Best Time Travel Films ever made (20+1list)

Best Time Travel Films ever made

written by Souranath Banerjee

 

Time-Travel-Films

Best Time Travel Films ever made – We, the mortals have been fascinated with the idea of Time Travel probably ever since the time we have grasped the concept of ‘Time’ itself.

Keeping in mind H. G. Wells‘s epic science fiction novel The Time Machine, numerous books and films have been conceptualized on time travelers who seems to have the magical ability to effortlessly leap through their past, present and future; an unclenched human desire unfortunately impossible in reality (yet).

Be it the recent Christopher Nolan movie Interstellar or the blockbuster Matrix trilogy directed by The Wachowski Time-Travel-FilmsBrothers; though these movies are more focused on the metaphysical angle but somehow the inherent philosophy of time traveling is very much embedded in them. 

And so many other films have taken this concept of jumping in time to such unique levels of imagination!

Basically, we are desperately in search of a world where time machine exists, time travel is possible, and time travelers no longer has to be those mysterious characters of some SiFi cinema.

Well, best of luck but till that time comes, lets enjoy some of the Best Time Travel Films ever made!

20. Donnie Darko (2001)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPeGaos7DB4

Time-Travel-FilmsDonnie Darko (Jake Gyllenhaal), the troubled unpopular teenager whose imaginary friend (an oversized bunny named Frank) tells him a unique secret – ’28 days, 6 hours, 42 minutes, 12 seconds. That is when the world will end.’

Now what does Donnie do?

Directed by Richard Kelly, an amazing concept; one of the most popular and brilliant Time Travel Film of all time!

19. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_ULXRMvU7k

Time-Travel-FilmsA school girl learns the unique secret to time travel, and her new ability though at first seems pretty awesome, but later becomes difficult for her to handle.

Directed by Mamoru Hosoda, this artistic young Japanese anime flick tells a well crafted emotional story that points out the few ingenious problems faced only by those who have learnt to travel through time.

18. The Time Traveler’s Wife (2009)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_8WZxHScMk

Time-Travel-FilmsA particular gene causes a man to time travel involuntarily but though it seems fun and magical in the beginning it eventually takes a toll on his married life!

Directed by Robert Schwentke, this is one of the few successful time-travel romantic movies that actually involves you emotionally.

Starring Eric Bana and Rachel McAdams a film worth your time!

17. Source Code (2011)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DiBVUulE_wo

Time-Travel-FilmsA soldier is set on an experimental government program where his consciousness is being inserted into another human to alter the reality but then he has very less time for his mission – he lives only eight minutes before it restarts!

Directed by Duncan Jones, this is a super-cool time travel flick starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan and Vera Farmiga.

16. Primer (2004)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nj5MMURCm8

Time-Travel-FilmsFour budding entrepreneurs built some device that they soon realize can be also used as a time-machine!

But this film is much more philosophical than any other so called time-travel flicks.

Shane Carruth‘s debut film, he being the lead-actor, writer, director and also the producer of this amazing movie redefines the very concept of independent cinema.

15. The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya (2010)

Suzumiya Haruhi no shôshitsu (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFvd94LPU4U

Time-Travel-FilmsOne morning you make up and your world has changed – one of your friend goes missing and the others don’t seem to recognize you at all!

The main characters and the plot of this movie originates from the popular anime TV Series The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya (2006). But even if you haven’t seen the series the film directed by Tatsuya Ishihara and Yasuhiro Takemoto is a great watch!

14. Mr. Nobody (2009) 

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpi0qsp3v_w

Time-Travel-Films‘You have to make the right choice. As long as you don’t choose, everything remains possible.’

Year 2092, a one hundred eighteen year old man is recounting his strange life story – the choices he made or could have made.

Jared Leto at his best, written and directed by Jaco Van Dormael, a brilliantly executed concept that portrays the illusions of life involving the past, the present and the future!

13. Looper (2012)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iQuhsmtfHw

Time-Travel-FilmsA professional “looper” is a hired henchman who use time travel to terminate his targets, men who are sent from the future to the past to be killed by him! But what if his future self becomes the target of his own past?

Directed by Rian Johnson, and starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Bruce Willis, Emily BluntPaul DanoJeff Daniels – a cool action-packed time-travel drama.

12. The Thirteenth Floor (1999)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XF6etkcJp_c

Time-Travel-FilmsA computer generated parallel world has been created by a group of scientists but then the unexpected murder of the elderly member of this company automatically turns his colleague into a potential suspect!

An underrated time-travel mystery with an innovative story line, directed by Josef Rusnak and starring Craig Bierko, Gretchen Mol, Armin Mueller-Stahl.

