One can't ask for more of the Moore's adaption to a movie, V4V. Director James McTeigue comes with another masterpiece after MATRIX. And Natalie Portman (along with a stellar supporting cast of Stephen Rea), comes out with another brilliant performance after CLOSER. This is a movie about REVOLUTION that might come in future years, but whatever it is, it was a revelation of the 2006 movies. This is the same time as CRASH hit the theaters last year, and I would be surprised if this film is not nominated for OSCARS'07! I won't go into the storyline, as many of comments had already posted a brief outline of the movie. But the essence of the story is: A day is near when common people are going to revolt against the government, someone somewhere is just yet to arrive to hold the torch of the Revolution. The film compares everything, starting from Hitler's attitude to modern day's HITLERs out there (almost in every continent)! It also projects the diseases conquering the world (from Avian Flue, deadly viral disease etc). It reflects the war within us, the war of power-frenzy humans against the weaker ones and against the common people. Essentially the movie relates the saga of human life in the 21st century is the same as it was in 20th century, nothing different, only more sophisticated. A must watch. It left me spellbound, hope it will cast a same effect on you too.
Reviews
12 Reviews
Oliver Twist
(2005)
Tribute to Dickens by Polanskii
15 February 2006
Awesome movie. I am sure, people of all ages enjoyed the movie. Brilliant direction (well, it's Polanski, so there will be no mess), cinematography, acting and film-editing. But to me, the surprise was Ben Kingsley as Fagin. Man, what a stellar role he played in the movie. I can't forget it. He definitely should have been nominated for Osacr in Best Supporting actor role. Never felt the movie was 2hrs (+), as the movie drooled in an artistic yet visualistic way, as Dickens had written this masterpiece. I hope Dickens would have been surely happy (had he been alive; lol) to watch this movie. Great piece of work Polanski, I am a real fan of yours.
The Road Home
(1999)
Beautifully Crafted Film
12 January 2006
From the word go, the movie captivated me. Seldom one sees black and white starters in an opening shot and a story being told. Reminds me of old Italian story telling films of 60s! This is a love story, of rural class, yet it comes up with its feather on! People is US might dream whether this kind of love story s possible, and the answer is "YES". Thanks to the director for bringing such a heart warming love story, which is so scarce nowadays! The color of fall, winter, summer is really captivating. The performances of Zhi (I recently saw Memoirs of Gheisha, she was brilliant) was wonderful as was the actress in older Zhi's role. With sublime musical notes and superfluous storytelling, the film captivates one's heart. Don't miss it, as you don;t get to see this kind of simple love stories again and again.
Parineeta
(2005)
Romance in the back drop of 60's Calcutta
11 October 2005
Warning: Spoilers
I should rate this movie 7.5 overall, but since only INTEGER is allowed I have set my score as 7/10.
Though, there are some occasions, where the movie scores a definite 10/10, all kudos for Vidya Balan. She was remarkable in the film, in fact the best of the actors in the movie. She had to be as whole story was centered with her, so it was very important for the actress to come up to a superlative standard in acting. and oh boy, she made it wonderfully. That's call a finish. Well, she deserves to send few copies of the movie to our so-called Miss Worlds and Miss Indias, who are still trying to stand on one foot in acting. Moreover, she was a remarkable resemblance with yesteryear's Madhavi Mukherjee, the awesome star cast actress of Ray in his movies. She exactly fits in with the Bengali lady, with her eyes, hairs, skin color...this had to be important in keeping with the original novel by Chatterjee! Very well picked up by Vidhu Chopra, and never did it occur she was a débutante!
Shantanu Moitro, really he mesmerized the film score with his wonderful, superfluous and age-balanced music! And when the famous Tagore's song (personally my favorite) played with the piano by Shreya and Sonu, I was lost into oblivion! This shows again, what the oldies can bring in to the glory of a film! And for the one song at Molin Rouge by Sunidhi, was awesome too. It reminded me of the years when we use to spend evenings at Moulin Rouge! No city in India can give the flair, what the famous Park Street has. I think both Shreya and Sonu deserves a National award as best Playback singers!
Vidhu Chopra always came up with wonderful movies, this time with Pradeep Sarkar, the duo showed what Chatterjee's novels depict and deserve, DEVDAS was really poor in standards compared to PARINEETA. The screenplay was very well balanced with the original novel.
