To all the Boys I loved Before

 I am feeling so young at heart today after binge watching this three part movie 'To all the Boys I Loved'. This is a beautiful, romantic story about teenage love. The story follows the love life of Lara Jean and we see all the ups and downs of her teenage romance.

The story is captivating and adorable in many ways. I simply loved the mushiness and cuteness of it all. The songs are beautiful and it was nice to see Lara Jean's relationship with her sisters, father and friends.

The movie is in three parts and I was quite taken by it and it did not seem boring in any way. The sets are beautiful and I specially loved, I mean really loved the use of the colour teal in all the frames! I wish I had such a colourful room for myself ! Peter is really a handsome hunk and Lara Jean is also a sweetheart.

It's really nice to watch a teenage romance for a change. There are some beautiful quotes about life, love and longing in this movie. Life is made of moments and there are so many memorable moments that are memorable due to the people we associate with that moment. Yes, love also has it's share of ups and downs, but if we really love someone bee find ways to stay together come what may. Do watch this romantic movie that is in three parts. Watching it at one stretch is a bit too much so you can do it one day at a time.

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse

 Book Review

Title- The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse

Written and Illustrated by- Charlie Mackesy

Genre- Illustrated book

So this January I had planned to read at least three books each month and it has not gone as per plan. I am not happy about it and so once again I will do my best to get back to reading and focus lesser on watching movies.

I was thrilled to get this illustrated book by Charlie Mackesy, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse. This illustrated book is a best seller and was published in October 2019. It has been translated in 17 languages and had been highly appreciated for its depth of meaning. I have been following Charlie Mackesy on Instagram right from the day I read a review about his book and after that I have been a huge fan of his art works and his thought processes.

What can I say about this book? It's a book for keeps and not really a book for reading, it's a book for feeling, understanding and going back to for inspiration. The book has about a 120 pages of sheer joy. There are a few black pages too which I will be happy to fill in with my art work and words of wisdom. In fact, the introduction itself brought a smile on my face that lasted till the end credits and the back cover and even after that! This book is full of white of wisdom and inspiration about life and our role in it. The sketches and calligraphy are exceptional.

Through the four main characters that are simply named as the boy, mole, fox and the horse we are taken on a journey about an understanding of what life is all about in a matter of fact manner. There are some gems there and this is a book that we can go to again and again for inspiration when we are feeling low. There is so much in it for everyone right from eight to eighty. I am sharing a few of my favourites below.

So once again I must say that this is a book for keeps and a good reminder to us that we need to follow our dreams, spread kindness and try our best to believe in ourselves. We should not expect life to be perfect but we must believe that there is a lot of goodness in this world of ours. This book is uplifting and full of hope and inspiration for everyone .

First They Killed My Father

 A distressing and heartbreaking watch that is more so as it is based on a true story. This is a movie based in Cambodia and it unfolds the situation where the civilians had to leave their homes behind and life as refugees in their own country under the rule of the Khmer Rouge.

A little girl narrates the heart breaking story of what she and her family had to go through from the time she was five to the age of nine. It is an adaptation of Cambodian author and Human Rights activist Loung Ung's memoir of surviving the deadly Khmer Rouge regime from 1975 to 1978. The story depicts the indomitable spirit of Loung's family to survive through the challenges they faced.

Some really heart breaking scenes depicted. The acting was absolutely amazing, they emoted so much with their eyes. We cannot bear to even watch what they are going through in the movie, so you just cannot imagine how it would have been for them to live through those experiences.

It is saddening to know that people went through so much terror and pain and still continue to do so all around the world due to the race for supremacy. We are supposed to learn from history and see that we don't repeat our past mistakes, but that is just not happening. A few countries have time and again taken undue advantage of their power and still continue to do so causing discontent.

Karnan

Karnan is a critically acclaimed Tamil action-drama movie directed by Mari Selvaraj. The movie stars Dhanush in the role of Karnan, Lal, Yogi Babu, Azhagam Perumal and others. Dhanush has done an outstanding job as Karnan. he is exceptional in each and every frame .be it a fight scene, emotionally charged scene or a romantic scene. He has lived the character and we can actually see the raw emotions he experiences as he sees the troubles his village and the villagers go through just to lead a life of respect and do well for themselves. The story of the film is loosely influenced from the 1995 Kodiyankulam caste violence that happened in Thoothukudi district. Just knowing that this movie is based on some real life incidents gives me goosebumps. It is painful and shameful to know that such things actually have happened!