11. A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court (1949) 

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_yJBUaNnpY

Time-Travel-FilmsFrom 1912 to Arthurian Britain, 528 A.D, a mechanic is teleported back in time – a splendid comedy and one of first movie that popularized the idea of time-travel!

Adopted from Mark Twain‘s popular SiFi novel by the same name, actually there are multiple films based on this novel but this one directed by Tay Garnett and starring Bing Crosby is the most successful one!

10. The Butterfly Effect (2004)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8_dgqfPXFg

Time-Travel-Films

Some people want to forget their past but some people want to change it. But at what cost?

This film is one insane back and forth ride between the past and the present, with some super cool plot twists and thrilling sequences.

With two sequels to follow, this was a well-crafted film directed by Eric Bress and J. Mackye Gruber

The other two sequels though not as popular as the first one: The Butterfly Effect 2 (2006)The Butterfly Effect 3: Revelations (2009).

9. Triangle (2009)

Time-Travel-Films

A deserted ship seems to be the best rescue plan for a group of passengers stranded in the ocean. Or is it?

A dangerous outcome of repetitive events that seem to occur no matter what you do to stop it.

Directed by Christopher Smith, a real cool concept where a never ending cycle of events keep haunting you till the end.

8. About Time (2013)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7A810duHvw

Time-Travel-FilmsAt the age 21, a young boy’s father reveals to him that the men in their family can actually time-travel whenever they wish and change their lives accordingly!

And with the help of this unique ability the young boy goes out to fall in love and make his life a better place, but it isn’t as easy as it seems.

Directed by Richard Curtis, a beautiful love story with a time-travel angle.

7. Timecrimes (2007)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvlTcH4KCWk

Time-Travel-Films

Traveling in time can be fun for most people but in this Spanish thriller, things get real messy when a man goes back in time and finds his own life to be in danger!

With several plot twists and intense paranoia, the innovative screenplay keeps you hooked till the very end.

A clever, very well crafted time-travel film by director Nacho Vigalondo

6. The Jacket (2005)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCxQ83Pg1Ko

Time-Travel-Films

A Gulf war veteran wrongly accused of murder ends up in a mental asylum, put in a straight jacket and tortured.

But this gives him the unique ability to visit into his future and see things that will happen and this unusual power changes his life for ever.

Directed by John Maybury, an interesting take on taking a peep into the future.

5. Predestination (2014)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayAt1BZmJH0

Time-Travel-FilmsDirected by Michael Spierig and Peter Spierig (as The Spierig Brothers), this is surprisingly one of the most underrated time-travel films in spite of being highly entertaining and a very innovative storyline!

A tale of a time-traveling agent who is set on his final assignment to capture an elusive criminal but there is a unique surprise that awaits him at the end!

4. Twelve Monkeys (1995)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuggl3cZD8A

Time-Travel-FilmsTime machine does exist and a man is sent back to the past to find the cause of an epidemic man-made virus that has wiped out most of the human population.

Can he find the maker of the virus and save the planet?

Directed by Terry Gilliam, this is one unique Si Fi tale that is both thrilling and unpredictable, brilliant performances and great script.  

3. Groundhog Day (1993)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSVeDx9fk60

Time-Travel-Films

A pompous weatherman is stuck in a time loop and he is forced to relive a particular day again and again!

Directed by Harold Ramis, this is a brilliantly unusual twist that turns the general time-travel film’s pattern upside down. 

My all time favorite, a classic time-travel comedy that guarantees you a good time and enough laughs for weeks!

2. The Terminator (1984)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHz95RYUbik

Time-Travel-FilmsDirected by none other than James Cameron, the first installment of the remarkable idea where a machine is sent from the future to kill one particular girl in the present world who holds the key to the epic man Vs machine future battle!

An indestructible cyborg in the human form who seems to be unstoppable and determined to terminate his victim. A revolutionary film of the time!

The other installments that followed the original: Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991), Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003)Terminator Salvation (2009)Terminator Genisys (2015).

1. Back to the Future (1985)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvsgGtivCgs

Time-Travel-FilmsA time machine has been invented by a mad scientist and a teenager is accidentally sent back thirty years to the past.

Now the teenager must make sure that his parents should fall for each other so that he can eventually come into existence!

Directed by Robert Zemeckis, probably the most popular time-travel drama ever made.

The other two installments that followed the original one: Back to the Future Part II (1989), Back to the Future Part III (1990).

and (The ‘+1′ film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most innovative one. A must watch)

+1. Les visiteurs (1993)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h23J5YC98FM

Time-Travel-FilmsAn accidental time-travel – a senile sorcerer who teleports a medieval knight and his sidekick from 1123 to the modern-day France – a perfect French comedy, quirky and hilarious!

