Life of PI (3D) - Beautifully Crafted !!

After a long time, here is a movie that is really simple in its storyline and yet has a powerful impact because of the style of narration and visual effects. I would strongly recommend you to watch it for those light moments which are so simple yet really deep.

Here are some of the wonderfuin moments:

Pondicherry
Pondicherry has been described exactly the way it is. Anybody who has spent a reasonable amount of time in Pondicherry would be able to relate to the description of "Southern France" on one side and "the Indian Pondicherry" on the other...

Piscine Molitor Patel
The idea of an Indian being named on a French swimming pool itself is reason enough for a good laugh ! Adding on to the humor is the resemblance of the name with 'Pissing'. The moments in school are wonderfully shot.

'Piscine Molitor Patel' to 'Pi Patel'
The humiliaiton from his name drives 'Piscine' to rename himself as 'Pi'. He links his name to the mathematic number for 22/7 (~3.14). He introduces himself in as creative a fashion as he could have in each of the classes. The maths class introduction surely deserves a mention - he wins the hearts of his fellow classmates when he writes the entire sequence of decimals that follow '14' in Pi (3.14).

Catholic Hindu !
Pi's encounters with religion throw some very important questions.. Is religion the only way to God and if so, which religion is right?. Adding to that complexity is 33 million Gods in Hinduism. His introductions with Krishna, Jesus and Allah are nicely captured in simple moments.

Introduction of Richard Parker
The movie would not have been complete without the character of Richard Parker, the Bengal tiger. Be it the first encounter with Pi or the ensuing battle of survival in the pacific, the bengal tiger adds a new dimension to the whole story. And the description of how he got his name is funny too.

Fully lit pacific
This is one of the scenes in the film that would linger in your minds for a long time. It is one of those long nights on the ocean and the midnight ocean is as calm as a new born baby. The oceanic creatures illuminate the bed of the ocean just like billboards in 'Times square' in NY. This moment is exceptionally captured and you are left with the feeling of wanting to be there.

There are many more exquisite moments which leave an impression on you and also make you think long after you leave the theater.. Whether you watch it in 3D or 2D (i've watched both!!), this movie is certainly not to be missed.

Actors: Suraj Sharma (Pi), Irfan Khan (Adult Pi), Tabu (Pi's mother), Rafe Spall

 

A Pan Nalin weekend | Valley of Flowers (2006)

You may want to read PART I of this article before proceeding - It is not mandatory though. There are no detailed references to my previous article. This is a good standalone read too.

Samsara which came out fiver years before 'Valley of Flowers' set the bar a bit too high. Even though it was almost impossible, I have tried my best to review this movie without any reference to Samsara..

Set in the beautiful Himalayas, Valley of Flowers, is a movie on love and reincarnation. The theme tries to capture some ancient rare practices performed by by Yogis. These are the same mysterious lot of people who seem to know the secret of immortality.

Jalan (Played by Milind Soman), like his gang members, is an outlaw who lives a life of pride in the Himalayas. His gang loots caravans passing through the valley. On one such loot, he meets his love, Ushna (Played by Mylene Jampanoi) who was actually looking for him. The plot doesn't reveal how she comes to know of him..

The mysterious Ushna changes the dynamics within the gang and that results in some dramatic shifts to the plot.. 

The beauty of the Himalayas, again, does not fail to entice you - it has been wonderfully caught on frame. Jalan's loots of the caravans passing through the valley has been captured realistically. Although some moments seem a little bollywoodish but the overall scheme of operation of his gang has been portrayed very well. One of the moments that sticks on to you even after the movie is Jalan walking across generations (literally). It is crafted with an artistic touch. 

There are a couple of areas which i felt could have been better:

Firstly, the capture of Sadhus in the valley could have been a lot better. They were shown more like magicians churning out lotions of immortality. The whole theme rests on immortality and there should have been a stronger presence of that part. This portrayal dilutes the plot to some extent by losing credibility with the whole concept of immortality.

And, the sequence of events in Japan, again, were a little lacklustre. For example, the suicide case of a CEO could have easily been captured better. 

