I watched it after reading a tweet about it. Then when I was in the second episode a friend recommended it to me just the moment I was about to recommend the same to her. Just like telepathy. I knew this adorable story of a 12 year old Harshu and his family in The Summer of '98 was very special one. Being a 90's kid, I could relate to each and every detail here. The siblings' fights was so exactly similar down to the very argument on who had to bring the clothes from the terrace and fill up the bottles with water and put them in the fridge.
I could relate to the fact that as kids we all think our parents are so not cool till that moment when we realize otherwise. Planning with friends, being the obedient one when parents fight, and sneaking around the kitchen to find something to eat- this web series took me back to my childhood and relive it all. It brought a smile to my face and that smile stayed there for the entire 35 minute long episode. Sometimes I cried overwhelmed by the immense nostalgic moments and endearing scenes. This 7 episode series has found a place in my heart. I would recommend it to everyone who have lived in the 90s. We live life in retrospect and nostalgia. This one offers lots of that. I sincerely hope that there is a Season 2 to this amazing series.
Mona Singh as the mother was my ultimate favorite among the cast. Mostly because I could almost see my mother in her character- easily venting her frustration and anger, easily shouting at whoever is in the scene and then also easily breaking down when it all gets too much to handle. She was so adorable in the saree and that messy bun mothers have while making aloo tikkis and halwas. Love personified.
Reviews
20 Reviews
Tamasha
(2015)
Awesome creativity and plot
29 November 2015
'Tamasha' is deep. You need a great deal of patience and an open mind that neither judges nor assumes creativity, to appreciate it. Some of my personal thoughts, after watching the movie: 1. We perhaps sometimes fall in love with the illusion of the person that we create for ourselves- our imaginative version of that person, not what he really is. And it hurts a lot when we realize it later.
2. Some of us live life- the daily monotonous drudgery of routine. Some of us play it out. Play each and every moment as if it were a story, and we were characters in it. To escape the reality, we make our imagination our reality.
3. Sometimes we hide our real selves behind a mask for the fear of judgment and ridicule. And in the process of living such a life, we actually forget what and who we really are. We forget the identity that we were, our uniqueness, in adapting the mask that the world wants us to become. Only if we are lucky, we are reminded of our real selves years later- the one that we used to be- the one who succumbed under the worldly pressure and hid itself. I loved Ranbir's identity that he finally found in the end-'The Storyteller'. Some say it was so confusing, all a mix up- the present story, the flashbacks, the imagination, sudden explosive background songs, the thought and the dialogue- all a jumble up. But I'd say there could be no better way to show the vivid imagination of the boy who grew up listening to stories, loving the escapades, enacting characters every moment of his existence, wanting to follow his heart but forced to run a race that he didn't choose for himself. Those who know to read between the lines will know it. Those who have been in a similar situation will feel it- the depression, the detachment, loss of all the liveliness, the suffocation, the agitation, the pent up anger, and what not. Hats off to the director for his creative expression. Hats off to the actor for his brilliant role playing. Truly worthy of applauds.
2. Some of us live life- the daily monotonous drudgery of routine. Some of us play it out. Play each and every moment as if it were a story, and we were characters in it. To escape the reality, we make our imagination our reality.
3. Sometimes we hide our real selves behind a mask for the fear of judgment and ridicule. And in the process of living such a life, we actually forget what and who we really are. We forget the identity that we were, our uniqueness, in adapting the mask that the world wants us to become. Only if we are lucky, we are reminded of our real selves years later- the one that we used to be- the one who succumbed under the worldly pressure and hid itself. I loved Ranbir's identity that he finally found in the end-'The Storyteller'. Some say it was so confusing, all a mix up- the present story, the flashbacks, the imagination, sudden explosive background songs, the thought and the dialogue- all a jumble up. But I'd say there could be no better way to show the vivid imagination of the boy who grew up listening to stories, loving the escapades, enacting characters every moment of his existence, wanting to follow his heart but forced to run a race that he didn't choose for himself. Those who know to read between the lines will know it. Those who have been in a similar situation will feel it- the depression, the detachment, loss of all the liveliness, the suffocation, the agitation, the pent up anger, and what not. Hats off to the director for his creative expression. Hats off to the actor for his brilliant role playing. Truly worthy of applauds.
