Tag: Movies

Movie reviews

Movie Review: “The Dancer Upstairs”

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This is an unusual (yet VERY intelligent) film that I first watched 2 yrs ago.  I found it (only $3.99!!!) at Blockbuster this past weekend.  I had to get it!  The Dancer Upstairs (released in 2002; directed by John Malkovich) is based on a book by Brit writer, Nicholas Shakespeare.  His book is based on the lives of several REAL people. 

The movie deals with many issues: terrorism, government/police corruption, violence, family, love, and above all- the search for truth.  The viewer is pulled in because of such themes; the setting is the recent past in an unnamed Latin American country.  (However, those with knowledge of that area will know that the author meant to portray Peru.)  This film is in English, as Malkovich wanted, but spoken by the actors as a second language.  This doesn’t in any way detract from the film because these actors are SO strong.

The main protagonist is Agustin Rejas (the always-fabulous Javier Bardem), a smart (reads many books), humble, and honest policeman who used to be a lawyer.  He’s not the typical swaggering detective we’re familiar with; he is calm, yet determined.  He has a young daughter devoted to ballet and a beautiful, but a bit superficial, wife.  

A recent rash of terrorist attacks, such as a little boy walking into a government building w/ a bomb in his backpack, have the military, president (unpopular w/ many; accused of crimes), and regular people in fear.  All across the country, there are mysterious deaths of political leaders, military men, etc.  Dead dogs are hung from posts w/ signs proclaiming “Viva el Presidente Ezequial” (the codename for an unknown terrorist leader). 

A top-ranking military man chooses Rejas (w/ a team of young, streetwise detectives) to head the investigation.  They are to research the incidents, work long hrs. among a small group, and keep things hush-hush.  One of the young cops (Juan Diego Botto, a boyish Cuban-American actor) serves to lighten the tension w/ his jokes, casually rumpled/quirky wardrobe, and eye for the ladies.  

Though he is on this tough case, Rejas is NOT getting paid extra.  So, his check to his daughter’s ballet teacher, Yolanda (Laura Morante, an Italian actress whose looks and easy grace reminded me of Juliette Binoche) bounces.  He goes to give her cash, feeling apologetic, and strikes up a conversation.  You can tell that Rejas is intrigued by Yolanda from this first meeting; she is friendly and a good listener.  Yolanda is also mysterious b/c we don’t know much about her past; she says she has traveled a lot and likes to choreograph her own dances.  Rejas doesn’t tell her what he does for a living.         

Rejas is looking to find a honest way to make a living, he tells another character early in the story.  He doesn’t like it when the military is on the streets (martial law is declared at one time).  Yolanda is concerned with creative freedom, but doesn’t talk directly about her personal political views.  Rejas starts to fall for Yolanda.  I don’t want to write TOO much re: the action of this movie, but remember that NOT all terrorists (or those who sympathize with them) look like crazy, evil people.  There is plenty of action, blood, and drama to go along with romantic tensions.  I HIGHLY recommend The Dancer Upstairs.

Movie filmed in Jackson Heights: “7 to the Palace”

Emma3 Comments

The Colombian community of Jackson Heights, Queens had the wonderful character-propelled drama Maria Full of Grace.  Now desis (like me!) have this new film, coming out next year- 7 to the Palace. 

Naseeruddin Shah

 

This movie stars some FABULOUS desi actors, including: Aasif Mandvi (a prolific TV/theater/indie film actor), Naseeruddin Shah (a huge star in India; the father from Monsoon Wedding), Ajay Naidu (Office Space and many bit parts), and Madhur Jaffrey (acting in the US since the 1970s; also a cookbook writer).  At the end of August, Aasif Mandvi will ALSO be visting the SAYA! (where I work/volunteer).  You may have seen him as the ER doctor in the first season of CSI or on The Colbert Report.  He had a major part in the romantic comedy American Chai (a film shot in NYC and NJ).  He had the role of Ali Hakim (the Persian salesman) in Oklahoma! on Broadway.  I saw him a few times at a small Upper West Side cafe; I used to student-teach in that neighborhood. He lived VERY close to 72nd St and Broadway.  BTW, both Aasif and Ajay are natives of Chicago.     

