sun-mal Reviews

Pokhar Ke Dunu Paar (2022)

Stunning. Unforgettable.

[9/10 · 21 April 2024]

This is one of the most naturalistic, most beautifully acted film that I saw in a long time. The performances, direction, camera work, everything is stunning to say the least. Every scene is so extremely well acted, it almost feels that the actors are breathing and living this life, it is not a fiction as such. The flow of emotions just carries you through the film. It is so real that it feels dream like at some places - like the woman on the swing - especially. Beyond the couples, the friendships have been shown so beatiful. You can feel for both - Bhalu and Mitthu - in equal measure - but you also can feel for all the other characters as well. Everyone has done a fabulous job.

Irma Vep (2022)

It's beautiful

[8/10 · 24 June 2022]

I think it's a beautiful show. It doesn't have the regular tropes of 'huge drama' but the way it's done - its exquisite, elegantly structured. The comparative shoots from the old silent film to the remake is absolutely stunning, very charming, and aesthetic. The drama between the lead main actor and the director is quite interesting. And the director's own fetish with Irma Vep character - the way he is besotted with her - and how he is trapped in a loop of fascination for years - his sittings with his therapist - are interesting. And the choreographer - and learning of the dance moves by the lead character Mira - very nice. I love it. I do not expect exact 10 star perfection from any show - i have my takeaways - but here very well deserving takeaways. Long takes, dialogues. Nice. But now - for the most interesting part - the sizzling sexual/sensual chemistry between Mira and her ex Lauri - its oomph. This is the binding factor. You can feel it in the air between them. Just three episodes down. I don't know how its going to pan out from here on...

Asako I & II (2018)

Power Of A Single Moment

[8/10 · 13 November 2021]

Perhaps the films is too long drawn. I didn't though wish the pace to be increased only perhaps some scenes to be cut. But coming to the main point, it is an absolutely interesting premise and dilemma and struggle of a heart which got ensnared in a single moment. The moment that occurred between Asaka and Baku on that street when they suddenly turned towards each other. It was the power and the force in that single moment that even Asaka could not get rid of for the longest time. After that moment, they had their time together but extremely shortly lived. But it got so deeply lodged in her heart, that moment and that short-lived time together, that force, that unquenched love, the pain of inexplicable separation dictated her overall demeanor towards Haruyo. She only searched for Baku in him, she just couldn't help it, and it shows in her silences, in her gratitude rather than love. It is only when that mirage, that chase, is broken, when Baku returns, and she gets pulled away by him and she goes with him too easily as if driven by that original force that never really left her, leaving everything behind. But then she realizes who her true love is and that was for Haruyo. It has taken that long for Baku to leave her heart. She becomes free of him, of that shadow, of that force finally. Whatever may Haruyo say, he will eventually come to trust her. As the dialogues in the end suggest a future, the river is filthy, but it's beautiful. Without saying much, it says a lot. The workings of human heart is not in our hands, it has its own flow. Good film.

Sunrise (I) (2014)

What a direction. Cinema at its best.

[9/10 · 25 September 2021]

This is an amazingly directed film, the continuous rains, the rhythmic sound of the car vipers, long drives in search around the city and runs through the rains, it causes a thumping of the heart - reality and projection of the mind all reflected in one seamless and yet interestingly complex story telling. It evokes emotions - of fear, grief, with minimal words but through the visuals and movements. True cinema at its best.

Love Lust and Confusion (2018– )

Amazingly complex journey to finding the self

[7/10 · 15 September 2021]

Don't go by the poor user ratings I feel. This is an amazing series albeit with some flaws that explores love, lust, confusions, misunderstandings, desires, many other such themes that is a rarefied reflections of our times. The actress playing the lead role of Poromo has done a fabulous job of conveying the complex emotions very beautifully, very competently. The atmosphere is rarefied and filtered and too clean and it may lack the complexities that real life scenarios can bring but still it is not like it is flying all over the place and doesn't have its feet firmly on the ground. The direction is effective and simple, not trying to overwhelm you visually and forcibly pull you in but draws you in gently. What the protagonist goes through and her growth in the process is worth a watch.

The second-half of the second season though feels superfluous and over the top and bit too glossy for comfort, trying to attract you with beaches, pool parties etc and all such regular fare. But story gets a bit weird with three guys proposing the lead girl. The other characters including the guys start to become way too secondary. Bringing in Rohan track again after it ended in Kolkatta was a bit boring and forced upon the audience. He shouldn't have been brought again I feel and at least he shouldn't have been dared to propose to Poroma even if he called off his own wedding.

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