baani-39442 Reviews

The Lost Daughter (2021)

Worth a watch for complicated women with mommy issues

[8/10 · 2 May 2024]

I read the book before seeing the movie so I feel like I could see the movie far less as what it was, esp considering I finished the book (which I had been reading over a few weeks) the same day I started the movie. It ofcourse is fully fully adapted. There is nothing in the movie that felt special or unique to me. However given how good the book was, the movie was equally good too. And similarly, a few flaws that I felt the book has, where it is there but not there there, and a few ends still seem sloppy (eg the whole lack of layering on Leda's own mother or parenting) so that sloppiness has continued fully in the film too. So the movie does a good copy. But the way the book remains a 8/10 and will always stay that, the movie will also remain an 8/10 purely because it is a complete and utter copy not even an adaptation. Having said that, here are my top 5 things for the movie:

1. The music - I loved the parts where Leda sings in her car, sings along - the choice of songs is great. I also specially loved the end credits and the Leda theme playing there. It felt powerful and I found myself reaching out to apple music to hear the OST this morning so yeah that did stay with me. Think the opening credits were awesome too. Where she is walking and then she just goes and lies down there. And the music starts playing and the title comes. So again, Maggie kills it w the aesthetic in the opening credits, closing credits and everything in between.

2. The casting - Perhaps Maggie Gylenhaal's connections/ network/power where she can perhaps make a phone call and get these guys but then what an ensemble she cracked dude. I mean from Olivia Coleman to Paul Mesac to Jesse Buckley to Dakota Johnson to the dude who plays Lyle to even the daughters - she definitely killed it w the casting if not bringing her own touch to the script in any way

3. I really liked the first shot with Nina and her daughter, and then all the subsquent shots with Dakota in them. I feel like Dakota for me really stood out. I mean so did Olivia and Jesse and Paul etc but I just think that Dakota's face definitely has some kinda etheral beauty and Maggie has done a great job of highlighting that properly. In the sense that a Jesse for instance is also beautiful but in an indie, offbeat, nutjob, short hair, impulsive vibes way and so does an Olivia - boycut, unconventional, big teeth n all that. But then a Dakota. She is just a conventionally good looking chick. And a conventionally good looking girl is just STUNNING. Because that beauty is not in the eyes of the beholder anymore. That beauty just IS. Its objectively there. There aint nothing subjective about that anymore. I dont need to put on any rose tinted or indie glasses to see it. Its there in the way God made her. In her features. In the long thick lustrous hair. In the beautiful pouty lips. The lightish eyes highlighted w eyeliner. The perfect teeth. The flawless skin. That smile. Those eyes. The smize. All of that. Its breathtaking and Maggie did a great job w the close up shots, Dakota's wardrobe etc. DAMN. Can watch that woman for days and how.

4. I think in general, the way Leda and also young Leda have been portrayed, in a very like neutral way almost. There is nothing holier than thou and yet there is nothing too black too. She just is. There is no pity induced and yet there is no hate either for her. One just gets it but without any overdose of any emotion whether empathy sympathy or hatred or judgement. I think thats definitely an achievement on the part of Maggie for sure. Or Elena rather but a win for Maggie to have been able to translate that neutrality into cinema where its obviously harder because of the several constraints involved such as length, lack of verbosity, preconceived notions of viewers abt those actors, just the fact that 10000 people are involved as opposed to just the writer. So a director does have a far far harder job and Maggie does kill.

5. The wardrobe of all the women especially. I didnt notice the men as much (except paul mescal ofcourse who is delightful and even though he probably has 3 scenes here, everytime he comes on screen, the screen just lights up w his presence so he is just fantastic in every single thing and lights up the whole universe!!! Fyi im still reeling from aftersun and all of us strangers so for me he is just a greek god like literally no one in this whole entire universe paul i love you and when i saw him in that first scene where he comes to olivia i actually had no idea about the casting because i like to go into movies completely without seeing trailers or having any preconceived notions whatsoever but then i saw paul suddenly and i was like WAIT THE MOVIE HAS PAUL FKN MESCAL??????????? So well yeah end of this swooning) but all the women are so aptly dressed in such a striking way. Dakota's bikinis and outfits she wears and them colours. Jesse's shirts and just those businesslike vibes and her amazing hair and just the way she is dressed in each shot. Olivia in that pink dress walking down the street and then in white walking to the beach in the first and last scene. Even the way the first and last scene repeat and pause and have the same music and have the same goosebumpy vibes. Kudos.

So all said and done, I feel like if there was any lack of imagination wrt the mother backstory, the relevance of the orange peels, the role of the husband, why exactly she steals the doll etc (i feel like the doll sequences must be so darn powerful and horrorlike to those who havent read the book esp considering olivia gives horrific vibes all the time in a powerful way but for me they were ok given the book) but all that I can blame Elena for, not Maggie. I think if this were a tribute to Elena and respect to Elena, Maggie did a 10000/10 job and Elena should be so proud. However if Maggie were to take the book and perhaps bring in her own touch and maybe try and figure out the lost endings here and solve for the sloppiness perhaps with her own mommy issues (every intelligent woman has em and its the only issue that troubles us all our life truly speaking), this could have been a true 10000/10. Thinking of the way the director of All of us strangers took the book and then just made it ENTIRELY HIS OWN. I think thats what I mean by that alternate reality. But then everything is its own unique art and one cant compare.