The Hundred-Foot Journey
(2014)
Awesome
7 March 2015
Warning: Spoilers
I loved the movie not only for its picturesque locales and beautiful colorful dishes, but also for its story and plot. It's a story about following your dreams, and finding satisfaction and success in what you love doing the most. Searching for quality mushrooms in wilderness, catching fish together, sniffing the supplies before using them and tasting the wonders created in the kitchen, Hassan and Marguerite enjoyed the fusion of all things good in French and Indian way of cooking. Aiming for Michelin Star, both paved their path with continuous effort but Hassan was the one to get it first. 'He's now for the Gods. The world is waiting for him,' the Madame Mallory said overwhelmed by his achievement. He created art with his signature dishes, mastered the 'science' of cooking and soon this Indian boy from nowhere found place in magazine covers and headlines of newspapers. I was left bewildered and happily surprised by the elaborate 'cooking labs'. It's a must watch.
http://pratikshya-magicmoments.blogspot.in/2015/03/the-hundred-foot- journey.html
http://pratikshya-magicmoments.blogspot.in/2015/03/the-hundred-foot- journey.html
The Book Thief
(2013)
A gem of a movie
4 February 2015
A gem of a movie. Words from me cannot do justice to all the emotions and the multitude of feelings I went through watching this film. I loved the movie. Loved the way it depicted and narrated the extra-ordinariness of everything ordinary; the way so many human relations were portrayed especially that between the book thief and Max.
The girl easily found place in my heart. I missed her enough to want to read the book. After The Pianist, it would be this one that deserves applauds for its depiction of Nazi Rule. The best movie of 2014, for me. I am reading the book now.
The girl easily found place in my heart. I missed her enough to want to read the book. After The Pianist, it would be this one that deserves applauds for its depiction of Nazi Rule. The best movie of 2014, for me. I am reading the book now.
Maleficent
(2014)
Beautiful retelling of the fairy tale 'Sleeping Beauty'.
28 January 2015
Warning: Spoilers
It focuses on the villain's back story- the black fairy, Maleficent. Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future. Every antagonist has a back story, as no one is evil without reason. She's the hero and she's the villain of this tale. I just loved this perspective. The entire idea of 'true love' as shown in the movie is just so befitting. We find it where we least expect it. Loved the movie.
Maleficent was a fairy, enchantingly beautiful. She had big wings, strong and powerful. They took her far above the clouds, against the winds, beyond her land. She was betrayed by the king she loved, who stole her wings, leaving her weak and in pain. Consumed by anger, hatred, and revenge, she cursed his baby daughter an irreversible fate that no force in the world can break except true love's kiss.
Aurora grew up gracefully and lovingly under the watchful eyes of Maleficent. She thought her to be her fairy godmother. Maleficent was curious, why was she so drawn to the young girl, her enemy's daughter. Aurora was what was left of Maleficent's malevolent heart. Her dark self showed the warmth and care only around Aurora. I just loved the equation Aurora shared with Maleficent, unaware of the curse that she had cast upon her. Maleficent's futile try to break her own curse and save Aurora was heart wrenching. The climax and the ending here was far better than the original version of 'Sleeping Beauty'.
Angelina Jolie's acting is amazing, breathtaking, magnificent and spectacular. I loved her character. She portrayed such depth with a mask-like straight face, that's worthy of applaud. I liked her get up, especially those horns. They did add a lot of strength and might to her character. I liked the narrator, the voice behind the scenes, who explained the passage of time and changing of seasons. I can see this movie again and again. Recommended to all who love fairy tales.
