Tag Archives: Marion Cotillard

Macbeth (2015)

Macbeth review

written by Souranath Banerjee

A visual extravaganza that makes even a tragedy look ravishing! 

My Ratings: 4.2/5.

What is common between directors like Orson WellesRoman PolanskiAkira KurosawaVishal BhardwajBilly MorrissettePhilip Casson and (recently included) Justin Kurzel?

macbeth-poster2Well, they have all managed to successfully put forward the epic Shakespearian tragedy on screen; a tale so heavy on greed, ambition, deceit and conscience, the story of none other than the King of Scotland – Macbeth.

This latest adaptation by director Justin Kurzel (of The Snowtown Murders fame) is probably the most artistic account of the play till date.

The basic storyline is of course the same.

Macbeth (Michael Fassbender), a brave Scottish general (Thane of Glamis) receives a prophecy from a trio of witches that he will be the macbeth-poster7next King of Scotland! To fulfill his ambition/prophecy and coaxed by his enterprising wife Lady Macbeth (Marion Cotillard), he slays King
Duncan (David Thewlis) and himself becomes the King. And then he gets rid of all his enemies and anybody who suspects him, except his own conscience.

Other than the brilliant cinematography by Adam Arkapaw the film owes its brilliance entirely to the acting department.

Over the years Michael Fassbender has become one of the best in his profession. In this film, he has taken Macbeth’s desperation, tyranny, loneliness and the deep sense of guilt to such depth, his eyes in the light of the fire, his paranoia, his enslavement to absolute power – all portrayed to perfection.

macbeth-poster6And Marion Cotillard is always a delight to watch, such a powerful actress!

Though the film faithfully follows the original acts of the theatrical version, but director Kurzel’s powerful visual style of storytelling makes full use of all the remarkable cinematic techniques and brings out the emotions to a different level. And also, special credit to the screenwriters Jacob KoskoffMichael Lesslie and Todd Louiso for such a brilliant adaptation of the original Bard’s poetry.

You need not have to be a fan of the works of Shakespeare to relish this 1h 53min drama, but then again if you are, then this Macbeth version is indeed a special treat for you.

Poster courtesy: www.impawards.com

Best Animated Films of 2015 (10+1list)

Best Animated Films of 2015.

written by Souranath Banerjee

Quality animation films are always a treat to watch; they are probably the only perfect definition of family entertainers that brings a smile to each of our faces regardless of our age.

A glance ahead confirms that 2016 promises some of the best yet-to-release animated films such as Kung Fu Panda 3, Finding Dory, The Secret Life of PetsMoanaKubo and the Two StringsThe Red TurtleZootopia and Ice Age: Collision Course.

But before we take the leap into the future, let’s appreciate our present and be thankful for the Best Animated Films of 2015!

And the list begins.

10. Shaun the Sheep Movie

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQvwiOWpj7o

shaun-the-sheep-movie-posterFrom Aardman Animations, the animation studio that earlier gave us the adventures of Wallace & GromitChicken Run and also Shaun the Sheep (TV Series).

Directed by Mark Burton and Richard Starzak, a film that continues the legacy of Shaun (who is ‘the sheep’ of course).

Highly entertaining without having a single dialogue (only animal sounds), and it’s made over a period of six years by twenty animators each producing two-second footage per day!

9. Battle of Surabaya

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jar7zUU_Kls

Battle-of-Surabaya-posterDirected by Aryanto Yuniawan, it’s about (as the title suggests) the historic battle of Surabaya, more of a dramatic version of it punched with a romantic side line.

Shown from the view point of a patriotic young lad named Musa, and his heroic adventures during the time of war.  

Superb animation, brilliant music and a decent story line, an Indonesian animation feature with great promise.

8. The Prophet aka ‘Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet’

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

Prophet-poster8 segments directed by 8 different directors including Roger Allers (the director of popular films like The Lion King and Open Season).

The film as the name suggests is a take on Kahlil Gibran’s best seller book ‘the Prophet’.  Though not as inspiring as the book, but definitely it’s worth a watch.

