imdbfriend's Reviews

Burnt by the Sun (1994)

9/10

Thankyou! Nikita Mikhalkov, Great Movie.

27 October 2008

Burnt by the sun is one of those rare movies which take the viewers by complete surprise by the time it enters climax scenes. For more than first half of the movie we see a highly decorated Russian officer in his summer house with his family spending his day off in bath, beaches, playing football, dancing. During this time, an unexpected guest arrive in the house but then soon we know who he is and how he is connected to this house (although we don't know why he is there) and we again are lost in a lazy summer day in Russia listening to stories, songs, dancing. Then as we move on story starts to unfold before us and we are for a shock, especially last ten minutes, which for me, was one of the most powerful and harsh realization of history on cinema ever. It completely took me off guard after watching movie till that point, although there was this element that something is gonna happen, but I by no means expected this.

As a viewer, I was lost for most part with so much peace around and little interference of the government in the movie that I forget not just what period it is set in, but the place too, as we are use to seeing the kind of Russian life during revolution and war times which is nothing but tragic. I guess movie did it part in not just portraying troubled soviet history but very convincingly showed us that even though people might have done bad deeds but during those period it was safe that way for them and their family. For them it was all about survival,living was secondary, but I can only guess as in current time I don't have to worry about survival but I worry about living. I sincerely salute every soul who lived through that sad period of history.

Acting wise all actors were good but I must admit the little Nadya was amazing as the daughter of Nikita Mikhalkov colonel's daughter (she is his real life daughter) and she impresses us with her innocence, cuteness and boldness at times with elders (not rudeness, its just innocence of a child) throughout the movie. The scenes between Nadya and her father are one of the best aspects of the movie. Direction is top class. Music suits to the mood of the movie.

Highly Recommended!!

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12 (2007)

9/10

'12 Angry Men' met in Russiaand I am glad

27 October 2008

Warning: Spoilers

First and foremost the movie is 'almost' a remake (loose remake) of English classic 12 angry men, both dealing with 12 jurors attempting to make a judgment of teenager's fate with the limited information they have. This is the 3rd version of 12 angry men including original that I have seen and liked it equally; the other one is "Ek Ruka Hua Faisla" from India. I used 'almost' earlier because in this Russian version it's the politics/war (Chechnya-Russia relations) in the backdrop and also the ending is twisted to a certain extent. Now that being said, I will only talk about this movie here but do keep in mind that many points will actually apply to original one too (both pros and cons).

The plot involves 12 jurors attempting to make an important decision on Chechnya teenager charged with the murder of his Russian step father. The jurors are accommodated in school gym, which for me was one of the major pros and works so well with the script, as the actors got some props like piano, soccer ball, wheel chair, weights and which are all used at one point or other to great success. Also the huge space allows the actors free movement around the gym, to reconstruct the crime scene based on floor plans, plus one of the best scene in the movie would not have been possible if not for the space.

Pros: The characters are well defined, everyone gets chance to explain their situation and find relevance to the case, or why their vote is swinging from guilty to not guilty and so forth. The actors performing their respective characters are very believable. The film moves at a good pace and at times explodes out with some great acting. One of such scene is when a cab driver explains "what if" scenario to producer sitting on a wheel chair, it is as good as it gets and the actors performing this are in top form. The use of wheelchair, gym instruments, soccer ball and space just makes it even more worth watching. Then there is a scene where doctor starts dancing with the knife is again top quality. There are other scenes too which are equally good and wonderfully played by all the actors. Dialogues are at times really witty (esp. when taxi driver talks about his new girlfriend), dramatic, and emotional at times. Nikita Mikhalkov is at the top of his game, direction wise. Then there is a little twist towards the end which makes movie even good.

Cons: The only con with the movie is the way jurors come to the decision which is solely based on the guess work and their better judgments of character and people. But again it is already made clear to us that the defense lawyer didn't present the case with great enthusiasm, so eventually all the jurors reasoning actually makes sense to us, even though not supported by actual evidence. But then in the end we know for fact that the boy is indeed innocent, and we can finally sigh, good work jurors!!

You might really enjoy 12 even if either you haven't seen 12 Angry Men, or if you did watch English classic and don't fall in comparison trap. I enjoyed and liked both these movies!

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Righteous Kill (2008)

7/10

Watch,Only if you want to see the Giants!!!

