varun_120 Reviews

One Spring Night (2019)

Slow Burn a More Realistic K-Dramas

[10/10 · 15 July 2020]

I've started watching K dramas only since last 2-3 months. It's very much like SITR but still the treatment is different. SITR has to be one of the best dramas in its first 6-7 episodes. Then it starts falling flat in someway. The characters start doing unbelievable actions in the second half and it has a rushed ending. People make comparison of One Spring Night with SITR. A lot of people actually started watching this because it's been directed by the same guy who made SITR. You may say One Spring is a mature version of SITR.

I really liked the slow-burn relationship building of the main characters. The soundtrack is amazing. Palpable tension in the scenes are well depicted by Rachael Yamagata's 'No Direction' . When Lee Jung-in tells Ji Ho not to cross or when Lee Jung-in says sorry to Ki Seok and runs after Ji Ho, the soundtrack in the background really captures the mood of the scenes.

Whether it's Ji Ho's vulnerability or Lee Jung-in strong willed personality, it's been portrayed perfectly by the characters. One thing I really liked was there is no over the top acting which you usually find in K-Dramas. The acting and the 'realism' of the story was the other thing I loved most about it. I can certainly see myself watching this show again.

Game of Thrones: The Red Woman (2016) Season 6, Episode 1

Dull

[6/10 · 25 April 2016]

Nothing happened actually. Apart from Sansa uniting with Brienne, we got to see nothing. Jon Snow is so far dead. Cersei and Jaime wants to take everything away from the world. Tyrion has no idea what he is doing in Meeran. Khaleesi is not supported by the Dothrakis. Melisandre has not yet resuscitated Jon Snow. Rather shocking was to see her turning into an old lady (that too a naked one).

Perhaps she always has been an old witch. Poor Arya has to suffer again, she has turned blind and is getting flogged in such a situation. People had a lot of expectations from the 6th season. But, I had predicted that it would be just as lame as the fifth season and it is turning out to be quite the same. In Sherlock's words this is just "Dull."

Sherlock: The Abominable Bride (2016) Season 4, Episode 0

Entertaining but too self indulging

[8/10 · 3 January 2016]

I have been waiting for this since forever. I was so eagerly waiting for this to be aired. It has a lot of references to the previous episodes. Just the way Study in pink starts, John & Sherlock meets, it was almost the same. They have almost all the characters. Anderson again, Molly Hooper disguised as a man was a rather surprising move. This episode was rather witty & hilarious. Specially, Mary referring to Mycroft as "The clever one" was hilarious. There is also a mention of Irene Adler. Basically the entire episode is a dream & it becomes rather complicated although it has a very simple story to tell. I have read a lot of reviews and they criticized this episode. I wouldn't completely agree with them but two things I'd agree with. First is it is self indulging & the second is the ending was a bit dull.

It was all set in Victorian times, and at that time women were not considered equal. You also hear Mary telling Lestrade that she is a member of women's voting rights. Lestrade asks her if you are for or against it. Lol. I think it was very much clear that who kills Sir Eustace. But the justification of the entire thing is not understandable. It felt like some pro feminist storytelling. Moving ahead, mind palace part of the episode was splendid. It was again evident when Mycroft tells Sherlock about a virus in hard drive. It had to be a dream obviously. There were Johnlock moments. I didn't have any problem with it. I wasn't awwed by this episode, but it was good nevertheless. I think it continued with the last third season's trend. According to me third season was totally redundant except for the last minute of the last episode. Now with the revelation in The abominable bride, I can say even that last minute was just tantalizing nothing else. Again, Andrew Scott as Moriarty stands out. He is just too good. Third season was dull because there was no Moriarty. Every story needs a good old fashioned villain. I hope somehow there is Moriarty in the fourth season. Again, I hope Moffat doesn't mess up the fourth season and continue like the first two seasons.