Voiced by celebrities like Liam NeesonAlfred Molina and Salma Hayek (she is also one of the producers of the film).

7. April and the Extraordinary World

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-39w9wsaq4s

April-Extraordinary-World-posterDirected by Christian Desmares and Franck Ekinci, this film has the most unique tale to tell.

In the 1941 France, the scientists are getting disappeared and thus the world is deprived of it’s inventions!

A young girl Avril (voiced by Marion Cotillard) is in search of her scientist parents and tries to solve the entire mystery.

6. The Peanuts Movie

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pCoVQDD-OY

peanut-movie-posterThe disastrous Charlie Brown and the ever-confident Snoopy – you simply can’t get enough of them.

A hilarious and charming story of the beloved ‘Peanuts’ gang, presented by Blue Sky Studios (the creators of Ice AgeHorton Hears a Who! and Rio).

Directed by Steve Martino, this is the first theatrical ‘Peanuts’ film after 35 years, since the death of creator Charles M. Schulz in 2000.

5. The Good Dinosaur

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=daFnEiLEx70

good-dinosaur-posterDirected by Peter Sohn, this is the unique story of an Apatosaurus named Arlo who strays away from the comfort of his home and in his quest to return back he makes new friends and experience life in his own way. 

From mega studios Pixar Animation Studios and  Walt Disney Pictures, this is a film full of joy, warmth and inspiration. 

Nothing new in the story though but told with great style and conviction. A visual treat.

4. The Little Prince

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEPqgSNLfK8

Little-Prince-Poster

A French production, the film is an adaptation of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry‘s The Little Prince.

A beautiful story about a little girl who is preparing herself for the grown-up world!

Directed by Mark Osborne, and voiced by famous stars like Rachel McAdamsPaul RuddJeff BridgesMarion CotillardJames FrancoBenicio Del ToroPaul Giamatti and Vincent Cassel. 

3. The Boy and the Beast

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uifJLWoWv8c

boy-and-beast-posterWritten and directed by Mamoru Hosoda, this one is a brilliant fantasy film from Japan.

 A Studio Chizu production who gave us Wolf Children in 2012, this is the story of a boy who is trained in the arts of fighting by a beast (from an imaginary world) and it’s also about the special bonding they share.

Breezy story telling, classy animation and a few moments of pure emotions.

2. Inside Out

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=seMwpP0yeu4

Inside-Out-Poster1Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness – the ultimate conflict of emotions inside the head of a young girl and much more.

(Click for the review)

Directed by Pete Docter and Ronnie Del Carmen, and presented by Walt Disney Pictures and  Pixar Animation Studios, this one is a must-watch for all film lovers.

For me, the film has by far the best concept for any animated film ever.

  1. Anomalisa

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DT6QJaS2a-U

anomalisa-posterDirected by Duke Johnson and Charlie Kaufman, this film is a rare gem that needs to be cherished and relished to its maximum potential.

(Click for the review)

A man bored with his life is seeking for some excitement, some incentive to go on. And then he meets a girl who seems to be the solution of his problem!

A highly sensitive yet melancholic film with the best stop motion animation till date!

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

+1. Extraordinary Tales

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4IDwG_FMpM

Extraordinary-Tales-posterDirected by Raul Garcia, this is an animated anthology of 5 dark and haunted stories, all of which are adapted from the works of the brilliant writer Edgar Allan Poe.

The film has great animation and visual story telling and the stories can’t be any better (since written by Poe).

Something different from what you generally expect from an animation feature. Worth a watch.

And finally, a few entertaining films of 2015 that didn’t make the list: Minions, Hotel Transylvania 2Asterix and Obelix: Mansion of the GodsHomeAdamaStrange MagicThe SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water and Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’.

Similar Interest: Best Animated Short Films (10+1list)

Poster courtesy: www.impawards.comwww.flickeringmyth.comca-tsuka.tumblr.comwww.goldposter.comwww.cartoonbrew.com, variety.comwww.peanutsmovie.comwww.rotoscopers.comwww.flickeringmyth.com, hype.mywww.imdb.com.  