Overall, it is a good watch though i would not rate it as high as Samsara...

Actors: Milind Soman, Naseeruddin Shah, Mylene Jampanoi, Eri

A Pan Nalin weekend | Samsara (2001)

I have been wanting to watch Pan Nalin's movies for quite some time. I watched a couple of his films this weekend and i must say that both of them were outstanding..

Samsara (2001)

The story of a monk (Tashi, played by Shawn Ku) who, like quite a few of us, tries to answer some 'larger than life' questions. It tries to answer the question - 'What is the path to enlightenment? - is it renunciation of worldly desires or pure love even if it means being wound by a family'. The movies leaves you thinking even after it ends... That is the beauty of it.

 The movie is beautifully shot in picturesque Laddakh region of Indian Himalayas. The story is so well executed that you can understand the theme of the movie even without subtitles. In fact, I watched the first half without subtitles and still could understand most of it..

The story line is made of some exquisite moments which are really crucial to the central theme. It is because of these moments that one cannot stop himself/herself from being drawn into the movie. I would not reveal the entire plot but would certainly like to highlight a few of those exquisite moments:

Tashi taken back to the Monastery

Tashi completes his 3 year, 3 month, 3 day exile in a remote cave and is being taken back by fellow monks. It takes a while for Tashi to get back to being himself - But then, it is this exile that makes him question the path followed by monks. The author starts with this theme to set the context right at the beginning itself.

Tashi is sent for a lesson on physical relations

Tashi is sent to a remote cave where an old monk shows him pictures of various positions of intercourse. The same images when seen under a flame turn the individuals into a skeleton.. This gives the message without a single word being spoken..

Tashi quits monk life

Tashi is not focused on his return from exile. He often gives in to his senses and even gets erections a couple of times. These are moments which raise important questions about the life of monks. Tashi cites an event from Buddha's life that throws up a very important question - he talks about Prince Siddhartha renouncing his worldly desires after getting married to a beautiful lady and after having a son. Should one experience this worldly life first before renouncing it is a question that must be on the minds of almost every monk...

Tashi commits adultery

Despite having a beautiful wife (played by Christy Chung) and a very happy family life, Tashi is lured into having an affair. That is precisely the moment when he gets a letter from old monk Apo throwing up the same old questions again.

The rock with a quote

There is a rock with a quote (translated) "How can one prevent a drop from drying up?"  - This rock features a couple of times during the movie. It is only at the end that Tashi turns the rock around and to his surprise, finds the answer there.. "By throwing it into the sea"  !!! Makes you think...

A classy story excellently executed - there are not many movies like this one...

Actors: Shawn Ku, Christy Chung and Neelesha BaVora

Review of 'Valley of flowers' (2006) follows soon.

'The tree of life' - A masterpiece !!

A classic, exceptional movie after a long long time...

'The tree of life' is the story of a dis-illusioned man who has a troubled relationship with his father. The story beautifully intertwines his life and the evolution of earth. It is a wonderfully crafted film with superb visuals and a very thoughtful storyline. The visuals used to depict evolution of life on earth are as exquisite as the best documentaries on Discovery or Nat Geo.


Here is the trailer (Source: YouTube)

Superb performances from Brad pitt, Jessica Chastain and the kid who has enacted Sean Penn's childhood. The soundtrack, too, matches up to every other aspect of the movie and adds a fine touch to the central theme.

STOP HERE if you intend to watch the movie. The portion below contains spoilers...


Brad Pitt, a strict father to his sons, is a hard believer in struggle in this world and tries to ready his kids for this battle of survival. His dialogues, like the one below, portray the struggle exactly the way it is and makes us wonder if this struggle is worth it.

'Some day you will fall down and weep. You will understand it all. All Things.'


Jessica Chastain, a true love believer, riases her kids to be good human beings. Since Brad Pitt is mostly out on work, she is the one who actually inculcates values in kids.  Again, she too has some powerful dialogues which speak for what she stands for..

