light107 Reviews

Jodhaa Akbar (2008)

An Amazing Film...truly OUTSTANDING!

[10/10 · 18 February 2008]

I can't digest that people would protest this amazing film. People need to respect that there are alternate versions of history, and the director states that in the credits from the beginning. If people had some sense, they would respect the integrity of a person committed to bringing history to film with utmost dignity and respect. Those people clashing an protesting the film are idiotic!

The 3 hours flew by because the story was captivating. The actors were amazing, especially Ila Arun...Sonu is also a revelation. Aishwarya was just right! A talent that needs to be recognized, Ash showed how amazing an actor she really is. Hrithik was equally amazing as Aishwarya. I don't understand why there is such sexism in Hindi cinema, the males always get their critiques or praises first and then the females. Well Aishwarya is first here! The music was simply well suited and appropriate. I want A R Rehman to continue being brilliant! That's an order! The director has proved himself yet again that he is simply the best there is in the world of cinema...HE makes South Asians Proud!

I would recommend this film to anyone.

Red Eye (2005)

Good ride until the end

[7/10 · 21 August 2005]

The film builds up to something not that exciting. The proceedings keep you interested until the climax or post-climax. After that it's just a cat and mouse chase leading to a weak ending. The turn of events on the plane ride is interesting to see, because the foreshadowing in the start and the mysterious ways of Cilian's character have been well etched. However, the film falters when the action is speedily wrapped up. A few extra minutes on this 1 1/2 hour film are desperately needed to make a more plausible and satisfactory ending. Rachel's character does not get her due revenge to the extent that it's been mentioned to us from her. That is where a major part of the film fails. However, the pluses of the film are the two leading actors. Superb acting is showcased by Rachel and Cilian. They really get into their roles. The suspense is aptly created, and prays on our current social fears i.e.terrorism, airport security, preservation of human life...etc. Good but not so in the end. 7/10.

Raincoat (2004)

Raincoat Is A Piece of...

[10/10 · 25 January 2005]

...ART...One thing that juts you in the face, telling you that this is not a typical Bollywood "commercial" is the opening credits. Instead of Staring...it says, "Players". Right away you know this is a "different" film. Just like that the whole movie does not follow typical Bollywood directing techniques, rather becoming a two-person play cut into several acts. Rather than a plot filled with ridiculous songs, overacting, melodrama, harsh dialogue, and horrible subtitles, this is plot revolving around two main characters-quite ingeniously becoming a character driven( i.e. short story style) piece of film-making. Gosh's direction is deft capturing all the subtle nuances the characters produce through their realistic acting skills. Both Aishwarya Rai and Ajay Devgan, as well as the minor players (the Landlord and Devgan's friend's wife) fit into the "Middle-class India" character roles perfectly. If your are wondering what the significance of the title "Raincoat" is, well you figure it out, but it becomes the metaphor for the characters lives. The "raincoat" is the only source of protection from all the lies that the characters tell in order to sustain their relationship, and as a source of saving grace at the end for both character's financial needs. Of course, one can get into the pathetic-fallacy with the rain outside representing the character's inner lives being "poured" "washed-out", and all the thousands upon thousands of literary elements Ritupurno Gosh's uses. This is definitely a great piece of cinema to come out of India in a long long time. I'd give this film 9/10 for sheer GUTS and VALOUR to be ORIGINAL and UNIQUE from all the crappy rest.