Times and Winds (Bes Vakit) - A Review

A lyrical magical experience

If you ever wanted to be one with the environment, this film offers you a chance. Aptly titled, it embraces all the elements of nature during its 4 segments spread between 5 holy calls to prayer (Azaan). A veritably gorgeous movie, it captures the doubts of childhood and images of splendid Anatolia all at once in several of its many resplendent moments. It unsettles you and leaves your hungry. Hungry for an arc, an ending, some sort of completion. But it offers none. It steadfastly remains a view into the early teen lives of 3 friends bustling with energy amidst adult brutality omnipresent all around them as they go about their daily chores and ends without a definitive confirmation. That absence of sermonizing is the magical, mystical aura of the film. It leaves things unsaid and open to interpretation. That does not mean it does not make a statement. In fact, it packs a punch on difficult social issues as varied as gender roles, generational gap and morality. Although it presents children's hardships and troubles, it is not a pitiful sob story. Instead, it peppers the struggles with bewitching background score, enticing photography and light fun moments from the children's daily sojourns around this remote mountain community.

The shots of children lying dispirited but in unison with their environment are haunting and the comprehensive 360 degree shot from and of the Minarat during Azaan will linger with audience forever.

Disclaimer: 

• If you are infected by fast paced Hollywood cinema bug, this slow meditation on life may not be your cup of tea.
• If you haven't traveled to Turkey, watching this film will make you want to go at once. If you have visited, it is sure to stir desire for yet another soiree. 

A feel good tale that cheers - Viva Cuba - A Review

Children will find this gem as a gentle introduction to social issues like class difference and identity

Do we fleetingly remember the first glimpses of rebellion from our childhood? Have we become too old to give up on our curiosity and wild ideas? If yes, Viva Cuba will take us right back to that time and gently nudges us out of slumber to elicit a quiet chuckle. With a running time of only 80 mins, the film's biggest success is that it remains within itself. On the flip side, it is not a landmark film mostly due to director's reluctance to delve deeper into social issues and bring them to the forefront of a feel good film. Malu and Jorgito, two children on a road adventure allows us access to Cuba's gorgeous landscape from hot and exhausting Havana to a coastal lighthouse at the far end of the tiny country. Both friends have a mutinous streak but on closer observation, one can also notice their class stereotypes demonstrated in various behaviors. Bourgeois lady and daughter more obsessed with vanity than books and industrious Proletariat father more preoccupied with thrashing his child. All in all, the film serves as a lovely introduction to cultural and economic fissures in Cuban society while going on a fun ride with two naughty children played superbly by both actors.

As of June 7th, 2014, film is available on HULU Here

Who owns the jungles and the land? - El Violin - A Review

El Violin is a black and white musical treat with deep political implications

El Violin is not for the faint of heart. It's a gem for those who love slow meditation on topics as varied as music and ambition. A relative short length film imparting photo journalistic quality to its black and white frame, it packs a punch on conflict especially between haves and have-nots of Mexico. The lead actor is a hardy 80 year old musician first and an actor only by chance. His wrinkles are written with decades of experience that light up the screen with emotions. The narrative is primarily presented through interactions between 3 generations of peasant guerrillas and the army personnel with the beautiful Sierra Madre in the background. If you love any one subject from history, photography, music, peasant oppression, you will enjoy the film but if you love all these, the film is going to haunt you for a very long time. Look for a fine cinematic political statement when the old man explains to his grandson the source of conflict -
In the beginning of time , the ancient gods created the earth, the sky, fire, the wind and all the animals; Then they also created man and woman. They all lived in harmony, But one of those Gods was mischievous and he gave mankind envy and ambition. When the other gods found out, they punished the mischievous god.
Then they removed the ambitious people of the earth. But some of them were accident left behind. And then there were more and more and more, and they wanted to own everything. They deceived the good people and little by little, they took away what they owned, until they got everything. They drove them out of their forests. The good people felt that this was not fair. So they turned to the Gods for help. Bu the gods told them to fight on their own that their destiny was to fight. The ambitious people had become powerful so the good people decided to wait. and their land became dark and desolate.
and then?
Then, the good people returned to fight for their land and their forests because it belonged to them. Because their parents had made it for their children and the children of their children and that's what we will do. We will go back. 
When will better times come?
Soon.
When?
One day you will know.

Monsieur Lazhar (Brief Comments)

Monsieur Lazhar is a rare gem, heart-wrenching and heart-warming at the same time. It reflects on and confronts death through tender emotions of blossoming school children. Covertly, film touches on many subtle issues such as political correctness of modern public behavior vs wisdom of traditional community interaction. A must watch 90 minute wonder that gently leaves a thundering impact.

Mee Sindhutai Sapkal

'Mee Sindhutai Sapkal' has hurt deeply and encouraged further to walk the path I have chosen. Salute to Sindhtai and core strength of a woman that the modern world of 21st century still fails to recognize.

Killing Fields (of Cambodia) - A Review

Saw Killing Fields again after 10 years and was quickly reminded of why I had fallen in love with the film. 

This is a hymn to the kind of love story I have come to love. There is no question of physical or platonic; it is a human love story (between Dith Pran and Sydney), a poignant reminder of the power of journalism. Salute to all sensitive and daring journalists who are more loyal to their journalistic principle - to give voice to the voiceless (Cambodia) - than to their nation or even their personal life.

The movie had changed me then and it certainly movedChandni Sheth today, who is re-watching the film with Director's commentary as I post this.

Highly recommended for cinema buffs and political junkies alike

Bloody Sunday - A Review

A fine evening spent with Chandni Sheth watching 'Bloody Sunday', a classic about the choices people make in the battle for civil liberties , the instigation for 'The Troubles' in Irish-British conflict and timely reminder that strong military action is the surest way to alienate people on the fringes and arouse them into full-scale mutiny.