My Left Foot (1989) Ratings: Genre 4.5/5 | Overall 4/5

Deeply moving and flawlessly performed My Left Foot is a brilliant portrayal of human courage and capacity of mind beyond physical ability. This true story based on the life of Christy Brown who was a writer and a painter that was born with Cerebral palsy a syndrome causes severe disability. His left foot being the only limb he has control of Christy lived a full life defeating the odds and becoming one of the most respected individual of the time. This movie from its start to the very end is highly enjoyable though it has many moments of pain embedded. The joy of it is no doubt the success that Christy achieves but there are equally heartwarming and wonderful moments of what a truly loving family can offer as well. Christie’s dreams wouldn’t have become a success without the support he got from his family, especially his mother. 

Though performances of characters with disabilities is nothing new to the movies My Left Foot brings in one of the most challenging of roles to light. Christy is portrayed by Daniel Day Lewis and the acting is staggering. While Daniel obviously received the Oscar for best performance for this movie (And he is the only actor who has won 3 Oscar’s in the best actor category) I don’t want to forget the child actor who does Christie’s child hood part as well. Because both of them combined delivers a Christy for the viewer who is full of life and determination. Christie’s character is a symbol of how an actor should actually perform someone else’s life as if it was their own. 

The movie runs smooth moving back and forth from the present to past without hanging on to any scene for too long. It skips many years on the whole at times but makes no flaws in development of the story. The other characters including his mother, father and the many siblings of the family fits in neatly and there are no excessive drama than what it really requires. Director Jim Sheridan who is well known for his talent in making biography based movies indeed shows that he is born for nothing else but making movies. 

There are many broken dreams and hopes yet there is always joy through tears found in unexpected circumstances. My Left Foot is a must watch for drama and biography fans. 

Genre: Biography | Drama

Director: Jim Sheridan

Jobs (2013) Ratings: Genre 2.5/5 | Overall 3/5

Just like for many people out there Steve Jobs is a hero for me as well. This was the number one reason why I was eager to watch “Jobs”. Though I have not read his biography I have ready many different news, articles, comments made by others about Jobs. And here was the golden opportunity for me to witness the rise of this great man on silver screen. Was it what I expected? Let’s find out. 

I don’t think that I need to introduce Steve Jobs to you or have to write about what’s this movie is about as it’s obvious that you know. But it’s important to understand that the on screen Jobs here is quite different to the Jobs you often used to see on TV and on famous Apple product launches. The CEO who always had a smile and some exciting information about some mind blowing machine which the world most of the time has never experienced before. Jobs here is an ambitious man and severely portrayed to be a hard headed guy with steam blowing out of his ears. Most of the time that steam is anger filled frustration of not converting his ultimate objective of creating amazing technology dreams in to reality. There are many reasons that points out to Steve’s anger and attitude. Yet the key reason seems to be is his ego. Especially for a fan who has high regard for Steve as a role model this can turn out to be quite disappointing and wearisome. But it is important to understand that there are always two sides of a person and most of the time we get to witness only one side of it. Observing in that perspective maybe Jobs is a powerful representation of the unknown Jobs. But overall I don’t think that it’s entirely successful. 

Keeping the different path the movie takes trying to vaguely include Steve’s personal life in to his corporate domination the real question is if the viewer actually feels his enthusiasm and his dreams. Up to a certain extent, yes. Maybe the first half is the most interesting as it is where the Apple was discovered. But it quickly skips many years and suddenly Steve is the owner of a large organization that plays in the same field with some big corporate names. It seems like at this point the movies soul was lost (Just as Steve loses his down the line) and a different mood sets in. Personally for me the movie from there onward was more like a documentary. It failed to reach the climax I was hoping for and it failed to connect to the old Jobs who was shown at the opening scene of the movie. Thus it looks a bit disconnected within. 

It seems like the real interesting thing about Jobs is Ashton Kutcher. It was certain that he have done some deep study about Jobs and he sure kicks in some life to his role. For an actor who is known for feather weight characters his whole career this was a game changer. If it was not for Kutcher I’m failing to find a direction where this movie would head. But still overall it didn’t impress me nor it didn’t make me have some deep respect towards Steve Jobs than I already have. In that case what purpose does this biography serves is a good question to think about. 

