Movies - Review

A Dark Truth

How far will a corporate house go to earn profits, trampling lives and trying to own natural resources, do you think? All the way. That’s what this movie is about. A company which owns water resources in Ecuador, ties up with the military regime, to prevent an activist, played by Whittaker, from rising against this tyrannical control. Andy Garcia, ex-CIA agent is sent there to get Whittaker and his family to US to tell his story. The whistle blower here is the Corporate honcho’s sister.

A well made movie, fast and furious with a positive end and not far from the truth either. When the world seems to be moving towards such corporatisation greed of our natural resources, like water, we will have air branded and sold next and will have to pay up for a puff of oxygen!!

Anna Karenina

Too many things to distract me. The setting was wonderful, as if life was indeed a play and all of us mere players. But this also was its undoing. Aiming to do something novel, director Joe Wright completely forgot about the emotional undercurrents within the characters. There was little build up leading to Anna’s death which I think is the mainstay of the novel. There was too much stress on superficialities. I had certain images of the novel when I read it, and all of them lie cracked after watching this movie. The actors though did their best. But there is only so much you can give on screen.

Yes I do believe, never read a book and then watch its cinematic adaptation.

Movies - Review

Lincoln (English)

Daniel Day Lewis has moved on to become my favourite actor. I really have no way of knowing about Abraham Lincoln’s true mannerisms, but Daniel Day Lewis seemed to bring this charismatic character alive. Focusing on one of the biggest amendments ever made by the American Constitution, the movie successfully brings out the struggles that the man with the power to change history has to undergo. Not only does he have to fight his own battles, he has to outwit his opponents by hook or by crook.

Hitchcock (English)

I have been a fan of Hitchcock’s movies – I mean the whodunit ones. As a youngster, I never really liked Psycho. This movie revolves around the making of Psycho and as this pathbreaking movie gets made, it highlights the married life of the Master of Suspense. Anthony Hopkins was amazing as Hitch (as Alfred Hitchcock was popularly known). As usual, Hopkins remains among the top of the list of my favourite actors.

Inkaar (Hindi)

A little strange. A sexual harassment case is filed by the lady (Chitrangada Singh) on her boss (Arjun Rampal). On both sides though, there is love for each other. There is an enquiry into the matter. Girl decides to sleep with one of the owners to teach the man a lesson (but finally doesn't). Man quits and leaves for his home town with his ailing father. The girl also, it seems, leaves.

Table No. 21 (Hindi)

A tale of Revenge?? No, certainly not. A tale of teaching a lesson? More like it. A twisted theme to deal with the evil of ragging. A father sets out to sort a couple who have been unnecessarily cruel to his son, scarring him for life. The way to this is through a game called Table no. 21 and the tasks assigned to the couple is what brings about the denouement. Paresh Rawal  as usual takes over all the screen space.

Matru Ki Bijli Ka Mandola (Hindi)
Mandola’s daughter Bijli is in love with Matru (and vice versa, of course!!)

Just like the title of the movie, the movie too is a little quirky. I loved Vishal Bharadwaj’s game plan of explaining the exploitation of villagers by the rich and bringing in the Mao Tse Tung element. It’s a simple story with layers and great actors doing a perfect job. Shabana’s role was an interesting one as an out-and-out mean politician. Imran and and Anushka are getting better with each movie. What can I say about Pankaj Kapoor? He has been a favourite since Karamchand!!  

Movies from Hollywood

Saw some of the latest releases from Hollywood.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel: Our home grown directors should learn from this movie. It is not necessary that strapping young men and nubile lasses can give you a box office hit or a good movie. This one was certainly about the path less travelled. Elderly couples seek some diversion, peace and companionship in Rajasthan in a dilapidated hotel. Were they able to find it? You simply must see this one to find out!

Hope Springs: Meryl Streep (my favourite) and Tommy Lee Jones together!! What more would the movie lover require? Does a marriage stay a marriage in the true sense of the term after thirty or forty years? Can we improve it? Watch this...

Life of Pi: I was amazed when I heard that a film was being made on this book. I thought it really could not be broken down into shots and scenes, and what about the plot? Well, Ang Lee proved that it could be done and has done it superbly. The ocean, the tiger and the boy create magic and it is difficult to stay out of its web. A must watch.