Aasif MandviAjay Naidu

 

As for non-desis… Dean Winters (from the gritty prison drama Oz and the police drama Law and Order: Special Victim’s Unit) will have a role, too.  Wow!!!  I loved his character on Oz, and can’t wait to see how he looks/acts in this movie!  He is a VERY charming/engaging actor.  He can play a boyish, manipulative criminal (Ryan O’Reilly on Oz) or an earnest, green cop (Det. Brian Cassidy on SVU).  Some ladies may know him best from SATC where he played Carrie’s friend with benefits.  Dean is actually Irish (like Ryan), BUT also Italian; he grew up in NYC and Arizona.  It’s ALWAYS a pleasure to see ANY actor from Oz IMHO!  

Chris Meloni & Dean Winters

 

There were people set up at the corner of 75th Street and 37th Avenue last week.  There was a little tent and table with snacks and drinks.  No one seemed to be taking notice of the (mostly young and white) group of production assistants milling about.  (But this is the type of stuff that catches my eye, and I was coming from the Starbucks over at the corner of 78th.)  One of the restaurants looked different because the film crew had changed the awning (it read Tandoori Palace; I’m pretty sure that wasn’t so before).  

One day, there was a sign on the corner looking for extras; I was TOO shy to go!  Darn!!!  Maybe I will get a second chance for 5 minutes of fame…   

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1153053/

Movie Review: “Persuasion” (BBC: 1995)

Emma2 Comments

Persuasion is perhaps one of Jane Austen’s most personal novels.  The central idea for the story, loving someone even when hope is gone, comes from a terrible incidence in her older sister Cassandra’s life.  The young naval officer she was engaged to marry died at sea.  He wanted to seek his fortune before settling down.  Cassandra retired from society after this loss, vowing to never marry.  For many years, Cassandra kept house for Jane, while the more famous sis wrote.  Perhaps this book was a way to give her big sis a happy ending!    

Eight years ago, Anne (Amanda Root), daughter of a nobleman, Sir Walter Elliot (Corin Redgrave), fell deeply in love with Frederick Wentworth (Ciaran Hinds), brother of the local curate (preacher; pastor).  Wentworth was in the navy, and not too much older than Anne (who was just 19).  He was not from a distinguished family, and had yet to prove his merit (meaning: get rich).  Lady Russell, Anne’s neighbor (acting in lieu of her deceased mother), persuaded her to refuse Frederick’s hand.  “He had nothing but himself to recommend him,” Lady Russell comments.   

At the start of the film, Anne is 27, and considered an “old maid.”  Her father pays little attention to her, probably seeing her as another burden.  (Sir Walter spends more than is prudent.)  Though her superficial, older sister (Elizabeth) is 29, it is hinted (in the book) that she’s waiting around for a super-rich beau.  The younger sis, Mary (Sophie Thompson, sister of Emma Thompson), is a mother of two sons, and settled comfortably with a gentleman farmer, Charles Musgrove

Things get so bad financially, that Sir Walter’s lawyer suggests the Elliot family “retrench” to Bath, a resort town where they can still live respectably.  They can rent out their house (on a big estate, Kellynch Hall) to Admiral Croft, a very gentleman-like naval officer and his wife.  Anne is (visibly) upset when she hears this- Mrs. Croft is the elder sister of Frederick!  Lady Russell remembers the “disappointment,” but has no regret about it.  However, Anne is still in love with her first love.

