pbtyagi Reviews

Spartacus (2010–2013)

A Riveting Epic with Passion, Betrayal, and Bloody Glory - Spartacus Deserves Its 9 Stars!

[9/10 · 11 December 2023]

Spartacus is a mesmerizing series that expertly weaves together the threads of emotional romance, unbreakable bonds, treacherous plots, Roman culture, political intrigue, and epic war scenes.

The emotional and romantic storylines in Spartacus are as intense as they are heartfelt. The characters' relationships are portrayed with such depth and authenticity that viewers can't help but be invested in their fates. Whether it's the passionate love affairs or the heart-wrenching separations, the series skillfully navigates the intricacies of human emotions, adding a layer of depth to the overall narrative.

The depiction of bonds forged in the crucible of adversity is one of Spartacus' strongest suits. The loyalty, camaraderie, and sacrifice among the characters create a rich tapestry of relationships that resonate long after the credits roll. These connections are the emotional backbone of the series, making every triumph and tragedy all the more impactful.

The exploration of Roman culture and politics is a fascinating aspect of Spartacus. The intricate power struggles, political maneuvering, and societal dynamics are presented in a way that not only educates but also entertains. The series brings ancient Rome to life with meticulous attention to detail, from the grandeur of the arenas to the opulence of the Roman villas.

The scenes of war are nothing short of spectacular. Spartacus doesn't shy away from the brutality of ancient combat, delivering epic battles that are both visually stunning and emotionally charged. The choreography, cinematography, and special effects come together to create jaw-dropping sequences that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Blood and gore are integral to the series, providing a visceral and authentic depiction of the brutal world Spartacus inhabits. The unflinching portrayal of violence adds a gritty realism to the narrative, emphasizing the harsh realities faced by the characters. It's not for the faint of heart, but it serves the story well, contributing to the overall impact of the series.

Spartacus doesn't shy away from the complexities of human relationships, including the raw and explicit nature of both vulgarity and sex. This bold approach adds a layer of authenticity to the characters and their world, showcasing the harsh realities of life in ancient Rome.

In conclusion, Spartacus is a triumph of storytelling, blending emotional depth, political intrigue, and spectacular action seamlessly. The series is a must-watch for those who appreciate a visceral and unapologetic exploration of the human experience, set against the backdrop of ancient Rome. With its compelling characters, intricate plotlines, and jaw-dropping visuals, Spartacus earns its well-deserved 9 stars.

The Fall of the House of Usher (2023)

Gripping Gothic Grandeur: Flanagan Breathes Brooding Life into Poe's House of Usher

[8/10 · 7 December 2023]

"The Fall of the House of Usher" is a gripping gothic tale brought vividly to life in this new series. Adapted from Edgar Allan Poe's classic short story, the show expands on the creepy story of Roderick and Madeline Usher while staying true to the ominous tone of the original.

Mike Flanagan, known for creating the acclaimed horror series "The Haunting of Hill House," infuses "The Fall of the House of Usher" with his signature style. The gorgeous yet unsettling visuals pull you into the decaying mansion, and the quiet sense of dread is more chilling than any jump scare. Flanagan also crafts complex, sympathetic characters out of the enigmatic Usher siblings. The talented cast, including Mark Hamill and Carla Gugino, deliver haunting performances.

While elaborate and eerie, the show leaves much mystery around the Usher family curse, revealing new secrets across eight tantalizing episodes. It moves at a deliberate pace, building tension through atmospheric cinematography, rich production design, and a melancholy tone. The ultimate reveal does not disappoint.

By modernizing Poe while retaining his Gothic voice, "The Fall of the House of Usher" casts an irresistible spell. It's a thrilling, evocative series that gets under your skin and stays with you long after the final credits. This is horror elevated to high art.

