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Wild Life (2023)
Heights of Hypocrisy and Narcissism
Great. This documentary film is made to make one woman feel good about herself. Talk about narcissism. I don't know how much the documentary film makers were paid by the main protagonist of this film viz. Kristine Tompkins and her associates. Looks more like a PR film to me than anything else.
So first you create multiple multi-national corporations and make your millions while destroying nature. If someone wants to know how, just check what are the raw materials for making the apparel and gear that Espirit, Patagonia and North Face sell. Then you spend those millions acquiring land from erstwhile colonial land-grabbers and their government who drove the indigenous people of South America from these very lands which they were living on sustainably for generations. Next when you understand the scale of the problem and realize that you won't be able to solve it, you turn around and "donate" that land to the very same government. And then make this movie to feel good about yourself. Excellent.
'38 (1986)
Living under the cloud of fascism
This film depicts a love story between a Jewish Austrian journalist and a famous German actress in the backdrop of the spread of Nazism in Austria and the impending Nazi invasion of Austria.
The film starts out slow with the story going nowhere in the first half. But it picks up pace in the second half right till the tragic end. There is palpable fear and a feeling of impending doom as the two lovers try to come to terms with the impossible situation they find themselves in. The slogans of "Ein Volk, Ein Reich, Ein Fuhrer" sent a chill through my spine.
Frontline: Dollars and Dentists (2012)
Root causes of poor dental hygiene should've been explored
Good documentary. However, this film did not focus on the role of the diet of the average American and the role of the fast-food companies and soft drink companies in causing dental problems in the American population. Medicare is essentially subsidizing the harm caused by these companies. These companies should be liable for the harm they're causing to the American population.
Real Time with Bill Maher: Kevin O'Leary/Adam Schiff/Tavis Smiley (2021)
Kevin O'Leary is a typical billionaire a**hole
Kevin O'Leary sounds like the typical billionaire a**hole who thinks that he and the billionaire class are god's gift to humankind. First they don't pay any taxes by taking loans on their investments/shares. Later when they die whoever inherits their investments/shares don't have to pay any taxes either. And if for some reason they do decide to sell their investment/shares the capital gains tax is much less than the peak income tax. And if they can't avoid paying taxes, they hide their wealth in offshore accounts as the Pandora papers have shown. The economic system is so skewed in the favor of these billionaires. No wonder people want to tax their wealth.
Cyclotron (2020)
Eye opener on status of Indian scientific research with a slice of scientific history
This film shines a light on the current status of scientific research in India. The film consists of a series of interviews with various members of a scientific group in Punjab university conducting research on particle physics using a particle accelerator which belongs in a museum. It touches on various topics of significance like the inequitable distribution of funds and equipment among various universities in India, the lack of emphasis on scientific collaboration among universities and scientific institutions in India and the general apathy of the government when it comes to prioritizing scientific research in India.
The film also depicts a piece of scientific history which would be unknown to most people. Who knows how many such gems are hiding, tucked away in corners of this country.
This film will be an eye opener for many people on how scientific research is still being carried out in isolated pockets in India with outdated equipment, poor funding and subject to the whims and fancies of politicians and bureaucrats.
Witness 1939: When War Broke Out (2014)
Witness the start of WW II
The second world war the most bloodiest and costliest war of the 20th century. This documentary shows the start of the war from the British perspective. With archival footage of military action and political events during 1939 just before and after the start of the war and interviews with former military personnel including many RAF pilots, and civilians most of whom were children at the time, this film tries to re-create the feeling of excitement and panic among the population of UK at the start of the war. It also shows the military preparedness or the lack of it from the British side and the chaos in the British military at the start of the war. The film also contains an interview with a former Polish soldier who describes the invasion of Poland in 1939 by the German and Russian armed forces and how Poland was thoroughly unprepared for the conflict.
Grazing the Sky (2013)
Could have been better
Grazing the sky is an emotional portrait of the lives of gymnasts and acrobats who make the Cirque du Soleil such a treat to watch. It tells the stories of artists who want to perform in Cirque du Soleil, of which many do not have any previous experience in circus performance except for the passion they have for their art form. The film follows these people through the paths that they take in reaching the pinnacle of their art form while fighting personal tragedies, debilitating injuries and violent conflicts. As one of the trainers aptly puts forth in the film that they have to fight their "fear, pain and weariness" with their passion for the art form to achieve perfection.
However one wonders if the film maker instead of speaking to the artists, had allowed them to do what they do best i.e. speak through their bodies, this film could have turned out to be extremely entertaining. One just wishes that there could have been more of the spectacular sequences in the film instead of the long interviews.
Interstellar (2014)
Inter-'not so'-stellar but still watchable
Though I am a 'Christopher Nolan' fan, this movie has had a sobering effect on me. While some of his earlier films were amazing (to say the least), this film, though partly original in its storyline, isn't up to his usual standards. However, I would still rate it above some of the other films I have seen this past year, which makes it decent enough to watch once and hence the 'high' rating.
