dr_araman Reviews

Two Girls from Egypt (2010)

Good presentation but dragging at the end with too many issues in one go.

[8/10 · 18 May 2012]

Egyptian MAIDENS:

Explores the hidden side of life in Egyptian society, in an effort to address one of the most painful issues affecting young women. The first half of the film flows with enough charm and much ease, with the fast moving story line but becomes heavy in the later half, with too many complicated distractions and a sudden and abrupt ending without a clue. The subtitles are painful to read as they get submerged into the white background leaving the viewer to guess most of the dialogues. Overall it is a good presentation but dragging at the end with too many issues in one go and a disappointing finish.

Asrar el-banaat (2001)

a touching tale of a teenager's predicament

[6/10 · 18 May 2012]

A GIRL'S SECRET:

The story of the teenager Yasmeen is a touching tale that leaves a lot of questions unanswered as they relate to a society that finds it uneasy and uncomfortable to handle. The direction, editing, film casting and acting are all complimenting each other to make it a moving presentation on screen. All the actors have done commendable performance and the story just unfolds as if it is happening in front of us,in real life. The only negative aspects that could have been avoided are the unreadable subtitles that get submerged in the white background and the unnecessary and jarring audio tracks that don't go well with the otherwise good movie.

Scheherazade, Tell Me a Story (2009)

a masterpiece among contemporary films

[8/10 · 18 May 2012]

TELL ME A STORY: A rare glimpse in to the life of a TV show hostess, who has the courage of conviction to present the unpleasant truth in spite of bureaucratic opposition and innumerable hurdles. Every case presented by her is a reflection on the skewed social system that is reluctant to address the issues that plague many of its members and she gathers enough strength to refuse to take it lying down any longer. Yousry Nasrallah has proved his capability as a versatile director in telling the story so grippingly using the camera to his full advantage. The climax is brilliant and we leave the theater with the satisfaction of viewing a masterpiece among contemporary films.

Cairo 678 (2010)

A feather in the director's cap

[8/10 · 18 May 2012]

CAIRO 6,7,8:

Mohamed Diab, the director should be congratulated for this gripping presentation of the silent humiliation suffered by Egyptian women and the courage of three women in fighting back against all odds. If Fayza's simple step brings he system to the point of examining its flaws, Seba and Nelly garner the much needed support to provide a platform for the voice of the suffering women. The sound track is excellent and the editing is superb, providing the best support to the clear and commendable cinematography. All the characters have acted so well, it looks as if it is happening in our presence. One of the best films destined to change the perspective of the society in the way it allows such gross injustice to go unpunished. The end is dramatic and deeply touching, adding a feather in the director's cap.

Romantics Anonymous (2010)

sweet chocolates full of fun and soft human touch

[8/10 · 19 April 2012]

ROMANTICS ANONYMOUS:

Chocolates form the basis for this funny movie that brings together a nervous man who owns a chocolate factory and a charming girl who has mastered the art of chocolate making. The unexpected turn of events help them overcome their inhibitions, and in that process they also motivate their team of loyal workers to a glorious win. A nice movie about simple human touch that provides fun filled entertainment. When Hollywood is churning out films with so much of violence and brutality for the sake of entertainment, here is a refreshingly different story that is sure to touch your heart and make you feel good that there are still good directors who are willing to tell something that can be simple and heart warming.

A Touch of Spice (2003)

winning hearts with a pinch of spice

[7/10 · 19 April 2012]

A TOUCH OF SPICE:

Food plays a prominent role in bonding generations and this story of a Greek boy learning the subtle art of 'spice to please' from a tender young age, from his grandfather, is a marvelous piece. The movie is full of scenes that delight us, in spite of the political tensions in the background arising out of a nation in conflict. Istanbul in its lively roadside shops full of life and and the people who fall in love with it are shown in a well knit story that touches the heart and makes us feel sorry for the way circumstances affect those who lead normal lives by moving them far apart due to no fault of theirs. A satisfying movie, well directed and beautifully filmed.