Genre: Biography | Drama

Director: Joshua Michael Stern

 

Be with You (2004) Ratings: Genre 4.5/5 | Overall 3.5/5

Right from the start and from the very first scenes Be with You instantly reminded me of Japanese animations. And just like those animations this movie is mesmerizingly beautiful both in story and cinematography. And this could be the best romantic plot that I have ever come across in a fantasy drama.  It is so heartwarming that it would be impossible for someone with a heart not to shed a tear or two while enjoying this amazing tale of romance.

Takumi (Shidô Nakamura) is a middle aged widower living with his son Yuji (Akashi Takei) in a scenic village. He struggles to raise his son amidst his volatile heath condition and it’s being a year since his wife Mio (Yûko Takeuchi) has passed away. Broken by his loss yet ambitious by the love for his kid Takumi does his best to keep Yuji company. But Yuji believes that his mother has gone to a distant star and she will return on the rainy season. And it seems to be that even Takumi believes in the same story and secretly wishes for her return. And when the rainy season starts they both are astonished from a visit from someone special.

Be with You is nearly two hours long, which is kind of bit too long for a romantic movie at a glance. But the wonderful plot and the simple yet spell binding beauty of the flow will keep viewers gazing at the screen. The story unfolds little by little with flawless and artistic frames and touching script and acting. Though the other cast is entirely new for the Hollywood movie fans Shidô Nakamura who plays Takumi is familiar as he have done some memorable roles in western movies. But the real treat of Be with You is the child actor Akashi who steals the show with his cuteness. And there are some scenes that you would wish that you were his parents so that this kid will not have to cry again. And Yûko Takeuchi who plays Mio makes the character glamorous with her charm. The combination of these three performances is simply and truly touching.

While being a fantasy and as a movie with live actors Be with You is a remarkable one. It is based on a novel of same name and as per the reactions it seemed like the readers have loved it as well. To be honest this easily could be one of the best romantic movies I will remember. And for a moment it felt like Just Like Heaven (2005).

Original title: Ima, ai ni yukimasu (Japanese)

Genre: Romance | Drama | Fantasy

Director: Nobuhiro Doi

Rob the Mob (2014) Ratings: Genre 4/5 | Overall 3/5

Rob the Mob is a crime drama based on true events surrounding a small time couple who were known as modern day Bonny and Clyde back in the 90’s for their infamous criminal behavior. The movie which has a good flow and a strong performance in acting and in cinematography both is quite entertaining. And it has a very ‘Sopranos’ feeling towards it. While it ends as the most predicted way there is enough drama and events for the viewers to bite until the end. The most prominent factor of success of the Rob the Mob could be its gripping storyline that leaves ample room for speculation expecting that something different would happen.

Tommy (Michael Pitt) and Rosie (Nina Arianda) have always being lovers with too much adventure in their lives. After Tommy goes to prison for attempted robbery Rosie decides that it’s time to change and she does. When Tommy gets released he finds it difficult to live the normal life but tries his best to have a simple life with Rosie working in a small collection agency. But knowing that it’s not what he can do best and ambition of finding some easy get away cash Tommy lays out a plan to rob the Mafia safe social clubs in the area. This crazy couple ends up being one of the most famous criminals in the decade after several successful robberies and ultimately becomes the target of many angry people.

While the plot can easily be a bit more complicated that’s about it. The things are pretty straight forward and there are no hidden twists waiting to happen or unexpected good luck at the end. This makes this movie somewhat mundane and less exiting. But at the same time it lays out a story that is practical and less complicated. And it’s based on true events after all. So the value is anyway there.

Talking of performances both Michael and Nina is explosively good. I have seeing Michael Pitt playing a gangsters role in the famous “Boardwalk Empire”. But it seems like he packs lot more talent and finally it’s discovered by director Raymond De Felitta. His role here is of a complex young man who had a troublesome childhood who looks for ways to correct his past mistakes. But by doing so he ends up in worst trouble. It is acceptable to question if he is out of his mind or if he truly believes that robbing the Mafia is a clever idea. But whatever it is he is persuasive enough to get Rosie involved. On the other hand Rosie is clever but madly in love with Tommy and his life style. Which makes her an accomplice to the crimes but she never doubts Tommy’s plans or intentions.