Both the actors, Saif and Sanjay deserves accolades, but not a perfect 10/10, like Balan. Sanjay should have been made looked a bit younger and Saif should have been more focused on and more free! Sabyasachi, according to his standards, was under cast in the film.
But all was going perfectly well till the last 15mins arrived! Same old story, everything was again made melodramatic. It seemed to me that everyone associated with the film either lost concentration or was suddenly pulled by the Bollywood-tides! To be best, you can't relax, and a film like this, which was so wonderful till the last 15 minutes, made me feel very sad. That's the reason my score line for the movie dropped to 7.5!
But still a nice movie to watch. Oh, forgot to tell, the romantic (better I should tell Pre-Love making scenes) was wonderful as the expressions of Balan's eyes was mind-blowing! A good movie should have everything in PERFECT! Well done Vinod-ji, waiting for the next release in summer of 2006.
Though, there are some occasions, where the movie scores a definite 10/10, all kudos for Vidya Balan. She was remarkable in the film, in fact the best of the actors in the movie. She had to be as whole story was centered with her, so it was very important for the actress to come up to a superlative standard in acting. and oh boy, she made it wonderfully. That's call a finish. Well, she deserves to send few copies of the movie to our so-called Miss Worlds and Miss Indias, who are still trying to stand on one foot in acting. Moreover, she was a remarkable resemblance with yesteryear's Madhavi Mukherjee, the awesome star cast actress of Ray in his movies. She exactly fits in with the Bengali lady, with her eyes, hairs, skin color...this had to be important in keeping with the original novel by Chatterjee! Very well picked up by Vidhu Chopra, and never did it occur she was a débutante!
Shantanu Moitro, really he mesmerized the film score with his wonderful, superfluous and age-balanced music! And when the famous Tagore's song (personally my favorite) played with the piano by Shreya and Sonu, I was lost into oblivion! This shows again, what the oldies can bring in to the glory of a film! And for the one song at Molin Rouge by Sunidhi, was awesome too. It reminded me of the years when we use to spend evenings at Moulin Rouge! No city in India can give the flair, what the famous Park Street has. I think both Shreya and Sonu deserves a National award as best Playback singers!
Vidhu Chopra always came up with wonderful movies, this time with Pradeep Sarkar, the duo showed what Chatterjee's novels depict and deserve, DEVDAS was really poor in standards compared to PARINEETA. The screenplay was very well balanced with the original novel.
Both the actors, Saif and Sanjay deserves accolades, but not a perfect 10/10, like Balan. Sanjay should have been made looked a bit younger and Saif should have been more focused on and more free! Sabyasachi, according to his standards, was under cast in the film.
But all was going perfectly well till the last 15mins arrived! Same old story, everything was again made melodramatic. It seemed to me that everyone associated with the film either lost concentration or was suddenly pulled by the Bollywood-tides! To be best, you can't relax, and a film like this, which was so wonderful till the last 15 minutes, made me feel very sad. That's the reason my score line for the movie dropped to 7.5!
But still a nice movie to watch. Oh, forgot to tell, the romantic (better I should tell Pre-Love making scenes) was wonderful as the expressions of Balan's eyes was mind-blowing! A good movie should have everything in PERFECT! Well done Vinod-ji, waiting for the next release in summer of 2006.
Mangal Pandey
(2005)
What a SHAME in the name of Indian Revolution!!
17 September 2005
I was surprised, not only to watch the worst movie ever on the first Revolution of India against the East India Company, but also by the Ketan Mehta and Co. for daring to change the course of history. Well, if this is democracy and right to amend the history, what will the children of tomorrow learn from this movie?
Mr. Ketan Mehta should have watched a couple of finest movies on "REVOLUTION". The list should have been THE BATTLE OF ALGIERS, GLORY, or Emir Kusturica's UNDERGROUND.
It seems the director and the screenplay writer tried to build on BRAVEHEART and ROBINHOOD: Prince of Thieves, not concentrating on the portraits of the rebellion or revolution but too much on the romance!
Every country boasts of their movies for the struggle of Independence, and if this the one we have to boast of, it's really a shame!
Where from the character of Rani Mukherjee rise is still an enigma! Are we compelled to bring in romantic songs and dance numbers in a movie which depicts revolution? I doubt the authenticity of the movie script. And it is just that the descendants of Mangal Pandey have files a case against the production of this movie.
If they can relate a prostitute with Mangal Pandey, a day will come when we have to see Mahatma Gandhi as a Calvin Klein model, Lala Lajpat Rai as a drunkard and Subhas Bose as Casanova who goes to bar to dance with bar girls!! Who knows what are other reserves!!
