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Reviews
Traffic Signal (2007)
A wonderful and moving film!
I hesitated to purchase this movie for fear of too much realism (or over-the-top melodrama), but I was pleasantly surprised to find that it really had a lot of heart, while showing a whole side of street life that's usually invisible to the passerby.
I didn't feel that the subject was being 'candy-coated' either -- much of the awfulness and heartbreak of such an existence is graphically included, and the director stated that they 'did their homework' in bringing the realities of it to the screen. Kunal Khemu is a very talented actor, so very expressive, and not afraid to show emotion. I recommend it to anyone who wants a glimpse into this part of Indian society, and maybe a partial understanding of what this type of life is like for so many.
Darling (2007)
This movie is terrific! "Fatal Attraction" pales in comparison!
This fast-paced film will have you on the edge of your seat, and totally blown away by the ending. The realism is convincing (not the usual melodrama one might expect for a plot involving adultery and deception), and Fardeen, Esha, and Isha all deliver excellent performances.
The errant husband (Fardeen), living is his own fantasy world of having the perfect wife at home (Isha) and the sexy mistress on the side (Esha), soon finds 'reality' crashing down around him, and his world becomes a living nightmare, with a vengeful ghost only he can see -- and she terrorizes him mercilessly, in every part of his life, no matter how personal or intimate the situation; amazingly-crafted scenes throughout the film.
The climax, totally-unexpected, is jaw-dropping -- don't miss this movie!
Bye Bye Birdie (1995)
Don't Mess With a Classic...the original movie!
Why? Because for one reason, there has never been a more adorable scene in any film than Ann Margret singing "Bye Bye Birdie" at the opening. She reprises it again at the ending, too (in a different mood!). Both wonderful. Rent it and see. Even if that's all of it that you watch. You'll agree, I'm sure.
Everything about the original was so excellent it just didn't need a remake, sorry! Jason and Vanessa gave commendable performances, as well as Tyne and Chynna. In fact, all the actors and singers in this new version were giving their 'all,' but it's like trying to improve on "Casablanca" -- it just can't be done! It's even annoying finding yourself comparing the two mentally as you try to appreciate the remake, and it just falls short, through no fault of the actors.
Aaja Nachle (2007)
Utterly charming! (Bahut bahut sundar!)
This is a sweet, well-made, beautifully-photographed film. It has a good plot, a refreshingly modern script, and believable characters. Surprisingly wonderful performances are given by Madhuri (including her terrific dancing), Kunal, Konkona, and Dalai (who plays her savvy young daughter), as well as all the junior and minor players in this film. Akshaye Khanna has a smaller but pivotal role, initially as an antagonist who must be won over by Madhuri's determination to do something meaningful for the village she grew up in. The music and dance numbers are very enjoyable, including the opening scenes with Madhuri teaching modern jazz style dance in a studio in the US. The highlight of the film is a spectacular 'stage play' production number as the culmination of the lead character's (Madhuri's) efforts to save her village from unwanted "progress." I'll watch this memorable movie again several times, I'm sure, and I wouldn't say that for a lot of films, either! This movie is definitely worth seeing, if you love Bollywood like I do!