harjotarora Reviews

Those Happy Years (2013)

Amazing film, a must-see!

[9/10 · 7 September 2013]

Had the opportunity to see this at the world premiere in Toronto (TIFF13) - the film completely surprised me and surpassed my expectations. It's a very character driven film with real-life day-to-day complexities, but the director manages to add plenty of humour in the film to keep it super entertaining. Partially an autobiographical, so the director/writer is reliving his life through the movie but of course many universal elements have been added to attract a wider / mainstream audience. Met the director at TIFF - amazing person. His answers to the q&a were awesome and there is great advice in the movie too, but I don't want to give anything away! I want to see it again. This will be in my top 3 TIFF films for 2013 for sure.

Blue Jasmine (2013)

A Must See, Twice.

[10/10 · 21 August 2013]

First, I love Woddy Allen films. I think there are two categories for his films (Classic and Almost- Classic), Blue Jasmine belongs in the Classic category. Even though it's coined as a drama, the characters in his films practically make it a hybrid of comedy and drama - the film is funny from the opening frame. The highlight of the film is Cate's performance. She must win an Oscar, TIFF is around the corner so I don't know what else is in store but it's going to be fairly difficult to beat her performance. I think I am going next week to see this again because of Cate's beyond perfect performance. Sally Hawkins was fantastic and the script is just so great that everyone gets an opportunity to shine at different points of the film. I am in love with the film. A MUST See, Twice.

10/10

Where Do We Go Now? (2011)

The best film after Incendies

[10/10 · 26 May 2012]

Most of the star cast is unknown, except for the stunning actress/writer/producer, Nadine Labaki. Everyone acted extremely well and gave full justice to the script. The film was dealing with a complex issue, but it was executed in an entertaining and motivating way that made the movie standout. All the sequence of events allowed for enough time to show the challenges women face, and the role women play in keeping piece and maintaining harmony. Concurrently, there was plenty of comic relief that allowed for the film to be entertaining. Despite the several bleak and sad moments, there were plenty of hopeful and cheerful situations that made it an incredible film to watch over and over. It's my top 10, and I think it's worth watching twice.

Amelia (2009)

Hilary's performance was Oscar worthy!

[7/10 · 21 October 2009]

I saw this movie at an advance screening in Toronto, and it was definitely worth it. The audience had mixed reactions, but the Academy will most likely the movie. Everyone is probably familiar with the story of Amelia Earhart, but if you are not, just go an see the movie - Nair has directed it well. You will not be bored in the movie; however, you must like the 'Academy-type' films. It's a drama and a biography so know that going into the cinema. Hilary's performance was mind blowing. She got into the character exceptionally well, and she is definitely an actor of high calibre. I felt that Richard was a miscast. The time frame of the movie was supposed to be set in the 1920s/1930s but it felt like it just happened yesterday. As a viewer, you are looking to be taken back into the time but that's where Nair scored low for me. Overall, it's definitely worth seeing and depending on the rest of the films of 2009, it may or may not get selected for an Oscar nomination. It's hard to tell with this one.

Scheherazade, Tell Me a Story (2009)

A remarkable movie

[9/10 · 15 September 2009]

Had the opportunity to see this movie at TIFF and it was simply remarkable! The stories of all characters were based on real life incidents. The actors were really magnificent in translating the miserable treatment the characters went through in their life. The stories depicted in the film and the overall message suggests that some women could be living in difficult situations in Egypt, and it is extremely disturbing. The stories are of real people living in Egypt and the movie has been playing in Egypt since June. By the nature of the film, it is a controversial one but directed extremely well. Try to see this one - an excellent movie!

Taken (I) (2008)

Excellent!

[8/10 · 22 March 2009]

I saw this film a month ago, and it was an excellent one! I had to take a minute to comment on it. You would probably think that this movie would be a rental but it's worth going to the movies for this one. The story/screenplay is great and really keeps you engaged. I don't want to give away anything, so I'll just say the action and the thrill are the selling points of the movie. The time spent on characters is perfect. It's a great entertainment. The direction/camera/sets/imagery work was simple and could have been more enhanced through the use of cutting edge technology. Nonetheless, it was a great movie. A MUST SEE. 8 out of 10.