Isn't this a mockery in the name of independence? Democracy doesn't mean you can do anything else, like changing history. This movie really sucks! Mangal Pandey, thank GOD you are not alive to see it by yourself, at least me and my friends (all Indian) could not!
Please, enough is enough, at least Bollywood is good for entertainment, now don't play with the sentiments of Indian Revolution. There are still people alive who fought for the freedom, don't belittle their struggle and pain.
Shame on you Mr. Mehta.
Mr. Ketan Mehta should have watched a couple of finest movies on "REVOLUTION". The list should have been THE BATTLE OF ALGIERS, GLORY, or Emir Kusturica's UNDERGROUND.
It seems the director and the screenplay writer tried to build on BRAVEHEART and ROBINHOOD: Prince of Thieves, not concentrating on the portraits of the rebellion or revolution but too much on the romance!
Every country boasts of their movies for the struggle of Independence, and if this the one we have to boast of, it's really a shame!
Where from the character of Rani Mukherjee rise is still an enigma! Are we compelled to bring in romantic songs and dance numbers in a movie which depicts revolution? I doubt the authenticity of the movie script. And it is just that the descendants of Mangal Pandey have files a case against the production of this movie.
If they can relate a prostitute with Mangal Pandey, a day will come when we have to see Mahatma Gandhi as a Calvin Klein model, Lala Lajpat Rai as a drunkard and Subhas Bose as Casanova who goes to bar to dance with bar girls!! Who knows what are other reserves!!
Isn't this a mockery in the name of independence? Democracy doesn't mean you can do anything else, like changing history. This movie really sucks! Mangal Pandey, thank GOD you are not alive to see it by yourself, at least me and my friends (all Indian) could not!
Please, enough is enough, at least Bollywood is good for entertainment, now don't play with the sentiments of Indian Revolution. There are still people alive who fought for the freedom, don't belittle their struggle and pain.
Shame on you Mr. Mehta.
My Life Without Me
(2003)
Eight Commandments to your Oblivion.
12 August 2005
I am literally spellbound after watching this movie. One can't expect a better movie than this one. Exceptionally brilliant and crisp screenplay, superb performances by all the actors (Sarah Polly, Debbie, Mark Ruffalo, Leonor Watling, Amanda Plummer and Scott Speedman). Besides, the story is so lively, so blatantly truthful and honest, you can't expect any mediocre performances. If this is Isabel Coixet's directional debut for English movie, I wonder in which class would be her next or may be the last one!!
It's really fascinating to come out from the dungeons of our fake lives and lifestyles and peep into our future through Polley's eyes. Imagine you have been told to last for 2months, what would you do, what would you see, eat, drink, enjoy, feel?
The last sunset, the last sunrise, the last snowfall, the birds chirping and making nests, wearing your torn jeans, eating those diabetic ice creams, lying on the street after a drink and watching the night sky....??? A Long List....just as Polley chose for herself the 8 commandments before she dies!
There are so many dreams a human has, some come true some don't, but out lives go on. It goes through every path (staright and crooked) and at the end of the day, you ask, "What did I live for?" "Was it (my life) a worth"? "Any more unaccomplished dreams"? "Any dreams left unfulfilled"? "What more could I have done"? Well, these thoughts do never come in your busy life, unless you retire. Whether it's the last day at school, the last day at your college, the last day at your parents home, the last day of your work or the last day of your life. If we add and sew the bits and pieces of these last moments, out comes the fascinating story 'MY LIFE WITHOUT ME'.
The movie is so natural, because of the story and because of the actors. Seldom has any movie left such a huge impact on thoughts and beliefs and dreams in ourselves, so much so that, after watching the movie you start sketching your life (past, present and future). The movie is unique, sublime to the human facts and dreams and extremely passionate.
Sarah Polley and Mark Ruffalo are and will always be on the top of my actors list, but I will watch out Isabel Coixet too for her next movie. Keep it up, this is called a movie; an art which touches and teaches human heart and soul.
It's really fascinating to come out from the dungeons of our fake lives and lifestyles and peep into our future through Polley's eyes. Imagine you have been told to last for 2months, what would you do, what would you see, eat, drink, enjoy, feel?
The last sunset, the last sunrise, the last snowfall, the birds chirping and making nests, wearing your torn jeans, eating those diabetic ice creams, lying on the street after a drink and watching the night sky....??? A Long List....just as Polley chose for herself the 8 commandments before she dies!
