abhi-9 Reviews

Leela (2002)

It is actually disappointing

[2/10 · 1 September 2006]

This seemed to be a good movie, I thought it would be a good movie, and throughout the movie I was hoping it would be a meaningful use of my time, and yes, I have to admit that the acting talent of Dimple Kapadia and Deepti Naval where truly commendable, but despite the best effort this movie falls short of effectively conveying a meaningful message, which it seems is it seemed was what Somnath Sen is trying to do. The final point comes short and the ending seemed kind of unsatisfactory after all that happens; a bit like real life in that respect but movies unlike real life ends in about 2hrs and the ending should leave the audience satisfied, if indeed that was the director's intention. This falls short in that respect and that is what disappoints me the most.

Another aspect that concerned me was the national stereo-typing of the American characters - they all seem to be carved out of the same block. Seems to me that most American characters in Indian English movies are based upon how common Indians themselves perceive Americans to be like and it is clear that no effort has been made to bring any sense of depth or complexity to any American in the movie.

These two aspects put together they make for a disappointing story.

City of Joy (1992)

Not like the book but a good story

[8/10 · 11 April 2006]

The movie is not bad. It is based on the book by the same name by Dominique Lapierre, and if my understanding is right has the author's blessings. The characters even have similar if not same names but it is not the same story. However it is true to the spirit in which the book was written.

Another interesting comparison with the book is that just like the movie, the book is as controversial, especially in India and among middle class Indians and Indians abroad. Indians do not like to speak about their slums to foreigners and do not like foreigners to speak about them by themselves. Rich and middle-class Indians who make about one-fourth of the country are the most influential people in the country and make the interlocutors with the Western world. I know because I am one of them. If our country is our home, this is a skeleton in our closet. And because there is a skeleton in our closet, we try not to step into it and do not let other and hate those who do step in when we are not looking. The controversy is an indication that lot stuff in the movie is actually worth seeing.

Also it is not unusual for a poor man in India to choose to die with dignity than live in shame, Indian girls do flirt even if it is 'untraditional' and there are people who try to live by exploiting the poor, people who most others will call cruel.

The movie could have done a better job capturing the fact that western ideas can affect the way some people in India behave just as Indian ideas make some westerners reformulate their ideas and concepts about life. We can see it here, but this is better captured in the book

So those who do not like the movie try to read the book and those who liked the movie will definitely enjoy the book. As for me, stories of the resilience of Indian slum dwellers only make me more proud to be an Indian.

Kora Kagaz (1974)

Love, Marriage, Tears - this is a feast for those who love drama

[10/10 · 15 November 2005]

Commercial Hindi movies tend to follow a cliché style. There is a hero and a heroin, there is a villain or villains in the path of true love, but in the end they live 'happily ever after' while they are at it they sing and dance together. This movie is a bit different.

While this movie borrows somewhat from such clichés, it is far from an assembly line production. They have mixed things so beautifully that they transformed the silver screen into a living work of art. In that process the movie makers have brought about and discussed social issues which could not be done in the conservative society of the time - such as marital discord, divorce and the role of in laws at a time when family set-up was moving from that of a joint to a nuclear family.

While I see this movie to have some intellectual value to it, I would still say it a moving drama that anyone can enjoy. Just keep your tissues ready. And so as not to spoil it for you, I will keep the ending in suspense.

Married to It (1991)

I really loved this movie

[10/10 · 30 October 2005]

This movie was a genuine attempt to bring people down to earth about good old family values in a world where they seem to be less and less relevant. The characters are seen to work real hard to deal with the ups and downs of everyday life - The nuts and bolts that wear out as time goes by. It is truly touching the way they end up supporting and helping each other during tough times.

I give this movie a thumbs up because its characters have a sense of morality, I wish they had a bit more depth though. Over all the movie is a wonderful experience, for the whole family to enjoy. But it is not for everyone. This is one of those movies that some people will like and other will hate. Whether you like it or not will most likely depend upon what your parents taught you when you where kids. So give it a try. The 'f***' word is used at one point but I do not feel it makes the movie any less enjoyable for the family.

Parakh (1960)

An excellent family movie, with all the ingredients

[10/10 · 24 October 2005]

Like any typical Hindi movie this one too has a hero and heroin and a love story, but that is where the similarities end and the movie stops becoming stereotypical. This movie has a real lot to offer. It is amazing. The characters have depth (not cardboard, like most commercial films). The story line is complex, there is humor, drama, mystery, and a beautiful love story all intertwined. The complexities of human behavior are explored in a truly entertaining manner, within the context of a tiny scenic village somewhere in India.

What is more there is a lovely song as well. The mystery letter keeps us on our toes till the end. People when tempted will display their true colors and it the movie reveals it (even if it is black and white). It is wholesome entertainment for family with high school kids.