H.E.M.A.N.T.H on F.I.L.M.S

Firaaq (2008): Directed by Nandita Das, the film’s an emotional tale of the anger, shame, guilt, indifference felt in the aftermath of the riots . Amazing performances and a good story set in the aftermath of Gujarat Riots, of 2002. (click on the picture to read the complete review)

Psycho (1960) directed by Alfred Hitchcock is perhaps one of his best. A perfect example of how a suspense thriller should be made. Great characterisation, acting and Bernard’s haunting music make this a cult movie. Watch it…Watch it. This is probably one of the most analysed and studied movies in film studies.

Doubt (2008) directed and written by John Patrick Shanely starring Meryl Streep, Amy Adams, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Viola Davis deals with the doubts in our minds. Brilliant acting by everyone (all 4 of these actors/actresses had been nominated at Oscars this year) and a very well written screenplay which fiddles with a serious issue without stating it explicitly. A very well made movie…watch it!

The Hunting Party (2007) starring Richard Gere who leads a team of three journalists is on the hunt for a war criminal in Bosnia. The film lacks the depth which you expect from a story based on a war zone like Bosnia, but works well for a late sunday afternoon viewing.It does raise some serious questions about the legitacimacy and committment shown by International Agencies like CIA, UN etc in capturing war criminals.In the end, it just is an average flick. Nothing more…nothing less

Gulaal(2008) by Anurag Kashyap is a fantastic flick. Great acting by Kay Kay Menon and others make this an unforgettable experience. Piyush Mishra’s lyrics, dialogues, camera are spot on. Watch it…despite its fallacies, this might be one of the best movies you will see this year.

Note: Click on the pic to read the full review of the movie

Breathless (1960)-A French film by Jean Luc Godard is brilliantly shot and has got very good dialogues…but to fully appreciate the movie, you should have seen the movies made in 40s-60…or you should have born in the 40’s…

21 (2008)..A story about 5 MIT students who win loads of money in Vegas casinos. Nothing spectacular but works as a decent sunday afternoon movie. It might get you hooked on to the art of Card Counting while playing Blackjack…

Chungking Express (1994)…Beautifully shot, handheld cameras I suppose. Two stories, first one is brilliant. Second one is well written (read as dreadfully slow!). Some thought provoking lines and overall a nice tale of love, pain, lonliness.

The President is Coming (2009). H.I.L.A.R.I.O.U.S…redefines the term comedy in a country obsessed with Goofy and Slapstick, bland humour. Amazingly spontaneous and sharply witty, this is a MUST WATCH

The Orphanage(2007). It lacks the “horror” which makes you jump from your seat. But it has a tinge of suspense, drama, sentiment, fantasy…which sets it apart from the rest of the pack.Belen Rueda does a remarkable job. Watch this film for her…you will love it!