Maleficent was a fairy, enchantingly beautiful. She had big wings, strong and powerful. They took her far above the clouds, against the winds, beyond her land. She was betrayed by the king she loved, who stole her wings, leaving her weak and in pain. Consumed by anger, hatred, and revenge, she cursed his baby daughter an irreversible fate that no force in the world can break except true love's kiss.
Aurora grew up gracefully and lovingly under the watchful eyes of Maleficent. She thought her to be her fairy godmother. Maleficent was curious, why was she so drawn to the young girl, her enemy's daughter. Aurora was what was left of Maleficent's malevolent heart. Her dark self showed the warmth and care only around Aurora. I just loved the equation Aurora shared with Maleficent, unaware of the curse that she had cast upon her. Maleficent's futile try to break her own curse and save Aurora was heart wrenching. The climax and the ending here was far better than the original version of 'Sleeping Beauty'.
Angelina Jolie's acting is amazing, breathtaking, magnificent and spectacular. I loved her character. She portrayed such depth with a mask-like straight face, that's worthy of applaud. I liked her get up, especially those horns. They did add a lot of strength and might to her character. I liked the narrator, the voice behind the scenes, who explained the passage of time and changing of seasons. I can see this movie again and again. Recommended to all who love fairy tales.
The Giver
(2014)
Not that impressed...
27 January 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Though I am not that impressed by the movie, I like its significance and the message it conveys. I like the scenes of fun and frolic, dance and music, love and loss of a mother, thrill of an adventure, fear of falling, satisfaction of surviving, willpower to lead countries, and patriotism of countrymen. Otherwise the plot is threadbare and predictable, the climax is feeble and acting is kind of okey. Actually this whole dystopian world was not that convincing.
But the book that this movie is based on is rather popular. I wonder why the title is 'The Giver', when the story actually revolves around 'The Receiver'.
https://pratikshya2.wordpress.com/2015/01/28/the-giver/
But the book that this movie is based on is rather popular. I wonder why the title is 'The Giver', when the story actually revolves around 'The Receiver'.
https://pratikshya2.wordpress.com/2015/01/28/the-giver/
The Maze Runner
(2014)
Super Awesome Nail Biting Thriller
6 January 2015
Based on the novel of the same name by James Dashner, 'The Maze Runner' is a dystopian, futuristic thriller. It keeps you excited, interested, curious and at the edge of the seat throughout. The twists and turns every ten to fifteen minutes is so unexpected and shocking, you'd find it difficult to take a break before watching the complete movie. And I bet you'd watch it at one go, without pauses, let alone breaks! It has so many nail biting moments I lost count of them all. And enough of 'what is going to happen next?' moments to keep you hooked. My eyes were bulging out of my sockets the entire 1 hour 50 minutes of the movie, in anticipation. This one is worth a watch for all thriller lovers. Hats off to the author for creating such an awesome plot and an equally awesome maze. If you are a 'Hunger Games' fan, you'd like this one more, better.
PK
(2014)
Meaningful Entertainment
23 December 2014
Warning: Spoilers
When there's a message worth conveying in a movie, and that too through so much fun and comedy, then that's what is considered good cinema. A Meaningful Entertainment. Aamir Khan chooses really good scripts, that's a given. And the promotion of the film pays off, and it deserves all the applauds that's it's getting. Though there's a similarity between 'Oh My God' and this movie, it's still too different, more unique and an innocent heart-touching one. Aamir Khan's character is so cute and not even a bit corrupted, like a new born baby, who takes time and learns the ways of the world. He gets confused by the concept of religion on earth and is even more confused by the business of Gods. It's a view point of an innocent mind, and that's so heavy a food for thought.
Kate & Leopold
(2001)
Loved it!!!
13 December 2014
Warning: Spoilers
I have always been lured by the things of past- the era that was: the language- those ornamental, flowery words of 'my lord's and 'my lady's, the mannerisms, fashion and stories. I always enjoy and look forward to visiting palaces, reading historic fiction, and discover tales and legends of the past.
