Category Archives: 1-By Laksh

All these articles are from Laksh’s desk

The Professionals: A Mission of Ransom

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6680128

“The Professionals” (1966) is a Western adventure film with top-notch characters and cinematography. Similar to “The Magnificent Seven,” it features four individuals with unique skills who come together for a mission.

The film follows wealthy man Joe Grant as he hires a team of soldiers of fortune to rescue his kidnapped wife Maria. The team, led by Henry Fardan, includes Bill Dolworth, Hans Ehrengard, and Jake Sharp. They journey through dangerous Mexican terrain and must use their skills to retrieve Maria and survive the trip back.

The film draws inspiration from the Mexican Revolution and includes themes of deceit and betrayal. With a rousing score by Maurice Jarre, the film features nonstop action and twists, leading to a satisfying conclusion. The film received three Academy Award nominations in 1966, including for Best Direction and Screenplay. “The Professionals” was a hit in 1966 and marked a successful period for lead actor Lee Marvin.

Class Action (1991) – A Well-Made Legal Drama

Source: http://impawards.com/1991/class_action.html

Class Action is a legal drama film released in 1991 that stars Gene Hackman, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio and Laurence Fishburne. The movie follows the story of a father and daughter, who are both lawyers, as they work together on a class-action lawsuit against an automobile company. The father, Jedediah Ward (Gene Hackman), is a veteran lawyer known for his no-nonsense approach to cases, while the daughter, Maggie Ward (Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio), is a young and ambitious lawyer who wants to make a name for herself.

The movie showcases the dynamics between the two lawyers, as they navigate through the complexities of a class-action lawsuit. The film also highlights the tension between the two sides, as the automobile company tries to defend themselves against the lawsuit. The film’s strong cast delivers excellent performances, with Gene Hackman bringing depth to his character and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio showing her range as an actress. The supporting cast, including Laurence Fishburne, also does a great job in delivering their lines and making the film more engaging.

Class Action is a well-written film that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish. The script is engaging and thought-provoking, as it raises questions about the legal system and the way corporations operate. The film’s cinematography, production design and background score are also noteworthy, as they give the film a sense of authenticity and realism and adds an extra layer of intensity to the film’s scenes.

In summary, Class Action is a well-made legal drama film that is a must-watch for fans of the genre. The film’s strong cast, excellent script, and engaging cinematography make it a standout film in its genre. If you’re looking for a thought-provoking and engaging legal drama film, Class Action is the perfect choice.

The Good Boss: A Dark Workplace Comedy with a Bite

Fernando León de Aranoa’s “The Good Boss” is a movie that will leave you entertained, yet disturbed. It’s a dark workplace comedy with a sharp edge, thanks to the excellent performance by Javier Bardem, who plays Julio Blanco, the head of a mid-sized company that makes and sells weight scales. Bardem’s charismatic presence makes Blanco’s megalomania, duplicity, and self-serving passive-aggression a captivating sight to behold.

De Aranoa’s script is another critical component of the movie’s success. The script has a tight cohesion and is nicely paced, with a great balance of storytelling and character development. The humor comes from unexpected places, making it all the more enjoyable.

Blanco’s company, Blanco Scales, is one of three finalists for a prestigious industry award. The award would provide much-needed subsidies, but it’s really about the glory. Blanco craves the adulation and has an empty trophy wall waiting for the award. With the awards committee set to make a surprise visit, Blanco wants to ensure that everything at the factory is in top form.

The film revolves around Blanco’s attempts to manage his employees and their problems before the awards committee shows up. Throughout the film, we meet a fun array of supporting characters, including Blanco’s friends, coworkers, and interns. The more Blanco meddles in their lives, the more complicated things get, and his paternal charade begins to crumble.

In summary, even at two hours, “The Good Boss” is engaging and entertaining, thanks to its sharp script and Bardem’s excellent performance. Bardem brings Blanco to life, and de Aranoa’s direction ensures that the story never loses its wit or its bite.