Underrated and yet a cult classic, directed by Jean-Marie Poiré, with Jean Reno and Christian Clavier in the lead, this is one of the funniest time-travel movies made till date.

A few other films that are not included in the list but are almost as entertaining as any others: The Time Machine (1960)Sleeper (1973), Time After Time (1979), Somewhere in Time (1980), Time Bandits (1981), Blackadder Back & Forth (1999), Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999), Hot Tub Time Machine (2010)Edge of Tomorrow (2014), Time Lapse (2014). 

Poster courtesy: www.imdb.comwww.impawards.com

The Florida Project – Best Of 19th Mumbai Film Festival 2017!

The Florida Project (2017)

written by Souranath Banerjee

The Florida Project Review: You know a film is unique when it makes you sit up and look at your surroundings and rediscover the people around you!

My Ratings: 4.4/5

To depict realism through the art of Cinema and that too portraying the ordinary lives of the common people without a hint of any dull or preachy moments is always a tough job; only a few rare movies have achieved this special feat with such perfection as The Florida Project!

A series of low-priced hotels lined up just on the outskirts of the prime attraction of Florida – the Disney World. And the movie concentrates on the people living in these hotels, no not the tourists looking for cheap accommodations but the working class who have managed to turn these inexpensive rooms into their permanent home!

The-Florida-ProjectHome for those families who are on the edge of the social ladder desperate to make their ends meet, keep their jobs, pay their rents and have fun once in a while like everyone else!

Set over the duration of one summer, acclaimed director Sean Baker (of Tangerine fame) manages to knit a beautiful story around a group of children who stay in one of such hotels called the ‘The Magic Castle motel’. These kids are hilariously wacky, mischievous and street-smart, so full of life and yet very much aware of its harsh realities.

Among these kids the film concentrates on one particular young girl Moonee (Brooklynn Prince) and her mother Halley (Bria Vinaite) and narrates such an engaging humane tale of compassion, friendship, desperation and most importantly the desire to survive The-Florida-Projectthrough all odds!

And then there is the hotel manager Bobby (Willem Dafoe) who though trying his best to be strict and professional finds it difficult to effectively detach himself from his tenants and their complicated life stories.

Colorful tones through out the movie, well captured by cinematographer Alexis Zabe.

Absolutely outstanding acting displays, especially by the kids Brooklynn PrinceValeria Cotto and Christopher Rivera – personally I don’t remember when the last time I have seen such natural performances by children!

And then fixing on debutant Bria Vinaite for the mother’s role is probably the best casting choice of this decade, she is incredible! Even Mela Murder The-Florida-Project(her debut film) and Karren Karagulian (a long time collaborator with Sean Baker films) played their parts to perfection.

But the best part of The Florida Project is that the film neither tries to victimize nor romanticize the characters or their situations. It’s too tempting for such movies to take the sympathetic route or become unnecessarily idealistic, but here lies the brilliance of Sean Baker – he maintained a perfect balance and portrayed the reality in its purest form possible!

The Florida Project is charming as well as heartbreaking, a fun-film and yet a highly emotional experience. Overall an absolute gem, and a must watch!    

Poster courtesy: www.imdb.com

Best Horror Anthology films ever made (10+1list)

Best Horror Anthology films ever made

written by Souranath Banerjee

Horror Anthology films are always a treat for the horror-genre fans!

For those who are new to the term ‘Anthology’ – an anthology film Horror-Anthology(also known as an omnibus film, package film, or portmanteau film) generally consists of several short films mostly linked by a common theme, premise or genre; can be made either by different directors for each segment or can entirely be the work of one single director.

And the most common Anthology film category is undoubtedly the ‘Horror’ genre. Numerous short horror films are produced from all over the world and they add up to such perfect anthology films!

And so, here is the collection of the Best Horror Anthology films ever made!

Feel free to be scared!

10. Trick ‘r Treat (2007)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTOHbEOLcCU

Horror-AnthologyThe backdrop being Halloween, five stories are seamlessly interwoven together into one devilishly scary movie!

Written and directed by Michael Dougherty, these tiny horror tales are all located around the same locality and occurs at the same night!

A cool and sleek horror flick that guarantees a superb Halloween experience for the entire family!

9. V/H/S (2012)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmLh4NUu6E4

Horror-AnthologyA team of petty burglars come across a collection of weird VHS tapes that eventually scared the hell out of them!

Typically based on the popular found-footage film-format (similar to The Blair Witch Project, Paranormal Activity and Cloverfield), this movie debuted at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival.

Total 6 short films made by the directors – Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, David BrucknerTyler GillettJustin MartinezGlenn McQuaidRadio Silence, Joe SwanbergChad VillellaTi West and Adam Wingard.

