pruthvishrathod Reviews

Meeting Gorbachev (2018)

Interesting but too non-critical?!

[7/10 · 30 April 2019]

Werner Herzog interviews Soviet Russia's last president Mikhail Gorbachev, while exploring his life & political career. I wished the documentary covered more about Russia's power struggle and internal issues at the time than just the big headlines about end of cold war & fall of berlin wall that we could probably get from online archives. But anyway, listening to Herzog's chilling voice with deadpan humor is always a joy. He is the best narrator in the world indeed (sorry, Morgan Freeman :D). I thought Herzog was pretty uncritical but that's probably to get more things out of Gorbochev and also the fact that he has lived for so long in divided Germany. But again, I would have liked to see a more challenging take on him that reflects his shortcomings along with achievements.

The Red and the White (1967)

a masterpiece about the absurdity of war

[9/10 · 22 May 2014]

Another great anti-War film by the Hungarian master Miklos Jancso. It does not glorify any action or shows any act of heroism. Instead, it is filled with wickedness, cold-blooded nature of authority, brutality and chaos above all. The events take place during Russian civil war in a small Hungarian territory. It shows the acts of both the sides one by one, holding a monastery and then a general hospital.

Once again like The Round-Up, it is not quite easy to follow because of the absence of any central character. It follows set of events taking place one after another. Dream-like sequences and symbolism pretty much sums up Jancso's vision about the absurdity of war.

The photography also makes it wonderful. Landscapes are beautifully captured and almost every shot of the film is visually stunning.

Madras Cafe (2013)

Appreciative effort but not anything more..

[7/10 · 7 March 2014]

First of all, I'm glad that someone cared to make a film on such subject. Premise is really interesting and promises something different. This espionage drama/political thriller has decent story but screenplay is not up to the mark. Somewhere between historical timeline and a political conspiracy, it fails to maintain its coherence. It is somehow misses the elements which hold it together. That is the reason why it tastes your patience but fails to reward it. After the end, I felt it would have worked better as a documentary since characters fail to create an emotional bond. Even with such a realistic scenario and forcing elements, it does not create any tensed atmosphere or thrill.

But still it is at least an appreciative effort because of its subject and sincerity towards it. John Abraham tries his best. He and director Shoojit Sircar should be acknowledged. However, film does not stand tall on the basis of film-making.

Blow Out (1981)

A technically sound and Stylish thriller.

[8/10 · 13 February 2014]

Blow Out is a stylish mystery thriller. Quite a typical De Palma product. With some homage to B grade horrors, the story is very gripping and young John Travolta also shows some impressive acting skills.

Even with a fast-paced and complex enough screenplay, It is one of the film in which story is not a primary thing to consider about. The film tops when it comes to the style and technical aspects. I really enjoyed De Palma's direction and the way whole mystery was developed. Did not see any multidimensional characters or emotional touch (except towards the climax), but still movie's technical elements managed to make it shine. Since the film is all about sound effects, it is the most essential and impressive part of the film. Background score and sound have played a key part in its story as well. Apart from that the use of split frames was also impressive. It is visually sound too. The use of different colors and background shades give excellent effect. And the climax scenes were simply superb.

Talking about film's plot, I have to say after a strong start film weakens in the second half. The way it becomes a simple cat and mouse play was a bit let-down for me. Nancy Allen's acting wasn't up to the mark, though she looked really cute. However climax was effective and film's sound effects and visual beauty made me forget everything. Recommended.

Sexy Beast (2000)

Intense, Brutal and Stylish

[8/10 · 12 February 2014]

Jonathan Glazer's debut feature Sexy Beast is a stylish gangster film filled with catchy one-liners and dark humor. It has a very simple plot featuring a retired small-time safe-cracker spending an idle life in Spain. Once the hard-boiled gangster Don Logan enters, his life suddenly turns upside down and he gets involved in unlikely things.

It takes a while to take off but once Ben Kingsley shows up, everything else becomes secondary. Before this I had never imagined as a brutal gangster, but he simply nailed his part in this film. Ray Winstone and Ian McShane also does fine jobs. I also liked the way it transforms into an intense and tensed film.