Mommy (I) (2014)

Too damn addictive

[10/10 · 23 April 2015]

I have become a fan of French Cinema, TV series. Recently I saw a TV series Les Revenants. I saw many French films in the past like Au Revoir Les Enfants, Intouchables, Incendies and many more. French films have subtlety that others don't have. This is what makes French cinema different than the rest. Now, the film i am going to review is Mommy (2014)Mommy is directed and written by Xavier Dolan. Xavier Dolan is known for his film I killed my mother (2009). Now, in Mommy also you can find some resemblance of I killed my mother. Its amazing how talented & imaginative, Xavier Dolan is at the age of just 25.

I saw the movie yesterday, and I am almost compelled to write a review. The movie is very powerful and gripping. It mainly has 3 characters Diane (Anne Dorval), Steve (Antoine-Olivier Pilon) & Kyla (Suzanne Clément). Diane has been widowed for 3 years and does earns her living by doing meager jobs. Her son Steve, following his violent nature has been imposed, institutionalization, which is one degree lower than juvenile detention. Steve was institutionalized shortly following his father's death due to his attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and his violent outbursts. He was just kicked out of the latest in a long line of facilities for setting fire to the cafeteria, in turn injuring another boy. Diane made this decision to deinstitutionalize him as she didn't like the alternative, sending him into more restrictive juvenile detention from which he would probably never be rehabilitated. He brings him home & the craziness begins.

They have a very different mother-son relationship. Both are crazy, but where Diane can control herself, Steve just can't. They come across the neighbor Kyla who has a stammering problem. She meets Diane & Steve, mingles with them, becomes their friend. Her stammering goes away whenever she's with Diane & Steve while, when she gets back home to her daughter & boyfriend, her stammering too comes back. Kyla tutors Steve, as he does home learning, as he has been deinstitutionalized. All three of them get bonded and have a good time. But later Diane gets a legal notice that she has to pay for the damages caused to the boy who got burnt up to 70% in the cafeteria, Steve set afire. She tries very hard to get a good lawyer, but fails. After Steve, attempts to commit suicide, she admits Steve in the mental institution as it would save him from the juvenile detention. That was not the right thing, as Kyla insinuates- "I can't abandon my family", almost a reference, that Diane didn't do the right thing. Steve is absolutely devastated, but later on realizes that his mom did it, as she thought iy would be best for him. In the end, it is shown that Steve is running towards a window/door, suggesting he is trying to attempt suicide again as he lost all hopes to be with his Mommy.

As Diane once tells Kyla that, there is not a dull moment with Steve, is indeed true. The film seems loud on certain occasions, is never boring though its 138 minutes long. Xavier Dolan once again uses music to perfection in this film. The pop songs that Xavier Dolan chose for the movie are simply amazing and each song has a meaning with the scene in it. From Sarah McLachlan, Oasis, Celine Dion, Andrea Bocelli, Lana del Rey, Counting Crows. Specially 2 scenes, one where Kyla comes over for party at Diane's and secondly the long dream sequence. Both the scenes fit with the music used in them. There are many scenes that could take your breath away. Particularly I liked the scene where Kyla bullies Steve, and Steve pisses his pants. It was very intense, you wouldn't imagine someone like Kyla dominating someone. The chemistry between the 3 main characters is flawless. It never feels like they are acting, they live the characters and also force you to get involve with them. Its as real as it gets troubled mother, troubled son, troubled neighbor. We never get to know the full story of Kyla, just that she was a teacher, now on a sabbatical and has developed a stammering problem. Diane is troubled too, who is considered white trash by many, Diane does whatever she needs, including strutting her body in front of male employers who will look, to make an honest living. That bread-winning ability is affected when she makes the decision to get Steve back.

I really admire the work of Xavier Dolan and looking forward to watch his other films too. He has a gift that no 25 year old may have. He has the vision, he makes it look as real as it gets. He also plays with aspect ratio in this film. Almost entire film is in 1:1 aspect ratio, but only 2 scenes are shot in 1.85. Entire film gives a feeling of claustrophobia by using that 1:1 aspect ratio. This film is not be missed by true lovers of cinema. Dolan will only get better. Mommy is the best film of 2014 that I saw in 2015. There is something about this film, the restlessness, that I can't express in words. I was left in emotional instability. I may have to watch it one more time to ebb out that uneasiness.