There are so many dreams a human has, some come true some don't, but out lives go on. It goes through every path (staright and crooked) and at the end of the day, you ask, "What did I live for?" "Was it (my life) a worth"? "Any more unaccomplished dreams"? "Any dreams left unfulfilled"? "What more could I have done"? Well, these thoughts do never come in your busy life, unless you retire. Whether it's the last day at school, the last day at your college, the last day at your parents home, the last day of your work or the last day of your life. If we add and sew the bits and pieces of these last moments, out comes the fascinating story 'MY LIFE WITHOUT ME'.
The movie is so natural, because of the story and because of the actors. Seldom has any movie left such a huge impact on thoughts and beliefs and dreams in ourselves, so much so that, after watching the movie you start sketching your life (past, present and future). The movie is unique, sublime to the human facts and dreams and extremely passionate.
Sarah Polley and Mark Ruffalo are and will always be on the top of my actors list, but I will watch out Isabel Coixet too for her next movie. Keep it up, this is called a movie; an art which touches and teaches human heart and soul.
Black
(2005)
Good Movie, but.............!!
30 April 2005
Before commenting on the movie let me give my scores for the actors' performances. Baby Michelle: 6/10, Michelle: 7.5/10, Teacher: 6.5/10, Father: 7.5/10, Mother: 8/10, Michelle's sister: 7.5/10. Screenplay: 7/10, Art Direction: 8.5/10, Cinematography: 9/10, Music: 9/10. Direction: 7/10.
Well, that's the summary of the whole movie BLACK. Good try, from Leela Banshali. But if you ask me about ingenuity, I would rather go for RAINCOAT, by the contemporary film-maker Rituporno Ghosh. Black's weakest character I think was baby Michelle, I was mid-way confused whether I was watching a scary-movie or Hellraiser kind. There was no need to make faces like that (ghost movies) for young Michelle, that was not a blind girl's acting. Till date the best child actress from India was the one who acted in Anjali (my rating-wise).
The strongest part of the movie was cinematography and music score, simply brilliant, and even the art direction too along with few acting performances.
In fact the cameo role by Sen and parents role was superb. Rani's role was very nice, but not a 9/10 role! Amitabh was nice too, but the main fault of the movie, I think was the haphazard screenplay, which effected the overall quality as well as direction of the movie. Despite all its hype in India (may be because it's one of the first times a movie is without songs and all of sentimental flicks here and there), I can't rate this movie at par with Italian, French or Spanish classics. Even not with THE AWAKENING, stellar roles by DeNiro and Williams. This year too Hollywood came up with Finding Neverland, Sideways, Closer; Black doesn't even comes closer to them.
But still, I will rate this movie good, because it is of one of the first and boldest attempts to revolutionize the trash-can Bollywood stories and movies.
For Bansali, "..Still Miles to go before you Sleep..."! Don't work for getting awards, make a nice movie, just 15 steps ahead lies the success (the line taken from your movie)...GRAB IT! In fact, the most intelligent Bollywood movie I have ever seen (not copying from any Hollywood or European movies) is : MOKSHA...though it went flat amidst Indian audiences.
Still I feel, Rituporno's movies are better than Bansali's.
Well, that's the summary of the whole movie BLACK. Good try, from Leela Banshali. But if you ask me about ingenuity, I would rather go for RAINCOAT, by the contemporary film-maker Rituporno Ghosh. Black's weakest character I think was baby Michelle, I was mid-way confused whether I was watching a scary-movie or Hellraiser kind. There was no need to make faces like that (ghost movies) for young Michelle, that was not a blind girl's acting. Till date the best child actress from India was the one who acted in Anjali (my rating-wise).
The strongest part of the movie was cinematography and music score, simply brilliant, and even the art direction too along with few acting performances.
In fact the cameo role by Sen and parents role was superb. Rani's role was very nice, but not a 9/10 role! Amitabh was nice too, but the main fault of the movie, I think was the haphazard screenplay, which effected the overall quality as well as direction of the movie. Despite all its hype in India (may be because it's one of the first times a movie is without songs and all of sentimental flicks here and there), I can't rate this movie at par with Italian, French or Spanish classics. Even not with THE AWAKENING, stellar roles by DeNiro and Williams. This year too Hollywood came up with Finding Neverland, Sideways, Closer; Black doesn't even comes closer to them.