Loved Kate and Leopold- the movie, the characters, the plot, everything. Who wouldn't fall in love with a Duke from the past, and his overtly courteous manners, even though a bit exaggerated for the real world? It was such a sweet story, and kind of a fairy tale- I love fairy tales. I so much hope and wish and dream that portals were for real, and loopholes did exist in time!
I love time travel.
Loved Kate and Leopold- the movie, the characters, the plot, everything. Who wouldn't fall in love with a Duke from the past, and his overtly courteous manners, even though a bit exaggerated for the real world? It was such a sweet story, and kind of a fairy tale- I love fairy tales. I so much hope and wish and dream that portals were for real, and loopholes did exist in time!
I love time travel.
The Villain
(2014)
OK for a one time watch..
13 July 2014
Warning: Spoilers
I loved the movie as a whole, no doubt in that. But I do have a lot many issues. The story of a wish list and a terminal disease are so common in world cinema, especially the recent movie adaptation of the most famous John Green novel- 'The Fault in our Stars'. Then there is 'Before I Fall', 'A Walk to remember', the Korean movie 'A Millionaire's First Love' and many more. But yes, for Indian cinema and Bollywood, this is a relatively new area or genre. I felt that Siddharth Malhotra's character Guru was not well explored- it was not constructed or layered in detail. It could have been better. Loved Shraddha's Ayesha. Awesome acting of all the lead characters. Ritesh's character back story was threadbare, silly and baseless. That part was disappointing, and not expected. It's good for a one time watch though.
The Lunchbox
(2013)
Licking my fingers...
12 July 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Watching 'The Lunchbox' was a peaceful experience. It is a slow film for today's fast generation. And in that slow pace I found the simplicity of daily life and routine of a homemaker, the 'dabba-walah's, a government worker and a trainee. Life is not always exciting, it is mundane mostly. Not every time do we get interesting twists and turns, but when we do, life gets alive again. When Mr.Fernandes finds a letter in his tiffin, the words in it start making him take note of life once again- it gives him something to hold on to in the sheer mundanity.
I liked the simplicity of the story, the plot. Mrs. Deshpande's character was a favorite. You can just hear her voice while she's conversing, you don't get to see her. This is the first time that I found a character so wholesome, but without involvement of the face and facial expressions. Every time Mr.Fernandes opened and smelled the tiffin eagerly, I wanted to taste the dishes too. Every time Illa prepared a new recipe with Mrs.Despande's help, I wanted to try it too.
'The Lunchbox' won over me, slowly yet completely. Worth a watch.
I liked the simplicity of the story, the plot. Mrs. Deshpande's character was a favorite. You can just hear her voice while she's conversing, you don't get to see her. This is the first time that I found a character so wholesome, but without involvement of the face and facial expressions. Every time Mr.Fernandes opened and smelled the tiffin eagerly, I wanted to taste the dishes too. Every time Illa prepared a new recipe with Mrs.Despande's help, I wanted to try it too.
'The Lunchbox' won over me, slowly yet completely. Worth a watch.
I Hear Your Voice
(2013)
Loving it!!
20 June 2014
I have always loved court room dramas and legal thrillers- books, movies, soaps and sitcoms. I like those well written scripts that take advantage of the loopholes in law to build powerful twists in the plots, keeping the audience or viewers engaged till the end. 'I hear your voice' is a romantic comedy- my most favorite of Korean drama genres, with the right amount of courtroom cases, and a bit of fantasy. The episodes were an easy watch, interesting and entertaining. He is a high school kid who can hear people's thoughts. These extra voices in his ears make his world noisier. She is a lawyer- a public defender, quite a few years older than him. She is his first love. He admired her since she came as a witness of his father's murder to the trial 10 years ago. Searching for her when he grew up, he found her on the pages of a newspaper. Then as they became closer, from just acquaintances in a case, he starts helping her during trials- by reading everyone's minds; and she takes the responsibility of his guardian. It's just fun to watch them – when she tries to hide her humiliations and embarrassed thoughts from him, but he reads them anyhow. I like the plot twists a lot. The prisoner of 10 years is now released, who holds a grudge against the public defender, as she had been a witness to that murder, and threatens to kill her. But her protector is there to save her from every mishap with all his might.