The Jacket (2005)

Eerie but good

[8/10 · 17 March 2015]

This is Jacob's Ladder type of film. Where Jacob's Ladder was a more comprehensive and detailed film. This is a shorter version I guess. Jack Starks probably dies when the small kid shoots him, but before dying or while dying he sees a dream where he visualizes everything that we see in the film. Of course this is my take on the film.

We can also say that Ryan Gosling starer "Stay" was also same kind of a film. This is kind of a film that leaves viewers with multiple options regarding how/what the film is. Adrien Brody was good as usual. he's a perfect cast in such kinds of intense films. he seems very natural doing such films. The story of the film is Adrien Brody (Jack Starks)is shown in Iraq war (1991) he gets shot and considered dead. But later on he's seen alive by the crew.

Later on the story unfolds and Jack is suspected of a murder, tried and sent to a mental institution. Where he becomes the object of doctors' experiments. He's enclosed in a morgue drawer braced with a jacket. He dreams there and can see future events. If you liked Jacob's ladder,The Machinist, Stay etc. you'd like this film as well.

The Returned (2012–2015)

Another good french series

[8/10 · 17 March 2015]

The returned is a story of a town where some dead people start reappearing after a few years. So, that scares & confuses the family and the people in the town about how this could have happened. The story is told in a slow and smooth manner. The atmosphere is spooky and eerie. One thing that I liked about this series, that no scary faces & ungratuitous violence/gore has been used.

A good supernatural series/film can be made without silly cliché things that are used generally by the makers. Every episode has a story about one of the dead characters. The flashbacks also convey us information about what had happened in the past events. The overall experience was pretty good, but I still think the series seemed incomplete.

I am not one of those guys to whom you have to spell out everything. But still, after the season finale a lot of questions seemed to be unanswered. i don't know if there will be as second season or not. And, I personally don't think there is any need for any. But apart from this I liked it very well. Its a must watch for all the fans of psychological thriller series. It's a good attempt and deserves to be viewed.

Utopia (I) (2013–2014)

Fantastic series with some freshness

[9/10 · 17 March 2015]

Just finished watching second season of the series Utopia. I have to admit it is one of the most original series I've ever seen. The concept & story is very bold and execution was perfect in the first season. The second season wasn't as brilliant as the first one, but still I liked the series as a whole. Sad, that there won't be any third season, as the season 2 ended in a cliffhanger.

Utopia follows a group of people who have in possession a manuscript of a graphic novel. Thus, they are followed and targeted by some organizations who stoop to anything to get it back. The novel contains information that would be responsible for a huge disaster.

All the main characters have acted very well. I specially liked the character of Grant & of course Jessica Hyde. The question in the first few episodes is "Who is Jessica Hyde?". The topic which the creators chose is very bold. It must have taken courage to take such a topic. The question would be if you support Utopia or not. Definitely. most would say yes without a doubt.

This series is just as different as Black Mirror. First season is terrific, but second season albeit not poor, but just doesn't seem that good. Maybe this is the reason they chose not to review it. Nevertheless, it is still good enough to be viewed once. I give first season a 10 & second season an 8. Fantastic British series, something that shouldn't be missed.

South Park: Grounded Vindaloop (2014) Season 18, Episode 7

A fantastic mind boggling episode

[10/10 · 14 November 2014]

Grounded Vindaloop has to be the best episode of 18th season so far. The previous episodes were not that funny, but this one was a mind tripping laughter riot. It was like watching Nolan's film which is very intricate, but satisfying to the core.

There was a point when we can't understand what's reality and what's virtual world. This episode was on Oculus Rift- which is virtual reality headsets for 3D gamings. The episode tells that it really messes up your head. The customer service executive part was particularly hilarious. I think its first time, Matt & Trey made such an intricate episode.

They surely can try in this genre as well, apart from just comedy. Two thumbs up & I give 10/10 to this episode. I know now that Matt & Trey have still a lot to offer after 18 years.

