Wednesday, February 20, 2008

This war zone is about the decline of moral values in a British family ! ! ! !


The War Zone (1999) directed by Tim Roth

According to Tim Roth a taboo as well as disturbing subject of incest has rarely been judiciously tackled by Hollywood.This is because most of Hollywood films have too much of preaching involved.So he has deliberately chosen to avoid this trap while he was making his debut film.He was also bothered about the fact that there are not so many challenging roles for children.This is the reason why young actors like Lara Belmont and Freddie Cunliffe have given bravura performances under his direction about which it can be said that they are far superior then the likes of Tilda Swinton and Ray Winstone.According to Alexander Stuart who wrote the book based on his novel,there is no solution to such an evil problem of incest as family members are forced to bear the consequences arising out of shame and guilt.In "The War Zone" much of anger is depicted through angry eyes of its talented actor Freddie Cunliffe.His portrayal of tormented boy Tom is so convincing that he will surely appear as the only innocent soul of this sordid tale who did not commit any sin.

What makes a film bizarre : Is it our fascination for violence or grossness of life ?


C'est arrivé près de chez vous (1992) directed by Rémy Belvaux/André Bonzel/Benoit Poelvoorde

It is very rare in the history of Belgian cinema that such an abrasive film was made by three broke youngsters who cast their own family members in their film.To begin let us have a word about this film's titles.Let us assume that when one considers an apt title like "Man bites dog" it should be made clear that it is a very rare happening.It can mean that men are doing things which were formerly done by the animals.There are too many of such grotesque happenings in this film.If we choose "It happened near your place" to be a far more superior title then we are to be blamed for not having paid any attention to all the grossness which was happening around us over a long time.What the film is all about is difficult to decide as it is an assault against women,children,old people and homosexuals.Its strangeness comes from the fact that although it has adopted a tough stance against depiction of morbid violence there is additional visual violence in the form of a television crew shooting violent scenes.This film has got many supporters one of which is famous American actor Steve Buscemi.

Monday, February 18, 2008

The title says it all : A nice film about cinema and love ! ! ! !


Malchiki v nebe (2002) directed by Zulfikar Musakov

This film by Zulfikar Musakov is a very pleasant crowd pleaser.First of all it is a film which is entirely soaked in cinema.It has been made by a man who wanted to offer his tribute to the great masters of cinema. This has been done through the portrayal of a young boy who wishes to be a great filmmaker like some of the film makers he admires like Takeshi Kitano,Lars Von Trier etc.There is also a crowd pleasing romantic angle of four boys trying to woo a single beautiful girl who as a new comer has come to join these boys in their class.As usual in such kind of situations it is the most unfortunate one who wins the girl but the film has a quite different ending.Comedy aspect has also been nicely depicted by showing a hilarious confrontation of old and young generation.Uzebek cinema is largely known for films made by its grand director Ali Khamraev.This is a promising film from one of Uzbek cinema's talented directors.Its success helped Zulfikar Musakov to get financial backing from Japan's NHK for making his next film called "I want".

A great tale of ancient Turkish traditions ! ! ! !


Hazal (1979) directed by Ali Ozgenturk

Hazal is a sad tale of a young village beauty who is married to a 12 year old young boy after the death of her husband.This unholy alliance is not at all acceptable to this village lass who has her own life ahead of her with her inherent desires.Things take a turn for the worse when Hazal falls in love with a young stranger with disastrous results. The film depicts in equal proportions the tragic fate of all the players involved.There is a bitter portrait of an old woman who is Hazal's mother in law.Although she is a woman,she does not make any efforts to understand young Hazal's sentiments.The young kid's mawkish yet innocuous portrayal will bring many a laugh on viewers' faces. There is also a minor hint of his sexual maturity as he boasts of his young wife's beauty to other children of his age.The stranger's character is the strangest of all as he is depicted more of a shadow man unwilling to engage in talks with Hazal to understand her feelings. It is not only Turkan Soray's beauty but also Ali Ozgenturk's direction which will make serious viewers appreciate Turkish film Hazal.It is one of the few Turkish films in which ancient traditions are challenged.

A slick portrayal of an ice cold angel who likes to kill people for money ! ! ! !


Le Samouraï (1967) directed by Jean Pierre Melville

One can say a thousand things about this film but for most people it would remain a very succinct portrayal of a deadly killer who is known for his ice cold behavior.To get this effect Meville deftly handled Alain Delon for this difficult task of a criminal who is very much aware of all his assigned tasks.Our film's contract killer Jeff Costello is also very cautious about his image and nothing can stop him not even a deadly cat and mouse chase carried out in Parisian metro stations.It is true that "Le Samourai" is a gangster film of french sensibilities but what makes it different from American films of the same genre is that our hero likes to say only perfect things instead of making half baked tall claims as done by most of the actors in American films about crime and criminals.Apart from Alain Delon's taut acting, Samurai boasts of fine performances by François Périer as a determined cop hell bent on arresting Jeff Costello.As a glamorous doll Nathalie Delon looks credible but not so elegant as Kathy Rosier who can be termed as the film's heart and soul.

It is rare for a modern day Japanese film to achieve such popularity ! ! ! !


Batoru rowaiaru (2000) directed by Fukasaku Kinji

In the year 2000, a couple of years after the demise of Kurosawa Akira there were not many active filmmakers in Japan.Of course,Oshima Nagisa and Imamura Shohei were around but unfortunately they were not at all active.So it was in such bad conditions for Japanese cinema it was a miracle of sorts when this film Battle Royale directed by Fukasaku Kenji came to be acknowledged as a modern day masterpiece.The coverage this film got in western media was phenomenal.It is not so often that CNN and BBC report about a particular Japanese film.The fact that they carried out special reports about "Battle Royale" is a testimony to this film's overall popularity.The unique thing about this film is that although in the past many films have been made about violence and youngsters none have been so deadly as this one.What we see in this film is not only brutal violence but also a state of affairs of young people in developed nations.Battle Royale is one of a kind film which will assuredly keep you on the edge of your seats.Its dramatic end is too cool.

Friday, February 15, 2008

A failed artist or a sad tale of human relationships ! ! ! !


Daijiga umule pajinnal (1996) directed by Hong Sang Soo

Watching Hong Sang Soo's first film "Daijiga umule pajinnal" is going to be an extremely uneasy visual experience for all casual as well as average viewers.This is because one will surely find it hard to understand whether the film is a portrait of a failed artist or an absurdist tale of highly unusual,bizarre human relationships.I managed to see this film at the campus of Ecole Normale Supérieure Lettres et Sciences Humaines at Lyon in company of a friend from South Korea.She made the viewing interesting for me with her comic remarks as being a Korean person,she is definitely more familiar with intricacies of Korean cultural life.This key association with Korean psyche is needed to understand what this film stands for.A word about our film's failed artist.He is rather controversial,bit moody and picks up fights too often with his colleagues.This is something which might be true of many talented artists all over the world.A different view of this film might concern Hong Sang Soo's observation that his film is a complex tale of human relationships as all the characters of his films are in troubled relationships without ascertaining what made them enter into them.

An absolutely amazing laugh riot ! ! ! !


Te'alat Blaumilch (1969) directed by Iprahim Keshon

Apart from "Lemon Popsicle" series of films from Israel,there are not so many directors in the history of Israelian cinema who have made successful comedy films.If there is a man who has made enjoyable comedy films it is Iprahim Kishon.As he was primarily a great writer,he was able to infuse his writing talents in his films.It can be said about Iprahim Kishon's film "Te'alat Blaumilch" that its visual as well aesthetic style was completely different from the films made by other comic geniuses like Max Linder,Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin. Apart from its highly original idea of a lunatic digging a canal in the middle of a street,this film was famous for its set design which consisted of a replica of a fictitious canal right in the middle of Tel Aviv city.A thing which might irk some feminist viewers is that this is a bit sexist in nature as there are numerous ribald jokes consisting of futile attempts made by office boss to seduce his beautiful secretary. Iprahim Kishon made three great comic films and this film is one of those laugh riots which is surely going to drive you crazy with endless bouts of laughter.

It is about about human moods which are never the same ! ! ! !


Kangwon-do ui him (1998) directed by Hong Sang Soo

Let us begin by saying that this film's English title "The Power of Kangwon Province" is an absolute misnomer.It is because in Hong Sang Soo's film,there are no actual shots of wars,troubles and conflicts.So the idea of establishing power of a province is neither suitable nor valid in the context of this film.If we were to judge this film by its Korean language title,"Kangwon-do ui him" is going to appear as a cryptic statement about emotional turmoils of its young protagonists whose minds are not at rest.Hong Sang Soo has also directed a highly prolific visual document about erratic choices made by people in their lives.The people in question are a couple of young girls who are constantly in the process of displaying their moods,whims and fancies. If making a film out of nothingness can be claimed as a film maker's meritorious virtue then Hong Sang Soo has to be saluted as a courageous film maker whose films speak volumes about ubiquitous nothingness of human relationships,sentiments and lives.Whether one likes it or not,this is the only fair conclusion that be deduced from this particular film.

At Iwanami Hall, an art house cinema hall in Tokyo this film by René Feret was seen by 35,000 Japanese viewers ! ! ! !


