This flick by director Hari, under Kavithalaya productions starring Vikram, Trisha, Kota Srinivas Rao, Vivek and other supporting actors was a different kind of action movie. All in all - romance, comedy, action, sentiments in one sensible (close to) 3 hour dose.
The movie starts off with a typical front bencher folky song. The start of the movie shows the different type of rule Deputy Commissioner of Police Arusaami does. Interesting thoughts and dialogue! Then, with things going out of the hand in the evil department, DCP takes an upper hand in dealing with the illegal acts to crush out the villain. A well made and engrossing ending and climax.
Comedian Vivek provides a good dose of humour creating satire of some practises in orthodox Brahmin caste. Of late there have been many movies that constantly make fun of this caste. I would always wonder if the jest was turned onto some other caste or creed, would they have been silent? This caste is constantly taken for granted and made ridicule of. But the comedy in this movie didn't go out of hand. The practices were truly pointless. At the same time, he also made some good points about the culture.
Vikram carried the role very well. His costume and stature was well fit into the required role. He looked very handsome indeed :). Trisha *sigh*, for whom I have no comments. It is not entirely her fault. It was a hero oriented movie and she could do little but add glamour and she did well. Although I wasn't quite happy about her wild ramblings of mouth, when she well knew how to speak the language. I would almost say the supporting caste did better than her even though they had a smaller role. Long way to go.
Kota Srinivas Rao also did his job well. I felt the total villain irritation in his unkempt looks and gestures. A little effort could have been taken to synchronize his lip movements with the language.
An engrossing and quick moving movie.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Raincoat
With the Christmas break and the ending of my sister's exams, I have had some time on my hands which I'm spending on all the movies that I have wanted to watch or 're-watch' for a long time. Considering I don't get much choice with my parents around, I'm amazed that I finished watching this many movies. Anyway, getting to the point of this post...
Raincoat is another Bengali story (of late, there are many Bengali stories adapted for the screen - a trend since Devdas came into play - Chokher Bali (Sand in the eye), Parineeta (married woman)). Childhood friends turned into teenage lovers, split by fate when the girl gets married to a well-to-do groom is the background of the movie. While the present, is the meeting of these long - lost lovers in dire circumstances on both ends. Each struggling inside and making webs of lies to cover up their respective sad circumstances. And in the end discovering each other's true circumstances without the other's knowledge. Finally, also finding that the other has helped them along with what they had.
The movie was neat in its adaptation and cohesive. The flipping to the past and present was enjoyable and it kept me attentive. I wouldn't recommend it to people who love lots of movement and action in movies but it's a calm worthwhile movie for thought.
Ajay Devgan has evolved a long way since his first few movies. His exceptional acting in Deewangee was eye-catching and this second chance, he has well used to exploit his talent. Aishwarya Rai still has to go a long way, in my opinion. Together, their on - screen chemistry is great to watch. They seem to have a subtle fire burning. I'm seeing such a fire after the Shah Rukh Khan - Kajol era. Since Hum Dil De Chuke Hain Sanam, Hum Kisise Kam Nahin and Khakhee, till Raincoat, they seem to have a good support for each other on screen.
On the whole, a good calm movie to watch with family.
Raincoat is another Bengali story (of late, there are many Bengali stories adapted for the screen - a trend since Devdas came into play - Chokher Bali (Sand in the eye), Parineeta (married woman)). Childhood friends turned into teenage lovers, split by fate when the girl gets married to a well-to-do groom is the background of the movie. While the present, is the meeting of these long - lost lovers in dire circumstances on both ends. Each struggling inside and making webs of lies to cover up their respective sad circumstances. And in the end discovering each other's true circumstances without the other's knowledge. Finally, also finding that the other has helped them along with what they had.
The movie was neat in its adaptation and cohesive. The flipping to the past and present was enjoyable and it kept me attentive. I wouldn't recommend it to people who love lots of movement and action in movies but it's a calm worthwhile movie for thought.
Ajay Devgan has evolved a long way since his first few movies. His exceptional acting in Deewangee was eye-catching and this second chance, he has well used to exploit his talent. Aishwarya Rai still has to go a long way, in my opinion. Together, their on - screen chemistry is great to watch. They seem to have a subtle fire burning. I'm seeing such a fire after the Shah Rukh Khan - Kajol era. Since Hum Dil De Chuke Hain Sanam, Hum Kisise Kam Nahin and Khakhee, till Raincoat, they seem to have a good support for each other on screen.
