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Doosara Aadmi (1977)
Rakhi masterpiece!!!
I was always told while growing up that Rakhi is a great actress but for one or the other reason she was never my cup of tea. But I had never seen Doosra Aadmi until now. See it for Rakhi and her portrayal of a Bergman character (understandably bollywoodized but surprisingly sympathetically) as Nisha. Rishi and Neetu never disappoint but this movie is completely a Rakhi (as Nisha) movie. Nisha was certainly ahead of her time (I agree with Rishi's recent Tweet--this movie was way ahead of its time). She is sultry, confident, completely self-aware, and delivers every single dialog with not even eyelash out of place. She communicates her pain, she reminisces the good times but not even for a single moment her performance is one-note (it could have easily been) or sympathy seeking. She does not regret the past but she misses it and she will do all she can to recreate some aspects of it oblivious to evrerything. A very mature and perfectly balanced performance.
Manmarziyaan (2018)
...........a Bergmanasque Masterpiece!!! Perhaps even better than Queen!!!
The story superficially is about a conflicted headstrong girl from a liberal/traditional Bollywood family who is very stubborn, the main problem is that her heart is still immature and vulnerable and lacks confidence in love. But her passion compels her to act ceaselessly and emphatically...creating a complex, heartfelt, and sometimes a hilarious journey. Movie deals mostly with the fluctuating alliances and its consequence on her immediate family (who are a lovely bunch--truly), and different men in her life. She is a passionate and almost a promiscuous character who does believe in living in here and now. Sex is handled relatively casually but not gratuitously (no item songs needed here) and as a healthy part of adult growing-up life. Refreshing for a Bollywood movie. In fact, in one sequence Tapasee's character is shown to have sex with her husband and later with her love interest in a span of 24hrs! There is not only premarital sex but light discussion on the need for Tapasee's characters "...gasm" per day....
This is not a love story. It is about self-discovery that may or may not provide visibility on who one should love. And shown very much from a revealing/enticing/powerful performance from Tapasee.
I also liked Abhishek's performance a lot. Very nuanced and studied. He knows his hand is weak and he is not likely to be a first choice for Tapasee but he is also seasoned and effortlessly admits to anyone that he will never hesitate to take even the slightest chance to go on that magical journey with her if it ever comes his way. A perfect role for him. He shows the resourcefulness to be available at right time, but never forces her to love him. In an almost Homeric fashion he wants her to complete her journey on her own. He is the most consistent character in the whole movie.
All the other supporting actors have done a great job and their suffering due to the chaos caused by Tapasee (who never apologizes of course) is all borne in good spirits. They are not pushovers and Tapasee has to fight for her privileges but they do not emotionally manipulate her either.
Her first love Vicky K is very good and carries his role and character with right amount of zest, weird charisma, and with boy-man enthusiasm. He is less convincing as a rock star/or a band leader --just because he seems too much buffed-up for that sort of role....and also behaves in a sex-crazed but also puppy-like with Tapasee. He shows a beginning of a new character arc in the end and that was impressive.
I do not remember a desi movie exploring the inner journey of a fearless character in such a mesmerizing fashion. This is where Anurag Kashyap is beginning to show his Bergman-like talent for giving right amount of depth to the characters and also explain rationally motivations of each of the characters. There is enough shown about the background of the three leads to give viewers immediate appreciation of their decisions.
Here is an example:
1. Tapasee's character is living with relatives ...her parents have passed away when she was little. She admits (milking the sympathy) to manipulate people (esp. Grandpa) around her but at the same time crying alone in the room. But the point here is not what she says but how she makes her choices. She has accepted the fragility of life and has resolved to fight for her life/passions taking a chance on once in a life time love in a devil may care attitude. I wish they had made this a little more explicit but no doubt it is not a hard jump to make. She is practical, smart, talented and very very selfish about her love.