Martyrs (2008)

Very tough movie to watch

[8/10 · 8 November 2014]

This has to be the most disturbing film I've seen. It's disturbing, difficult to watch, mind you, but not disgusting as some movies that are disguised as scary films. The very idea, the gist & treatment of the film scares you. The film starts with a girl named Lucie being tortured, and then she manages to escape the house where she was kept. Then we are shown a family that seems normal and likable. But Lucie returns with her childhood friend Anna. And we come to know that the couple was the one who help Lucie captive & tortured her. Lucie takes her revenge, but her delusions become stronger. But we come to know there's much more than that.

The film is more about Anna though. than Lucie. You'll know it when you see the film. The violence seems very much real, and is unlike the lame Hollywood flicks. This is why I like French films, they're raw and seem genuine unlike Hollywood films.

This film is definitely not for everyone. People who are averse to watching violent films, stay away from the film. The rest enjoy this french masterpiece. Ending is superb, its like nothing you've ever seen.

Love Exposure (2008)

Brilliant, gutsy, overwhelming

[8/10 · 2 November 2014]

Well, its a four hour film. I had to watch it in 2 sittings. But I was not bored for a second. Yuu, is a catholic boy whose longs for his father's affection, and in order to confess to his priest his to get his attention ends up taking and mastering erotic pictures of girls in public. He falls in love with Yoko who hates her father and ends up living with her father's ex girlfriend. Koike who killed her own father, who is an original sinner, hatches up a plan to convert Yuu's family to her cult.

Yuu tries to get his love Yoko, and counters the plan of Koike, but it all ends up in a huge chaos. Like other Japanese films, its a bit quaint, but again very well made. This film is not for everybody for sure. There's erections (in pants, not real) and upskirt scenes throughout the film. But they are important and the story demands them.

The movie films a bit ridiculous and unreal sometimes, but never boring though. That's the cool thing about the Japanese films, the are a but different but still very good. It's a mind blowing love story, a love story that's explosive, which pretty much justifies its name. The climax seems it should have come a bit earlier but thats all right. Cinematography is pretty good, overall a top notch film. Worth watching if you want to view a different type of love story.

South Park: Woodland Critter Christmas (2004) Season 8, Episode 14

Christmas time is once a year, every critter holds it dear

[10/10 · 2 November 2014]

After watching the episode today for almost 100th time, I decided I should write a review. This happens to be my favorite episode of South Park. Stan finds some critters in the forest who wants to celebrate Christmas, one of the critters porcupine is pregnant and is to give birth to the savior of the critters. Stan helps them but later on discovers that the critters are evil and the porcupine is going to give birth to the anti-Christ.

This episode has references of blood orgy in critters in which they sacrifice the rabbit, that alludes to the rabbit test a long way back, where rabbit where used to confirm the pregnancy, where in the end rabbit would die. It was very cool the way they showed it here. Plus lion cubs assisting in abortions was damn funny. And, Stan's reaction during the entire episode was fantabulous.

This and Scott Tennorman must die has to be the most no holds barred kind of episodes ever made on any shows. Nobody dares to make such bold episodes other than Matt and Trey. Hats off to you, and keep 'em coming.

A Tale of Two Sisters (2003)

One of my favorite foreign flicks

[10/10 · 25 October 2014]

I rate this films very highly. This is in my top 3 foreign films. I became the fan of the director after watching this film, and also checked a few Korean films as well. Well the story is like a girl comes home from mental institution to meet her family her sister, father & stepmother. Strange things start to happen.

Wouldn't add much to this. When I first watched this film, I couldn't understand it. You may interpret it the way you want it. The twist in the film as the double split personality of the elder sister was unpredictable. I don't remember the name of the characters, as I watched this film a while ago.

the best thing about the film is its treatment. Its not stupid horror films like the Americans made. Its very subtle, and its shock value is good. There is another film with intelligent horror is Orphange, a Spanish movie.

I give this film 10/10 and recommend watching it to all the people. And, yes don't watch the crappy US remake 'The uninvited'. A tale of two sisters is a genuine cinematic masterpiece.