Because of the film’s popularity two other installments of the V/H/S franchise were produced V/H/S/2 (2013), V/H/S Viral (2014) and also a spin-off called SiREN (2016)

8. Tales from the Crypt (1972)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3FpZEkaIS4

Horror-AnthologyFive strangers following a guide get lost inside a catacomb, soon trapped in a crypt meet the mysterious Crypt Keeper.

And finally the keeper tells them five stories and the tales are of the visions of how each of them will meet their death!

Directed by Freddie Francis, macabre, blood and gore, a very well executed movie – scary yet strict with justice and morals!

7. Cat’s Eye (1985)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqzTazrYx5M

Horror-AnthologyVery rarely are the horror suspense genre so well complemented by superb dark humor!

Directed by Lewis Teague and screenplay by none other than Stephen King, three thrilling stories, both scary and fun, all cleverly linked by a stray cat.

James Woods, Alan King and a young Drew Barrymore – superb performances and very much entertaining!

Another Stephen King written anthology to check out – Stephen King’s Golden Tales (1985).

6. Black Sabbath (1963)

I tre volti della paura (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvqT1D7qvrc

Horror-Anthology

Stories adopted from the works of Anton ChekhovAleksei Tolstoy and Guy de Maupassant, and perfectly executed into a frightening short films.

Hosted by acclaimed Boris Karloff (of Frankenstein fame) who also acted in one segment as a vampire; and directed by the Italian master of horror Mario Bava, this trio of scary tales are certainly a must for all horror anthology fans!

5. Tales of Terror (1962)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCB6IexwwtA

Horror-AnthologyBased on the work of Edgar Allan Poe, Morella, The Black Cat and The Case of M. Valdemar – the three unique horror stories that turned into fine examples of cinema.

Directed by Roger Corman, the films are scary with a potent doze of comedy in them.

Atmospheric and eerie, and great performances by Vincent PriceBasil Rathbone and Peter Lorre.

4. Dead of Night (1945)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UCJz617E8s

Horror-AnthologyA man stuck in his recurring nightmare as the characters in his dream narrates their own individual horror experiences!

Directed by Alberto Cavalcanti, Charles CrichtonBasil Dearden and Robert Hamer.

This British movie is often regarded as the Best Horror Anthology film that has managed to stay scary enough through the test of time!

3. Kwaidan (1964)

Kaidan (original title)

film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XG5mvupo9Wc

Horror-Anthology

A classic collection of Japanese folk tales – slow and visually beautiful, this movie consists of four separate and unrelated stories all based on supernatural elements.

Directed by Masaki Kobayashi – this is certainly the most popular Japanese Horror classic that won the ‘Special jury prize’ at 1965 Cannes Film Festival and also an Academy Award nomination!

2. Creepshow (1982)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owdnnaNs2RI

Horror-AnthologyBased on the E.C. horror comic books of the 1950s, this film narrates five gruesome tales of pure horror and terror!

Directed by none other than the acclaimed horror director George A. Romero, and screenplay by Stephen King – what a combo!

With lot of blood, violence and gory special effects, this movie is a pure ecstasy for every horror fan out there! 

The film’s popularity soon gave birth to Creepshow 2 (1987)

  1. Three… Extremes (2004)

Saam gaang yi (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqQHi1GYXpY

Horror-AnthologyDumplings“, “Cut” and “Box“, three individual South Korean horror films clubbed together into an anthology, directed by Fruit Chan, Takashi Miike and Chan-wook Park.

Not only they are horrifying and disturbing, they also have this amazing creep factor that makes them score ahead of any other films in this list. My personal favorite is Dumplings though it makes me sick every time I watch it!

and (The ‘+1′ film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most innovative one. A must watch)

+1. Spirits of the Dead (1968)

Film Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FJuSlLlmSk

Horror-AnthologyMetzengerstein, William Wilson and Toby Dammit, three Edgar Allan Poe stories narrated by acclaimed directors such as Roger VadimLouis Malle and Federico Fellini!

Starring an array of favorite actors Jane Fonda, Peter FondaBrigitte Bardot, Alain Delon and Terence Stamp – not entirely horror based but still pretty disturbing for sure. 

Obviously Fellini’s segment, the last one is the best!

A few other anthologies apart from the list: Twice-Told Tales (1963), Dr. Terror’s House of Horrors (1965), Torture Garden (1967), The House That Dripped Blood (1971), Asylum (1972), The Vault of Horror (1973), From Beyond the Grave (1974), Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983), From a Whisper to a Scream (1987), Tales from the Darkside: The Movie (1990), Two Evil Eyes (1990), Body Bags (1993), Darna Mana Hai (2003), 4bia (2008), Phobia 2 (2009), The Theatre Bizarre (2011), Horror Stories (2012), The ABCs of Death (2012), Southbound (2015), Holidays (2016), XX (2017), Galaxy of Horrors (2017).