Karnan is a brave and aggressive village youth who is trying his best to get a placement in the military. His village is seeped with problems, the main one being the absence of a bus stop in their village. The villagers have to travel to another village to catch the bus and that too is not a viable option for them. There are many instances where they are humiliated and faced by oppression of the neighbouring village. The location is breath taking and apt for the movie. Each and every character has played the role brilliantly. The story narration is fast paced and gets us worked up at the crucial scenes. I could not stop my tears specially during the two climax scenes at the police station and then later on at the village when the Collector comes to visit the village. 

The film features music composed by Santhosh Narayanan and the cinematography is handled by Theni Eswar. The editing is done by Selva R.K. Each and every song is melodious and full of meaning. The music is foot tapping and I loved the song about not giving up. The background score is excellent. There is a huge amount of violence in the film. The action scenes are superb and so are the song picturizations. The film is all about the atrocities faced by the village and how they do their best to overcome them with Karnan as their flag-bearer.

This film was launched in January 2020 and it was mostly set in the suburbs of Thoothukudi district where the caste violence happened and on which the film is based. The film is path-breaking and realistic. It makes us shudder to think that things like this can happen. All the performances are amazing but Dhanush stands out for his brilliant portrayal as Karnan, the saviour of the village. 

This movie is a must watch for many reasons. The performances, music and story line and the message is what stands out as spectacular. I have never been a fan of Dhanush, yet I must say, he is exceptional in his role as Karnan. 

 

World's Apart

 What an insightful film about life, love and relationships amidst political upheavals. This is a collection of three stories that are weaved together and they all have something in common that is revealed to us only at the end. A great climax indeed!

The story is moving and gives us a glimpse of how things are changing all around the world and the equations between the countries of the world are fast changing and affecting everyone in the process. The acting and characterization of every person is bang on and commendable. So many wow moments that make us sigh and at the same time so many painful scenes that make us wonder whether things will ever change for the better. The last story, Second Chance, touched my heart. It could not stop me from smiling.

A beautiful collection of stories that will touch your heart in some way. This movie is an anthology of three stories of Greeks falling in love with foreigners during the socioeconomic turmoil in Greece and its influence on their lives. This movie made me curious to learn more about the story is the Greek god of love, Eros and Soul. Love can transcend all boundaries of time and place. It is eternal but not without its challenges. I loved the last statement in the movie about God Eros. Don't miss this extraordinary movie, please. I am glad I watched it.

Now streaming on Disney Hotstar.

Ahaan

 I watched the movie Ahaan today morning. What a beautifully made movie about a section of people who are so ill-represented in our movies. We speak so much about inclusiveness but we are ill equipped to make them a part of society as they should be. Some of us don't know about it and most of us don't care about it.

What do differently able people feel ? Why do they react as they do? What are the issues they face in society? Do they also have dreams? This film may not give you all these answers but I am glad at least someone thought of making a film like this to make a start somewhere. I love the fact that Abuli Mamaji was cast in the role of Ahaan who is a person with Downs Syndrome. The other main character is Arif Zakaria who essays the role of a man suffering from OCD or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. The film narrates incidents that bring them together and how it changes their lives for the better.

It is a film with heart and a wonderful approach to bringing about some sort of understanding about people who are differently abled. Abuli is a natural in front of the camera while Arif seems to be a bit over the top at times. The efforts of the film maker in making a film about this theme is truly commendable. It is important for all parents, teachers and adults alike to make an attempt to understand the needs and difficulties faced by differently abled people and work towards making them an integral part of society. We, as adults need to teach our kids about this too, so that we can see an inclusive society in the near future. People with different needs too need to be heard, understood and included in the main stream. Of course, the film could have been better but I am all for the intention and the heart of the film, so I am not going to complain about it at all. Do watch this heart warming movie with your kids.

It is streaming on Netflix.

Premam

Watched the Malayalam movie Premam today. It is being remade in Telugu too. This is a commercially successful movie that was a rage when it released. 

What a beautiful film! It was an endearing and relaxing watch. I just could not take my eyes off Nivin Pauly and Sai Pallavi, they are outstanding! The story line tugs at your heartstrings and it follows the love life of George(Nivin Pauly) as he has his share of romance and heart breaks. I love the college romance the most although the first and the last ones were also a treat to watch. There was fun and frolic all through the movie. The songs interspersed through the story were really melodious and apt for the scenes. The camera work and background score was exceptional. The way the story narration was carried forward was novel and engaging. We just do not want to take our eyes away from the screen,

Sai Pallavi is mesmerizing and there is so much expression in her eyes! I loved, loved, loved the scene before the dance competition where she teaches her students dance steps. She is an outstanding dancer too! I have seen a few of her movies and she never disappoints.

