Film Festival

I have always loved foreign films, partly because they show us insights into diverse cultures and history. The first foreign film I watched was ‘Life is beautiful’, I was amazed by plot and story of it and also acting and direction of Roberto Benigni.

Then in college days I was lucky to watch some of the best foreign films. I have wondered back then why ‘Lagaan’ didn’t won Oscars but after seeing ‘No mans land’ I was sure that later was far better than ‘Lagaan’ in all respects. Watched many foreign films that time to name a few , ‘Motorcycle diaries’, ‘My sassy girl’, ‘The Pianist’ and my personal favorite ‘Cinema Paradiso’.

And now once again after a long time I was able to download and watch some of the finest movies. The topics were varied from teenage pregnancy to suicide attempt by two Palestinians men and from one person who suffers from locked in syndrome to a teacher who tries to teach student the importance of poetry. In all there are some six movies I have watched over last week. To list them,

The counterfeiters: Its the Oscar winner 07 in foreign film category. The plot revolves around true story of largest conterfeiting operation in history set by Nazis in 1936.

It was a good movie to watch, could be made better. Especially I compare with similar movies (based on Nazi regime) such as Schindlers list or The pianist this one won’t rank among those ones but certainly a nice watch.

4 months 3 weeks 2 days: This one was different, hell lot of different. Set in socialist Romania 1980 where abortion is illegal and one girl assists her friend in doing so. The plot was gripping till the end, bold screen play and nice characterization.

Certainly a great watch, go and grab a DVD.

Lives of others: Its a political thriller set in East Berlin about an agent HGW XX/7 who is  spying on german playwriter Georg Dreyman on the order of Cultural department. Initially the agent was disciplined fellow comrade but then later in the movie his determination towards party wavers and he ultimately helps Dreyman.

I liked the ending part, when Dreyman come to know about agent HGWXX/7. Its a powerful but quiet film, constructed of hidden thoughts and secret desire definitely a worth watch.

Dead poets society:  Carpe diem (Seize the day)

English teacher Professor Keating (played by Robin Williams)  inspires student to make their lives extra ordinary, tells them to take the road less traveled and importance of individuality. Dead poets society is the place where the students assemble and recite verses from great poetries and also their own.

In the end a student who intends to pursue dramatics despite their parents will to study medicine, shots himself. The administration makes keating as scapegoat, who leaves the school in the end.

The movies sends powerful message through keatings character. In all Dead poets society is movie which would make a long lasting impression on you.

 Paradise Now: I came to know about this movie through Jehane Noujam’s TED talk where she passionately tells about importance of movies, and she firmly believes that movies can change lives.

Yeah after watching this movie I can also say, movies certainly can change lives. Movies have a role to play in society as they have a wide audience, and also they are understood easily by mases. So for sending a powerful message to society movies are better means movies.

The movie paradise now revolves around two Palestinian men preparing for a suicide attack on Israel. The movie tries to explore deep down the heart the hatred for Jews and in particular Israel. The movies ends off brilliantly and lefts it to viewers imagination.

Certainly the kind of movies I love to watch.

The diving bell and butterfly:

Simply stunning. No words left to describe it.

Experience your self once, you would never forget watching this film.

Thats till now, many more in pipeline. Thank god (Bram Cohen) for Bittorrent.