Animated Horror Anthologies: Extraordinary Tales (2015), Fear(s) of the Dark (2007).

Similar Interest: Best Japanese Horror Films

Similar Interest: Best Horror Comedies

Similar Interest: Best Horror Films of recent times

Similar Interest: Best Asian Horror Films

Poster courtesy: www.imdb.com.

BEST INDIAN FILMS TO WATCH AT MAMI 2017 (10+1LIST)

Best Indian Films to watch at MAMI 2017

written by Souranath Banerjee

Best Indian Films to watch at MAMI 2017.

As the Mumbaikars bid adieu to the colorful Navaratri and Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations and await for the dazzling Diwali fiesta to begin, there is another very important Festival that the film-lovers of Mumbai couldn’t afford to miss!

A unique festival of Cinema that promises to entertain us for seven days in a row, from 12 to 18 October!

Yes, the 19th Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival is here, and it’s raining films from all across the globe! To be more specific there are in total 220 films from 49 countries and in 51 languages!

Indian-Films-to-watch-at-MAMI-2017Along with a number of prestigious movies under the World Cinema and the International Competition category, MAMI also offers a great selection of Indian Cinema under the sections India Gold and India Story. Other categories are the Half Ticket (for children), Spotlight, Restored classics, After Dark (focused on the horror/fantasy genre) and many others.

Konkona Sen Sharma being one of the Jury member at MAMI this year.

Be specific of which films you pick and I hope this list helps you to choose among some of the Best Indian Films to watch at MAMI 2017. Make sure you don’t miss any of these!

10. Mukkabaaz (2017)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zg1CMYVhR9o

Indian-Films-to-watch-at-MAMI-2017The return of director Anurag Kashyap with his 13th feature which is also the opening film of the festival!

As the title suggests the film is based on the story of a lower-caste boxer from Uttar Pradesh (Vineet Kumar Singh); his career and his love-life, focusing on both his professional and personal struggles.

Already had its world premier at the Toronto International Film Festival, don’t you miss the Asia Premiere of this highly awaited movie!

9. Ajji (2017)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9OZI1SQFJc

Indian-Films-to-watch-at-MAMI-2017This film deals with the issue of child-rape and its aftermath; the repercussions of such a heinous crime on the society and also what the child and her family goes through.

Directed by Devashish Makhija, his second feature is a dark and gritty film; bold, brutal and yet with a hint of retribution.

Already screened at the Busan International Film Festival, undoubtedly one of the most interesting Indian films to look for!

8. In the Shadows (2017)

Film trailer: Not available yet.

Indian-Films-to-watch-at-MAMI-2017Already selected at the Chicago International Film Festival and Busan International Film Festival, and finally ready for the Indian audience!

Directed by Dipesh Jain, the story of a man lost in the maze of the numerous lanes of an old city (Old Delhi), and then his mind plays tricks on him! Manoj Bajpayee, Ranvir Shorey, Neeraj Kabi and Shahana Goswami – with all these brilliant actors put together this one is definitely a film to look forward!

7. Pushkar Puran (2017)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pn9xigYlIoo

Indian-Films-to-watch-at-MAMI-2017Director Kamal Swaroop‘s cult classic Om Dar-B-Dar was a film far ahead of its time!

And after three decades the filmmaker comes back to his hometown (Rajasthan) to film this unique documentary on Pushkar!

The brilliant visuals blended with certain innovative soundtracks and ambiences – this one will be a memorable experience for sure!

6. Kaccha Limbu (2017)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjgTnBIkg0o

Indian-Films-to-watch-at-MAMI-2017An emotional movie that tells the story of a family, their joy and sadness. Most of film being shot in black and white, very much set with the overall mood of the film.

Directed by Prasad Oak, and starring Ravi Jadhav, Sachin Khedekar and Sonali Kulkarni guarantees superb performances.

In the Marathi Talkies section this film is definitely worth your time.

5. The Hungry (2017)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gfg8gGR-3oA

Indian-Films-to-watch-at-MAMI-2017An adaptation of the Shakespearian tragedy Titus Andronicus.

Set in the contemporary New Delhi, the backdrop being an extravagant surroundings of an Indian wedding, this film is a brutal tale of patriarch and corruption.

Directed by Bornila Chatterjee, and starring Naseeruddin Shah, Tisca Chopra, Antonio AakeelSayani Gupta and Neeraj Kabi among others. 