What can I say about Nivin Pauly? He is such a heart throb! He effortlessly moves from one character to another and makes it so believable! His smile is infectious and can knock most girls over. His brooding, lovelorn eyes also speak volumes. He also was great at expressing grief after his heartbreaks.

There are many other characters in the story and each of them form an important part of the story. Each characterization was done well. The story moved seamlessly and got the viewers involved with the story of George. There was a lot of drinking booze and smoking which I wish they had restrained to some extent at least. A few fights too in between for good measure but overall a well-made entertainer. This is a film that brings a warm and fuzzy feeling in our hearts. It is a must watch for all the romantics like me.

Angamaly Diaries

 A hard hitting movie about gangs and teams on the other side of the law. The movie is all about power play and territorial fights amongst different groups. A lot of violence and focus on pork here. Storyline is edgy and keeps us involved After some time we wish all the fighting would stop, but it never does. There is always the need to show one up-manship. All the fight scenes are realistic and the climax scene is a long 11 minute single shot with about a 100 actors! Brilliant camera work and direction!

The songs are rustic and foot- tapping while the background score is extraordinary. The lyrics are superb! The actors are brilliant and the movie gives us a good glimpse of the food and festivities of the locality. Gang wars, booze, romance, fights and pork are the centre on the film. There are also a couple of romantic stories interspersed in it. The story follows Vincent Pepe (Antony Varghese) who wants to be a powerful leader of a righteous gang that will rule the town of Angamaly, like his seniors. The lead, Anthony Varghese is truly brilliant and has won a few awards for his role too. He is handsome and has a bewitching smile too, that is seen rarely in the film. He is mostly in fight mode.

Frankly speaking, all the running around, screaming and the incessant fighting gave me a headache. Yes, it is a well made movie though. Not a fan of too much violence in films so I am not too keen to recommend this movie. The movie is critically acclaimed and has also achieved great commercial success when it was released in 2017. So you can decide to watch it if you don't mind a lot of violence.

I am All Girls

 I watched the movie I am All the Girls today and it was a really difficult watch for its content. This is a movie that is based on true life events so it makes it all the more shocking. It is a shame that there are so many inhuman things happening all around the world. This movie is all about human trafficking. It narrates the challenges faced by the police and investigative teams in tracking down the perpetrators of the trafficking of young girls. 

The storyline is thrilling and not at all an easy watch. It is painful to know that there have been so many cases like these that have gone unsolved. So many little girls going through untold pain and horror just to satisfy the needs of pervert monsters. The movie is well made and portrays the pain and anguish of the victims of human trafficking and also acquaints us with the way the enforcement authorities go on to nab them. There is a mystery that surrounds this that is solved at the climax. 

Hillbilly Elegy

Hillbilly Elegy is a profound movie that touches us in may ways! It is heartfelt and engaging. This is the true to life story of J.D. Vance and his family. It tells us about the many challenges he and his family faced during their stay at Middletown, Ohio where his mother's parents moved to when they were young. 

Along with the family relationship this story is also a narration of the socio-economic problems that were prevalent in those times. This is a heart-warming and inspiring film that shows that though our environment tells us about where we came from, we can decide what we want to become. The importance of that one person who believes in us and our worth is so important to each ones life. The story is emotionally charged and it is heart-breaking to see all the problems that are caused due to substance abuse and how it can take a toll on the entire family. 

This movie is an adaptation of a book by the same name which is an international bestseller. It is a memoir of a family and culture in crisis. This is a true to life story of J.D. Vance and it made me curious enough to read the story and see the pictures of the real life family. They also introduce us to the real life family at the end credits of the movie. What can I say about the acting of all the characters? They were simply brilliant! I was surprised this movie has not won any accolades, as it is so well made. I am so glad I watched this one just after reading the synopsis. This is surely not to be missed. 

The Mule

 Clint Eastwood it is, people! This is a story that reminds us how the time we spend with the ones we love is so important in life. In our quest to earn for our family, we steer away from them when they need us during the special moments. Earl (Clint Eastwood) is isolated from how family because they feel he was not there for them when he was needed. Does Earl get the chance to make amends? What does he do to gain their love once again?

The story is really engaging and it has some amazing moments. The locations and music is wonderful. The movie is inspired by true events. It is always nice to be reminded about what matters most in life. It's all about the choices we make in life.

A good watch indeed!

My Octopus Teacher

My Octopus Teacher

This documentary movie just blew my mind! What an incredible look at what lies under water! James Reed shares his experiences and reveals some amazing facts about the life of an octopus .This is a result of some extensive investigative work that went on for more than 320 days!

