A brilliant sequel to Avatar: The Last Airbender series. One of the rare examples of writing on complicated issues facing humanity that conveys its intended message with nuance and respect. Challenges of oppression, colonization, racism, and discrimination that continue to haunt us are woven throughout both the series, where Korra goes a step further into resolutions, where Avatar was more interested in setting the foundation.
This film perfectly captures the rituals and customs that feed the practices and choices that are often made in such settings. If you are expecting over-the-top battles, this is not for you. If you are more interested in understanding the relationship of power and duty with ego and identity, this is a recommended watch.
edit:
a lot of people downvoted my comment so I will revise it:
This movie is typical whitestream trash. Worse than the farts of the most mediocre filmmakers. But because it is Tarantino, it must be considered a gem, I understand.
I don't have too strong feelings about this but calling it a Crazy Rich Asians knockoff is like calling Sleepless in Seattle a When Harry Met Sally knockoff.
The two romantic comedies have nothing in common other than the fact that they both have an Asian cast. While Crazy Rich Asians focused on presenting a more non-American view of Asians, Always Be My Maybe captures the charm and struggles of growing up as a second-generation immigrant in the United States. The writing is clever and generous, giving every character their moments to shine and be funny without going into the obvious jokes, making people of color the butt of the jokes.
I find the darkness lurking under the humor thoroughly scary and too real. The final choice to resolve into a happier ending makes it into a fantasy and, thus, a sharp film.
What a timely yet timeless story to tell. Glenn Close is so real with her restraint and pain. Jonathan Pryce was also exceptional at playing a sheep in wolf skin. You don't see such great performances a lot these days.
Saadat Hasan Manto was a playwriter and poet who wrote for popular magazines and journals and worked in the Indian film industry prior to and during Indian independence from the British Raj. For his time, he was considered too liberal and therefore controversial by both the British and the Indian/Pakistani government. Because of this, he was continually persecuted for activist ideas.
Manto's persecution overlapped with the partition of India and Pakistan, which paralleled, in some way, a partition of his identity. He never recovered from this damage and was caught in a downward spiral and a web of his own narrative in search of meaning to weave a sense of belonging for himself.
The director, Nandita Das, a renowned actress herself, tries to reflect Manto's struggle in overcoming the partition of a nation he loved and, more importantly, the people he cared for. In some ways, his story is timeless as it shows the impact of a crisis of identity on humanity and politics and vice versa.
The dialogue between the three central characters is quite artificial and contrived. More importantly, the motivations for all three of them seem forced and rushed to some extent. This makes the overall premise fake to some extent, which takes away the engagement from the non-linear narrative (which has some significant choice holes).
There is something messed up about the way the director approaches his lead male actor's motives. He romanticizes stalker and non-consensul, one-sided relationships, which is a problem with deep social repercussions in India. You can see this more blatantly in his other film Ranjhana.
A film will seem oppressive if it reflects a sexist, oppressive society. Don't confuse realism with reality. The film itself is not what it shows you. It is merely a mirror.
Also, on this note, I will acknowledge this as another realistic film that resonates where Indian society is without making a caricature of it. It may not be a great film, but it is grounded in lived experiences of many Indians.
Also see Aankho Dekhi, Masaan, Highway, Court, Ship of Theseus, among others to see the extent of new Indian realism. I know it is a common practice on iCM forums to diss Indian films without seeing them, but watch these new films with an open mind.
Could barely sit through this 2-hour-long Macy's Christmas sale commercial.
The basic plot would have made more sense had it appealed to humanity between culturally different communities with significant power difference and history of oppression rather than a bunch of white blokes.
What All Lives Matter is to Black Lives Matter, this film is to the Palestinian oppression.
Undermines the depths of the refugee crisis by shifting the light on others who have also been oppressed. The director tries to slip in this sentiment disguised as an unbiased presentation. If you pay attention to the words of the lawyers and who is kept at the center of the narration, it is clear where the bias stands.
Comments 1 - 25 of 606
Movie comment on Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker
Rohit
Stat Wars: Lucas Gifts Abrams a Xerox MachineMovie comment on The Legend of Korra
Rohit
A brilliant sequel to Avatar: The Last Airbender series. One of the rare examples of writing on complicated issues facing humanity that conveys its intended message with nuance and respect. Challenges of oppression, colonization, racism, and discrimination that continue to haunt us are woven throughout both the series, where Korra goes a step further into resolutions, where Avatar was more interested in setting the foundation.Movie comment on Manchester by the Sea
Rohit
DYK: White men have won more oscars for mumbling than any other demographic? #funfactMovie comment on El abrazo de la serpiente
Rohit
What a stunning story to tell! There are just not enough films on the atrocities caused by colonization and the greed of white menMovie comment on A Ghost Story
Rohit
Now this is the use of Casey Affleck I can endorse.Movie comment on The Highwaymen
Rohit
The Highway-mehMovie comment on The King
Rohit
Watch for Chalamét's war speech!Movie comment on Outlaw King
Rohit
This film perfectly captures the rituals and customs that feed the practices and choices that are often made in such settings. If you are expecting over-the-top battles, this is not for you. If you are more interested in understanding the relationship of power and duty with ego and identity, this is a recommended watch.Movie comment on Article 15
Rohit
A deeper, realist dive into the evils of caste discrimination in present-day IndiaMovie comment on Reshma Aur Shera
Rohit
Such a good film, not mentioned enoughMovie comment on Once Upon a Time in... Hollywood
Rohit
A piece of shitedit:
a lot of people downvoted my comment so I will revise it:
This movie is typical whitestream trash. Worse than the farts of the most mediocre filmmakers. But because it is Tarantino, it must be considered a gem, I understand.