Rue du retrait (2001) directed by René Féret

Rue du retrait is a film which is quite unique to René Féret for various reasons.Firstly,it is a film which he shot in his own area,near his own house.Rue de retrait is the name of the street in 20th arrondissement in Paris where Mr.Féret stays.So in a way the location afforded a lot of familiarity in terms of location to the cinéaste. Secondly,the making of this film will always remain a miracle of sorts for René Féret as no big production house was willing to finance such a brave,absolutely uncommon film in France.So this film was finally made due to René Féret's personal intervention and highly individual efforts. Its visual style was applauded by a great French filmmaker named Bertrand Tavernier who has long been one of René Féret's admirers.For this film René Féret decided to use DV mode as it offered him a lot of creative freedom to adapt a difficult and touchy topic involving sad life of an old lady who was excluded from society.Rue de retrait is a must for all those viewers who wish to enter old people's lives and their eccentric world.

A highly original film about laws and mechanisms of a madhouse ! ! ! !


L'Histoire de Paul (1974) directed by René Féret

French film maker René Féret made his début with this film in 1974.It was his first critical success and applause for it came from famous French philosopher Michel Foucault who compared this film to British master Ken Loach's film "Family Life".This comparison is absolutely valid as like Ken Loach who has been an ardent supporter depicting the cause of English life in his films,René Féret has also championed the cause of Northern France in films.For those who are bothered about story and plot there is not much of hope.The real story of this film,if there is any story,is to be judged by the fact that film's helpless protagonist Paul has been condemned to a madhouse after a failed suicide attempt.Paul's plight is the central focus of the film as in psychiatric ward,he is compelled neither to have any history nor any story.What we see in this film is a sad tale which takes place in a psychiatric hospital whose inmates,doctors live according to their own set of rules.As a scathing attack on the absurdity of system in French mental institutions,L'histoire de Paul won Jean Vigo award in 1975.

Big leap for René Féret : natural depiction of French countryside ! ! ! !


La Communion Solennelle (1977) directed by René Féret

Three year after the critical success of his first film "L'histoire de Paul",René Féret took a big leap with his second film "La communion solennelle" made in 1977.It was a vast panorama for him as he moved from the cloistered confines of a mental house to open air fun and frolic of French countryside.It was also his first encounter with a multitude of talented actors,most of whom were discovered due to this film.If La communion solemnelle is to be remembered,it is for featuring a fortuitous display of a whole gamut of human emotions.It can be claimed that watching the film's protagonists making merry,enjoy and fight with each other,we also feel as if we too have become an integral part of their sentiments.If there is a parallel which can be drawn to compare this film,it will surely concern equating it with French classic film "Rules of the Game" directed by Jean Renoir.This is because like Renoir's classic,this film too has its own inimitable share of eccentricities of its characters.If you are aware of greatness of French culture,you must watch this film as it has traces of Zola,Maupassant and Claude Renoir.

René Féret should have made this film 19 years ago in 1974.


La Place d'un autre (1993) directed by René Féret

In some ways "La place d'un autre" can be called as L'histoire de Paul part 2.As far as René Féret's cinematographic oeuvre is concerned,this film should theoretically have come before L'histoire de Paul as in that film nothing was mentioned as to why a young man named Paul made up his mind to take his own life.All the questions which were left unanswered in L'histoire de Paul are discussed in La place d'un autre. This idea was always hovering on René Féret's mind but due to artistic commitments of different nature he was unable to finish this film as and when he wanted to do so.In this film we are shown how a young boy replaces his lost brother for the sake of his parents.There is also a poignant tale involving a talented soul who overcomes all instances of personal sorrow to emerge victorious.It is true that this film is autobiographical in nature,nevertheless René Féret has avoided all traps which might allude any kind of familiarity to actual events.There is also a concern for authenticity as the film was shot in the same mental institution where René Féret was interned after his personal tragedy.Recommendation : a film to be watched if you have ever lost a dear one in your family.

One day in the life of a French family ! ! ! !


Les Frères Gravet (1996) directed by René Féret

This is undoubtedly one of the most thought provoking films directed by René Féret.Its presence of stars and actors is so brilliant that one can have a jolly good time watching a host of French cinema's versatile actors that too in a single film.It was truly a veritable family affair for René Féret to direct people like Jacques Bonnaffé, Jean François Stévenin,Julien Féret who are a part of his indispensable family of actors.What is important to watch in this film is a story which starts as a family chronicle but with the passage of time transforms itself into an existentialist drama.Family is an important unit of René Féret's films and the highlight of this film is how brothers of a family come together to know each other better.It is not only brothers who come to know each other better but also their wives and children who learn to appreciate the value of their united,close knit family.It has been felt by certain French critics that this film is more close to Cassavates than Pascal Thomas.This is for those viewers to decide who are familiar with the films of both these authors.

Thursday, February 14, 2008

All criminals follow a strict code of honor ! ! ! !


Du rififi chez les hommes (1955) directed by Jules Dassin

Du rififi chez les hommes is a brilliant film which studies criminal minds and allows viewers to have a better understanding of criminals who are fundamentally not different from ordinary folks like us.What director Jules Dassin shows is that criminal do have families and they care a lot for them.That is why they adhere to a strict code of honor. For them a family is not only made up of wives,mistresses and children but also include casual acquaintances and close friends.Contrary to what many might find it hard to believe,Jules Dassin has not tried to glorify crime in his film as rififi makes it clear that crime never pays.It shows that all kinds of bad activities result in some kind of human loss.Apart from its philosophical stance Rifif is worth watching for its technical finesse.While watching one of the film's most brilliant sequences about breaking of a safe,one would find it hard to believe meticulous precision with which criminal minds execute their plans.This is a scene which nobody has dared to copy in Hollywood.

Action filmmakers have a lot to learn ! ! ! !


Le Salaire de la peur (1953)

directed by Henri Georges Clouzot

Wages of fear is a big lesson for action filmmakers who use a lot of technology but are largely unable to recreate an element of human sentiment in their action films.In all seriousness they can learn a lot from a great man who was more popular with his Gallic Hitchcock acronym :Henri Georges Clozot.In 1953,when he made this film,he did not even have one tenth of the kind of technology which is employed by today's technology savvy filmmakers.Wages of fear is a great film with existentialist undertones whose first half is a bitter depiction of nothingness for its four protagonists who languish in hot South America. It is in second half of the film that we witness a flurry of meaningful action.It is quite odd but due to heavy masculine presence Clouzot decided not to have much room for female characters except for a sensual role played by his wife Vera Clouzot.It is a true fact that before this film human misery,desperation and hopelessness were never shown in such vivid details as shown in this film.The sadness depicted in Wages of fear can still be felt in our contemporary world.

What is the best method to judge this film's popularity ?


Gandhi (1982) directed by Richard Attenborough

There is no doubt that this motion picture about Gandhi will always remain a monumental achievement for two Englishmen namely its director Sir Richard Attenborough who despite utter lack of assistance and cooperation from successive Indian governments,doggedly pursued an obsessive idea of making a film about one of the most famous Indians ever known to mankind and unknown actor Ben Kingsley who plays his part with such great perfection that people who personally knew Mohandas Gandhi claimed that they have seen a reincarnation of Gandhi in him.These facts are the only positive aspects of this film as its importance has never been properly assessed in India,a land where Gandhi was born.Each Indian viewer is familiar with the fact that this film is shown every year on 2nd October on India's national television network as a holy ritual to make people aware of this great man's importance.This proves that this film's popularity means different things to different viewers.For a non Indian it is a great visual document about Gandhi whereas for Indian people,it remains by and large a work which they are forced to watch out of compulsion for their country.It is also interesting to note that since some years Gandhi has become a fashion statement for Indian people.This is the reason why at least three films have been made in recent past by Hindi filmmakers about him.This was not happening around 1982 when this film was released globally.Would some serious viewer take a note of this anomaly ?

An honest film about a family made for all those who respect family life


Baptême (1989) directed by René Féret

In the recent history of French cinema,it has sadly been noted that the concept of films for families has vanished.If there is one film maker who has relentlessly pursued this theme in his films,it is René Féret whose films are a good portrayal of family life.Baptême is a family film which is not made these days.It is about the love of an entire life : love of a husband for his wife,love of a wife for her husband and love of the children for their parents.The dual concepts of happiness and sorrow have been nicely depicted in the form of family life and death.There is a concern for authenticity in Baptême as René Féret has portrayed an area which he know best:North of France.As a matter of fact,apart from Bertrand Tavernier and Bruno Dumont,there are not many filmmakers in France who have been honest and truthful in their depiction of harsh realities of northern France.René Féret is one of the very few French filmmakers who have vividly portrayed North of France.This must be kept in mind when a spectator goes to see this film.

Philippe Vuillemin: Not only an artist but also a good actor


Le Mystère Alexina (1985) directed by René Féret

If ever serious viewers would like to remember one of René Féret's most personal films "Mystère Alexina",it would definitely be for the acting prowess of French comic strip artist Philippe Vuillemin.He is absolutely incredible as the lead character who is confused about his/her sexuality.Philippe Vuillemin is so good that he outsmarts easily acting abilities of other actors especially that of Valerie Stroh.For this film René Féret has taken us to medieval times.Those were the times when French society,like most of the other societies was prudish in nature.In a way,this film is a serious take on sexuality in ancient times which was fiercely guarded.One of the most important questions raised by this film concerns ignorance about sexuality.It must be ascertained whether human sexuality can be dissimulated.Science comes to rescue when religious authorities are challenged to stake a claim about lead character's sexuality.For a film which might appear as a sensual love story to many viewers it is quite an achievement to minimize its risks of achieving an easy to please end.This is precisely the virtue of this film directed by one of French cinema's most under rated authors.