But still, I will rate this movie good, because it is of one of the first and boldest attempts to revolutionize the trash-can Bollywood stories and movies.
For Bansali, "..Still Miles to go before you Sleep..."! Don't work for getting awards, make a nice movie, just 15 steps ahead lies the success (the line taken from your movie)...GRAB IT! In fact, the most intelligent Bollywood movie I have ever seen (not copying from any Hollywood or European movies) is : MOKSHA...though it went flat amidst Indian audiences.
Still I feel, Rituporno's movies are better than Bansali's.
Seventeen Years
(1999)
Wonderful
22 April 2005
Perhaps one of the best (Chinese) movies I have seen in recent years. Very realistic and subtle as well as crisp storyline, cinematography, screenplay as well as direction. Well, may be I understand the situation and the fact of the story better, as I am from India and we (asians) almost have the same community and family values/priority (though different language and culture). It coincides with lots of family wherein, the children are bound to study hard and slipping partiality from parents intrudes on the child who is more obedient and study-bound. These facts might not match with the western children as well as parents.
The brilliant performances on the part of parents as well as the expressions of the prisoner and the prison-captain really captivates ones hearts. The story itself is so powerful on human psychology that the film and the story are pieces of course to study and analyze. This is what we still deserve from Hollywood movies, at least bring some of the burning issues in front of viewers eyes.
I just saw it today and I am simply spellbound; I recommend this film highly. One of the best Chinese movies since Farewell My Concubine. I don't understand really, after having such a wonderful movie why 'House of Flying Daggers' etc are sent for Oscar nominations.
I would give a score of 9/10
The brilliant performances on the part of parents as well as the expressions of the prisoner and the prison-captain really captivates ones hearts. The story itself is so powerful on human psychology that the film and the story are pieces of course to study and analyze. This is what we still deserve from Hollywood movies, at least bring some of the burning issues in front of viewers eyes.
I just saw it today and I am simply spellbound; I recommend this film highly. One of the best Chinese movies since Farewell My Concubine. I don't understand really, after having such a wonderful movie why 'House of Flying Daggers' etc are sent for Oscar nominations.
I would give a score of 9/10
Spanglish
(2004)
Superb Screenplay and Acting
5 April 2005
I recently saw this movie in DVD. When it was released last year, I did not pay heed to this one, as I thought it would be another: (a) Typical slapstick comedy, (b) I don't like Adam Sandler too much (c) I have to read Spanish subtitles for some of the dialogs (as I had seen the trailer earlier)
But....Oh Boy...thank God I had seen this movie. I had been wrong in my decisions very few times, and watching this movie was one such occasion.
Spanglish focuses a very tight yet true storyline, of two cultures. The bit conservative as well as protective culture of a Mexican mom and a reluctant easy-going, rich American family. The cultural as well as lingual difference is majestically portrayed. It also focuses the needs and essentials of tow different cultures.
I can feel this as I am an Indian, and i know, from our childhood how we have been taken care of our parents; and in our eyes we had just one dream: The Princeton-like Dream. Education is/was the first and foremost in society and culture. Even a maid's sibling, if is brilliant, the whole society back his/her education costs. But what we do lack is the knowledge to come our of the protective shield of our parents and be independent. So it's not like the non-American cultures can simply go ga ga ga over their cultures. Both has some pros and cons and we must mix and learn and acquire the best.
Well coming to this film, if we study the film in-depth, you will have all the answers to the questions and you will see one of the finest differences in cultures portrayed in such a nice way.
You can see an American mom and dad, vs the Mexican mom and her struggle to raise her daughter who is growing older. You can see how nicely American children accepts a new kid as friends. But that does not mean all American parents raise their children in the same way or all Mexican, Indian, Chinese etc etc parents are so good parents. There are always exceptions, but director has taken an average family life one from American and the other from a single working Mexican mom.
But I must say, if the cultures were not different, one did not have the chance to reprimand their faults, learn new things, mix with others a societal boost. Well that comes in one part of the movie when, Pas Vega tells Adam that she has never thought that Adam would nor react to her statement. Well as the director has showed the good side of a Mexican woman, he also showed the part on the American father.
Adam Sandler was perfect in the cast, so was Deborah..but my winner for the movie is PAZ VEGA. I saw her earlier movie, SEX and LUCIA where she gave a brilliant cast, and this was her second one. I think she was 10/10 in her character and role playing as a non-English speaking Mexican single working mom.
