badar1981 Reviews

The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)

Dark and sombre tale of human tragedy

[8/10 · 26 December 2022]

Dark and grim but a wonderful movie to watch. What started as a simple village life story slowly and absorbingly turns into a dark and grim study of human behaviour and its effects on our fellow humans.

A simple story of two lifelong friends; the older one gets this idea and chooses to do something great in his life. So that he can be remembered. To achieve this; he makes a life-altering decision that he won't speak to his best buddy, a simple man from the village.

As we journey through this, it becomes clear that things are complex and get bloodier with every passing day.

This makes an impact on everyone involved.

The music in this film is outstanding. It helps to create a powerful atmosphere and adds a great deal of emotion to the story. The actors all deliver amazing performances, making the characters very believable and compelling. The cinematography is beautiful, providing stunning visuals. Overall, this is a great film with excellent acting, music, and cinematography.

The movie is a dark and sombre tale of human tragedy, but one that is also full of hope and possibility. It is a movie that is worth watching for its thoughtful examination of human behaviour and its consequences.

Agora (2009)

A drama on ancient war between THINKING & RELIGION.

[8/10 · 18 January 2016]

A story of fight between Thinking (Philosophy and Mathematics) vs Religion (Christianity) where holy men interprets the Word of GOD for his own gains. It revolves around a young beautiful Greek Philosopher and Mathematician (Hypatia played by Rachel Weisz) and his three students, who also are in deep love with her, in an era of high tensions between Jews, Christians and Pagans.

Its 391 – 400 AD. Hypatia is the head of the Platonist school at Alexandria where she is teaching philosophy and Mathematics. Three of her students, Davus (Max Minghella), Orestes (Oscar Isaac) , Synesius (Rupert Evans) have special feelings towards teacher. Orestes has admitted his feelings publicly which was brutally rejected by her. She don't have any such feelings towards anyone of the three. Her only passion and love is Philosophy.

With rise of Christianity in Alexandria, everything changes. Pagans being in power tries to power the Christians down, but was outnumbered. In result of this, the raged Christian mob burns down the great library of Alexandria and years of work with it. Hypatia has to run to save her life along with other pagans. Rage of Christians is not limited only to pagans but also towards Jews.

Orestes is Prefect of Alexandria, Synesius is Bishop of Cyrene and Davus is a confused Christian. All three have accepted the Christianity in their own way and are still in love. Orestes still loves her and trusts her with all his matters. Cyril is the new head priest and under him Christians are taking liberties day after day for his own interpretations of word of GOD. With Cyril the new head priest, he has his eyes set on power as Prefect of Alexandria.

One day, Cyril, while reading from the holy book accused Hypatia of ungodliness and calls her a witch and asks all present to kneel before God to reconcile themselves with Christ make all nonbelievers embrace it too. This puts all three in awkward position. All men present there kneels but one, Orestes. This outraged the Mob and they throw stones over him. Group of Davus plans to abduct her and teach her a lesson.

Orestes and Synesius discusses this with Hypatia and tries to make her compromise who dismisses this and leaves the government protections. Davus tries to find her but his group finds her first. Group ridicules her, strips her naked and decides to skin her alive. Davus intervenes and convinces them not to color their hand in her impure blood and suggests to stone her. While the group finds the stones, he suffocates her with his bare hands.

The movie shows us in a brutal way that blood was shed in the NAME OF GOD then as it is now. Nothing has been changed. Few radical people interprets the Holy word of God as they want and lure common innocent people into the web of cunning and lies and uses them to their own gains. The plot has uncanny resemblance to the current state of radical Islam and other sectarian conflicts going on these days in middle east. But it avoids to dwell into other romantic subplots and keeps its focus on the fight between science and religion, men over women.

It also shows a true love of a genius women for truth. This in itself is hard to digest by the big egoistic holy people. Wrongly interpreted lies, by these SO CALLED HOLY People, feel threatened and in return they do all in their power to save them. They even stop people from questioning and imposes their OWN thoughts by presenting them as word of God. It was clearly evident in the conversation between Hypatia and Synesius where she tell him that "You don't' question what you believe, You cannot. I must". In reply Synesious tells her that its a Pity. This sums up the whole movie.