René Féret's tribute to German expressionism and Berlin Alexnaderplatz ! ! ! !


Fernand (1980) directed by René Féret

One close look at French cinéaste René Féret's career would reveal that on a couple of occasions he has made quite unexpected artistic moves. Fernand is one such example of a film which comes as a complete surprise not only for him but also for entire French cinema.This film was made by René Féret after healthy successes of his first two safe films : L'histoire de Paul and La Communion Solemnelle.Fernand is a kind of film which one can describe as a total shock.It is a film about Parisian society's outcasts and it was largely inspired by German expressionism especially by German classic Berlin Alexanderplatz.It is a film in which destroyed innocence is shown in the form of an uncommon love story between a young criminal who is more of a dreamer and a talented dancing girl cum hooker.As Fernand it is a kind of modern day fable some of its scenes have a magic like quality to them.This film is also like a tale of puppets as the destiny of its players is controlled by one another.Fernand is a great film which was sadly ignored by French public upon its initial release.It is a nice film to watch for those film enthusiasts who would like to know René Féret's cinema in a better manner.

Is it a tender love story or more of an autobiographical theater ?


Promenades d'été (1992) directed by René Féret

While watching "Promenades d'été", I am sure viewers would have a tough time ascertaining whether the film is more of a tender love story or a truthful depiction of an autobiographical theater.Whatever might be the case,French author René Féret has made a good film in which an entire troupe of theater actors is shown as one big family.The film is a tender love story as it depicts the evolution of a youngster in the subtle process of love with a lady who is senior to him.Promenades d'été is also largely autobiographical in nature as the depicted incidents are a part of film maker René Féret's memories of youth.There is a good display of clash of emotions as love,jealousy,happiness, joy,sorrow and triumph flow freely helping our film's young protagonist to advance near his goals : personal happiness and professional success. Valérie Stroh is a joy to watch as the lady of our young man's affections.The theatrical performance of our film's young protagonist is an excellent sight.This is a film which must be seen by all enthusiasts of quality theater and good films.

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

The dignity of man is sensibility of passions.


Au coeur du mensonge (1999) directed by Claude Chabrol

For Claude Chabrol,a cinéaste who has made over 50 films,this film must be like one of his loving children.However,his admirers might view it in a different light as it might appear as a minor work for them but many serious viewers would nevertheless feel that there are some nice things to observe in this film.Au coeur du mensonge is a film about people who are grappling with truths and lies in their lives.This film is more of a character study even though it is true that there are two crimes depicted in the film.These vile acts are merely a pretext for small town people to talk of pretentiousness and infidelity.Au coeur du mensonge is also a story about two artists;one of them is a fake and other one is not so sure of his inherent abilities.There is also a woman in their midst who is torn between these two men.The message of this film is simple:To understand a lie,one has to go to its heart.When we watch Sandrine Bonnaire and Jacques Gamblin, we realize that the truth is not so complicated as it is always visible on surface level.

An old man's quest for love in an alien land.


Az Út (1997) directed by Moldovanyi Ferenc

Az Ut directed by Hungarian documentary film maker Moldovanyi Ferenc is a faithful depiction of Chinese community in Budapest.According to rough estimates there are 35,000 people of Chinese origin in Hungarian capital.Az Ut also works as a travelogue of sorts as the film maker has taken us on a tour of two beautiful cities:Budapest and Beijing.The real issue of importance dealt in this film concerns the description of love according to the principles of Chinese philosophy.This is done by our 56 years old protagonist who is looking for a lady to share his life.This situation gives rise to many questions such as : Is there any need for love for an old man ? How can any young woman ever fall in love with such a man who is much senior to her ? Moldovanyi Ferenc has made a brave attempt to answer such difficult questions through his protagonist who is an intellectual from China feeling out of place in Budapest.There is also an angle of old versus young in this film as there is a sub plot which involves this man's son who is an aimless unemployed vagrant.To conclude,it can be said that this is the film for you, if you wish to know more about the sad topic of disappointment in love

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Circles of life :quite easy to watch in a film but absolutely difficult to follow in the real life.


Bom yeoreum gaeul gyeoul geurigo bom (2003) directed by Kim Ki Duk

I am a self confessed admirer of Kim Ki Duk.The mere mention of his name can provoke heated discussions.He is not so much liked by his own countrymen due to his choice of topics for this films.He is more liked outside South Korea where his admirers have easy access to his films both in terms of their availability and comprehension.The great thing about this film is that even though Kim Ki Duk is a part of Christian faith(he was born as a Christian),he has been successful in creating a meticulous spiritual tale of Buddhist world.This proves the amount of energy he spends in researching things about the subject matter of his films.I have seen Spring,Summer on many occasions and each viewing reinforces my belief in spirituality.It is good to see spiritual actions portrayed in a film on big screen but it is not only difficult but also impossible to follow them in real lives.The truth is that most of the people feel happy for a while and afterwards go about their daily chores.So if you wish to gain a brief spiritual experience watch this film.Nobody is going to question you about your spiritual existence after having seen this film.

A good film from Norway.


Elling (2001) directed by Petter Naess

If you have never seen a Norwegian Film,this is the film you should definitely watch.It is a bittersweet tale of 2 Oslo men who learn to appreciate life better through a series of hilarious episodes.One of them is a mama's boy and the other
chap is a sort of sex maniac.What is fun to watch is the fact that two lonely people join hands to comprehend things which make human life worthwhile.

Laughter at the rate of 100 laughs per minute.


The Big Lebowski (1998) directed by Joel Coen

Coen brothers are famous for their inventiveness as they never repeat the themes of their films.The same thing can be said about their erratic choice of actors.In "The Big Lebowski",we see some of the best talented actors of Hollywood doing highly unconventional roles.The beauty with a brain Julianne Moore plays a hard to believe adult movie star,Jeff Bridges is nice as a bum.John Goodman and Steve Buscemi are good too as a bunch of good for nothings.Regarding "The Big Lebowski" the best comment should concentrate on the film's raison d'être.It is about creating funny episodes out of nothing.Sometimes it is a nice feeling when while watching a film people decide not to bother about plot,camera etc and start enjoying the poetry of nothingness.It is this senseless yet charming session of mirth that has been created by Coen brothers.A different yet unusually similar film comes to my mind "A Fish called Wanda".Those who have seen both the films will not hesitate in declaring that both of them provide a century of laughs.



Popular film from one of the most talented veterans of South Korean cinema.


Bongja (2000) directed by Park Chul Soo

As a perennial crowd puller, South Korean cinema is absolutely mind boggling.This is true because no two Korean film are similar. This implies that Korean filmmakers still continue to have countless wonderful albeit ordinary day to day stories up their sleeves which they transform into charming films at regular intervals. Bongja, directed by an experienced Korean helmer Park Chul Soo is one such film. In this film as the credits roll and images make their appearance viewers can easily perceive that it is a film made on HDVD format later blown on a 35 mm print. This is just a small technical observation. The real icing on the cake comes in form of an off the wall performance by the title character of this film. She is an ordinary young woman leading a difficult life as she is troubled by the absence of a soul mate. Her life takes unexpected turns when she comes across a funny duo : an idiotic policeman and a rakish girl. PS: should you like this film, start collecting all of Park Chul Soo's DVDs.

Hard to digest : John Travolta as a villain beating Slater to pulp !!!


Broken Arrow (1996) directed by John Woo

My admiration for John Woo grew leaps and bounds with this particular film.To my mind,Broken Arrow has set a trend of taking lead players as villains.No one could have imagined even in wildest dreams that a professional airline Pilot that is John Travolta would be playing the part of a recalcitrant baddie hell bent on achieving universal destruction.He is the only one who steals the show gradually and it is towards the end of the film that his wickedness is at the summit of its annihilating powers.The success of this film is also due to
tightly controlled actions scenes.After Broken Arrow,there were hardly any good action films whose intensity matched those of this elegant action thriller.There is no doubt that Travolta steals the show.Sad but true other actors appear as
dimwits whether it is Christian Slater or Samantha Mathis.It would be nice if a sequel of this film is made by John Woo.If Die hard can be a big grosser than Broken Arrow is equally capable of replicating its previous success.


A true entertainer well worth its salt.


Die Drei von der Tankstelle (1930) directed by Wilhelm Thiele

This is not a kind of film which your neighborhood Goethe Institut would like to screen for you.The reason is that in the past it was not at all considered an auteur film and as it was more of a song and dance film which according to cultural authorities would not appeal to serious film viewers.However with the passage of time the official status of this film has changed a lot and fortunately it is currently considered as one of the 100 most influential films
of the rich history of German cinema.The film is a very nice comic tale of three men in love with a rich girl.This may sound trite but in 1930 when it was made there was hardly any current of such type of films.That is the reason why this film is really unique in the annals of German cinema.A great film to cheer you up when you feel complete lost and return home with a woebegone look on your face.

In 1987, Jan Schutte created what Michael Winterbottom is directing these days.


