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