Tag Archives: Pierce Brosnan

Best Crime Dramas of 2017 (10+1list)

Best Crime Dramas of 2017

written by Souranath Banerjee

Best Crime Dramas of 2017: Crime rate always been a problem but crime movies a treat to watch! Crime emerged as such an essential plot in almost every film that it eventually created its own separate genre, dramas based entirely on crimes.

Cool Crime Dramas always give us a certain insatiable rush, the bigger the crime the better, the chase and excitement more intense than ever.

And here we have a list of the Best Crime Dramas of 2017. Enjoy!

10. Logan Lucky

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPzvKH8AVf0

Crime-DramasChanning Tatum and Adam Driver – two brothers along with their sister  Riley Keough plans a robbery but they need the help of a convicted safe-cracker (who else than Daniel Craig) to finally get their plan into action.  

Directed by Steven Soderbergh, a surprisingly refreshing crime drama, a heist story with enough comedy to make you laugh at regular intervals.

9. Atomic Blonde

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8USk21Lt0f4

Crime-DramasThe backdrop being the Cold War – deadly and sensuous Charlize Theron, an undercover MI6 agent lands in Berlin to sniff out double-agents and also investigate the murder of a fellow agent.

James McAvoy, John GoodmanToby Jones, Sofia Boutella – a brilliant cast all at their best.

Ace stuntman turned director David Leitch has some of the best action sequences in the film!

8. Shot Caller

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQxjyRr9k2E

Crime-DramasAn accidental crime and then a prison sentence teaches a white-collar business professional new ways of survival. And pretty soon his lessons come handy.

Written and directed by Ric Roman Waugh, this one is a perfect crime drama with brilliant performances including Jon Bernthal, Lake Bell, Emory Cohen.

A much underrated movie definitely worth your time.

7. Brawl in Cell Block 99

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hfAExhHTMM

Crime-DramasVince Vaughn is back – not in some romcom but with a tough-guy-role in this cool and violent crime drama.

A drug dealer who goes to prison after a sore deal and realises that he has landed in the midst of a battleground!

Directed by S. Craig Zahler, this action drama has extreme violent scenes that can be disturbing for some people.

6. Good Time

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrR-SbCRgCU

Crime-DramasA heist gone wrong but that’s not the only thing that doesn’t go according to the plan. In order to save his mentally challenged brother a thug has the misadventure of his lifetime in one night span!

Directed by Benny Safdie and Josh Safdie, a rollercoaster ride of intense drama and Robert Pattinson breaks away from his Twilight zone and gives a super cool performance.

5. American Made

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

Crime-Dramas‘The gringo that always delivers’

The biography of Barry Seal who was started his career as an ordinary pilot but soon recruited by the CIA and later worked for none other than Pablo Escobar.

Directed by Doug Liman, and Tom Cruise playing the lead this is one of the most crazy twisted crime drama and very much based on real events!

4. The Foreigner

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=om9YCk7ufHs

Crime-DramasAn act of politically-motivated terrorism takes away his daughter’s life and now as a father he will do anything to bring justice to the people involved in the act.

Directed by Martin Campbell, a cool crime drama – both emotional and intense.

Surely the best thing that happened for Jackie Chan and Pierce Brosnan in recent times. 

3. Wind River

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zN9PDOoLAfg

Crime-Dramas‘You don’t catch wolves looking where they might be, you look where they’ve been.’

A young Native American woman gets murdered and a veteran tracker decides to help the police track down the guilty. A chilling revenge drama based on actual events.

Brilliant performance by Jeremy Renner along with Elizabeth Olsen and Graham Greene. Written and directed by Taylor Sheridan, probably the best crime thriller of the year!

2. John Wick: Chapter 2

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGk2EfbD_Ps

Crime-DramasKeanu Reeves is back as John Wick, the man whose car and dog you better don’t mess with! 

This is the second instalment of the superb 2014 action thriller John Wick, and this time it’s even more raw, brutal and action packed.

Directed by Chad Stahelski, this is the savage saga of what happens when you put a bounty on John Wick’s head!

1. Baby Driver

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9YZw_X5UzQ

Crime-DramasEvery successful heist ends with a thrilling car chase and Baby, the young getaway driver is there to guarantee your safety!

Super cool performances by Ansel Elgort, Jon Bernthal, Jon HammEiza GonzálezLily James and finally Jamie Foxx and Kevin Spacey stealing the show.

Directed by Edgar Wright, a crime drama intertwined with classy soundtracks – racy and stylish.

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

+1. Detroit

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5h7Kgo-zeI

Crime-DramasThe brilliantly authentic portrayal of the 1967 Detroit riots – the largest Rase-riots in the history of United States particularly focusing on the Algiers Motel incident where a certain group of cops gone rogue and responded to a complaint with extreme retribution!

