iftikharkhokher Reviews

The Cowboys (1972)

Best of the OLD MAN

[9/10 · 23 November 2011]

This is probably the best of the movies Wayne made before his death.The John Wayne philosophy is more than evident here;drink,atheist,pride,loyalty to his race but human enough to accept others,hard living and brave.His own man. The story is gullible but entertaining with a very good script and fine acting by all the actors especially the boys.Bruce Dern is chilling as the villain.The outdoor shooting is superb and the music lends to it.I have seen many of Wayne's movies and though his political leanings are evident there is something about his presence that appeals to common sense and being a MAN.

The Godfather Part III (1990)

Godfather3

[7/10 · 4 June 2011]

This is the last of the trilogy and the weakest!Pacino is superb as he was a from the start but two character casting ,that of Vincent and Mary,hold back the film.Garcia is clearly apeing De Niro in his body language but his talking with eyes sinks him.Coppola's daughter is all innocence but a matured actress was required here.The plot is nothing new and flashbacks to the other films reveal a lack of originality.Besides Pacino,Eli Wallach is very good as well as the others from movie no.2 but the urgency,the violent romance of it all is completely missing.The best film is the always the original,sequels just cash on its success.Godfather1 was as we call it the 'real thing' the others were copies.

Tarana (1951)

A Tarana to remember

[7/10 · 5 February 2011]

Movies from a particular era have a re-curring theme which is presented with a switch of either environments or time.This film is no exception.What really makes it watchable is the chemistry between Dilip and Madhubala though a modern movie fan will be hard pressed to go through the tedious routine of song after song.The script as in most movies by Dilip is very good,the direction capable and the music extremely likable and full of romance.Dilip and Madhubala are fantastic as the lovers whilst Kuumar is brilliant as Madhu's father.The rest of the cast is solid.Watch out for a standout by Shyama.The heart of the film lies i the haunting songs of Talat Mahmood.A neglected film not readily available on DVD but a great advertisement for the legends that were Dilip and Madhubala.

Deewaar (1975)

Deewar (19759

[7/10 · 20 July 2010]

When we have assimilated the rave views let's look at the glaring goofs in the film!It starts with a flashback of a mother's memories but in the flashback are intimate details and very private matters about her sons which she never saw!Okay let's forget about that!the director must have gotten confused! Now take Vijay's slim, slender body and his first fight with the dockyard gangsters behind locked doors!He is beaten with a spade,not a plastic one, yet whereas a normal man would surely be out for several hours from such blows Vijay seems to gain strength from this beating!The acting is superb of course as well as the script but the ideas are taken from Hollywood as usual.The slickness of the movie hood-winked the plausible public but it would have been a better movie had there been more realism like the true facts about Haji Mastaan!He was not simply a smuggler but a champion of the weak and helpless of Bombay and especially the Muslims!Somewhere in his youth he was humilated,beaten and disgraced by the Hindus and took to crime to settle that account and give the Muslims of Bombay protection.

Dil Diya Dard Liya (1966)

Dil Diya Dard Liya

[7/10 · 24 May 2010]

Clearly a Bollywood adoption of the Gothic novel 'Wuthering Heights' but clearly too late in Kumar's career!It would have been better had he made this film at the start of his career when his youthful looks were the rage.Ms.Waheeda looks too mature too!The story-line is good as well as the script but it all comes down to realizing the characters.Younger actors would have done better not that Kumar is bad.His acting is good but frankly after Gunga Jumna the passion that was Dilip Kumar was gone.His old allies Naushad and Shakeel do their best but it is Kumar who himself lets a splendid story down.Only for die-hard Kumar fans.Wish he had made this film with Kamini Khaushal!

Wuthering Heights (1939)

Wuthering Heights

[9/10 · 24 May 2010]

I first saw this film back in 1965 when i was still not in my teens and it was already a famous classic.Recently i saw it again and am amazed at the passionate acting of Olivier and Merle Oberon who bring the essence of the novel in their characters.Visually it is very beautiful though having seen the actual Yorkshire Moors i believe it would having been fantastic had the film been shot there.The music is superb and the rest of the cast simply splendid.There have been many up-shoots of this story but this film is a rare example of when everything concerned with a film clicks.The are several goofs of course but the black and white photography and the haunting music put one off these.Nothing reflects the whole novel in perspective then the famous lines Olivier says when the heroine is dead.Romance never had it so good!