Rachel Weiz was great in role of Hypatia so as Max Minghella and Oscar Isaac. Sets are amazing and take you back to the ancient Greek world. All in all a great movie. A real treat to watch for all those who like to think with open mind.

The Assassin (2015)

A tale of kind demeanour, long silent visuals and vivid landscapes

[8/10 · 9 November 2015]

I first of the movie when Hou Hsiao-Hsien won the award for best director at Cannes 2015. Waited for some time to get my hands on it and finally I have it.

It is a composed and complete story of a skilled assassin with no match but she also has a very kind heart. It explores a very pure and true emotion of kindness in a subtle manner. A very simple tale told through the sheer depth of long silent takes decorated with natural but lavish decorations like wind and its sounds, beautiful and lush backgrounds, serene but controlled emotions with no blood shed.

It is a very unusual movie and tests the patience of the its viewer every now and then but who those who have courage to sit through, it is a very rewarding movie in the end.

Spectre (I) (2015)

A bad follow up to good Skyfall... disappointing and unrewarding

[4/10 · 8 November 2015]

Below average, the best possible way to describe the movie.

Expectations are high after a classy Skyfall but it was followed with below average Spectre. When you have cast like this movie at your hand, you expect a great script with razor sharp twists and twirls . But sadly, you didn't get any in this movie. A pure waste of great talent at your hands.

After Silva (Skyfall), you expect someone more ruthless and terrifying but what you get really lets the whole movie down. Little details missed here and there adds only to its woes. On whole it is disappointing and unrewarding movie.

Tangerines (2013)

Tangerines – A war time story about humanity and brotherhood.

[8/10 · 18 August 2015]

Tangerines is a simple story of people trying to hold to the normal life when everything around them is not.

In one of the scenes an old character Ivo replies "Cinema is a big Fraud" to a notion that truck explodes when fell off the hill in cinema. The scene is simple yet gripping one, where all three characters (Johan, Margus and Ivo) are trying to hide the truck but they don't want to be seen.

Margus a simple man trying not to ruin/ left a corpse of Tangerines in the war zone. Ivo, the main character, is helping him out but in doing he is trying to find a normal life. Everyone else has either left or about to left (like in case of Johan, the doctor). Then there is Ahmed (Chechen mercenary on the Abkhazian side) and Niko (Mikheil Meskhi), a Georgian volunteer. Because of fire exchange both are badly wounded and Ivo is not taking care of both of them. Both lives in Ivo's house with one condition where they won't kill each other in his house and after some time both want to let each other go. An indication of the deep desire of Ivo where he wants things to move back to normal and for some time they do seems normal but for only a short time.

Every things changes when some passing Russian soldiers stop to inspect Ivo's house and they falsely accuse Ahmed of being on the other side and decide to execute him on the spot. Niko sees this from the window and opens fire on the armed soldiers in order to protect Ahmed. During the gun fire exchange a stray bullet kills the innocent Margus, and Niko is also killed after he steps out of the house thinking all are dead but was killed by a wounded officer laying on the ground. Ahmed then finishes off the wounded officer. Ahmed and Ivo then buries Margus and Miko.

The movie shows us a desire of a normal person against the desire of waging war. Forgiveness versus ruthlessness. Humanity verses Incomprehension. Brotherhood and hatred are thrown together by the situation and we start questioning what is gained by fighting.

Acting is very good but special praise for Ivo (Lembit Ulfsak), Ahmed (Giorgi Nakashidze ) and Miko (Mikheil Meskhi ). So as the sound track. And one must appreciate the landscapes used in the backdrop of story.

God's Not Dead (2014)

An opportunity waste

[3/10 · 17 August 2015]

Lets be honest. The only thought that came to my mind after watching the movie is "what a waste of an fabulous opportunity". What started out as an interesting plot loses all its steam mid way and then its just a free fall. What i really don't understand is, why on earth a most frightening professor didn't shred the arguments to pieces and why he just let it happen. Then the arguments made on behalf of God are showed in real hurry. Really don't know why? Then the supporting plots the conversion of girl, really don't know what they are trying to show and prove. Even the other plots, really don't make any sense what so ever. To sum it up, really a waste. Could have been much much better. A golden opportunity ruined by poor plot, lack of clarity of thought, some lame direction with unconvincing writing make it a poor fare.

