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The_Cool_Critic
Reviews
Muerte en Buenos Aires (2014)
Engaging and entertaining investigation thriller with some refreshing surprises
While IMDb movie ratings are typically on the spot, the rating for this film is one of those few instances where it is seriously off the mark. The movie deserves a definitely higher rating for it is one of those few movies that intelligently explore new terrain in a done to death genre in cinema -- which in this case is the investigative crime thriller.
The premise of the film centers around the murder of the scion of a wealthy family and the investigation that follows.Damien Bichir and Chino Darin are the two leads here involved in the investigation and their performances perfectly complement the zany screenplay and apt writing. Although it is understandable that the movie lacked the mega millions that bankroll a Hollywood studio production, the execution here in terms of acting, photography, writing and the soundtrack is as good as it gets. Also, props to the makers for a surprisingly accurate recreation of the 80s ambiance without getting kitschy or tacky. The story has plenty of interesting twists, and that along with the excellent chemistry shared by the two male leads makes this one a must watch.
For its unusual treatment and excellent production, this one gets an almost- perfect rating from me. Hopefully, we will see a sequel.
Koi Tujh Sa Kahan (2005)
A strong plot gets the Lahore treatment
"Koi Tujh Sa Kahan" was Reema Khan's debut directorial venture, and for those uninitiated to Pakistan's cinema, she is one of the major actresses/model who works in the Lahore-based movie industry. The film is a notch above the average fare turned out by Lahore-based film makers, however there are too many distractions and below-par attributes of the film that attenuate what was potentially a strong plot.
The story revolves around a hotel-heiress (our director, Reema, in the title role) who gets married to an ordinary joe (Muamar Rana), the subsequent affair of the husband and a murder which transforms the movie from what is seemingly a sappy love story to a pseudo- thriller that is interrupted by many song and dance sequences, useless comedy and some very surreal characters (Nadeem as "Uncle Romeo" being one of them).
The story line is strong, but it's in the screen writing department that the film suffers the most. There was absolutely no need for constant interruptions by the asinine comic acts, and the kind of characters shaped by the script writers call their own sanity and intelligence in question. Nadeem as Uncle Romeo?!?! Give me a break! Everyone hams to the hilt -- it seems that the Lahore film industry feels that unless that characters go totally over the top, their message won't register with the audience. Veena Malik is very, very annoying. The songs come as distractions and do not take the plot forward, even though Amjad Bobby's score is decent. Camera work is shoddy, and typical Lahore-film industry style, the zoom lens is overused and is there in probably 70% of the frames of the movie. Speaks volumes about the lazy DoPs that Reema Khan employed.
There IS a twist in the movie that catches you by surprise and is the only redeeming quality of the film, along with the decent wardrobe choice and overall lack of tackiness that's generally associated with Lahore made movies. For that, and the pleasant wardrobe and some eye candy thrown throughout the film, it gets a 5 from me. That too because it is a debut effort from a lady not exactly known for her refinement or sophistication.
Firaaq (2008)
harrowing and honest -- difficult to watch, real cinema
Wow. That is all I could say after sitting through this film. Das makes a scintillating debut as a director, and if 'Firaaq' is the type of cinema she will continue to make, then she has already won one devoted fan. Every shot of this film, every line of its dialogue screams of the directors' humane, socially conscious philosophy. She takes a very brave step in projecting the pain of the 'other' -- which in Firaaq's case is the socially backward Muslim population in India, which was the target of the 2002 Gujrat pogroms.
The film is basically a set of vignettes from a 24 hour period in the lives of the characters in the post-carnage period in Gujrat. There are the slum dwellers, an aging music teacher residing in a rundown locality, an orphaned child and to balance this set, an upper class businessman -- all from the Islamic faith. The episodes in the characters' lives are loosely interconnected and revolve around a slum dwelling couple going back to their burnt-down Muslim ghetto to reclaim their lives, the teacher coming to terms with the madness surrounding him, and the orphan finding, and eventually losing, a refuge.
This is not typical bollywood/escapist fare at all. For one, there are no songs and certainly no dancing, and no overt melodrama. Also, the film at many instances gets painfully real and makes for overall rather disturbing viewing. The fact the film elicits that kind of a response from its audience is no small feet.
Das has very correctly underscored how women have a more humane streak towards people -- regardless of whatever faith/creed they are from. However, the more positive face of the Hindu-Muslim interaction shown in the film at times does start bordering on the unreal.
All in all, mandatory viewing for all who appreciate serious, no-nonsense cinema.
Khuda Kay Liye (2007)
Shoaib Mansoor gets it right in his cinema debut!
First things first -- and there are a lot of firsts in this movie. As half the world knows by now, this is Shoaib Mansoor's first cinematic venture. Most of the cast, including all the lead actors except Shaan, also make there silver-screen debut with this film. The film is also the first truly honest issue-based film from Pakistan, and now, is also one of the highest grossing ones in Pakistan. Whether it breaks the record of Syed Noor's earlier Punjabi ventures is what only time will tell.
I will not go about describing the story line in detail as you can check that in all the other reviews. However, in a nutshell, its about two musician brothers who go off on a different tangent through the course of their lives, one joining an extremist movement and the other pursuing college education in the States. Shaan and Fawad Khan, of course, enact the characters of the two brothers. Iman Ali plays the British cousin forced into a marriage she doesn't want.
The best thing about the film is its seamless flow and the REALLY natural settings and dialogues. The upper middle class setting of the brothers' household is something that a lot of Pakistanis would be able to relate to. I definitely could, and the film also correctly portrays the moderate leanings of the majority of the population in that country. The film shifts continuously between US, Lahore and the rather backward areas in Afghanistan, and the individual vignettes are so engrossing that you don't want them to end, and are left with a little disappointment as the film shifts to a different setting. Technically, the film is nothing short of a quantum leap for Pakistani cinema, the cinematography by Ali Mohammed, Neil Lisk and Ken Seng blending flawlessly with each other. However, Austin Sayre is the weak link in the film and one doesn't except her to be a Hollywood superstar anytime soon.
Overall, this is a seriously good film. You may have a different perspective, but do give it a watch.
Mona Lisa Smile (2003)
Beautiful yet not flawless
Mona Lisa Smile is a beautiful film. The whole setting of the liberal arts college, the 50s conservative setup in which the college dwells so firmly in, and the magical aura of a bygone era captivates you right form the start of the film. Top that with some beautiful photography, a nice gripping story and some convincing performances and you've got a great film.
The focus of the film is primarily on the somewhat radical character of Dr Watson (played with finesse by Julia Roberts)and how she deals with the conservative environs of Wellesley College. She is able to build a great rapport with her students, something which happens rather spontaneously and is not explained - one of the flaws in the film. Eventually though , she must face the conservative forces in the college and decide whether she can bend her values and beliefs in order to stay on at the college.
This is one of the better offerings from Hollywood in recent times. Definitely not a "chick flick".