Sarbjit (2016)

A WORTH TELLING STORY SABOTAGED BY MELODRAMA, SAVED ONLY BY RANDEEP HOODA'S PERFORMANCE

[7/10 · 8 August 2020]

The movie could have been outstandingly appealing had it been well executed. Sarbjit is an opportunity missed. A worth telling story is sabotaged by over-the-top dialogues and melodrama. The only driving force of the movie are its hear touching lachrymose tale, a remarkable performance by Randeep Hooda, and a melancholic playlist. Notwithstanding its direction, the movie is capable of evoking emotional reactions. The manifestation of painful life in the movie will leave you teary-eyed. You can feel the trauma of the characters. Their agony will haunt you. I couldn't stop my tears at some sequences. Despite such a moving appeal, the clumsy execution of the project gets the best of it.

The movie tells the poignant tale of an Indian man who, for more than 2 decades, was incarcerated in Pakistan prison after he mistakenly crossed the border in a drunken state. It was shown that he was brutally tormented to confess to being involved in a terrorist act. The torture sequence would make you blanch with shock and pain. The unfortunate events would send his whole family in throes. Her sister Dalbir Kaur, played by Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, however, pursues the dream of her brother's acquittal with an indomitable spirit who is supported by Sarbjit's wife Sukhpreet Kaur, played by Richa Chadha, whose pain and suffering are mostly articulated by her hushed sorrows. Dalbir confronts a callous administration and finds herself trapped in the convoluted relationship between the two neighboring countries. The case for Sarbjit's exoneration and his sister struggle is played out against the background of the major events in the turbulent Indo-Pak historical relations. It tells a parable about the barbarous consequences of the enmity between two states- the suffering of innocent common men as a result of the reluctance of two states to mend their ties. It is shown at the end of the movie that hundreds of people like Sarbjit might be kept in prison in each other state. Amid this animosity, there are also moments of bonding and sharing which may hold hope for the future- a Pakistani lawyer Awais Sheikh, played by Darshan Kumar, who stands with Dalbir to defend Sarbjit risking his own life and career, holding a strong belief that two countries can co-exist peacefully.

Speaking of acting performances, Randip Hooda's portrayal of Sarbjit stands out. He did complete justice to his role. His performance is driven by pure talent and commitment. His physical transformation is striking. It is overshadowed by Dalbir though. Critics believe casting Rai Bachan was not a wise decision as they argue she doesn't have the look, accent, and the body of a Punjabi. The character of Richa Chada has not been utilized properly.

Despite the powerful real-life story as it was, the movie fails to elicit the response that it should have otherwise. The director could have avoided the temptation to commercialize the project by adding jingoism and high pitched over-the-top dialogues. I did not lead to disappointment only because of the performances of actors and the highly emotional screenplay.

Raise the Red Lantern (1991)

Visually Enthralling and Rich with Variegated Emotions

[9/10 · 19 July 2020]

Raise the Red Lantern, based on novel Wives and Concubines by So Tung, is a very unusual movie, offering a unique and surreal cinematic experience. The employment of significant audio and visual element by Zhang Yimou and a stunning performance by the main lead Gong Li delivers a Chinese masterpiece. Although it was controversial in China, it received plaudits and awards abroad. This period drama set in early 20th China is visually enthralling and rich with variegated emotions. It is shocking, distressing, and thought-provoking. It documents the time and character of Chinese society fraught with abuse of money and power, decadence, misogyny, inequality, and peculiar family customs. It is also said to be an allegory of the Chinese authoritarian system and its oppressive culture. It was strictly censored in China and banned for a period of time.

The movie shows the sorrowful story of a 19-year-old woman forced to give up her education to marry a wealthy married man as her third concubine. From primarily despising the family and its tradition to getting caught in a complex powerplay to dominate family affairs, her tale takes us to a fort where we see alliances, conflicts, betrayal, and tragedies. It is interesting to see who is conspiring against who and who is innocent, with the character of a lady servant playing a pivotal role in the int narrative. It is a heartbreaking portrayal of the plight of women in a traditionally patriarchal set up where a wealthy man is high on decadence and her women are pitted against each other to win his attention and influence over family, which sometimes leads to unexpectedly gruesome outcomes, nudging you to sympathize with characters despite their flaws. As it is described by one of the reviewers on IMDb- "woman bound in tradition from which she found no escape except death or madness."