On the whole, a good calm movie to watch with family.
The Legend of Bhagat Singh (26th Dec 06, Tue)
Starring Ajay Devgan and Sushant Singh in lead roles, directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, the movie was (obviously) based on Indian freedom fighter martyr Bhagat Singh. Bhagat Singh's younger brother was involved in the making of the movie - which adds another good in the storytelling.
The movie starts off by showing how the three young men - Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru are hanged, their bodies chopped and immolated with oil and then partly thrown off into the nearby waters, only to be found in a gruesome state by their family. Then the movie pans to Bhagat Singh's childhood and how his desire for an independent India came about; his quest and thirst for knowledge and then his actions and passion to a socialist India. On the way, webs of friendship and brotherhood are well weaved into the story. No battle or revolution is complete without treachery and this movie too has its share with some hot, moving scenes.
I don't know if it is the effect of A.R.Rahman's songs or the theme of the story, but I thought it was a great job done for this movie. There are some very patriotic dialogues and scenes that were very moving. Even the lines of the songs are of no less consequence. A line that stays in the mind is from the song mera rang de - markae kaise jeethe hain, is duniyaa ko bathlaanae - a simple twist of words but powerful meaning for martyrdom and sacrifice for motherland.
For those patriotic Indians out there, this is probably a feast, especially the songs and dialogue. Ajay Devgan has done a good job in carrying out the role. The other supporting cast have also carried out their roles with ease. Outstanding acting was done by individuals playing the characters of martyrs Sukhdev, Rajguru, Chandrashekhar Azad and Jatin Das. An overall excellently done movie. Worth the watch and time.
The movie starts off by showing how the three young men - Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru are hanged, their bodies chopped and immolated with oil and then partly thrown off into the nearby waters, only to be found in a gruesome state by their family. Then the movie pans to Bhagat Singh's childhood and how his desire for an independent India came about; his quest and thirst for knowledge and then his actions and passion to a socialist India. On the way, webs of friendship and brotherhood are well weaved into the story. No battle or revolution is complete without treachery and this movie too has its share with some hot, moving scenes.
I don't know if it is the effect of A.R.Rahman's songs or the theme of the story, but I thought it was a great job done for this movie. There are some very patriotic dialogues and scenes that were very moving. Even the lines of the songs are of no less consequence. A line that stays in the mind is from the song mera rang de - markae kaise jeethe hain, is duniyaa ko bathlaanae - a simple twist of words but powerful meaning for martyrdom and sacrifice for motherland.
For those patriotic Indians out there, this is probably a feast, especially the songs and dialogue. Ajay Devgan has done a good job in carrying out the role. The other supporting cast have also carried out their roles with ease. Outstanding acting was done by individuals playing the characters of martyrs Sukhdev, Rajguru, Chandrashekhar Azad and Jatin Das. An overall excellently done movie. Worth the watch and time.
dil chahta hai - the heart wants (18th Dec 06, Mon)
As part of my Bollywood weekend movie marathon, I watched DCH yesterday night. I had caught this flick a few years ago and it made the same fresh imprints to watch it yesterday as before.
A carefree portrayal of true modern friendship, the passage of finding true love for 3 different personalities formed the crux of this movie. Added adornments of new-age trendy interior design of the sets, costumes, parents and (not to forget) music, the movie looked like a model movie for the 21st century. Yet it had the sentimental and cultural essence of arranged marriage, love, filial piety and gratitude.I think the ease and humour that was shown in the movie was very adorable. I did feel that at some instances, the character Akash went a little overboard, the character Sameer seemed a little stupid and character Sid seemed to be contradictory with wanting peace and quiet and then spending time in the bar screaming his voice out. But nonetheless, these oddities were overcome with the overall masterpiece.
I wondered, after watching the movie, as to why aren't there such movies made on female friendships, which made me think further as to why female friendships don't seem to be lasting long enough.
My mother was very gregarious in her youth and constantly shares memories of her friendships and childhood with us. But when we ask her as to where they are, sometimes she claims they are back home and sometimes, she doesn't know where they are.
On the other hand, my dad - a shy type - still knows and is in touch with almost all his childhood friends and work colleagues.
I believe it is not just with my family, but also in general that in families with South Asian background, the friendship between females tend to lose the strength, especially after marriage. With so much housework and expectations to live up to, there is rarely enough time to maintain other relationships that we would have once cherished so much. And by the time, the familial relationships become independent enough, the women seem to have completely lost touch and now the same friends seem extremely distant, perhaps even, physically. It is a sad thought but one, that I think ladies have started to live upto.