I'm loving it!!! It's one unconventional love story...
I'm loving it!!! It's one unconventional love story...
The Originals
(2013–2018)
Very Interesting and Original story...
7 June 2014
I have always loved the original family of vampires. First, they have an amazing accent. I have a thing for old British accent. Second, they are some of the most well created, complex characters with a number of layers- shades and hues. I love Klaus, Rebecca, and Elijah. 'The Originals' was a good change of landscape, setting (New Orleans) and story, involving intricate new characters. I loved the characters Davina, Helley, Camille and the unborn special child. The conflict among communities- vampires, werewolves, witches, and humans is portrayed through conspiracies, planning, secret weapons, and failed tries and attempts at treaties. Then there is tension within the family with revelation of hidden truths of the past. The series portrayed relations at a much matured level- the strained relation between Klaus and Rebecca, and that between him and Marcel. I liked the final episode- the birth of the miracle baby- Hope.
Pretty Little Liars
(2010–2017)
Interesting
7 June 2014
Warning: Spoilers
I liked the suspense and mystery in the story of Pretty Little Liars, given that it has been adapted from a novel series of the same name. The liars Hanna, Spencer, Emily and Aria are really pretty. Emily is my favorite character. Her story really did touch hearts. The concept of the secret stalker A, who was impersonating their dead friend Alison was new to me. The presence of 'the unknown' factor, the question of whom to trust and whom not to, created curiosity, and thrill. I liked the different subplots too. But having watched two seasons, I have decided not to watch it anymore. The plot is just turning and twisting without reaching at a conclusion. Who is A? It is still unknown.
The Vampire Diaries
(2009–2017)
fifth season
7 June 2014
Warning: Spoilers
After having watched four seasons of Vampire Diaries; being a part of the extended audience across countries; witnessing suspense, thrill, mystery, fantasy, paranormal, and cliffhanger endings at its best, I was a bit skeptical about watching the fifth season. The biggest part of the reason- the absence of the original vampire family from the show. I couldn't imagine how a plot can be any better than or at least as good as the third and the fourth installment, without the presence of Klaus. And when I finally started watching it, nothing could stop me. I had little to regret. We had known about vampires, werewolves, witches, vampire hunters, the originals, hybrids, doppelgangers, and spirits. The fifth season added new terms to our paranormal dictionary once again. Anchors (to the other side), and the Travelers, Augustine rabid vampires and more doppelgangers. I liked the story, the different subplots, especially that involving the new character Enzo. Not much to criticize, but I felt a similarity between the concept of 'Travelers' and 'The Host'- novel by Stephenie Meyers. And the number of deaths in the season made it a lot depressing. So many deaths at a time! Didn't like that part.
Shinui
(2012)
Awesome!!
17 May 2014
This is a drama in which the writer has deftly used the history, mythology, and Korean legends along with a bit of fantasy to weave a beautiful and powerful story.
A Tale of Love across Time: The love story of Choi Young and Eun Soo is sure to tug the viewers' heartstrings. This love across centuries, love defying time, will be a hit among romantics. From making her learn the way of their world to protecting her from innumerable death traps, Choi Young is falling for Eun Soo, even though he knows he has to keep his promise to her, to help her return to her world. And Eun Soo changes her perspective from seeing him as her kidnapper to the only one she can trust in the unknown world of past, and to be with him becomes a habit she's reluctant to change. The gradual falling in love is beautifully portrayed in this period drama, while the question 'will she return?' refuses to cease anyone's mind.
