vcastilino Reviews

Noah (2014)

Noah chooses God!

[8/10 · 3 September 2014]

When I began to watch I expected some religious pious drama of God commanding and man obeying. However, what surprised me was the take of the director and the whole story. It depicts Noah and the choices he makes... not what God makes and tells him to do. The movie walks with Noah as he makes decisions, and struggles to live with the consequences of those choices he makes. It shows a man living up to God... not merely God calling a man to do something and God making it all happen.

Another aspects of the movie I truly admire is the way, God is depicted. He is NOT shown at all!! All that Noah has is dreams, visions and signs. There is no 'God' appearing to him and 'telling' him in clear cut terms what he ought to do. The only 'strange' phenomenon one gets to see is the Watchers, the unearthly beings which - again - choose to help Noah.

The latter part of the movie too is very meaningful. It shows the pain and the desperate measures Noah is challenged to take up to fulfill his mission - he is to end his own progeny and let God begin afresh! All along, God is 'silent'.

Today people prefer to believe that believing in God will automatically and 'magically' erase all problems and difficulties in life... that those who believe and trust in God are not supposed to have any difficulties in life. I truly am happy that the movie does not make life easy for Noah, just because God chooses him. It shows truly and honestly how difficult life is for those who choose God!

October Sky (1999)

Their dreams touched the skies before their rockets did!

[9/10 · 23 October 2012]

October Sky is an inspirational movie of a young boy and his friends who are passionate about their dream of making rockets at a time when the Russians had just launched Sputnik. It is about perseverance of a boy in the midst of all adversities, misunderstandings, hardships and challenges. His desire to pursue what his real calling is and realise it. It is about inspiration and courage.

Initially not a very bright student, his new born passion of building rockets sees him take on subjects that weren't his cup of tea (maths and calculations). When faced with lack of financial resources, he along with his friends take up to stealing old unused railway tracks. (That scene where they have just unlinked a rail from an unused track - or so they thought - and then they hear the train coming, is quite hilarious!)

The most poignant part of the movie is his strained relationship with his father who wants to see him take over his job as supervisor in a coal mine and thinks his running after rockets is a waste of time. In spite of the animosity and difference of opinion, Homer acknowledges to his father that he is his real hero. At the end, his father understands him and appreciates his talent.

The friendship among the four of them, each one of a different kind, is quite warming. All driven by the passion to build rockets together. Thus they earn the name 'Rocket Boys'. The role and inspiration of their teacher Miss Riley too is aptly portrayed... her desire to see them go to college and become someone in life!

Worth watching it every now and then! http://vcastilino.blogspot.in/

Cinderella Man (2005)

Every bit for the family

[8/10 · 23 October 2012]

The movie is about the boxer James J. Braddock (Jim), the once down and out boxer who re-enters the ring purely for keeping his family alive and together. It is his love for his wife and three kids that sees him go on to become the world champion. What appealed to me was not the gory boxing bouts, shot realistically, but the tender sentiments of a man who promises to his eldest son never to let go of him, even in the worst of situations. The father keeps that promise!

Some of the most touching scenes: the moment Jim takes his son to the butcher shop to return the salami he stole and there outside promises never to let go of him; getting ready for the fight, on an empty stomach, he eats from the bowl straight with his mouth; when he tells his daughter a dream about him eating full and then drops his share of meat into her plate for her (thereby going hungry himself); when Mae enters the Church to pray for Jim and is told that so are all those who are there; the silence when Jim enters the ring for the championship bout...

All said and done why this movie appealed to me so much was not the movie itself (though superb acting by Crowe, Zewellger and Paul Giamatti) but because the movie in every way showed me what Papa was to us in our younger days. The same grit, same passion, the only dream to see us all happy and contented, the same LOVE MY PARENTS had for the family, especially when the going was tough! I still remember the days when money was hard in coming. Yet we, my brother and I, always had good things (not the best) but the way Papa and Mummy slogged for us, that what they gave us was the best of all! They fasted or ate stale food so that we could have the fresh meal. Rain or sun, cough or fever, nothing prevented Papa from going to work (each day counted).