I don't see the same type of trend in this part of the globe though. Women and men have equal share in socializing and frienships are welcome with both genders. But sadly, I can't feel the same tie of friendship that I see back home here. Especially with the Christmas season around the corner, I keep hearing everyone moaning about troublesome Christmas shopping for presents. Is it because of the hustle bustle in the stores that they detest or is it because of other matters, I don't know, but it seems odd finding buying presents for your loves, tiring.
Anyway, out of the rambling - the movie was very fresh and different (typical cliche said by directors, but this was really different). A good job (as usual) done by Aamir Khan. Saif Ali Khan was perhaps the most outstanding in the movie with his character - watch out for his comedy. Akshay Khanna looks cute as a broody personality. Preity Zinta is not overly chuckly and bubbly, but seems a balanced individual, while Sonali Kulkarni comes as a sweet damsel for comedian Saif Ali Khan.
A carefree portrayal of true modern friendship, the passage of finding true love for 3 different personalities formed the crux of this movie. Added adornments of new-age trendy interior design of the sets, costumes, parents and (not to forget) music, the movie looked like a model movie for the 21st century. Yet it had the sentimental and cultural essence of arranged marriage, love, filial piety and gratitude.I think the ease and humour that was shown in the movie was very adorable. I did feel that at some instances, the character Akash went a little overboard, the character Sameer seemed a little stupid and character Sid seemed to be contradictory with wanting peace and quiet and then spending time in the bar screaming his voice out. But nonetheless, these oddities were overcome with the overall masterpiece.
I wondered, after watching the movie, as to why aren't there such movies made on female friendships, which made me think further as to why female friendships don't seem to be lasting long enough.
My mother was very gregarious in her youth and constantly shares memories of her friendships and childhood with us. But when we ask her as to where they are, sometimes she claims they are back home and sometimes, she doesn't know where they are.
On the other hand, my dad - a shy type - still knows and is in touch with almost all his childhood friends and work colleagues.
I believe it is not just with my family, but also in general that in families with South Asian background, the friendship between females tend to lose the strength, especially after marriage. With so much housework and expectations to live up to, there is rarely enough time to maintain other relationships that we would have once cherished so much. And by the time, the familial relationships become independent enough, the women seem to have completely lost touch and now the same friends seem extremely distant, perhaps even, physically. It is a sad thought but one, that I think ladies have started to live upto.
I don't see the same type of trend in this part of the globe though. Women and men have equal share in socializing and frienships are welcome with both genders. But sadly, I can't feel the same tie of friendship that I see back home here. Especially with the Christmas season around the corner, I keep hearing everyone moaning about troublesome Christmas shopping for presents. Is it because of the hustle bustle in the stores that they detest or is it because of other matters, I don't know, but it seems odd finding buying presents for your loves, tiring.
Anyway, out of the rambling - the movie was very fresh and different (typical cliche said by directors, but this was really different). A good job (as usual) done by Aamir Khan. Saif Ali Khan was perhaps the most outstanding in the movie with his character - watch out for his comedy. Akshay Khanna looks cute as a broody personality. Preity Zinta is not overly chuckly and bubbly, but seems a balanced individual, while Sonali Kulkarni comes as a sweet damsel for comedian Saif Ali Khan.
Sweet Revenge & Honest Illusions (4th Dec 06, Mon)
Over the weekend, I managed to finish reading a couple of books by Nora Roberts. One was called Sweet Revenge and the other Honest Illusions. Interesting books although they are a little A - rated at some parts, but the emotions run strong in other aspects too.
Sweet Revenge, to me, seemed a little controversial - I was, in fact, wondering how come it escaped the slaying by religious people. A western woman falling in love with the king of an Arab country, marrying him, only to realise that women don't have that much freedom or say in their country, as well as finding out that he could have multiple wives and not bearing a son is the biggest shame. The western woman - Phoebe tries to protect her only child - a girl, Adrianne - and escapes from the clutches of the chauvanistic man to her home country - America. Her struggles shadowing and her daughter's struggles reigning forms the main crux of the story. The story was brilliantly weaved to hold the suspense, however, I could have used some tongue lashing towards the man for his actions.