A Tale of Love across Time: The love story of Choi Young and Eun Soo is sure to tug the viewers' heartstrings. This love across centuries, love defying time, will be a hit among romantics. From making her learn the way of their world to protecting her from innumerable death traps, Choi Young is falling for Eun Soo, even though he knows he has to keep his promise to her, to help her return to her world. And Eun Soo changes her perspective from seeing him as her kidnapper to the only one she can trust in the unknown world of past, and to be with him becomes a habit she's reluctant to change. The gradual falling in love is beautifully portrayed in this period drama, while the question 'will she return?' refuses to cease anyone's mind.
My Love from Another Star
(2013–2014)
A good drama
15 April 2014
A spaceship from another planet lands on earth, in the Josheon era. The people i.e. the aliens explore their place of landing- the nature, the plants, the animals and the humankind inhabiting it. They take samples of minerals, medicinal saplings, and observe the way of life of the humans. They return after satiating their curiosities about earth, the planet that looks so beautiful from space, from their sky. But by a twist of fate, and entangling of destinies, one of them is left behind while saving a young widow from death.
He lives on earth, adapting to its climate, food, and people and learning the native language. He knows he is not abandoned, and that he has to wait for a long time to return to his home. He is a fast learner, and has superhuman abilities, as per the earthlings' standards. So meanwhile, he reads a lot of books and learns a lot many skills- those required for survival and some as a hobby. He can teleport within a particular distance, can stop time for about a minute, can mind control nonliving things, has great hearing capabilities, and many more traits. But he understands through time and experience that showcasing his abilities does him and the people around him no good. So he starts living incognito, under different identities.
The actual story starts 400 years later, in modern day Seoul. He's presently known as Do Min Joon, a Harvard alumnus, and a professor. Dilemma and confusion starts when he notices the same girl that he once saved, or perhaps someone bearing an exact resemblance to her, after so many years. Is this actress a rebirth, or reincarnation? Is it a totally different person? He enters her life, curiosity getting better of him. Again assuming the role of her protector, ally and savior, he eventually falls for her, way before she realizes her own feelings.
Spice to the story is added by the murder mystery that happens to occur in between, involving conspiring millionaires, detectives, and the protagonists' lives; the romantic comedy, the humor and crazy tactics of the leads; and the play of emotions. What happens to their story, when he has to leave earth in a month? Does he really have no attachments? And what happens when his true nature is revealed? Does he finally return to his universe leaving everyone behind? The 21 episodes is an enjoyable roller coaster ride through the story.
There is not a single boring moment in the sitcom. There's thrill in every episode, fun and laugh-out-loud scenes too.
PS: This is not your ET or 'Koi Mil Gaya'. And aliens here are not ugly and grotesque. They are fairer and more beautiful than normal human being, with a very high lifespan. They are not immortals, nor are they vampires. Vampires don't teleport, remember? So, watch it without presumptions and biases. If you like fantasy, and thrill, you'll enjoy it, sure.
He lives on earth, adapting to its climate, food, and people and learning the native language. He knows he is not abandoned, and that he has to wait for a long time to return to his home. He is a fast learner, and has superhuman abilities, as per the earthlings' standards. So meanwhile, he reads a lot of books and learns a lot many skills- those required for survival and some as a hobby. He can teleport within a particular distance, can stop time for about a minute, can mind control nonliving things, has great hearing capabilities, and many more traits. But he understands through time and experience that showcasing his abilities does him and the people around him no good. So he starts living incognito, under different identities.
The actual story starts 400 years later, in modern day Seoul. He's presently known as Do Min Joon, a Harvard alumnus, and a professor. Dilemma and confusion starts when he notices the same girl that he once saved, or perhaps someone bearing an exact resemblance to her, after so many years. Is this actress a rebirth, or reincarnation? Is it a totally different person? He enters her life, curiosity getting better of him. Again assuming the role of her protector, ally and savior, he eventually falls for her, way before she realizes her own feelings.