7 October 2008

Certainly not the best platform for seasoned powerhouse performers Pacino and De Niro, but hey seeing these two together is in itself a treat, no matter what. Although the plot was not that bad at all and neither was the treatment but then not a kind of movie for these two giants to meet. I must also admit if it was not for these actors I wouldn't have bothered myself in watching this movie. OK, so my comment so far doesn't justify my rating. But I have a good reason for spending valuable 7 on this movie: Screen presence of Niro and Pacino (Duh!!)

Both actors got chance to show some of their usual character traits they are famous for, dark side, shouting, swearing. My God they still got it, they are still as hungry as before and yes they are old and it shows on their body but I mean common, just throw them right script, and right team.

Plot was interesting with a good twist, but again not any special.

Good attempt by director with occasional use of some witty dialogs.

Overall it was entertaining, even more so to see these two performers together.

I would not recommend it unless you want to see Niro and Pacino in action together.

Sorry guys for very bias comment, but can't help. I just wish to see these two greats together in one movie which will be a pure treat to movie fans. I am not sure if that will happen anytime now, but still have to start somewhere so here's a wish.

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Throne of Blood (1957)

9/10

Japan Cinema Meets English Playwright here!!!!

7 October 2008

Warning: Spoilers

Yet another Kurosawa movie for ages!! Throne of Blood is masterly adaptation of Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' and is skillfully crafted movie in its own.

The story is that of a man's greedy nature and his rise and fall in the power.

Kurosawa the master as he was, selected a royal subject and molded it magnificently in the medieval Japan settings with the help of his writers and actors. The casting couldn't have got any better than this, especially Toshirô Mifune in the central role; he is a class act as Washizu whose soul gets poisoned under the influence of his ambitious wife and takes disastrous steps to become the emperor but eventually his guilt gets the better of him and by the end looses everything that he once stood for, his emperor, dear friend, and his life. Mifune smoothly ease into his character and very ably expresses Washizu's sense of surprises, fear, power, betrayal, friendship and everything that the character demands. He was extremely talented and in some of the scenes (which are very hard for me to describe in few words) he displays that talent magnificently. He again proved why he was such a favorite of Kurosawa and together with him created so many wonderful movies. Other actors too did a good job in their respective portrayals and support the central character well.

To sum up, the movie is just the result one should expect when two of the worlds supreme talent (Kurosawa and Shakespeare) meets with one of the finest actor of Japan.

Recommended to anyone interested in Kurosawa, Mifune, Shakespeare or class movies.

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Battleship Potemkin (1925)

9/10

Resonant Classic of Silent Era!!

6 October 2008

This movie, I must say, exceeded all my expectations that I had developed after reading and listening so much about it from critics and reviewers. I am once again very glad to have tried this silent era classic (other being 'Man with a Movie Camera' another gem). The movie is about the mutiny in the ship Potemkin that in turn grew and reached the lands and probably played some part in Russian Revolution. The movie may not be politically correct and some scenes may have got the facts wrong but nonetheless to watch it as a neutral viewer and cinema lover satisfies me to great extent.

The movie starts with the sailors protesting at having to eat rotten meat and then depicts the sailor's mutiny against the officers and in the process sailors leader gets killed. The leader body is then brought to the land (Odessa) where as the news spread of his bravery and the mutiny on the ship, huge crowd draws to pay their respect and mourn on his death. As the demonstration increase on the Odessa Steps, Tsar Soldiers massacre the crowd (apparently this is fiction) and then finally we see other forces (squadron) joining battleship sailors in their revolution. One of the finest and famous scenes in the movie is in the Odessa Steps when a child is killed by the soldiers and crowd runs all over him and then his mother holds her sons dead body and goes to the soldiers where even she is fired at and dies eventually. Other heart wrenching scene is when a child on a crib falls down the stairs after the baby's mother is killed. There are other scenes too which are really good and well handled both visual and emotion wise. Now I know why Eisenstein is regarded as one of the greatest directors of all time because of his revolutionary vision and work in Cinema.

I would rate this movie 9/10, the only reason being the movie kind of slips in the last 5 minutes or so where it succeeds in creating good tension between Battleship and Squadron but then it ends little too soon, I was little disappointed then and probably one or two more scene/detail on that would have been great. Other than that I would definitely call it "One of the Great Masterpiece of Cinema".

I would strongly recommend this to anyone who is interested in watching silent era movies.

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Man with a Movie Camera (1929)

10/10

Helluva Ride!!!