Nighthawks (1981)

Nighthawks( 1981)

[7/10 · 31 May 2009]

Nighthawks is one of the best of Stallone's films because it is more realistic than his later Rambo style movies.All the main actors did well but Rutger Hauer steals the honours.The cool calm and collected menace here was awesomely manifest in 'The Hitcher' later. The story line is splendid though there are several goofs in between.It is unlike the Stallone character to shout at the villain when he first spots him at a disco.He could easily have crept in onto him and taken him along.The other unbelievable goof is that when Wulfgur and the bus drops into the sea the police don't try to trace his body although he has brought the town' to its knees' !!! Such irresponsibility has no place at the highest level of security. The script is splendid and the action is well conceived.It is a pity Stallone didn't made more movies like this until later in life.He could have more than matched the best in acting.

Giant (1956)

Giant (1956)

[10/10 · 8 May 2009]

One of my all-time favorite films for the past 40 years.An exposure of the apartheid still prevailing in modern USA.I just loved Elizabeth Taylor and Rock Hudson.Brilliant piece of casting this.James Dean is at his best as the young Jett but ageing him put him at a handicap and here lies the film's most notable failing.The rest of the casting is a dream even the kids in the film are superb.Mr.Stevens is famous for his exactness of detail and this film is a monument to his unique talent.Like in his other masterpiece 'Shane' the dialog and the outdoor shooting lends power to the story telling, moods of human nature and it failings.We could conclude that even after 53 years the truth about Texas and the wealthy Texans still hold and perhaps Texas has learned something from this Great film.I never cease to wonder every time i see it.Just wonderful!

Donovan's Reef (1963)

Donovan's Reef

[7/10 · 18 March 2009]

Wonderful fun this movie but the miscasting is incredible!Wayne looks more like a grand-dad than an uncle to the kids.Lee Marvin steals the film with his superb cameo.Miss Allen is awfully mismatched with Wayne.In fact even Warden who played her father was many years Wayne's junior.Had he made this film 10 years earlier it might have been more plausible with the usual Maureen O'Hara.The story line is apt as well as the script.As usual Mr.Ford uses nature to good effect.A good roll-licking film for the die-hard Ford fans but no more than an escapist farewell to once an heroic star.John Ford probably was not aware of the tremendous changes there were going on.A younger,fresher actor to pair with Marvin would have done more justice.But in his lifetime there was only one man this director had in mind.John Wayne!

Devdas (1955)

Devdas(1955)

[9/10 · 5 October 2008]

I first saw this movie in 1970 and have to this day never forgotten the haunting and beautifully tuned climax.Many years later the recent Shah Rukh blockbuster came to view which to my mind defamed the essence and spirit of the tale.Bimal Roy's dignified classic took one to the root of the matter.It is hard to imagine a film with so much realism.I have never seen an actor so deeply immersed in the character he's playing like Dilip Kumar and to bring that piece of fiction to life.Suchitra Sen embodies her role beautifully but Vyjantimala is simply superb.The other parts are skillfully played; an attribute to sound casting.The photography and music like in all Bimal Roy films are an accolade to nature.Forget about the lavish Khan extravaganza and see Devdas as it really should be : a man who gives up all even his life for his bitterment but still evokes admiration from the world.I had seen the Bengali Uttam Kumar in some films and it is my regret he never played this role but Dilip Kumar will never be bettered.I felt he was totally lost in the character!!!

Milan (1967)

Milan(1967)

[7/10 · 25 July 2008]

I first saw this film in 1968 and was totally enchanted by its music.Seeing it again here in 2008 i am still mesmerized by the haunting tune of " hum tum yug yug se..."! The story is nothing new and very entrenched in Hinduism.The Surender and Pran characters are slap stick and far removed from reality owning to the flimsy plot of the whole film.Nutan is her usual self; simple,noble and endearing.Sunil Dutt is at home with the boatman and there aren't many who would have played Gopi better.Nutan's age is a negative factor but her overall performance nullify this.The script gets bogged down in Hindu dogma but the music is a revelation! One of those moods of greatness that once in a lifetime put the poet and musician in total harmony with each other.Even if the film will be forgotten the music will never cease to amaze and delight.Jumna acted well but her acting is a take off of Vyjantimala of "Gunga Jumna".