All over superb performances, raw and real, acclaimed director Kathryn Bigelow‘s latest – a brilliant fact-based crime drama!

Similar Interest: Best Thrillers Of 2016

Similar Interest: Best Hollywood Movies of 2017 so far

Similar Interest: Best of 2017 you may have missed

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

Judi Dench – the greatest Bond woman of all time!

Judi Dench – the greatest Bond woman of all time!

written by Anu Gopinath

The life of an assassin, going for his kill in the name of his Queen and his country, is riddled with the insecurities and fears of a man nearing the end of the tunnel and finding himself obsolete in the new Judi-Denchworld of drones and gadgets.

The one that kept James Bond sane (other than his Walther PPK of course) was the sturdy hands of a woman who went toe to toe with Bond – to unleash him to the world and then sheath him in the confines of Booze, women and the cold walls of MI6 at her whim, when found surplus for her needs and plans.

Long gone were the days of Connerys and Moores and the bond series was left stagnant for a significant period of time begging for resurrection when, MGM in all its wisdom chose to relaunch the series with Pierce Brosnan and later with Daniel Craig in the lead. The choice like any other came with its own controversies but the Judi-Denchwisdom of its choice left the world in their gasps, when in came to the land of men guns and bullets, a woman, as the head of MI6 who will ever hold the crown of being the “the only woman who ever bought the secret agent to his knees”. DAME Judie Dench.

So the board was set. The hunt was afoot. Short in stature but abundant in talent, Judie Dench curved a niche for herself in the hearts of the fans and critics alike when she hunted down the enemies of state with the eye and cold heart of a hunter who killed for her Country and savoured the last moments of her prey with such nonchalance that will put even Dr.Hannibal Lecter to shame.

In a movie series where women character had practically nothing to speak of other than being the eye candy (with only Eva Green in 2006 Casino Royale being an exception), Judi Dench rode in with such authoritarian aura that she traded punch for punch, wit for wit, barb for barb with her adversaries as well as her top assassin to come out on top and each and every single time she found herself and her organisation on the ropes. And innumerable times she outshone her colleagues with such wit and charm that Brosnan and Craig humbly stepped back for her to take the centre stage.

Such was her acting prowess that she made the character of M a lasting symbol of reason and justice. Her forthrightness in Judi-Denchsupporting her top assassin even at the face of her worst rival, her ironclad judgement where she orders to even shoot him for the
greater good of saving many made her one of the most awe inspiring characters that cinema ever gifted to the world!

Starting her term as M in Goldeneye (1995) along side Pierce Brosnan, Judi Dench owned the role to such extend that it gave a new dimension to the character of M and in turn helped Brosnan in sharing the load of expectations that came naturally with the role of the most suave secret agent ever to have graced over the silver screen.

Bond movies reaped the benefits of her charisma and methodical acting and it was a fitting tribute and recognition to Judi Dench’s talent and contribution that her character was the only one which survived the reboot when MGM gave us the most manly bond in Daniel Craig.

Judi-DenchDaniel Craig’s portrayal of Bond showed his vulnerable side of being a human who is steadfast and arrogant to the point of self destruction with her playing the perfect foil to her brash assassin guiding him when needed, reprimanding him when required and unleashing him when cornered.

Judi Dench brought her own style and perspective into the character of M that bond series would never be the same again. Perhaps it was fitting tribute to her achievements that her swan song as M was destined to be played out under the respectable eyes of some of the thespians of world cinema – Ralph Fiennes and Javier Bardem!

And when she finally walked away, she did so with her head held high having given the world a mere glimpse of the multitude of her talent and her name shall ever be etched in the lores of the cinema as GREATEST BOND WOMAN OF ALL TIME!

Poster courtesy: www.imdb.com

Best Europe Travel Films (10+1list)

Best Europe Travel Films

written by Souranath Banerjee

Best Europe Travel Films – these films shouldn’t be confused with the Road-movies category made by European directors (though a few of them Europe-Travel-Filmsin the list does fulfill that criteria as well).

This particular list of movies, for them the locations are as important as the characters in the narrative, and they are meant to inspire you to travel to the stunning European cities so rich in beauty, culture and heritage.

To travel is to live and as they say ‘when you travel far enough you meet yourself‘. And it’s so true! In each of these films you will find the characters somehow discovering themselves at the end of their romantic/emotional or spiritual/adventurous journeys!

Hope you start packing your bags for Europe soon after watching these films! (No documentaries included in this list though.)

10. How Much Further (2006)

Qué tan lejos (original title)

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

Europe-Travel-FilmsPlace to Visit: Ecuador

Two girls on a bus-ride to the city of Cuenca, but due to certain unavoidable reasons they finally decide to hitchhike their way. They meet interesting people, they have fun and experience the journey of their lives!