Honest Illusions was about the life of magician's family. The head magician, Max - his life and his shadowy trades and how his large heart extends his family to include a young man, who not only becomes his professional heir, but also the soulmate of his daughter. The struggles of the young man, Luke and his haunting past, compared to his grateful present and a daunting future. The challenge for the magician's girl, Rox, her loves and hatreds that ruin and build her life.
A good flowy read if you have a few hours over the weekend to spare.
Sweet Revenge, to me, seemed a little controversial - I was, in fact, wondering how come it escaped the slaying by religious people. A western woman falling in love with the king of an Arab country, marrying him, only to realise that women don't have that much freedom or say in their country, as well as finding out that he could have multiple wives and not bearing a son is the biggest shame. The western woman - Phoebe tries to protect her only child - a girl, Adrianne - and escapes from the clutches of the chauvanistic man to her home country - America. Her struggles shadowing and her daughter's struggles reigning forms the main crux of the story. The story was brilliantly weaved to hold the suspense, however, I could have used some tongue lashing towards the man for his actions.
Honest Illusions was about the life of magician's family. The head magician, Max - his life and his shadowy trades and how his large heart extends his family to include a young man, who not only becomes his professional heir, but also the soulmate of his daughter. The struggles of the young man, Luke and his haunting past, compared to his grateful present and a daunting future. The challenge for the magician's girl, Rox, her loves and hatreds that ruin and build her life.
A good flowy read if you have a few hours over the weekend to spare.
'First Love' by Ivan Turgenev (24th Sep 06, Sun)
Being a crazy romantic (who believes in 'a knight in shining armour'), it wasn't very surprising to note that I picked this book off the shelf, as soon as I saw its name. Something in the back page summary made me borrow this. A 107 page - book was nothing other than a 107 page letter written by a man about his first love. The book opens with 3 gentlemen meeting over a meal and finding a common topic to discuss - their first loves. The host and the 1st gentleman, having an awfully normal experience, request the 3rd gentleman to narrate his. This gentleman, being more fluent in writing stories, tells that he would write the story to them. True to his word, in a couple weeks, the letter reaches them and the story of the 'author's' first love unfolds. A sixteen - year old lad falling in love with a poor, 21 - year old, ex - princess neighbour; after a few meetings, discovering that she is in love and then discovering that the lover is none other than his own father. Torn between the love for his father and love for the lady and his mother's agony over such an act of his father's, was most well put. After he matures into a young man, having a brush of his father's clandestine meeting with his first love and then finding that she is married, through one of his old common friends, was shocking and elevating. Yet, in the end, when he visits her after much delay and learns that she had already passed away during, gives us a feeling of tragedy, yet the innocent sweet love, that all of us must have had when we were younger. Sweet and quick book to read...
The hound of Baskervillis - the art of observation (20th Aug 06, Sun)
Nothing can project the art of observation as well as works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle - Sherlock Holmes' adventures. As I am reading the complete compilation of Sherlock Holmes' adventures, I begin to want that power of observation. By a simple note of how deep Dr.Watson's doorsteps are, Holmes finds that Watson's doctor business was much better than Watson's neighbour - amazing!The best gripping story of all is 'The Hound of Baskervillis' - a scary murder mystery that sends shivers down my spine every time I read it. It reveals the evil (Stapleton's) and smart (Holmes') contortions of the human mind. A stable, balanced mind mixed with a quick eye solves an equally horrifying mystery of human greed.
Along with this long story, there are many other short stories that are as cleverly woven into the times that Sir Arthur Doyle lived.Perhaps, if such stories were written in today's era, they wouldn't have been as popular due to the advancement of science and technology. The detection and analysing devices are so exact that a person like Holmes would seem half useless. Not only are the devices advanced but so are the criminals. The crimes are progressively gruesome and inhumane that detectives of these days need to have more guts in them than brains to comb for clues at the crime sites.
Yet, Holmes would add spice to all the crimes today. Like he says in one of the short stories, a detective is not just made up of a watchful eye, but also of an imaginative mind. Clues can be combed from anywhere, even by the garbage man, for he cleans every inch of the place he works at, but the inferences made from these clues, need to be put with human behaviour and a criminal imagination to put together the sequence of events that would have led to the crime - an art that detective Sherlock Holmes excels greatly in.
