I think it has got to do with culture. When I say ‘culture’, I refer to the common values, beliefs and attitudes that are shared and practiced by a set of individuals or society. Culture has undergone major shifts across the world and especially during these postmodern era, it has become all the more subjective and relative in its usage and application. The time has long ceased when there used to exist a certain “gate keepers” or “guardians” of the culture of a particular civilization.
In the absence or disappearance rather of a strong counter culture, every act of expression in reaction to a disastrous event is gleefully embraced. And acknowledged. I must admit that somewhere in between I am lost.
The rise and rise of consumerism has taught all of us that anything and everything can be purchased at a given price and to partake/possess any kind of experience, it is important for us to make sure that we find satisfaction in things we pay for.
So we go shopping. For love, attention, friendship, sympathy and even patriotism. We go to such an extent that we would make ourselves believe that buying a mug with blood stains or the national flag embedded in it is actually a great thing to do.
We get carried away by such banal observances and in the bargain forget the actual context and ramifications of an event, as horrific and disturbing as 26/11. If I would have lost my father or mother or sister in such an attack, I would not buy a blood stained mug for myself. If I would have lost my father or mother or sister in such an attack, I would not attend a mass gathering of people trying to make a point. If I would have lost my father or mother or sister in such an attack, I would not wear a white pair of dress to parade my concern.
Like many an ordinary day, I would have just offered a silent prayer in private. And wished that my father or mother or sister would have lived to see one more day. One more year.
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“I am a guy that has a lot of hope. But to arrive at the light, you have to go through a very painful or dark process.”
I remember watching this film without much expectations. And yes, this movie managed to surprise me. This movie is a classic example of beautiful people, beautiful locations and a beautiful story. Woody’s characters are so much real and complicated! Yet their backgrounds and desires are so simple! Woody surely has something for Scarlett Johansson and it must be said that he really knows how to capture her “completely” in his films. I’ve also read that Woody gives a lot of freedom to his actors while shooting – leaving room for improvement. And it surely shows. If you are looking out for a light-hearted movie about romance, friendships and relationships – this should be your choice!
For starters, I feel really happy when I see great actors like Ben Kingsley in business. Especially when they are not casted in those typical roles of an old man / father / uncle, etc. This movie is really profound as it beautifully captures the state of a scholar (who happpens to be a professor) falling in love with his student. I’m also equally surprised to see a woman profoundly capturing the male ego in its most difficult of times! Isabel Coixet is too good. I can never forget the shot of Ben Kingsley’s character genuinely admiring Consuela’s (Penelope) body and the realistic maner in which they interact. Poetic stuff!!
I found this Woody Allen film very similar to Matchpoint. The only extra angle to this was: family. Nevertheless, I enjoyed watching this movie – again for its story telling. Could easily identify with it. Also once again a rare piece of great casting.
A great piece of work!! Another angle to the great Columbian drug tale. And thankfully its not in Hollywood style. In many ways this movie portrays the extent to which humans could go as they push the limits – only to wake up in the other side of reality! 
For many reasons I thought this movie was simply over-hyped! But then credit should be given to its idea and a multitude of people coming together to make a film on a particular theme. And it also gives us an opportunity to see the various shades of Paris. My favorites were 
I havent seen much of Florian Henckel con Donnersmarck’s work. But after watching ‘The Lives of Others’ (Das Leben der Anderen) I’m convinced that this man has a great potential to make it really big! His cinematic excellence, depth of story telling, screenplay is just outstanding. Another firecracker on the lives of people belonging to East Berlin in an unimaginable time and age! Masterpiece, I say!
My long thirst for intelligent horror was quenched by REC. Try to be alone at home, switch off the lights, turn on the volume and all the best!
