akthar_c Reviews

Agneepath (1990)

Why he's the greatest movie star of all time

[10/10 · 23 February 2007]

This film which has a lot of Scarface about it is superb. There are 2 major reasons for this... The 2 lead stars. A superb performance from Mithun is diminished somehow due to a devastating performance from Amitabh.

Casting is key to the success of this film. The lesser parts are also performed flawlessly. I think the fact that there is not much music in the film helps. It is an epic and is the kind of film that non Hindi speaking people should see to appreciate Bollywood.

If you've not seen it... Watch it now. This film is up there with the 'City of God' and 'Hard Boiled' world cinema masterpieces. It is the Bollywood equivalent.

Why was Amitabh voted the greatest all time movie star?? This is why!!!

Anne of Green Gables (1985– )

A perfect example of storytelling

[10/10 · 30 June 2003]

This film is absolutely gem (sequel included). The direction, acting, script and cinematography is spot on. I feel that the casting director should get a special mention as I don't believe you can find a better cast to play out the characters in the book. I feel this is where it mainly succeeded where other versions have failed. Megan Follows is Anne in every way. Excellent performances from Coleen Dewhurst and Richard Farnsworth help bring the story to life as well. A film translation from a book is never better than the book itself. I think this film and it's sequel are an exception.

Aakhree Raasta (1986)

A great film with his greatest performance

[10/10 · 8 February 2003]

When Amitabh did the film Shakti with Dilip Kumar, it was the passing of the torch from the previous champion to the reigning champion. People spoke of how the old master had outdone the new champion with his performance. 14 years later we were to see an older Amitabh with the role reversed. Who would be the actor to reprise the role of the young upstart? Step forward... Amitabh!!! The performances given by Amitabh in the dual role are better than the performances given by Amitabh and Dilip in Shakti.

I watched the entire film with a tear in my eye. When you put yourself in the father's position what would you do? Or as the son, could you really follow duty given the circumstances? I know that I couldn't...

This film is very well made and performances are strong. If I was asked to recommend a film to show a great performance from Amitabh, this would be it. I would recommend this film over Sholay, Deewar and even my all time favourite Amitabh movie... Agneepath. Just get hold of a copy of this film and see a master of cinema give a devastating performance.

The Mysterious Cities of Gold (1982–1983)

Best cartoon series ever

[7 February 2003]

This series was so excellent that I would run home from school everyday just to make sure I was home to watch it. The story has a lot of mystery and makes you feel like you were there back in time when the whole continent of South America was a mystery. It would make a great movie or maybe a theme for an Indiana Jones movie. It's a shame that the cartoons of today don't meet the standards that this series set. I'm 27 years of age now and if it came on again, I would watch it all over again!!!

The 13th Warrior (1999)

Who needs guns for action

[9/10 · 11 July 2002]

I watched this film because it seemed different. Apart from Antonio Banderas, the rest of the cast to me were unknowns. Before I continue I must say now... JOHN MCTIERNAN is one of the greatest action directors... PERIOD!!! The film makes you feel like you're in the Viking time period. You don't have to imagine much as the film does that for you with great depth of characters and scenery. The fight sequences are gory, but required. I loved the performances of the Norsemen mostly. The story is simple and effective and the film is not overlong. I really hope they make a sequel as I don't believe that there are enough 'GOOD' films made for that time period. If you have not seen this film do yourself a favour and rent it or even buy it. I guarentee you will not be disappointed.

Shrek (2001)

Greatest Animation Film... EVER!!!

[16 May 2002]

This film is excellent. The casting was brilliant and the jokes appeal to pretty much any and everybody. What stood out for me though, was the perfomance of a certain 'Donkey' (Eddie Murphy). I feel he should have got an oscar. Acting isn't just about drama, comedic timing is hard as well. Eddie Murphy had me tears... I haven't laughed as much since Mr Vampire... If you don't agree with me, ask yourself this... 'If Eddie Murphy was not in the film, would it have been as funny??' Remember, he improvised a lot of the lines!!! Long Live Donkey!!!

Encounter of the Spooky Kind (1980)

A Classic!!!

[13 April 2002]

What can I say about a film that had me in tears of laughter. It's not really a horror though you will jump during certain scenes. Don't watch a dubbed version as the jokes are funnier when translated. The action is first rate and all the performances are... 'dead pan'. Just remember to never agree to a bet that might kill you!!!!

Mr. Vampire (1985)

Most entertaining film ever

[10/10 · 23 February 2002]

This film has to be one of the most entertaining of all time. There are great fight sequences and a great story and acting. The best part would have to be comedy. I've never laughed so much watching any film. Watch for the scene with the dead uncle and the perverted police officer. It is for me, the funniest scene ever filmed.