Guys, if u had not seen this movie because of the same reason as I had skipped, don;t make the mistake. This is a wonderful and exceptional movie. I liked the overall presentation as a letter been sent to Princeton and the story being told thereafter, brilliant idea, acting and ending.
But....Oh Boy...thank God I had seen this movie. I had been wrong in my decisions very few times, and watching this movie was one such occasion.
Spanglish focuses a very tight yet true storyline, of two cultures. The bit conservative as well as protective culture of a Mexican mom and a reluctant easy-going, rich American family. The cultural as well as lingual difference is majestically portrayed. It also focuses the needs and essentials of tow different cultures.
I can feel this as I am an Indian, and i know, from our childhood how we have been taken care of our parents; and in our eyes we had just one dream: The Princeton-like Dream. Education is/was the first and foremost in society and culture. Even a maid's sibling, if is brilliant, the whole society back his/her education costs. But what we do lack is the knowledge to come our of the protective shield of our parents and be independent. So it's not like the non-American cultures can simply go ga ga ga over their cultures. Both has some pros and cons and we must mix and learn and acquire the best.
Well coming to this film, if we study the film in-depth, you will have all the answers to the questions and you will see one of the finest differences in cultures portrayed in such a nice way.
You can see an American mom and dad, vs the Mexican mom and her struggle to raise her daughter who is growing older. You can see how nicely American children accepts a new kid as friends. But that does not mean all American parents raise their children in the same way or all Mexican, Indian, Chinese etc etc parents are so good parents. There are always exceptions, but director has taken an average family life one from American and the other from a single working Mexican mom.
But I must say, if the cultures were not different, one did not have the chance to reprimand their faults, learn new things, mix with others a societal boost. Well that comes in one part of the movie when, Pas Vega tells Adam that she has never thought that Adam would nor react to her statement. Well as the director has showed the good side of a Mexican woman, he also showed the part on the American father.
Adam Sandler was perfect in the cast, so was Deborah..but my winner for the movie is PAZ VEGA. I saw her earlier movie, SEX and LUCIA where she gave a brilliant cast, and this was her second one. I think she was 10/10 in her character and role playing as a non-English speaking Mexican single working mom.
Guys, if u had not seen this movie because of the same reason as I had skipped, don;t make the mistake. This is a wonderful and exceptional movie. I liked the overall presentation as a letter been sent to Princeton and the story being told thereafter, brilliant idea, acting and ending.
Under the Sun
(1998)
Wonderful romantic movie
19 July 2004
I saw the movie recently, as I was looking for a new taste of movies outside the French, Spanish, Italian or German ones. I adore European movies very much, and so I deliberately picked it up from the blockbuster store. After watching the brilliant performance of Rolf Lassgård as well as Helena Bergström, I have no doubt that a true romantic movie was nominated for Oscar foreign film category. The camera-work, Celtic music, photography, the location and obviously the acting was simply brilliant. It is really a must see movie and all credits to the director as he has brought up such a nice movie out of a simple story which still possesses the rustiness of a Swedish village. Rarely one can see such a nice romantic presentation of movie based on such a common topic. It could not have been done more better. I am a bit surprised why it was rated "R", there are many Hollywood movies which are much "R" rated and bogus. Isn't a bit of ill-fated skepticism on the Swedish movie? I think it's time to learn for the h'wood "dumbs" how to make romantic movies in a presentable way without explicit scenes and come out of the viscous circle of the sci-fi, thriller, murder, horror plots.
Do watch it if you have not, a must see for your family and it reckons 10/10!!
Do watch it if you have not, a must see for your family and it reckons 10/10!!
Pretty boring and the same scrappy Bollywood style...
10 July 2004
I would rate this movie 5.5/10. Well to start with, I should be impartial if I want to give marks. In some aspects the movie was good (photography, camera work, actors roles etc.) but in others this was a disappointing movie. Same old Bollywood style with length that bored me a lot (3.5 hrs!!) and scores of songs. Traditionally, these songs never come out from the actors or actresses voices, all dubbed!! The movie that won an Oscar that year (No Man's Land) was really a must-watch, even Amelie (the contender for that year's Oscar) was brilliant in terms of conception and ingenuinity. One does not have to spend a million bucks to carry a movie to human hearts and the sole example was No Man's Land. Lagaan, truly speaking, doesn't even etch by the Oscar winner or even Amelie, I feel it was lucky to be drawn in the final six as a nominee. And speaking about the Indian Oscar nominations; I was pretty surprised that instead of choosing Mr. and Mrs. Iyer, the Indian government chose another scrap a year later, the result: Indian movie never got past. Even they could have selected Mira Nair's "Monsoon Wedding", a wonderful movie, much better than Lagaan.
