Tag Archives: Oscars

Force Majeure (2014)

Force Majeure film review

My Ratings: 4.4/5.

Force Majeure is a term generally used to define the risks which are beyond the reasonable control of anybody; legally also known as the ‘acts of God’.

For example an avalanche or even a threat of an avalanche!

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-threatning moment will a man prove himself to be ‘man’ enough and defend his family or will he panic and run for his own life?

For Thomas who has come for a ski holiday in the snowy mountains of the French Alps with his wife Ebba and the two kids Harry and Vera, such a decisive moment will have a profound effect on his life and will turn their family dynamics upside down.

Force-Majeure-poster1Directed by Ruben Östlund, Force Majeure is an outstanding dark comedy that delves with certain aspects of our human nature which we poor humans are often not so keen to admit even to ourselves. 

The scenic beauty of the snow clapped mountains captured by Fredrik Wenzel when put in sync with the often used music from Antonio Vivaldis Summer Concerto gives the film an eerie sense of danger, a state of anxiety that perfectly matches with the moods of the characters.

Brilliant performances and impeccable comic timing by the actors – Johannes Kuhnke (Thomas)Lisa Loven Kongsli (Ebba), Vincent Wettergren (Harry), Clara Wettergren (Vera) and of course Kristofer Hivju (Mats).  

Storytelling also at it’s best, plenty of clever dialogues and subtle moments that make this film one of the best of 2014. Among a long list of awards Force Majeure has already won the Jury Prize at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival. It is also been selected as the Swedish entry for the Best Foreign Language Film for the Oscars.

Force Majeure is a film that throws light on the overall perception of heroism and what it takes ‘to be a Man’ as it dissects the aftereffects of a momentary act of cowardice.

Watch it.

 
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The Rocket (2013)

My Ratings: 4/5.

The Rocket is a heart-touching Australian film selected in the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 2014 Oscars.

Set in Laos (Vietnam) The Rocket is the tale of a 10 year old boy named Alho (amazing performance by Sitthiphon Disamoe) who is desperate to prove himself ‘lucky’!

Being a twin Alho (though his twin brother died in child birth) is considered unlucky from the time he was born (especially by the highly prejudiced elder generation people). And after a terrible accident and a few unfortunate events Alho’s fate seemed to be sealed.

But then with the support of his little girl-friend Kia (Loungnam Kaosainam) and her half-baked uncle Purple (Suthep Po-ngam), and also with his father’s approval Alho does manage to turn things around in his favor.

The kid’s luck flies high like a rocket in the sky.

The Rocket not only narrates a family drama with great emotional details but also reflects the poor conditions of the majority in the post war Vietnam.

Many people may perceive the film as a political drama but according to me the political aspect is very intelligently kept as a sub-layer in the film. Evidently the story of Alho and his near ones is the focus of the film.

Directed by Kim Mordaunt The Rocket is shot almost in the documentary style realist manner and such natural performances especially by the kids – the moments of innocence will absolutely melt your heart.

Great performances, superb story-telling and most importantly a film that is true to itself.

Hard luck for you if you miss this film, believe me.

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9dHw423U7Q

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Best of Woody Allen

Best of Woody Allen.

written by Souranath Banerjee.

Personally a big fan of Woody Allan – the man who redefined classy, witty comedy in the history of World Cinema.

He is a Writer, Director, Actor, Musician – directed more than 45 feature films and still going strong.

And here is a list of Woody Allen’s best films of all times. Do let me know if you agree with me or even if you don’t.

10. Bananas (1971)

WA - BananasThis is one of his early films where Woody is willing to do anything stupid and funny to make you laugh. His effort of slapstick comedy punched with clever sarcasm works fine and yes – it does make us laugh.

This film is packed with humorous one liners and jokes as Woody attempts to make fun of the third world political scenario.

Just sit back and get entertained.

