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De Dag (2018)
9/10
Brilliant, Cunning, Crazy
6 May 2020
Kudos to this Belgian Crime series for its brilliant script and crazy screenplay. I love the way how it unfolds its mystery gradually through such intriguing drama.
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The Platform (2019)
8/10
Thought-triggering
24 April 2020
The Platform is a unique kind of philosophical horror film. This movie is a bloody social allegory to symbolize the cruelty of capitalism and class conflict. So intense, gore and thought-triggering.
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Locke (2013)
8/10
Hardy delivers a 'concrete' cast throughout the film
28 July 2014
Warning: Spoilers
The whole movie confines to a car which is driven by a construction manager.

The builder continues driving despite knowing that this ride is about to destroy his love, his job, his family, his home---everything he has built in his whole life.

This is an absolute stunner---Tom Hardy's one man treat. Hardy delivers a 'concrete' cast throughout the film.

Steven Knight remains stellar at both direction and script. outstanding story-telling. This sort of movie---so close to real life---should not be missed.
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8/10
True worthy of an Oscar nomination
5 June 2014
A Belgian masterpiece___

Depressing depiction of a broken family circle. Everything around a sweet, happy family, that comprises a country band member, a tattoo girl and their little daughter, is suddenly quaked when the daughter falls into fatal cancer. Consequently their relation, their love, their happiness, their belief become endangered.

Concrete acting from both protagonists. Heartfelt country music soothes everyone.

Kudos to the director. This movie is true worthy of an Oscar nomination which they earned.
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8/10
A mesmerizing visual journey along with Wes Anderson's palatial intellect
5 June 2014
That's why cinema is still regarded as art. A mesmerizing visual journey along with Wes Anderson's palatial intellect. Wes is blossoming his artistic mastermind day by day and TGBH, with no regard, is his best creation.

Colorful and spellbound setting throughout the film again provides his eloquent vision. Unique representation with uncanny humor remains his style as always. Ralph Fiennes, as M. Gustave, appears completely in an unmatched role and deserves an Oscar nomination. Johnny Depp was first thought to be in the character and in his absence, Fiennes has just nailed it. All other star actors, along with Gustav's sidekick Zero, also flawlessly feature in the feast of whimsical Wes.
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The Conjuring (2013)
8/10
Indeed a rare gem in the horror-genre
8 October 2013
Renowned paranormal investigator-couple Ed and Lorraine Warren, just before probing their famous "Amityville Horror" case, visit a countryside home, teemed with demonic ferocity, and risk their life to salvage the whole family from evil clutches. Despite the slow-burning beginning, soon the film turns well-paced with its fearsome features. The movie setting perfectly pays panegyric to the 70s' horror movies. Sound effects and cinematography produce spine-chilling impacts. James Wan's direction is so intense and intriguing that it makes me sweat even in AC and causes stomach ache!! Wan vividly establishes him as the pathfinder of modern horrors. He knows meticulously how to frighten viewers with his treatment of satanic approaches and how to play with their fearful instincts. Wan sharply blends the same-old clichés of a haunted house and devilish possession that do not earn disfavor from me. I have to be impressed at how he tracks the paranormal movements and claims the terrifying outputs. Actors make their task well; especially Lili Taylor, Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga capture the major show. The movie brings diabolical fever upon me literally. Indeed a rare gem in the horror-genre and would be treated as an ever-green classic as we reckon "The Exorcist" still.
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Disconnect (I) (2012)
7/10
This film is about facts around us; it delivers message to demand our awareness, our judgment.
29 September 2013
Three different stories of people where all appear as the poor victims of both real and virtual life and come across inter-connected somehow. Director Alex Rubin brilliantly orients family life to cyber life to show how people, being disconnected from family and society, fall to knit connection in web and get again deceived. Such intense script raises the time-being questions whether Internet connects us or not; whether our disconnected modern life gives Internet chance to exploit us or not. Acting of entire cast successfully claims realistic approach to lift the dramatization. This film is about facts around us; it delivers message to demand our awareness, our judgment. Very much though-provoking indeed___
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7/10
Both of them amazingly remain so energetic and comfortable in love making scenes to discomfort me at success :p
26 September 2013
This biographical movie portrays the private life of prominent piano- player Liberace, who was greatly renowned for his exotic dressed stage- performance but miserably died of AIDS, and his intimate relationship with his gay-mate, Scott.