Thank you Papa and Mummy... for what you were, are and what you made of us!

http://www.vcastilino.blogspot.in/

Golkonda High School (2011)

Truly educative and entertaining...

[23 October 2012]

As I watched the movie, I couldn't help but note the similarities with the English movie, Coach Carter. However, GHS has its highs and I do appreciate the movie as a whole. Sumanth plays the lead role well, but not as impressive as in Godavari. Besides the fact that it was shot at Don Bosco High School, Hyderabad (my own school) there are several aspects of the movie that appealed to me.

The storyline and the overall moral and message delivered through the movie: Games are an integral part of education and children have a right to play. In an age where books and ranks alone offer a bright future, the movie rightly points out the importance and the great values that sports and games inculcate in students. The movie does not downplay the academic part of education. Even though it does subtly make a caricature of teachers, students and the classroom, the overall impression conveyed is healthy. The role of educators as ones who mould the hearts and minds of students with firmness and an equal dose of love and concern is well portrayed.

The message by the coach to his pupils that a true man is not one who twirls his moustache and is ever-ready for a fight but one who is willing to take any risk and face any danger to achieve what he considers his true calling, is great. The focus is rightly maintained on the boys (team) rather than the romance of the coach and the English teacher. All along the movie, values like courage, perseverance, team spirit, friendship, upholding truth, solidarity and a willingness to change for the better are portrayed realistically and artistically.

However a few things I thought the director could have avoided so as to ensure that the sub-plots do not mar or give wrong ideas: the use of cell phones in schools, the overuse of foul language by the students (though it does present a realistic picture), and the rather 'silly' teachers essaying the role.

On the whole, a movie worth watching and emulating. It rightly focuses on values rather than slapstick comedy or silly entertainment.

Lord of War (2005)

At war, but peaceful?

[22 October 2012]

The Lord of War though not very convincing, draws attention to some subtle truths and the lessons it portrays are worth reflecting upon.

It is the story of a simple man who chances upon an idea of making it big by selling weapons to warring factions and nations. The double life he leads where in loves someone and his family but is willing to let thousands of innocent people die under the pretext of 'this is not my war' is quite chilling. The sudden change and remorse of his younger brother towards the end of the movie, when he refuses to do business, knowing well that the weapons being sold would be used upon the refugees gathered right in front of him, is quite touching. He dies a martyr in an attempt to sabotage the weapons deal.

The conclusion leaves one in a bit of a dilemma: does the movie justify the arms deal by an individual as a camouflage for the official/'legal' weapons trade by politicians? When his wife comes of know of his 'business' and questions him, as to how he could cope with the guilt, his plain answer: "I'm good at it."

In this conflict between the personal moral stand and the professional ethics, the latter apparently emerges the winner... but with a heavy toll. I'm prone to believe that the fate of Yuri, the arms dealer would be the same as that of Simon, the other arms dealer who tries to cross paths with Yuri.

The scene where a whole jumbo plane is dismantled and carried away in pieces by the locals in a remote part of Africa, overnight, is very dramatic.

http://www.vcastilino.blogspot.in/

John Q (2002)

No questions asked; no answers given!

[7/10 · 22 October 2012]

John Q really raises a lot of questions. However, it does not do any moral policing. All it does is portray the love of a father for his ailing son and shows the extent to which he is willing to go to get his son back to normal health. There are many loopholes in the story but the portrayal of Denzel Washington as the cornered father whose son needs a heart transplant immediately, but is not able to financially support the huge costs, covers up all those gaps! One of the best performances of Denzel Washington. The song during the final credits, 'The voice inside my heart' is superb and truly makes so much sense after the movie.

To provide for his ailing son he takes the emergency room of the same hospital hostage. Only later to made a tough decision to give up his life so that his son can have his heart. The presence of Robert Duvall too is very electrifying. Indeed great actors! Here's the part where the father makes the decision to die so that his son can have his heart.

This sort of courage and determination to go to any length does not come easy. At times it sounds insane and beyond logic or reason. Yet that's the love of a parent. A father and mother know no bounds when it comes to their child.

http://www.vcastilino.blogspot.in/

Blue Like Jazz (2012)

It is good for your heart and your soul!