Suspiria (1977)

Good film but for totally different reason

[8/10 · 24 October 2014]

When I read so many good reviews about Suspiria that it is one of the best horror flicks, then I thought I should give it a try. I watched the film, and it was good. But it was very far from scary. It was kind of a scary films for kids, just like the colorful nightmares we think of kids.

Sometimes it was funny too. Actually I found this film funnier, thus rated it highly. For me it was more comical than horror. The dialogues make little sense, acting is so so. but, the background score was awesome. It was very catchy and really keeps you hooked.

Dario Argento also used colors brilliantly in this film. The color of blood (looks totally fake, but dome deliberately I reckon), to the color of mansion where the dance academy is, that really captivates you.

I found this film great for being funny and weird, but not for horror. So, I give this film 8/10.

"She must die, die die" HaHa..

Locke (2013)

Not good enough

[4/10 · 24 October 2014]

Watched this movie, just for Tom Hardy. I really liked his performance in The dark knight rises. But 'Locke' has no proper storyline, and only 1 character of Tom Hardy. Throughout the film he's driving and speaking on the phone with various other characters.

Tom Hardy gives a good performance just the storyline is not good enough. Actually there is no story. It might be a good idea to try something different by having just one character being shown in the film. But that good idea couldn't make a good film.

At times, despite the film is just 80 minutes odd long, seems lengthy enough. Nothing happens in the film actually. You think something might happen next, but not. In the last 15 minutes actually I didn't care I just fast forwarded and put an end to the misery.

I still give it 4/10 for Tom Hardy's good performance. But still you should skip it.

Game of Thrones (2011–2019)

One of the best shows

[10/10 · 31 July 2014]

I delayed watching this show for a long time. And i regret it. It has to be the best shows out there. Acting is superb, plot is good too. And, shock value is extreme. Some people complain that their favorite characters are getting killed. But this is what makes them different from other shows. Its unpredictability is its usp.

Seven noble families fight for control of the mythical land of Westeros. This is what the plot in short is. We come to see betrayals, seduction, secrets, loyalty etc.

There are a lot of people who complain about nudity, but there is not that much. But yes its show meant for the adults. Every season comes up with new twists and turns. I finished watching 4 seasons in just 2 weeks. and now looking forward to the 5th season. 10/10 for me.

Top of the Lake (2013–2017)

Predictable, dull, slow, boring

[3/10 · 5 June 2014]

I am writing a review on IMDb after a long time. I heard a lot about this show, heard it was one of the best shows of 2013. I watched it. Watched first 2 episodes was not hooked at all. Well I paid for the DVD so I had to watch all the episodes. I literally fast forwarded a lot, and yet I missed very little. In the end, it was very boring. Only good thing was scenery in New Zealand and notion that Elizabeth Moss can look so much more beautiful than in Mad Men.

Other than that there is nothing. A 12 year old pregnant girl goes missing. She doesn't tell who her father is. Eventually its all predictable in the end. I have watched Broadchurch & The Fall recently. And they were indeed top notch. For me it was pretty boring & dull. Don't watch it because of the positive reviews, its not worth it.

South Park: Let Go, Let Gov (2013) Season 17, Episode 1

Cartman is the Snowden wannabe

[8/10 · 27 September 2013]

This is the first episode of the 17th season. The whole idea was good, as NSA is watching over everyone. It was good but there was less humor quotient. There was very little of Stan, Kyle and Kenny in this episode.

Cartman infiltrates into the NSA to find out how exactly they are tracking everybody. There was funny incidents in pieces. Especially at the DMVs. DMV is shown as the confession center. It was good to see officer Barbrady back. And, some little mocking of America's got talent and games of thrones.

Overall a good episode, but I hope for much better.