Spice to the story is added by the murder mystery that happens to occur in between, involving conspiring millionaires, detectives, and the protagonists' lives; the romantic comedy, the humor and crazy tactics of the leads; and the play of emotions. What happens to their story, when he has to leave earth in a month? Does he really have no attachments? And what happens when his true nature is revealed? Does he finally return to his universe leaving everyone behind? The 21 episodes is an enjoyable roller coaster ride through the story.
There is not a single boring moment in the sitcom. There's thrill in every episode, fun and laugh-out-loud scenes too.
PS: This is not your ET or 'Koi Mil Gaya'. And aliens here are not ugly and grotesque. They are fairer and more beautiful than normal human being, with a very high lifespan. They are not immortals, nor are they vampires. Vampires don't teleport, remember? So, watch it without presumptions and biases. If you like fantasy, and thrill, you'll enjoy it, sure.
Queen
(2013)
One of the best Bollywood Feel Good Movies..
24 March 2014
Warning: Spoilers
I loved Queen. It's a really good story about rediscovering the self and feeling the freedom- freedom from all the baggage of reservations and inhibitions that we carry with ourselves. Living her whole life under the set norms and decorum, Rani is a very cultured Indian girl. The best daughter her parents could ever have. She had never imagined that she would be jilted at the altar, and her dream shall come to a standstill. But she decides to come out of her brooding self and leave behind her trauma. She packs up to go on her pre planned honeymoon, alone.
In Paris, she meets VJ, who proves to be a great friend and companion. She saves Rani from trouble, helps her enjoy France where communication in any language other than French is difficult; and helps her come out of her self-conscious and shy self. That is clearly visible when a drunk Rani talks her mind incessantly for the first time in days to anyone who's listening, and dances her heart out like no one's watching without bothering a bit about her moves and steps. This crazy version of Rani was so endearing. And another time when VJ takes her shopping and forces her to try a sleeveless one, at first she's so shy that she has a hard time coming out of the trial room, but then she herself takes a selfie and uploads online. Aww, it's cute. It's so human nature. And Kangana's acting is so natural; she's very convincing as Rani. Not even a bit superficial.
In Amsterdam, I'll admit I had a lot of uncontrollable laughters, watching Rani in innumerable dilemma. First is when she comes to know that she has to share her room with three men. And the way she wakes from sleep in a start, jumping and shouting at the top of her voice, seeing the black man, is hilarious. Slowly she learns to trust them, and becomes friends with them. They make so much fun of her innocence, throughout her stay, but also make her holiday a memorable one. They ensure she's comfortable and happy. Taka- the short heighted Japanese roommate is the sweetest of all. I loved all the characters in the movie- the chubby younger brother Chintu being one of the favorite after Rani.
There has been an advent of 'feel-good' movies in Bollywood, those that aim at revisiting one's own self. It started perhaps with Geet and Aditya in Jab We Met. I love movies of this fairly new genre. 'English Vinglish', 'Yeh Jawani Hei Diwani' and 'Highway' came one after the other, the characters enthralling us in their simplicity and realness. And the romantic comedy 'Hassee Toh Phassee' is another in the list. Now 'Queen' has come highlighting the inner journey, with dollops of fun and touching moments.
In Paris, she meets VJ, who proves to be a great friend and companion. She saves Rani from trouble, helps her enjoy France where communication in any language other than French is difficult; and helps her come out of her self-conscious and shy self. That is clearly visible when a drunk Rani talks her mind incessantly for the first time in days to anyone who's listening, and dances her heart out like no one's watching without bothering a bit about her moves and steps. This crazy version of Rani was so endearing. And another time when VJ takes her shopping and forces her to try a sleeveless one, at first she's so shy that she has a hard time coming out of the trial room, but then she herself takes a selfie and uploads online. Aww, it's cute. It's so human nature. And Kangana's acting is so natural; she's very convincing as Rani. Not even a bit superficial.