In the Name of God (2007)

Khud Ke Liye(2007)

[9/10 · 18 May 2008]

An excellent effort by Shoaib Mansoor and a landmark in Paklistani film industry.Whilst the message is clear it has several errors which invariably justify the present trends of the upper-class.And here is where the true spirit of Islam is twisted to suit the life styles prevailing amongst the young of today omitting the fact that there is a middle and lower class which also needs attention.In Islam all men are equal.I don't think Islam allows us to have musical concerts on New Year's Eve!As for a Muslim man marrying a Christian woman and vice versa surely the educated class knows that no Islamic marriage is valid unless both parties are Muslim.As to music.It is permitted in Islam but it should be used to pacify the mind,to make man realize the beauty of God's creation not to sway mankind towards lust and all the vices practiced by the West.With more research i think this film will have been a world-class movie.All the leading characters perform well and despite criticism from many i would urge Geo to make more such movies which expose the exploitation and misuse of the most peaceful and full religion in the world.The film echoes the sentiments of a few but it goes a good way in clearing misunderstandings about Islam.Well done and keep it up!

Andaz (1949)

Andaz(1949)

[10/10 · 5 May 2008]

The first time i saw this film i could not believe it was made in 1949!To someone fed on the useless,clueless and rotten remakes in the 1970s it was an eye-opener because we considered Dilip Kimar to belong to be before our times!!This is a superb film directed in masterly style with a great script,music and songs.Glossy photography lends it a poetical feeling.To this day there have been contradictions on the message of the film.It all comes down to our ancient trait of keeping silent when we should have spoken our mind!The acting of Nargis and Dilip Kumar is so deep that the viewer is misled into confusion.Rajkapoor is also great in his role.Very good.But the film belongs to Dilip.As a romantic hero his body language,silent facial expressions and style have had no equal in the Indian film history.All this is astounding for an actor who had been in films 4-5 years at that time.A remarkable actor and Mehboob Khan is a super director.Ther have many,many variations on this film but it will always standout as the original even in a hundred years.

Amar (1954)

Amar(1954)

[8/10 · 30 April 2008]

A misunderstood classic brilliantly shot in b/w in a style reminiscent of Alfred Hitchcock.Possibly many are baffled by the way the story is churned out but it follows a definitive pattern leading to the poetical climax.Excellent use of the temples highlightens the subjects of rape and unmarried mothers.Definitely a thinking film though the frequent songs may seem absurd.Madhubala and Nimmi are outstanding.Dilip Kumar's acting has been misunderstood because his role is opposite to the usual tragic,heroic types he is known for.But the depth he takes his character into is amazing.I rate his acting in this film as the most sophisticated of his career.The music and songs are above average and the script is good.The supporting cast is strong and all excell in their roles.As in all Mehboob films the message here is the downtrodden in society,here a victim of rape left to the mercies of a bigoted community.This film will be hailed in the future because it's message and style was too complex for its time.

Maryada (1971)

Maryada(1971)

[5/10 · 9 April 2008]

During the seventies there were several films like this one with no head or tail.An actor of Raaj Kumar's calibre is wasted here and Mala Sinha's pairing with Khanna is embarrassing.The story is rubbish.Could have been better with a little more imagination.The script is not too bad and the outdoor scenery is superb.Raaj Kumar and Pran are miscasted as well as Mala Sinha though their acting is good.The film begins to flounder with the entry of Khanna.His looks make him more the younger brother of Ms.Sinha and Raaj Kumar.As for the music one or two tunes are above average.With his distinctive style of acting Kumar could have made more impact had the story been realistic.He looks stupid in the village costumes.Pran excels as always.One of the worst Raaj Kumar films i have ever seen.

Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya... (2001)

Pyar Tune Kya Kiya

[6/10 · 15 March 2008]

The Bollywood masala rip-off of the famed Clint Eastwood film 'Play Misty For Me'.Subtle variations are made to suit the co-called Bollywood code of morals and virtues.Here trying to present a maniac as a martyr of love!Fardeen is plausible and full of youth.Urmilla is better though her exposure is needless.The comedy is useless.THe direction is passing.I fee the writer should have followed the Eastwood classic to the explosive end to give the story a more meaningful climax.This movie might have given a realistic view of the fact that despite being so liberated the essential Indian woman is still rooted to her ages old tradition of honour and respect.It always pop up in her conscience by hook or by crook.The bollywood masala recipe of sex,dance and nudity will one day reduce the film industry to pornography.

Keemat: They Are Back (1998)

Keemat(1998)

[5/10 · 8 March 2008]

What a bullshit of a film!The director or writer of this film sways sometimes with the plot of Sholay and sometimes with Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.The plot is improbable and a long way from reality.Akhshay and Saif Ali Khan are in good form as is Anupam Kher.The film is a reflection of modern bollywood i.e.lots of erotica,flimsy plot,irrevelent comedy and breathtaking photography.Akhshay is good looking and probably has the mentality that his handsomeness will see him through but in serious acting he is very amateurish.Saif Ali does his usual slapstick.Ravena acts less and reveals more of her profile.This will not be of any benefit for her future.A very stupid movie.

Fanaa (2006)

Fanaa

[6/10 · 3 March 2008]

Whilst i agree that the film is well directed,has a fine script and has wonderful performances from the main stars i am totally taken aback and disgusted at the false ideals that are presented in it.In short the film is a mockery of the struggle of the Kashmiri nation and a defilement of the Kashmiri woman.Kashmir is fighting for its freedom from Indian occupation and atrocities that are indescribable.There is no Kashmiri woman or man who will put the glory of India before the life of a Kashmiri man no matter if he is a terrorist or not.Whoever conceived this idea is either a fool or an enemy of Kashmir.Show me a Kashmiri who is loyal to India and i will show you a traitor.Perhaps Aamir Khan knew this.He is very restrained and sullen throughout the film.Kajol looks more a Bombayite than a Kashmiri and Rishi Kapoor is also unsuitable.We know that Bollywood always take the leaf and goods from Hollywood but whereas Hollywood is renowned for exposing the naked and painful truth Bollywood tends to twist reality to suit the ideals of the Indian state.India has long hid the facts about Kashmir, failed to honour its policies including the one of leaving the Kashmiris to decide their own fate and this film is just another example of hoodwinking the West and ignorant minds in the sub-continent.What better then to do it through the screen idol of the millions...the mighty Khan!I wonder whether he is aware that millions of Kashmiri women have been raped,looted and murdered by Indian troops.So much for Bollywood glory!.

Gunga Jumna (1961)

Gunga Jumna(1961)

[10/10 · 11 February 2008]

The best film ever of Dilip and Vyjantimala.These two took acting to unprecedented realms in this great movie.Script,music,photography,editing....all the aspects that make a movie are near perfect.Only weak point would be Nasir Khan who is badly mis-casted as the younger brother but it seems that his presence brings such impact from Dilip Kumar that one is left awe-strucked.The story is perhaps not new but it is the realism of the film that attracts the mind.Who will forget the scene of the dying Dhano with Gunga imploring her not to leave him alone in the world.You feel how much she means to him as if the drama was being played right in front of you instead of on the screen.Magnificent!Similarly the scene where Gunga see off his brother at the railway station is too good to be true.The supporting cast is marvelous.Anwar Hussain gives an excellent performance as well as Kaniyalal and Sohrab Modi in a cameo role.And what to say of the music? You have to see the film to really enjoy it because it is made for it.A milestone in the Indian film history.