'There are two ways through life - The way of nature and the way of grace. You have to chose which one you follow'


'Unless you love, your life will flash by'

Sean Penn, the eldest son of Brad Pitt and Jessica Chastain, is a dis-illusioned man who has had a troubled childhood. He questions his own existence and all the relationships he has had. This questioning has been beautifully interwoven with the evolution of life on earth and also raises some key questions on purpose and longevity of our existence as a race.


Terence Malick, the director, has done a splendid job in getting this executed perfectly. Cinematography is excellent. The visuals of universe are a beauty to watch on big screen and have a long standing impact.

Soundtrack by Alexandre Desplat blends in very well with the theme and adds on to the aura the movie creates.

All in all, an artistic, well crafted, superbly executed, thought provoking movie..


CAUTION: This film is certainly not made for action/ lovers - Some parts of the movie are indeed very slow to give more depth to the theme.

A refreshing fortnight !!

The past 15 days have been very refreshing in terms of watching quality movies, both english as well as french. I have not been able to upload their reviews as and when i saw them and hence this consolidated review.

First Grader

A lovely film setup in Kenya, a former British colony. Maruge, who fought for freedom from British rule, is now in his 80s and wants to join a primary school as the Kenyan government announces free education for ALL.

The story shuttles between his past and the present and portrays the need to learn from the past. Nothing can stop Maruge from learning and he persists despite all the opposition from fellow villagers and politicians.

Lovely visuals, great African music and an inspiring true story ! Must watch...

Here is the trailer: (Source IMDb)

http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi4027358489/


Midnight in Paris

A writer (Owen Wilson) is on a vacation in Paris. He is about to complete his new book. There is something missing in his book and he is not able to figure it out. He doesn't socialize much and tries to get to completion of his incomplete story.

He is suddenly part of an unexpected drama that turns his life upside down.

The suspense in the movie would be lost if i reveal more.

A nice light movie - One time watch.

Trailer below: (Source IMDb)

http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi853581081/

Certified Copy (French/Italian/English)

The husband is a writer who specializes in art and has just released a book titled 'Certified copy'. He is of the belief that as long as a piece of art is reproduced as its original, it is as good as its original.

His wife, however, is an art collector who believes in originality. The whole movie is a debate on the importance of originality in art. It is beautifully intertwined with their daily lives and has quite a few lovely moments.

There are some key revelations which are brought out very well and hence keep you interested all the while.

Slightly on the slower side, but still a good one.

Trailer below: (Source IMDb)

http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi3646593561/

Ready (Hindi)

I am not yet 'ready' with the review !! There is nothing to talk about - just keep your brains outside the theater and you should do good ...


Le Nom Des Gens (French) - 'The names of love'

I have not laughed this much in a long time...

Beautiful movie about 2 people who are at cultural extremes in the society - A jew and an Arab..

Baya, the Algerian French arab, sleeps with almost every politician she disagrees with to convert them. Arthur, who is a jew, is a vet who advises people on epidemics. Arthur has never been comfortable in the company of women and Baya, on the other hand, always ends up in bed right up on the first date. The events which unfold as these two come together are lovely and superbly executed. The extent to which these two are influenced by each other is portrayed very well.

An awesome, comic, thoughtful movie.

WARNING: This movie contains a lot of nudity and is NOT advised for children.

Trailer below: (Source IMDb)

http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi4256603161/

Last Night

A typical post marriage movie. A couple after 3 years of marriage are tempted to be disloyal. A story about trust, lust and temptation.

Not a great movie, but you may watch it if you dont have anything else to do.

Potiche (French) - 'Trophy housewife'

A french movie setup in the late 70s which portrays the time when women's liberation was at its peak. A light comedy with a central theme of equality.

A rich girl gets married to a middle class man. He gets her father's factory as dowry and manages it in draconian ways. Trouble pops up and he is not cope with the pressure and lands up in the hospital. His wife, the original owner's daughter, is at the helm of affairs now.
She turns around the company in the absence of her husband. Her husband returns and sets up a plot to get her back to household work.

It is a story about how she gets transformed as these events unfold.