All in all, its definitely worth a watch.

All of Us Strangers (2023)

Intense and unforgettable

[10/10 · 15 April 2024]

I had been dying to watch this film since it was first due to release in London last year. I finally got around to it last night and man - what a film. It's haunting, beautiful, picturesque, everything I had hoped for and more. It left me feeling tangled in a great way.

5 things I loved the most about the film 1. The casting - I mean this is absolutely obvious but casting Andrew and Paul together was just...brilliant. It just wouldnt work without them. The chemistry is so electric. The first scene where the door opens and Paul Mescal is there. My God. My God. I had chills. Paul is just a piece of art when the frame is frozen. I think its also to do with age. There's a certain kind of conventional attractiveness where youth is just needed, you know? And Paul is young and stunning. In that moment, I felt like Paul's going to dominate the screen presence across the movie. It's just going to be him from hereon. But it wasn't the case - the moment Andrew starts talking or even just smiling, you know why he's the OG. Just his eyes can do the acting. So it was just such a brilliant tug of war to watch these two. I mean to actually just watch them in the same frame again and again was such a treat to the eyes.

2. The entire long scene from when they enter the club and he takes ket to when he is on the bed with both and then none. The music, the flow, the shots. Its all goosebumpy. Just this scene deserves all the awards. Parallels to the aftersun long scene towards the end but both are masterclasses in direction and cinematography and just everythign basically.

3. The structure - where you as an audience begin to get hooked. First he goes back home then paul and him meet then again back home then paul and him then home + mom's reaction to coming out - then paul and him - then dad's reaction to coming out - then paul and him - and then the last meeting w the parents - and then the last scene w paul and him. Again, a masterclass in screenwriting.

4. Just the mystery of how everything unfolds. I am glad that my process as a viewer is always to NOT watch any trailers or promos or interviews - and absolutely go with just a blank slate and nothing else. Because just how everything is like ??? And slowly it all starts making sense where I was like oh this is why the parents are young and how this is why they cast paul who's 20 years younger etc. AGAIN a masterclass in screenplay writing.

5. Finally just the framing, the aesthetics, the long scenes with Andrew - just Andrew, just his face and the texture of the scene, the music..I mean my God. It was essentially just a masterclass in acting. My God, Andrew though. Paul's just a stunner a work of art a Greek God and a young one at that with the gift of youth and when he's on screen, no doubt he lights up the screen with just his CRAZY beauty his crazy crazy face and looks and his BEAUTY his crazy BEAUTY but then its Andrew..its Andrew its Andrew its Andrew. It happened in Fleabag bigtime and it happens again. Every smize..each one of those SMIZES..he breaks my heart. And yet he makes me relieved. That I'm not the only one going through the loneliness of life. What a performance though.

All in all, 100000 stars. Will need to watch this again atleast 3 more time obviously with spacing out as I need to do Aftersun. But feel blessed to be able to witness this art in my lifetime.

No Hard Feelings (2023)

Pleasant surprise

[8/10 · 27 September 2023]

This movie was pleasantly a really different, refreshing one. I loved the pace and it had a certain old charm about it. Loved the 1. Soundtrack- so good actually, all of it 2. The guy's character - so well played!

3. Jennifer Lawrence's character. She is obviously a goddess 4. Some of the scenes on the beach, the wacky fights and so on - very high production value, very visually amazing to watch 5. The chemistry between the leads just feels very real

All in all, I went into it expecting yet another dumb rom com but its actually a very different take and completely entertaining. A one time tv watch for a lazy night in preferably a weekday (dont ask me why) but it's definitely worth it!

Past Lives (2023)

Simple and beautiful

[9/10 · 26 September 2023]

I have always believed that simple movies are way harder to make than complex say a marvel movie, simple books are harder to write than complex PhDs, no makeup takes longer to do and more skill than a lot of makeup, yada yada yada. You get what I am saying. Essentially the point is that it took a lot of skill I think to make a movie that is presented so simply and yet it is so warm and lovely. For me my favourite part was the husband and how his dynamic is shown. Top 5 moments of the movie- 1. The actress! I mean she has personality, she has a clearly defined arc! Like all of it. She is seriously impressive which is why the husbands doubts on why she loves him or the guy saying korea was too small for you makes sense 2. The actor. Again, he probably had the hardest role having to play a simple, non strong character 3. The husband! This for me won it. Fave scene was when she comes back in the last scene and how he is already sitting on the stairs waiting and then before she even comes he gets up and extends his arms and only then does she cry. Which speaks to how perceptive af he was. It was absolutely breathtaking.

4. Just the korea culture references were so nice 5. The NYC walking around shots

The hype is fully worth it guys! Watch!

Hannah Takes the Stairs (2007)

Abstract and amateur but still really good

[8/10 · 19 September 2023]

This seems like a college movie or one made by college going students right from the first scene or the opening credits. It's obviously a festival movie from the way its shot and the budget etc but then I actually really liked it. All the actors are really good, it is shot really well actually, and the dialogues which are probably one of the main parts of a movie like this, feel like someone is just having a conversation in your living room while hanging out. So its really quite easy, in that way. It did leave me with some questions but then I think its not meant to be logical. It does portray the confusions of relationships and jumping from one person to another quite well, and how everyone is flawed at the end of the day. My favourite scenes: 1. Hannah and the last guy discussing about his depression and her telling him that she has been using him to cover up her emotions in as many words 2. The last scene with them playing the trumpet in the bathtub 3. The beach scene when the first guy gives the goggles 4. The scene with Hannah and her friend where she confesses how she wants the limelight and be the funny one 5. The first breakup scene and how the guy takes charge because she cannot

I will admit that the 2nd track seemed the most illogical to me not to do with the guy's looks but just the way it was portrayed - like the pace etc just wasnt right for me. But 1 and 3 were damn good. This movie is far from perfect. Treat it like a festival, college movie and then it's fantastic.