4. Sexy Durga (2017)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07a0pUkktBc

Indian-Films-to-watch-at-MAMI-2017A young couple – Durga, a north Indian and Kabeer, a Keralite are running away to catch a train at the middle of the night. But how safe is it to travel in the dark!

Starring Rajshri Deshpande, Bilas Nair, Arun Sol, directed by Sanal Kumar Sasidharan this is one movie that has managed to create a lot of curiosity and also some controversy regarding the name of the film.

3. Village Rockstars (2017)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTov2nVgXaU

Indian-Films-to-watch-at-MAMI-2017Based on a 10-year-old young village girl, who has grown up in deprivation, as she learns to fend for herself in the hostile surroundings while nurturing her dream to own a guitar and eventually forming a band with some local boys – the official ‘Village Rockstars!’.

Shot, directed and produced by Rima Das, the film had its world premier at the Toronto International Film Festival!

2. Zoo (2017)

Film trailer: Not available yet

Indian-Films-to-watch-at-MAMI-2017The film depicts lifestyles in and around the ghetto co-existing with the people residing in the upmarket, high-rise buildings of Mumbai.

Directed by Shlok Sharma, starring Shweta Tripathi and Shashank Arora this will be an interesting film to watch out for.

  1. The Song of Scorpions (2017)

Film trailer: Not available yet

Indian-Films-to-watch-at-MAMI-2017Though featured in the ‘Spot Light’ section, but this film is set in the backdrop of the vast deserts of Rajasthan is a brilliant tale from the Indian director Anup Singh.

Starring Irrfan Khan, Tillotama ShomeWaheeda RehmanShashank Arora and the Iranian actress Golshifteh Farahani this is a unique story of love, retribution and the power of song. A must watch!

and (The ‘+1′ film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most innovative one. A must watch)

+1. Ask the Sexpert (2017)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yRR1_VU1cQ

Indian-Films-to-watch-at-MAMI-2017Mahinder Watsa, a 92-year-old gynecologist and obstetrician, and also the daily adviser on matters related to sexual behavior in the Mumbai Mirror tabloid for the last 40 years!

Directed by Vaishali Sinha, this interesting documentary is about how the Mumbai’s oldest and best-known sexologist shoots to popularity when the Indian schools in many states puts a ban on comprehensive sex-education!

A Very Old Man With Enormous Wings by Prateek VatsReturning to the First Beat by Surabhi Sharma and Ralang Road by Karma Takapa.

Poster courtesy: www.imdb.com.

BEST INTERNATIONAL FILMS TO WATCH AT MAMI 2017 (10+1LIST)

Best International Films to watch at MAMI 2017

written by Souranath Banerjee

Best International Films to watch at MAMI 2017.

As the Mumbaikars bid adieu to the colorful Navaratri and Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations and await for the dazzling Diwali fiesta to begin, there is another very important Festival that the film-lovers of Mumbai simply can’t afford to miss!

A unique festival of Cinema that promises to entertain us for seven days in a row, from 12 to 18 October!

Yes, the 19th Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival is here, and it’s raining films from all across the globe! To be more specific there are in total 220 films from 49 countries and in 51 languages!

Best-International-Films-to-watch-at-MAMI-2017Along with a number of prestigious International movies under the World Cinema and the International Competition category, MAMI also offers a great selection of Indian Cinema under the sections India Gold and India Story. Other categories are the Half Ticket (for children), After Dark (focused on the horror/fantasy genre), Spotlight, Restored classics and many others.

And then of course if you want a picture with Monica Bellucci, most welcome!

Too many good movies and not so many days, so be specific of which films you pick and I hope this list helps you to choose among some of the Best International Films to watch at MAMI 2017. 

Make sure you don’t miss any of these!

10. On Body and Soul (2017)

Teströl és lélekröl (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfGeMbSEx9k

Best-International-Films-to-watch-at-MAMI-2017The setting being a slaughter house, this is an exceptional love story between two ordinary people wrapped in strange identical dreams.

Brilliant performances and a unique script, directed by Ildikó Enyedi, the Hungarian film has already won the prestigious FIPRESCI Prize and the Golden Berlin Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival!

9. Call Me by Your Name (2017)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9AYPxH5NTM

Best-International-Films-to-watch-at-MAMI-2017‘Call me by your name and I’ll call you by mine.’

It is about an affair between two men, a young visiting student and the son of the American professor.

Premiered at Sundance Film Festival, the critics already raving about this one, directed by Luca Guadagnino, the film promises a heartfelt yet heartbreaking story of two people in love on a hot summer somewhere in a small town of Italy!

8. The Florida Project (2017)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwQ-NH1rRT4

Best-International-Films-to-watch-at-MAMI-2017Set up just in the outskirts of Disney World this is the story of a mischievous 6-year old (Brooklynn Prince) and her friends, her mother, her neighborhood – basically the world around her!