It has cool cinematography and a signature of a raw gangster film all over it. Background music also plays an important part here, but one just couldn't get over its awesome dialogues. Though I found the British accent little difficult to get but enjoyed the film nonetheless. If you're looking for a British Gangster film, this is definitely worth trying.

A Woman Under the Influence (1974)

Cassavetes' tour de force

[9/10 · 12 February 2014]

This John Cassavetes' film is a sincere and in-depth examination of mental illness on family life. Featuring powerful performances from both the leads, it is a compelling drama with strong emotions.

Most of the events in the films are focused on the two lead characters. Mabel is a middle aged, married woman who has completely dominated her life to her family. Her eccentric behavior seems inappropriate at some stages but the character is treated with utmost care. One could never go as far to call her mad. I believe, it is her excessive love towards her family and fear from seeing them harmed causes her mental depression and she looses the control. She is the woman who is concerned about everyone else, who just couldn't leave anyone unsatisfied. Her past is not known to us but her sensitive emotional states are nicely presented throughout. I think Mabel is a woman who just couldn't let be herself because of all of these, that's why under the influence. Gena Rowlands gave one really really great performance.

But it is not just Mabel and her mental illness which the film is all concerned about. As I said earlier, it demonstrates how it the family life. Peter Falk gave equally good performance. It is his character whom I equally sympathized. Some viewers see him as the one who is really ill and states some of the scenes showing his questionable behavior. But I do not share such school of thought at all. I believe, he was a true family man. A hard-working man, devoted father and a husband who fights almost everything to protect his wife. He never believed in his wife's illness though admitting of not understanding it. He stands by Mabel but couldn't stand it when her actions started involving his children. His character and children towards the ending shows how much it takes to love someone.

Movie has camera-work quite similar to documentary films, matching with film's plot that helps it up building realistic atmosphere. All in, it is a compelling triumph with masterful film-making.

Mutiny on the Bounty (1935)

Historically inaccurate but still a great adventure film

[8/10 · 27 January 2014]

Based on a famous incident in the history of British Navy, Mutiny on the Bounty is the cinematic representation of the famous mutiny against Captain Bligh led by Fletcher Christian. It has brilliant production values. Without any special effects, it nicely develops the feeling of the extremely exhausting and troublesome journey. From the beginning, it develops the sparks of the revolt. It nicely shows how all the small incidents and different thinking led to such a big revolt.

The most and possibly only notable flaw with the film is its historical accuracy. Being a mainstream film, the characterization is binary. Captain Bligh is painted as antagonist and every action of Fletcher Christian is glorified in the film. The film has been made from the perspective of mutineers, considering this there isn't any big flaw in this film. However, I felt the role of Charles Laughton is not utilized properly.

Apart from that I liked editing and entire production. The film stands tall when it comes to performances. The heat between Bligh and Christian is quite amusing to see. Charles Laughton is fantastic once again with his brilliant ascent. He brilliantly portrayed ruthless and inhuman actions of Bligh at the same time his character is a great seaman. On the other hand, it was quite an experience to see Clark Gable at his peak. His character is a good combination of a wise gentleman and an angry young man. Franchot Tone was also good. Movie has good dialogues and some fine monologues.

Apart from being little partial towards a few things, It is a great adventure film.

The Ox-Bow Incident (1942)

Good film made on a serious issue

[8/10 · 15 January 2014]

The Ox-Bow Incident is a good western dealing with a serious issue. It explores the nature and mentality of mob. It nicely shows how a simple situation can go out of control in several cases. The story is very simple and entire film is focused on just one incident. The film puts light on the fact that Morality can be easily lost when a majority is thinking the same way. No individual cares to think the other way around because of the willingness to act hastily or sometimes fear of standing up alone.

Since the film is about the entire group, there is no protagonist. Equal space is given to every character and the behavior of each individual defines the characters and heats up the situation. Everyone did their job finely. Dana Andrews was once again impressive. Screenplay and direction is very good. The climax and specially the letter of Dana Andrews makes this film memorable. The film tells its message in a short runtime of 75 minutes.