Drachenfutter (1987) directed by Jan Schutte

These days it has become fashionable to make films which in some legitimate,politically correct manner sensationalize the questions related to human dignity,human freedom and human rights. A notable example is that of Miachael Winterbottom. He has made controversial films like A might heart and The road to Guantanamo.These films can be made and will be made as the prevalent times are the times of uncertainty,confusion, chaos and disorder. Now the question is : whom should one consider a better humanist filmmaker ? One who is making films keeping in mind the current trends of world politics or someone who created a little masterpiece without bothering to even battle an eyelid for world events. To my mind it is the latter who will emerge as a clear winner.Ladies and Gentleman the winner in this case is Jan Schutte. In 1987 he created a very subtle unassuming film about illegal immigrants and their hardships in Germany.What is unique about this film is its quasi documentary feel. Watching "Dragon chow" one gets the notion that real life events are happening in front of our eyes in real time. This feeling is sustained by the use of black and white photography which works wonders. Strongly recommended for those DVD collectors who are perpetually hunting rare, hard to find films.

Harsh realities from Peru.


Días de Santiago (2004) directed by Josue Mendez

Recommended by a journalist from a communist country during a film festival I had some initial hesitation regarding watching this film. However after having seen this highly artistic film,I am ready to say that it is one of the most
original films made in recent times.I find it difficult to swallow the comparison made with US film "Taxi Driver". By making such a weird comparison people are belittling this film.My favorite moments from this film are the confrontation scenes. They bear testimony to the fact that a person besieged with problems has to fight ferociously to overcome all troubles. Some of the sequences had a dream like air to them.To a layman the title of the film "Days of Santiago" suggests how he passes his days.But to a serious film goer it
denotes the entire past,present and future life of Santiago. Peruvian actor Pietro Sibylle is a great attraction of this film. The troublesome feelings of anger,hopelessness, frustration, anxiety and despair are much too visible on his
woebegone face.A truly valid reason to watch this film.

An impressive Iranian film about youngsters passionate about music.


Deux fereshté (2003) directed by Mamad Haghighat.

This is the début feature by Mamad Haghighat. He is a respected Iranian film critic and historian, author of "Histoire du Cinéma Iranien", ("A History of Iranian Cinema"), published by the Centre George Pompidou in 1999. Mr. Haghighat has contributed enormously towards the promotion of Iranian cinema in France.For his first film, he has chosen "Music" as its theme. For many it is a thorny issue as it is believed that it is forbidden in Islam to play music. "Two Angels" is about the lives of two youngsters who are passionate about music. One of the characters is a poor boy from country side. He is interested in playing a musical instrument called "Ney" which is similar to a flute. Although his deeply religious father is against the idea of music, he gets support from his sympathetic mother. This boys shares his passion for music with a rich girl too.It is she who helps him enroll for music lessons with fatal consequences
......... For "Two Angels", Mamad Haghighat who is based in Paris since 1978, had complete artistic freedom. This is the reason why this film is aesthetically quite different from other Iranian films for children produced by KANUN (Iranian
Institute for the Development of Children and young Adults)

Lacking powers of narration : a less than ordinary Malaysian film.


Buai laju-laju (2004) directed by U Wei Bin Haji Sari.

God only knows how some people have dared to compare this film to the evergreen Hollywood classic Postman always rings twice. At least an attempt should have been made to ascertain whether Malaysia has any surviving film industry that merits any consideration however small it might be.Of course both these films have some common narrative similarities but may be those who made such a puerile comment did not bother to watch it with due attention. Swing my swing is a pathetic,outlandish,amateurish attempt at making a film with low cost production values.Although the funds for this film came from Australia ,it is a mystery as to how they were not properly used. All the three leading players have lost looks pasted on their faces.This film starts with a threateningly slow pace and its effect is felt throughout the film. Even the scenes depicting tragedy are devoid of any seriousness and that is the reason why they appear comical. For a filmmaker it is not a crime to make a bad film but watching a bad film is a sin for a viewer. So please do not turn yourself into a sinner by watching this abysmal film.

Chaplin knew how to act.


Monsieur Verdoux (1947) directed by Charlie Chaplin

This film was a big eye opener for me.I had always held the belief that Charlie Chaplin was just a highly acclaimed clown indeed buffoon who did nothing but just jump around in order to make people laugh.I think that Monsieur Verdoux is the only serious film which Chaplin ever made in his life.Although the film's topic is touching as it is tragic there is still scope for comedy as the title character Verdoux fools people as he is aware of their vulnerability.The film is based on sociological reasons as many men died during the two world wars and there was an acute shortage of men in Europe.This is where a trickster named Verdoux comes in picture as he had no other decent job but to fool innocent women by making them believe that they loved him and finally kill them.The film is based on a real life character called Landru.A similar film was also made by Claude Chabrol called Landru which starred Charles Denner.Both the versions are OK as they highlight the same notion of human weakness,greed and crime.

Hard to believe tale of a trapped woman.


Mitten ins Herz (1983) directed by Doris Dorrie

Anna Blume is a supermarket cashier.Her life takes an abrupt turn when she meets Armin Thal -a dentist.He makes her a strange offer of moving into his comfortable house.She accepts as she hopes of finding happiness in his company. Her happiness is short-lived as Thal's gruffness forces her to kill him.Doris Dorrie's astonishing debut "Mitten ins Herz" will always be remembered as a point of reference in judging the intensity of male-female relationships.Loneliness is the film's underlying theme. Anna Blume was always positive that she would captivate Armin Thal. The only common element in Anna Blume and Armin Thal's liaison is the fact that they employ different methods in order to deal with their loneliness.Doris Dorrie never anticipated that loneliness would become the focus of almost all her films.An indifferent spectator might find it hard to fathom how an advanced German woman like Anna Blume accepts Armin Thal's bizarre proposal.Anna Blume was not bothered about money as it can be surmised that she accepted his offer hoping that it would help her get rid of her loneliness.It must have been easy for Doris Dorrie to make Mitten ins Herz as as the film has traces of autobiographical elements in it.The narrative is rather quaint as it is hard to believe that such an event would ever occur in a highly industrialized nation like Germany.One should still watch Mitten ins Herz regardless of its melodramatic stance.

Humble sports film from Czech republic : It might set a new trend.


Mistri (2004) directed by Marek Najbrt

East European cinema is yet to produce its Rambo and Loneliness of the long distance runner type of heroes. This is because films about sporting heroes have not been made in large numbers. If my memory serves me right, I reckon this film "Champions" directed by Marek Najbrat is one of the few films produced in the region which talk of sports.The unique thing about Mestri is that it is a nice clean family entertainer.The game of ice hockey is not at all the film's main theme. It is rather an excuse to explore the unknown depths of human minds thereby unraveling complex permutations and combinations related to human relationships.There are even good scenes of how life in a small provincial town look. There is a feeling of one for all and all for one.Strongly recommended for all the admirer of films about Sports.

Landmark first film made in East Germany after World War II by the celebrated DEFA film studios.


Die Mörder sind unter uns (1946) directed by Wolfgang Staudte

"Die Morder sind unter uns" is a film about guilt,helplessness and incapacity.Its story is told through two main protagonists: Dr.Mertens (Ernst Wilhelm Borchert) and Suzanne Wallner (Hildegard Knef).Mertens is a doctor by profession yet he is an angry man as he hates the fact the war has killed countless innocent people. He is horrified to personally experience that in all wars pawns are always sacrificed to save the king. It is equally hard for the photographer Suzanne Wallner to forget her past. She gets tremendous shock as upon her arrival she finds that her city has turned into a pitiful heap of rubble. Both of them are lonely souls.In this film there is a villain too. He appears in the form of an evil Nazi man Bruckner.Die Morder sind unter uns was the first film made by DEFA (Deutsche Film Aktiengesellschaft). It might appear rather unusual but this film has film noir kind of looks. Expectations were very high with this film. Staudte was triumphant to have created a ground-breaking film. In the original version of the script Bruckner is shot by Mertens.This end was changed on the wishes of the Soviet Cultural officer Dymshitz as he reckoned that a notion of self justice should not be propagated.Staudte was fortunate enough to have Soviet side willing to produce the film as it was rejected by English and American military authorities.Die Morder sind unter uns occupies a unique place in world cinema history as it established the antifascist genre in DEFA film.

An easy to understand film from renowned French Cinéaste Alain Resnais


L'Amour à mort (1984) directed by Alain Resnais

Master cinéaste Alain Resnais likes to work with those actors who are a part of his family.In this film too we see Resnais' family members like Pierre Arditi, Sabine Azema, André Dussolier and Fanny Ardant dealing with serious themes like death,religion,suicide,love and their overall implications on our daily lives.The formal nature of relationship shared by these people is evident as even friends, they address each other using a formal you.In 1984,while making L'amour à mort,Resnais dealt with time,memory and space to unravel the mysteries of a fundamental question of human existence :Is love stronger than death ? It was 16 years ago in 1968 that Resnais made a somewhat similar film Je t'aime Je t'aime which was also about love and memories.Message of this film is loud and clear :true and deep love can even put science to shame as dead lovers regain their lost lives leaving doctors to care for their reputation.L'amour à mort is like a game which is not at all didactic.It is a film in which the musical score is in perfect tandem with its images.This is one of the reasons why this film can easily be grasped.

This is probably the best film about Jesus Christ ! ! !


Il Vangelo secondo Matteo (1964) directed by Pier Paolo Pasolini
As Pasolini was raised according to principles of Christian faith,he some felt it necessary to offer his artistic contribution to his faith by making an honest film about Jesus Christ.The making of "Gospel according to Saint Matthew" was a huge moral task for Pasolini as he was always disregarded by the people of his times because of his sexual and political lifestyle.The fact that his version is far superior than those of Martin Scorcese and Mel Gibson makes us to believe that Cinéaste Pasolini had tactfully settled artistic scores with all of his detractors.The sad thing is that there is not much written about this film. Much of this film's brilliance comes in the form of Tonino Delli Colli's camera catching just expressions on the faces of innocent,non professional players.Although miracles have been shown but they do not resemble cheap special effects.This is something which separates this Pasolini film from cheap gimmicks initiated by Lars Von Trier in his dogma films.A sense of family is also achieved by Pasolini when he cast his mother as Mary.