Life in a Metro (2007)

A good film!

[8/10 · 20 May 2007]

Firstly, the casting of the film (Shiny Ahuja, Irfan Khan, Kay Kay and Konkona Sen) all are great! Most people have seen Murder - it was well directed so I was expecting something good.

The movie is about these characters mentioned above who are somehow related to each other (work, family, and etc) which certainly helps. There are many characters, many stories going on but the part that makes it easier to understand their feelings or issues in life is that everyone is in a similar boat. Either someone's marriage isn't working, everyone trying to advance in a corporate business world, love is gone between relationships, need someone new for sex or etc (hopefully you get the point) One common theme was loneliness in a big city - things appear to be different from inside - everyone has a secret type of thing. The importance on the society image also plays a vital role.

An important and a key element to this film is the caliber of actors. They all do a great job. Perfect casting! I don't always like Shilpa - but she did a good job as well. Irfan Khan & Konkona Sen really stand out, get ample scope and do deliver.

I like the band and the placement of the background score/songs. When they appear (almost reminds you a bit of there is something about mary (movie) (I think...haha)

The director really captured Mumbai well. Great camera work and the sets - nice ambiance.

Overall a good movie experience. Worth watching once for sure. 8/10

Closer (I) (2004)

WOW! - a perfect film!

[10/10 · 22 May 2005]

I saw this movie a long time ago, but writing about it now. An excellent film. It is probably one of my favorite movies of all time. The movie had some really good things to back it up. First, an excellent story - it was flawless. Second, perfect casting - Jude, Julia, Natalie, and Clieve were just perfect for their roles and it felt like it was they own lives and the role was just tailor made for them! Third - an excellent director - many good stories are not told right simply because of direction; however, in Closee one definitely does not have to worry about that. If you are a type of person that enjoys different types of movies (and I don't mean they have to be Oscar winning - but simply those that have good stories and directed flawlessly and have the perfect casting) Well, then Closer is definitely a MUST SEE!! I was very mad that Closer wasn't even nominated for an Oscar, but at least some of performances were. Last year, I had three favourite films including Sideways, Million Dollar Baby, Closer was definitely my third one!

Raincoat (2004)

Loved the film!

[9/10 · 22 May 2005]

I saw this movie long time ago, but never really got a chance to review it. It is a brilliant film with perfect casting. Clearly, Aishwarys Rai is a very beautiful actress but does not have the greatest acting talent. However, this movie definitely is one she has acted very well in and I think she was perfect for this type of film. The entire movie is basically shot in a room; hence it is a very low budget movie. Subsquently, it may not appeal to the routine movie watchers or those expecting a typical bollywood film...which is changing its dimensions, just slowly. The other central character of the film, Ajay Devgan, is also one of my favourites simply because of his acting calibre, which he clearly demonstrated in this film. With the type of story, the sets, the casting, the costumes, and everything else was just right!!! If you are one those people that like Black, or ever My brother Nikhil, I am preety sure (well at least hoping) that you will enjoy this one as well. A MUST SEE (9 out of 10)

My Brother... Nikhil (2005)

If you liked Black, you'll love this 1!

[10/10 · 26 March 2005]

After "Black", "My Brother Nikhil" is another movie that can be added to the "Must See list" or a collection at home. A great film with outstanding star cast and a brilliant script. The one song in the movie "Le Chale" was really good and is perfectly set in the movie. It is not a movie that will appeal to everyone, but its for those who enjoy differeent kind of cinema. Juhi is a really good actressand must do more movies because she is definitely one of the good ones.Sanjay acted very well as well. Liletter Dubey was just fantastic (she is good in every film). There isn't much I can spoil because the movie is about AIDS and how Juhi helplessly watches her brother die but at the same time but at the same time she is the only one who stands by him. The movie deals with family conflicts, social issues in a different way. A MUST SEE! 10/10