Overall Rob the Mob is a gripping romantic crime drama. But the straightforwardness makes it less memorable. Other than that I have no complaints.

Genre: Drama | Crime

Director: Raymond De Felitta

Highway (2014) Ratings: Genre 3/5 Overall 2.5/5

(Contains spoilers)

While Highway is definitely taking a different route (no pun intended) than being one of the mundane Indian movies thanks to the acclaimed direction of Imitiaz Ali, it fails to deliver a strong message due to its very prominently feeble plot holes. Mainly to this fact in one hand Highway stands up to be a great film and on the other hand it’s a disaster.

The story is fresh to the Indian cinema. A rich girl who gets kidnapped by a gang ultimately finds her freedom of mind through her kidnappers and eventually becomes fond of the gang leader. It’s a straight forwards plot and become a bit predictable down the line. But the plot it’s steadily developed and the events are rolling out without creating too much distraction.

Speaking of the good of Highway, the number one attraction is the cinematography. It’s like you have taken a road trip across India and the sites are beautiful. Right from the start till the very end the movie goes through different geographical locations and each one of them has a certain glory to deliver. Apart from that each camera angle and scene is complied with great care which make Highway a mind pleasing movie. And then comes the good acting. The girl Veera is skillfully played by Alia Bhatt and this seems to be her best performance so far for being an actress who has few titles under her belt. The gang leader Mahabir is played by Randeep Hooda who has done several powerful artistic roles earlier seems to have a perfect fit for this role. As for the plot goes I’m not entirely pleased of the way the whole plot works out but it’s a key reason why I watched till the end. It is not bad but it’s not great either.

As I mentioned earlier what makes Highway week are the plot holes. There are few very prominent ones. For example except for the gang leader the rest of them seem to be very nice chaps. They are all smiley good hearted people. This is fundamentally wrong. They leave the kidnapped girl in a room full of equipment hand untied and doors unlocked. And when she flees she fails to find a proper way out get exhausted and comes back. But on the next day a member from the gang leave the place get on a train and vanishes without much effort. Later on the gang including the head of the gang Mahabir (criminal mastermind and murderer) starts to trust this girl more than they should. This is also highly unlikely. They expose themselves and the girl to the public in many occasions. After many other minor plot imbalances comes the great blow. The police appear from nowhere and shoot Mahabir without warning. I’m not sure how the Indian police handle a kidnap rescue operation in real but at that point they actually kill the movie. It is understood that someone important has to die at the end but the way it happens is a complete let down. And it’s very clear that it is forced drama there onwards. And finally though I very much fond of Rahman’s magical music in Highway it kills the mood. Some songs barge in when you least expect it and it takes away the complete tone of the plot away.

The above negativities could have being easily ignored if Highway was a typical Indian movie. But the problem is it’s not and it’s supposed to be a very serious one. So there shouldn’t be any room for doubt. So Highway swings from a typical Hindi movie to a different drama over and over again. And the fans left with confusion.

Origin: India in Hindi

Genre: Drama | Romance

Director: Imitiaz Ali

The Firm (1993) Ratings: Genre 4/5 | Overall 3/5

Adapted from John Grisham’s novel of the same name The Firm is a riveting movie that has the right case and right flow. Keeping the suspense and thrill for later it starts calm and gradually develops is gripping limbs. 

Mitch (Tom Cruise) is a young Harvard graduated coming from a poor southern family. Working hard with ambition to reach his goals in life he accepts a job offer from a major law firm in the city. Overwhelmed by the instant financial status and the other facilities he receives from ‘the firm’ he doesn’t question anything. But after he was contacted by FBI and they unveil a dirty secret about the firm Mitch realize that he is in deep trouble and his life can turn to a nightmare in a split second.

There are several good things about The Firm. To start with Tom Cruise is in it. And then the plot is very good. It last good while it runs and hits a solid ending too. All of these makes a fine movie and for the viewers it’s a well enjoyable one.

The Firm is directed by the late Sydney Pollack. He was an Academy Award-winning director who directed and produced over 40 films. And The Firm is a memorable work from his time though it is not considered as his best.

Genre: Drama | Thriller | Mystery

Director: Sydney Pollack

The Lego Movie (2014) Ratings Genre 4.5/5 | Overall 3.5/5

What do men crave for? Cars!! And what do small boys crave for? Legos! But the good thing is while there is an age for cars, Lego’s has none!!