Bangalore Days (2014)

A simple story told well

[8/10 · 18 September 2023]

Initially I was really against watching a regional film but at a friend's reccomendation, I dived in. Not once did I feel the foreign language as a barrier. To me, the biggest achievement of the film was how the 3 hour length is absolutely not a problem and instead, by the end, one feels so invested in the stories and characters that I was wishing it was longer. Some of the film was ironically funny or good, especially in the beginning but as it progressed, it became unironically good. The director has done a great job of the layers, arcs and different narratives in the film while still keeping the simplicity of the theme alive, and that sweetness is the thread that keeps it and you as an audience glued from start to end.

Eighth Grade (2018)

Fantastic coming of age film

[8/10 · 18 September 2023]

I thought this was going to be a comfort watch of sorts, a bit predictable and mopey and just the life of a teenage girl, but it was SO MUCH more. Bo Burnham is a fantastic writer and director, and it comes through in the dialogues, the casting, the acting, the flow, the length but most of all, in the simplicity of telling the story. Simplicity is way harder than creating a complex narrative or even something larger than life like an LOTR or a GOT. And Bo cracks it. He is a master storyteller. The film left me smiling, laughing, sad, angry, happy - so many emotions, but not in an extreme way, just in a simple way. Beautiful and highly recommended!

Mistress America (2015)

Only for the women who get it, but just perfect

[9/10 · 18 September 2023]

An insanely good movie for a certain TG. The story moves so smoothly and the writing is absolutely sharp. The direction is phenomenal and its a movie I would want to rewatch every few years. I first saw it in a flight a few years back. It was a red eye and even though I was sleepy af while watching it and chose it randomly and dont remember anything of it, I remember it cast a huge impression on me. Now after many years, I rewatched it and its still the same. I could relate so hard to both Lola and Greta, one finding her place in the world and one struggling with ageing and the realities of life. I dont think there were five favourite moments since the movie, the shade, the background music, the casting, the scenes, the screenplay, the writing is all so damn flowy, but here were some of my absolutely favourite lines -

She had the rare kind of beauty that made you want to look more like yourself, not her.

2. I need someone I can love, not keep up with 3. There's nothing I dont know about myself. Thats why I cant do therapy.

4. I am the most sensitive person....to my own feelings.

5. She did everything and nothing and spent time like I always mean to - purposefully. Being around her was like being in New York City - it made you want to find life, not run from it.

6. You need to find your home in yourself.

7. Those people were nothing compared to her. They were matches to her bonfire. She was the lost cowboy, all romance and failure. The world was changing, and her kind had nowhere to go. Being a beacon of hope for lesser people is a lonely business.

8. She could see the whole world with painful accuracy, but couldn't see herself or her fate.

9. She had begun to look older than she had hoped by the age that she had reached, often commenting on the opposite to appear self aware and depressed, a faux depression meant to mask a deeper, more sinister one.

We need more of Noah and Greta and Lola and Mistress America. I wish I could get a copy of the entire short story.

Anyway, its a cult film beyond doubt. I wish I could make a movie like this and if I ever made a movie, this is the kind I would want to make.

Eraserhead (1977)

Unnecessarily gimmicky

[4/10 · 16 September 2023]

I would love a good horror / sci fi movie but this absolutely did nothing for me. It felt a bit like it was trying a bit hard to create shock value in every possible scene. Which I thought got pointless after a while. It was not clear what the point or connection between scenes was except the idea being to shock as much as possible. But it was all without substance so it just did not work at all. Honestly felt like an insult to the audience's brain.

Top 5 lowlights- 1. The groaningly slow pace. The way the actor keeps staring into the screen for ages - so unnecessary - felt like speeding things up 2. The neighbour track is wasted - seems like one sex scene with a hot actress had to be forced 3. The point of all the lizards he keeps storing - untold 4. The dream sequence to explain eraserhead - super lame 5. The tryna be cool abstract but just being frustrating af overall

I guess i missed the memo on maybe one needs to be on certain substances to enjoy this, but I can confirm that during sober viewership, it left both me and my friends wanting to pull out our hair due to the boredom it caused us. Honestly just wanna eraser this shite film outta my head. AVOID.

The Apartment (1960)

The perfect movie

[9/10 · 16 September 2023]

What great direction, acting, casting, writing - honestly cannot find a flaw in this one. The comedy is so sharp, most lines will have you in complete splits. Jack Lemmon is so loveable, his eyes and his kindness shine through, he is the perfect hero and your heart will reach out for him. Fred Macmurry fits the bill as the anti hero but for me it was Shirley MacLaine who from scene 1 emerged as an absolute star. She is stunning and gives a scintillating performance. All in all - its a must watch.

