Immanuel (2013) Poster

(2013)

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7/10
Talks About Calmness, Goodness & Life Drama. ♦ 70%
nairtejas13 July 2013
Mammootty's performance is ballistic compared to his yesteryear films, but Lal Jose has dropped back into limbo. Compared to last year, his movies tell stereotypical stories of which parts are borrowed from elsewhere.

Loosely based on The Pursuit of Happiness, Immanuel tells the story of a family breadwinner who is an ordinary person and tries it hard to make ends meet. It talks about how life should be lived calmly, respite the trouble that God showers upon us. His righteous attitude wins him respect and ultimately he is called the hero. His deeds pay him back and he lives happily ever after. See, the story isn't new. Indeed it is ubiquitous. But, the narration is funny, calm & message-driven. That's why, a humble 7.0/10. Some trivial twists in the plot will stun you for good.

Music & songs are fine, performances are very good. Humor finds itself in the first half while second half is full of melodrama. Cinematography, direction & setup all are loyal. Overall, a good family entertainer.

BOTTOM LINE: Not a must-watch, but an enjoyable experience. Recommended!

Can be watched with a typical Indian family? YES

Profanity/Sex/Nudity: No | Violence: Very Mild | Gore/Smoking: No | Alcohol: Strong | Drugs: No
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7/10
A Solid Film from Mammootty But an Okay Film from Lal Jose
akhilshankrishna4 June 2013
Okay, As we all Know Mammootty had a very bad Run for about a Year with Raining Flops. But with the Starting of this year, From an Okay Kammath and Kammath, His time Might have Changed. Coming to Movie, Immanuel is a Film revolving around a Simple man and His day to Day life problems. After a couple of tries, he lands in an insurance Firm. Coming to the Plot of the Film, it was a Good and was about a relevant subject. But while Watching the Film we feel Immanuels Deeds are not Human and a Wee Bit God Like. Lal Jose who delivered Thought Provoking Films Like Diamond Necklace and Ayalum Njanum Thamil, has Set the Bars up Pretty High. The Fim Does feel too Melodramatic towards the End of the Second Half. Before Going for the Film I knew the Film had Something Special Up its Sleve. Overall, its a Pretty Decent Movie. A good Movie to watch With Family with Some Comedy Elemet Thrown Around.

MY RATING : 7/10
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6/10
A throwback to older (?better) days
vinay_payyapilly9 August 2013
Warning: Spoilers
In Immanuel, Lal Jose ties to take on the subject of insurance fraud and the frustration a common man can feel when faces with a faceless corporation.

While the movie isn't something to rave about, the story-telling is a throw back to the 80s when Mamooty and Mohanlal brought the common man and his trials to the big screen. Mammooty is in his elements, putting in a fine performance as a man caught up in a situation he doesn't really understand. Fahad Faazil is himself. I think we have reached a point where we know that to expect from him. It will be interesting to see how his career pushes on from here. At times you are left wondering why he took up the role where he doesn't really have much to do. Then there is a scene in the end where he walks up to Mamooty and says, "You are my hero." I suspect that scene alone pushed him to take up the role.

A mention must be made of Reenu Mathews who plays Mamooty's wife perfectly. In fact, she was the only surprise package in the movie.

On the flip side, the movie is full of clichéd characters. The driven boss, the scheming colleague, the heartless head choppers, the friendly peon. At no point does any of the characters surprise you. And every twist is predictable.

Lal Jose will never list this among his better works. We have come to expect more from him.

This move falls in the "can watch" category.
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9/10
Immanuel : God Is With Us..
jijoijk16 April 2013
Warning: Spoilers
The meaning of the title is 'GOD IS WITH US'. Also, with this movie. This is a 'pan-common man' parable narrated in the most realistic way. Trailer itself showed the goodness this movie has and that was the reason why I thought of going for this on the 3rd day of release. And I am happy having seen this.

This is the story of an ordinary man facing setbacks in life and how he defends himself trying to keep his small family happy. Though the entire movie can thus be summarized in a single line there are many small things that this movie reminds us through small instances.

It reminds us the importance of being true to one's conscience at least and life is not all about making money. Money should be a part of life, for living : life is most important and money a part of it. Its a reminder for the younger generation to give respect n care for elder people as they have more experiences of life than we have : and we should respect that factor. 'Immanuel' is all about realizing such small things that will make our life a whole lot better.

Just like the script there are many other talented hands behind this movie who deserve an appreciation. Starting off with performances, veteran actress Sukumari was as usual a miracle to watch on screen. Just like the introduction of Immanuel was welcomed with loud applause, this wonderful actress also received respectful applause and her portrayal of 'Khadeejumma' brought tears making us realize again who we lost. Mammooty as the good hearted Immanuel was subtle and was at one of his best in acting. Reenu Mathews as immanuel's wife and the sweet Gauri Shanker as son of Immanuel complemented immanuel's family beautifully.

One common mistake that I have seen in other movies is the selection of a new non-malayali actress cum model and she screwing up the character with acting and poor dialogue delivery. Fortunately director lal jose casted a perfect pair for mammooty in this and it adds to the beauty of the movie. The next brilliant performance comes from Fahad Fazil who performs at an intensity that's on a par with Mammooty. Both of them does their part respectively well without outshining each other. Along with these actors, it was a delight to watch Nedumudi venu , Sunil Sugadha , Ramesh Pisharody, Salim Kumar doing their roles naturally. Music of the differently abled and amazing musician Afzal Yousef was also really good. The church song 'ennod kude..' is my favorite track in this.

There was not even a single dull moment or any dragging in this. Completely loved this. Yes Indeed.

God is with this movie and its entire team.
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