When the first few scenes opened up I thought to myself “oh this looks very strange with all these cubes as characters with sharp corners and it’s definitely going to be boring”. But guess what? I was shamefully very wrong. The Lego movie was amazing. I repeat it’s AMAZING.

In the world of Lego land the evil president Lord Business is planning to destroy everyone. And a normal construction worker Emmet is selected to avoid it as per an ancient prophesy. But soon the Lego land realizes that this construction worker is not the chosen one. And he is challenged with proving that he is the right one for the job.

The Lego Movie is a fast phased and mesmerizingly colorful movie. In Lego land you will miss a lot if you blink. So for some it could be a bit tiresome to keeping up with the speed but once you get on board the speed train it’s a super fun ride. And surprises wait at every turn. And beware every line is funny! This has some super characters including good cop mixed bad cop voiced by Liam Neeson, Vitruvious voiced by Morgan Freeman and Batman voiced by Will Arnet. And that’s just a few of them. There is a bunch of superheroes, NBA players, Star Wars characters, Cowboys and so on which makes The Lego Movie an awesome mix of voice plays.

Coming to the eye candy animation the work done there is simply crazy. Though at the start it looks a bit weird the animators proves that animation potential is endless and anything is possible. The brilliant animation quality teamed with upbeat music tracks brings the true joy of the Lego land.

Big studio animations are becoming larger and larger by the year. Yet we seldom come across something ground breaking and mind blowing. The Lego Movie is one of such fantastic animation that definitely blows away the minds of the viewer. It’s insanely creative with super different animation quality and comes with a fantastic story and belly tickling humor. In my book this is the best animation of a different kind after Wreck it Ralph (2012).

Genre: Animation, Comedy, Fantasy

Directors : Phil Lord, Christopher Muller

The Bow (2005) Ratings Genre: 4/5 | Overall 3/5

Kim-duk Kim is a master of character, silence, atmosphere, and moods. His movies are all about complex yet different character studies and each one of them has a unique feeling. And most of the time his main characters does not speak much but the visual expressions speaks ample tones. The Bow is one of his seemingly very simple yet deeply complicated movies. While The Bow may not fall in to his best of works the entire movie brings a whole different flavor. And yet again the viewers are transformed in to a place surrounded by water just like his earlier masterpiece Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring (2003) but this time it’s the sea and a boat.

The story surrounds and old man and a 16 year old girl who lives on a fishing boat. It seems like the girl was found by the old man at the age of 6 and since then she have not left the boat. It is apparent that the old man wishes to marry her when she turns 17. But things turn unexpectedly after a young man arrives and the girls become fond of him.

The Bow is entirely shot on a boat. And the only sounds you hear are the water and the squeaking sounds the boat makes often. But there is mild yet beautiful energy given with a calming sound track in most of the time synchs with an instrument the old man plays to relax. There are very few characters other than the old man and the girl. Giving similarity to Kim’s earlier movies these characters has no names. They are merely represented by an idea rather than identity. And there is a vast silence between each scene and the main cast hardly mutters anything. In fact the girl doesn’t say a single word the entire time. And yet the movie has many things to offer and it has a steadily building up plot. The viewers are left with wondering what’s next the whole time and the director manages to surprise them. And it all ends with supernaturalism mixed controversial sequence.

The Bow is not a masterpiece but it is definitely not mundane. Some may find it dull and uneventful but for some it could be the exact thought provoking movie experience they were looking for.

Original title: Hwal (Korean)

Genre: Drama | Romance

Director: Ki-duk Kim

300: Rise of an Empire (2014) Ratings Genre: 3/5|Overall 2.5/5

While this being the second installment of the famous 300 (2006), it is clearly showing vast improvements to the production and the looks but degrades to the overall quality of storytelling. However, fans of 300 would definitely enjoy this as it has its own bloodily stylish way of being one of the brutal and reddish historical epics ever made. 300: Rise of an Empire is clearly larger in production value, action choreography and CG and trio itself can keep someone attracted for the full length of the film. However, all you get is battles upon battles and after sometime more battles. End of the day all is left are piled up dead bodies in the name of heroism and the true feeling is lost. The one true good thing and the brilliance remembered is the performance by Eva Green who portrays a shockingly lethal female villain which we seldom see.