6 October 2008

Man with a movie camera, is in one word "amazing". I was little laid back before watching since I was totally aware of the facts that this masterpiece (read in many articles) was made in late 1920's, is a silent cinema, is a documentary. But once I started watching, none of those facts bothered me and by the end I was totally lost in that period. The movie is simple; it's a documentary of the City life and it takes viewers on a ride of the City through dawn to dusk of 1920's era, and its one helluva ride. The cameraman who we see throughout the movie running around the city with his camera is a very courageous man for all the ways he applies in putting his camera at locations is amazing, dangerous at times. We see him on a running train engine, under the railway tracks and what not, but we actually don't see any of his shots but rather shots of him shooting, seeing his shots would have been cooler but its cool as it is. The editing is too good, each scenes move so fast and their transitions are just amazing. The overall result is truly a revolutionary work and all thanks to Dziga Vertov (director) and Mikhail Kaufman (cinematographer). Now I know what typical Russian city looked like, worked like in 1920's. I have seen the machinery, the men, women, children, theaters, beaches, sports, factories, roads, and much more just a little closer. Again the documentary just depicts the life of the City and its machinery, but not the people's sufferings, political uprisings and all.

Don't neglect to watch this movie just because it's old and silent, as you may be pleasantly surprised as I am after watching it.

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Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)

10/10

Trust Newman-Redford to deliver.....with Extremely Beautiful photography.

20 August 2008

This is one of the most entertaining and satisfying westerns of all time. There are many factors which works wonder in favor of this movie. Among them:

1. The biggest plus point for this movie to be what it is, is the casting of Newman, Redford and Ross. Apart from the obvious declaration that screen chemistry between Newman-Redford is one of the best of all times, chemistry between Newman-Ross and Redford-Ross are some of the other highlights of the movie. Especially, Newman-Ross scene where they ride in a bicycle is pure joy to watch with the background musical score. Not to mention each scene where Newman and Redford share together are some of the finest moment's cinema lover could ask for.

2.The other major selling point of this movie is that it doesn't have the usual elements of most other westerns which are there all the times i.e., needless bloodshed/ revenge plot/ gun tricks and so on. So this way it was a complete different viewing experience for me and I enjoyed it a lot. Hero here is not interested in taking revenges, he is not very thrilled by the prospect of killing, and he knows the odds against him when there are many villains involved. And yet he does the things westerners do, like robbing trains, loving women, and killing when utmost necessary.

3. Other major factor is the Cinematography. I won't be exaggerating when I suggest that this is the foremost beautiful movie to be photographed, ever! The picturesque landscapes, the white flowing river and everything from day-night to train to houses to people are all so meticulously captured on the camera and with such beautiful, smooth colors that I am totally amazed by this work. Hats off to Conrad Hall for his marvelous efforts.

4. Background music is really good, especially in the bicycle scene and in general throughout the movie. It is very different from music so often related to westerns.

5. Direction is superb, dialogs are smart and witty.

I have tried to cover all the pluses that came to my mind, but still feel I missed some although some on purpose because if I start writing on those it will take more time for me to finish this comment. Especially particular scenes of Newman-Redford but all of them are so good, full of wit, that it won't be fair to comment only on some. So if you have or will watch the movie then you might know what task I have here to write about some of them. Overall, one of the finest westerns of all time, and yet so different from most other films of this genre.

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Tokyo Story (1953)

10/10

Life is disappointing, but not this movie!

19 August 2008

The film tells the story of aged parents visiting their children in Tokyo and depicts the treatment they receive from them on the visit. The beauty of the movie lies in its simplicity, be it the story itself or the storytelling style of the legendary Ozu, or the acting by the cast members who all draws a very thin line between acting/ reality and most of the time their performance are on the side of reality. It is very easy here to see the treatment of the children as they grow old towards their aging parents, yet barring few scenes we don't see children as villains but rather persons with their own family, work, and life in big city and very less time to take care of their parents. Few scenes towards the end actually clears all the air of confusion in our mind in taking children as villain and we all get to know their traits and there's nothing but hate left in us for them. Throughout the movie we also see the fine daughter-in law of these old couple and what a Good Samaritan she is treating her in laws as her own parents even after the death of her husband. Direction by Ozu is brilliant and I instantly became fan and just waiting for the opportunity to explore some other movies of this master of cinema. Overall, I would say this is one of the simplest yet powerful and best pictures of all time. The movie though more than half century old still owns significance in present time. A must see.