So many lessons to learn from nature! It is truly mesmerising to see the under water world at close quarters. The background score and camera work is fantastic. So much of effort taken to bring us a beautiful movie that is so endearing. The bond the film maker develops with the octopus is unreal and it really touches us deeply.

An insightful movie that needs to be watched by everyone! Some really unforgettable and note worthy scenes where the shark tries to prey on the octopus. Its also astounding how the octopus keeps away it's predators in different ways. One of the best movies I have watched on nature.

The underwater photography left me completely stunned, there is so much to see there! It makes me want to explore the under water world myself. Do not miss watching this marvel.

It's streaming on Netflix.

The Blind Side

A family drama centred on sports that is based on a true story. The Blind Side has been adapted from a book of the same name.

An affluent family takes in Big Mike as their family member that brings about many changes in their lives. It's heartening to see them bond and become one as Michael goes on to become a sportsman of repute. How they all work together and make him a part of their family and what challenges they meet while doing that, forms a part of the beautiful story. I am a great fan of Sandra Bullock and she did not disappoint in this movie. She won an Oscar (not Oscar worthy role according to me) for her role as Leigh Anne/Mrs Tuohy in this film. All the other characters too did great, especially Quinton Aaron as Michael Oher.

This is an inspiring story about how we can bring a change in our own and another persons life for the better if we have a will to do so. This is a lovely family film about how this world can become a better place if we try. Don't miss the end credits as we are acquainted with the real life family that has been portrayed in the movie. An endearing and extraordinary watch for sure. Such stories give us hope that goodness does exist in this world. So glad I watched this one. Don't miss this one, please!

Streaming on Netflix.

The Favorite

 I watched a period film The Favorite yesterday and was stunned by the depth and pathos it portrayed. The movie is directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and written by Deborah Davis and Tony McNamara and is set in the early 1700s, when a gout-ridden and incompetent Queen Anne (Olivia Colman) is the reigning British monarch.

The movie has some excellent and extravagant interiors which is in stark contrast to the loneliness and pain of the main protagonist ,the queen. The film explores the inherent greed for power and acquaints us with those who yearn for it. The movie is a love triangle between Queen Anne (Olivia Colman), her closest advisor, Lady Sarah (Rachel Weisz), and new, ambitious servant Abigail (Emma Stone). All three of them have rightly received Oscar nominations for their brilliant performances.

This is a film that simultaneously makes us understand the motivations behind their actions while also maintaining with great clarity the ridiculousness of their shallow pompousness. The movie has a satirical and dark approach to the story. The story is complete with greed, deceit, lust and longing. It is the waging war for power and wealth. Lady Sarah and Abigail do their best to show one-upmanship and gain the attention of Queen Anne using different ways. Who succeeds in becoming the favorite of the Queen forms the crux of the story. Some amazing locations out there to view and some political games on display too. Olivia Coleman, Rachel Weisz and Emma Stone who shine in their respective roles. The movie is wickedly funny and a good watch. It has sex and nudity so surely not for children. Watch this power play that is steaming on Disney+ Hotstar.

One

Watched the Malayalam movie One starring Mammootty on Netflix today. The film is directed by Santhosh Vishwanath. The hero, Kadakkal Chandran (Mammootty) is the Chief Minister of the state of Kerala and he is truly larger than life. Mammootty's style and charisma takes over each frame of the film. He is a force to reckon with in the movie as he tries to do the best he can for the common man. He has played his part to the T.

This is a political drama that has some relatable scenes and situations . Watching the movie , one cannot help feeling how wonderful it would be for our country , India if all the Chief Ministers and MLA's worked for the betterment of the state and its people. Some good scenes about power play and how political parties work towards it. The Chief Minister tries to bring the bill- Right to Recall in order to serve the people better and bring about some sense of accountability among the ministers who are in the elected representatives of the people. Whether he is able to do that amidst all the opposition forms the crux of the story.

Along with the main narration, there are so many other instances in the movie that show how the common man also can make a difference in the political arena by being a responsible citizen. Some parallel stories are also put in to show how there is corruption and power play prevalent in society. As elected representatives, it is the duty of the Ministers to work for the betterment of the people. Is the Chief Minister able to do what he sets to do? Watch the movie to find out.

It is a good political drama. One is streaming on Netflix.

Minari

Do watch this brilliant Korean drama film, Minari. Acting of each and every character is amazing. Superb story narration that is so relatable in these modern times. It gives us a glimpse of what family is all about and how sometimes, somethings only remain as a memory.

