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Reviews
Kandahar (2023)
Between TV and Film: Kandahar's Identity Crisis
Kandahar, featuring Gerald Butler, had the potential to delve into the fascinating dynamics of symbiotic friendship amidst the backdrop of war-torn Afghanistan. As an audience member, I had high hopes for the film, anticipating a narrative that would explore the unique bond formed between an returning immigrant navigating familiar terrain seeking his family he left behind while helping a spy seeking translation assistance.
Regrettably, the movie fell short of my expectations. Its storyline seemed more suited for a TV series rather than a full-length feature film. With limited time available, the characters remained underdeveloped, leaving several intriguing aspects remain unexplored. It is unfortunate that the movie format constrained the depth and complexity that could have enhanced the viewing experience.
However, amidst its shortcomings, there was one aspect that resonated with me-the final dialogue emphasizing the significance of returning home. This poignant moment served as a thought-provoking reminder of the importance of one's roots and the sense of belonging that accompanies it.
Overall, while Kandahar had promising potential, its execution failed to deliver a fully satisfying cinematic experience. Despite this, the film's parting message about the value of going home left a lasting impression, salvaging some meaning from an otherwise lackluster portrayal.
Sisu (2022)
Embracing the Unspoken: 'SiSu' Delivers a Riveting Journey of Resilience and Resolve
"SiSu," the unforgettable Finnish war drama, takes the audience on a profound journey. The narrative hinges on the silence of the protagonist, SiSu, whose wordless performance eloquently conveys his internal strife and determination. Even without uttering a word until the film's end, audiences feel a profound connection with his mental and emotional state.
The essence of the film lies in the Finnish concept of "SiSu," meaning strength of will, perseverance, and acting rationally in the face of adversity. SiSu, in his quiet yet resolute battle against the Nazis, becomes the embodiment of this Finnish ethos. His single-handed victory over adversity shines as a testament to this principle.
In a delightful narrative twist, a band of revenge-seeking women, led by the fiery Eeva, interjects comedy into the otherwise grave storyline. Their presence and antics offer a much-needed breath of lightness, earning praise from reviewers for this novel approach to war drama.
Despite featuring numerous combat sequences and consequent fatalities, "SiSu" skillfully steers clear of gratuitous violence or gore. Critics applaud the film for its respectful portrayal of conflict, which adds gravity to the narrative without becoming overly gruesome or sensationalized.
The performances are undeniably at the heart of the film. SiSu and Hauptmann Müller, the German officer, provide deeply engrossing performances, with their nuanced acting infusing depth into their characters.
A surprising and endearing aspect of the film is the exploration of the bond between SiSu and his dog, Lemmikki. This relationship reveals a softer, compassionate side of SiSu and acts as a balm amidst the chaos of war. The man-animal bond on display has resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike.
In sum, "SiSu" stands out as a cinematic masterpiece that eloquently blends elements of courage, comedy, restraint, compelling performances, and heartfelt relationships. It redefines the war genre with its unique narrative approach and striking character portrayals.
Polite Society (2023)
Bend It meets Kill Bill
As a film enthusiast, I recently watched "Polite Society," and I must say, I was thoroughly impressed with the movie. From the very first scene, the film grabbed my attention and built up to the midsection. Although there were moments when the momentum slowed down, it managed to recapture my interest in the end.
The film reminded me of a mix between "Bend It Like Beckham" and "Kill Bill" with its focus on a young woman pursuing her non-traditional dream and the women-led action scenes, albeit less violent. Despite the plot taking a backseat, the movie's main protagonist, Ria (Priya Kansara), stole my heart with her captivating performance. She managed to convey the struggles of a young woman trying to break free from societal expectations while remaining true to her culture and family.
I found Ria's relationship with her friends Clara (Seraphina Beh) and Alba (Ella Bruccoleri) to be adorable, and their banter was refreshing to hear. The film's exploration of social class differences was one of its strong points, providing a fresh and insightful take on these issues.
Overall, "Polite Society" is a sleeper hit of the summer that I would highly recommend. With its excellent cast, engaging storyline, and well-executed themes, it is a heartwarming and entertaining film that will resonate with audiences who enjoy stories of female empowerment and overcoming adversity.
Laal Singh Chaddha (2022)
Worth a watch
We all knew going in that the movie was a remake of Forrest Gump; and I still love the remake of the Indian version. It's a love story and is very well told. And the acting is also pretty good.