Movies I liked -2

The Motorcycle Dairies (Spanish) - This is a lovely story about two friends studying to be doctors in Argentina in the early 1950's. It is based on the biography and journals of Che Guevara the leader of the Cuban revolution. The two friends decide to go on a motorcycle adventure across Argentina, Chile, Peru and Venezuela before doing their residency in a Leper's colony. Along the journey, they mature to become two very different people. From being two buddy's who had same goals, and idea of fun, they go on to live completely different destinies. The photography is great, it gives a very nostalgic feeling-the view of the boat on the river, the view from the mountains and Machu Pichu(It's a place I want to visit), the muddy rural roads; The views contrast with the lives and thoughts of the characters. The tagline of the movie is - "Let the world change you, and you can change the world". I thought it was profound, cause to know what needs changing we need to change the way we look and understand the world, therefore will be changed before we cause change, does that make any sense? It's a movie I would watch again.

Maachis( meaning Matchbox in Hindi) -This is a story set in the era after the then Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi's assassination(1984). It takes us on one couple's journey from being so in love, engaged to marry and starting a family to both becoming terrorists. Why does someone resort to such drastic measures? What are the circumstances that make a person choose this path? Does it help anyone? The movie doesn't conclude anything, but it leaves the audience wondering with the "What ifs?". It has some really breathtaking views of the Himalayas and a rustic charm. I liked this movie as it was a theme that was different. It wasn't the usual bollywood formula movie, so it had freshness about it. It won Filmfare awards for the writer Gulzar and Tabu, who played the main character of Veeran, won the National award for best actress.

Gandhi - I had read so much about this man, so it was only fair that I watch the movie. I wasn't expecting myself to like the movie, but I did. Ben Kingsley did a fantastic job. I would call this movie a Masterpiece. If I ever think of collecting my own library of movies then this would definitely be one. The scenes of Jalianwala Bagh, the place where General Dyer gave orders to shoot at the protestors and the Dandi March(salt march) seemed to make more impact when I saw the movie than when I read about it. Maybe it is because I identify myself as Indian, this movie touches me very deeply. It also checks out with the accounts I have heard from the then survivors about the trainloads of dead arriving, the border conflicts and the droplets of humanity that showed within the people in times of adversity.

Nizhalkkuthu (Shadowkill in Malayalam) - This is a film by Adoor Gopalakrishnan, is an old world treat. This movie is not about entertainment the way most Bollywood films are. It is a glimpse into the conflict between what we believe and the reality of the world we live in. It is a story about a Hangman, Kaliyappan, who is guilt ridden about the job he does in order to earn his living. He feels that most of the hangings have nothing to do with justice. The movie is set in the Pre-independence era, in the southern principality of Travancore. It has a serving of Gandhian principles of non-violence, superstitions that have a placebo effect and a life of a seemingly disciplined man who is at odds with his conscience. I liked this movie for its narrative and its simplicity.

Nayakan (meaning Leader in Tamil language) - This is a Godfather kind of movie. I loved it for the Kamalhasan's acting. He is a really talented guy. I love the play of emotions on his face. I think it is difficult to portray something you have never experienced. When someone who (from what I have heard on the media) is a gentle person(don't know if that's true), it is difficult to get that feel of ruthlessness, he has done that well. The story is well written.

Sagarasangamam(meaning the meeting of Seas in Telugu Language) - Hmm, I seem to be an unconscious fan of Kamalhasan. This is another movie with him in the lead. He plays the part of a Bharathnatyam Dancer who is an alcoholic. I loved the songs in the movie and the dances.

I am done for today...Let me know the movies you enjoyed so that I can add to my Watch List.