The movie is rather slow-paced and it would be difficult to 'sit back with patience and watch' for those who expect piquant drama packed with spicy twists and turns (the movie ingeniously avoids such an overdramatization and stick to originality). But if one wants to experience great cinema, it is a very powerful movie. It is a movie when you witness each frame of the picture speaking to you directly without having to utter a word. This is what is called the "great cinema".

Tad: The Lost Explorer (2012)

A CINEMATIC DELIGHT- PACKED WITH ACTION AND ADVENTURE

[9/10 · 6 July 2020]

It was a cinematic delight watching this movie. Tad: The Lost Explorer is full of adventure. This treasure hunt movie keeps you entertained with its great exploration journey packed with a good script, decent animation, love story, action, and emotion. Animal side characters make film even more enjoyable with their humor and funny dialogues.

The movie follows Tad, a construction worker, who aspires to become a great explorer. His dream comes true when he fortuitously finds himself on a treasure hunt- in search of a lost city with the promise of making one immortal. His team consists of his dog, a professor's daughter and her silent bird, and a hustler. They encountered evil forces of treasure-hunter taking on several dangerous risks. It takes viewers on a non-stop thrilling ride treating us with idyllic resplendent landscapes. Tad is an inspirational character who shows an indomitable spirit to pursue his dream. The movie tries to explore the question of immortality. No one would deny the opportunity to become immortal but would you still choose to be the one if it is the form of immortality depicted in the movie? The quest for immortality may not always have a blissful ending even when it is fulfilled. Be careful of what you wish for!

This is a fast-paced movie with a running time of 92 minutes which is not a weak point but I wish for more depth in story and character development. All in all, Tad: The Lost Explorer is a family entertainer suited for both kids and adults with a deep hidden message. It is rightfully called Indiana Jones of the animated world.

Happy Bhaag Jayegi (2016)

DECENT LIGHT HUMOROUS COMEDY WITH PRISTINE CONCEPT AND COMMENDABLE ACTING

[8/10 · 8 June 2020]

This rom-com is surely not a laugh riot but it can very much be appreciated for its pristine content. Happy Bhaag Jayegi is a family entertainment with decent and light comedy. The script is new and refreshing, especially the cross-border twist. Comedies following a run-away bride saga are rudimentary. But, ending up in a neighboring country due to the backfiring of the escape plan is entirely thrilling. And if that country is happened to be Pakistan, it is altogether an exciting roller coaster ride.

The delicate blending of humor with emotions and a competent casting make the movie all too worth-watching. It was impressive the way the love triangle was so subtly depicted in the movie. Abhay Deol is at the forefront and gave an exemplary performance even though the movie is centered on Diana Penty's character who gave a nearly-fine performance. Jimmy Shergil is commendable as always. All other supporting actors did a good job but one character attracted all attention- Usman Afridi, a hilarious cop in Lahore played by Piyush Mishra. The real Indian-Pakistan theme played out through his character. He was outstanding.

The movie kind of lost it in the end. Although it was not bad, I expected a monumental ending. The movie was not immune from the faulty elements in the storyline but it can be overlooked given that the genre is comedy. Some silliness is inevitable. It is, in fact, better than other Bollywood comedies in 100 crore club. Happy Bhaag Jayegi is a deserving flick with a promising theme that won't leave you disgruntled. I never felt bored for a moment in this 126 minutes rom-com drama.

Cube Zero (2004)

COMPLEX PUZZLE-BASED SCEINCE FICTION OF BOOBY-TRAPS AND MATHS-PHYSICS CONUNDRUM

[5/10 · 31 May 2020]

Only the first movie in the franchise made any sense, that is too in a limited way. Unlike the second, which is a real pain in the neck, and the third, which is just inconsequential, the first one goes into the character study and their growth with the plot. It somehow grips you till the climax and holds the hope for sequels. But all the expectations would be belied the time you completed watching the remaining two parts.

Cube Trilogy is complex puzzle-based science fiction with each movie showing people with distinctive abilities in a booby-trap, toiling hard to find an escape route by solving some combination of maths physics conundrum- the only element that succeeds in keeping one excited. Movies like Fermat's Room or The Belko Experiment or Exam are much better in the same genre.