Dukhtar (2014)

Good visuals. Week acting. No Plot. A wasted chance

[3/10 · 11 October 2014]

I was waiting for this movie. I thought that this will be the movie as Shermeen Oboid Chenoi speaks of this. But to be honest it is disappointing on all fronts. On top of that it is more disappointing that it is send as official nominee in Academy Awards from Pakistan for Foreign movie.

No plot, direction as week (one can live with that as it is the first offering from Aafia but it is bad, real bad) and it all makes no sense whatsoever. Story wanders abruptly with turning points so wayward that towards end it lost all.

There is no acting. A real waste of all the big names in movie. Also, casting could have been better.

The only positive was the music. Specially the song from Rahat is really Good. And that is all about it.

Note: Save your time and watch something good.

Pieta (2012)

Daring. Bold. Horrifying. Human

[7/10 · 1 December 2013]

Pieta is the story of revenge in a most brutal way possible by giving one's own life, a story of mother's love for his son. Story tells us the extreme measures taken by a mother to take the revenge from a non-human brutal loan shark.

Jung-Jin Lee is living a lonely life whose sole purpose is to recover the loan from other people by making them cripple and claiming their insurance money. In doing so he has become so cold inside that he feels nothing and know no pain. Brutality is the everyday life matter.

Enters a woman stirring everything by claiming that she is his mother. she make him feel love, make him angry and make him feel pain just to take the revenge of her son. And when Jung-Jin starts to feel human again, she inflicted the deep scar into his soul by giving her own life.

Movie is full of disturbing content and makes for a haunting viewing. I am a fan of south Korean cinema and this movie takes the love affair to another level.

8/10

Gravity (2013)

Fear, hope and an unseen serene pleasure

[9/10 · 17 November 2013]

Being a fan of Colony and Cuaron i was hoping for "Gravity" and after watching it, i must say it leaves you in enlightened space of fear, hope and an unseen serene pleasure. Being commoners we have no idea of what it's like to be in space. Every one of us dreams about it. But the movie shows us the hardships and horrors of being alone along with the value of gravity.

I watched the movie in 3D and it gives a whole new perspective to viewer. Top marks for wonderful editing.

Now the acting, movie belongs to Bullock and she gives a powerful performance again after the blind side. Range of her expressions through different phases like fear of being dead with no one praying in eyes and in the end, the happiness of being found home after all the whole series of horrifying event leaves you with only one word… great acting.

To Strike (2013)

Ummeed-e-Subah (Ray of hope)

[8/10 · 19 October 2013]

After years and years of wait, a recursive cycle of the typical local movies showing the badmaashs and gandasas depicting a shallow culture, its almost impossible for us to think that something else can be created. But then comes these new crop trying to defy the conventional wisdom and creating something with heart and soul.

year is 2013 and there is a list of movies starting with Mein hoon Shahid Afrdid, then Oscar selection from Pakistan Zinda Bhaag and now Waar. I must say things are not same.

Waar (to Strike) is the story of Pakistan and its people. Telling the events during the ongoing war on terror. Its the story of courage, loss and harsh realities that haunts all the Pakistanis day and night. Capturing the events based on real events is never easy but Director Bilal Lashari needs bravo marks here for finding the right balance of story by telling events in an authentic way but with simplicity.

Camera work is great (comparing to our own standards rather than the highs sets by masters from around the world).

Acting is good, shan (Major Mujtaba) is good so as Hamza Ali Abbasi as Ehtesham.

Bully (2001)

Grim and disturbing tale of our spoiled youth

[8/10 · 12 August 2012]

Bully is Grim, Disturbing but tells the truth about certain section of youth. Movie was made some 10 years ago but still has a strong stamp as i can relate to it. I graduated with no clear sight but to earn good. In doing so, neither i have any plan nor anyone who can guide.

Teen age life is different where you think you know everything but in reality it is not. We all know that. But, still we all make mistakes which we regret throughout whole life. Bully shows us the same.

Simple bunch of teens with no clear motive in life but to enjoy time plans a crime, rethinks that, gets the help, execute the crime and life is never the same again. One murder is committed but it ruined 7 lives.

Fire in Babylon (2010)

Something is missing... Fire may be ...