Along with this long story, there are many other short stories that are as cleverly woven into the times that Sir Arthur Doyle lived.Perhaps, if such stories were written in today's era, they wouldn't have been as popular due to the advancement of science and technology. The detection and analysing devices are so exact that a person like Holmes would seem half useless. Not only are the devices advanced but so are the criminals. The crimes are progressively gruesome and inhumane that detectives of these days need to have more guts in them than brains to comb for clues at the crime sites.
Yet, Holmes would add spice to all the crimes today. Like he says in one of the short stories, a detective is not just made up of a watchful eye, but also of an imaginative mind. Clues can be combed from anywhere, even by the garbage man, for he cleans every inch of the place he works at, but the inferences made from these clues, need to be put with human behaviour and a criminal imagination to put together the sequence of events that would have led to the crime - an art that detective Sherlock Holmes excels greatly in.
Da Vinci Code (17th Jul 06, Mon)
All I could think of was - it was sensational! Uncovering information in a new way, seeing things in a new light - the mind feels rejuvenated! As much as Angels and Demons seemed to have shown darkness, I think Dan Brown compensated with much enlightenment in the Da Vinci code.
The whole battle about the truth is scary. A famous lyricist once wrote - "don't believe your eyes, they trick you!" I wonder what the people who lived with Lord Jesus would have felt when they read the Bible we read now. They must seen such conflicting accounts (if the history in this book is true).
'Truth is always victorious' - it came out but isn't winning - the Vatican is appalled at the book and is condemning it. Is it so hard to consider God as a human too? In Hinduism, as much as we claim that God is omnipresent and all knowing, we still worship Gods like Rama and Krishna - who were Gods in human form. We accepted them being married and having children, as much as we encourage celibacy when becoming their devotees.
I think by saying that God is human and yet, He has done so much good - will only be showing us more proof that one need not be a God to do good. Everyone can be and should be a good human being.
Speaking of good human beings, I got reminded of a scene I saw this morning. As usual, packed amidst the morning rush hour, like a sheep in the herd, I stood in the train, reading. There were 2 ladies - middle aged and middle young- and middle-aged (she seemed in the middle). They were reading the Bible and then various pamphlets of prayers (they seemed to have a never ending pile of those in a plastic bag - I was surprised how both of them were storing the same object in the same way). After a few stations, an elderly gentleman walked in (he almost seemed like he would crumple). As stations went by, he kept glancing at the seated commuters before him (unfortunately, all were ladies, of which 2 of them were the Bible readers) to give him a seat. As I watched this scene, I could not help but wonder at how many less sins would these ladies be accumulating by reading the Bible and leaving a human in need in front of them, as he is. Finally, after standing for a long while, the younger Bible reader stood up and offered her seat. (There were many others around these two women for scrutiny and counting of sins for not noticing the elderly man. Perhaps, even I accumulated some for not voicing out my opinion and getting this gentleman a seat, but that would be deviating from the point)
Religions were formed on faith. Humans never seem to learn without authority - so was God made - to remind you that He is there all the time, watching you at every move. This is, I think, nothing more than your conscience. Until this is awakened and righteous, there is no God for you. So, in the end, God is nothing more than you, your conscience. To say that your God is human - is just to say that - "He was just like you. He could have made mistakes, but He did the right thing." It almost like when your parents act as friends to you - isn't that something nice?
Besides, there are many hymns that say Lord Jesus was just like other babies, then why this resistance by the Vatican to accept a book that just claims that He was a human too??
So, going back to my original reason for this post, the Da Vinci Code is a good fresh topic (atleast for me) out of the traditional mysteries and murders. The part I loved the most were the codes. Amazing they were! Having personal interest in codes (I used to write diary entries in codes), I found Da Vinci very brilliant (like I had to say that for him to be accepted as brilliant) and as I was reading through, I found myself solving them too (sadly, there is pattern in random code too). It challenges the faith and our understanding. There wasn't so much of a historical component in this (compared to Angels and Demons). At the end though, I couldn't understand why Langdon keeps getting romantically involved with a different woman every year (Sigh! men! Seems to me like a symbologist Bond).
The whole battle about the truth is scary. A famous lyricist once wrote - "don't believe your eyes, they trick you!" I wonder what the people who lived with Lord Jesus would have felt when they read the Bible we read now. They must seen such conflicting accounts (if the history in this book is true).
'Truth is always victorious' - it came out but isn't winning - the Vatican is appalled at the book and is condemning it. Is it so hard to consider God as a human too? In Hinduism, as much as we claim that God is omnipresent and all knowing, we still worship Gods like Rama and Krishna - who were Gods in human form. We accepted them being married and having children, as much as we encourage celibacy when becoming their devotees.