2. Abhishek is a bit older than both, has lived abroad, and "as he is not a virgin either" he seems to understand a thing or two about what kind of love he wants. He is self-aware and is enough smart to know that even though he has plenty of opportunities and resources to sweep her off her feet --that is not the point. As anything gained like this will also disappear equally quickly and he will be left with an empty marriage. He is not too hard on himself as he is never unrealistic.He has a enough of a heart and can appreciate the that Tapasee is a diamond in the rough but also understands that she has many unresolved issues. And also, just because she makes certain decision does not mean that the has resolved those internally. Even so, he will also fight for himself and will not walk away if Tapasee offers him something. In one suggestive scene Tapasee adorns a hot lingerie and requests him to come to bed. He asks her if she is sure..when she says yes ...he does not hesitate in following her. They both do not waste spontaneous moment even though not all is resolved. Neither she nor any of her love interest(s) seem to want to wait out until she has resolved her emotions when such opportunity presents. Without revealing -----It is eventually such promiscuous behavior by Tapasee that leads to a key moment in the movie and starts a path towards resolution. No wonder her first question to Abhishek was whether he is on "Tinder". Afterall, she met her current bf on "Tinder".
Elements of theme may be similar to some other movies but this movie is about reaching certain convictions on one's own terms and time. "manmarziyan" is just that.
Upgrade (2018)
Light years ahead of the lame Lighsaber fights that we are forced to watch in every star war movie!!
See this movie when it is in the theaters....when I saw it --people were clapping when the credits started rolling in the end...no one was getting away for a quicker exit.
Even with the best sound system and "at will" coffee breaks this cannot be replicated even in the best home theater system. A great appreciation for the artists who took risks and made the movie they wanted to make. more claps!
Entertaining throughout and unusually thought-provoking at climax. It is a great movie. I will not reveal the ending but it was satisfying whether or not a sequel comes along. Good acting and good direction. And the future is shown in a more realistic setting than what we see in typical dystopian sci-fi movies. A smart techno-sci-fi movie!!!
Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
The best science fiction release since Matrix--a true masterpiece!
I saw it for the first time only recently after skipping it for a few months after its release and all the hoopla has quieted down. If I find this movie in an IMAX near me I will go and see it again in a heartbeat-- but that is unlikely and still do not regret it. Marketing surrounding its release may have misaligned expectations that led to somewhat poor word of mouth from puzzled early movie goers. Understandable--this is a hard movie to market--It would have been hard to like this movie (even for many cerebral moviegoers) when expectations were shaped of a typical summer blockbuster that service a transient entertainment. A la generic superhero move entertainment that is so common these days...a sort of fast food experience....you know what you expect, you know the feeling when the movie ends and you know you will forget it in a minute). It you do not get this the reaction is usually negative. And this is from someone who actually thought Thanos focused infinity wars was a much superior movie and as entertaining as the first Iron Man. Anyhow those movies along with many other Marvel/DC releases are (as empty as they are) happen to be cash machines and have their place but they are not in the same league as the BR2049 or the Matrix in my humble opinion.
This movie is a great mystery that develops the character Arc of Gosling's through the movie just as Matrix was about Neo's arc. No spoilers here but it is important to make it clear that there is no similarity in their character. My emphasis is on the "development arc". And therefore in both the movies the payoff is great and it should sustain even when the special effects (eventually) will get dated. This is why Shakespeare is so enduring. It is a drama. The genius of Matrix was that it was about the character of Neo and how he is shaped by and shapes his immediate world and how he becomes aware of his capabilities as the movie progresses through some amazing set pieces. Without going into details/spoilers for others like myself who avoided this masterpiece so far-- suffice to say the Blade Runner is about Goslings discover of himself --who is he really? and Because of the sensitivity of this topic and the higher complexity of his character (compared to Neo) the run time is very much justified (it is ok for one to stop the movie for a day in between if needed as the movie pacing takes time to get used to--it is still enriching). But even when Gosling's character is silent pay attention to his superhuman sense of hearing, ultrafast processing of information, assessing his options and choosing the next step. His actions, small walks in the same scene, mannerisms are anything but random. He is almost so fast that even in physical dangers which are sudden it is hard to rattle him or surprise him. When you follow the movie through his experiences the run time actually feels short. Yes. And unlike Neo there is much less help for him...he has to fight the danger and simultaneously discover himself, process his emotions after the knowledge mostly on his own. Of course Joi serves as his love interest as well as doubles as Lawrence Fishburn-like character that actually hints at his capabilities. Their interaction is genius and the chemistry between the two --laconic Gosling and expressive Joi is something to behold. You buy his love for this virtual marvel. Big credit to both for delivering on this.
