My fave directors: Pedro Almodovar: This guy is a legend in his native Spain, and his films are unabashedly colorful, emotional, and well… out there (for many American viewers). He can hook you in w/ his passion for his material, though, and the ride is worth it! Spike Lee: He’s colorful, bold (usu funny), and has his pulse on what is going on NOW; his characters (even the historical ones) pop off the screen b/c they are so easy to relate to; the music he chooses for his movies is always interesting as well. The convos his characs have sound like REAL people, not movie people. There is such a variety in this world, and he shows us a wide spectrum of black experiences, dreams, problems, etc. Mira Nair: She lives in-between many worlds, and her movies reflect the conflicts that generations of family members struggle with everyday. How does what has come before affect someone today? There is always a positive/hopeful thread woven in her films because most people (in the world) are trying to do the right thing. John Sayles: He writes his movies as well, so that is a BIG advantage for those working w/ him; he loves to learn about communities (here and across the border in Latin America). This guy does not use fancy camera tricks because his writing and character development are the focus. His movies are about regular people and real issues (gentrification, international adoption, immigration, etc.)
Tag: Movies
Movie reviews
Bollywood movies and related stuff…
Hey all!
I’m not a HUGE fan of Bollywood, but I’ve watched a FEW movies in the last 3 years. I’m sure some of you know about Lagaan and Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham. I loved the songs and womens’ fashions in KKKG! Another movie with great songs is Humraaz(kinda like A Perfect Murder.) In fact, the director of that movie copied some shots directly from A Perfect Murder.
My dad recently saw Swades and LOVED it! I don’t know what it’s about or anything, but if you’re into popular Hindi (Bollywood) stuff, check it out. My mom (who usually abhors Bollywood) REALLY liked Hum Tum (based on When Harry Met Sally). Tonight, I saw Yuva– it has 3 interwoven stories involving 3 very different young couples. It has Ajay Devgan (who I like somewhat) and Rani Mukherjee (who I really like). Warning: Rani’s character is a TOTAL doormat. You CAN’T take Bollywood too seriously…
Ooh, a good movie w/ both Ajay and Rani is Chori Chori. It has great scenery and cute dialogue. CC reminded me a little of While You Were Sleeping b/c Rani plays a drifter who is welcomed into Ajay’s big, bubbly family (who all think she is his fiancee from the big city). In truth, she just came to a country house he is building (Ajay’s an architect) b/c she has nowhere to stay! Ajay already had a gf, but he doesn’t like her that much- LOL.
I used to be against any such style of movie, but I suppose Bollywood has it’s place in the world. Many country (rural) people LOVE these “popcorn” films- all fluff. People somtimes ask: why are those movies SOOOOOO long? Well, people want to sit inside a air-conditioned theater for as long as they can! And let’s face it, the women of Bollywood (and a FEW of the men) are drop-dead gorgeous!
I prefer stuff by Deepa Mehta and Mira Nair. Also, I LOVE Nandita Das and Shabana Azmi, and want to see more of their films. In 15 Park Avenue Shabana Azmi plays a complex, well-rounded character (unlike any I’ve seen for a woman her age). Hell, there aren’t good roles written for middle-aged actresses here in the U.S.! One actress who can pretty much play any part is Konkona Sen Sharma- she’s NOT self-conscious at all! She takes on VERY challenging characters- you can’t see the acting. She has done independent films (she’s in 15 Park Avenue), but does make a few appearances in Bollywood pics as well. Amir Khan is making some meaningful pics as well…
Do you have any thoughts on this topic? Let me know!
