Month: May 2023

Released in 1971
9/10
Genre- Comedy, Thriller, Romance, Drama
Main Cast: Om Prakash, Navin Nischol, Deven Varma
and Archana
Music- Panchamda (R.D. Burman)
Story- Shyam Ramsay
Screenplay: Bimal Dutt
Direction- Hrishida (Hrishikesh Mukherjee)

BRIEF INTRODUCTION Starting as a comedy, the film takes an interesting turn, when two unemployed youths come across an advertisement about a missing elderly fellow and the prize money associated with his hunt. The story further develops into a chilling thriller, after a never-ending murder spree starts with all the dead ones related to the elderly person in question.

The Movie “Buddha Mil Gaya” is not a simplistic thriller but a rather thoughtful and suspenseful film. The idea of putting a murder spree in a comic framework clicked well with the masses too. Om Prakash’s flawless performance and the perfect comic timing of Deven Varma and Navin Nischol were the major USPs of the film. The repeated picturization of the soulful classical “Aayo Kahan Se Ghanshyam” with Om Prakash’s character was something excitingly unique. Overall, it was a good watch with something new in it and also it was a completely different experience for a Hrishida film, a thriller by him.

P.S. The popular melody, “Raat Kali Ek Khwaab Mein Aayi” by Kishoreda belongs to this classic only…

Also, enjoy “Raat Kali Ek Khwab” from this classic in my voice, link below
“Raat Kali Ek Khwab (Short Version)”- https://youtu.be/Zi9NR-mrMsE
“Raat Kali Ek Khwab (Full Version)”- https://youtu.be/7lJTpa9jak0

Released in 2015
Genre- Drama, Romance
9/10
Main Cast: Carey Mulligan, Matthias Schoenaerts Michael Sheen,
Tom Sturridge
Screenplay: David Nicholls
Direction- Thomas Vinterberg
Based on “Far From The Madding Crowd (1874)” by Thomas Hardy

BRIEF INTRODUCTION A love story revolving around a woman, involving lots of interesting drama with the richness of classic literature. It tells the romantic account of one Ms. Bathsheba Everdene (wonderfully carried by Carey Mulligan) dealing with three different men in her life.
Based upon the universally acclaimed novel of the same name, as early as the 1870s, the kind of setting and theme the novel provides just amazes me to the point that I want to read it again from the beginning.

The Theme Set in rural England, the romantic theme of the film deals with the subject of love, trust, loyalty, and practicality, showcasing romance in rather tough situations, sometimes dwindling, sometimes settling but never boring…

Bathsheba Everdene Personally speaking, Bathsheba Everdene is the most fascinating reason for watching “Far From…Crowd (2015)”. I was completely taken away by the sight of this character so advanced in personality, bold in choice and almost invulnerable in reason, that was her charm. Talking about women-centric themes, in older or recent times, there are fewer books or films offering freedom of choice to women characters but this one this one excels in this area astonishingly. And it didn’t matter to the idea if it was the 1800s, and that’s the beauty of it. If possible, I would also recommend reading the original novel to gain more insights into the character.

My journey with the novel I got to know about “Far from…Crowd (1874)” from my mother. She told me about it and even gave me her hard copy of the book.

P.S. Several adaptations of this novel have been made before, this is the most recent one and according to me, a fine one…just one more thing, try not to miss the ending.

Released in 1993
Genre- Drama, Wrongful, Coming of Age,
10/10
Main Cast: Robert De Niro, Chazz Palminteri
Screenplay: Chazz Palminteri
Direction- Robert De Niro
Based on “A Bronx Tale” the 1989 play by Chazz Palminteri

BRIEF INTRODUCTION Starting as a father-son story, very naturally the film develops into an interesting tale with values, ethics, and morals on one side and evil elements on the other.
“A Bronx Tale” is based on the 1989 play of the same name by Chazz Palminteri. De Niro, after watching the play, decided to make a film about it. He collaborated with Palminteri and directed the film himself, which also marked his directorial debut.

The Theme One of the most beautifully crafted Hollywood films of all time. Bringing out a thoughtful theme like “A Bronx Tale” and executing it beyond perfection is a rare combination of vision and artistic instinct resulting in a perfect mise-en-scene with some of the finest artists supporting its back. From an understandable narrative to a clear motive of the theme, the movie excels in every frame. I feel very proud writing about this film, it was a pleasure watching this film.