Outstanding acting by each and everyone in the film. Watch out for the brilliance of the acting skills of the main lead just after their visit to the hospital. All through the film , everyone stayed true to their character. The Oscar wins and nominations were well-deserved.

The background score is just right for the emotions it portrays. This is a story of a family that is trying against all odds to sustain itself and remain together in spite of all the challenges that come their way. The climax is a real tear-jerker.

So may lessons that are weaved together without sounding preachy in any way. The story is so relatable and has some beautiful and unforgettable moments. We feel for the family for all they go through and the way they work to make ends meet. This movie is like a dedication to all the Korean immigrants who have settled in America.

A really marvelous watch! I have always been a fan of Korean films and series. I don't understand how they get the emotions portrayed so well. They are exceptionally good with family drama. You cannot miss this one.

Ustad Hotel

 Endearing movie about what we plan and what fate decides for us. The movie is about good food and how a meal can make a difference. This is a movie that teaches us about the true purpose of our life. How we can make an difference to the lives of others positively. Towards the climax of the film it was difficult to stay dry-eyed. Such a meaningful story that makes us realize that there are so many less fortunate people around us and we can actually do something for them in our own way. Performances above par and superb music.

Dulquer Salman is awesome as always and so is the female lead. Oh yes, this movie also makes you feel hungry as they have delicious looking good staring at us from the screen! The making of Kareem's biryani is the highlight. This is a feel good movie that leaves you with a smile on your face and an urge in your heart to do something worthwhile in life. It makes you realize how blessed you really are! I got a lump in my throat thinking how we need more good people in this world to feed the hungry.

A beautiful emotionally charged movie. I am glad I watched this one just on a whim.

Please watch this unassuming but amazing and let me know what you felt about it. Don't give up on this one, it may seem a bit slow initially but it catches up and keeps us engaged. This is a film with a heart.

Love Sonia

 Watched the movie Love Sonia that is streaming on Disney+Hotstar and was completely filled with immense horror and sadness at the situation of the rise of sex trade and how families and young girls are affected by it. This is the story of two sisters are unceremoniously drawn into the sex trade and it is a portrayal of their survival and the challenges they come across to fight against it. Sex trade is a booming market all around the world and it becomes difficult to book the perpetrators and rescue the girls and women who fall prey to it. It is heart-breaking to know that less than 1% ( according to what is mentioned in the end credits of the movie) of girls are rescued successfully once they are in the flesh trade.

The movie is raw and stark in its narration. It is gut-wrenching to see that there is so much pain caused just to fulfill the lust and urges of the so-called clientele that is ever growing. More and more women and even men are being lured into this trade. Drugs, monetary gains and at times even the thrill of doing it due to unrealistic ideas about what this trade holds is the cause of the rise. The performances are realistic and we feel for the two leads who are caught in the web due to poverty. A difficult watch so you can miss it if you don't want to see something that will make your mind heavy with pain for what is happening all around the world in the business of sex. But truly speaking, you must watch this critically acclaimed movie for its sheer honesty in portraying the bitter truth of the sex trade. It has an ensemble cast and all are great but Manoj Bajpai stands out as the the owner of the brothel or business as he calls it. Locations are excellently chosen. This is for an adult audience only. The movie stays with you even after you have watched it and one can't help think at least for a while about the sad state of all the women and girls caught in the web of the flesh trade. As long as there is demand , there will be supply, specially so if there is greed.

Rubaru Roshni

 It is a different kind of experience that watching this movie brings us. I did not expect to see where the story was leading to. Towards the end of the movie I realized that I was actually weeping as I watched the last story unfold before my eyes.

Keeping my review undetailed so as not to give away the crux of the movie, I will just say that it is collection of three different stories that have an unexpected twist in it. The stories and the people shown are real so this not exactly a movie but a documentary and a gut-wrenching one at that. There are so many lessons to learn from these stories. We try to imagine how we would react in such a situation. How easy or difficult it would have been for the people involved in these true stories? The documentary was an eye-opener for me as there were so many things I did not know about these incidents in detail though I did read about them in the newspapers when they took place. The inside picture is clear to us with this documentary.

Please do not watch this one for entertainment as there will be none offered. Look at it as a mirror to emotions that people go through. Search for the insights and lessons in it that need to remain with you. Try to understand whether it changes the way you look at your loved ones. See whether it makes you look at the perpetrators of crimes in a different way. A must watch if you want to see something that is novel in every way. A look at life from another angle. Watch this one and let me know what you felt. I am sure the last story will not leave you dry-eyed or for that matter, even the other two.