Trailer below: (Source IMDb)

http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi1380096537/

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Location:Avenue Lincoln,Montreal,Canada

Le Quattro Volte (The four times)

As I look back at the recent past, I realize that I have seen more offbeat and foreign movies than regular commercial flicks. Maybe it is a sign of changing preferences or maybe there are not enough good commercial flicks around or maybe Oscar fever has caught up on me. Whatever the reason maybe, I am certainly loving it.

This one is a dialog-less foreign movie. Well, there is nothing foreign in it as there is not even a single dialog in the whole movie. Which also implies that there were no subtitles!!

It portrays different aspects of human nature in the form of 4 elements - Human, Animal, Crop and mineral. Each of these has been shown as a different segment but has been impressively interwoven in the overall concept.

The moral of the story is that we live 4 lives :
As minerals- because we are made of salt, water and other organic matter
As crops - we breathe, reproduce and nourish ourselves.
As animal - we possess intelligence and can relate to the outside world.
And
As human - we are rational beings and have will and reason at our disposal.

Not a greatly captivating movie but does have some sparks of brilliance. Especially the way the lost young goat has been shot and it's feelings conveyed. Simple camera work, long uncut shots keep you occupied throughout the movie.

Great concept but execution could have been better. Nevertheless, a decent attempt and a very good message.

Trailer is available below: (Source - IMDB)

IMDb trailer

Enjoy!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Avenue Lincoln,Montreal,Canada

'In a Better World' - Danish film

Just back from (In) a Better World...

My tryst with foreign films continues. It used to be predominantly French until sometime back - but, of late this has extended to other languages as well.

After Incendies (French) & Biutiful (Spanish), it was time for 'In a Better World (Danish). All these were nominated foreign films for Oscars. If you want to play safe, start with the Oscar nominated foregin films - Chances are bright that you would get to watch some marvels.

This one is a lovely film with a great message. It tries to explore the thin line between justice and revenge. Wonderful perfomances from all the lead actors. It links a story in South Africa to another one in Denmark with utmost ease and draws parallels between them. The situations used to convey key messages are aboslutely delightful to watch and have a really strong impact.

And, the locations in Denmark were stunning with some beautiful shots of a riverside summer house and large fields amongst others. Africa, too, was pictured perfectly and everything seemed to be fitting very well into the script.

Despite the pace being slow, there was not a single moment when i was thinking about anything else. If you are a fan of really fast movies, then this may not be a great choice for you. But if are not, then this is a lovely watch.

Here is the trailer:

If you would like to see it on IMDb, here is the link:

http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi1945869593/

Enjoy !

Tosca - My first Opera !!

And the weekend expeditions continue... The dip in mercury levels does accelerate the plans !

New York is a city that never fails to amaze me. In each of my previous trips, I have tried to explore a different aspect of the city.

The first trip is always a sight seeing trip for almost any city and it wasn't different for New York. I tried to explore the suburbs in the next trip driving past Brooklyn, Bronx etc. Without visiting these, one is easily led to believe that Manhattan IS New York. The next one was a walking trip through manhattan which was a marathon walk from Times Square till Wall street.

In this one, which is probably the most spontaneous amongst all my New York trips, I went to an opera for the first time in my life. And like every other 'first' experience in life, this too was an experience which was special.

It was saturday morning around 11 AM and we (Ashish (a friend) and I) were at Times Square wondering 'what next'. I have always wanted to watch a musical at Broadway ever since i visited New York. So we checked out if there were any of them just after lunch. The tickets were not affordable and we didn't have reviews of any of the musicals. Hence, we decided to give it a miss and walk down to Lincoln Square (The Metropolitan Opera) to checkout if there is any Opera scheduled for the afternoon.

Tosca and La Traviata were the ones scheduled and only Tosca was the only one scheduled for the afternoon. At times, it is good to be without options - makes your life easier.

Went to the ticket counter - options were given (not a problem here - because we weren't in a mood to bet a huge sum of money !) . We picked the second cheapest amongst the lot and ended up with standing tickets on the 'orchestra floor'. If i were to look back at this decision, it was real good value for money - especially for the first Opera when I was really not sure of the value of the performance to me. It is a different matter that i may not choose that option the next time around.