Film Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xyqm-wWnX0A

9. Take the Money and Run (1969)

WAWA - Take the money and run

I laughed my ass off while watching  this film. It’s Woody’s second film (in a way his first proper feature film) and it’s a laugh riot.

In a mock-documentary style Woody portrays the life story of a petty criminal who unfortunately couldn’t master the knack of stealing.

Superb story telling and probably one of his most funny films ever.

Film Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yNhsuxqMXk

8. Match Point (2005)

WA-Match-Point

Scarlett Johansson – one cannot help but fall in love with her.

In this film (besides Tennis) we learn  that it’s all about luck – as Jonathan Rhys Meyers says “I’d rather be lucky than good”.

But what happens when you are about to get lucky and love (or may be lust) threatens to ruin it all?

Suspense and drama, love and betrayal, cool and sexy. Just love it.

Film Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wISRAOb6xm0

7. Deconstructing Harry (1997)

WA - Deconstructing Harry

A person too neurotic in his real life can only survive through his art. One of Woody’s most criticized films perhaps but again hilariously funny. I love it.

Woody creates a strange world where – being ‘out of focus’ is the new illness, unfaithful couples fuck in-front of the blind grandma, therapists need therapies themselves, where hookers give the best advice and ‘hell’ seems to be a cool place to hangout.

Film Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9wYgL-Mglw

6. Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008)

WA - Vicky Christina Barcelona

Love, passion, lust and romance all shaken and stirred to make this unique cocktail – a film that celebrates relationships of all kinds.

Rebecca HallScarlett JohanssonJavier Bardem, Penélope Cruz – all hot and happening in Barcelona.

I dig this film for it’s superb characterizations and the sexy story telling.

Film Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-RdUcXAKiw

5. Crimes and Misdemeanors (1989)

WA - Crimes and Misdemeanors

An excellent take on infidelity, felony, guilt and justice (God’s justice to be more precise).

Woody presents us with the perfect fusion of wit and serious drama; undoubtedly one of his best screenplays.

The film was nominated for Oscars in  three categories including ‘Best Direction’.  On of my all time favorites.

Film Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wXqwL3akhw

4. Blue Jasmine (2013)

WA - Blue Jasmine

The very recent one and again a masterpiece.

Comic yet brutal, a story of delusional Jasmine who struggles to cope with her sudden climb down on the social ladder.

Script writing at it’s best by Woody  – great actors, fine music and the elegant Cate Blanchett ( she won the Oscar for her role and so well deserved).

Film Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FER3C394aI8

3. Manhattan (1979)

WA - ManhattanOne of the best shot black and white films i have ever seen – a story of relationships and a lot more.

An insight into a love story between a 42 year old man and a 17 year old girl, now the same man also falls in love with his best friend’s mistress!!

How crazy can it go than this?

A treat to your eyes and one of the most classy works of Woody.

Film Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7N7aAFRIz4

2. Annie Hall (1977)

WA - Annie HallAnd now the film for which Woody Allen is best known for. Won four Oscars including ‘Best film’ and ‘best director’.

The ultimate romantic comedy – starts with the nervous attempts to find love, then a funny yet complicated relationship and finally to loose it all.

A film you can watch over and over … a genuine love story.

Film Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBzHphcc2Jw

1. Sweet and Lowdown (1999)

WA - Sweet and lowdownThe story of ‘the second best jazz guitarist in the world’ – Sean Penn and Samantha Morton at their best. This film engages you with the classic Chaplin like emotions – laughter with a hint of sadness in it.

Great music. Innovative story telling. Superb acting.

Probably the most underrated film of Woody Allen but for me – it’s his best creation till date.

Film Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6stUcaJx5f4

and

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

+1. Zelig (1983)

WA - ZeligA brilliant ‘mockumentary’ – very clever, sophisticated and of course funny. Woody plays the ‘human chameleon’ – a person with identity crisis, who resembles anyone in whose company he finds himself.

An unique idea and skillfully executed, a perfect satire of the current society.

The film was much ahead of it’s time; one of my personal favorites.

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

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