There should not be any false sentimental feelings that Lagaan missed the Oscar by whisker, in fact in terms of cinematic standards, it stands no where near the past winners, e.g. Cinema Paradiso, Il Postino, Life is Beautiful, The Seven Samurai etc etc. Am I true? You may differ, you have every right to, but the fact is Bollywood has three versions of movies, the most boring and dilapidated love and romantic movies, or the gangster movies or the age old police-thief-politician story. One wonders when the time will come for the age old Bollywood directors to present the truth and the real. And I am pretty sure they will never send Bavhum for Oscar, instead send movies like Jeans or Devdas...much of the similie of Indian politics here too!! My real query is if India really boasts of being a secular, democratic and multi-lingual country (this is the only country which boasts of having more than 33 different languages, besides the Hindi), then why not send the regional movies which are miles ahead in terms of direction, art, cinematography and story? If there is a rule of sending only the Hindi movies for Oscar, then why falsify and overstate the word, "multilingual country"??? India would have won a film Oscar years ago if they had chosen to send movies of the regional languages (especially from Bengal, Tamilnadu and Kerala).
There should not be any false sentimental feelings that Lagaan missed the Oscar by whisker, in fact in terms of cinematic standards, it stands no where near the past winners, e.g. Cinema Paradiso, Il Postino, Life is Beautiful, The Seven Samurai etc etc. Am I true? You may differ, you have every right to, but the fact is Bollywood has three versions of movies, the most boring and dilapidated love and romantic movies, or the gangster movies or the age old police-thief-politician story. One wonders when the time will come for the age old Bollywood directors to present the truth and the real. And I am pretty sure they will never send Bavhum for Oscar, instead send movies like Jeans or Devdas...much of the similie of Indian politics here too!! My real query is if India really boasts of being a secular, democratic and multi-lingual country (this is the only country which boasts of having more than 33 different languages, besides the Hindi), then why not send the regional movies which are miles ahead in terms of direction, art, cinematography and story? If there is a rule of sending only the Hindi movies for Oscar, then why falsify and overstate the word, "multilingual country"??? India would have won a film Oscar years ago if they had chosen to send movies of the regional languages (especially from Bengal, Tamilnadu and Kerala).
Pather Panchali
(1955)
Brilliance of a brilliant story teller...
10 July 2004
10/10... arguably the best ever Indian movie. I don't like to repeat on the statements which my fellow reviewers have already expressed. What more you can say of this movie..a masterpiece, oh no!! I think you have to term a word which is more superlative than "superlative". It's a pity the year "Pather Panchali" was released there was no Oscar category for foreign language films, otherwise, India would have won one, of course, if the Indian government had chose to send this above the bollywood movies.
I liked one of the comments of the reviewers, if Hollywood is 'dumb' then bollywood is 'dumber'. Really speaking, I doubt if anyone in India can ever cross the brilliance of this film, hailed as a masterpiece! At least tell me any B'wood films which even comes half close, not even the over rated "Lagaan"!! This movie and of course, other Ray's movies are intelligent, real and visualistic art. So what are the b'wood ones: tissue papers....and the worst part of it is years after years these "dumber" movies have been sent for Oscar nominations incessantly! Time to grow up b'wood, isn't it?? And what the foreigners see?? The scraps of the traditional bollywood "dumber" movies; what they miss: the excellence of the regional Indian movies!! Hey, are you listening Bollywood??
I liked one of the comments of the reviewers, if Hollywood is 'dumb' then bollywood is 'dumber'. Really speaking, I doubt if anyone in India can ever cross the brilliance of this film, hailed as a masterpiece! At least tell me any B'wood films which even comes half close, not even the over rated "Lagaan"!! This movie and of course, other Ray's movies are intelligent, real and visualistic art. So what are the b'wood ones: tissue papers....and the worst part of it is years after years these "dumber" movies have been sent for Oscar nominations incessantly! Time to grow up b'wood, isn't it?? And what the foreigners see?? The scraps of the traditional bollywood "dumber" movies; what they miss: the excellence of the regional Indian movies!! Hey, are you listening Bollywood??
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