Monday, February 11, 2008

Three talented actors wasted in a single film. Haneke has shot a flop film.


La Pianiste (2001) directed by Michael Haneke

Not having seen even a single film of Michael Haneke's Austrian trilogy,I decided to watch this film in order to understand his style. My expectations were not met as I was heavily disappointed with this film as primarily all the three French actors were not properly used. To begin with Isabelle Huppert is a big miscast as the cold,lonely music teacher.This role could have been nicely done by Hanna Schygulla. Why ? As a German actress she would have surely had better affinity with Michael Haneke who is an Austrian author.Even the role given to the veteran actress of the past Annie Girardot looks unconvincing as she never fits in such kind of troubled mother mold.The biggest error is related to Benoit Magimel's character. This is because he is more at home in demonstrating his acting talents related to psychological aspects of French films. As I have not read the books by Elfriede Jelinek,I don't think that it would be fair on my part to comment on the book's cinematographic adaptation. All in all, I have no hesitation in saying that I have failed to grasp the very the essence of this film. May be I should soon organize a second viewing session in order to find out hidden meanings of this film.For the moment this film remains an awful experience for me.

So this film was made as it had got to be made ! ! !


The Pianist (2002) directed by Roman Polanski

It is a rather strange Jewish tradition that willingly or unwillingly all Jewish film makers direct films about the holocaust experience. This may be an easy way to get close to Jewish heritage,legacy and repay the debt owned to the community but what is more important to know is that a Jewish person making a film about holocaust would guarantee immediate success.So whether it is Spielberg or Polanski, Jewish filmmakers have made films about the terrible Jewish experience during holocaust days.In the case of both these directors they have made their respective holocaust films after having found money and popularity with other films.So more than a matter of creative task,it was more of a communal obligation for them to make an holocaust film. It is only in this context that one must consider The Pianist.This film is just plain OK nothing great or spectacular as everything can be foretold beforehand such as atrocities,suffering and ultimately liberation.The choice of Adrien Brody as the pianist is a good one as he carries the film single handedly on his shoulders.There is no other good reason which can justify the goodness of this film.

Mail order bride of the older times.


The Piano (1993) directed by Jane Campion

In "The Piano",Jane Campion has directed some of the best actors working in Hollywood.Imagine a film about music with versatile actors like Harvey Keitel,Holly Hunter,Sam Neil and Anna Paquin.The Piano is a nice musical which speaks through a woman's heart.There is a strong element of evidence that this film succeeds as it has a thin layer of mystery wrapped around its basic plot.The character of mute woman Ada played by Holly Hunter takes her time to make friends with Maori people around her.The strong mother daughter bond also helps the film to move ahead as Ada's daughter Flora,a role nicely played by Anna Paquin,is always there to help her mother.Jane Campion has also portrayed the stern nature of men as both men in Ada's life inflict cruelty on her.The Piano shares certain layers of similarity with "The Scarlet Letter" directed by Wim Wenders.In both the films there is a common element of weak women being punished in olden times.It is a good relief that thankfully in our contemporary world we are not living in such outdated times.

A saga of actors moving from taxis,hotels to a ship.


La Pirate (1984) directed by Jacques Doillon

Those who enjoy serious cinema (this is the way I describe the films I like to watch) and have some knowledge of filmmakers, are aware of the fact that Jacques Doillon is recognised as a tender, kind hearted filmmaker who specialises in poignant stories about children. This film proves that he has tried his hand at making off beat films too. "La Pirate" is one of those rare, off beat films which can only be made in France." The Pirate" is a film not about pirates as the title suggests but about people trouble by love. The sad thing is that one of these people is a married woman whose husband is giving her hell.Jane Birkin is nice as the victim whose situation is rather peculiar as she loves her husband too (played by her real life brother Andrew Birkin). Philippe Leotard is an enjoyable part of the film. He plays the detective hired by the uxorious husband. Many viewers who watched this film at Créteil Women film festival 2006 were quick to add that the Dutch star Marutschka Detmers was the real "point of attraction" of this film. This view was also shared by the leading lady Jane Birkin who said that she was enamoured by her beauty.If you have lived in Paris, you would be able to recognize some of the places where "La Pirate" was shot. For ex-I had no trouble recognizing the road near "La Chapelle" station. In 2007 it is still the same as it was in this 1984 production.

An objective appraisal of African muslim community.


Police (1985) directed by Maurice Pialat

Police is an objective appraisal of African muslim community wherein Pialat takes us on a fantastic tour of Parisian drug dealing activities.He has vibrantly portrayed Arab world from an evenhanded French perspective by depicting individuals caught in a vortex of social context.All its characters are so vulnerable that even the slightest fantasy pays a heavy price.Pialat has acquired laudable brilliance from his leading players.Depardieu is exceptionally brilliant in his role as Inspector Mangin.Sophie Marceau is equally impressive in her role as compulsive liar Noria.She has incarnated her role with noteworthy aplomb.Police is a solemn chronicle about the interminable combat involving corrupt people on the one hand and an honest police officer like Mangin on the other hand.Police differs from other films of thriller genre by laying a good deal of emphasis on its protagonists' frame of mind.

Average film about the superstar of smut made by a veteran European film director.


The People vs. Larry Flynt (1996) directed by Milos Forman

Milos Forman has always had a good career both in his native land and outside it.When he was in the former Czechoslovakia he made films which terrified the communist regime.He has always had a good career in USA and even enjoyed greater creative freedom. This is evident through his choice of films which he has made.Who in the world can ever imagine that a Czech film director would go on to direct a film about one of America's most notorious person.People versus Larry Flint is a highly subjective film as to some it might appear that it glorifies Larry Flynt.In reality, this is not so as it is devoid of any objectionable material.What we see are good performances by all actors especially by Woody Harrelson.He is the veritable life and soul of our main protagonist.Courtney Love is OK as his muse as her performance is just above average.Wathcing this film one would easily make out that all the uproar by the church about its poster was just a silly hogwash.

Well oiled Turkish wrestlers : great bodies, great fun, good picnic.


Pehlivan (1964) directed by Maurice Pialat

Instead of an over the top,overblown film review,I would like to just write a couple of my observations.I saw this short feature at FEMIS (famous French film school).I later spoke to master cameraman Willy Kurant who not only shot this film but also "Sous le soleil du Satan" directed by Maurice Pialat.According to him Pialat paid great deal of attention to the way he liked his films to be shot.Pehlivan means "Wrestler".This is a short film about a wrestling competition.We see a lot of people in the crowd both men and women alike appreciating, applauding and cheering wrestlers who have come from all parts of Turkey.A lot of honor is at stake as no body wants to lose.For this reason there is a fierce competition. The wrestling matches are held with loud drums playing in the background.A couple of belly dancers also join when there is a break after a wrestling bout.All in all, Pehlivan is a good piece of ethnographic cinema made by a great visionary of French cinema who is no more with us.

After the success of this film Haym Topol was offered the role which made Clint Eastwood a worldwide phenomenon.


Sallah Shabati (1964) directed by Iprahim Keshon

As part of an annual film festival of films from Israel, I saw this classic film at the legendary Cinema des Cineastes located near Place de clichy metro station in Paris. This will be remembered as a landmark film in the history of Israelian Cinema. This was filmed in 1964 by Ephraim Kishon at a time when there was hardly any visible trace of film-making in Israel.Kishon,the great humorist filmmaker of Israel proved that good films can be made even when one has limited funds and equipments at one's disposal.The highlight of this film is the light hearted manner in which it shows various hilarious solutions to housing problems of Jewish people after the independence of Israel. To my mind,it is one of those rare films in which two of the greatest living stars of Israelian cinema : Haym Topol and Gila Almagor have acted. They play an impoverished couple with a lots of children. It is fun to watch all the ruses adopted by them in order to be able to get hold of their own house.After the screening, chatting with bemused audiences Haym Topol recounted how owing to a prior commitment he declined Sergio Leone's offer to star in "A fistful of dollars". So if there is anything which has made Clint Eastwood what he is now, it is this refusal in question by Haym Topol.

Without a doubt : Events shown in this film must have taken place.


Salò o le 120 giornate di Sodoma (1975) directed by Pier Paolo Pasolini

Everybody knows that Pasolini was a great artist whose choices of topics stirred the entire Italian society.The world knows him better as a film maker.Like some of the most successful filmmakers working in cinema today like Gus Van Sant,Todd Haynes,Francois Ozon etc,he too was a homosexual.It is believed that at the end of his career he felt angry about his homosexuality and that is the reason why he showed it as something of a bad,evil thing. One close look at the film will show that it is about the misuse of power.Pasolini wanted to depict that when crooks and rogues acquire power,they invariably end up misusing it thereby endangering the entire human society.There are traces of autobiographical elements too as he must have seen many of such atrocities heaped on common people.It is true that this film is a controversial one but that should not be an excuse to disregard it.This is a film that must be seen by all and sundry in order to know how a wicked human mind functions.