[6/10 · 28 September 2011]

Being a huge fan of the game, i watched the trailer some time back and have that in my watch list. I got hold of the copy last week and watched yesterday. I must say, it took me by surprise. I am not saying it is a very well made documentary from cricket point of view, but what i meant to say is, its nothing there for its target audience which are "Cricket Fans" as far as cricket is concern.

Now the best part of the documentary is when it starts. The humiliating tour of WI to Aus, in 75. That is what put the things in motion and what followed was exactly what Aussies did to them in that particular tour. Right after that, the tour of India (I enjoyed that a lot) where India refused to play was an horrific but beautiful account from history at least from pace bowling point of view.

Comes the later part and it really disappoints as it shifts the focus from cricket to something else. Some less important if you are not a WI and a cricket fan, The altering egos and the politics. This is where it really gets messy. Now the point here is not what happen at that time, but what it yields after 10/15 years. Now if we take a look at WI they are at the rock bottom and its really hard to believe that it is the same country which produced legends of the game.

In the Name of God (2007)

To sum up, it is a good movie.

[7/10 · 6 August 2008]

Just finished watching the movie and I must say a sincere effort; and final product is a quality movie.

First thing first, it raises a lot of questions with their answers but couldn't justify them all in the true sense of the word; this can be considered, by few, the openness of the director to keep the decision making with the viewer or he might not want to impose his thinking or philosophy on viewer up to some extent. But in some cases, he makes a daring effort to do so and somehow succeed in doing so. The fact remains true that the movie dare to hum around some tough paths with just reasonable logics and argument which could have been far better. But, he manages to tightly knit a reasonable story and presents that in a good style, so full marks here to him.

On editing front, movie could have been slicker and more tightly gripped if edited more carefully.

Direction is fine when we consider the fact that it is the first movie by ShoMan (as he likes to call him self... Shoaib Mansoor). It is good no doubt about it, he is able to get very fine performances out of actors but there are few direction errors too. But nonetheless: a very fine effort.

On the acting front, I must give full marks to Rasheed Naz and Fawad Khan. Two actors who carry the weight of the movie on their shoulders and bravo, they did a brilliant act. Shan did not get that much of scope but he is good. Supporting actors are wonderful. And a thumping performance from Naseer-ud-Din Shah makes sure that acting won't get any sloppy.

Cinematography is very good. Watch the stunning visuals of North as well as Lahore looks more beautiful so as the Cukoo's (a famous place in Lahore)...

Music: The best thing of the movie. Very good and gels very well with the theme and the mood of the movie. Also, full marks to director for placement and their videos.

To sum up it is a good movie. I enjoyed each and every bit of the movie.

8/10

Late Spring (1949)

Inevitable change of life

[9/10 · 6 August 2007]

I have no expectations of the movie before watching it because I never heard of this movie till I heard the name of Ozu in an article and then got the skinny kind of feeling to watch the movies. This is my first movie of Ozu and to say it is beautiful would be understatement, it is full of Japanese colorful life, their rich customs and above all the relations and emotions. Movie depicts that it is hard to live with the inevitable change of life i.e. a daughter is about the married and the little event is gonna change the lives of her father and above all hers and it is very difficult to comprehend the inevitable change.

Being a Kurosawa fan, I always notice how movie shaped and how characters build. This movie is one of the best examples of how to build things in the course of the time in a movie and in doing so little habits of the characters are being disclosed like daughter did not like her father's friend second marriage, calling that un-clean and the soft nature of the father which also sets the tone of story at the outset. But the biggest stroke of master is the way the story unfolds, the last conversation of father with daughter first and then with her friend are pieces of absolute care, love and devotion. Acting is very good so as direction. To sum up an excellent movie 9/10

The Hero (1966)

Another gem

[8/10 · 25 June 2007]

The complete experience can be summarized as "another master piece from a true master film director Satyajit Ray". It always remains a unique experience to watch in someone's past and especially into the hidden past. The movie tackles the very issue in the most effective of the ways. To carve you characters in the story is the most important part and great directors always take their time to do so and here Ray did it in style. He gives a very appropriate introduction to each. But what needs to be praised is… in doing so story did not come to halt… it keeps on moving and things become more clear with every passing movement.