Movie comment on Always Be My Maybe
Rohit
I don't have too strong feelings about this but calling it a Crazy Rich Asians knockoff is like calling Sleepless in Seattle a When Harry Met Sally knockoff.The two romantic comedies have nothing in common other than the fact that they both have an Asian cast. While Crazy Rich Asians focused on presenting a more non-American view of Asians, Always Be My Maybe captures the charm and struggles of growing up as a second-generation immigrant in the United States. The writing is clever and generous, giving every character their moments to shine and be funny without going into the obvious jokes, making people of color the butt of the jokes.
Movie comment on Friday
Rohit
I find the darkness lurking under the humor thoroughly scary and too real. The final choice to resolve into a happier ending makes it into a fantasy and, thus, a sharp film.Movie comment on The Wife
Rohit
What a timely yet timeless story to tell. Glenn Close is so real with her restraint and pain. Jonathan Pryce was also exceptional at playing a sheep in wolf skin. You don't see such great performances a lot these days.Movie comment on Manto
Rohit
Saadat Hasan Manto was a playwriter and poet who wrote for popular magazines and journals and worked in the Indian film industry prior to and during Indian independence from the British Raj. For his time, he was considered too liberal and therefore controversial by both the British and the Indian/Pakistani government. Because of this, he was continually persecuted for activist ideas.Manto's persecution overlapped with the partition of India and Pakistan, which paralleled, in some way, a partition of his identity. He never recovered from this damage and was caught in a downward spiral and a web of his own narrative in search of meaning to weave a sense of belonging for himself.
The director, Nandita Das, a renowned actress herself, tries to reflect Manto's struggle in overcoming the partition of a nation he loved and, more importantly, the people he cared for. In some ways, his story is timeless as it shows the impact of a crisis of identity on humanity and politics and vice versa.
Movie comment on Te3n
Rohit
The dialogue between the three central characters is quite artificial and contrived. More importantly, the motivations for all three of them seem forced and rushed to some extent. This makes the overall premise fake to some extent, which takes away the engagement from the non-linear narrative (which has some significant choice holes).Movie comment on Tanu Weds Manu
Rohit
There is something messed up about the way the director approaches his lead male actor's motives. He romanticizes stalker and non-consensul, one-sided relationships, which is a problem with deep social repercussions in India. You can see this more blatantly in his other film Ranjhana.Movie comment on Bagh Bahadur
Rohit
The other video posted in the comments here is missing the beginning.Here is the first 16 minutes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkwbnQoDqdM
Movie comment on Behen Hogi Teri
Rohit
Rajkumar Rao, who has been acting some really good movies in past 3-4 years, finds himself in a trashy, poorly written romantic-comedy fantasy.Movie comment on Dum Laga Ke Haisha
Rohit
A film will seem oppressive if it reflects a sexist, oppressive society. Don't confuse realism with reality. The film itself is not what it shows you. It is merely a mirror.Also, on this note, I will acknowledge this as another realistic film that resonates where Indian society is without making a caricature of it. It may not be a great film, but it is grounded in lived experiences of many Indians.
Also see Aankho Dekhi, Masaan, Highway, Court, Ship of Theseus, among others to see the extent of new Indian realism. I know it is a common practice on iCM forums to diss Indian films without seeing them, but watch these new films with an open mind.
Movie comment on Profundo carmesí
Rohit
I can't believe this is not on any official lists.Movie comment on Joyeux Noël
Rohit
Could barely sit through this 2-hour-long Macy's Christmas sale commercial.The basic plot would have made more sense had it appealed to humanity between culturally different communities with significant power difference and history of oppression rather than a bunch of white blokes.
Movie comment on First Reformed
Rohit
Speaking of films this reminded people of, how about Winter Light? See a strong similar theme.Movie comment on L'insulte
Rohit
What All Lives Matter is to Black Lives Matter, this film is to the Palestinian oppression.Movie comment on Antaheen
Rohit
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZCXJP7CNOU (with English subtitles)Showing items 1 – 25 of 606