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Reviews
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... (2001)
Typical Bollywood Trash
As an Indian settled in Australia it never ceases to amaze me how gullible the masses are, to be taken in by a multi studded star cast which promises to deliver big. In reality all it looks for, is to ring the box office register a hundred fold, which is all the filmmakers are hoping to achieve without bothering to delve into screenplay and most importantly , character development. I bought K3G along with some gems of yesteryear like Mili, Anand and Kabhie Kabhie. With great hopes of such a talent filled star cast I was sorely disappointed Take for example a film like "Anand". There is so much emphasis on character development with a sublime plot. The title role is played to perfection by Rajesh Khanna with the others like Amitabh Bachhan and Ramesh Deo providing strong support making this a truly absorbing fare.
K3G fails in most part for its inability to capture the imagination of the viewer. There is always annoying or petty dialogue and the sombre strains of a chorus in the background for almost every scene which I find so stereotyped in the present stock of films being churned out by Bollywood. The saving grace here is Shah Rukh Khan but he is wasted in many parts. The rest like Kareena Kapoor are just blandly following the director's instructions.The ramod stiff Amitabh Bachhan is a shadow of his former self; no charisma whatsoever. Jaya Bachhan is clearly past her prime and should stick to making TV serials for which she is best known for. I was surprised that Kajol with all her talent and acting skills is made to look silly and ridiculous. I give this a 2 possible 3/10
The Nazis: A Warning from History (1997)
A Taut, Gripping Story
"The Wild East-Poland:Innocent Villagers shot to the ground." These are heart wrenching images of an abyss, a Dante's inferno into which the occupied countries under Adolf Hitler, had nosedived ; September 1939- A World War which wiped out entire generations. The Nazis- A Warning from History, is aptly titled and brilliantly cinematographed. Not to mention the absorbing narration by Samual West.Even for a superficial observer this documentary reveals startling evidence into the narcissistic ,brutally anti-semitic & megalomaniac society, the Germans in the 1930s had succumbed to.For amateur documentary filmmakers this is a masterpiece of historical research and candid interviews with former Nazis. Having partly recorded it from TV in 2000, I am yet to obtain the original DVD, which has been released in the U.K. Yet to be marketed in Australia. A must see for those who have followed the events leading to World War II .
Door Ki Awaz (1964)
Great Musical Entertainer
Thoroughly enjoyable romantic movie of the 60's. A great musical entertainer, though lacking in directorial finesse. Saira Banu is excellent in this film. For those who remember the lingering rock & roll of Hindi cinema, reminiscent of songs like "Jaan Pehachan Ho" from the late 60's hit "Gumnaam", this one is a musical delight. The film is more of a family entertainer. Mohammad Rafi's evergreen voice is resplendent with songs like "Hum Bhi Agar Bacche Hote Naam Hamara Hota Babloo Gabloo" evoking fond childhood memories. A must see for all those lovers of romantic Hindi films of yesteryear. Those familiar with the musical genius of O.P. Nayyar will appreciate the maestro's fine use of the harmonium, 'santoor' & guitar.