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The Deer Hunter (1978)

10/10

Good War Movie!!

14 July 2008

The long wait is finally over for me and I can't believe it took me so long to watch this masterpiece especially this being Robert De Niro's movie and who is my all time favorite American actor. Acting needless to say is high class and not just from ever formidable De Niro but from other cast too but worth mentioning here is Christopher Walken in one of his best roles ever and he totally deserved the Oscar for that part. I can't believe other filmmakers failed to utilize his talent in much deserved bigger and challenging roles throughout his illustrious career. Nonetheless De Niro's and Walken's performances are one for the ages. Direction by Michael Cimino is excellent and I read in some other reviewers comment, him being a one movie wonder and me too haven't heard about him for any other movies, but will definitely try to catch his other work to conclude. There are many reasons for why I loved this movie, some of them being: 1. the introduction sequences for all the characters and their lives which takes about one hour of the movie time and sets the right mood for the later parts of the movie. 2. Deer hunting scene 3. Less importance to the war sequences but rather to the psyche of the soldiers. 4. Russian roulette sequences, 5. Ending sequence where everyone gathers around the table, and many more scenes that keep with the pace of the movie. Overall I would say 3 hrs well spent on the weekend.

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Doctor Zhivago (1965)

10/10

One of David Leans Best Epic

17 June 2008

I watched this movie before and rated it 8/10, the reason might have been it was almost 2:00am and I was sleepy and blamed it on the movie. But when I re-watched it again this time in the morning hours I quickly realized my mistake and changed my vote to 10/10 and felt bad for putting a blame on this masterpiece of cinema and David Lean in particular. I earlier watched David Leans other creation Lawrence of Arabia and I must admit I didn't really like it that much as other critics have praised it. The difference in these movies for me is LOA being an epic story of a single man with run time of over 3 hours which at times make you feel bored whereas DZ is an epic story of not just a man (although he is a central figure); it is a depiction of a tumultuous history of Russia in early 20th century while revolving around the life of Dr. Zhivago in it, which makes you excited all the time as you are not following one man but following a country through different times. In a nutshell, the story is that Dr. Zhivago is a poet, an efficient doctor, very respectful among the countrymen, and although happily married is in love with another woman who was once married to another man. Story takes us from the early beginning of Russian revolution to the WW I, to the death of Tsar, and to the rise of Stalin in power. All that period in Russia was one of the most bloody one and extremely troublesome for the people in it. All this is shown in a flashback as Zhivago's brother (an army officer) tells all this to one woman who he thinks is a lost daughter of his brother with the woman he was in love with and wrote poetry about, Lara. Coming to acting Omar Sharif as Dr. Zhivago is very well cast, he does good justice to his role, Julie Christie as Lara is wonderful, and she looked amazingly beautiful throughout the movie and now I know why Al Pacino called her as the 'most poetic of all actresses'. Other actors too are well cast and do full justices to their parts. Direction, needless to say is brilliant by the Legend Lean. Cinematography is beautiful depicting a good visualization of Russian landscape and few scenes especially the train one when Zhivago and his family are going to Ural, and the place they stay in there after are all beautifully captured. Music too blends well with the story. Everything else related are all very good. Watch the movie irrespective of the length of it; you will be surprised by the beauty of it. Other recommendations from me if you liked this movie and which also deals with some characters in the movie but takes us through certain period of time of that country, and they are 1. Siberiade and 2. Andrei Rublyov.

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Bicycle Thieves (1948)

9/10

Neorealist cinema at its best!

10 May 2008

A beautiful neorealist film brilliantly depicting the extremely difficult economical and moral conditions of Italy immediately after WWII using a plot as simple as possible and yet so close to everyday life of a normal poor man. The movies starts with a man getting a job which requires him to have a bicycle (bike) and then shows us how he and his wife get one immediately from the repair shop and then as the title suggest his cycle gets stolen on the very first day of his job. He and his son are then out looking for a thief and bicycle without any luck and then finally we see the efforts in desperation of an unemployed man, father, and a family man trying to survive in the world. The whole time I watched the movie I felt as if I was feeling the pain, anger, desperation of our main actor as my own, the acting, direction and the overall movie was that excellent. The actors playing Antonio and his son are amazing and have excelled in their roles. The father-son combination is really good and their scenes steal the show altogether (be it in their home cleaning the bicycle, going together for work, looking for lost cycle and the final scene is simply moving). Also the photography and direction is top class. It's a wonderful experience going back in time and knowing what countries (especially the ones badly hit by war) was like after WW II and the depression, pain and agony of people living in them and What extreme measures they were forced to take to just survive.