Black Brown White (2011)

colors that blend and hearts that know no borders

[7/10 · 19 April 2012]

BLACK BROWN AND WHITE:

This story of a truck driver who transports a Nigerian woman and her child across the border to Switzerland is a touching tale of human connection and how people manage to help against all odds. Well directed, superbly acted and satisfying narration. Small things like the child's musical instrument come to life through the director's touch. The ending is dramatic and joyful much to the liking of the audience. The subtitles have been done well and carry the story without much strain. Fritz Karl as Don Pedro and Clare-Hope Ashitey as Jackie have done their roles memorably with ease and grace. The child has done remarkably well too.

Man Without a Cell Phone (2010)

a thoroughly enjoyable and heart warming film to the end

[8/10 · 26 December 2011]

A hilarious handling of a situation involving a cell phone tower installation in olive farming village of Palestinian Israel, and the radiation fears that unite people to express their contempt. The youth of the village have their own ideas and priorities of life but they do chip in and make their presence felt on an issue which stirs up emotions leading to a climax that is to be seen to be enjoyed. A thoroughly enjoyable and heart warming film to the end. I love the way the director has given freedom to each character to shine in their part which adds up to a fine viewing experience.

A film that is rewarding in the exploration of the bonding and revival of the human spirit even in difficult circumstances. My rating ( 8.5 out of 10)

The Mirror Never Lies (2011)

captivating from the very first frame

[8/10 · 26 December 2011]

A beautiful setting in the colorful waters and blue skies of the island of Wakatobi, Indonesia, which captivates us from the first frame of the movie which is directed extremely well. The characters of the children have come out as the strongest point in this film, which is about the hard life of the fishing community. There are several stunning scenes and incidents that keep the tempo very interesting right up to the end. The camera work is brilliant. To see the children moving around on wooden platforms leading to their homes on top of water and their effortless navigation on the tiny boats, are a treat to watch and enjoy. This film is definitely a good one to watch with friends and family and no one will come out disappointed.

My rating: (8 out of 10)

A Separation (2011)

definitely worth watching

[26 December 2011]

The movie is so fast moving that before you realize what is going on it takes you to the next unpredictable step. Every character has done a brilliant job and it is to the credit of the director that we don't feel they are acting. Very absorbing and emotional film, with nice camera work and superb editing. The dilemma of the lady who comes to help and look after the aged father with Alzheimers and the tight corner she gets into are brilliantly portrayed. The daughter's questions and concerns take the film to deep levels of empathy and touch an emotional cord. And the end leaves you in awe.

– Definitely worth watching.

My rating: ( 8 out of 10)

Las Acacias (2011)

a lovely tale on the move, with a baby to go.

[8/10 · 23 December 2011]

A simple story that happens in a couple of days but leaves a lasting impression in our mind. The truck driver and the young lady who accompanies him on the trip are both etched in our memory thanks to the baby who plays a silent but enchanting part. Except for the truck's running noise which is a bit uncomfortable to bear almost all through the movie, there is nothing to complain. The direction is superb and the ending is touching. We leave the theater with a sense of satisfaction, of having seen a good movie where all the characters are so natural that we don't realize that they are acting. A movie well crafted and worth seeing.

Va a ser que nadie es perfecto (2006)

imperfect trio - a perfect comedy

[8/10 · 1 November 2010]

very rarely do you get to see a film which makes you laugh every minute and finally come out of the screening still smiling ... this is one. I was unable to contain my laughter at such brilliant combination of physically challenged friends who could pull each other's leg at every opportunity and in that process make their disability lighter. The spare leg in the car and the car towed to be impounded, efforts of the trio to get the car back without paying any penalty are very ingenious and thoroughly enjoyable moments.... just to give an example. After a long time I experienced roaring laughters one after another along with the audience. The director has done a remarkable job of providing a decent comedy without affecting the sensitivity of disabled people, who may even relate to the movie quite comfortably... when thy see it. The editing, casting and music are all a brilliant team work, as much as that of the trio who have put in their best performances. Well done guys.

