Category Archives: ET

The Angrez

There is something about Hyderabad which every Hyderabadi feels strongly about and misses its flavor, specially when he is away. There could be many things contributing to this unique flavor…Biryani, irani chai, Charminar, the inimitable slang with which every word is served, being some of them.

‘The Angrez’ does a good a job of presenting as many things as possible and showcases the Hyderabadi flavor. Infact, it does such a good job that it becomes difficult to enjoy the entire movie, if you are not a die-hard Hyderabadi yourself.

Now, to analyse the story or the discuss the craft of the film would be a gross injustice to the spirit of this film. However, there is enough material to keep you interested for the entire duration aided by adequate technique. There are good performances from the lead cast, with the ‘old city’ gang standing out.

Overall, it is a must see for every Hyderabadi.

And, if you take a leaf out of ‘Salim Pekhu’ ways, at the end of the movie, you will sure say ‘The hyderabadi flavor is so strong that you could smell the biryani and irani chai while watching ‘The Angrez’.’:-)

Final word: You will like it better if had no ‘Hyderabad Blues’ hangover.

John Woo and home runs

Most of us would barely see a base ball traveling at ninety miles per hour until it was safely tucked in the catcher’s mitt. Great base ball hitters have revelaed in a study that they have a different experience altogether, which could be best described as ‘elongated’ time. Some said they could see the ball leaving the pitcher’s hand, even seeing the rotation of the body. Small wonder they are able to hit home runs.

In John Woo’s films his heros always hit home runs…period. Just subsititute base ball with whatever the hero can kick or punch.

Infact, the hero sees everything in slow motion and delivers his punches to perfection. He ducks gracefully to gun bullets making precise, making guided missile-like course corrections. If this wasn’t enough, he even comes out victorious in mexican standoff kind of situation. While the hero battles his way out effortlessly, doves and bullets fly together against shimmering pieces of dust, wood, metal…anything that is thrown off the blasts.

John Woo sure does sees the world differently and this has won him a lot of fans not just among the movie buffs but the film makers as well.

According to a conservative estimate, the introduction fight of Van Damme in ‘Hard Target’ has influenced more than a hundred fight sequences, in the south Indian cinema!

Signing note?

Quentin Tarantino has been quoted in reply to a studio executive who said “I suppose Woo can direct action scenes” as saying “Sure, and Michelangelo can paint ceilings!”

Another?

It would be interesting if John Woo directs a base ball flick:-)

Related links
Wikipedia on John Woo
God Among Directors
  Wikipedia on Mexican Standoff

Fetten Jahre sind vorbei, Die: The Edukators

The Edukators tells the story of three disillusioned young friends, against the backdrop of the united Germany embracing capitalism. They fail to understand the disparity, where prosperity is limited to only a few while the rest are forced to work day in and out just to meet their ends. They wonder if their existence is just to grease the capitalistic machinery with their sweat and blood.  They are hurt, confused and decide to act.

Peter and Jan, transform themselves into ‘The Edukators’ to demonstrate the problems of plenty to the super-rich. They break into their designer homes  and make some nonsensical adjustments to the arrangement of their furniture, like leaving a stereo to chill in the refrigerator or decorate their bathroom with their most valuable antique collection. After redesigning their homes much to the chagrin of the connoisseurs, they leave a simple note behind: “Your days of plenty are numbered.”

Things take a different turn when Jule enters their life and shares their mission. A kidnap ensues and the three are forced to leave the town for a few days. In a desolate location, far from the crowds and their daily routine, the four discover the most important thing in their lives and find empathy in the unexpected quarters.

The movie asks a lot of questions. But these are well hidden and the tale moves briskly. And, just when you feel things are getting a little preachy, the film-maker provides good plot points to keep the interest intact. You empathise with the protagonists, even though you might not share their point of view. Mmm.. may be this is what the deprived and dejected need the most at the end of the day.

A little empathy and respect for the dejected and downtrodden goes a long way in creating a universally acceptable socio-economic system or making the existing system palatable. ‘The Edukators’ makes a strong case for it and in the process makes it a good watch, inspite of its unconventional style of film-making.