The acting is very good. I know only actor in the movie before watching it… and that is of Shermila Tagore (because of her Hindi films). But really admires the acting of the main role played by Uttam Kumar. He is very natural, fluent and expressions complement his words in every scene. Especially the acting is priceless to watch in the scene in which he is telling Aditi about his insult by the one of his senior. A must watch for all those who appreciate good… excellent cinema.

8/10

Awakenings (1990)

Amazing, wonderful, willful, full of life

[8/10 · 25 June 2007]

A movie with such real emotions that can bring tears in your eyes but also brings a gentle smile to the lips. Story says thousand things in a subtle and simple manner. But what impresses most is the acting from Robin William. He is great…no… he is amazing, brilliant and makes you feel how it hurts when one fails and it gives pleasure and satisfaction when one of those patients behaves normally. Now Robert De Niro… he is good very good. The way he enacts role and says things through his emotions is the real essence. Lastly everyone in the movie acts beautifully. A must watch movie for those who appreciate life and believes that sorrows and pleasures are parts of life.

8/10

Red Beard (1965)

A movie bigger than life

[9/10 · 27 April 2007]

Watching "Red Beard" is a wonderful experience, so beautiful that memory of it still lingers in my mind. Everything I mean everything is so subtle, calm and human that one falls in love with it. One can fell the joy and pleasure in self.

Direction is yet again top notch and Mifune' shows the world, again, that he is among the very best if not the best. Music needs special mention as it is the least bothered area in Kurosawa's movies. Every sub plot has its own density, cheers and insight into human social values. The way movie paces itself is brilliant. Kurosawa takes his time to establish his characters and once it is done emphasis shifted to story and sub-plots.

On moral grounds it teaches us all that humanity is the only sky above all humans and one must not forget this fact.

All technical aspects including camera handling, set designs, acting from supporting staff is very good. Wants to mention the acting of the little girl (I think Otoyo) is so close to life that it makes you believe of that.

A must watch for everyone.

9/10

Samurai III: Duel at Ganryu Island (1956)

A road to greatness

[9/10 · 10 April 2007]

I feel very confident and content once I finished watching the trilogy. What starts of a nothing end on greatness. Lots of things have been said in the movie about the humans, the way they live, they behave, they treat others and above all their desires grooved in the very depth of the heart. What is most likable is the mildness with which things are being said but every bit needs to be heard with full attention. After watching the trilogy I read the book written by Miyamoto (A book of five rings – Must read) himself and got an inside more clearly.

Now the movies, all three are gems without a second thought. The acting, cinematography and above all the direction is very good. Emphasis on little things, shades of lights (sun is setting etc) and even water (streams, rivers) everything is perfectly matched with the movie to the core. Above all is the way Mifune enacted the role, the way he delivers the expressions for an arrogant in the first outing, then the confused man and in the last gentle, kind and wise person is extremely believable and I have no doubt in saying that I can't imagine someone else in the role.

A must watch trilogy.

8.5/10 (all three movies)

8½ (1963)

A true picture of human mind

[9/10 · 12 March 2007]

After watching "Nights of Cabiria" I really wanted to see this movie. I searched a lot to find but eventually I got one. In the end I have a feeling that is so satisfied and enjoyable that brings a gentle smile on my face.

According to me movie starts of a little abruptly but eventually grips you and even haunts you in various scenes. It is very hard to show the mistakes you have done and a special praise too. There are lots of small things which are so innocent that you fall in love with them right away like the one scene in which one of Guido's co-workers asks him to say something harsh as he used to be. Not only this, the confrontation between Guido and Luisa and the full scene in which he shown that he has problems with not only his wife but with all.

And music, it is soothing rhythmic and above all in sync with the movie. Acting is very good; especially Guido and Luisa rest is pretty OK.

Now the direction: one of the most accomplished work I ever watched and very handsomely done.

A must watch.

9/10

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)

Content over human attitude

[8/10 · 5 March 2007]

After watching the movie I am neither sad nor glad but a strange sort of feeling is lingering in my mind. It is very hard to express that in words but the best close word for that is contentment over the human attitude. All the characters along with leads are perfectly accurate. The attitude of the nurse and those of its staff is real. Acting needs a special praise specially for the head nurse, just to highlight one point is when she was in meeting with the board over the RP's issue, how calm, subtle yet strong with her belief. And above the two characters, one of RP (Jack Nicholson) and other is of chief (Will Sampson) is what stands out. The chemistry between is so human that it attracts from the very moment. The way Will responded to Nicholson ideas is just stirring but at the same time amazing and captivating.