Captain Wentworth comes to Uppercross (where Anne is staying for a time); he is introduced to all the Musgroves.  Both of the unmarried Musgrove girls, Louisa and Henrietta, seek his attention.  At a dinner, Wentworth comments to someone that Anne “was so altered that he’d hardly have known her.”  What will happen now that the tables are reversed?  Anne’s family has its good name, but very little money.  Wentworth has made a considerable fortune at sea, and is therefore a great catch for any single gal.  Anne looks weighed down by life; Wentworth is social and upbeat in all types of company.  Have his feelings changed?  How will they ever get together?

You have to remember that in Austen’s time, single people (usually) did not have long courtships or engagements.  They were often in company, so had little chance to talk alone about crucial matters (how they really feel about each other and so forth).  People usually hung out with their neighbors, cousins, and others in their social rank (when they were on vacation or in London).  It wasn’t polite to go blabbing your (true) opinions in public.  But, people did write letters- this is crucial in Persuasion.                   

The lead actors are very good at conveying their emotions, however subtle, in this film.  A lot has to be said without words, or the movie would not be true to the book or its time period.  Sophie Thompson, as Mary, is also very good (as she is in Emma).  She has some subtle comedic moments; Mary likes to create little dramas (she’s a typical bored housewife).  Another small, but notable character, is Mrs. Croft (Fiona Shaw).  Anne is drawn to her warm personality.  She is a very kind, energetic, and well-traveled older woman.  The Crofts, though they have no children, are a very loving/compatible couple (both in the book and film).  In one dinner scene she says that “we [women] none of us want to be in calm waters all our lives.”  Very true!        

Jane Austen said that the character of Anne was “almost too good to be true.”  Anne is described as capable (she nurses her injured nephew) and down-to-earth (she visits an old, sick school friend instead of visiting a high-ranking relation).  Like many Austen heroines, she likes reading, long walks, and intelligent conversations.  She is not obsessed with rank, unlike the rest of her family.  She is unbowed by the flattery of her cousin, Mr. Elliot, who heaps attention on her in Bath.  So, she’s a gal you can root for!     

The look of this film is very authentic, in my opinion.  The actors are not overly glamorous, nor do they over-act (like in some tongue-in-cheek adaptations of Jane Austen).  Yes, there are a few moments of humor, but the issue at hand is serious.  Love (and life) may pass these characters by if they don’t communicate and take some action to hook up!  Check this film out if you’re looking for an adaptation that is intelligent.  I’ve seen it several times, and consider it the best adaptation of Austen on film (aside from the Pride and Prejudice mini-series with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle).  This film gives modern audiences a view into Austen’s characters’ minds.

 

Movie Review: “The Great Debaters”

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 Denzel Washington obviously enjoyed making this film, although he admitted on Oprah last November that “I didn’t want to be in the film.”  He wanted to direct The Great Debaters only, but the studio would not give him the funds without him in the starring role.  What Oprah, Denzel, and their cast and crew have made is a nicely-paced, engaging, and overall well-executed film.  Viewers of all ages will find something to connect to here.  The editing, music, cinematography, costumes, and (most importantly) acting are top-notch!

 

 

 

As Denzel said many times, the real stars are the three (very talented) young African-American actors who portray the college debaters: Nate Parker, Jurnee Smolett, and Denzel Whitaker (yes, that’s his REAL name).  Nate Parker (Henry Lowe) is a gifted, but troubled, young man who drifts in and out of school.  He loves to read, and his natural talent is nurtured by Denzel’s character (Dr. Melvin Tolson).  Jurnee Smolett (Samantha Booke) is a strong, beautiful young woman who transfers to Wiley College (a small Methodist university in Marshall, Texas) JUST to try out for the debate team.  (As a child actor, Jurnee had a recurring role on TV series Full House and played Eve in the critically-acclaimed film Eve’s Bayou.)  The 1930s period costumes look especially gorgeous on her tall, lean frame.  The youngest member of the team is Denzel Whitaker (James Farmer Jr.) who is 14, curious, eager to please, and very easy to relate to. There is a cute fantasy dance sequence with James and Samantha reminiscent of Spike Lee.  (Denzel and Spike worked together on several movies.)      