Saudagar (1991)

Saudagar(1991)

[6/10 · 11 February 2008]

Riding on their past reputations the two Kumar giants nullified what could have been an excellent film.The story is well contrived like most rip-offs of Romeo and Juilet.The script and photography is above average.The casting is the weak link.The director would have been better advised to cast younger actors for the roles of the young Veeru and Raju instead of two old men who do more justice as grandfathers later in the film.Manisha and Vivek resemble each other too much to be plausible as lovers!Raaj Kumar's appalling physical state berefts him of his usual commanding performance though his speech is great as ever.Dilip Kumar excels but the the thunder is stolen by one Amrish Puri!A very average film most suitable for hard core Kumar fans but overall nothing new.I always felt that after Gunga Jumna Dilip Kumar didn't do justice to his talents due to his youth fixation Saudagar is another case in point.

Madhumati (1958)

Madhumati(1958)

[8/10 · 4 February 2008]

Although the main theme of this film was a by-word in Indian cinema,superior direction by Roy and acting by Kumar and Vyjantimala plus the haunting music and lyrics contrived to make this the ultimate movie of its kind. It has its flaws.The comedy apart from Walker is unasked for.As the tragic lovers Dilip KUmar and Vyjantimala never acted better together.An enduring masterpiece which never ceases to amaze.I have seen it countless times but still marvel at it.Pran and Jayant are also in good form and the photography is excellent.Alesson for the modern times,making maximum use of natural scenes to show feelings,moods and the fallacy of man.Few directors could have surpassed Bimal Roy.

Shabnam (1949)

Shabnam(1949)

[8/10 · 31 October 2007]

One of Dilip Kumar's early hits with Kamini Kaushal.An action-comedy with a flawed plot contrived from the English Stewart Granger movie 'Caravan'.Dilip shows a fine flair for comedy which sadly was not exploited more until he reached middle-age.The script and music are dated though the duet'kismat mein bicharana tha' is still enduring.The direction is good but the muddled story,song after meaningless song ruins the excellent tempo set from the start.It could have been better but we must remember that this kind of escapism was contrived with the 1949 public in mind.Dilip's style has been copied by many since this film, not the least his hair style which makes him stand out like a beacon in a storm!

The Alamo (1960)

The Alamo(1960)

[9/10 · 2 September 2007]

This was the film that broke John Wayne though time has shown that it was neglected by the public.THe version available today is a farce compared to the original we saw.True there some unasked for familiar Wayne and co. drinking scenes but overall a good character study is shown of the leading figures.Widmark,Harvey,Ken Curtis and the others are brilliant.Wayne is simply Wayne.His presence and face tells all.Painstakingly made war scenes,excellent photography and an adequate script gives rise to a well made film.Enjoyable viewing and full of splendid heroics.A character study of John Wayne in fact.Get to know him.See this film!

Rio Bravo (1959)

Rio Bravo(1959)

[9/10 · 2 September 2007]

Probably one of the best western of all times.The essence of the west,it nomenclature and very existence is extremely well produced here.John Wayne in his mettle,ageing but still the hero.Martin and Rick Nelson surprisingly give competent performances.Walter Brennen excellent.The film is so well acted the main characters seem like a close knitted family.The same can be said for the Burdette clan.The sets are convincing and well chosen.The weak point is the casting of Angie Dickinson,although she acted well.She is simply too young for Wayne.The long feminine vanities slow down the film and are out of place with a harsh environment.An older woman would have added more realism.The climax is tremendous with Wayne again in the apex.I rate this alongside 'Red River' as Wayne's most memorable film.Worth seeing again and again.

The Guns of Navarone (1961)

The Guns of Navarone(1961)

[10/10 · 2 September 2007]

A memorably classic film with a deftly chosen star cast,breathtaking outdoor shooting,crisp screenplay,outstanding direction and most of all a story line to grip one to the end.The big three,Peck,Niven and Quinn stand out off course but i believe the British actors like Hawkins,Baker,Quayle etc are far more convincing.Irene Papas is superb.Gia Scala is the weak link in the story.As in many allied WW2 films the Germans are made to look fools,just like the Red Indians in western films!The film rolls out exceptionally well and keep the viewers in vice like suspense.The action is captured very realistically but i believe there was more to this great war feat then is shown here.I just can't accept that the Germans can be fooled so easily.Anyways this should not deter one from a fantastic war film in which the viewer sometimes feels is a part of the whole drama!Remotely unknown these days to find such clean-cut pure adventure films these days.A classic for eternity.