Similarly other two unforgettable characters are Luv and Harrison Ford Deckard. Luv is an amazing, ruthless, and certainly fearsome villain. She sells the stakes against Gosling's character effortlessly. Ford's Deckard is an incredible tour de force. He chews up scenery and has not lost any of his charisma...There is a reason Ford is an iconic star--pay attention to his cryptic answer and mannerism when Gosling asks whether the dog is real--- he elevates this simple exchange the only way he can.
There are some flaws as they are bound to be in such a complex enterprise but I think they do not distract from the pleasure of this movie. Slow burn pacing, expert Direction, Cinematography, strong characters along with Goslings laconic moodiness makes this movie a most entertaining experience. Fully recommended.
Mausam (1975)
Gulzar and Sanjeev and a superlative outing by Sharmeela...an unforgettable experience!!!
Enough said.
A successful surgeon visiting his past and never realizing the havoc that was caused in the multiple lives (that he genuinely cared for) due to something that he neglected to do. There was a reason of course, but a superficial one which he recognizes too late. The plot revolves around the life and heartbreaking fate of Chanda and her daughter Kajali due to his self-absorption. In the first half Sanjeev presents a master-class of immense acting...you cry when he cries ( he cries only once) but you also cry when he is hit with a proverbial emotional brick. He totally reveals the complex emotional whiplash that he suffers as the details on Chanda and later Kajali' lives are revealed. The last quarter belongs to Sharmeela in the daugher's role. What she does when she finds out the real identity of Sanjeev ....is extremely impactful and masterfully emoted. That scene makes the movie come together in ways that otherwise would not be possible.
There are some minor flaws that do not impact the plot....not much is revealed about Sanjeev's current life. Also the peripheral characters in Sanjeev's life are given only a weak presentation although the women in Sharmeela's life are given the needed depth. But they do not distract from the powerful emotionality of the movie....
This movie was made more than 40 years ago. It is interesting to think if Bollywood is capable of making this movie again?? possible but perhaps unlikely--and it is not because talents like Sanjeev Kumar may not be available (which may indeed be true)-but primarily that Bollywood "mores" on handling the love stories have changed...watch the movie closely ---and watch what Kajali's only love Kundan does when he loses her. It is a powerful scene in its own right. Would you blame Kundan? How will Gulzar rewrite Chanda's character if he were to write this story today??? same or different?
See it and be amazed.
The Devil's Advocate (1997)
A true gem of 90's...that is now getting its due
Why this movie was never widely appreciated is quite a mystery to me. Must be just ahead of its time. It never got on my radar I had a chance to see it on a rare slow evening ....and it is a stunning, rare experience. If you have not seen it --ignore all the negative reviews--just get ready for a fantastic ride. It is not what you expect but no short-cut in story telling is taken. It is a thinking man's thriller, with an exceptional cast. This movie would not be same without Keanu, Theron, and Pacino. The acting is first-rate and they sell you the story the old-fashioned way. A thrilling ride that pick's up pace and reaches a logical but slightly drawn out conclusion....It is a long movie but it allows for complex theme of evil and how it manipulates the gullible is developed .,...but gullible (s) are not just plain and passive people---they have a complex psyche and their own strengths and reasons. All comes together spectacularly.
The movie is also great visually but it never overwhelms you with dominating special effects. I hope some day the smart folks in Hollywood realize (or develops more faith)--- that the biggest special effect of all is the face, tone, and mannerism of an actor..yes it is called ACTING...so mesmerizing that it make you forget the celluloid screen and you believe and get invested in the character completely. This is why Casablanca can still give you a bittersweet feeling even more than five decades later and any product from (Master) Ingmar Bergman makes thinking during the movie easy and so pleasurable.