300: Rise of an Empire tells a story in parallel time line to its predecessor. And at times it touches the story of the 300 brave Spartans led by King Leonidas but mainly concentrates on the story of Themistocles a Greek general and a war hero. This movie is based on the war raged against Greece by Persian forces led by mortal-turned-god Xerxes and Artemisia his war commander. When the expertise of strategic Themistocles meets with the brutal and unforgiving Artemisia’s army the battle upon seas becomes bloodier.

Keeping the graphical properties which 300 is known for, 300: Rise of an Empire does a fabulous job at being gory right from the start. And no doubt the high speed action sequences chopped right in to super slow motion frames are a sight to witness. And the overwhelming amount of blood signifies the brutality of the war which at times can be obviously disturbing. But without these 300 will not be completed. And as mentioned earlier without them this movie could have being one boring looking expenditure. Yet I do not hold any grudge against 300: Rise of an Empire because it looks like it delivers what it supposed to. It would have being great if this installment also had a gripping and a truly heroic story like the one before but sadly the fans have to settle in for less than that. And since the third installment to 300 and sequence to 300: Rise of an Empire is already rumored let’s hope we will see something better soon.

Genre: Action | Drama | Fantasy

Director: Noam Murro

The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) Ratings: Genre 5/5 | Overall 4/5

Would you like to take a vacation in Europe and stay in a luxurious hotel situated in the mystical mountains? While at it enjoy the sights, smells and sounds of the country in mind tingling details? Then think no further, the doors of The Grand Budapest Hotel is open for you. The Grand Budapest Hotel (GBH) is not just a movie but an experience in a whole different level. If you were not blown out by its grace then you must see a doctor immediately. This is by far in my opinion the best Wes Anderson movie that takes the viewer in an epic journey through the fictional land of Zubrowa and a hotel named The Grand Budapest.

The tale of GBH is told from perspective of Zero (Tony Revolori) a lobby boy who works for the hotel. And he works under the talented and charismatic concierge M. Gustave (Ralph Fiennes.) These two brings us a story so unfamiliar and whimsically magnificent, a story of romance, fantasy and above all adventurous. And from the very start to the ending scene you will not blink because it looks that delicious.

If you recall Wes Anderson’s earlier works like Moonrise Kingdom (2012), The Darjeeling Limited (2007) and Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009) you already know that he has a style of his own and Wes’s movies looks insanely detailed. But GBH surpasses all of them and gives realism a new definition. It’s a mix of miniature models, live sets and computer animation that makes this movie by far one of the most memorable of that sort. When you get used to the brilliant looks of the film then you start to engulf in the characters. And the finest and the impressive cast will not let you rest a minute. GBH unveils a parade of talented and well-known actors character by character just like it unveils its beautiful story. Adrien Brody, Willem Dafoe, Jeff Goldblum, Jude Law, Bill Murray and Edward Norton are few of them. And the mix of cinematography and performance is complete by seemingly synchronizing and fabulously ear pleasing score by Alexandre Desplat who has dozens of compelling movie scores under his belt.  

This movie is not just a movie that you will only enjoy while watching. It is like some delicious desert you had while enjoying your most anticipated holiday on the cold mountains. You will recall its taste over and over again and will be mesmerized by it. And those brilliant sequences of the funniest jail break, cable car ride on to the steep mountains, high speed chase down a snowy slope will be steadily embedded in your brain. And that’s just the tip of the ice berg.

Genre: Comedy

Director: Wes Anderson

Non-Stop (2014) | Ratings Genre 3.5/5 Overall 2.5/5

What does most successful action movies has in common? They all have a strong start, gripping midsection (thanks to the start) and a heavily predictable ending. Non-Stop fits the same formula but it works like a charm like some old medicine that cures sneezing over and over again. We all know what were gonna get but amused by it like it’s the first time we see it. It’s all because we are hungry for silver screen heroes and we are starving to see them succeed no matter how young or old they are. In Non-Stop Liam Neeson the 61 year old yet going strong action star does his job right once again and we the fans are amused.