Best Biopics on Musicians (10+1list)

Best Biopics On Musicians

written by Souranath Banerjee

While watching the recent biopic Love & Mercy (2014) based on
Beach Boys lead singer Brian Wilson’s life (starring John Cusack,
love-and-mercy-posterElizabeth BanksPaul Dano and Paul Giamatti), I had this observation that the more famous the artist, the more is the chance for them to be vulnerable and gullible in their personal life.

The extremely talented Musicians who are superstars on the stage, with all the money and fame in the world but in their real life, most of them are so alone and disturbed and emotionally unstable.

Either their family lives are torn apart as a direct side-effect of fame (too much of drugs, sex and ego) or else they are being bullied, cheated, harassed or exploited by none other than their close friends and relatives.

These films in the list are some of the Best Biopics on Musicians across the world, the lives of the crazy and the genius.

Let the music flow!

10. Amadeus (1984)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIzhAKtEzY0

amadeus-poster1‘I am a vulgar man but i assure you my music is not’ – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Directed by Milos Forman, an epic biopic made on the life of arguably the best composer ever existed. 

Mozart, Music and Murder -a colorful masterpiece, nominated for 11 Oscars and won eight of them, including best picture, actor and director!

9. The Doors (1991)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rU0tR0EjAXA

doors-posterJim Morrison, the God of Rock – the story of his eccentric life; the madness and the genius.

Starring Val Kilmer and Meg Ryan, the film perfectly captures the energy, the style and the vibrant personality of the ‘Electric Poet’. 

Directed by brilliant Oliver Stone, a visual treat and for me, in the rock n’ roll genre this is the best biopic ever made. Watch it.

8. I’m Not There. (2007)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFUEofAr9GA

im-not-there-poster1

Christian BaleCate BlanchettHeath LedgerRichard GereBen Whishaw and Marcus Carl Franklin – six actors, six characters, one life, one artist – Bob Dylan!

Soaked in Dylan’s soulful music, it is made in a non-linear and avant garde fashion, a complete original take by director Todd Haynes

Challenging but certainly not mainstream. 

7. Walk the Line (2005)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsvZGwd8vrI

walk-the-line-posterDirected by James Mangold, this one is a biopic on country music legend Johnny Cash’s life.

His fame and family, his love and addiction, his depression and his will to survive; his ultimate success.

Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon both were Oscar nominated for their outstanding performances and Reese finally won the award.

6. Coal Miner’s Daughter (1980)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pivm4oMEDRs

coal-miners-daughter-posterThe legendary singer Loretta Lynn and how she changed the rhythm and style of country-music forever.  

From poverty to worldwide fame, her life  and her musical career is a story to be told. Starring Sissy Spacek (oscar winning role)Tommy Lee Jones and Levon Helm.

Directed by Michael Apted, this biography deserves much more attention than it received.

5. Nowhere Boy (2009)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0Qu62_vPbo

Nowhere-boy-posterDirected by Sam Taylor-Johnson, this biopic focuses on the early life of musical sensation John Lennon.

Lennon’s relationship with his aunt Mimi and his mother Julia, his love for music and how he met his friends Paul McCartney and George Harrison!

Experience the evolution of the revolution, the man behind the most popular band ever – The Beatles.

4. Ray (2004)

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

ray-poster1Directed by Taylor Hackford, this one tells the story of Ray Charles, the legendary rhythm and blues musician of the 60s.

At the age of seven he lost his eyesight but still with his gifted voice and compositions, and his brilliance in playing the piano he became one of the most successful musicians of the time.

Jamie Foxx won Oscar for his role.

3. Control (2007)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7c2_B_cWK_M

control-posterA biography of the famous lead singer of the band Joy Division – Ian Curtis.

Directed by Anton Corbijnthe film depicts the troubled life of the musical genius which ended at the young age of 23 (he committed suicide).

The film is a simple yet stylized series of black and white visuals shot brilliantly by Martin Ruhe.

2. What’s Love Got to Do with It (1993)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nbzbd2wUGao

whats-love-got-to-do-with-it-posterIt’s a biopic on Tina Turner’s courageous life, both stage and personal.