'n Beetje verliefd (2006)

a lively tale of a tomato growers late life love and the hilarious consequences

[8/10 · 5 April 2009]

This is a movie which one can sit back and enjoy, providing excellent visuals and fun filled episodes that keep us laughing all the way.

The genius of the director is apparent in the way the story unfolds with clever inputs from he young Omar who acts as a guide to his grandpa in matters that make him hesitate to go ahead, in view of his age and his two daughters disapproving of his need for a new lease of life. The tomatoes add a dimension to many scenes and are a welcome change from usual love stories churned out from Hollywood. Some drama is included in the form of the rebellious grandson but he is lovable and provides enough thread to keep the story together until the end where we await in suspense of what is going to happen. You will not be disappointed if you see the movie which is woven among people of different cultures getting integrated with each other without losing their original identities.

Non pensarci (2007)

mismanaged money makes many go nuts but some learn a lesson and live on.

[7/10 · 5 April 2009]

Every actor has done well in this movie and the direction and editing a re complemented by fine cinematography. An enjoyable drama and pleasant ending, despite difficult situations to many characters in the story. the dolphins add a nice break from the seriousness of the storyline and provide a soothing effect. In a surprise move the golf-playing patriarch provides the easy solution to the financial problem plaguing the family business, run by an inefficient team-head who doesn't like doing what needs to be done.

The movie doesn't disappoint us and is a family entertainment with some meaningful dialogue and pleasant outdoor shots. For those fed up with mafia movies and violence from Hollywood mega productions, this is a welcome change.

Ceský sen (2004)

an insight into how we easily fall prey to juicy offers - no matter where we are.

[8/10 · 4 April 2009]

I saw this at ICAF film festival last week and it was something amazingly interesting for a novice attempt by two students of a film institute. The way the ad campaign is prepared is an eye opener for all. It shows how any thing can be sold if dressed up well enough. The reaction of the Czech people is not much different from what I would expect from people in India - the only difference is ... we Indians can relate to it much better , being subjected to such fooling time and again by our corrupt politicians who take people for a ride every election and drop them dead until the next election to be revived again to face the same ordeal....and it is amazing that people don't learn anything at all. They die and get reborn to this stupid game any number of times, as if it is reward enough, by itself! I liked the way the two students owned up at the end and faced the people explaining why they did what they did... and it makes sense that the media is powerful enough to make things happen and by the same token it can also help open up the people's awareness to a level where they can put an end to state sponsored manipulation and duping. Overall it is a nice documentary to watch and learn from. Excellent direction, editing and photography and simple but brilliant plot. I came out much satisfied after seeing it -a film worthwatching.

Naan Kadavul (2009)

a stunning and gripping tale which leaves you speechless

[7/10 · 22 March 2009]

It is indeed a rare movie, full of thought provoking glimpses into the bitter world of shameless and shocking exploitation of innocent kids. Top marks for the director's brilliant story telling and editing. Every scene is gripping and photography takes us completely into it, without irritating zooming shots. Arya has done a commendable job, just merging into the character so well. Bala has cleverly made the children provide subtle humour and down to earth dialogues that fit so well. On the negative side .... the sound track is too jarring in many scenes where the impact of the dialogue is lost in the unnecessary and inappropriate background music. Also the brutal scenes where women and children are being kicked and beaten up could have been avoided, as the story is strong enough even without such gory scenes which make the audience curse the film maker.The only consolation is that the rape scene which is usually a part and parcel of Tamil masala films is totally absent even where we were afraid he was about to introduce one. The end is uncomfortable but not unrealistic. This is not for the man on the street who is looking for racy song sequences and sexy shots, but for mature audiences who can relate to what the director is attempting to explore and expose in an unusual and extraordinary expression that transcends norms. One of the handful that may make it to the best actor and best direction awards and possibly even best editing.