Now back to Tosca. Tosca, a creation of Giacomo Puccini, is a play setup in Rome during the early 1800s. It is a story of love, sacrifice and jealousy. Amazing performances by Sondra Radvanovsky (Tosca) and her lover, Marcelo Alvarez (Cavaradossi). The story was fairly simple but really powerful in its depiction. The subtitles on the small displays in front of the seats made it easier to follow the plot and get immersed in the story. The applause at the end was a sign of the success of the show. The music was pretty good. Though it didn't stand out it anyway - it certainly did compliment the story very well. Tosca adds on to the list of 'my firsts' in North America...

The only uncomfortable situation in the whole show was our attire. We were probably the most casually dressed. Ashish had a night out the night before and i was fresh(?) from travel the previous night - Certainly it doesn't mean we would have looked any different in formals !!

We were also probably the youngest at the show - But i am glad we made it.

This would remain in my memories for some time to come !



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Location:Montreal,Canada

Mee ShivajiRaje Bhosale boltoy and the rise of Marathi Cinema !

It has been some time since i have seen a Marathi movie.. And this one was a very pleasant watch after a long time.

Gone are those days when i used to be a regular at Prabhat/Neelayam theaters in Pune for Matinee shows. Also gone are the days of senseless comedies Ashok Saraf and Lakshmikant Berde.

Marathi movies, since then, have become socially relevant and it is certainly a pleasure to watch some of them. The shift possibly began with 'Saat Chya aat Gharaat' when Marathi cinema started focussing on relevant social themes instead of senseless comedies. Shwaas, Dombivili Fast and Natrang are great movies with wonderful performances. I am no expert on Marathi Cinema, but I can certainly sense a change in the mindset of the industry - the proof being the increasing number of movies having social relevance.

Coming back to 'Mee ShivajiRaje Bhosale boltoy', the performances of Sachin Khedekar and Mahesh Majrekar are stellar. Though it might gone in overdrive mode in the second half, it certainly sends across the message to all 'maharashtrians'. One of the learnings from the movies is the maturity in the definition of a 'Maharashtrian'. Sachin Khedekar, in one of the most prominent sections of the movie, defines a 'Marathi Manus' as anybody who has domiciled in the state of Maharashtra and does not limit it to those speaking Marathi. Going by this, even a taxi driver bhaiyya from UP or an Udupi/Marwadi who has setup business in Maharshtra becomes a Maharashtrian. The industry has gone way beyond the petty politics of MNS and others alike. And it is a welcome sign...

A must watch for anybody who has stayed in Maharashtra at any point of time in their lives - I can guarantee that you would be able to relate to it...

Way to go Marathi Cinema !! I am already awaiting the next big one...

<< Opinions expressed are purely my own - Feel free to let me know if you are offended by any of these >>

Back to Basics !!!

The last three days have been splendid. One great movie a day - this has been the best continuous stretch of extraordinary movies.

DAY 1: 127 Hours

A story about a young adolescent trying to find peace in solitude. An adventurer at heart, Aron, often ventures out solo 'into the wild' away from civilization. On this occasion, unfortunately, gets caught in one of the worst places that one can imagine - Hundred feet below surface, in one of the Canyons in Utah (US), with a boulder crushing his right hand.

This is an inspiring story of survival, will power and spontaneity.

Trailer below: (Source: IMDb)

http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi768149785/

(Apple devices may not be able to play this - Requires flash)

<< This one is still in theaters - you may be able to catch it one of the screens near you >>

DAY 2: Into the wild

This is a classic directed by Sean Penn. Again, a story of an adventurer who ventures out 'into the wild' away from civilization to 'live'. Wonderfully made, this one is highly recommended to anybody who likes to be 'out there' in the wild.

A lovely story about how he abandons every'thing' he has before he sets out on his journey, a journey which turns out to be an epic journey that makes him understand some basics in life.

This story gets into you and raises some questions which put into question your own identity. One of the best movies i have ever seen in my life.

Trailer below: (Source: IMDb)

http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi730988825/

(Apple devices may not be able to play this - Requires flash)

DAY 3: The King's Speech

The story of King George VI of Britain and how he overcomes his stammer to give an outstanding inspiring speech when his country needs it the most. Amazing performances from Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush as King George VI and Lionel Logue respectively.