Celda 211 (2009)
Not even a B movie....very underwhelming...avoid
I do not get such high praise......Spanish thrillers are generally my favorite even if the production values are underwhelming--they still leave well-resourced but corporate-sequel dependent Hollywood in dust. Spanish directors are masters in what I think of as "onion" thrillers. It is a pleasure when they get it right and each peeling of the onion layer sets up a new playing field.a new stage .where the advantages and disadvantages for each character shift. .And one is constantly wondering about the implications and immerses in the ride. see .....for example the superb recent classics come to mind such as "the hidden face" or "the invisible guest".
Unfortunately this movie is very predictable, sub-B grade movie that actually borders on tragedy/comedy (unintentionally of course). A guy on first day of his job as a cop ends up in the jail riot and to save himself has to hide his identity...the rest is about how he builds alliances, creates tension, and desperately fights to survive. I will not reveal the ending but it feels pointless in the end.....what was it all for???? In one unbelievable scene --no one from the prison guard's office or SWAT team's office can tell the pregnant wife to stay at home not get into rioting crowd??/ how is this possible in the age of cell phones???In contrast, the criminals are actually shown as a more real guys--harmlessly rowdy, but with rational demands -In one scene they actually scold the prison administrators and the government officials for being "rough" on rioting crowd--- and --the leader is shown as noble, sensitive, and generous ? His empathy for the "cop turned inmate" during a tragedy is more sincere than the outside colleagues and his bosses. But even so in some key scenes he is inconsistently gullible and even weak. . while the guards and the prison guard's colleagues are either idiots, ruthless, untrustworthy, or just plain incompetent. They even carry "guilt" expression on their faces as if they are the real villains. all the time. Avoid.
Cien años de perdón (2016)
Too good....watch it!! a thriller for grown-ups
Its a movie about bank heist but it is no ordinary heist--and it is not just guns and fists...and frothy testosterone. The real testosterone is effectively bought out by decisions that people make inside and outside when everything is on line. It is these decisions that keep you glued. Mentally and conceptually. ....it is the dialogues that sets the situation...whether it is past crime, current crime, or future action. Great acting, impressive cast sells it--you don't need special effects to make an immersive movie. Even hostages behave smartly but not too smartly--like real people, and the tension is maintained till the last min. You never know which way the movie will lean. This is something Spanish thrillers have perfected. Hollywood will not make such a movie but should....you can only ride for so long on the comic books and invincible heroes.
As others have pointed out it is not perfect, it has gaps, sometimes big holes, but the world that is created by the director (right down to the atmosphere both inside and outside) makes it come together in an entertaining manner and the twists play out in a methodical manner.
John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017)
sharp, crisp, atmospheric action movie
This is a very good and entertaining action movie and Keanu Reeves carries it effortlessly. Most of the scenes are done the old-fashioned way (sans-CGI) and the movie is better for it. Plot is simple but mercifully it is in straight line with no deviation from the main goal---get back to fun with imaginative action set pieces. The plot elements are clearly described in the trailer so I will not waste space here. One could argue (nitpicking) that the movies sometimes lacks a genuine tension and if there is a follow- up it would be good to see some of this without changing the general tone. Regardless this is high quality action movie--even for non-action movie lovers!
Logan (2017)
terribly overrated and plodding --why was this made??
I was not a big fan of dark knight but I will take that movie any day over this garbage. For god's sake this is a superhero movie---and depth is not achieved by showing devolution of wolverine into a straw man!!! This is a muddled-plodding movie where sacrifices are made by superheroes in such an insignificant way that it makes even the previous wolverine movies irrelevant. Hugh Jackman is a charismatic and talented actor and he was born to play the role of wolverine---but sadly here he is a shell of himself and you cannot wait for movie to end......movie never picks up pace, even though this is supposed to be a road movie....an anticlimactic, unsatisfying ending with confused half-hearted political undertones. Watch at your own risk.