El Dorado (1966)

Entertaining and well-made western

[8/10 · 15 January 2014]

An enjoyable film. It bears some striking similarities with another Howard Hawks-John Wayne western, Rio Bravo. The story is about reunion of two old friends - a sheriff and a gunfighter who helps a rancher family to fight its rival. Plot is not any unique but the fine screenplay and balanced characters makes it worthy. The chief attraction of the film remains the presence of Wayne and Mitchum. John Wayne was in his usual best. No comment about him is required when it comes a western. At first, I found Robert Mitchum out of shape but later he made sense as an alcoholic sheriff. His character gives some good laughs. Apart from that I found many characters closely resembling the ones in Rio Bravo.

Anyway, movie maintains its own identity somehow with a fine antagonist. It has a few beautiful songs and gunfights are also good. It is a well-made and entertaining western overall.

Where the Sidewalk Ends (1950)

Another compelling film-noir from Preminger

[9/10 · 13 January 2014]

Featuring a tough cop, Where the Sidewalk Ends starts like any usual homicide investigation film-noir. It also includes a crime-boss, a few clashes, an attractive female-lead, romance affair and a serious crime. But, the film transcended my expectations as it proceeded further. The best thing about the film is the character of its protagonist. Dana Andrews once again plays the hot tempered detective here but his character is much more complex than in Laura. The story brilliantly develops around this character and his actions. The romance affair is also portrayed nicely without interrupting the flow and all the supporting characters suits well. Gene Tierney was magnificent once again but sadly her scope is quite limited this time.

The key feature of this film is the way it covers different shades of its lead character. Dana Andrews does his part brilliantly. Like any common man, his character has a few weaknesses which leads to a serious crime. The story is carefully handled and proper emphasis is given to regrets and decisions of its protagonist. This clearly stands out and we get much more from the film than what its premise promises. Climax is equally good giving it a solid finishing note. Another Compelling noir from Otto Preminger.

Black Cat, White Cat (1998)

a colorful masterpiece

[9/10 · 12 January 2014]

Emir Kusturica's Black Cat, White Cat is a celebration of freedom and joy. Story is set in Yugoslavia around a few eccentric characters in a strange scenario. It is a feel-good comedy which doesn't rely on situations. Every character is painted with different color and each follows its journey in order to fulfill their dreams. When their paths get crossed, what we have is series of pleasant comedic encounters. The film is full of beautiful moments as a result of Kusturica's genuine imagination. Sometimes even the animals play a major part. Apart from that screenplay, editing, soundtrack, references are amazing and the assemble turns out to be the grand entertainment.

It is a colorful feel-good movie capable of lightening the mood of any person.

The Enigma of Kaspar Hauser (1974)

sad and though-provoking

[8/10 · 10 January 2014]

A thought provoking and sad film. Movie's plot itself is quite rare. I guess, no other director than Werner Herzog would have dared to make a film on such subject. It is based on the true story of Kaspar Hauser, a young man who suddenly appears after spending almost two decades of his life in captivity without any human contact. The film focuses on efforts of various individuals to teach him basic activities. However, in the later half we see Kaspar as a person who has learned several basic things. It is about the troubles a man faces to connect with the society. He cannot digest the concepts of religion and loathes the order of society.

During the whole film, we only see him as an immature, naive person. But inside him, there is a man with intelligence and purity. The years of isolation heavily affects his perceptions towards everything. There are some really beautiful insights in the film shown through metaphors and unforgettable images. And the film develops within itself with its beautiful soundtrack. Though we never know the origins of Kaspar Hauser. With a tragic climax, Herzog's lucid treatment and poetic insights, The Enigma of Kaspar Hauser leaves you with some incisive thoughts.

No (I) (2012)

Ace Political drama

[9/10 · 7 January 2014]

Based on Chilean political history, NO is about a political campaign which completely changed the country. I had no knowledge of the history which is in the background of the film. But that is really not required. The film is not actually about how new government was formed in Chile or on the protests but it emphasizes on a TV campaign.