Directed by Tania Hermida, a pretty underrated travel drama with superb landscapes and a very well narrated plot.

9. The Way (2010)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnTpJEFlj5g

Europe-Travel-FilmsPlace to Visit: Spain

A father (Martin Sheencarrying the ashes of his adult son completes the historical pilgrimage to honor his son’s desire to finish the journey.

Directed by Emilio Estevez, this emotional film takes us through a enchantingly scenic walk from the French border through northern Spain – known as The Way of St. James or Camino de Santiago.

8. Copenhagen (2014)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivNMSxPE-_w

Europe-Travel-FilmsPlace to Visit: Denmark

A guy comes to Copenhagen to find about his grandfather’s past but soon enough he falls in love with a girl only to find out later that she is a minor!

Directed by Mark Raso, this charming film is essentially a love-story but it will help you explore the beautiful and historic Danish capital; a perfect movie for romantic wanderers! 

7. The Trip (2010)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9bPJmy68Rs

Europe-Travel-FilmsPlace to Visit: England

Two friends Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon (playing themselves) travels across the North Country of England in order to write their food and travel experiences for a magazine. 

If comedy, good food and traveling makes you happy then this first chapter of director Michael Winterbottom‘s The Trip Trilogy is definitely worth your time!

The other two films of ‘The Trip Trilogy’ are The Trip to Italy (2014) and The Trip to Spain (2017).

6. In July (2000)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mr7WImqnKBM

Europe-Travel-FilmsPlace to Visit: Germany, Turkey

A professor (Moritz Bleibtreu) in search for his soulmate is ready to travel all across Europe, from Hamburg to Istanbul but does he really know who is his true love?

Directed by Fatih Akin, a brilliant tale of adventure and passion, full of comic moments and yet so romantic. Probably the best road-movie I have ever seen!

4. Midnight in Paris (2011)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_3gIxrcWK8

Europe-Travel-FilmsPlace to Visit: France

Every midnight a nostalgic screenwriter (Owen Wilson) mysteriously goes back to the golden age of Paris – the 1920s, and there he finds his inspiration!

Directed by Woody Allen who has made numerous films focusing on many cities around the world but this Oscar wining film is special – Paris has never been so romantic!

5. A Room with a View (1985)

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

Europe-Travel-FilmsPlace to Visit: Italy

When you visit a city as beautiful as Florence you surely deserve a view from your hotel room!

Directed by James Ivory, this brilliant romantic drama (nominated for 8 Oscars, won 3) celebrates both love and passion as well as the vistas of the picturesque city. Trust me, this movie is the reason for many to plan a visit to Italy!

4. Mamma Mia! (2008)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiVnD9i7BpE

Europe-Travel-FilmsPlace to Visit: Greece

A fun-filled musical starring Amanda Seyfried, Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth among others; the backdrop being the gorgeous Greek landscapes surrounded by the vast blue oceans.

Directed by Phyllida Lloyd, if you adore ABBA and Greece, this is THE film for you!

3. Kings of the Road (1976)

Im Lauf der Zeit (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zq-EBhErEI

Europe-Travel-FilmsPlace to Visit: Germany

A film-projection-equipment repairman and a heart-broken young man team up to travel along the East-German border – an unknown adventure begins!

The third film of the Road-movie Trilogy directed by acclaimed Wim Wenders, with the German countryside in the background this is a brilliant piece of Cinema both artistically and intellectually.

The other two films of the ‘Road-movie Trilogy are Alice in the Cities (1974) and Wrong Move (1975).

2. Before Sunrise (1995)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25v7N34d5HE

Europe-Travel-FilmsPlace to Visit: Austria

A guy meets a girl on a train and they instinctively decide to spend one evening together, trying to know each other while roaming around the picturesque city of Vienna!

The beautifully romantic first installment of the renowned Before Trilogy directed by the acclaimed Richard Linklater.

The other two films of the ‘Before Trilogy are Before Sunset (2004) and Before Midnight (2013).

  1. The Spanish Apartment (2002)

L’Auberge Espagnole (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsvJFtUDfl0

Europe-Travel-FilmsPlace to Visit: Spain

During his ‘Erasmus year’ a young French guy goes to Barcelona and rents a room with another five people all coming from different countries and speaking different languages!

The first part of the famous Spanish Apartment Trilogy directed by Cédric Klapisch, a brilliant comedy that portrays  the multicultural spirit of youth and the beauty of Spain like never before!

The other two films of the ‘Spanish Apartment Trilogy are Russian Dolls (2005) and Chinese Puzzle (2013).

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

+1. EuroTrip (2004)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_Eu0X3B6OM

Europe-Travel-FilmsPlace to Visit: Europe

Dumped by his girlfriend a guy plans a sudden trip (backpacking Europe) with his crazy friends.