My top 5 highlights would be - 1. The background score - it keeps playing from the start to the end and is absolutely divine that theme music. It will ring in your ears much after you have heard it.

2. The pace - from scene 1, its perfectly paced. Neither tooo fast nor two slow. It is JUST right to ensure that your attention is always "all in" and eyes glued to the screen 3. The scenes with the neighbours and the misunderstandings they keep having were the most hilarious for me and had me in absolute splits - every single line written was a gem - a masterclass in comedy writing 4. The entire sequence where Fran lives at Baxter's home for two days - it felt like a dream and was so well written and shot!

5. That last scene before Fran leaves Sheldrake in the pub after he tells her that Baxter has quit. The 20 seconds where she reacts to him, her expressions change to confidence and a smile - what a moment.

6. Loved that the ending was also so stylish. Instead of saying i love you too and ending with a kiss, he gives her a banger one liner to remember for lifetimes to come "shut up and deal" what a line! Speaks volumes of her personality and what a star she is (the character AND the actress) and yet its not said in a rude or arrogant way at all because her smile (smize!!) and body language automatically communicate the reciprocal i love you too and the kiss. So there is that AND the heroine being her own hero and absolutely holding her own. Truly a 50-50 here on strength of personalities and roles between the hero and the heroine. Both equally loveable not an iota of difference.

Honestly, a complete masterpiece.

Pretty in Pink (1986)

Nice romcom for a lazy afternoon

[7/10 · 15 September 2023]

Its a nice comfort watch for an afternoon in. Typical high school comedy. The actors are well cast. Right from Andie who looks like the mpdg with her personality and her quirks and her makeup and hair and facial features esp the pouty lips done pink and glossy, to the lead actor with his charming smile which the director has made sure to take ample advantage of, to the character of the father played by a lean handsome old man who is so likeable, to the best friend who is so well cast, to all the bitchy classmate girls. But for me, what takes the cake is Jon Cryer. Oh man - from that first frame to him cycling around and doing his tricks all over town to that insaaaaaaane shot of him standing on the prom staircase in those sunglasses. What a performance!! Honestly deserves way too many awards for that absolutely stellar performance. It may be a rom com and a chick flick and whatever you may call it, but for me this film out and out belongs only and only to Jon. What an actor. And oh - the best dialogue of all time - are you going to class today? I dont know if I am emotionally ready. Take a bow, Alan! Hats off. And sunglasses too. Brb ordering the exact same sunglasses asap. They need to go in fashion again - and forever.

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. (2023)

Sweet comfort watch

[8/10 · 14 September 2023]

Its a nice feel good movie with wonderful performances. Definitely reccomend it for girls. Will be curious to see what boys think of this too. Brought back a lot of nostalgia. Havent read the book but the director has done a great job of showing what the initial years of growing up look like from a girls perspective. Loved- 1. The casting - spot on 2. The vibe - very pleasant and visually nice 3. The pace - neither too fast nor slow Its not an unmissable film but it was a pleasant surprise at the end where it does leave you feeling very good. Also great for all age groups and a good film to watch with your family.

Vacation Friends (2021)

Leave your brain at home and float

[5/10 · 18 September 2022]

The movie delivers what it's supposed to. Its some lighthearted, low brow, lowest common denominator humour, thats good if that's what you're in the mood for. The pace is fast, em slapstick lines keep coming, the visuals are pleasing due to the high production bright colours and fancy islands, and the actors are high energy and charming enough. If you go in expecting something intellectual, you'll be the fool methinks but if the idea is to just relax and lay back with some chips n dip and a large tumbler of iced coffee on a sunday afternoon, like I did, it does exactly the job it's supposed to. This movie isn't a soulmate by any means, it's a one time, fun, high energy, VACATION FRIEND. So float on, as John Cena says, and enjoy the vacay.

Lady Bird (2017)

MMMMMM-blecore!

[9/10 · 11 September 2022]

I recently discovered that there is a specific subgenre for the kind of films I would love to critique, write, direct, shoot and act in - it's called mumblecore. To quote wikipedia, Mumblecore is a subgenre of independent film characterized by naturalistic acting and dialogue (sometimes improvised), low-budget film production, an emphasis on dialogue over plot, and a focus on the personal relationships of people in their 20s and 30s. This and most other Greta Gerwig films, says wikipedia, fall under this.

In most descriptions and reviews, LB is called a 'coming of age' film and truly come of age the protagonist does. To me, the self assuredness and security of Greta as a director, even a first time one, comes through clearly. The film is shot with a certain non pretentious, almost understated style, and that is refreshing. To me, as a huge mumbelcore / coming of age / Greta Gerwig fan, I had huge expectations from the film, and it absolutely did not disappoint. Having said that, as someone going through an unsaid / indescribable love-hate conflict with her mother, as I understand many if not all daughters do, I think while she has done a stunning job of presenting this on screen, it somehow stops at step 1 - maybe 3, and doesn't go further. Maybe that's intentional, maybe its not. For instance, the end where she conveniently ties a ribbon and leaves a voice message followed by the end credits left me unsatiated. As did the scene where the mother drives through but then comes back running - it made sense too but then its almost like nullifying the effect the previous 3-5 minutes created. And yet, all in all, it's a film I'd rewatch and recommend and cherish for life.