Michael Douglas delivers an Oscar-nomination worthy appearance to sail Liberace's showmanship and spectacular life in style with more of a way of perfection. Matt Damon, as usual, claims his highly potential acting aptitude in all gay-mantic and conflicting moments with Liberace. Both of them amazingly remain so energetic and comfortable in love making scenes to discomfort me at success :p I have to admire Soderbergh's clean, plain direction and of course, all efforts for extravagant makeup, set designs and costumes. This film has already bagged 3 Emmys and will definitely impact on Oscar juryboard.
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The Body (2012)
8/10
The ending comes too shocking and too artful to get such prediction
12 August 2013
The story centers upon a missing corpse of a wealthy lady from morgue. This is an excitatory thriller, framed with severe mystery and unthinkable twists.

El Cuerpo is a stirring creation from Spain that literally causes my goosebumps.

Actors do their job well-enough to depict the script more puzzling, more shifty. Their believable acting makes the investigation occult; clues are popping up but not helping much to unravel the plot. The ending comes too shocking and too artful to get such prediction. Excellent screenplay; Kudos towards director Oriol Paulo___
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7/10
not as good as Rang de Basanti___
22 July 2013
Obviously this movie is a milestone against the cheesy course of Bollywood.

Farhan Akhtar once again proves him a hard-working actor as he inherits the character, Milkha Singh. He is the core of this long 3 hours. Songs get A-. However, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's direction is a big okaay; but not as good as Rang de Basanti. It still fails to ignore the typical Indian approach; flawed by overdrama at several places, hilarious howdy romance!!!! Sonam Kapoor can not cope with her role.

Overall, an admirable attempt to portray such inspirational character like Milkha Singh.
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Sleuth (1972)
8/10
mind-blowing charade
22 July 2013
A wealthy detective novelist invites his wife's lover in his mansion and traps him in his clever mind games as a part of revenge. Laurence Olivier and Michael Caine, both two legendary British actors, put prominent piece of performance in their puzzle-plays.

Olivier remains exquisite to toy Caine with his intellect and gamesmanship. His superiority complex and snobbery represent the pitch- perfect image of the then British upper class society. Grandiose Olivier can not accept such defeat from a middle class hairdresser who has snatched his wife. Therefore, he plots Caine to participate in a battle of games to humiliate him utterly. Olivier is flawless to portray his pompousness and obsession to his predominance. It was actually poor luck for him to miss Oscar that year as he got Marlon Brando, The Godfather (1972), as his contender.

However, Caine also comes ravishing in his ways of treatment in the intellectual warfare. Caine is magnetic to reply to all mockeries and humiliation, made by Olivier, though his acting can not surpass Olivier's superb appearance at length.

Anthony Shaffer, one of the mightiest 20th century English playwrights, creates an intriguing screenplay, full of wits and aggressive humors. Both Olivier and Caine seem natural in darting each other with those witty dialogues. The setting provides a perfect theatrical tide throughout the film. Above all, there is no other option valid to admire Joseph Leo Mankiewicz for this mind-blowing charade. He is always grand at his place as a director. Additional hype arouses for Sleuth as it is Mankiewicz's last film. To conclude, this one is an obvious recommendation for all classic mystery fans.
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42 (2013)
8/10
illuminates humanism against racism____
3 July 2013
The storyline follows an American true legend in the major league of baseball history. It depicts Jackie Robinson's historic entrance as the first black player in US baseball league in 1947 with the enlightenment of anti-racism. The movie is too much intriguing; teemed with inspirations. It should be noted in the bunch of all greatest sports movies.

