora's Box by taking the 100 Qs quiz.
Inspired by her and Sayesha, I am coming up with a Bollywood Poll of -
Your Top 10 "Most Romantic" Flicks.
I shall state my most fave pics here -
- Jab We Met
- Hum Tum
- Parineeta & Tum Bin
- Dil Hai Ki Maanta Nahi
- Lamhe
- Chandni
- Hum Aapke Hain Kaun
- Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge
- Saathiya
There are lots of other love stories that could have made it here like Mohan & Gita (Swades), Karan & Romi (Lakshya), Padosan, Maine Pyar Kiya, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, etc.
However, the list above shows movies that I wouldn't mind watching again and again !
Now, I tag devil , Shoeb (he has got nothing better to do), ARJuna (he hasn't updated his blog in ages), Jebroni (Entrepreneurship ke keede ko thoda aaram dijiye), Ashwini, allthecrap and Namrata !!
Obviously, all others are free to take the quiz. But it's an absolute must for the ones tagged :) !
I love Weekends....They allow me to catch up with Reading and Movies....just the other day "Lakshya" dekh rahi thi....although its an out-and-out Hritik movie...I was mesmerised by Preity's portrayal of Romilla Dutta..this set me thinking about characters that have influenced me...and streaks I can identify with...Herein I list them down at the risk of sounding haughty :-)
Gita (Swades) : A true beauty with brains! Gita treads an unusual path...Being an Ekkisvi Sadi ki ladki doesn't deter her from pursuing a Non-Glam Job - Teaching! She has no qualms about dealing with a non supportive panchayat or doubting villagers...Bandi bas apne mann ka sune jaa rahi hai... She is intelligent, yet innocent; ladaku, yet sharmili; seedhi saadhi, yet with a mind of her own! She can step back and let the "Man" enjoy the limelight...at the same time can rant about "Hatheliyaan sirf mehendi ke liye nahi hoti..." She can be a die-hard romantic and sing "Sawariya.." as well as be detached enough to let her guy chart his destiny. In fact it is this very subtle feminism which scores her brownie points from our hero Mohan.Way to Go Girl!
Romilla Dutta (Lakshya) : Romilla is your quintessential crusader. A woman who is well read, knows her mind and stands up for things she believes in. Her love for Karan is sincere and heart-warming. She isn't bothered by his "lakshya"less life...Rather its his NOT respecting himself that irks her. Agar tum khud ki izzat nahi kar sakte..toh duniya tumhaari kya kadar karegi..this seems to be her logic. The lady is courageous enough to cover wars and tender enough to provide loving support... She believes in walking the talk...Her love for Karan has a "Forever" and an "unconditional" quality which is hard to come by in these times of infidelity.
Naina (Dushman) : This one made an impression on me at a very young age. Naina is a sweet and caring choti behen with a heart of gold. She suffers a cruel blow when her sister is raped and killed mercilessly. Its her transition from a dependent, innocent and vulnerable girl to a tough, independent and valiant woman that interests me. Her story provides immense courage to all females out there to fight their battles bravely...My fav dialogue from the movie is "Aisa kya hai ek mard mai jo tum mai nahi hai Naina?..." Apno ki hifazat karne ke liye yeh bandi kisi bhi musibat ka saamna kar sakti hai....The role resembles that of a Lioness..and a beautiful one at that ! :-)
Sujata (Guru) : I was bowled over by Ash in this movie. Though the movie belongs to Abhishek, Sujata's character had an immense integrity and strength of character. She is no push-over or doormat. She takes pride in what she does and lives life on her own terms. Having said this, she is secure enough to step back and let her man bask in glory. She isn't fooled by the glamour attached to Guru's success. On the contrary, she is her husband's best confidante and worst critic. Its takes inner strength and confidence to deal with ups and downs that are a part and parcel of being a high profile man's wife. Its she who has un-wavering faith in Guru and who nurses him back to good health. "Barso Re.." shall always remain a special song as it gives face to this free-spirited yet traditional woman. Definitely a girl-next-door I can identify with :-)
All these characters I have written about have one common quality - Perseverance ! The "zidd" to chart their lives their way...There is a very fine line between Perseverance and Obstinacy...I hope we all find the difference.