Performances Robert De Niro If I go on to make a list of actors who never disappoint in portraying any role, it would start with Mr. Robert De Niro. This one artist never fails to impress, he just gets under the sleeves of the character so well that you are completely convinced with what he is portraying. His performance as a protective father in the film is perhaps one of his most sensitive and warm performances. He carries the simplicity of Lorenzo’s character in his smile and expressions and he peaks in one of the confronting scenes with Sonny’s character.
Chazz Palminteri I got introduced to Chazz Palminteri through this classic, and I have to say, I became his huge fan after witnessing his performance as Sonny in the film. It felt as if he was born to play a tough guy. Not just the speech but even the tiny details and mannerisms Chazz was impressively convincing as the boss of the neighborhood in the film.

P.S. The only film to feature Robert De Niro and Chazz Palminteri together for the first and only time.

Released in 1988
Genre- Comedy, Action
10/10
Main Cast: Robert De Niro, Charles Gordin
Screenplay: George Gallo
Direction- Martin Brest

BRIEF NTRODUCTION A solid action comedy with interesting characters leading to a journey turning foes into friends.

The Movie The film was both a surprise and a treat for all the De Niro fans. Watching him in a comic film, especially at a time when his collaborations with Martin Scorsese were redefining the crime dramas with intense films. Midnight Run is special for several reasons, primarily for its pace, secondly the principal and supporting characters, thirdly, its nicely executed action sequences, and lastly, the amazing cast, its a powerhouse of entertainment

Released in 1991
7/10
Genre- Romance, Drama
Main Cast: Al Pacino, Michelle Pfeiffer
Based on “Frankie and Johnny in the Claire de Lune
by Terrence McNally
Screenplay: Terence McNally
Direction- Garry Marshall

BRIEF INTRODUCTION An intense romantic drama between a waitress and a cook. From unexpectedly meeting to finally accepting each other, the exciting love story of Frankie and Johnny, the not so meant for each other.

The Movie Frankie and Johnny stand apart from so many romantic films, breaking down most of the stereotypes of a regular romance. A major part of the film emphasizes Frankie’s perception of a new romantic relationship and her doubts and fears about it. Johnny, on the other hand, just wants to be with Frankie at any cost with the pure intention of unconditional love.

The Leads What?? “Al Pacino” in a romantic film.
Yes, that’s right, Al Pacino starred in this film and was very convincing as Johnny. After watching him in several classic crime films, it was an unexpected delight to see him in a romantic role. The popular duo of Pacino-Pfeiffer from Scarface (1983) had an entirely different romantic equation in Frankie and Johnny and absolutely no effect or similarity from the former one.

P.S. The title of the film is based on the popular song “Frankie and Johnny”.

Released in 1987
Genre- Comedy
10/10
Main Cast: Steve Martin, John Candy
Screenplay: John Hughes
Direction- John Hughes

BRIEF INTRODUCTION Comic adventures & misadventures of two people and their travelling association on the way home. John Hughes’s perception of comedy in this project and the performances of lead artists turned this film into a timeless classic.

Characters Neal Page An overworked not so happy marketing guy who wants to be with his family as it’s the festive season and he’s not in the mood to have any conversation with anyone. But as much as he wants to reach his home without any delay, he is more and more bothered. Steve Martin was very convincing as Neal Page, impressive performance.
Del Griffith A not-so-serious guy, involved in the business of bathroom supplies, with an intense comic appeal. John Candy added so much to the character and the film. His perfect comic timing made the character unforgettable.

P.S. This masterpiece inspired other iconic comic films as well.

Released in 1971
Genre- Science Fiction
10/10
Main Cast: Arthur Hill, James Olson, David Wayne,
Kate Reid
Screenplay: Nelson Gidding
Direction- Robert Wise

BRIEF INTRODUCTION An adaptation of Michael Crichton’s 1969 best seller novel of the same name, the film is a treat for all science and science–fiction lovers. The story revolves around a team of scientists trying to investigate a living entity of unknown origin. The lead artists acted flawlessly in the film

The Movie The film was way ahead of its time. Direction by Robert Wise adds so much to the use of perfect cinematic setting. One of the most scientifically accurate films ever made. And it is justified because the story comes from Michael Crichton, the ace novelist, the ace filmmaker, and a doctor too but he chose to focus on writing and filmmaking. The film was so honest in presenting the scientific elements that one of the most prominent medical associations also noticed the film as the most accurate and significant piece of cinema in the scientific sense.

P.S. Andromeda Strain was nominated for two Academy Awards (1971), in the Best Art Direction and Best Film Editing categories.