The concept of Cube- putting strangers together in a claustrophobic prison who alternate between co-operation and conflict while exploring the means of escape- is quite impressive no doubt. But the execution was lame. The plot is too ambiguous and irrational, looked so silly sometimes.

The movies just don't reveal themselves- the mystery behind the experiment, the kingpin, the purpose, culmination of stories all remains unsettled. Some attempts at metaphor were made though- government-military conspiracy, aliens, private entertainment, etc. But it only added to the frustration of the viewers as these were too whimsical.

Collateral (2018)

A WEB OF NARRATIVE INGENIOUSLY PUT TOGETHER WITH STELLAR PERFORMANCES

[8/10 · 29 May 2020]

BBC-Netflix collaboration with an all-star cast paid off greatly. The stellar performance by Oscar-nominee Carey Mulligan stands out. It was my first movie of her and I am already in awe of her acting. She stoutly did her job as the protagonist.

Filmmakers deserve plaudits for putting a web of narratives so ingeniously together that it leaves an impression on viewers. It is a thriller about the brutal murder of an asylum seeker and the gripping investigation that follows. But don't expect a whodunit kind murder mystery coiled in the mind-boggling hunt for killers which, of course, could have been a riveting factor. But Collateral is more than that. It is a compelling tale about different facets of British Society- from broken families to tawdry politics to army to status of refugee to church & homophobia to drugs-intertwined with each other.

The script could get a bit convoluted and one may end up struggling with some unnecessary elements in the narrative. It is a fast-paced procedural drama- a four part mini series. Notwithstanding its decent screenplay, it could have even been much better if it is a bit longer with a more in-depth analysis of characters and comprehensive interlinking of narratives.

Spider Forest (2004)

AN INTRICATE WEB OF SUPSENCE- A LABYRINTH OF PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

[8/10 · 24 May 2020]

I'm still trying to get my head around this neo-noir psychological Korean thriller. Throughout its intricate web of suspense, it keeps you on the edge and leaves you fervently searching for the answers at the end. It would be a disappointment for those who are not fond of this genre.

Its plot is a labyrinth of past, present, and future as the protagonist encountered a ghastly crime in the opening scene and lead us to an entangled ride of unshrounding the mystery while confronting with his lost memories, phantasmagorical dreams, obscurity, and bogeys of past. He remains elusive of reality for the most part of the movie. The story is a telling tale of one's struggle with his past grief and inability to overcome it.

Korean movies are humdinger of mind-twisted plot that challenges one's sagacity and forces viewers to concentrate. Spider Forest is no different. Though the ingenuity of its non-linear plot can not be doubted, it has some missing links which should have not been left unfixed. Much is left to the imagination of viewers. One has to re-watch it again to join the missing link left by an abstruse narrative.

Panchayat (2020– )

A COMEDY-DRAMA SANS HILARITY WHICH MISSED THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE A SOCIAL PARABLE

[6/10 · 22 May 2020]

A comedy-drama sans hilarity. It was too character-centric that it missed the plot and relegated it to the background (did no justice to the title). It faltered at the climax too which was a huge let down, except for a slight hint of piquant romance ahead in Season 2. It could have been a social parable about rural India and its stereotypes, but that opportunity was lost as the screenplay was overstretched with no susbstantial value added.

For all its weakness, it was not inherently flawed- a lightweight comedy without overdramatisation and unnecessary trivial punches of jokes is a good thing in itself, at least.

It grips you with its sentient visualisation of rural imagery and individually eccentric performances but at times it could become too rudimentary to watch. It was not a failure but it didn't live upto the hype it generated and hence felt a bit overrated.

Raatchasan (2018)

TORTUOUS CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION FILLED WITH EMOTIONAL RIDE

[9/10 · 17 May 2020]

Raatchasam is a dark pycho edge of the seat mystery thriller that would set your heart aflutter with its tortuous criminal investigation filled with emotional ride. Beside entertaining the audience, it exhorts the viewers to ask pertinent questions about psycho killers, their motivation and society outlook. The movie is an allegory to the fact that their is nothing innate about crimes, they are the product of degradation of society values.