Harrison Ford, as Branch Rickey who took such brave step to sign a negro, was outstanding in his performance throughout the film. Ford must get an Oscar nomination for this powerful supporting presence. He remains amazing in his role to plant belief and inner peace in the core of Jackie. What an elegant show from the oldgun!!!!

Chadwick Boseman comes well to portray his tolerance against the intolerable racist assaults upon him from his fellow teammates, players of other teams and spectators. Nicole Beharie, as his wife, firmly supports Jackie to tackle all odds with perseverance. Even the whole cast appears flawless in their acting. However, commending musical score lifts the emotional and inspirational level higher while watching the film. Baseball scenes are also shot realistically. To sum up, this fine piece of essence thoroughly illuminates humanism against racism____
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Man of Steel (2013)
8/10
it is a bit messy too; however my expectation might be higher a lot!!!!
1 July 2013
Yaap, it is the best of all Super Man films with blistering action and impactful score. But it is a bit messy too; however my expectation might be higher a lot!!!! Zack Snyder seemed floppy in his path of direction which might get his less concentration than casting dark action effects. Screenplay could not satisfy me also despite a fantastic modern reboot story. I am admittingly disappointed for such loops!!! Coherence and 3D output had also aches___

Henry Cavill passed darn well as a macho Man of Steel and made good countenance in some places. His struggle against his insurmountable alienation in the society gripped realistic approach to portray. Amy Adams was not given much slots to act!!! She should be used profoundly in the film. Russell Crowe gave extreme charm as Jor-El in the beginning to heave the hype to top. Planet Krypton's framework was so angelic in view!!! It was visually blissful and whimsical. Kevin Costner and Diane Lane, as Kent couple, rendered emotional touch in the character development of young Kent. Michael Shannon as General Zod was superb in his clash with Superman. But his villainy was perfectly justified for his desperation and cruelty to save his own race, Kryptonians. This part of the script enthralled me :)) Zod's sidekick Faora-Ul also showed amusing aggression towards Superman :p___