Grave of the Fireflies (1988)

A heart-wrenching movie

[10/10 · 2 June 2013]

Very few times I have cried in my life,and this film did make my eyes tearful. I'd say its one of those films that I wouldn't have the courage to watch another time. This film is the story of two Japanese kids Seita and Setsuko who struggle for their survival in Japan during the world war 2. In the very beginning, Seita and his sister Setsuko escapes their home and go to their distant aunt''s house. In the meanwhile, Seita learns that his mother has succumbed to the injuries she got in an air-raid.

Seita hides this truth from Setsuko. Also, their aunt starts bothering them so,they go from there to a cave like shelter and live there. But, they don't have money to buy food. Its all about the hardships they have to go through in order to survive.

This film becomes very hard to view particularly in the last 15 minutes. I'd say only heartless people won't feel sad after viewing this film. Only after Requiem for a dream, I have been moved by any film. This is another anti-war film, which shows that irrespective of whoever the victor is war is always bad for the mankind. I recommend every American to watch this film. In the name of war against terrorism they are waging a war against poor and helpless civilians. So. regardless of your age you ought to watch this flick.

I watched this film yesterday, but still I can hear Setsuko's voice when she calls Seital. Though, you'll fell upset but that is necessary. I give 10/10 to this film and two thumbs up. Don't miss it.

I Stand Alone (1998)

I have only contempt for the butcher

[7/10 · 12 March 2013]

As I had heard it's a very disturbing film, and it feels like someone is hitting you in the back of your head while viewing this film. This movie was very difficult to find, Finally I was able to download it and then watch it. this film is a story of a butcher who is very self centered and his wife is dead and his daughter is in an asylum after her father beats up a man, misunderstanding his daughter was raped.

He has done time in jail and now he is out of the jail, and has a mistress, who promises him to buy him a shop, and later she declines. And, so beats up his pregnant mistress and so miscarriage happens. Then, he comes back to Paris seeking his daughter.

One thing that surprised me was, the protagonist ( he is antagonist as well) is so self centered that he doesn't care about anyone, and doesn't have regret for whatever wrong things he does. There are two scenes in the film that shocked me. First, when he brutally beats up his wife and leads too miscarriage. He doesn't regret what he does, instead he thinks she was stingy and deserved that, he further thinks that it's good thing that the child died, as his mother would have made his life miserable.

Second, when the warning proclaims on screen that asks you to leave as the scene would be too graphic. He imagines first raping his daughter and then killing her. But, later understanding his mistake, hugs his daughter, and has sex with her. He justifies his act and he thinks he has to protect his daughter from the world forever. You can not help but, find this butcher guy abominable.

I don't know there are guys like the butcher, but I hope there are not. I didn't find this movie very disturbing and hard hitting, as I had thought it would be. But, I've seen some very disturbing films so, I didn't find it very disturbing. But, it is an unpleasant film, and it could upset you a lot if you are not used to viewing disturbing content.

Malicious (1973)

Watch it if you like Laura Antonelli

[6/10 · 12 March 2013]

I watched this film a few days back and I have to admit that it is a good comic flick. In the beginning Ignazio's wife passes away. And, after that a new house maid comes to work there. Ignazio has three kids. So, eldest and the middle kid along with their father becomes enamored with the beauty of their maid Angela (Laura Antonelli). After a few days, Ignazio proposes to Angela to marry her, but the middle kid Nino doesn't want Angela to marry his father, so he makes an excuse of his younger brother that he sees his late mother.

Sooner, when Nino comes to know that he can not stop his father from marrying Angela he begins mentally torturing her, and in the end he gets what he wants. This movie is a decent sex comedy, specially considering that it was made in 1973. There is nothing very vulgar in the film, but it remains sensual throughout the film. It can be seen once at least once, for Laura Antonelli.

The sexual tension between Nino and Angela in this flick has been shown very well and specially some scenes between them are really worth watching. I give it a 6/10.

Revanche (2008)

Good movie but slow paced

[7/10 · 12 March 2013]

Revanche in German means revenge. This is a revenge story of Ex-con Alex who is in love with a prostitute Tamara, and wants to escape with her after robbing a bank. But, something terrible happens which leaves Alex shattered and he seeks revenge on Policeman Robert.