I think by saying that God is human and yet, He has done so much good - will only be showing us more proof that one need not be a God to do good. Everyone can be and should be a good human being.
Speaking of good human beings, I got reminded of a scene I saw this morning. As usual, packed amidst the morning rush hour, like a sheep in the herd, I stood in the train, reading. There were 2 ladies - middle aged and middle young- and middle-aged (she seemed in the middle). They were reading the Bible and then various pamphlets of prayers (they seemed to have a never ending pile of those in a plastic bag - I was surprised how both of them were storing the same object in the same way). After a few stations, an elderly gentleman walked in (he almost seemed like he would crumple). As stations went by, he kept glancing at the seated commuters before him (unfortunately, all were ladies, of which 2 of them were the Bible readers) to give him a seat. As I watched this scene, I could not help but wonder at how many less sins would these ladies be accumulating by reading the Bible and leaving a human in need in front of them, as he is. Finally, after standing for a long while, the younger Bible reader stood up and offered her seat. (There were many others around these two women for scrutiny and counting of sins for not noticing the elderly man. Perhaps, even I accumulated some for not voicing out my opinion and getting this gentleman a seat, but that would be deviating from the point)
Religions were formed on faith. Humans never seem to learn without authority - so was God made - to remind you that He is there all the time, watching you at every move. This is, I think, nothing more than your conscience. Until this is awakened and righteous, there is no God for you. So, in the end, God is nothing more than you, your conscience. To say that your God is human - is just to say that - "He was just like you. He could have made mistakes, but He did the right thing." It almost like when your parents act as friends to you - isn't that something nice?
Besides, there are many hymns that say Lord Jesus was just like other babies, then why this resistance by the Vatican to accept a book that just claims that He was a human too??
So, going back to my original reason for this post, the Da Vinci Code is a good fresh topic (atleast for me) out of the traditional mysteries and murders. The part I loved the most were the codes. Amazing they were! Having personal interest in codes (I used to write diary entries in codes), I found Da Vinci very brilliant (like I had to say that for him to be accepted as brilliant) and as I was reading through, I found myself solving them too (sadly, there is pattern in random code too). It challenges the faith and our understanding. There wasn't so much of a historical component in this (compared to Angels and Demons). At the end though, I couldn't understand why Langdon keeps getting romantically involved with a different woman every year (Sigh! men! Seems to me like a symbologist Bond).
Angels and Demons - a grizzly weekend (10th Jul 06, Mon)
I got my hands onto Angels and Demons by Dan Brown for the weekend. Thanks to my sister's school librarian's generosity, I had this copy (along with the Da Vinci code) even though her school year was technically over. Sometimes my sister is of good use. The local library had 2000+ holds on the book. I was almost beginning to imagine that I would only get the book when I have finished watching the movie (note: I never have watched popular movies within their time at the theatres - usually 3 - 4 years after they are released. So that gives you an explanantion of why I thought so).
So, going back to the book - I don't wish to get entangled in some form copyright issue or other printing problems. Neither do I want to spoil the ecstasy of reading a book for its ending. So, simply putting it, it was one of the few books that challenged religion and addressed the issue of ongoing debate between science and religion. I could well see, both sides of the argument that the author was putting through one of the important characters (This was an advantage I carried from my debating society extracurricular activity). It was very interesting to go back into history of science. Italian art history was testing, for I have no extensive knowledge on the subject. The arena of symbiology was very very interesting to a pictorial and visual person like me. Yet, I found it hard to digest the gruesome account of the murders - for I could almost imagine them. I could not help, but get a gulp of water everytime something was mentioned or I could feel myself sweating. Too emotional you might say, but without getting the feel for the book, there is little fun in reading anything.
Thus was my weekend spent in reading an agonising, mysterious and interesting book. A total of about 600 paperback book completed in a span of 6 hours. Phew! Now, on to its second part. Da Vinci code, here I come..
So, going back to the book - I don't wish to get entangled in some form copyright issue or other printing problems. Neither do I want to spoil the ecstasy of reading a book for its ending. So, simply putting it, it was one of the few books that challenged religion and addressed the issue of ongoing debate between science and religion. I could well see, both sides of the argument that the author was putting through one of the important characters (This was an advantage I carried from my debating society extracurricular activity). It was very interesting to go back into history of science. Italian art history was testing, for I have no extensive knowledge on the subject. The arena of symbiology was very very interesting to a pictorial and visual person like me. Yet, I found it hard to digest the gruesome account of the murders - for I could almost imagine them. I could not help, but get a gulp of water everytime something was mentioned or I could feel myself sweating. Too emotional you might say, but without getting the feel for the book, there is little fun in reading anything.