So far away from reality


Sabah (2005) directed by Ruba Nada

I saw this film at films de femmes International women's film festival at Créteil,a suburb of Paris in France in 2006 where it was the opening film. It pleased most of the viewers especially the French audiences were most impressed.For them it offered a nice opportunity to watch all the melodrama, songs and dances. However there are some serious, glaring defects in this film. First of all the portrayal of the lead character Sabah is so distant,aloof, cold and hardly convincing. Somehow one gets a feeling that she is not able to connect to others around her. This is also true of the actor who played her brother.In real life this chap is Canadian and he was asked to play the role of a Jordanian guy !! This is a gross casting error. How unusual. In "Sabah" the fun elements might please casual viewers but more serious viewers might feel that it is a kind of ruse adopted by the filmmaker in order to hide the scenario's drawbacks. If you have seen films by the master of modern English language Canadian cinema Atom Egoyan, you might be tempted to watch this film. The reason : he is the executive producer of this film.

Tragic tale of ordinary German people set during Hitler's times.


Rotation (1949) directed by Wolfgang Staudte

Wolfgang Staudte fervently condemned the disinterested bourgeois who is not at all committed and hesitantly validates his standpoint. Rotation shows the dangers such an unbiased civilian is to compelled to confront.The film concentrates much on the past as key events are shown in a flashback.It showed how high unemployment in Germany resulted in Hitler's rise to power.Staudte has astutely shown a distressed Germany in which young Germans were trained by Nazis and everyone was taught to obey Hitler.Behnke recalls effectively all the difficult times he had to endure.He is happy to have a kid but can hardly imagine that his own child would betray him.Behnke was yearning for a serene Germany where his family would flourish.His generosity of spirit is revealed as he accepts his son without any feeling of hatred.After the war,Behnke family witnesses a sign of reconciliation as the father pardons his guilt-ridden son.

Absolute gem :A tale of deception set in the ancient times.


Le Retour de Martin Guerre (1982) directed by Daniel Vigne
Daniel Vigne described his film as a modern story that took place in 16th century.Le Retour de Martin Guerre is a wonderful historic romance that pertinently comments on an individual's role in society.The film is a beautiful illustration of 16th century pastoral life. Pancette had the nerve to assume Martin's identity as Bertrande constantly assisted him in deceit.His greed was responsible for his ruin as he claimed wealth which never belonged to him.A vast majority of viewers will not be in a position to form an opinion about Bertrande as she did not wish to spend her life with an impotent village resident.The entire storyline hinges heavily on Gerard Depardieu's captivating performance.His imposing aura makes us readily accept him as the real Martin Guerre even though,in reality,he is Martin's lookalike Pancette.Le Retour de Martin Guerre will fascinate not only the admirers of suspense genre but also those spectators who are attracted to drama.Daniel Vigne has effectively crafted a thought-provoking oeuvre which competently wrestles with major issues like identity and deception.

Violence for violence's sake might set a bad precedent.


Reservoir Dogs (1992) directed by Quentin Tarantino

Everybody knows that criminals are big losers but still there is a strong tradition in American cinema especially in Hollywood of making films which glorify criminals.Everybody knows that Godfather,a film about a mafia family is hailed as a classic film.People know well as to what kind of things mafia do and how harmful they are to human society in general.Reservoir Dogs is one such dumb film which through its antics champions the cause of crooks without morals.Tarantino is believed to be a humorist however his humor is undoubtedly bland and mainly consists of filthy abuses.A word about the violence in the film: by showing macabre scenes of senseless violence Tarantino has shown that in the name of creative freedom and in order to gain easy publicity all rules can be broken and more the violence the more controversial the film is going to be.Good that this film has not been emulated by other film makers. It is a good development that till now no studio has come forward with the idea of making a sequel of this film.God save America who has Quentino.

There is not even an ounce of doubt that this film is a global classic.


La Règle du jeu (1939) directed by Jean Renoir

It is believed that great works of art are not so easily understood by laymen.This is exactly what had happened to one of Jean Renoir's most discussed masterpieces "Rules of the game" when it came out in 1939.It was severely criticized and was even branded as an anti French film. This film has ever since become one of the most influential French films of all times.From a sociological point of view "Rules of the game" is a highly useful film with a purpose as it exposes succinctly the prevalent hypocrisy in a society filled with both the aristocratic as well as the servant class.From the point of view of an artist this film is a classic too as it has found its inspiration from the works of three great writers of French literature : Alfred de Musset,Molière and Beaumarchais.The reason why "Rules of the game" has succeeded is simple.It is a film in which people can find their true reflections as Renoir had held a mirror in front of viewers asking them to have a look at their own true self.He cannot be termed wrong if some of the faces are crooked according to the Rules of the Game.

Amazing film within a film about the misuse of power.


Reconstituirea (1968) directed by Lucian Pintilié

It is a matter of highly disreputable concern that this sublime film directed by Lucian Pintilie is not so well unknown globally.When a great film like this remains unknown for whatever reasons what hurts the most is the fact that an opportunity has been denied to viewers to watch,understand and appreciate a rewarding film which proffers a multiplicity of interpretations.Reconstituirea is without an ounce of doubt one of the boldest East European films which challenge the repressive hegemony of a communist state albeit in a very circumspect manner.Although punishment or to be precise reeducation of two young boys remains the film's central theme there is also some benign overlapping of many life affirming themes and situations such as first love,friendship,sacrifice,pain,suffering,indifference etc.
Lucian Pintilie came into international prominence as Reconstituirea was applauded at Cannes Film festival in 1968 but as it was critical of communist party establishment,Pintilie was banned from traveling to France. This was the high price audacious film makers like him from East European countries had to pay in the past.

Japanese dogs obey their masters' orders more if they are in English.


Quill (2004) directed by Yoichi Sai

Before watching this film, I was feeling quite excited as I just had a certain idea of what Sai Yoichi might be as a filmmaker. He started his illustrious career as an assistant for Nagisa Oshima on the highly controversial art film "Empire of the senses". It was the same film for which the famous gangster turned filmmaker Koji Wakamatsu provided funds. In the recent past, I had seen only one film directed by him "Blood and Bones". For me,although it was a very violent film I had ever seen in my life, it enabled me to keenly watch and observe Kitano Takeshi's acting talents. So it was with such pleasant expectations and unknown surprises that I began watching this film with my family. At the end of the film, I was feeling elated as I had discovered an hitherto unknown facet of Japanese culture. To begin with, "Quill" made me catch glimpses of family life in Japan as it was shot in a small town away for the bustling metropolis Tokyo. Watching this film made me realize how much value people from Asian countries especially Koreans, Chinese and Japanese attach to English language and culture. It is true that one should try not to be sentimental about dogs, what pleased me the most was the emotional bond which Yochi Sai depicted by making a blind person aware of his dog's worthiness. There are moments of sadness in the film but all in all they served their purpose well. This is a point which all serious viewers would take away with them when they watch this simple, frank and honest film.

Perfect depiction of Korean realities.


Samaria (2004) directed by Kim Ki Duk

To say that Kim Ki Duk is a great director would be a major artistic blunder as well as an understatement which might put a veil on his talent.The best tribute that can be paid to the new master of South Korean cinema Kim Ki Duk is to say that he is one of the most informed directors working in the realm of contemporary world cinema.Just to give a few examples:whether it is mention of the paintings by Egon Schiele or the description about an ancient Indian prostitute called Vasumitra who lived during the time of Buddha.These are some of the details (may be minor to some people)whose inclusion happens under the proper care of Kim Ki Duk."Samaria" is about the scourge of teenage prostitution which is inflicting umpteen emotional wounds in the lives of Korean families. As this is a taboo topic the reaction of Korean audience has not been very favorable.Most of the positive reactions have come from western audiences who have a mature thinking as far as their handling is concerned.Although there is good acting by the two leading ladies,it is the role played by the cop father of one of them who grabs all the attention.Samaria is not a moral story but a tale of human responsibility. Its message is loud and clear : do not do to others what you do not wish to happen for yourself.

Friday, February 8, 2008

No promise, no land. Just a quick succession of cruel scenes.


Promised Land (2004) directed by Amos Gitai

This film is a major disappointment by Amos Gitai.One should even call it a blot on his career.Promised land is neither a feature film nor a documentary nor anything which can lie in between.It features two popular stars Anne Parillaud and Hanna Schygulla but even their presence is not helpful enough to sustain viewers' interest.The film is about the plight of some Russian girls which are sold in Israel but its presentation is really bad. It does not make any sense as in order to heighten the importance of the topic Amos Gitai has decided to shoot the most part of the film in darkness. However darkness cannot hide the film's defects.The film maker has surely not done his homework well due to which viewers are forced to watch a crude succession of abominably cruel scenes in which women are traded like cattle.Most of the actors too suffer in this film as their roles have not been defined properly.Recommendation:better watch this film and be bitter about it rather than being sullen without having seen it.

Strictly for all the psychos based all over the world.


Psycho (1960) directed by Alfred Hitchcock

After having heard all the noise surrounding this film,I decided to watch this film as I had to give a presentation of a Stephen Rebello's book based on this film for my teacher Monsieur François Thomas at Cinema studies section of the University of Paris 3 Sorbonne Nouvelle. I was utterly disappointed as this film was not so chilling as I had expected it to be.Psycho is more of a character study of some oddball persons.In the beginning Hitchcock takes us on a guilt trip of a woman who is in love with a married man.Funny thing is that both of them know that they cannot find any happiness in their so called secret love.Later on we are taken for a ride as this bizarre woman steals a lot of money and without any rhyme nor reason decided to leave her hometown.Now everybody knows what happens after that.Psycho is a film about matter of taste. It might have appealed to the people of the sixties with their fascination for things black and white.But Psycho does not make any sense in the colored era of 2008.