[7/10 · 22 October 2012]

The movie Blue Like Jazz follows the path of discovery of Donald Miller a youngster who tries to escape his Christian upbringing by enrolling himself into a 'liberal' college only to go through the whole process of denying what he was told to believe in all his life. All along one sees him struggling to be somebody he is not... like a dog trying to shake off its own tail!

What I liked about the movie was that Don was open to all that he came across. He really did not make a decision about something just because he felt so... he looked for convictions... Another aspect of the movie that I found quite interesting to observe was the influence and role of friends. The impact they had on Don and the things he does in their life... (Penny, Lauryn, Russian, him mom, 'Pope'). And finally I hope Don continues to carry on as 'Pope' for I sincerely believe he'd do a better and greater job being Pope than going out gun-blazing saying that he believes in God and all that goes with it. He truly would be a great help to all those fellow students to help them in their situation than taking a pedestal posture or stance and helping 'from above'!

It quite well summarizes the journey of self-discovery, of finding out the value and meaning of real faith... not just 'inheriting faith' but 'earning' it and thereby living it! That I think makes a huge ... huge... difference in reality. Most of us barely manage to graduate to the latter stage of faith.

http://www.vcastilino.blogspot.in/

Kahaani (2012)

Good story well depicted

[7/10 · 22 October 2012]

Kahaani breaks several myths and creates a new trend. It has as its lead a female. Perhaps the only 'well-known celebrity'. All the other characters are relatively new or 'never heard before'. Yet, the script and direction carry the movie well into limelight and delivers a powerful message. There are cinematic liberties taken, but sensibly done.

Vidya Balan does a really commendable job. So does each of the characters portraying a very different and interesting role. That each of the characters involved play a significant role and add meaning to the whole movie is something I liked very much. That includes all those behind the scenes too, especially the cameramen, editors, and of course the director, Sujoy Ghosh.

Though there is some distant 'hollywood connection' (perhaps the finale resembles Taking Lives), the freshness of the plot too is very appealing ('cos these days there is hardly any creative script or thought).

Final verdict: a movie worth watching.

http://www.vcastilino.blogspot.in/

Machine Gun Preacher (2011)

Right or Wrong? But good, for sure!

[7/10 · 22 October 2012]

The movie is based on the book 'Another Man's War' and describes the story of an American who takes up the gun, again, albeit for a different cause now. That too in a far off land, Uganda to save children from becoming victims of a bloody civil war.

It also in a subtle way shows the swings of the 'hero' between his personal life and the chosen extended family; between reliance on God and carrying out His mission and his own determination to 'set things right'; between being a preacher and a mercenary... It is quite interesting to note the transformation of Sam Childers from a drug addict to a 'missionary' with a very definite and clear vision.

Gerard Butler, who plays the lead role, does a great work and his characterisation is something that makes the movie realistic. An interesting angle to this movie is the recent outcry on social media against Kony and the 'wave' to get rid of him and save the children of Uganda and South Sudan.

Besides these contemporary and actual facts, the movie raises several moral questions. The most challenging of them is perhaps the one posed directly by Sam Childers himself at the end of the movie. "... If your child or family member was abducted today, if a mad man came in or a terrorist came in, abducted your family member or your child, and if I said to you, 'I can bring your child home,' does it matter how I bring him home?"

In another instance in the movie, a relief worker questions Sam Childers' 'rogue' means of carrying out his 'ministry', to which he replies that he does the same thing as she, but in a different way. Having heard all his arguments, she concludes, "Kony too had the same reasons when he began his reign of terror!"

I suppose it is a thin line that one treads here. Killing a human being is always wrong, but does become permissible if that one wrong preserves and promotes the lives of several children?

http://www.vcastilino.blogspot.in/

Chaos Theory (II) (2007)

There is chaos embedded in every order

[7/10 · 22 October 2012]

A lovely movie for precision freaks! It is the story of a time- management speaker and his life story especially of that phase where he discovers, the hard way, that life isn't a planned schedule. It takes its own turns and twists. The lead character, played well by Ryan Reynolds, through a bizarre chaotic string of events learns the strength of love, over and above his precise calculations and plans. One of the concluding dialogues sums it all: "The most important thing about love is that we choose to give it and we choose to receive it making it the least random act in the universe. It transcends blood, it transcends betrayal and all the dirt and makes us human."