My top five moments from the film:

1. Two critical mother daughter dynamic scenes: the scene in the car, and the one outside the trial room - these including the dialogue, expressions, every single thing - beyond perfection - and to me, the only grouse was that given these were both in the trailer, these play a big role in taking the expectations through the roof! And when you watch it, you realize these are still the two top scenes in the film. So as a director, brilliant to feature those in the trailer, but as a viewer, you're left wanting a little bit more!

2. The friendship dynamics with Julie and then the popular girl. Made a ton of sense although here again, her suddenly deciding to go to Julie's place in the car like she "suddenly came of age in that moment", Julie conveniently being there and them dancing - while sweet af, felt like a bit of a convenient ribbon being tied on this very real, very sad but true dynamic that we have all experienced in our lives.

3. The love tracks with the two guys were also very real and visceral. Ofcourse both the dudes being stunning af helps and Greta's casting is on point. I especially love the post love story dynamic - ie the hug after she knows the first one is gay and wants to be friends with him, and the post sex scene with the second one when he says "ofcourse I didn't lose my virginity to you" - the rawness and the acceptance in those two scenes was powerful. Also the visual representation of her writing their names in her room, and later removing it when she is moving out was brilliant.

4. The overall pace of the film was beautiful and very 'coming of age'y in that way. The way Greta takes her time with montages, expressions, props, visuals, background music - its something that creates a strong imprint that lasts very long and if there's one thing that did not disappoint even one bit and that's going to stay with me even though i cannot define what exactly it is, it will be this. Its what makes that 'mumblecore' definition come true.

5. The way the film is woman centric but not shouting from the rooftop about it as if trying to make some pseudo feminist point was a high point as well. There are so many men including her father, brother etc who are there in various frames, play pivotal roles too but are mostly passive in the complex conflict between the mother and daughter - they almost acknowledge they have to be passive about this because they know that as much apparent hatred there is in that equation, there is also undying deep love. So I love that there is no attempted mansplaining. It's almost like how I feel about my own mother where she is the only one in the universe I hate with all my heart and would want to literally kill her at times, and she is the only one in the universe I love with all my heart and would take a bullet for in a second. And that's something noone can understand. For that matter, even that 1 moment between her and the brother's gf when they are out smoking and she says your mother's so admirable, or when the mother tells her that her own mother was an alcoholic, are small but so riveting.

All in all - well, my Greta worshipping continues. Now all I need to find is the Noah to my Greta and we'll get our very own mumblecore crackin'!

Inglourious Basterds (2009)

Unmissable Basterds

[8/10 · 11 September 2022]

In a world of constant distractions and attention deficit max, Inglourious Basterds keeps you engaged for its entire runtime of 2.5 hours. The scenes are long and self indulgent but the dialogue is sharp enough for you to be hooked entirely. The violence is not excessive but stunning. And overall - the biggest strength in my mind comes from the brilliant visual imagery of each shot which reeks of classic Tarantino. You can freeze any frame and one can tell its a QT film. The characters are many and yet each does their job with finesse and their layers are baked to satisfaction. The power of the film lies in the simplicity of the storytelling despite a presumably complicated premise.

While each character stood out, my five favourite ones and moments were:

1. Melanie Laurent (Shoshanna)'s brilliant casting and expressive face right from the first scene outside the theatre on the ladder to her smoking alone in the cafe to the riveting climax where she lies dead in her ethereal red satin dress and then her close up in the video as the screen bursts into flames - magnificent!

2. Christopher Waltz as the Bear Jew - his restrained expressions, zenlike demeanour and yet his self assuredness and often arrogance (absolutely not unwarranted) is a delight to watch on his beautiful featured face. Right from the long first scene between him and the stunning Dennis Manochet - and how he owns the scene and takes away the limelight from Dennis despite the latter's greek God features - just based on his incredible performance to the scene with Shoshanna where they have the strudel and he leaves with the cig butted into the icecream - entirely fantastic. To me, the last scene - as great as it was felt convenient for Pitt to be the "ultimate hero" but for me, the Jew Hunter wins!

3. The buildup to the screening -the music that plays - the way chapters 1-4 lead on to that feeling and how as users we're waiting with bated breath for the final crackdown and when the home video gets projected. In many ways, the entire 2 hour 15 min runtime is a buildup to the last 5 mins and it does NOT disappoint. I also love that the climax was not elongated for the heck of it but was sharp and delivered the juicy message it needed to.

4. The entry scenes - for Brad Pitt, Diane Kruger, Martin Vutke, Melanie Laurent - all were visually fantastic and really help with setting the tone. As did the death scenes - none of which felt rushed in any way.

5. Finally - the background score, the opening and closing credits - the font, the design, the production quality, how the females have absolutely strong roles - at the end of the day, Melanie kills the german war hero behind Nation's Pride ironically right after he's boasting about killing 350 jews, and Bridget was the brainchild behind Operation Kino. Not to be feminist but the fact that they were not props at all and that there weren't no other women apart from these two absolutely strong fierce troopers - is huge. To me, Brad Pitt and almost all the basterds were the side cast. Pitt was good in how you forget he's a star but the exaggerated accent and the single smirky expression almost made me feel his character is purely for comic relief.

All in all - 100% must watch. I wish it would re-release in movie theatres for the cinematic experience that this, and each QT film rightfully deserves.