The film is primarily about the future of the human race in a post-apocalyptic world where the survivors struggle for the basic necessities required for life with the recurring poem "Do not go gently into that good night" by Dylan Thomas aptly describing this struggle for survival throughout the film. Governments soon realize that human life on earth is no longer tenable and that they need to relocate to some other planet if they are to survive. Within this larger context, is a poignant story of a father who has to leave his daughter and set out into the unknown to ensure the continuance of the human race, much like the explorers of old who crossed vast oceans to discover new lands.
The science behind the film is depicted and explained as best as can be expected with Hans Zimmer's church organ themed music setting up the tempo for some brilliant cinematographic sequences. Musical scores like 'No time for Caution' were one of the highlights of this film. Acting wise, the film showcases power performances from Matthew McConaughey, Micheal Caine and Jessica Chastain though Anne Hathaway's performance couldn't live up to her billing. Screenplay was mostly good, with the robot 'TARS' providing sufficient comic relief to the serious themed movie.
The film falters towards the end as it drags on and on becoming more and more gooey and mushy in an effort to have a happy ending. This is also where the film diverges from what is scientifically probable and enters the realm of fantasy which was disappointing. Probably, a more realistic end to the movie would have fetched it a higher score.
However, upon reflection the film does pose some interesting questions. For example, are today's aliens future highly evolved versions of ourselves? And if I risk it a bit more, are these extra-dimensional beings our God(s) in the present? Who knows.
Ship of Theseus (2012)
Ship of Theseus - A cinematic voyage towards acceptance of change in life
Ship of Theseus is a collection of 3 stories which gives a vivid and poignant portrayal of the dilemma faced by the central characters of each of the 3 stories.
The 3 stories, though ostensibly different, are all based on a common underlying theme which is revealed at the end.
First of the 3 stories is about a blind lady who through her genius of intuitive photography captures the pivotal moment resulting in stunning pictures.
However after receiving an eye transplant she loses this quality and is hence dissatisfied with her work. Thus she faces the dilemma of deciding to forego her profession and keep her sight or lose her sight again to regain her genius.
The second story deals with an animal rights activist monk who believes in the equality of all living things. However as his health deteriorates due to liver cirrhosis he has to choose between compromising on his principles by taking medicines and getting a transplant and thus continue to live or be steadfast to his principles and die.
The final story depicts a stockbroker who after having a kidney transplant tries to help a poor laborer whose kidney was taken from him without consent. But when the laborer gets adequate compensation for his kidney and asks the stockbroker to stop fighting for him, the stockbroker now has to decide whether to continue to fight for justice or let the matter go.
In the end, as all 3 characters in order to make themselves whole again receive organ donations and in the process change themselves, the film asks the viewer whether the characters are the same as they were before the transplant or has the organ transplant changed them. In that final message the title is quite apt.
Anand Gandhi's directorial debut turns out to be outstanding in most of the aspects. The film showcases spectacular cinematography and screenplay which will certainly appeal to the intellectual mind. Performances given by the actors (none of whom I have ever seen before) are simply superb especially the role of Maitreya played by Neeraj Kabi. Kudos to the entire cast and crew of the film for making it a treat to watch.
However the abrupt endings and beginnings of each of the 3 stories might leave the viewer a little confused about what is happening for a few moments. Maybe, if the was an interlude between the stories like that shown in some Lars Von Trier films, this movie could have been better enjoyed.
The film forces the viewer to reflect on the various philosophical questions posed by it on different aspects of life and on death long after the movie has ended which makes the movie all the more memorable. A must see for all independent cinema lovers.
Man of Steel (2013)
Just another superhero movie
With all the rave user reviews posted on IMDb, not being a Superman fan, I hope my review would put a better perspective on things.
First the plus points. The origins of the central character are better depicted in the movie as compared to the previous versions of Superman. The screenplay is good. Some of the dialogues were worth listening to, which gave a brief glimpse of Christopher Nolan's writing.
Other than the above points the rest of the movie is pretty much disappointing. First, the story is just a rehashed account of the previous superman movies combining parts of superman and superman 2. There was no new angle or perspective to the story as is expected with movies written by Chris Nolan. Being a Nolan fan my sole reason for watching this movie was because of his association with it. I am sad to say that I am let down by the storyline.
Secondly the computer graphics used in the movie leaves the viewer disoriented and confused as to what is actually happening. So for god sake people, please save your money and don't see this movie in 3D.
Acting is mediocre especially in the case of Henry Cavill and Amy Adams. Russell Crowe holds his ground but that's about it. No one comes even remotely close to his standard.
More was expected from Zack Snyder but I suppose after directing "300" and "Watchmen" his creative output has taken a downward plunge.
Honestly, the movie could have been better and more entertaining. But in its current form the movie does not do justice to the hype surrounding it. If you really want to see it then I suppose you could wait for a couple of weeks till the hype and the ticket prices go down.
Overall rating: 5 / 10