The best parts of the movie that I liked are the ones where the confusion begins, him being seduced by a participant, ending up in a hospital helping a pregnant woman deliver a baby (and then she disappears), the wife getting a call about 'her' baby. The scene where he discovers that he has been sterile all his life (and mind you, he has an adorable daughter of seven), is quite amusing and touching at the same time. The conversation in the boat with his best friend trying to save him from committing suicide, while he actually is trying to shoot him is hilarious!

http://www.vcastilino.blogspot.in/

Touchback (2011)

A movie about the past for the future

[8/10 · 21 October 2012]

Touchback is the story of a football player who gets a chance to relive his high school days, at the end of which 15 years ago, he injured his leg and thereby lost his chance to go to college and play as a professional. As he finds himself in a known situation, he relooks at the very things (present) knowing well what is the future. Initially he is excited that he can now literally rewrite the past, especially his dream of getting out of the small native town he has grown up in and become a professional football player. However, his interactions with his coach, his own single mother and most of all with an unknown girl (who in his present is his wife) in the college - not unknown, but he never really did notice her then - he begins to see the beauty of the present. His mother challenges him to be happy now, rather than eternally keep chasing happiness in the future. Finally when he actually has a chance to change the present, in line with his grand plans for the future, he does the same as he did then, 15 years ago... all for the sake of retaining what is most important in life... love and friendship of those dear and not personal plans for glory.

I wonder how many of us, if given a chance to go back into our past and change things, would change the whole of it? Or some of it? Or most of it? Blessed are those who will live it as it is and be happy about it! Because only then will each present moment count and every choice made valuable, because my present is more important than my past or the future... because my choice for the right and lasting things of life is more important than momentary glory and honour.

http://vcastilino.blogspot.in/

We Bought a Zoo (2011)

Why not?

[8/10 · 13 October 2012]

'We bought a Zoo' claims to be based on a true story. It truly is worth watching for the values and ideas it offers. The story is about a man (Benjamin Mee, played by Matt Damon) who has lost his wife and is now left alone to bring up his two children. The teenage son has his own ways of going about and is barely comfortable with the father. The little seven year old daughter is still all awe and happy about what she has than mourn about what she has lost. In an attempt to 'resurrect' his life, Benjamin Mee purchases a new house, far off from the city – only that it has an abandoned zoo attached to it. He takes it upon himself to reopen the zoo with the assistance of the limited staff and of course, without any knowledge of zoo-keeping. Slowly but surely he wins the confidence of the staff – and the animals – and by the end of the movie, all is well.

However, at one crucial point when the head of the staff questions Benjamin as to why he purchased this whole thing with absolutely no idea of animals or zoo, he replies, "Why not?" Only at the end of the movie, it is shown, how exactly the same reply (or question) opens up a whole new life for him earlier when he meets his would-be wife for the first time.

Interestingly the question, 'why not?' is a very revealing one. A sincere look in such a direction throws open so many possibilities which we often – gladly and comfortably – shut out owing to fear, laziness and refusal to move out of our comfort zones. Even in my own life, sometime ago I remember asking back, some of those who always questioned me why I choose to be a Brother and not a Priest. To some I had indeed replied, "Why not?" (Of course, don't ask me if that made any impact on them or least of all, convinced them a bit!)

http://vcastilino.blogspot.in/

English Vinglish (2012)

Refreshing movie about self-esteem and family values

[7/10 · 12 October 2012]

The movie traces the life and struggle of a simple Indian housewife, Sashi (well essayed by Sridevi), to earn respect and dignity which is being denied to her by her own family, only for the reason that she is not proficient in English. She is called upon by her sister for her niece's wedding to New York and once there secretly enrolls herself for a four-week of English class. Constantly helping her is her second niece, Radha (lively performance by Priya Anand).