This is not the usual revenge flick. In the beginning the story seems different but it takes an unusual turn. My discontent with the film is that, the film becomes too slow after the second half, and I think the film could have easily been of 20 minutes short. It would have made the film even better and fast paced.

Alex figures out that, Robert is the neighbor of his grandfather after he comes to live with his father. It makes Alex more and more anxious after he figures out. But, the way things turn out in the end is very different from the usual revenge movies I've seen. I do not have a problem with slow paced movies, but it may be a problem with some viewers.

Good film but it could have been great, had it been a bit fast.paced. There are some scenes in the second half which could have been omitted. So, I give it 6.5/10.

The Lives of Others (2006)

Undoubtedly, deserved an Oscar

[9/10 · 7 March 2013]

This film is in my favorite five foreign films list. I was not very much familiar with the background of East Germany. I was shocked to see under what enormous pressure a lot of East Germans had to live. In this film, Georg Dreyman is a dramatist and Christa-Maria Sieland is an actress and his girlfriend. As East German politicians were influenced by Russians, it was considered almost criminal to be associated with West German. And, Georg and Christa and their friends are associated with West side. The Minister of Culture becomes interested in Christa, so the secret service agent Wiesler is instructed to observe and sound out the couple.

And from here the story becomes complicated. The minister of culture just want to sexually exploit Christa, and on one night he succeeds in doing that, he rapes her. Georg understands that she is being followed by people of Minister. Wiesler, a Secret service agent empathizes with both of them and tries to help them but it is very difficult for Wiesler too, to help them.

How, Wiesler sees Georg is a good person and he thinks whatever is done to him is bad. So, he tries to help him. The acting done by everybody is top notch. I have seen Ulrich Mühe before and knew he is a fine actor. Sebastian Koch (Gerog)and Martina Gedeck (Christa)were new to me. I was very impressed with how Sebastian acted. He did a splendid job. And, what can I say about Martina Gedeck, she is drop dead gorgeous even at the age of 45 in this film.

But, once again the best performance is delivered by Ulrich Mühe. His expressions are exceptional in this film. I bumped onto this film when I was searching for best films ever made list on IMDb. I'm glad that I had the chance to view this film. I recommend this film to almost everybody irrespective of political knowledge and background of German partition and later their reunification. This is one of those films which are not be missed.

Possession (1981)

Spare yourself

[1/10 · 7 March 2013]

This has to one of those highly rated movies that are nothing but absolute garbage. I have seen some very bad movies and this movie deserves to be in my worst 5 ever movies seen. The story of the film is Sam Neill is husband of Isabella Adjani. He comes home after doing some secret job which remains disclosed throughout the film. After he comes back, Isabella starts behaving like she's nuts. She has an affair with some German dude. One thing that annoyed me, was she screams at the top of her voice throughout the film for no reason.

She screams and breaks things in the house and behaves like a total lunatic. It's shown in the film that she is possessed and has sex with some monster like creature, which is created by her own evil personality according to the film. Sam Neill also gets fascinated by his son's school teacher who exactly looks like his wife, but her behavior just opposite of his wife, and as desired by him (Sam Neill). Really, I didn't understand how one's imagination can create monsters,and to top it all that particular scene when Isabella has sex with that gruesome creature is very unpleasant.

Both the main characters in this film are good actors, but they are told to overact in this film. Especially, to watch Isabella Adjani's hysterical character was painful to watch. The only thing that made sense to me was the kid commits suicide in the end. Really, he had no other alternatives left, as we see his parents are screaming and fighting throughout the film. It is completely idiotic film, some people say again that it has some symbols which act as metaphors. But, screw all this. We watch film to be entertained not to be annoyed. I think I am lucky I downloaded this film and watched, I was going to rent his film otherwise. If you like films with unnecessary screaming and overacting, and some gratuitous nudity watch this film. Otherwise spare yourself.