The whole idea is really fascinating. Featuring a country in a crucial situation and a hopeless election campaign. One could not imagine the role of TV advertisement could be so important. I was really amazed to see how such a radical political campaign can be handled so neatly. The treatment is brilliant. It nicely develops tension and fearful environment. It deals with some serious issue of Chile during that time but never looses its main track.

The film tops on editing department. And acting is just flawless by everyone. I firmly believe that Gael Garcia Bernal is one of the best international actor at present. He's proving that with each and every film. He beautifully plays the role of an Ad Executive - a common man and a worried father with a voice to say.

In a nutshell, NO has a precious concept handled by flawless treatment and what we have is a ironical political drama. Highly Recommended.

Before Midnight (2013)

Awe Inspiring

[9/10 · 4 January 2014]

This is one of the film series which always surpasses my expectations. After magnificent Before Sunset, I was not sure about the story can pursuit without being pretentious. But I believed in Linklater and he is indeed the man who does know how to carry on things without any mistake.

I really loved the premise and this film surely recreates the magic of the preceding installments. It was great to watch Celine & Jesse finally together but more than anything I appreciate the fact that both of them have been shown matured in terms of their personality too apart from their age. It is really great how Linklater has so beautifully narrated two lives in just three films, in less than 300 minutes. And more than that their state of relationship has changed over the specific period of time. Set in Greece, once again cinematography is eye-catching but I lost in long walks and never-ending conversations. The experience was as refreshing as the one with Vienna. Moreover, the film deals with relationship problems at middle ages. Celine and Jesse are also faced with troubles just like any other couple. It shows even such an ideal couple also has to face certain problems.

However, it once again ends beautifully with a sweet note. There might be another film nine years later or might not be. But I have no complains if this is the end. Because it is a perfect end note of this journey and yet so open. These are one of the few films which are personally bound with me.

The Lion in Winter (1968)

a Magnificent act

[9/10 · 3 January 2014]

Based on a play by James Goldman, if I have to make a list of films which are completely carried out by actors The Lion in Winter would on top of it. With magnificent soundtrack and grand production values, the film is like a clash of titans. Peter O'Toole magnificently played aged King Henry II at the age of 36 only. This would simply make place among most energetic screen performances of all-time. He was just flawless, his voice only creates great impact. Same goes for Katharine Hepburn. Looking at their screen chemistry, no one could state the age-difference between them. All the actors did great work including Anthony Hopkins but nothing could match the charisma of O'Toole and Hepburn.

Movie brilliantly portrays tense relationship among the royal family. Mind games, politics, betrayals and everything is carried out brilliantly by all the actors. I must admit the complex behavior of its characters. I just couldn't predict their response in the very next moment. But in the second half, it hits the bottom and all the masks are removed. We actually begin to understand the nature and personality of everyone. And every line from this film is worth quoting.

As a whole, the film is one of the most powerful act of cinema-history without a doubt.

Suspicion (1941)

Compelling romantic thriller

[9/10 · 2 January 2014]

Alfred Hitchcock's Suspicion is a story of an ideal romance turning into a complicated affair. The whole story is told from Joan Fontaine character's point of view. Right after Rebecca, she once again superbly plays a shy woman falling for a completely strange man. First half of the film bears a few of similarities with George Cukor's Gaslight. Movie's huge plus point is the way it transits its characters and focus. In the beginning, Joan Fontaine is a naive woman blindly in love with Cary Grant. She does not see anything else and movie is a romantic treat. However everything changes gradually and film's focus also shifts entirely as it proceeds further. Joan Fontaine brilliantly carries out sagacious lady discovering her husband's different side and she also protects him when required. Cary Grant on the other hand, plays an unlikely character for a protagonist. But still he brilliantly manages this complex part. From a charming and romantic gentleman to a shallow, broke gambler with murderous intentions. His expressions and dialogues seems perfect and as an audience we begin to lay doubts on him just along with Joan Fontaine's character.

Movie beautifully demonstrates this complex relationship through usual Hitchcockian elements and excellent BW cinematography. Various situations creates tension and towards the end it becomes more and more intense with a solid climax. The ending surely leaves a long lasting mark in mind. The combination of romance and mystery elements makes it a compelling watch. Can be included among films like Rebecca, Spellbound and Gaslight.