Directed by Sean Baker (of Tangerine fame), and also featuring Willem Dafoe this film is attracting a lot of attention (mostly praises) from the critics as well as from the general audience.

7. On the Beach at Night Alone (2017)

Bamui haebyun-eoseo honja (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7CP5ipqqwU

Best-International-Films-to-watch-at-MAMI-2017‘Where’s love? It’s not even visible. You need to see it in order to search for it.’

This South Korean cinema is about an actress who roams around a seaside town contemplating on her realtionship with a married man.

Directed by Sang-soo Hon, the protagonist Min-hee Kim already won the Silver Berlin Bear as the best actress for this year.

6. The Third Murder (2017)

Sandome no satsujin (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Plr3V4TYBQE

Best-International-Films-to-watch-at-MAMI-2017A man with a criminal record gets accused and arrested again and this time it seems to be an open and shut case. But then a prominent lawyer turns around the facts and this will make all the difference between life and death!

Directed by aclaimed Hirokazu Koreeda, this Japanese film with two brilliant actors Masaharu Fukuyama and Kôji Yakusho looks promising court-room drama!

5. The Other Side of Hope (2017)

Toivon tuolla puolen (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85cyiMBvPXQ

Best-International-Films-to-watch-at-MAMI-2017A Finnish man who opens his own restaurant and a Syrian guy who comes to Finland in order to start a new life. The stories of these two men finally meet up and become one!

Realistic et with a comic touch, acclaimed filmmaker Aki Kaurismäki won the Silver Berlin Bear at the 67th Berlin International Film Festival in the Best director category!

4. A Gentle Creature (2017)

Krotkaya (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sun3D8VqkGY

Best-International-Films-to-watch-at-MAMI-2017Nominated for Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, this Russian film is the story of a woman who investigates a return of a parcel that she sent to her husband who is serving prison time in an isolated town in Siberia.

Directed by Sergei Loznitsa, this one is an perfect example of superlative acting and brilliant story-telling, a slow yet highly cinematic experience.

3. 24 Frames (2017)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBO0rqY4uQY

Best-International-Films-to-watch-at-MAMI-2017A collection of 24 short four-and-a-half minutes films inspired by still images, including paintings and photographs!

An experimental project directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami over the last three years of his life. I am sure this will be a film with great aesthetics, simple yet artistic like all the earlier films from the director.

2. Loveless (2017)

Nelyubov (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLegoO4NdD8

Best-International-Films-to-watch-at-MAMI-2017The film that won the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, the ARRI/OSRAM Award at the Munich Film Festival and was nominated ‘best film’ at the London Film Festival this year!

Directed by Andrey Zvyagintsev, this one is about a couple who must team up to find their missing son although they are going through a divorce.

Official submission of Russia for the ‘Best Foreign Language Film’ category of the 90th Academy Awards in 2018.

  1. The Square (2017)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKDPrpJEGBY

Best-International-Films-to-watch-at-MAMI-2017“The Square” is the name of a unique contemporary show that has gained huge popularity

Swedish director Ruben Östlund (of Force Majeure fame) has made a brilliant satirical drama, absurd and surreal but very entertaining!

Along with many other wins in numerous film festivals, the film swept away the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival this year!

and (The ‘+1′ film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most innovative one. A must watch)

+1. Mother! (2017)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpICoc65uh0

Best-International-Films-to-watch-at-MAMI-2017The peaceful life of a couple is disturbed by some uninvited guests.

Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardem, Ed Harris and Michelle Pfeiffer all together in a psychological horror thriller directed by Darren Aronofsky – this only should be reason enough to watch this film!

Though incredibly mixed reactions from the audiences, I guess it will be one of those films which you will passionately love or hate!

A few other films that are very much worth checking out are 

November directed by Rainer SarnetCity of Ghosts directed by Matthew HeinemanBeach Rats directed by Eliza HittmanIt Comes at Night directed by Trey Edward Shults.

Poster courtesy: www.imdb.com.

Best Classic Short films ever made (10+1list)

Best Classic Short films ever made.

written by Souranath Banerjee

Best Classic Short films ever made: According to many acclaimed filmmakers and critics short films are not merely the base of learning the grammars of filmmaking, but also a craft in itself!

It’s a challenge even for the most reputed directors to get the specific desired impact within the brief time limit; a short film has to be compact, gripping and yet meaningful.

And this list of classic shorts are probably the most innovative and thought provoking, undoubtedly the Best Classic Short films ever made in the history of Cinema!

10. The Red Balloon (1956)

The only colored short in this list, and also the only short film to win an Academy Award (for Best Screenplay) outside of the short film categories!