The way she shot to stardom and became famous, the tough years when she was traumatized by her abusive husband Ike Turner and finally how she managed to break free.

Directed by Brian Gibson, a film that every woman should see and take inspiration from.

  1. Shine (1996)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTt4Ar6pzO4

shine-posterPiano player David Helfgott, a child prodigy who had a breakdown early in his life but later came back and became popular. 

Directed by Scott Hicks, a film that is so intense and yet so satisfying, so true to the life of the artist.  

The prime reason to watch this biopic is for Geoffrey Rush‘s brilliant performance for which he won the Oscar that year!

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

+1. La Vie en Rose (2007)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzEJ7NV_g98

vie-en-rose-posterA superb biopic on Édith Piaf‘s life, the famous French singer.

With the ever-beautiful Marion Cotillard in the lead, the film takes us into a nonlinear journey of the vulnerable yet talented singer’s childhood, then her rise to fame and the various ups and downs of her life. 

Directed by Olivier Dahan, a great work of passion and emotion.

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

Best Foreign Language Films of 2014 (10+1list)

Best Foreign Language Films of 2014.

Written by Souranath Banerjee

2014 was a unique year for world Cinema.

Quality films were made across the globe; stories that denounced war and corruption, films which tested complex relationships, cinemas that didn’t shy away from portraying the many complexities of our human nature.

Directors skilfully explored the subtlety of emotions and managed to create an immense impact upon the worldwide audiences.

And so, here is a list of some of the Best Foreign Language Films of 2014 that shouldn’t be missed at any cost.

1. Force Majeure 

Original title: Turist. Country: Sweden.

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjjzVbTBF8o

Force-Majeure-poster1

Now how does a person react in that split second of time when one assumes his life to be in danger? In such a life-threatening moment will a man prove himself to be ‘man’ enough and defend his family or will he panic and run for his own life?

(Click for the film review)

Directed by Ruben Östlund, Force Majeure won the Jury Prize at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival

2. Stations of the Cross

Original title: Kreuzweg, Country: Germany. 

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNp7lb1OWow

stations-of-the-cross1

Story of a 14 year old Catholic girl who decides to dedicate his life to God.

Conservative family, the teachings of the Church and a young vulnerable mind that tries to cope with the tough religious restrictions.

Directed by Dietrich Brüggemann, one of the most powerful films ever!

3. Tangerines

Original title: Mandariinid, Country: Estonia.

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

Tangerine-poster

War has always been the cause for destruction, be it human lives or the season’s crop – the Tangerines.

(Click for the film review)

Directed by Zaza Urushadze the film was nominated for the Best Foreign Language Film in the Oscars.

An unpredictable ending and superb performances.

4. Mommy

Original title: Mommy, Country: Canada.

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9LVLCYvqSI

mommy-posterXavier Dolan (who won the jury prize at 2014 Cannes Film Festival) directed this brilliant film that tells the story of a widowed single mother and her fifteen year old son and also their mysterious neighbors. 

The love and the endless struggle a single mother has to go through; the film portrays the roller-coaster of emotions and the sacrifices of a mother to raise her teenage son.

5. Leviathan

Original title: Leviafan, Country: Russia.

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oo7H25kirk

Leviathan-poster1

Official submission of Russia for Oscars, nominated among the best five Foreign Language Films; won the Golden Globes and also competed for the most prestigious Palme d’Or award in the 2014 Cannes Film Festival.

(Click for the film review)

Director Andrey Zvyagintsev doesn’t flinch away from showing the ugly face of corruption.

6. Ida

Original title: Ida, Country: Poland.

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXhCaVqB0x0

ida-poster3

Only a few very rare films have images so powerful that they tend to overshadow everything else, even the narrative and the story-line seems to dissolve in the pure beauty of each and every frame.

(Click for the film review)

Directed by Pawel PawlikowskiOfficial submission of Poland to the Best Foreign Language Film category and Ida won the Oscar!

7. Corn Island

Original title: Simindis Kundzuli, Country: Georgia.