In Amsterdam, I'll admit I had a lot of uncontrollable laughters, watching Rani in innumerable dilemma. First is when she comes to know that she has to share her room with three men. And the way she wakes from sleep in a start, jumping and shouting at the top of her voice, seeing the black man, is hilarious. Slowly she learns to trust them, and becomes friends with them. They make so much fun of her innocence, throughout her stay, but also make her holiday a memorable one. They ensure she's comfortable and happy. Taka- the short heighted Japanese roommate is the sweetest of all. I loved all the characters in the movie- the chubby younger brother Chintu being one of the favorite after Rani.
There has been an advent of 'feel-good' movies in Bollywood, those that aim at revisiting one's own self. It started perhaps with Geet and Aditya in Jab We Met. I love movies of this fairly new genre. 'English Vinglish', 'Yeh Jawani Hei Diwani' and 'Highway' came one after the other, the characters enthralling us in their simplicity and realness. And the romantic comedy 'Hassee Toh Phassee' is another in the list. Now 'Queen' has come highlighting the inner journey, with dollops of fun and touching moments.
Freedom Writers
(2007)
A worthy watch
19 March 2014
Warning: Spoilers
The most important thing that Ms.G taught them was Empathy. Through visiting the museum on Holocaust, the gang life and concentration camps; talking to the real Holocaust survivors; reading the diary of Anne Frank; writing their own diaries, their thoughts, their present, and past; and through playing the Line game, the students learned empathy. They understood that they were not the only sufferers. They were not alone. They understood one another better.
Ms.G made them write letters to the woman who helped Anne Frank hid from the German, and arranged an educational trip for them. They saw the pain she took to send each of their letters, and acknowledged her efforts in bringing a change. She gave her best, and wholeheartedly wanted to help them make sense of their lives. She wanted them to understand that life is not just about gang life, communal rivalry, upholding racist views, fights and gunshots. Her labor towards helping these troubled kids is commendable.
The kids wanted to be known, to be understood, and to matter. Mrs.G gave them this scope through the final project that she had for them. They together compiled and published 'The Freedom Writer's Diary'.
I loved this movie. It's worth watching.
Ms.G made them write letters to the woman who helped Anne Frank hid from the German, and arranged an educational trip for them. They saw the pain she took to send each of their letters, and acknowledged her efforts in bringing a change. She gave her best, and wholeheartedly wanted to help them make sense of their lives. She wanted them to understand that life is not just about gang life, communal rivalry, upholding racist views, fights and gunshots. Her labor towards helping these troubled kids is commendable.
The kids wanted to be known, to be understood, and to matter. Mrs.G gave them this scope through the final project that she had for them. They together compiled and published 'The Freedom Writer's Diary'.
I loved this movie. It's worth watching.
Hasee Toh Phasee
(2014)
a very funny and entertaining story with an emotional core
16 February 2014
The story itself is so unconventional and fresh in Bollywood. The idea and technology couple, or the 'mental' and 'senti' couple, or the hydrogen and double oxygen couple- name it any way- will find a way to your heart by the end of the movie. The characters, funny at the exterior, are given their depth slowly and steadily.
Parineeti Chopra's acting is brilliant. The comic facial expressions, with enlarged eyes and teeth on display may make you laugh jolly at first but will gradually make you feel sad, and take pity. 'Meeta' is a lovely character,so new and unique, unstable yet lovable.
Siddharth Malhotra's acting is commendable too. His 'Nikhil' carried that charm, and those endearing emotions and kindness at heart, which made him my favorite.
This movie is here to stay. It will most definitely make a place in every viewer's heart.
Parineeti Chopra's acting is brilliant. The comic facial expressions, with enlarged eyes and teeth on display may make you laugh jolly at first but will gradually make you feel sad, and take pity. 'Meeta' is a lovely character,so new and unique, unstable yet lovable.
Siddharth Malhotra's acting is commendable too. His 'Nikhil' carried that charm, and those endearing emotions and kindness at heart, which made him my favorite.
This movie is here to stay. It will most definitely make a place in every viewer's heart.
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