Overall I would rate this wonderful Italian movie 9/10.

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Andrei Rublev (1966)

10/10

Simplicity without flourish!

10 May 2008

The more I explore Tarkovsky the more I get confused. No, don't take me wrong, I get confused in which movie of his should be my favorite. Ivan, Solaris, Stalker all were 9/10 that is I simply loved all those, but after watching this I have to rate this as 11/10 and my favorite AK's creation but it doesn't seem very real as all his other movies (so far I have seen) are all simply beautiful. AK's movies are the link between me and Russia, as I am not Russian and don't even know their language, culture or even country very well. So after watching his work it seems to me as if I am getting closer to the country and everything about it. It's an amazing experience for me as a viewer and a person.

Now talking about Rublev, this movie is rather than a story of Rublev is a story of his times, times he lived in. Turbulent times that Russia in general went through as he lived in it as a painter. I think this is a major point why this movie is so good and works so well. The photography is amazing each frame of the movie is actually as if a work of painter, background score is too good blends very well with the scenes, acting too is good especially the main central role. He makes you feel his problems, worries, soul search all as real. Coming to direction it is undoubtedly one of the best works of Tarkovsky and I wonder why this movie is not listed in any of the top 100 movies of all time as a matter of fact any other Tarkovsky's movies. Each frame of the movie is picture perfect right from the opening scene when a man is trying to fly in the hot balloon to the end when the bell is tolled perfectly to the great art work of Tarkovsky in real. The movie has all the Tarkovsky's signature element in them, beautiful use of earth elements air, water and fire to the great effect as well his soul searching, God related questions, answers, explanation and all. Also most important point for many movie goers who criticize him for his slow paced movies, this one is very different from his other movies, even though it's long but not for a single second you will feel bored as it is not slow paced and keeps you engaged in the story. Rating: 11/10. I cannot wait to explore his other movies.

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In the Valley of Elah (2007)

8/10

8/10...

5 May 2008

First, I feel really bad for not watching this movie any earlier especially last year when it was released because after watching this I consider myself in the same category of numerous people who missed this movie and the reason it received such a cold response. I feel sad for being in that category. This movie definitely deserved more than it received from audiences, critics and awards. It deals with not the war but the effect of war especially Iraq war which at times feels absolute senseless more so after being dragged for more than 5 years now killing numerous US soldiers and Iraqi civilians. So this movie is about the father who along with the help of another detective search for his son's killer. As the movie progresses it shows how the US soldiers in order to cope up with the unnecessary war , heat, desert and worst human conditions in Iraq war takes to drugs, selfish act, killing of civilians for fun or out of fear, harassing other humans and what not. Then at the end when it is revealed how the Soldier (Lee Jones son) was killed in US rather than feeling pain against the killer he himself knows that his son got what he deserved. But then the question we have to ponder about is what that necessary, the war especially for this long? Tommy Lee Jones is first rate as a father who lost his son, as a retired officer, soldier himself. He emotes his feeling perfectly the way required. Now Charlize Theron is awesome in yet another pivotal role and I feel bad that she didn't receive the kind of accolades she deserved for this one and she at least deserved a nomination for Oscar as a best supporting actress. She is very good in a role of a woman officer in a male dominated office, working out her emotions well taking the harassment from fellow officers, and then later as a detective in which she not so good, and as a single mother caring for her son. Other cast is good too although Susan Sarandon is in a very small role but she was good too. This movie is worth watching. I will give it 8/10.

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There Will Be Blood (2007)

9/10

Shot at Greatness!