Godard lives a secluded life as a hermit. He might not like this film.


Pulp Fiction (1994) directed by Quentin Tarantino

What is the pulp and what is the fiction of this film ? This film makes no sense at all.The sad thing is that it does not have any reality.Godard has abandoned France and now lives in a tiny Swiss town of Rolle. I can assure that even Godard will say that this film has no beginning,no middle and no end and that too in no particular sense.As Quentino Tarantino has crooked teeth may be people like his films for that reason.All the actors of this film look confused.The great actress from Portugal Maria de Medeiros wasted her talent for a minor role which no one will ever bother to remember.Although it was a comeback vehicle for John Travolta,he has not acted well.Sam Jackson is confused.The most confused of them all is Christopher Walken.Let the others make merry but Quentin Tarantino will bore people to death with silly films like Kill Bill.Stay way from this film as it is a waste of money.

Strange events happening on a single night.


Nachtgestalten (1999) directed by Andreas Dresen

The Pope's visit throws Berlin completely out of gear.He is unaware of profound changes it will bring in the lives of certain individuals. Hanna and Victor-a homeless couple will have a tough time finding a suitable hotel for a night's stay.Patty-a juvenile prostitute will rob Joachen-a naive farmer of his money.Peschke-an inept business executive will grasp the bitter truth that not all immigrants like Angolan Feliz Kolami steal wallets upon their arrival in Germany. Nachtgestalten is an ingenious motion picture belonging to the post reunification German Cinema.Andreas Dresen earned wide critical and commercial success with his film as it came at a moment when German cinema was inundated with numerous inelegant comedies.It is a highly imaginative film in which various droll events happen in rapid succession.Nachtgestalten takes us on a wonderful tour of night spots in Berlin which average tourists would normally shun.Andreas Dresen has candidly shown sordid aspects like dirt,junk,skinheads,racism, prostitution etc.The storyline appears credible as a result of outstanding acting prowess of its characters.Michael Gwisdek is brilliant as Peschke.Nachgestalten skillfully tackles the plight of homeless people.It proves without a shadow of a doubt how difficult it is to be poor in a rich country.

Kim Ki Duk : Duke of Korean cinema's film is largely autobiographical in nature.


Nabbeun Namja (2001) directed by Kim Ki Duk

Kim Ki Duk is the infant terrible of the South Korean cinema. The best thing about his films is that there is no repetition in them. All of his films have had different story lines, plot constructions and even his choice of actors is different. This makes fastidious viewers appreciate his films. Not only people appreciate his films but are also able to associate themselves with them. As far as "Bad Guy" is concerned, it is largely autobiographical in nature. It might be said that it is quite possible that the characters portrayed in this film must have been a part of Kim's life at some point of his life. "Bad Guy" has made some interesting observations about Korean society too. However some viewers might find it hard to accept that the depiction of women characters is a little bit weak. Whatever one feels this film is rather oddball given its subject matter and content. Watch out for its musical score which is simply stunning. The end of the film is really a class affair.

Thursday, February 7, 2008

Not sure whether this must be termed as the best film directed by David Lynch.


Mulholland Drive (2001) directed by David Lynch

In any manner whatsoever,I don't want to offend any of the admirers of David Lynch who are present all over the world.However I would like to mention that I purchased a DVD of this film in order to fathom what made it so famous that it won the best foreign language film at the French Cesar awards ceremony. However my first viewing session of this film was deceptive as it left me numb and I could not make head nor tail of this film.As in the past I had seen only one film from our American master in question called "The Elephant Man" and as I was not much too satisfied with the film,my expectations with Mullholland Drive were high and sorry to say unfortunately they came to a cropper. First of all I found it hard to understand why so many events were happening and that too in quick succession.There was no coherence and it appeared to me that the innocent viewers were bombarded with a volley of jumbled scenes.Yeah it is a good thing that some of those scenes were shrouded into mystery while some were suffused with sensuality.So thanks to these elements I was able to contend myself with this film. The two leading actress are worth mentioning as their coming together might be a healing for some haplessly sore eyes.

A Film about joys of cinema.


La Nuit américaine (1973) directed by François Truffaut

La Nuit Americaine is an exuberant celebration of the joy of filmmaking, The title refers to the effect of night in a day.Truffaut has resourcefuly tackled the most haunted question "Is Cinema superior to life".The film is an engaging drama about the people involved in making a film. Truffaut has declared on numerous occasions that real incidents experienced by him were the material for this film.La Nuit Americaine is a meaningful film about the hardships one must endure while making a film.Making a film about a film is a complicated task but Truffaut succeeded with ease in creating an oeuvre of exceptional beauty.Cinema is shown as a big family in which Truffaut as film director Ferrand has to take care of everything including the bad mood of his players.La Nuit Americaine is an honest film which gives you an idea about the fact that personal problems don't matter,if you are taking part in a film.It is the cinema which rules.Truffaut wished that the public would love to watch this film as much as he enjoyed making it.La Nuit Americaine,which Truffaut dedicated to Lilian and Dorothy Gish,was one of the last films to have been shot at the famous Victorine studios

Married people will surely like this film ! Young boys and young girls too.


Oechul (2005) directed by Hur Jin Ho

South Korean director Hur Jin Ho is unique. At a time when most of the Korean directors are making more or less violent, thriller films,he has decided to follow his own path. This can make viewers aware that as a filmmaker he likes to do something different. That is why he likes to make romantic films. This is fine as 2 of his previous films "Christmas in August", "One fine spring day" have been very soft,lovely,a bit melodramatic and pure romantic films. This is also the case of "April Snow". It is a film which would immensely appeal to both boys as well as girls.Yeah, it would captivate married people too.The film is a pure reflection on what love is. Of course, love experienced under normal circumstances is good. However any kind of love experienced under pain,bitterness, trouble or hardship is the truest,everlasting love and is pure in all its form. This is the main premise of this film. For those who have seen "In the mood for love" by Wong Kar Wai there is something in store. What it is ? Just go and watch this film.

This is not at all a film for admirers of Hollywood


Olo to varos tou kosmou (2004) directed by Thanos Anastopoulos

For his first film "Thanos Anastopoulos" has chosen a very difficult theme. In his film "All the weight of the world", he chose to portray the meaning of life. For viewers not used to films where there is no proper beginning, middle and end, this film would not make much sense. This film would not make any sense at all even when these viewers try to see it for the second time. Of course, it is a different story that such people would not see it twice because there are high chances that they might dislike this film during its first viewing. So if a film is disliked by viewers at the time of its first screening, one can deduce that it would be detrimental because not only the viewers would continue to ignore the same film but they would also not recommend such a soporific film to other viewers. According to what I have understood, "Olo to varos tou kosmou", is a film without a regular plot or a storyline. I had no trouble in capturing the fact that it is an occult tale of 11 confused denizens of a small Greek city. Much of the film's sadness comes from its characters. In this film, there is a sad looking old philosophy professor who burns all his books stating that his entire life has been a waste. According to him the real wisdom can be found in life but never in books. There is a loving couple too unsure of their love for each other. Now something for universal admirers of technical issues related to a film. "All the weight of the world" was shot on digital DV and later blown into a 35 mm print. This has not hampered the visual beauty in any manner. What about the question mark style adopted by Anastopoulos ? This should not come as a surprise to anyone as Anastopoulos learnt the tricks of the trade from the "one many army" of World Cinema : Monsieur Theodoros Angelopoulos. He chose young Thanos as his assistant on "The Beekeeper" (1986). Lastly, "All the weight of the world" was revealed to the world after it premiered at the prestigious Rotterdam International Film Festival 2004.

How does it feel to be in a mental institution.


One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975) directed by Milos Forman

The making of this film is a miracle of sorts.It all started when influenced by Czech new wave Kirk Douglas decided to visit Prague.He approached Milos Forman to direct this film.It took Milos Forman some 6 years before he could move out of Czechoslovakia (as it was known that time) Rest all is history.This film wins all the viewer's sympathy as it has shown a very mature, challenging subject:condition of inmates at a mental institution.The theme of human freedom is deftly handled.Apart from the usual sad elements there are certain comic elements too.This is one of the most restrained performances by Jack Nicholson.Louise Fletcher is great too even though she has played the role of a cruel,strict and authoritarian person.As far as the comparison with Ken Kesey's novel is concerned, it is no big deal to compare.When one can enjoy this film, who would bother to read the original novel.It is best to say : watch the film and leave the novel for the book lovers to follow.

Better than "Citizen Kane". Best world cinema film about hopelessness, pain and frustration.


Omar Gatlato (1976) directed by Merzak Allouache

Thanks you very much, very much and really very much Mister Merzak Allouache for having made one of the most original, honest and frank film about the loss of dreams of the young generation. You have made all your films under harsh conditions and trust me mankind will remember you for this humanist masterpiece. It is a film which shows how so many dreams have died, how individual dignity of ordinary people is suppressed. What is to be done when the dreams do not exist any more. Although the film depicts a young Algerian man, the story could have taken place anywhere in the world especially in a third world country or developing countries (for all the admirers of politically correct stance). Anyone who has a heart can easily comprehend the pain and suffering of this young man. Recommendation : a great film for those who want to become better human beings.