Destry Rides Again (1939)

Complete Entertainer. Cool western comedy

[8/10 · 1 January 2014]

Destry Rides again is a cool western comedy about a town called Bottleneck having no place for law and order. Tom Destry, son of town's heroic ex-sheriff comes into Bottleneck to become new deputy. Destry's naivety and non-violence makes him joke of the town not aware of his intelligence. It is about how young Destry turns the whole town upside down. It has a wonderful cast featuring young James Stewart in a role which always plays consummately. Marlene Dietrich is also one of the chief attraction of the film, playing a bold and recklessly stunning bar singer. Movie delivers some great laughs and also maintains the seriousness of the story. Overall, it's a solid entertainer. Highly recommended for all Jimmy Stewart fans.

Laura (1944)

flawless mystery drama

[10/10 · 1 January 2014]

This is without a doubt one of the finest noir I have seen, recently. Superb investigation drama and murder mystery supplied by a lucid screenplay. Cinematography is magnificent, through the use of shadows, portrayals and objects it is quite a magnificent achievement even on usual film-noir standards. Movie is not just a plain mystery but a multidimensional drama bound with love, passion and obsession. Great suspense as well, it came off like a huge shock way before I could start any guessing. This Otto Preminger's masterpiece stands tall on performances as well. Dana Andrews and Clifton Webb brilliantly played their parts and Gene Tierney was just fabulous to watch. I fell in love with her as well. In one word, it's a gem. Made my day.

In This World (2002)

powerful drama about a serious issue

[7/10 · 1 January 2014]

Michael Winterbottom's In This World is a heart-breaking portrayal of Afghan refugees. The film begins in a refugee camp of Pakistan. Two siblings - Jamal and Enayat plan to reach London via illegal land journey. Film's realistic treatment does justice to the story. Shows the dark truth of this different part of the world. Jamal and his cousin's journey is very terrifying filled with tense moments and lots of restrictions. Movie's documentary-like structure seems little bit uncomfortable in the beginning but once we get familiar with the characters and scenario, it's a great ride. However, the focus is kept on various little details and difficulties encountered by its protagonists instead of going for the deep character-building. Anyway, it's a solid and realistic feature made on a serious issue. Worth checking out.

Bad Day at Black Rock (1955)

Good thriller set in a western town

[7/10 · 11 December 2013]

The film opens with a cool helicopter shot and fast score. It is not a conventional western but the events take place in a tiny western town. It is about a strange one-handed man who comes into this town and suddenly town shakes up entirely. His life is threatened and everyone seems to hide a mystery. The film brilliantly generates tension in its very first moments. One man vs whole town plot was carried away nicely. However, I was somewhat disappointed by the over-simplification of events in the later half. Instead of darkening the plot and adding more thrills, everything was carried away in too much hurry ruining its brilliant premise. Though It did not live up my expectation, I won't call it a bad film. There are surely some impressive elements about it. Run-time is just around 80 minutes making it a quick watch. There is not any dragging or anything in the screenplay. But I guess director John Sturges fell short in executing it with proper care. He did his best but I guess he isn't the perfectly suitable director for a noir-like treatment.

Anyway, Spencer Tracy was great as always. He gives his best and lifts the film on his own. I also liked Walter Brennan and Lee Marvin was also quite alright. But other supporting cast does not live it up. Robert Ryan's performance was not up to the mark. I felt like any other actor could play like that. His character is supposed to be a complex and scary one but he couldn't execute it properly. Overall, Bad Day at Black Rock is surely obtains the Good Movie mark. But not anything beyond that.