Great mix of history and a simple yet strong story. The story doesn't get dull at any moment during the entire movie and keeps you waiting for the final speech.

Certainly a bright Oscar prospect..

Trailer below: (Source: IMDb)

http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi806197529/

(Again, your Apple device may not be able to play this)

DAY 4: This blog

I could not resist myself from writing this piece. There are 2 great common learning points across these fantastic movies.

Go back to basics: Start questioning your direction in life - and maybe do a status check of where you are. All that these movies do is inspire us to think more into what we really want and what is 'necessary' and what is 'good to have'.. I know it is easier said than done, but nothing wrong with making an attempt.

Passion: Be it Aron Rolston in '127 Hours' or 'Alexander Supertramp' in 'Into the wild' or King George VI in 'The king's speech', the common underlying driver in each of these is the passion to achieve what you really want. What makes these stories even more powerful is the fact that all these are real stories and not fictional ones.

Let us hope we all figure out what we really want and achieve it too !

But, nothing stops us from giving a try..



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Location:Montreal

Mao's last dancer

Watched a great touching movie after a long time (despite only three more people with me at the theatre !)

It is based on li Cunxin's autobiography.

The movie is setup in Mao ruled China and portrays the pros and cons of communist rule in a very apt manner. However, the core theme of the movie is about passion - passion to do what you want irrespective of what the circumstances command.

The movie revolves around Li who is 'selected' by Maoists into the art academy - 40 selected from millions across China. These 40 are given rigorus training of 'art' under strict supervision. Most the scenes in this training of Li exemplify the way in which China leads in the medals tally of almost any major sporting/athletic event. However, this movie is based on ballet dancing, something probably not so famous in the Asian geography. And thats what gives the plot an artistic angle.

The scenes of Li dancing are a treasure to watch - the passion that you can see in his eyes is something each one of us would like to have in us - Really inspiring movie.

I should not be revealing more of the movie if i were to give you any incentive to give this a shot either at the theater (if available) or by renting a DVD.

Here is the trailer if you would like to have a glimpse before you take a decision.

Trailer - Mao's Last Dancer (Source: IMDb)

I am sure you would love it just as I did...

Enjoy !

Les Choristes

And here comes one more for dreamers !!!

Lovely movie on how the battle is never lost. ' It is never too late to start...'
Very inspiring movie to push you back to where your passion is...

Fond De L'Etang (Bottom of the well) is a rehab centre for minors and is full of tough kids. Clement Mathieu (Gerard Jugnot) takes the role of a supervisor in this school which has become a nightmare for the kids due to the actions of its principal.
Clement uses Music to bring order into this disorderly school thereby prvoing a point for himself too as a musician. One of his students ends being a lead of a chorus group after going to a music school.

Clement's "Never say Never" attitude stands up all across the movie and is bound to inspire anybody watching this masterpiece...

Great music, inspiring theme and an admirable film !!!!

DREAM ON !!! Chase your passion !!!

Amelie

A French classic for dreamers...

Amelie (Audrey Tautou) lives her own world of dreams right from her childhood.. She grows up and works as a waitress at one of the restaurants. She continues the same way until some events happen that change her life forever. These events change her outlook towards life and she decides to help people around her. Some beautiful twists and turns that follow make the movie really lively..

The movie brings out an important theme of how circumstances & people around you can change your attitude altogether. Gets me back to my previous short article on how circumstances can induce unimaginable power in normal beings...
http://athmagyaan.blogspot.com/2009/02/time-is-ripe-when-you-feel-it-is_27.html

A Must watch for dreamers of all kinds!!!

"Plus tard tu comprendras"

'Plus tard tu comprendras'(French) translates to 'One day you will understand'..

A movie on discrimination on ethnic grounds and substantiates my previous article on racial discrimination - 'Brownie Sizzles ???'
http://athmagyaan.blogspot.com/2009/09/brownie-sizzles.html

A French Movie directed by Amos Gitai. It is an intense film based on the Genocide of jews by Germany during world war II. It is a true story based on autobiography of Jerome Clement.