22 April 2008

This movie is absolute masterpiece in terms of story, direction, screenplay, cinematography, background music and acting. Daniel Day Lewis has yet again delivered a packed powerhouse performance. Firstly, Anderson has made a gem of a movie. Anderson's story telling style is quite unique; he doesn't rely completely on dialogs but rather on camera movements capturing the characters emotions and expressions. This style of story telling might make one bore with the movie but believe me not his movie. He knows his trade very well. I have only seen his other movie 'Magnolia' which I liked too but in this movie he excels not just himself but many other filmmakers of this generation too. He definitely seems a director to rely on delivering master pieces. Now, coming to the main man movie belongs too, i.e., Daniel Day Lewis, is undoubtedly the most talented actors of our generations and this movie only strengthen his place further among one of the greatest actors of all time. He portrayed "Plainview" so perfectly that I cannot even begin to imagine some other actor playing this role the way he did. Watch the intensity with which he delivers his dialogs, intensity when he is digging for oil, when he is protecting his kid and almost every frame he is in is a shot of greatness, how competitive he is, how chilling he is. Other actors too are good, especially Lewis Kid (as a child), Elli the preacher. I don't want to reveal anything here why Lewis is superb here; why direction is superb here, as to mention those I need to describe some specific scenes and moments in the movie that with the help of the director, and Lewis who takes them to the extreme height of perfection and superiority and which might not give you a full satisfaction of seeing those for the first time in the movie and I don't want to take any such moments away from you. So it would be in your best interest that you watch the movie and decide yourself why these gentlemen's were so amazing in TWBB and why the movie is a masterpiece. Just Watch it.!!!!! To quote Plainview: I am finished.

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The Other Boleyn Girl (2008)

7/10

If you want to! Watch it for Natalie Portman

19 April 2008

Just watched this movie and must say I was disappointed by the treatment to this royal subject. This subject required more screen time than under 2 hrs as after the movie the feeling you are left with is there should have been more, more in detailed. But apart from less details in the story, acting is superb and especially by Portman. Natalie Portman definitely deserves praises and awards for her depiction of 'Anne', she is simply brilliant. Her portrayal of the Other Boleyn Girl gives her everything, every space to show off her skill as an actress and she does that with complete authority. Scarlett too is good in her role, and so are other actors. Again among another negative aspect of the movie in Eric Bana, he is a very good actor but he had nothing to do in this movie and also for me he wasn't at his best either and at any time didn't feel like he is the King of England, he lacked that authority. But watch this movie if you want to, only for Natalie Portman, she not just looks good throughout the movie her acting is wonderful too.

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Friends (1994–2004)

9/10

Laugh out Loud!

17 April 2008

F- Funny R- Rare I- Intelligent E- Extremely Entertaining N- No Not normal fun. Hysterical fun D- Droll on your floor by laughter S- Seriously, funniest ever

One of the finest series ever.

Actors are exceptional, and so is the writing.

Allow six friends to rock your world with their life, friendship, love, happiness, sadness, and laughter. Believe me, You won't regret it for a second. Although I must warn you it is highly infectious.

They'll be there for you when you need a good laugh.

100 out of 10.

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The Shop on Main Street (1965)

9/10

For our senses!

17 April 2008

Obchod na korze is a story of a simple man in a complex times. The time I am talking about is the WW II period when Hitler was exterminating Jews from Europe. This movie although not dealing much with the scenes from Jews struggle depicts a powerful story which shows us how some European civilians were with Hitler and how they helped him in his mission. Again this movie doesn't show all this as a main plot but indirectly like how the villagers submissively throws Jews out, takes their stores, and how they talk. This all gives us a little peak at the psyche of the people at that time but the movie doesn't overbear itself with such psychic and doesn't turn into a melodramatic, tissue grabber one, but depicts one man who is simple, not with any complications and who is not Jew takes into a Jewish old woman's store but with the help of others keep the old lady working in the store by not letting other anti-Jew know about the situation. I won't reveal much here but the movie is brilliant, and the actors are really good, especially the main male lead and the old woman in the store. This is not entertainer as the time it deals with is by no means entertaining but only horrifying and yet director, writers did their best in making this movie with a light humorous nature of the characters especially in their depiction of the Tono and Lautman. So you will laugh at times, feel bad at times, think about that period most of the time and then eventually you might cry at the end. This movie is that good. Watch it for your senses.

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The Seventh Seal (1957)

10/10

Bergman! Bergman!

15 April 2008

Bergman along with Andrei Tarkovsky is among few selected directors who engage themselves and the audiences in the deeper search of the soul, meaning of life, being human, and truth and this all through the medium of films and which for them are extreme form of art. In Bergman's own words "No form of art goes beyond ordinary consciousness as film does, straight to our emotions, deep into the twilight room of the soul". Through his art he made many thought provoking movies and The Seventh Seal is one supreme example among others. It is a movie about a knight who plays chess with the death king in order to avoid his own death and win life instead. The setting is medieval Sweden hit by the severe plague. So the knight sees death all around him and takes into a journey with his squire Jöns to get answers about God and life. He comes across some people like circus group and finds out how they are dealing with death and life, and witch all of them helping him in some way in his quest. In some way he even helps some to survive the death over them. The dialog's in the movie are really good, thought provoking which engages us in our own journey for answers about god and life, if not for long at least for some duration after the movie ends. I like many dialog's but the one I really love is the one when Jöns tell at almost end of the movie and is "But feel, to the very end, the triumph of being alive." Everything about the movie is very good be it acting, script, music, dialog's but Bergman's direction is astounding. This Bergman classic is a must watch for anyone wanting to enjoy art in its best form.