Stalingrad (1993)

Perfect portrayal of reality

[10/10 · 2 November 2012]

I would daresay this is a better war film than 'The Schindler's list'. We have seen many war films from the point of views of Russians, Jews, Poles etc. But this was my first world war 2 movie seen from a German soldier's point of view. The film starts when a battalion of German soldiers are ordered to go to Stalingrad. When they think about going to Stalingrad, they think of farms and greenery but when they reach Stalingrad, the truth is far different than the reality.

The German soldiers think they could win Russia within a month, their very notion turns into disbelief as they enter Stalingrad, and see thousands of wounded German soldiers. Stalingrad war was indeed the biggest mistake of Germany, and it proved the beginning of the end for Germany, and resurrection of Russia. One thing I always wondered as a child, when a war is waged why there is no confusion, how always a particular army perfectly distinguishes its soldiers from the opponents'.

In the very beginning, when Germans invade Stalingrad, we see a massive confusion within the battalion and a German soldier inadvertently kills his fellow soldier. As you may do research, you will find that there was a huge chaos during the world war 2 and such incidents occurred. One thing that the director wants to convey is that all the German soldiers were not blood grubbing monsters, even they were tired of killing other people, even they wanted to go home. But they had no options, if they didn't kill , they would have been killed by their superiors.

This thing is evident when a young Russian boy is captured by the German army, and the soldiers who are protagonists in the movie are told to shoot the boy with dozens of other people. They are reluctant to shoot the boy, but their fascist superior warns them that if they didn't shoot those civilians, they would be next in queue. Stalingrad is an attempt by the director to earn some sympathy for the German soldiers, who were always seen as culprits, but this film shows they were victims too.

I don't want to get into the war crimes that Germans committed in Russia and other nations, but when you view a film you have to see it impartially. At the very outset of the film, it is very much clear that you are not going to see a happy end as you see in Hollywood. This film makes 'Enemy at the gates' look a very cheap film which is far from reality, as it creates Rachel Weisz's character in the film. This film is not for the people who want to see war films just for the sake of explosions and killings of people.

We see scenes in the film where a German soldier shares his bread with a civilian, and also in the end when the Hans Von Witzland refuses to rape a helpless Russian female soldier. This film tells us about the fate of the soldiers who were stuck there and knew what was coming to them. In fact, this movie tells us about the harsh reality of war and it tells that the war is always bad, and there is no winner in a war. This film doesn't show that Russians were bad despite being a German film, nor it shows that Germans were heroes, but still makes its point of earning sympathy for all the soldiers who lost their lives in the battle of Stalingrad.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (2008)

Stunning

[9/10 · 2 November 2012]

This film is a story of two boys Bruno and Schmuel. Bruno is son of a German commander, while Schmuel is a Jewish boy in a concentration camp which is located near where Bruno has come to live. Bruno doesn't know anything about the concentration camp, while he thinks that it is a farm and farmers wear pajamas. The first time he meets Schmuel, he asks while do you wear such clothes.

Many films about Holocaust are made, but this film still is able to look different from the rest. The entire story is seen from the eyes of a young 8 year old boy, who asks his fascist tutor if there is not a single jew, and the tutor replies if Bruno could find even one good jew, he would be the greatest explorer.

Bruno's grandmother disapproves what her son that is Bruno's dad does, while Bruno's grandfather is also a fascist. Bruno's mother (Vera Farmiga) doesn't want her kids to live near a concentration camp. But Bruno's father is adamant. There are some breathtaking scenes in the film, especially when Bruno asks his father what is being burnt in those chimneys? Really, this is a very cruel reality of which Bruno is completely unaware of, and may not be able to fathom even if he is told.

Bruno's sister Greta, a 12 year old, is also fond of Hitler, and may become a fascist in the future. This story is about the friendship of two naive 8 year old German and Jewish boys. Bruno's domestic help Pavel, a Jew is a doctor, but still their servant. Bruno thinks he must not be a good doctor, so now he peels potatoes. Schmuel also doesn't know what is done in the camp'.The most impressive aspect about the film is the dialogue between the two boys, who are completely unaware of the ghastly things going around.

You do get very much idea about what is going to happen in the end, but the film in the climax will still shock you and keep you stunned for a while.