Thus was my weekend spent in reading an agonising, mysterious and interesting book. A total of about 600 paperback book completed in a span of 6 hours. Phew! Now, on to its second part. Da Vinci code, here I come..
Pride and Prejudice - romance at its best (13th May 06, Sat)
I just finished watching a BBC production of Pride and Prejudice (1985). It ran for a whole 226 minutes. Too long, you might say, but not so for a hopeless romantic like me. Nothing can beat Eliza's initial hatred of Mr. Darcy and then her subsequent realization of her folly in thinking so. What struck me throughout the show was the behaviour of Eliza's mother, Mrs. Bennet and her younger sisters. The disgusting eagerness they show in getting married as soon as possible and then finding horrible ways of finding husbands. It seemed in this novel's situation that the middle class unmarried women had nothing to do except hunting husbands. But yet I think it was good that Mrs. Bennet was continually engaged in doing that, else perhaps Eliza and Mr. Darcy would have never met and never would such novel be written :D. Many versions of this classic have taken shape but nothing beats this version. The lady acting as Elizabeth Bennet shares the same first name as her character and goes by the last name of Garvie. She has well expressed herself, except at some scenes, where I judged her to be overacting, but that's insignificant. Other notable characters in this classic are Mr. and Mrs Gardiner - a very thoughtful couple in relation to the Bennet family. Its a wonder how some vastly differing characteristics are tied in relations within a family - it happens too often in life to be ignored in such a classic. Its no wonder that a sensible girl such as Eliza prefers their company to her own mother. Austenian classics are never fulfilled without comical characters. In this one, it is provided by the all - apologetic Mr. Collins, cousin of the Bennet girls. Mr. Bennet, too, offers comic relief in his indifference towards his wife's plans. Nothing can beat when he says in exasperation that "Mr. Bingley is always here. He comes before breakfast and never leaves until after supper", when his wife announces the arrival of Mr. Bingley (Bingley is by now enganged with the eldest of the daughters, Jane). To say it all, Pride and Prejudice - romance at its best :D.
Kanda Naal Mudhal (14th Apr 06, Fri for Easter)
I watched a very sweet romantic movie today. Two individuals - a guy and a girl, bickering with each other since childhood. The girl gets a matrimonial proposal and accepts. The groom is incidently her enemy's close friend. In view of his friend's life, the guy pushes the groom against the girl, complaining against her, as much as possible. The groom seems to like the girl's attitude, as portrayed by his friend, but is puzzled when the girl acts totally opposite to what he had heard. During one of the "let's-know-each-other" outings, the guy learns from the girl's sister that all the matrimonial arrangement is for the family and not herself. That's when he starts respecting the girl and starts helping her out with completing the matrimony. But the girl hasn't yet trusted him and questions all his intentions. When the engagement time comes, the groom agrees in front of others but personally informs the girl (in presence of the guy) that the marriage will not take place. The girl thinks that all this has happened because of the guy. They quarrel all the way to her house. Meanwhile, the girl's sister eloped with her lover and the family is in shambles. To cope with that situation, the girl hides the end of the engagement. The guy helps her along in this drama. During this drama, as everyone can guess, the girl and guy fall for each other. And again as everyone can guess, just when they are going to proclaim their love, the groom returns and confirms his love for the girl. The guy refuses to accept the love because he feels it would destroy everyone's happiness. The girl tries to make him understand, but he refuses. As a last desperate hope, the girl decides to play a drama against the guy and it finally works. "And they lived happily ever after"... Although the gist of the story is something common (almost close to Austen's Pride and Prejudice), it is the tug of war portrayal that always catches the eye in these stories. Love is common to all and everyone gets it but the ritual of becoming a lover is what is the most interesting to go through, to see and to hear.
what's here?
This blog is solely to cover my sharing of things that I have read, seen and enjoyed with readers. They might not agree with yours. These are my humblest opinions and do not cover much other than my personal enjoyment. Besides, space is limited on my other blog and with holidays around the corner, time seems to be on my hand to enjoy..
WELCOME...
WELCOME...
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