Lubitsch takes his revenge against Nazi Germany


To Be or Not To be (1942)Directed by Ernst Lubitsch

All that can be said about "To be or not to be" is that it was purely an aesthetic vehicle for Ernst Lubitsch to settle scores with Adolf Hitler and his Nazi Germany.Everyone knows well how many talented Jewish artists had to leave Germany when Adolf Hitler came to power. Lubitsch made Nazis bite the dust in a pacifist manner by showing them as ridiculous souls.Although the film is comic in nature there is no denial of its serious tone.There are various serious themes like World War II, relationship between a husband and a wife,behavior of actors,horrors of war which merit viewers' attention.It is true that this film suffers from a complete lack of "Lubitsch" touch but comic elements make for its absence.If you happen to be one of those viewers interested in theater especially Shakespeare and his famous plays, it would be tough for you to tolerate those people who walk out during performances based on this famous bard's plays.The hidden highlight of the film is arrogant behavior of certain actors who find it hard to believe that some people might not have heard of them. It is better to tell them that in life as in plays everything is possible.

Human emotions can also be measured if you say that cigarette smoke is measurable.


Smoke (1995) directed by Wayne Wang and Paul Auster
To heap praises on Smoke would be a great disservice to its talented directors Wayne Wang,Francophile poet Paul Auster and its eclectic cast of actors of international prominence like Harvey Keitel, Forest Whitaker and William Hurt.This is because it is more than a great film. We know that a great film can neither be defined nor described. A great film like Smoke has to be felt on an individual basis.It cannot be done by those who are near and dear to a viewer.Smoke is a film in which purest of human emotions overflow in every scene. Each gesture made by these great actors is worth millions of pure joys visible only by naked eyes in our daily existence.As a visual document of pristine beauty, Smoke is a beautiful commentary about the greatness of human existence. Its message is loud and clear ; one should smoke joys of human existence as they are undoubtedly more therapeutic then cigarette smoke which is effective only as a good remedy against cold weather.A comment must be made about one of the greatest actors of all times : Harvey Keitel.His portrayal of Augie is likely to bring laughter on your face and tears in your eyes.There are not so many actors who can achieve such a mesmerizing effect.

Strengths and weaknesses of human behavior/Laughter is the best medicine.


I Mostri (1963) directed by Dino Risi
Most of the patrons of the good cinema know that Italian film industry has always been at the forefront of serious as well as good cinema movement.So by that yardstick,it is important to make a note of Italian comedy.This was one of the most interesting chapters of Italian cultural life after the dreadful harsh realities of the treacherous World War 2.As Italy made a meticulously planned recovery after the harsh destruction of an alien invasion,its society witnessed numerous sociological as well as economical upheavals.This was the primary reason which gave birth to Italian cinema movement.Dino Rosi's film "I Mostri" is the perfect example of Italian ribaldry. It was made as a result of many people's collective efforts. Apart from Ugo Tognazzi and Vittorio Gassman, famous filmmaker Ettore Scola also lent a helping hand. Although there are short humorous episodes in this film, due to its 2 hour length,this film gives subtle impression of a feature film.A must for all those who are interested in good cinema, Italian culture and the strengths and weaknesses of human behavior.

Both Black and White can live together peacefully.


Mississippi Burning (1988) directed by Alan Parker
Last year,I was appalled to read in an issue of Film Comment magazine that "Mississippi Burning" had been judged as the worst American film based on real life events.This is not only shocking but highly unbelievable too.What dismays is the fact that how can anyone categorize such a brilliant film as one of the worst political films.I am of the opinion that this is a big error on the part of a respectable film magazine."Mississippi Burning" is a superb rendition of the events which took lives of civil rights workers.Apart from the actors'efforts,the real credit of its success must go to Alan Parker's taut,skillful direction.With this film he has proved that he is at his creative best when he makes films based on real life events.No doubt people do remember "Midnight Express" and also the fact that hardly a week passes without the television screening of this film.William Defoe is a kind soul in this film.It was after this film that he decided to play various kind of bad guy roles.Gene Hackman is good too and his anger,frustration and obstinacy are a joy to watch.Frances McDormand is nice as the helpless soul trying to wriggle out of an unhappy marriage.Message of the film :nothing can be achieved through violence.PS: Live and let others live happily.

Meaningful film with Jeremy Irons and Robert de Niro.


The Mission (1986) directed by Roland Joffe

The Mission directed by Roland Joffe cannot be termed as a film which can masquerade as some kind of populist entertainment stuff. It is not at all a film which entertains in the manner most of the films do. It is a film which makes us think as to what our past history was. The important message the film gives us is the reminder that numerous wars were fought in order to attain the religious supremacy of a particular religion. Now for those who think that The Mission is not a slice of history but a movie, I would say that both the leading actors are absolutely impressive. However it is Jeremy Irons who is in full command of his acting capabilities as the priest. Robert de Niro is good too as the man who repents after killing his brother out of revenge. The amazing thing is the manner in which South American native people have acted. Watching them perform alongside Hollywood bigwigs one wonders how they have not been influenced by them. The sad part of this film is its end which might appear as pessimistic to certain viewers.

Important cinematographic document from Cuba :Good that this film was finally made despite lack of funds.


Miel para Oshún (2001) directed by Humberto Solas

In 2004,I met Senor Humberto Solas at a film festival in India. After having discussed Latin American cinema at length with him,I got the impression that he is one of the legendary figures not only of Cuban cinema but also of World cinema. He spoke in particular about the enormous problems faced by certain filmmakers from Latin America. So it is in this context that people must watch this excellent film "Miel para Oshun". It is quite true that this film has not been shot using latest expensive gadgets. However there is no valid reason to believe that this could affect anyone's viewing pleasure. This film might be of interest to all regardless of one's language. What I found the most appealing is the manner in which Cuba has been portrayed in a positive light. Although at times, Miel para Oshun might appear maudlin but nevertheless the end result is bound to remain in viewers'mind for a long time to come. Leading player Jorge Perugorria is a joy to watch.

Compelling and controversial : a sure shot recipe for success.


Le Mépris (1963) directed by Jean Luc Godard

Jean Luc Godard described his film as a story of a misunderstanding between a man and a woman.Le Mepris shows succinctly how true love can vanish when one lover becomes contemptible.Paul Javal is in a fix as to how he should assure his wife that he loves her a lot.Camile has no basis for her contempt which she directs against her innocent husband.The creative process has become an obstacle to their relationship.It is precisely due to this involvement that Camille is showing contempt for her husband.Le Mepris is the most revealing film about the edifying influence the cinema has on its creators.The film brilliantly captures the moods and emotions that go in making a film. Fritz Lang,in his role as a director brings the film closer to reality.He makes the film look more authentic.This has been Godard's tribute to the great master.Le Mepris audaciously discusses genuine European aesthetics v/s crass commercialization à la Hollywood.Prokosh is more interested in his wealth than art.Everyone knows that the conflict between Paul and Prokosh is inevitable.Prokosh's death symbolizes the zero in life. Le Mepris was constantly dogged by controversies and on one occasion even Godard was held in contempt by the film's producer George de Baroncelli.

Hard to follow film about youngsters in Seoul.


Motel Seoninjang (1997) directed by Park Ki Yong

It is true that some reviewers have written great things about this film. However I have something different to express regarding "Motel Seoninjang". There is no doubt that it presents a novel concept. The idea of showing a film made within a "film" is fine. This is because Park Ki Yong tried his hand at depicting something different. However there is a serious problem with this film as it runs out of steam too soon. This is because there is very little coherence between what is being filmed and what the director intended to portray. As far as the erotic elements are concerned, to my mind they are too fake, arty and simply pretentious. This is not only my reaction but many other viewers felt it too when they saw this film at an Asian Film Festival. A similar hard to understand style can be found in Park Ki Yong's another film called "Camels". Sorry to disappoint all animal lovers but there were no camels at all in that particular film.

Absolute blunder from Canadian maverick.


Love & Human Remains (1993) directed by Denys Arcand
Love and human remains directed by Denys Arcand is an abysmally pathetic film as it is completely different from the kind of films he has been making all through his career.Making a different film is not an objectionable matter,what is troublesome is the fact that if a film from a master is complete out of tune then it is a really bad event. The film begins on a good note as there is some suspense created. However as the film progresses what is shown is just a futile attempt at creating something meaningful as Arcand shows us half a dozen oddball,whimsical characters whose lives are intertwined with each other.Homosexuality and Lesbianism are not of any consequences here. What is even more bothersome is the feeling of guilt related to the characters who are rather in a fix regarding their feelings towards each other and sexuality.Such a film would be of interest to some who wants to see a different Denys Arcand film.All in all,there would surely not be many takers for this film.

"Coppola" tag helped this pretentious dross gain worldwide acclaim.


Lost in Translation (2003) directed by Sophia Coppola

To my mind this is just an average ordinary silly film. The entire film takes place in an hotel. This is just fine but by showing some shots of a Tokyo skyscraper hotel heaven only knows what Ms. Coppola wished to convey. May be she wanted to depict that as people live in high buildings their feelings,emotions become low. A word about the bewildered American in Japan oh no Tokyo. Bill Murray looks utterly lost as if he has not been paid his salary for playing the part in the film. Scarlett is fine but she could have done better. The worst thing about this film is that Japanese people were caricatured. It is as if all the Japanese people use very long sentences even for expressing simplest of ideas. For all those lost souls interested in Japan bashing, please watch Alain Corneau's film "Stupeur et tremblements".