Bill Marks (Liam Neeson) is an Air Marshal with a history which he is not very satisfied about. On a flight seems to be routine and nothing suspicious things become very strange when he receives some unsettling text messages from someone aboard the flight demanding for ransom. And suddenly Bill is left to seek for this terrorist who threatens to bring down the flight alone while the other passengers and the world left to believe that Bill is running the whole show hijacking the plane. Bill is having too much on his plate as you can see. And he has to gulp them all and survive a bad stomachache.

The plot of Non-Stop is far-fetched. There is no amusement there since no action movie was ever practical in real world. Not even the first 10 minutes. The challenge for the director (In this case of Jaume Collet-Serras) is to make the viewers believe that all this can happen. In Non-Stop so much has being quite successful. Well that’s until everything is ruined by trying to explain what was going on all this time and then it becomes a soup. And then comes the landing part. I don’t think I have to explain it further because we all have seeing ample jumbo jets land practically almost anywhere.

But the good thing is when the director decides to ruin it, it has almost reached its ending. So as fans we can be happy that at least the majority of the time we were enjoying it without needing to worry too much about who’s the bad guy etc etc. Coz the plot is entertaining and the events are rolled out quite excitingly. I have to admit that for a movie that almost entire thing takes places inside a boring air craft and no shots fired till the very end it’s very good.

Genre: Action

Director: Jaume Collet-Serra

The Insect Woman (1963) Rating Genre: 4.5/5 Overall 4.5/5

Where should I start to express my feelings about The Insect Woman? It is a complex, heart breaking and a very unsettling piece of cinema coming from the rising up age of Japan. And it is from a director who has being known for making the Japanese cinema different from where it used to be and for the same reason accused for being creative in a disturbing way. Yet Shohei Imamura has put a clear and strong footstep not only on the Japanese cinema but making it open to the other parts of the world with his stylish filmmaking in most cases involving the lower class people of the social structure. The Insect Woman is one of such pieces where the viewers are let to follow a tragic yet determined life of a woman named Tome.

Tome Matsuki (Sachiko Hidari) is from a rural Japanese village born to a family of peasants. And it’s clear that she is a result of her mother’s disloyal relationships. Yet her father (by legal relationship) who is unintelligent yet hard working develops a strong bond with her manages to raise her with values. Yet the cruelty of the close family and the society get to her pushing her to work for people without her will and sacrifice her dignity for men who she has no interest in. Ultimately leaving the village and coming to Tokyo she finds herself working for a brothel and soon becomes a head maid following the guidance of her madam. Learning the trade secrets Tome starts her own escort service and struggles to find money for her daughter and aging father at home.

This may not be the first time you are coming across a story such as this one. But for sure The Insect Woman is a strong portrayal of a woman’s courageous life no matter what she does for survival. As the tag line goes “She lives by instinct with no sense of right or wrong”. Tomes life is a very hard one. She is betrayed by almost everyone she puts her trust upon and the treatment she gets from the society ultimately becomes the treatment she gives out. The director flawlessly builds this character from the scratch and shows how she changes from being a helpless little girl to a woman with a plan using the experiences she gains from her bitter life. Director Imamura has ones said “I am interested in the relationship between the lower part of the human body and the lower part of the social structure on which the reality of everyday life in Japan is built." Tomes character is a brilliant representation of that thought.

I must keep a special note on the cinematography of The Insect Woman as it is one of the key elements that make the movie different and truly brilliant. The full storyline is segmented in to several parts using still frames that cut in at unexpected points with or without narrations. These points have significant impact on the way the story is told and gives the viewer an anchor to pause and ponder. And at times these points are crucial in expressing a deeper view of the plot and the feelings of the characters. For a few seconds the movie turns in to a graphic novel and for some reason it works quite powerfully. Secondarily the cinematography works great in terms of frames. As Imamura preferred to shoot the whole movie in real places than in sets the use of tight spaces are quite evident. Some scenes looks as if they were shot with a hidden camera and for a movie from the 60’s this approach seems fresh. And the viewer can experience some of the scenes very closely.

The Insect Woman is a powerful cinema depiction of bitter side of the society that involves quite a lot of abuse, sex, violence and rape. Yet all these ugly elements have being used at appropriate portions that non makes this movie too vulgar or too gruesome. And the theme involving a lullaby and an insect signifies the lives of the people we tend to ignore but are very much alive.

Original title: Nippon konchûki (Japanese)

Genre: Drama

Director: Shôhei Imamura