North by Northwest (1959)

One of the Coolest thriller

[8/10 · 10 December 2013]

It has the signature of a cool thriller all over it, right from its cool opening credits followed by Hitchcock's cameo. Movie has good background score as always and stylish technical elements. From locations to its camera movements or Cary Grant's drunk driving sequence. Everything stands out. The best thing about the film is its screenplay. It is very exciting and full of twists. I felt surprise at every moment just like Cary Grant's character. Romantic sub-plot isn't as striking as Hitchcock's other films but everything is overshadowed by its engaging story. It is kind of thriller you can watch with ease, it keeps entertaining you. About the cast Cary Grant was quite convincing and so was James Mason. But I really loved Eva Marie Saint. I'm a big fan of her and this time also she stunned me with her fantastic performance. She was just perfect for the role. Such a bold and spellbinding woman. Overall, North by Northwest is one of the coolest thriller I have seen in recent time.

I Was Born, But... (1932)

Sweet family drama

[8/10 · 10 December 2013]

An earlier silent gem from Yasujiro Ozu. My first film of him as well. It was a beautiful story of a family moved into suburbs from Tokyo. It mostly focuses on lifestyle and school-life of two small kids. They get rivaled by local kids in the beginning. But soon they become the leaders of the gang. The film is filled with sweet moments, gives a good taste of innocent childhood. They find it hard to accept that an outwitted boy's father is the boss of their father. The parents are beautifully portrayed in the film. How they influence their children and lead them to a better social position in future. It ends with sweet and touching moments, making it difficult for you to forget.

Stagecoach (1939)

Ford's masterpiece. One of the greatest western of all time

[9/10 · 9 December 2013]

The film is superbly gripping I must say. A plain story with nine strangers come together in a stagecoach journey. Each character with different motive builds a nice premise. The journey is puzzled by the threat of Apaches. The film grows on its characters as it moves. There aren't much situations but still somehow I felt calm-before-the-storm kind of thrill in the first half. It pursues with romantic affairs and a few funny scenes, until the dynamite finally explodes. The last half an hour of this film is real excitement. The wild chase sequence and shootouts takes the adventure to another level. Especially, John Wayne's shooting on moving stagecoach was one of the most breathtaking moments I have watched. The whole cast was perfect. Claire Trevor really stole the attraction and equally brilliant was Thomas Mitchell playing an alcoholic doctor. It was great to see young John Wayne in action as Ringo Kid, though I admire some of his later screen more. Overall this is totally epic ride in the old west. One of my finest film experience.

The Legend of 1900 (1998)

hats off to Morricone

[8/10 · 14 November 2013]

The Legend of 1900, the first English language film of Tornatore is an unbelievable story set in its own world. It is about a pianist born with gifted talent. Known as 1900, he never step his feet outside the ship where he was discovered first. Just like all the films of Tornatore, story is treated with special care. It begins just like a normal affair and then all the events one by one makes it stepping out of the reality. But even after being unrealistic at times, it never looses its virtue. Tim Roth brilliantly played his part with his stylish expressions and was supported nicely by Pruitt Taylor Vince. Overall it may seem little stretched but the film is filled with lots of beautiful moments. Cinematography is wonderful at times. And Ennio Morricone deserves the highest praise. His music plays a major part behind film's titillation. It simply stunned me at times. Piano duel between Clarence Williams III & Tim Roth's characters alone makes this film a must watch.

Rio Bravo (1959)

classic story of old west

[9/10 · 13 November 2013]

Rio Bravo is another classic story of old west. The Sheriff vs bad guy plot never gets old and everything required to make it great is included here. Rio Bravo has an outstanding set up of the small town with well-crafted sets and equally brilliant soundtrack. Story is quite conventional but the tension jerking atmosphere and a few remarkable sequences lead the situation to higher platform. Characters are well developed. John Wayne playing a righteous sheriff and Dean Martin as his broke-alcoholic deputy gave excellent performances. Especially latter impressed me since I haven't seen much of him as an actor. Ricky Nelson also nicely pulled out young pretty Gun-fighter in his relatively shorter screen-time. Walter Brennan's performance as a disabled old man really stands out. Story floats really well and didn't realize the time being passed till it reaches to its final show-down. There are fewer gunfights in the films than I had expected but that doesn't make it less enjoyable at all. Found romance between John Wayne and Angie Dickinson's character unnecessary though it gave some cool one-liners. Otherwise everything is perfectly executed. great watch