 

Forest Whitaker also has the role of serious, quiet, theology professor (Dr. James Farmer).  He’s a well-respected man who speaks 7 languages, but has a difficult time connecting to his teen son, James Jr.  He pulls off this role with understatement because that is what was needed for such a character- someone who is forced to keep emotions in check so he doesn’t “rock the boat” in his segregated community.  On the opposite side of Dr. Farmer is Dr. Tolson (who was also a published poet); he was accused of being a Communist on occasion.  Dr. Tolson seeks not only to educate the kids at Wiley, he secretly works to organize the sharecroppers in the area (black AND white).  This puts him at odds with the local sheriff (John Heard) who fears unionizing.

  

        

 

What I liked best about this film was the enthusiasm and energy of Denzel and the young debators (even the small characters).  It seems like everyone really got into their roles; most of the main characters are based on real people.  The people in the story are ONLY ONE generation removed from slavery.  While the students seek to educate their minds on the college campus, they are NOT removed from the social injustices their community faces off-campus. Denzel interviewed former students of Wiley (see Special Features on the DVD).  The Great Debaters also introduces young audience members to great writers of the past: Langston Hughes, Countee Cullen, Gwendolyn Bennett, W.E.B. DuBois, Henry David Thoreau, and Gandhi (in the last debate, the team takes on the issue of civil disobedience).  Check out The Great Debaters!

 

 

Bollywood Movie Review: “Aaja Nachle”

Emma2 Comments

Sometimes it’s fun to see a Bollywood film… especially something like Aaja Nachle.  It’s modern, fun, colorful, and has some unusual  topics (for Bollywood at least).  Anyone familiar with movies like Strictly Ballroom, Dance with Me, and Chocolat will like this film.  Madhuri Dixit (the star with the BIG smile) is even more gorgeous and fit than in her ’90s roles.  I always feel that her dancing is very natural, usually exceeding her acting.  (She is a Kathak-trained dancer, and you can see the influences in Aaja Nachle.)  This film centers on NRI dancer/choreographer Dia who returns to Simla (her small hometown) hoping to save the Ajanta Theater.  The place, though dear to her, is falling apart.  Politicians, businessmen, and most of the town want to replace it with a mall. 

Aside from Madhuri, there are a LARGE troupe of actors and dancers that show a LOT of talent!  These include the always fabulous Konkona Sen Sharma, young Kunal Kapoor, Raghuvir Yadav (a great character actor seen in Salaam Bombay, Earth, and Water), charming Akshaye Khanna, and Irffan Khan (terrific in Maqbool and The Namesake).  The local MP (Akshaye Khanna) tells Dia that if she can put on a successful dance show using ONLY town folks, Ajanta will be saved.  However, because of past events/gossip, most of Simla thinks Dia (and by extension- dance) are BAD influences. 

Dia decides to do a song/dance version of the classic tragic love story Layla-Majnu.  A local hoodlum named Imran (Kunal Kapoor) is chosen as Majnu, while the tomboy Anokhi (Konkona Sen Sharma) keeps auditioning for Layla.  She has no talent, but is crazy about Imran.  Konkona is great at playing tough, clueless, then later… vulnerable.  Joing this odd pair of lovers are a shy government officer, an uptight politician, and a lovesick retaurant owner.  And let’s not forget- the members of this motley crew ALL have to dance!   

 

The songs in this film fit VERY naturally with the actions (as it should be).  The sets, costumes, and dances will draw you in (for sure).  Madhuri portrays an independent, strong lady quite naturally.  Konkona and Kunal have good chemistry, and also make good dance pair.  The final show is shot differently than the rest of the movie (on purpose, said the director).  The ageless tale of Layla-Majnu is very well-executed by ALL the actors/dancers- STUNNING!!!