Directed by Albert Lamorisse, this magical short is about a little boy (Pascal Lamorisse, son of director Albert Lamorisse) and his unusual pet – a bright red-balloon!

The ballon of course has been interpreted in many symbolic ways but the sheer beauty of a red balloon floating around the beautiful streets of Paris is enough reason to watch this 34 min classic. 

9. One Week (1920)

A newly married couple (Buster Keaton and Sybil Seely) plans to built their own high-tech home but then someone must have played around with the how-to-built instructions. Hmmm ….

The house gets made but of course don’t expect any regular house for this couple.

Directed by Edward F. Cline and  Buster Keaton, this is a power pack 25 min dose of pure laughter and historic gags/stunts that surely will entertain us much more than just ‘one week’!

8. Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge (1962) 

Directed by Robert Enrico, this one is a period short film with the backdrop of Civil war, situated (as the name suggests) at the Owl Creek Bridge where a man is going to be hanged for mutiny.

Just as the execution was about to take place the rope breaks and the man escapes for his life, a desperate attempt to get reunited with his beloved wife. Will he be able to make it?  

This 28 min short without a single dialogue says a lot more than you can ever imagine!

7. Easy Street (1917) 

Directed and acted by Charles Chaplin, this one is an epic short film, probably one of Chaplin’s earliest short that did predict his potential to become one of the most successful man ever in the history of Film making! 

A tramp becomes a police officer and now he must fight it out with the biggest bully on the street! 

Along with Edna Purviance and Eric Campbell this 24min slap-stick comedy is as hilarious as it can get. 

6. Entr’acte (1924)

Intriguing is the word that directly comes to our mind as soon as we start watching this bizarre 22 min short film.

The innovative juxtaposition of images, the transitions, the brilliant camera angles (much ahead of it’s time) and overlaps, the element of speed incorporated along with the eccentric soundtrack in the background – directed by René Clair the film though difficult to interpret is still an enigma, a masterpiece, a rule-breaker.

One of the best classic surrealist short film ever made!

5. The Smiling Madame Beudet (1923)

An intelligent woman trapped in a loveless marriage, an irritating husband and then we have a revolver that may not be empty anymore!

Directed by Germaine Dulac, this silent 26 min short is regarded as one of the first feminist movies ever made!

4. La Jetée (1962)

Paris in the aftermath of WWII, a montage of pictures that takes us through the unknown passages of time, memories that combines the past, the present and somehow the future as well.

Directed by Chris Marker, this film is an absolute beauty, and probably the best example of how still images along with a voiceover can tell a powerful story on it’s own.

A true classic!

(I couldn’t find the whole film in youtube. This is just the starting bit of the 28 min film)

3. A Trip to the Moon (1902)

One of the earliest known science fiction and also the first animated film ever attempted!

Taking Jules Verne‘s novel, “From the Earth to the Moon” as the source material, director by Georges Méliès made this unique short featuring a group of astronomers going on an expedition to the Moon!
This 13 min stylised classic will always be on every must watch short film list. 

Another short from the same directot Georges Méliès that is worth your time – The Voyage Across the Impossible (1904).

2. Un Chien Andalou (1929)

Talking about surreality; eccentric, bizarre and often grotesque imagery – well, you have come to the right place.

A unique collaboration between Luis Buñuel (director) and Salvador Dalí (writer) which resulted to this short 16min classic that tops the list when it comes to the most disturbing shots ever compiled together to provoke the audience.

Another brilliant short that is a must watch from the same director Simon of the Desert (1965).

  1. Meshes of the Afternoon (1943)

Directed by Maya Deren and Alexander Hammid, this film is one of the most stylish classic short that portrays the possible dreams of a woman, a surreal look into her thoughts, her desires, her subconscious mind.  

Repetitive images, playing with shadows, jump cuts, experimental camera tricks and the eerie soundtrack – 14min of all these give enough scope for multiple interpretations, symbolisms and certain cryptic significances throughout the film.

Two other classic short films also from Director Maya Deren that are totally worth your time At Land (1944) and Ritual in Transfigured Time (1946).

and (The ‘+1′ film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most innovative one. A must watch)

+1. The Arrival of a Train (1896) 

Although considered to be among the first motion pictures in modern history but actually it was the first major public display of the ‘invention’ of film.

Directed by Auguste Lumière and Louis Lumière (the Lumière Brothers), this 1 min historic film when exhibited for the first time at a Parisian café (Grand Café) on 28th December 1895, it is said that the first-night audience literally ran out of the café in fear of being run over by the “approaching” train!

Such is the power of Cinema!

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Poster courtesy: www.imdb.com