Normal People (2020)

The book was definitely better

[6/10 · 5 August 2020]

There's lots to like in Normal People the series, but I feel as with most other adaptations except a select few (eg: Gone Girl, Devil wears Prada), the movie ended up ruining the book. I remember reading the book in a single setting. Tbh, in my late twenties, it did have a YA, immature vibe to it, but it was still great writing and had an addictive, unputdownable quality to it. The series though got exhausting pretty quickly.

3 things I liked 1. The casting was bang on - both characters were excellent choices although more standalone than anything else. the chemistry didnt feel real as such. 2. Music was great. 3. the aesthetic of the show - the design, costumes, cinematography, landscapes,art direction etc was on point.

3 things I disliked 1. The sex scenes - majorly overdone - dafuq? Really unwanted. Why was it needed? Perhaps to show "passion"; flop attempt. if anything, all of it felt mechanical 2. Made the story feel choppy - I mean its adapted from the book so cant blame the writing as such but didnt feel choppy in the book but here feels irritating and leaves you with questions. Why didnt she just ask him to stay at her place? Why didnt she just go with him to NYC? Why didnt he just ask her to the Debs? It feels freaking unnecessarily complicated for the heck of it. Fkn simplify it and move on with your life. 3. Painfully slow often - the expressions..elongated.. long scenes with just expressions.. just feels unwanted and painful.. hated it. Not that I am against it whatsoever. Finished watching Amour last week where the same elongated moments felt beautiful and was what made it amazing, but here does the opposite job.

All in all : 6ish. Stick to the book. Avoid this.

Moonlight (I) (2016)

A tad overrated

[7/10 · 12 July 2020]

I mean, it was nice..and its not like i had problems with any aspect of the film..be it the casting or the performances or the script or the dialogues or anything really. It was all pretty good. It's just that due to the oscars and all that, I found it slightly overrated. But having said that, there's LOTS and LOTS to like here. I cant say 5 fave moments because I think all of it had a certain "thematic" viewing quality to it, which was even and thats what made this an experience altogether. But I loved the sequence with the little kid, and the one with Kevin.. which is like saying the entire movie. :)

Amour (2012)

Beautiful movie

[9/10 · 12 July 2020]

Every scene is a piece of art here. Really beautifully shot and everything from the casting to the dialogue to the cinematography to the lighting to OFCOURSE, the performances is truly heart wrenching. I loved it completely. This is not the kind of movie where I can give top 5 moments as such because there was just an overall tone and theme.. which was even throughout. And that was what made it great. Loved the pacing..the expressions..the performances felt so damn real. It was truly stunning! An experience worth having. <3

Gulabo Sitabo (2020)

Great visuals but can get boring at times

[5/10 · 13 June 2020]

Not worth a theatre watch so I think its good that this released on prime. Watched it in the afternoon..good timepass movie.. Amitabh is pretty outstanding in terms of the look and acting. Loved 1. Performances 2. Lucknow visuals after the haveli story ends and the frames move out of the haveli 3. Some of the dialogues 4. Nuances of the beuracracy..at the archeology deptt, builder, and esp last scene with the chair being sold for 1.35L even though Amitabh sold it for 250 bucks 5. The bday party scene and Fatto ignoring Amitabh with the goggles even though seemed gimmicky but visually loved watching it 6. Women ie Ayushman's sister and gf..organic atta scene..haha..but again seemed more women rep for the sake of women rep in some ways..why is the sister with everyone for eg? idk..thoda over imo..but again, no judging.

Didnt like Kaafi boring hai beech mein so needs patience

Badla (2019)

Gripping

[7/10 · 13 June 2020]

Definitely gripping and worth a watch. I liked the story even though its a remake and i hear a copy paste at that but good acting by Tapsee and Amitabh and well directed too. It wasnt extraodinary for me though.

Thappad (2020)

One of the best films to come out of bollywood in a long time!

[8/10 · 22 May 2020]

Love how simplistically and subtly this story has been told. Top notch performances. And so subdued, understated and yet passes the message strongly. Truly the mark of good direction and writing. Loved the performances. Casting is great too. Watched it with my mom and thoroughly enjoyed it and didnt get bored at any time which is a big deal as i find sitting through movies and specially hindi ones particularly tedious of late.

My top 5 moments

1. Love the way the whole time post slap, the guy never apologises really but makes everything about himself. Right from his first line being "bukhar ki dawai le aana" to him constantly saying "log mere bare me kya sochenge" to how he brings up the fact that he accepted her even though she wasnt a good cook, it infuriated me to no levels. This was so good. and love how detailed it is. THAT is the real issue here, the slap has nothing to do with it. I like how this is addressed in the end where he realizes his mistake and finally admits that he never said sorry and then says sorry.

2. The scene where he sees Dia Mirza's car and says "karti kya hai ye" as if she's doing some immoral stuff. Classic patriarchy! Genius writing.

3. The scene where Tapsee gives the monlogue to Tanvi Azmi - well written scene. could have been extra dramatic but seems realistic still. Lovely!

4. The scenes about her dad's conflicts and how he tells her andar se awaz aa rahi hai? dil se awaz aa rahi hai? toh fir sahi kar rahi ho :) and is ultra supportive and when the brother touches the fiance, he throws out the brother and is a man of morals. Loved all the scenes he is in!