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Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears (1980)

9/10

Worth Watching At least Once!

15 April 2008

This movie is not likable by everyone, although I loved it. There is not much to this movie if we compare it with fast paced action, thriller of Hollywood or intense drama, but instead this is a simple movie of three women friends in general or more specifically of Katerina who is a hard working women, then successful women, unmarried mother and raises her well too. So this movie starts with the friendship of three women characters then shows how their lives are changed when two gets married and other didn't as she got pregnant and her boyfriend left her and then goes to their later stage of lives when they are not young any more and how their lives have changed. In short, I can say it is kind of character study from start to end (as characters grow at every segment of the movie like in the beginning they are in hostel having fun, partying and all, working, then get married, become mother and then later stage when one is successful but not that lucky in love, other lucky in love others having mixed life). Acting by the main character is very good and believable as fun loving girl, traditional at times, working women (working in factory with men's and even better at her job than others, she even repairs the machines), mother, and at the end lover. Other casts too are good and works well. Direction is good too. I think the reason for me liking this movie is its simplicity, in the story, the way it is presented; in down to earth characters one someone can relate to easily. So if you like such movies then you might like this one. Watch it.

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Seven Samurai (1954)

10/10

Watch!!!

15 April 2008

This is my first exposure to Kurosawa's work and has become a huge fan since and already watched some of his movies. So if you are not familiar with the work of this Master Director then start with this movie and if you already are a fan then this is a must watch, re-watch. Numerous movies have been made in the line with this subject and some of them are really good too but this Japanese masterpiece which was made more than 50 years ago, is still a treat to watch for many moviegoers. The story revolves around a village which is frequently attacked by forty some bandits which makes the village to hire seven samurai's (fighters) to save them from the attacks. Movie then deals with how the samurai are hired one by one and then how they prepare for the fight with bandits and their work in the village. It also depicts the suffering of the villagers and samurai too at the same time as they are out of work. AK's direction is superior, camera work is excellent, screenplay is tight and the acting by most of the actors are good but the stand out performances were by Takashi Shimura as the leader of the samurai and Toshiro Mifune as a samurai who acts as mad man and fools around all the time. These two actors are among the best Japanese actors and have worked in many movies with Kurosawa. Nothing more I can add about this movie which is not already discussed by someone or have been repeated in some other movie, so I would just say grab this movie and watch it, don't go by the length of the movie, as you will enjoy it very much if you are into foreign movies, or even otherwise it's a good watch. 10/10.

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Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

10/10

Sunshine!

15 April 2008

Eternal Sunshine is one of the most intelligent, romantic comedy movies ever made. Any kind of praise will not be enough for this movie as for me everything related to this movie is just perfect, be it acting, directing, screenplay, music, dialog's, cinematography and everything else. Acting by Kate Winslet is one of the best and she is one of my fav actresses and this movie made me enjoy her acting even much more than ever. Jim Carrey too is perfect in his role, though I am not a big fan of his earlier movies but I was simply flattened by his acting in this one. Both the actors are at their witty best, sensible, and all. I love Charlie Kauffman's script and this one is just way ahead of all his other movies, he is one of the best script writers present in the industry. Direction by Gondry is top notch, the techniques he uses in the movie and the way movie is presented is just too good. Music too is very good and hits the right notes with the scenes all the time. Dialogues in the movie are witty, sensible, and intelligent. It will be a crime if I don't mention the supporting casts in the movie (Dunst, Ruffalo, Wilkinson, and Elijah) all are very good in their roles and done full justice in the movie. I love movie from the start to the end but I do have few of my favorite scenes and they are: 1. When Joel and Clementine meets for the first time at the beginning of the movie. The chemistry is just too good. 2. When Joel and Clementine goes to the ice lake in the night. 3. When Mary tells the quotations to Howard in Joel's home, the quotations, her recital of these, the background music and then the parade are all just awesome. And many many more scenes involving Joel and Clementine are too good. So if you haven't already then do watch this movie and before writing it off try to get into the movie mood and enjoy it. As many of my friends didn't get it for the first time and forgot to enjoy this masterpiece. Give it a fair chance.