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5Fc9ydpP_Q

Corn-Island-poster

The film is a take on the dominance of nature over mankind; in a very subtle way the film shows the foolishness of man who are in constant battle with each other but can never fight the nature.

George Ovashvili in his film uses only a handful of dialogues, but the impact of the visuals and the story are so strong that it speaks volumes to the audience.

8. Wild Tales

Original title: Relatos salvajes. Country: Spain.

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUnXv6R2HI8

wild-tales-poster

An anthology with six individual short films, all of which having a common theme of retribution and vengeance.

(Click for the film review)

These films (all six of them) are wicked, satirical and deranged (to some extent) but again at the same time they are clever, hilarious and highly entertaining. Awesome work by director Damián Szifrón.

9. Two Days, One Night

Original title: Deux jours, une nuit. Country: Belgium.

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tb3zBq6gVRk

Two-Days-One-Night-poster3

Directed by Jean-Pierre Dardenne, Luc Dardenne this film is all about being positive and standing your ground.

(Click for the film review)

Long takes, simple camera angles, natural dialogues and flawless acting – the brilliant performance by mesmerizing French actress and singer Marion Cotillard really makes this film worth it.

10. Winter Sleep 

Original title: Kis Uykusu. Country: Turkey.

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBAa-QtTxxE

winter-sleep-poster2

This year Nuri Bilge Ceylan won the prestigious Palme d’Or award for Winter Sleep at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival.

(Click for the film review)

Set in the picturesque backdrop of central Anatolia, Winter Sleep is the story of an aged, rich, philosophical hotel-owner named Aydin (Haluk Bilginer). A rare cinematic experience.

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

+1. The Raid 2

Original title: The Raid 2: Berandal, Country: Indonesia.

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MG9uFX3uYq4

the-raid-2-poster

SWAT team member Rama goes undercover to fight against the corrupt police and the underworld kingpins.

Exceptionally realistic fight scenes shot with brutal precision, all the actions showcase the Indonesian fighting style of Pencak silat.

Great story and performances but overall this is THE best action film of the recent times!

A few awesome films that didn’t make this list but are totally worth mentioning are BlindGoodbye to LanguageA Girl Walks Home Alone at NightWe Are the Best!Like Father, Like SonThe AttorneyA Coffee in BerlinStranger by the LakeThe Dance of Reality and Timbuktu.

Two Days, One Night (2014)

Two Days, One Night film review.

My Ratings: 4/5.

A few years back i watched a film named The Kid with a Bike directed by two brothers from Belgium, and was in awe with the unique slow and sensitive narrative and the genuineness of the characters. 

The Dardenne brothers (Jean-Pierre DardenneLuc Dardenne) have done it again and their latest feature Two Days, One Night is probably their best signature work till date.

The film is Belgium’s official submission to the  Best Foreign Language Film category for the Oscars.

The protagonist Sandra (Marion Cotillardhas got two days and one night time to individually meet up with all her colleagues and convince them to let go of the tempting bonus money and instead vote for her. If they don’t, Sandra looses her job. 

The basic plot of the film can’t be any simpler than this but it’s the execution that makes all the difference in the world.

Two-Days-One-Night-poster3The character of Sandra is so well distinguished, a wife and a mother; her struggle with depression, her quest to maintain dignity, her love for her family and even her respect for her co-workers decisions. A woman who is both strong and vulnerable at the same time.

And then of course the simple presence of mesmerizing French actress and singer Marion Cotillard – what a performance! She has done excellent work in many of her past films including InceptionRust and Bone, and very recently The Immigrant but this film is something special.

Long takes, simple camera angles, natural dialogues and flawless acting maintains the much needed super-realistic feel and saves the film from being repetitive after a point.

Two Days, One Night is not as simple as it looks apparently. The film has many layers and it cleverly reflects on our current society and it’s inhabitants. It’s also about family bonding (the tremendous support Sandra gets from her husband Manu, played by Fabrizio Rongione) and friendship and trust. It’s about making a difficult choice between being selfish or being human.

Take some time out, relax and switch off your cell phone. Only then you will be able to truly enjoy Two Days, One Night. Don’t you dare miss it.