The action sequences absorbed tantalizing pace to stun my eyes. Supersonic battle of mights between Superman and Cryptonians was as ferocious as spectacular. For sci-fi action flick lovers, it is an obvious recommendation. Moreover, Hans Zimmer did not frustrate as usual. His musical score enhanced steering the thrill :)))___
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Stoker (2013)
7/10
his attempt in the Hollywood, seemingly, is not as well-nourished as his Old Boy, Lady Vengeance
9 June 2013
The storyline centers on an 18 year old recently orphan girl who is mystified with the sudden presence of her uncle whom she has never known before her father's death. A good psycho-thriller despite some loops in the script. Mia Wasikowska seals her promising acting merit once again. Matthew Goode comes superb as the mysterious uncle. Nicole Kidman, unexpectedly, misses her glow as the lunatic mother. Cinematography is too admirable and some camera works with nature definitely demand laud. There are some suspenseful disturbing elements like the previous films of the famous Korean director, Chan-wook Park. But his attempt in the Hollywood, seemingly, is not as well-nourished as his Old Boy, Lady Vengeance. Though this film was inspired by Hitchcock's Shadow of a Doubt, it totally fails to absorb Hitchcockian charm___
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8/10
Director Derek Cianfrance, once again, comes stupendously with a depressing family crisis plot
9 June 2013
The story depicts the chronicles inter-crossing a motorbike stuntman, who chooses robbery to grope his child's happiness, with a young promising cop's life. Director Derek Cianfrance, once again, comes stupendously with a depressing family crisis plot likewise his previous Blue Valentine. Ryan Gosling makes a stout performance as the motorcycle rider who is desperate to retain his family back. Bradley Cooper, as the cop, brilliantly brings his essence to show inner struggles regarding the events. Eva Mendes, Ben Mendelsohn, the two teen-kids also put their acting aptitude. The gloomy setting throughout the film with excellent score definitely play a lot with emotions___
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8/10
An excellent prelude of another amazing trilogy :p
1 March 2013
The mysteries of middle earth are being murmured :p Precious Gollum is back on the screen :p Peter Jackson did not frustrate me at all. His fantastic direction again made me plunge in the ravishing adventure at dark ages. His significance in detailed characterization is what I liked most. In each section of cinematography, music, visual effects, makeup and setting, Hobbit made home-runs. Martin Freeman was terrific as young Bilbo while the Thorin Richard earned top-notched performance. Though some questioned about the length of the movie with the relevance of story, I could not lose my gaze for a single moment and had to utter after finishing the film, if it were a bit longer :p An excellent prelude of another amazing trilogy :p___
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8/10
An amazing Disney production that seems to have slightly smart touch of Pixar :p
16 February 2013
"I'm bad, and that's good. I will never be good, and that's not bad. There's no one I'd rather be....Than me"______"I don't need a Medal to tell me that I'm good, coz if a little kid can like me, how bad can I be?" :D____Ralph, a video game antagonist, who was upset with the treatment of his negativity, set an adventure to prove himself a hero towards his fellow game characters. An amazing Disney production that seems to have slightly smart touch of Pixar :p Characters' development was well-crafted and the relation between Ralph and adorable Vanellope was quite cute and stirring. Both John C. Reilly and Sarah Silverman made a worthwhile voice cast :p Despite unnecessary romantic elements, a full pack of fun and emotions___
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Anna Karenina (I) (2012)
8/10
Director Joe Wright ran a grand experiment with his use of theatrical metaphor, lights and mirrors
6 February 2013
A stupendous adaptation of Leo Tolstoy's famous novel. An epic visual show with the moving theatrical setting. Costume and set design, mostly confined to an enormous stage, were brilliantly and exotically made to depict the nineteenth century Russian aristocracy. Director Joe Wright ran a grand experiment with his use of theatrical metaphor, lights and mirrors. Likewise previous films, Wright remained nifty and prudent in his path of direction. Acting of entire cast was quite impressive. Keira succeeded bringing Anna's inner and social conflict about her extramarital relation. At a scene, I was totally astounded after listening an angelic Bangla song which was written by the director's Bangali wife!!! It had to be admitted as a pleasant cinematic experience for its striking cinematography___
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Skyfall (2012)
8/10
The most grand part of the film was Javier Bardem's stunning performance
1 February 2013
After getting the blueray, again watched the film. Adele's profound vocal in starting credits also sank me into the deep ocean of amazement :p Undoubtedly Skyfall will grab an Oscar for this original song. Sam Mendes did a distinguished direction to sustain the Bond character alluring before us. Some twists and wits were really great. Daniel Craig again succeeded in his role with his perfect Bond attitude___The most grand part of the film was Javier Bardem's stunning performance which made him one of the best Bond antagonists. The new Q was not enough engaging. If you are willing to seek the sensuous Bond girl, it would be vain :p Here old Judi Dench as M seemed the Bond lady with her glowing acting and I was fully cherished with her recitation from my fav "Ulysses"---

"We are not now that strength which in old days Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are; One equal temper of heroic hearts, Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield."
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Hitchcock (2012)
9/10
Definitely an under-rated one___
31 January 2013
Hitch: Alma, I will never be able to find a Hitchcock blonde as beautiful as you :p

Alma: I've waited thirty years to hear you say that.