Rivka (Jeane Moreau)'s jewish parents are forced to abandon all their belongings in Paris to save themselves from getting killed in a concentration camp. They hide somewhere in France for some time but soon their traces are not found anywhere.

Rivka, after having experienced all this, lives a quiet life in Paris. Her son, Victor, tries to investigate the death of his grandparents and tries many times to get details from his mother - Only to be disappointed. Rivka would love talking about everything other than her past. The discussions between Rivka and Victor are really well presented - Victor trying to extract details from his mother and Rivka changing the topic whenever he gets there...

Jeane Moreau has done a splendid job as Rivka with her expressionless reactions and
a real hoarse voice to give the impact of those intense dialgoues..

The only time she speaks about her past is a day before her death when she reveals everything to her grandchildren (Victor's children). It is as if she knew that she would be dying the very next day...

Victor finally suceeds in his attempt at unravelling the past. But, in the process, learns why his mother had been silent all the while.

No frills, intense movie which is more like a documentary rather than a commercial film.

Recommended for intense-movie/Documentary lovers only !!!

Ana and Otto...

Otto is a dreamer and falls in love with Ana at first sight.. The series of events which follow make you glued to your seat until completion of the movie.

You will meet with surprises at every key moment of the movie and most of them are really pleasant. Otto's father and Ana's mother end up being in a realtionship thereby allowing the kids to spend more time together.

Otto leaves his mother for Ana but later tries to commit suicide after the sudden death of his mother. Otto's guilt gets into you as you watch him suffer in guilt assuming himself responsible for his mother's death.

He recovers after a long time - only to realise that Ana is no longer with him. Becomes a pilot just beacause of the fact that he was named after a pilot (there is a story there too). Some beautiful co-incidences follow towards the end of the movie and make it a worthwhile watch...

Though at times you may feel irritated with repetitive scenes but you would appreciate all of it once you reach the climax. It is as if you join the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle - You dont appreciate it until you are finished...

-- A French classic
-- Unimaginable co-incidences
-- A lovely & lively story on childhood love

Dont miss it if you get a chance to watch it !!!
(Of course with Subtitles!!!)

By the way, if you have not realised it as yet - Both names are palindromes and that too is one of the co-incidences.

Directed by: Ernst Gossner
Original Language: French

No GAME @ FAME !!!!

I am just back from the preview show of 'Chandni Chowk to China' @ Fame, Ghatkopar. Here is what i have gone through in the last three hours or so;

1. Book a ticket for Rs 190 (Was it too costly for this movie???) for the preview show.
2. I take my seat, totally unaware of the emotional turmoil that is to follow.
3. There are these employees (or waiters) of Fame who keep roaming around with sandwiches and pop corns. It gives you a feel of being at Juhu chowpatty or at any of the busiest markets in the city. Not too sure if that is the 'experience' people pay for at Fame (or any other multiplex). All those who have passed out from a B-School would be able to link to the 'Starbucks' case study when you hear this.
4. The movie begins and i enjoy ONLY those RARE moments of Akshay Kumar's charisma and glimpses of Deepika in the movie. Now comes a twist in the story.
5. I go to get a hot coffee for myself. Nobody at the coffee shop. i ask the corn shop employee sitting next about the whereabouts of the coffee fellow. He takes my order and tells me coffee would be delivered at my seat.
6. Coffee arrives. I pay Rs 100 and the waiter tells me he would come back with the change.
7. The wait for the waiter continues till the end of the movie.
8. I go to the coffee shop after the movie. Ask for the balance. I am told i gave him a Rs 50 note. I am not sure if this is an intentional tactic or not.. Whatever it may be, it certainly is not a great thing to do to your customers. It is not about the money but about how an already disastrous experience is being stretched even more.

Is this what we pay for @ Multiplexes?? I dont think so...

The customer is certainly NOT the king always and neither is Akshay Kumar... (Remember Singggh is kinggg!!!)

I am not going to talk anymore about the movie.. Watch it to find out.