Michael- Movie Review

 Movie- Michael

Director- Antione Fuqua

Genre- Biopic

As a nineties kid, for me Michael Jackson has always been 'The King of Pop' and we were all ardent fans of the artist who had an unimaginable fan-following in the days when there was no social media. All his shows were spectacular and he was a rage. Most of us kids and youngsters had his posters put up in our house. I have always loved Michael Jackson as a performer and I am a die-hard fan of his dance moves. It was heartbreaking to read about the accusations about child abuse and after that I really did not follow up on my idol. The King of Pop's untimely death in the year 2009 was also under public and media scrutiny.

It was only natural that his story came on the screen after nearly two decades as a biopic of a great artist who realized his dream to be famous all over the world. Once the most anticipated film was released everyone was curious and thronged the theatres. The critics went all out to give it a huge thumbs down and it was only after the audience went and watched the biopic that the appreciation for the movie was heard loud and clear drowning all the negative reviews of the media houses. 

The movie, like the man himself, is larger than life. It is like a great cinematic cum concert experience that leaves us wanting more. The movie is running to packed houses and like me there are many who are not satisfied with a one-time watch and have made plans to watch it again. The movie opens with glimpses of Michael's childhood that was tough on him to say the least as he was constantly under the scrutiny of his father who wanted the family band The Jackson 5 to be a rage and did all he could to make that possible.

Strangers in the Park- A Movie Review

Movie- Strangers in the Park

Originally in Spanish

Writers - Juan Jose Campanella and Herb Gardner

Director- Juan Jose Campanella

Actors- Luis Brandoni, Eduardo Blanco, Veronica Pelaccini

Genre- Comedy and drama

When we think of a movie we visualize many locations, different characters, dramatic storyline and a range of plots happening. This is a movie that breaks all movie stereotypes and marches ahead on the strength of its amazing storyline that is simple yet engaging right from the start to the finish. The movie is picturized at a park and the main prop is a bench at the park. The main characters are two oldies who are a sharp contrast to each other and are strangers who get entwined in each other unintentionally and provide us an interesting look at how just two characters can keep us engaged if the storyline is excellent as this one. 

So a  former communist activist and an ordinary family man who have nothing common with each other to speak of meet at a bench in the park and get talking. They meet every day at the park and strike an unlikely friendship. It is interesting to see how they communicate and tell each other about their lives and take the story forward. There are a few mentions of a couple of characters who come and go in between but they are there just fleetingly. The two lead actors are excellent in their respective roles and give us a tutorial on nuanced portrayal of characters. Dialogues are well-written and a class apart. This movie takes a look at the loneliness and isolation of the seniors and how they try to keep their self respect intact in this fast-paced world. The movie is deliberately slow-paced just like its leads and acquaints us with their life stories. A lot of philosophy and political talk included in the daily life tattle that makes us sit up and take notice. 

There is also a beautiful scene of the daughter and her old, ailing father which is well picturized. The story is humane, profound, sad and humorous too. It is surely not a run of the mill kind of movies we come across all the time so it is like a breath of fresh air. The park looks calm and serene and in the midst of it are these golden oldies sharing their stories. They refuse to let their age make them feel any lesser than those around them. The movie is about life and is a mirror to what each one of us has to go through some time later in life as we age. This story of  Leon and Antonio teaches us about the dignity and respect people need irrespective of their age. The story is uplifting and real. It is all about their experiences. What else is life, if not experiences! The movie is an adaptation of a theatrical play that ran for eleven years in Buenos Aires. The conversations are long at times and there are chances of switching of during the political discussions. The lead actors are exemplary and make it worth a watch. I liked it because it is so different from the regular movies we watch and probably that can be the very reason why people may not like the movie. There is no drama, change of location or anything that is visually interesting. For me it was a change of movie experience that I enjoyed. 

 

Big World-Movie Review

Movie- Big World

Genre- Slice of Life / Coming of age

Writer- Xiaoying You

Director- Lina Yang

Actors- Jackson Yee, Diana Lin

I read a review abut this movie and watched it out of curiosity without expecting much. This movie totally bowled me over with its bold views about how much of inclusivity is there in this world. Everyone thinks they are fighting a battle each day with all the challenges we face but we don't realize how much more of a challenge it is for the differently abled people who are trying to fit in this so-called normal world. 

This movie is in Mandarin  but I watched it in English with subtitles. Big World has won 15 awards and had 21 nominations. The actor Jackson Yee steals the show with his flawless portrayal of a young boy- Liu Chunhe, having cerebral palsy. Each movement of his, right from his head to his toe is in character. The walk, the flinch, talk, smile...everything is spot on. I have a school friend of mine who has cerebral palsy and I have seen her struggle so many times with something that seems so easy for others. The struggle, his grit and determination and his unfailing enthusiasm was a treat to watch. I cried at some emotionally loaded scenes and sincerely wish we all could have a world where the differently abled feel accepted and are made a part of the mainstream. Diana Lin as Jackson's grandmother too has done a wonderful portrayal and she has won awards for her role. 

Every character was well defined. There is not much drama but in a quiet manner this movie makes its mark. The storyline is simple and realistic with some great humorous moments too. This is a movie about motivation and grit that can move mountains. It is about love, respect, feelings and emotions and the will to rise and succeed not-withstanding all hurdles. The movie is not an entertainer as such but it is a must watch for its honest portrayal of the characters and the inspiration they carry along.  These are the kind of movies that are all heart and cannot be missed in the avalanche of  movies that roll out each year. Jackson Yee, take a bow...... you were truly outstanding as Liu Chunhe. Simply unbelievable!