Dead Set (2008)

YOU CAN'T ARGUE WITH ZOMBIES.

[7/10 · 16 May 2020]

I was not fond of Zombie movies. "Train to Busan" made me fall in love with them. "Baring few lacunae, "Dead Set" lived upto the expectation. It was not scary though, except for some gory visuals. I wanted more horror, which was in short supply. It was not a typically grotesque Zombie movie with flesh eating animals running helter-skelter to suck the blood out of your body. It keeps you overwrought with its description of best and worst side of survival instincts of humans when they are confronted by existential crisis. You are forced to choose between morals and survival, but the questions are two- is discarding the morals worth the survival, or should morals stand between one's survival at all? The answer remains elusive, one can't argue with death.

To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)

Massively Outstanding and Sincere fable

[10/10 · 9 May 2020]

A sincere fable encapsulating social conscience of its time and setting. A telling tale of scourge of injustice and prejudice. If the book was a literary classic, the movie adaptation is, no doubt, a cinematic masterpiece. Excellent direction. Impressive performances. Engrossing screenplay. MASSIVELY OUTSTANDING.

Abominable (2019)

An adventurous journey of cornucopia of pleasure.

[8/10 · 9 May 2020]

The movie was an adventurous ride of cornucopia of emotions. I got so fervently attached to the script and characters that I regretted why it got concluded in such a short time. I was wishing to watch more of its mesmerising screenplay. It was fantastic.

Kaabil (2017)

Hrithik has vindicated that he is worthy.

[8/10 · 10 February 2018]

This tale of love is replete with fervent emotion. The alacrity of romance between a blind couple is the kernel of the movie. He proved his ability to protect his perpetual love by taking vengeance on all perpetrators. He vindicated that he was worthy (Kaabil) for her.

American Violence (2017)

Flagrant Starting, Fervent ending.

[10/10 · 4 February 2018]

From a flagrant starting to the fervent climax, this masterpiece travels a trajectory replete with gorier tales of crimes and tell us about the gnarly issue of deliverane of justice in a violent society.

The Lost City of Z (2016)

Perfect blend of hope, besottedness, and agony.

[10/10 · 27 January 2018]

Based on the real-life valiant explorer Percy Fawcett, this masterpiece is a perfect blend of hope, besottedness, and agony. As he gets lost in the city of Z while rummaging about an ancient civilization in Amazon forest, we get lost in the ingeniously crafted direction of the movie.

Bicycle Thieves (1948)

IMPRESSIVE ACTING AND BRILLIANT CINEMATOGRAPHY- AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE

[10/10 · 13 January 2018]

June 3 is celebrated as World Bicycle Day. It reminds me of the Italian masterpiece, an honorary oscar winner- Bicycle Thieves although the movie is in no way related to the objectives of the UN Bicycle day celebration. Bicycle is used as a poetic device in this neo-realist movie to articulate the lives of the working-class struggle in post-war Italy. I watched it a long time back. And watching it was an unforgettable experience. The powerful images from the movie are still vivid in my memory.

Bicycle Thieves is a poignant tale of a man whose only means of subsistence is his bicycle. Only it gets stolen. The movie revolves around his desperate search for the thieves and how the turn of events influences his relationship with his little son who goes along with him on the forlorn expedition to locate the lost bicycle. The fervent desire of his son to find the bicycle stands out to watch. Impressive acting and brilliant cinematography carry you along with the narrative.

The movie is also an astute visual commentary on the aftermaths of war- how it renders people helplessly searching for a living, their struggle to support their families, emotional upheaval, its ruining effect on the economy, etc. It's an ordinary plot with an extraordinary appeal. Not surprising, it is voted greatest movie of all time in 1952 in an international poll by a British Magazine. The end is heartbroken and leaves one emotionally wondering about the father-son's fate.

The Great Escape (1963)

A Masterpiece

[10/10 · 6 January 2018]

Based on veracious events, the movie has all elements of being a masterpiece. This could not be called to be a tedious artwork despite a gargantuan running time of almost 3 hours. Instead, the movie captures the imagination of the viewers, perhaps due to the ingenuity being shown by the director in the making of it.