The climax is wherein she delivers a simple but heartfelt speech in English addressing the newly married about how to keep alive a marital relationship, especially when the bond is weak or any one of the partners try the one-man-up attitude. This really shocks the rather unsupportive husband and the indignant elder daughter out of their stupor; but as one deeply in love with her family, Sashi holds no grudges or anger.

However, there are a few exaggerations (call them, 'cinematic liberties'): the resentment of the daughter towards the mother who does not know English, the cold attitude of the husband towards his wife, the ease with which a rather coy Indian woman gets used to the American scenario... Of course, anyone - even one who does not know Sridevi - would right away know that she knows English much better than she pretends not to know!

All these are more or less overshadowed by the steady focus on the story, simple music, good supporting cast, the decent presentation of family values (especially understanding, concern and sacrifice) ... One of the main values presented is the need to trust oneself (Towards the end, Sashi thanks one of her classmates for helping her love herself).

Overall, it is a welcome movie: refreshing and of course offering good insights and values (self-esteem and family ties).

http://vcastilino.blogspot.in/2012/10/englsh-vinglish.html

Nothing But the Truth (I) (2008)

Everything is true but not all is right

[9/10 · 27 July 2012]

The journalist, Rachel Armstrong (played well by Kate Beckinsale) refuses to reveal her source of information as to who blew the cover of the CIA undercover agent, who happens to be another woman, Erica (Vera Farmiga). Sticking to her ethics of not revealing the source, she is made to pay the price: imprisonment, separation from her family, the CIA operative named is killed, her own husband looking the other way, not being even able to see her own beloved son. In short, her whole life just crumbles!

It is only at the end of the movie, one comes to know the original source of her story: the small daughter of the CIA operative herself! It is amazing to see how people are willing to put everything to risk to stand by the truth. Rachel could very well have revealed the name of the little girl and perhaps nothing much would have happened. Yet she chooses not to for she had to keep her own word.

What's engaging of this movie is that everyone in it is right! There is nobody who is the 'evil guy'. Each one is doing what he or she is supposed to do! Patton, (played by Matt Dillon with amazing detachment) the prosecutor is trying to get the culprit who let out the identity of the undercover CIA operative and in doing so risked national security. The judge acts in the interests of the country and according to the law. Erica, just wants to know who betrayed her identity. Rachel too is keen on standing by the truth and not giving into any pressure, personal or public, so as to reveal the identity of her source. Only that everything that is true need not be right.

Long live the truth... and long live those who uphold it... at such great a sacrifice.

Vicky Donor (2012)

Vicky Donor

[9/10 · 28 June 2012]

I basically liked the movie, though would not approve of the basic ethical values behind the whole concept of sperm donation and artificial insemination. Anyway, this movie had its own charm and my personal convictions would not in any way, prevent me from appreciating the good aspects of the movie.

The best I liked of the movie was the manner in which the delicate issues of infertility and sperm donation are handled. Given the fact that these are not topics one hears in public domain with an open mind, there was a great possibility that the director (Shoojit Sircar) and the core crew make a farce of it - and yet earn a profit. However, the movie does not in any way demean or make a mockery of these sensitive issues. And still make a great movie. Hats off to them for it. The focus is not the ethical debate nor the commercialisation of the act; it is the pain of longing for a child.

Personally I liked the characters of Vicky and that of his grandmother. I liked the latter for her attitude to life and modern living, though chronologically she would be the eldest in the whole cast. One of my proposals for a better humanity, that of adoption of little orphaned children, forms the conclusion of the movie (that too, in fulfillment of a suggestion of the granny) - and I'm happy for it.

The character of Vicky's father-in-law too has a significant contribution to make. Towards the end, he questions his daughter: Are you hurt because he was a donor or because he did not reveal this to you or because you cannot get pregnant while he can become a father? That's quite a sharp question demanding a very deep introspection.

As by way of living out the character, Vicky does it the best. The evolution of the man from the youngster is portrayed well by Ayushmann Khurrana (Vicky). In the beginning he is nothing but a playful brat and by the end of the movie he is a doting father. This transformation is not something that happens with some single tragic event but is brought about because of his love for his wife. This transformation sets in smoothly and one cannot miss it.

On the whole, a good movie, worth watching - could also be used to provoke a healthy discussion on ethical issues involved.