5. The girl bonding b/w the lawyer and Tapsee. Like how it starts when she says ek thappad hai. par nahi maar sakta. and then when he blasts the guy and she is waiting in the car and they high five. Anything is possible when women support women. Sigh :)

Sleepless in Seattle (1993)

Classic feel good romcom! SO good.

[9/10 · 17 May 2020]

Fun fun movie and one of the intelligent rom coms around! LOVE Nora's writing and direction. So good. Loved it. One of those movies that are super light and sun comfort watches that are IDEAL to watch relaxing with a bowl of spicy noodles making for an amazing sunday! And trust me, there aren't a WHOLE lot of those so this is really a treasure - or all Nora's movies!

Top 5 moments -

1. The sequence with Jonah in the flight and then in NYC - man, what an incredible sequence. Just visually as well. Can watch it a million times. Feel like eating him up! The kid is just TOO cute.

2. The scene with Annie and Walter where she breaks up with him. And the whole sequence with him saying "I dont want to be the guy that anyone settles for. Marriage is hard enough without bringing such low expectations into it" Also the whole messaging of how Walter is perfect and yet something's not perfect and thats enough for her to not SETTLE you know? All the dialogues around this! The fact that its ok for her to lie to Walter and take a flight and go to Seattle and take a chance because IT IS SUPPOSED TO BE MAGICAL. Also the scene where Walter gives her the ring and she says the dialogue about how she is not the one who loves surprises when it's obvious she is having second thoughts. Its brilliant how they have shown the whole arc about Annie's thought process in such a short time. Brilliant brilliant writing there/ Kudos to Nora!

3. Loved the sequence where Sam and Jonah are playing at the beach - and their bonding in general. It really really looks all completely real. Beautiful direction man!

4. The scenes where Jonah plans the whole thing and books tickets through Jessica - ah! I am in love with Jonah so i should just say everything that he does!

5. The opening sequence where Jonah is introduced through the radio station - and when they are at the bench and he sleeps followed by Sam taking him to bed and wishing him Happy NYE. Again, beautiful beautiful visuals - can watch them again!

Room (I) (2015)

Pretty darn good!

[8/10 · 16 May 2020]

I really liked this, but having read the book earlier - a few years back, can say that the book was easily better. Which is absolutely not to say that the movie sucks. Nah. The movie's great too! and it does justice to the book, its just the book was something else. and there's no reason to compare the two as both mediums have inherent strengths and flaws. Anyway, coming to the movie.. absolutely loved the initial part..I thought the casting's pretty good. When Jack gets into the truck and first stands up and looks at the world, I thought that shot was absolutely perfect! I kinda was wishing the whole escape thing got done and over with pretty quickly and i wish that was longer and the 2nd part could have shrunk but I guess there's also much to appreciate as by showing the entire journey post escape, it was made more wholesome and real. My other qualm is that when Joy meets Jack after the escape..like..there should have been some dialogues around how jack did a fantastic job! I mean..he's 5 years old for God's sake.. and he managed to pull off the whole thing..but thats buried under the carpet. also some insight into how she taught him to speak, alphabets etc.. Idk if all this was in the book but things I was wondering about now. But having said all that, fantastic movie. worth a one time watch for sure. and DO read the book guys!

Top 5 moments 1. Loved the last scene where Jack says bye to everything. I absolutely loved that! 2. Loved the scene where Jack's in the truck and then stands up to look at the world. Phenomenal shot! 3. Loved the shots with Jack playing w/ the dog and with the friend and with Leo. Basically how he slowly opens up. Its lovely. 4. Love the scene where Jack discovers the mom's unconscious in the bathroom. His expressions!! 5. Love the scene where they're planning the escape after the mom finds the car in the dustbin and how he is so uncomfortable and yet cooperating with everything but says "i HATE YOU" and yet you can see just how much he loves her. OOOH also also 6. LOVE the scene where mom is giving the interview and she talks abt Jack and ah! that adorable smile

SIGH:)

Into the Wild (2007)

Truly a journey!

[9/10 · 3 May 2020]

I think if you keep aside the fact that "practically", there are "flaws" here, right..like the plausibility of things and how he could have died much earlier actually and how he just walks off and how the whole childhood track was not well etched out etc., keep that aside, and its truly a phenomenal journey. I have been on a few "trips" earlier and nothing on the wild side, yet the emotions when it comes to him meeting so many people and making those connections, which end up being connections for life, really resonated with me. In the end he writes "Happiness is only real when shared". I thought that was absolutely a fitting end. I 100% think this is a must watch kinda movie despite its obvious flaws and left me happy, excited and sad and thus experience a range of emotions and took me on the journey with it. I love it and HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend it.

5 moments I loved

1. I loved the scene towards the beginning where Emile is talking to that apple. Haha, that was crazy good cuz it actually felt like a BTS but they just decided to keep it since it was so fresh and raw (he actually punches the camera) - I laughed out loud during that. The point is that Emile IS Chris / Alex. He has done an incredible job and not for a second did I feel he was acting. It was beautiful and here I felt it was credit to Emile because he uplifts the movie in every scene and you just cant get enough of him even though Sean's direction isn't outstanding (I felt)

2. Absolutely loved the Ron track. The scene with him in the car crying could've felt like a gimmick and just to get tears but it felt so real. I absolutely loved it. Even when he climbs up the mountain and the first thing he says is "I'm really gonna miss you when you're gone". When he said the adoption thing, I broke down too. Also loved how Chris never goes outta character and remains "lets talk about this when I am back" truly living the philosophy of how human relationships aren't the only key to living and happiness.

