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Reviews
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998)
Really Good
KKHH ('Something is Happening') is one film which can touch everyone's lives in some form or another, be it unrequited love, or loss of a parent, or reminiscing with emotions of the past (the latter seen especially in the last song 'Ladki Badi Anjani Hai'). The three protagonists are played by Bollywood's king Shahrukh Khan, Rani Mukerji and the everlasting Kajol, who act as college students (something which has lost its originality in bollywood possibly due to the astounding success of this film). Kajol truly is the star of this film with her capacity to act as the same person but with virtually two different personalities (as she becomes more of an adult in the 2nd half of the film) but still manages to connect the two through her emotions for Shahrukh's character, Rahul. Shahrukh Khan, as expected is amazing in KKHH, as he is in most of his other romantic movies. The passion between SRK and Kajol is evident and very well executed, especially in the scene under the shelter where they dance. Rani Mukerji is highly competent and very suitable as Tina. All be it a very bollywood film, KKHH still has something extra to offer the viewer. It has superb music which still lives on (especially the title song), stellar performances and an interval and ending which will make everybody shed a tear!
Rebecca (1997)
Awesome, an excellent adaptation
I read the book by Daphne Du Maurier, and after loving it so much, I decided to watch this latest adaptation. All I can say is that this is better than what I expected! It can captivate every possible type of viewer with its rich tapestry of ideas and emotions in the underlying plot. Charles Dance as Maxim de Winter surpasses all expectations one might have (and isn't too bad to look at either!). In this version, he portrays Max as more romantic (perhaps more so than other adaptations), something which adds a touch of realism and allows for a different perspective of his character. Emilia Fox as the second Mrs. de Winter is refreshing and plays her character with the perfect amount of insecurity over the haunting presence of Max's first wife, Rebecca. Fox also presents her character as nothing but loving and dedicated towards her much older husband, with passion and romance that helps justify many a scene in this version, presented very aesthetically and with realism. The romance and chemistry between the two lead actors is incredibly convincing and is also very appealing. Dame Diana Rigg as Mrs. Danvers is superb, as she almost shows Mrs. Danvers to be in love with Rebecca, but not in a socially acceptable manner for that era, as well as being a tragic, lost individual who is clearly struggling to let go. Remaining supporting cast of Faye Dunaway as the pleasantly extrovert Mrs. Van Hopper and Jonathan Cake as the wild living, slightly devilish cousin of Rebecca, Jack Favell, are perfectly suited to their respective characters. 'Rebecca' also highlights many social taboos and difficulties experienced by the upper classes of the late 1920's, something which is executed faultlessly in this adaptation, and is also something which helps you to justify why Maxim did what he did (you'll have to see this to understand what I mean!). All in all, it has everything that makes for compelling viewing: murder, social taboo, romance, tears... it is truly awesome!