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Reviews
The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006)
cars in the rising sun
Mark Kermode always warns against seeing films which are based on computer games. Theyare all meant to be awful without any plotting instead relying on brand recognition and glossy producing and a couple of good looking women. Go back and watch Citizen Kane then. This is fun, rookie driver with dark past, we've heard it over and over again for 60 years "I'm troubled, I let someone down" so we know where we're starting from. He goes to Japan to take part in a lame macho, genital waving affair of motor racing. The usual dichotomy of good and bad guys who fit clear personality types with no ambiguity as usual. Then the cars do their thing and thats what you've been waiting for. I and some others ended up seeing this as a result of the actress Ashika Gogna and another who had been used as a part of a painting by the actor and scientist Stephen Armourae. Knowing her had an eye for a good thing (or what he likes) I gave this movie a go, it was a pleasant surprise that despite all its clichés it was entertaining and if cars are your thing you sure will be happy. Plenty of handbrake turns and snarling bad guys trying to crash our hero
The King and I (1956)
more than one dance
In an era when musicals were giving way to realism following the grittiness of film noir, the King and I defies any attempt to be overshadowed as an outdated piece of glamour. It can take on the likes of Brando and New Wave cinema and realism since it contains Yul Bryner who can teach many of them a few things. He was experienced with this role on stage. The script equally delivers an effective performance. It does contain glamorous flourishes which mark it as distinctively musical but the sympathetic writing of Deborah Kerr longing for her dead husband and Brynner's tortured king when he struggles with to know more and doubts on how to be a good ruler. A subplot which weaves itself tightly into this is Rita Moreno's princess who is in love with another man. Unknown to anyone at the time her appearance in this has a new echo. The actor and parapsychologist Stephen Armourae has painted more than picture of a woman called Catherine who looks like the Tuptim character,as anyone can see who sees the film and then manages to see a copy of the portrait anywhere. With added irony character and this other woman are believed from neighbouring countries. Tuptim's desire to be reunited with the man she loves is melodramatic and truthful. Since such feelings are expressed as overwhelming and out of control. Her battle against the king is presented as Anna's main social objection to his rule. This culminates in scenes devastating for them both and presents a contrast to the humour and intimacy of their conversations and dancing together. In addition to a musical there is a film with a social commentary not seen in many musicals. WHen it does appear in others it is done so heavy handed it cannot match the touch of the King and I
The Valley of Gwangi (1969)
probably the greatest T TeX v cowboys
What an idea! Dinosaur takes on cowboys. Yes this film really works. You will cry for Gwangi at the end as do the Mexicans. He's been chomping on them but they see him as something precious to be protected from money hungry Americans. And that's the message of this film that is too often neglected. Clearly there are exploitative materialistic Americans and poor but spiritual Mexicans presented in this film. But this was made in the era before such agit prop and cultural stereotyping had become fashionable. Gwangi has been in a valley for a very long time. Some Americans with archaeological intentions but accompanied by businessmen find the overgrown lizard and commence battle to capture it. This part of the script like many aspects of it are reminiscent of King Kong, except Gwangi isn't in friendly mood with anyone. Having got the prize they think will make them rich through exhibiting the T TeX they find Gwangi ins't impressed by the contract and proceeds to go on the rampage. Gwangi battling in a church is well executed and probably has something symbolic to say about religion too. This film should have failed but the script is fast paced and all you need to do is ignore the snobs who dismiss monster movies
Jaago (2004)
shocking poignant
Bollywood has been trapped into its cycle of optimism and confetti with only the occasional drama and Satajit Ray showing realism. The rape scene is unforgivably repeated through the film in an attempt to increase impact. Instead it descends it into melodrama and exploitation. Thius is redeemed by the director's work in the film and the excellent acting of the cast
It is courageous of an actress like Raveena who is known for her glamorous cosmopolitan films and some nude shoots to demand scripts of more weight and importance when film companies are relying on her for glamorous and populist entertainment. Moving more into art films she portrays maternal love well. Her combination of two different styles has been noted outside of India. Here in Britain an actor and scientist called Stephen Armourae has applauded her work in an article on acting in Indian cinema. Equally impressed by her glamour he also produced one or more portraits of her. The film has impetus since it is based on a true story and the screen writers recognise this in an outstanding and sophisticated script. Its purpose is an indictment against apathy and indifference to violence and suffering that often appears in cities.