Directed by  Jeff Schaffer, Alec Berg and David Mandel, this one is a very popular sex comedy, full of half-naked teenagers, adult jokes and slapstick moments. But then again it’s all about fun and traveling all across the Europe!

A few other films that definitely inspire us to travel to Europe are Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011), Roman Holiday (1953), Zorba the Greek (1964)Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008), Local Hero (1983), A Good Year (2006), The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005).

Poster courtesy: www.imdb.com.

Best fictional films about writers

Best fictional films about writers.

written by Souranath Banerjee.

Don’t you think the ‘writers’ are a strange breed of people?

They are supposed to be imaginative, curious and passionate about their work. Well, thats the romantic side. But often their constant struggle to be original, their possessive nature, their creative vulnerability lead them to unpredictable alleys.

I have managed to put up a list of my all time favorite films where the protagonist writes for a living – films where sometimes the writer is in danger and other times he IS the danger.

And the list begins.

10. Secret Window (2004)

Secret Window

A perfect blend of Stephen KingDavid Koepp + Johnny Depp and the result is a tangy physiological thriller.

The story of a lone writer who is unexpectedly threatened and accused of plagiarism by a complete stranger.

If you are a Johnny Depp fan and you like mystery it’s surely your cup of tea.

9. The Ghost aka The Ghost Writer (2010)

The Ghost Writer

Tension, suspense, thrill, excitement – these words are made to define this film.

When a ghost writer (Ewan McGregor) takes up a new job for a former politician (Pierce Brosnan), he unknowingly puts his life in danger. An edgy script – one of my personal favorite.

For Roman Polanski fans this is a special treat.

8. Stranger Than Fiction (2006)

Stranger Than Fiction

What if you realize one fine morning that you are not in control of your life – that you exist only in somebody’s imagination, in someone’s writings?

Directed by Marc Forster, Will Ferrell in his own comic way experience this scary concept. Superb performance.

One of the most innovative story told in style.

7. Wonder Boys (2000)

Wonder Boys

An interesting star cast – Michael Douglas at his best, Tobey Maguire young n talented and Robert Downey Jr. joins in.

Directed by Curtis Hanson, this is a film about writers and their careers; the tormented souls desperate to create something unique.

A perfect drama with a comic touch – very entertaining and well performed.

6. Barton Fink (1991)

Barton Fink

This time the Coen brothers (Joel Coen, Ethan Coen) create a dark world where a writer in a hotel room struggles in his quest to write about ‘the common man’.

The crisp dialogues, the eerie look and feel of the film, the brilliant acting – it’s a complete package.

Though often considered too glum and black for some people’s taste but for me this film is a superb satire.

5. Midnight in Paris (2011)

Midnight in Paris

At midnight Paris becomes a magical place for a writer who travels back in time and meet the great artists of all times (all his inspirations).

A refreshing comedy by Woody Allen and a crackling performance by Owen Wilson – the result is a mystically charming film.

The film radiates the director’s love for Paris.

4. The Squid and the Whale (2005)

The squid and the whale

Dealing with parents divorce is always tough, specially when both of them are writers and pretty self centered in nature.

This is a perfect family drama – often funny in a cruel way; the story of two young boys who try to cope up with the tension in between their parents.

Directed by Noah Baumbachthe film is actually much more interesting than it’s name suggests.

3. Deathtrap (1982)

Deathtrap

This is a film that will startle you; the more you will try to predict what is next, the more you will be surprised.

A writer with his deadly plans and a sinister collection of weapons –Michael Caine at his best.

Sidney Lumet (one of my all time favorite director) maliciously reveals a trap that surely leads to death. It’s a dangerous game but you never know who is the winner till the end of the film.

2. Adaptation. (2002)

Adaptation

One of Nicolas Cage‘s best performance (that too a double role) and also one of Spike Jonze‘s best film till date.

The famous scriptwriter Charlie Kaufman shows his brilliance once again.

Though most people (including me) has a problem with the ending of this film but still it will remain one of my all time favorite.

1. Ruby Sparks (2012)

Ruby sparks

Directed by Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris, the brilliance of this film is that it cannot be explained unless you watch it.

The concept of finding the girl of your dreams is turned upside down into a whole new dimension.

What if you want to play God and you are given the control to manipulate people whom you love? Think twice before you wish.

and

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

+1. Misery (1990)

MiseryWriters always like to communicate with their fans. And specially if one claims to be his ‘no 1 fan’ and especially if that person saves the writer’s life. Right?

Wrong in this particular case.

Adopted from Stephen King‘s novel and directed by Rob Reiner this film is one twisted tale of a writer (James Caanand his fan (Kathy Bates, who won the Oscar as the Best actress in the leading role that year).