"How Happy is the blameless vestal's lot! The world forgetting, by the world forgot. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind! Each pray'r accepted, and each wish resign'd."

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Downfall (2004)

9/10

Downfall of Hitler!! Rise of the Cinema and Bruno Ganz!!

14 April 2008

This movie belongs to Bruno Ganz for depicting the title role of Hitler, and believe me it is one of the best acting in a biographical role I have ever seen on screen. Maria Lara as Hitler's secretary too is very well depicted role and the story is from her point the way she sees Hitler in his final days. Acting from others too is very good, direction is excellent, music score is good, and camera work too is top notch. I didn't understand how to react to this movie after first viewing, should I be sympathetic to the characters or should I be happy for the end, as WWII and atrocities of Hitler is the worst in the history as far as my knowledge goes, but I will say this that I was stunned by the movie 100%. It is that good. The effort by the team of this movie must be applauded for there amazing work and bringing history closer to us in the movie in a best form possible. Watch it if you like the subject of war, knowing more about Hitler and his last days. Or just watch to see the amazing work of Bruno Ganz.

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Cinema Paradiso (1988)

10/10

Come Fall in Love with Cinema! Again!

14 April 2008

Cinema Paradiso is a cinema must for everyone who wants to fall in love with movies or re-ignite their lost passion. A movie about movies cannot get any better than this masterpiece in every sense of word. Simple characters build around a theater only source of entertainment for people in a small province of Italy during WW II period, and a love story of main character first with movies, then with a girl, is simply beautiful, especially the passion of the kid with movies, is simply astounding. Another relationship depicted in the movie that of Toto and Alfredo is beautifully developed and equally well played by actors (3 played Toto, kid, young and mature old). The Kid artist who played Toto is amazing and played the role with equal panache as does the Alfredo. Other various artists are good in their roles, well suited. Music is very good and blends with every scene very well. Direction is superb and the photography too is top-notch, dialog's too are very well written. Watching crowd in the theater watching cinema is a pleasure moment for me as a viewer, it takes me back to old days when I use to enjoy a movie so much in theater, now its usually on TV, DVD, theater magic is not like that anymore. 10/10, must watch, irrespective of foreign language. I myself don't know any Italian and yet enjoy these movies completely. I, a passionate fan of Cinema sees no boundary in languages.

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Ballad of a Soldier (1959)

10/10

Strikingly Beautiful Cinema

14 April 2008

Ballad of a soldier is a story of a Russian soldier and of his three day break from the war front which he has been granted (for his bravery) to visit his mother in hometown. There is something really beautiful about this movie that attracted me most. The story though very simple and common it is told in a most humble way (Just for instance the reason soldier want a break from war to visit his mother is to take care of the leaking roof that she wrote about in a letter), possibly very few movies are this strikingly simple. This soldier's journey is filled with fun, laughter, love, humanity and much more all beautifully balanced with scenes from war in the backdrop. Acting wise the lead actor is brilliant, his mother too in a small role ably depicted the longing for his son, and the actress (love interest for our hero) is good too, and she looks beautiful throughout. Direction is good; cinematography too is very good capturing the beautiful landscape of Russia well.

Although this is a war movie, not much of the war is depicted as in "Saving Private Ryan", neither is it "The Deer hunter" kind movie depicting the affects of the war on people but nonetheless for me it is a powerful and moving war movie with very human touch to it. Any moviegoer interested in quality cinema must see this.

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Stalker (1979)

9/10

Not Just For Entertainment

12 April 2008

Thats right, most movies are made to entertain, but not Andrei Tarkovsky's movies. His movies are the highest form of art, and not everyone can appreciate it, his movies are not fast paced, or very romantic or filled with comedy but his movies takes you to places where very few directors take you (Kurosawa, Bergman among few) a place where you begin to look for answers, truth, soul. This movie is no different than AK's other movies, The movie is about aliens, zone but you wont see anything which is usually expected in this genre, like too much make up, cool gadgets, aliens and what not..but instead here these are just in the background for three mens to search their souls, find the true meaning of life and being human. Direction is top class,cinematography is top notch and acting is good too. See this movie not with much expectation for entertainment but to see some highest form of art in cinema and just be amazed by the supreme art by the Tarkovsky.

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