3. I loved the part with the Rapids, when he asks and there's a 14 year waitlist and he jumps in - again, plausible? yes / no? he was scared of water? blah blah, dont get logic into it, and it was magical. Shot beautifully and really truly visually a TREAT to the senses. Whattay. Can watch it a 100 more times.

4. The moose scene. Man this was disturbing AF tbh and I think Ive decided to become vegetarian considering how graphic it was - ugh, but again, kudos to the direction here. It was meant to be raw, we got raw. but fucking amazing scene. Also what he writes in his journal post that. Also loved the idea of the one sentence journal a LOT. And the handwriting is too cute.

5. Loved the scene where Jena tells her about Reno and then Kristen calls em for dinner and he goes back to Jena to say he will sit with her all night. I felt a crazy chemistry between Chris and Jena from the very beginning - every scene they were in together - and yet in a platonic way where she really is so so so affectionate about him - till the last scene where she gives him the cap and cant hug her. Phenomenal. The chemistry oozed out of the screen man.

What could have been better? 1. I thought the family scenes werent well etched out and felt unnecessary or could have been told in a better way

2. The Kristen angle - Idk if its cuz I dont like Kristen or what but this track didnt do much for me. I'll tell ya what I loved though - its absolutely refreshing how they didnt show him havin a fling or "fallin in love" - haha I guess thats the difference between a hollywood travel story vs a bollywood ranbir kapoor ilahi kinda story. Plus how the Kristen angle is one sided. Very realistic. Kudos. LOVED this in that way.

3. The end - idk one is the logic of it, like he should've researched more ? But then forget that, maybe its a fitting end that he dies in the bus. Really loved that.

Ah so maybe all the could've been betters are also just backhanded compliments :)

Well - this movie did it for me man. Also last thing - LOVED the soundtrack. LOVED the fonts in the words that'd come on screen. FAB FAB FAB movie. Full marks yo. WATCH.

Dazed and Confused (1993)

Almost a documentary, yeah

[7/10 · 2 May 2020]

Well - am not sure how I feel about this movie. I watched it because I am a huuuuuge fan of the Before Series - and wanted to watch everything that Linklater has written or directed. There's quite a lot to like in this but I just didn't get the point of it, y'know? Like, whats the point of the movie? But then, once you get that part aside - like not all movies need to have a POINT to them, or a big fat story to tell, and that this isn't some kinda suspense thriller or a film which will move you to tears or make you fall apart with laughter or make you experience any emotions as such, i think once you get that part in your head, its a fun movie. What I liked the best was that its based in a single night and despite there being like 20-25 characters, you never get disoriented or like, "dazed and confused". I read somewhere that this is almost like a documentary and portrays how life was in the 70s and a sneak peek into freshmen and jocks and nerds and the "cool gang" in college and I agree with that view. If you look at it that way, its fabulous. I think another thing is that I'm watching it in 2020 and also when I myself am almost 30 years old so its entirely unrelatable. Had I watched this in the 90s or early 2000s when i was a teen, pretty sure this would have been a cult movie for me :)

My top 5 moments in the movie - well this is tough cause this isn't that kinda movie tbh, but I'll give it a shot -

1. Loved the Mitch angle in general. I think that character has a wonderful arc to it and feels so complete, from the start to the football shot to how he remains unfazed till the end to him returning home and that smiling shot before he goes off to sleep - loved that and Wiley Wiggins has done a phenomenal job. Also loved his angle with Jason London and with the freshman girl - the comfort with both is amazing 2. Loved Mathew McConaughey's character and he pulls it off so well - its like this guy totally IS him, man. He is genuinely that cool guy - loved him in every single scene - incredibly believable. Also that scene in the football yard - you gotta be LIVIN - L-I-V-I-IN. You follow the rules, they gon' give you more rules to follow. 3. Loved the scenes with the 3 jocks in the car - its pretty nice - their conversations and how they're like wanting to be cool and like go to a party or get laid or get into a fight but then actually, cant relate and feel out of place. That comes across and is articulated so well. Loved this track. Also loved how the freshman girl joins in - the arc of how she also is curious in the beginning and says yes to the truck - to when she comes into her own - says no to the air raid, and stands up for herself subtly and chooses the jock instead of the cool guy and ends the day with kissing him - its phenomenal. such subtle nuances and a whole character's mental journey in a single night! whattay! 4. I think in general, the whole culture of how they indulge in those ragging and initiation rituals and get into fights etc and yet eventually its all pleasant and breezy and no one is "mean", you know? The whole atmosphere is light and everyone just wants to have FUN. There's legit no negativity in anyone - and I loved that so much and it came across pretty darn well. 5. I think as an Indian, the whole idea of parents being totally okay with kids not coming home all night, smoking joints, getting drunk and making out was a tad unrelatable for me but it gives us a dab glimpse into the american college scene in the 70s and how what it seems like optically vs what is going on in the people's heads and how its like they're having a ball of a time and yet Jason says "if i call these the best years of my life, remind me to kill myself". That was deep. I love how it says so breezy and light, its like a movie about NOTHING, and yet Linklater manages to get in deep nuances in such a subtle way man, just through expressions and a single line thrown in here and there. That's the sign of an amazing director :)