But the end took the movie to different height altogether. There is hardly a dialog yet everything is being said and heard. Story is beautiful; direction is good but cheeky at time and acting is very good.

Recommended…. 8/10

A Letter to Three Wives (1949)

A delightful movie

[8/10 · 1 March 2007]

The movie shows us, how lives can be changed with a single letter, it is amazing, stirring and above all pleasuring. It shows three couples, have usual married life problems but deep inside they love each other. Husbands have one thing common, their girl Edie. There is not even a single scene of her in the movie but still viewer has a descent idea of her personality. That is where director scores. Movie is gripping so as acting of three beautiful. Also, it is pleasure to watch "Linda Darnell", she is charming, teasing and above all beautiful.

A beautiful feel good movie... I don't say a must watch but for those who likes light out of life comedy drama. 8/10

12 Angry Men (1957)

A masterpiece of stylized realism

[9/10 · 28 February 2007]

It has been said over and over again that it is a classic and I have no doubt about it. Movie grips you from the very moment when one of the jurors disagrees with all others. 11 out of 12 are convinced that the poor fellow guilty but one has a reasonable doubt and here starts a drama full of turns, conflicts (ethical, personal and logical). He starts with nothing but sharing his thought over the issue and needs to discuss a little further and what happens next is intense, compelling and above all logical. One thing which strikes me most is the level of responsibility when everyone else has different thought. It is a best example of how to raise you in the time of tension.

Everything I mean everything in the movie is perfect, dialogs, direction, script and above all acting.

A must watch for all.

9/10

Persona (1966)

disturbingly grim and dark yet grips

[9/10 · 16 February 2007]

I don't find a better word then GRIM but on the same time I must say an extraordinary movie. To fully understand the movie I have to watch it two times and still lingers here and there and trying to find what exactly being said.

Movie starts with nothing special, just a patient who more importantly looks healthy enters a hospital complaining about her mental health and then she was joined by a nurse name Alma (if you the meaning of Alma then it is certainly going to help you understand the movie all the way). They shifted to a remote house on a beach. Till here, nothing special, and there enters the story of a life time. Patient, who was a former actress and suddenly stops talking and nurse start sharing their past experiences and in doing so nurse thing that she is losing herself so as the actress and this is done remarkably. There are many things which are told just to elaborate the past of the two characters. One thing which needs special praise is the sequence in which the actress told her story, how she become mother, first by camera focusing on her with the voice of Alma and then the camera on Alma with the voice of her own, showing that both characters are becoming shadows of each other, merging into each other and losing their identities.

Movie is disturbingly grim and dark yet grips you, haunts you and makes you linger in the memory of the movie.

A must watch but specially for Bergman's fan.

9/10

The Scent of Green Papaya (1993)

Calm, cool fresh breeze!!

[8/10 · 14 February 2007]

To say movie is beautiful will be understatement. Movie moves with extreme calmness yet refreshingly different and visually appealing. What impresses most about the movie is, it tells the story of a family girl and how she identifies her in the surroundings, with the family he is living and more importantly with his emotions. Slow pace of the movie helps the calm effect and suddenly takes the viewer by surprise the way story unfolds. The way little girl learns the art of cooking, they way she learns about the secrets of the family is impressive. More importantly hidden desires of the girl shown in the movie is the master stroke of director. Music needs special praise so as acting.

Stunningly beautiful!! 8/10

Yojimbo (1961)

Extraordinary!!

[9/10 · 13 February 2007]

Kurosawa film is always special and like others the very film is also sensational. From the very outset when the son of a farmer told his father that he is not going to eat the ordinary food all his life till the end when he was told by the Yojimbo that it is better to eat then to die. Each and everything needs a special praise and all is done very masterly. We can see Kurosawa stamp all over the movie specially the rain seen, that is just brilliant. From dialogs to acting, production to direction and very unusual for Kurosawa movie music is spot on in fact very good. Lighting and other effects in the street are beautifully executed.

I watched Sergio's trilogy before getting hand on this, but it is worth watching both as both has their own class.

Tushiro Mufin is excellent so as the rest of the cast.

A must watch!! 9/10.