Hitch: And that, my dear, is why they call me the Master of Suspense :p

An elegant look on the the chemistry and complication between Alfred Hitchcock and his wife Alma while his struggle with making PSYCHO. Anthony Hopkins brilliantly absorbs Hitchcock in himself with entertaining Hitch- humor. Helen Mirren's role is also fruitful in her way to support Hitch's direction and concern about her husband's affection towards his leading actresses. Hitchcock's several integral techniques for filming Psycho, Ed Gein's appearance as his inspiration in imagination, clashes with Paramount are gingerly portrayed. The best scene was Hitch's presence at the back stage where during screening the first show of Psycho :p Definitely an under-rated one___
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War Witch (2012)
8/10
Definitely an applauding pick of Oscar board (Y)
22 January 2013
During African civil war, Komona, a 14-year old African rural girl, gets abducted by some brutal rebellious chaps and bears unbearable woes, along with an unborn war child in her miserable fate. Kim Nguyen, in his path of direction, seems brilliant with the treatment of children psychology in that inhuman environment. He beautifully represents the war-witch, Komona's romance with the Magician who was also believed to have some spiritual ability just like her. The way how Komona is forced to be mature in the cruel world at her early days and her mental conflicts during her pregnancy would play with our sentiments and emotions a lot. A deep melancholy tone flows throughout the film with narratives. Definitely an applauding pick of Oscar board (Y)___
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Argo (2012)
8/10
it, seemingly, came quite unfair as Ben did not get Oscar nomination for his distinguished direction
17 January 2013
During American hostage crisis in Iran in 1979, a 'B' grade sham sci-fi film named "Argo" was planned to rescue six US embassy employees who took refuge in the Canadian ambassador's residence. Ben Affleck, as a director, represented the political history ravishingly with his well-detailed approach. He dealt with the conflict keeping a balance as he opened his narratives remarking American's evil portion to make Iranians do this revolution. As the protagonist, Ben also seemed engaging with his life- risking efforts to exfil them in the disguise of film crews. Arkin and Goodman dazzled in their comical yet patriotic roles in support. Rest of the cast also furnished the movie with their realistic acting to enhance its credibility. Suspense aroused intensely in the script and sound-sync was subtle. However, it, seemingly, came quite unfair as Ben did not get Oscar nomination for his distinguished direction.
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9/10
Les Miserables would score Oscar as the ace-flick :p
14 January 2013
After finishing for the second time, my feeling is like being marooned in the nineteenth century-France by the elegance of Les Miserables. English Literature student, Tom Hooper made an accomplishing task to choose and direct the eminent novel Les Miserables. He perfectly transformed the story into the musical narratives with bravery. Two Aussies, Hugh Jackman and Russel Crowe were as always splendid in their roles---protagonist Jean Valjean and antagonist Javert. Especially as Hugh's magnitude of acting was too grand; it must be the 2nd mightiest leading characters in 2012 after Daniel Day Lewis. Anna Hathaway, in her little but the most catchy-tragic appearance, won all hearts and emotions and would win surely the Oscar in best supporting female role too :p Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter also glowed to render comical relief brilliantly :p Amanda Seyfried and Eddie were just pitch- okay with their performances. The cinematography, OSTz, costumes, society of that period, French Revolution setting----all came as well- crafted. In my notion, if Oscar were not biased with the American sentiments around "Lincoln", Les Miserables would score Oscar as the ace-flick :p
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7/10
wellzzz, it was not such extra-ordinary movie to create the hype of getting the massive eight Oscar nominations!!!
13 January 2013
Pat and Tiffany, two emotionally broken and mentally slight disturbed persons came across and knitted their romantic silver linings to the way of their sound life's playbook. Terrific performance from Bradley Cooper as he was the heart-content of the film :p De Niro was also there to draw another "Limitless" appearance with Cooper. Jennifer Lawrence took just another firm step in her promising career. Anupam Kher was pretty good also in a major role!!! David O. Russell, in his vibrant direction, brilliantly deals with the mentally special ability issues. Yeahhhh, Surely Cooper played one of the best leading roles in 2012. But wellzzz, it was not such extra-ordinary movie to create the hype of getting the massive eight Oscar nominations!!!
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8/10
visualization, graphics become my eye-soother
12 January 2013
Count Dracula runs Hotel Transylvania in a dark, ghastly forest far away from the human world to protect his sole daughter from humans. The hotel is also treated as a merry zone for other monsters as they, along with their family, come every year to celebrate the daughter's birthday. The Dexter's Lab-creator, Taratakovsky keeps his splendid direction immune to make my time blithe :p The visualization, graphics become my eye-soother. Voice-sync, pop ostz, other classic horror characters like Frankenstein, Invisible Man, Wayne---all can not stalemate my mirth for a single moment :p The story also fantasizes me with immense fun and slight emotional turn :p Nevertheless, my joy-scale could contrast to other ratings; it still earns from me 9/10___:)))
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