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rajeshray
Reviews
The Last Hangman (2005)
A very well made and thought provoking film !
"Pierrepoint: The Last Hangman" is a very well-directed and produced film that tries to delve into the character / psyche of Britain's most famous (although definitely not the last) hangman of the 20th century, Albert Pierrepoint, one who carries on the family tradition with great aplomb ! The performance by Timothy Spall in the lead role was brilliant. Spall succeeds in portraying a very positive image of Pierrepoint, a man of high personal values who adheres to a high code of conduct. The movie is based on Albert Pierrepoint's biography and conveys him as the "quintessential professional", who has a (rather unpleasant)job to do and is hell-bent on doing it to the very best of his abilities. The performances by Juliet Stevenson (as Pierrepoint's supportive but troubled wife) and Marsden (as his pub mate, "Tish") are also noteworthy.
Throughout his more than two decades long "successful career",Pierrepont goes about his job with a high sense of professional detachment. He is not at all interested in knowing about or passing any judgements on the crimes of his condemned prisoners, whom he is required to despatch from this world. He is just focused on "their height, weight and physical condition" so that he can put an end to their lives in the quickest and most efficient manner; a thorough professional who takes immense pride in being the undoubted No. 1 in his vocation in the entire country.
But then one day something happens which shakes his soul and makes him seriously contemplates the correctness of capital punishment and his key role in its implementation.
It is indeed a very dark and gloomy film with several "trying" moments. A film that forces the viewer to think and stays with him / her long afterwards. What I really liked was the fact that the film does not take any overt position on capital punishment but yet forces one to think. The technical quality is of a high standard with the hanging scenes very authentically depicted.
Recommended watching for the thoughtful viewer (with a strong stomach)!
The Reader (2008)
One of the most touching and thought-provoking films of all times
'The Reader'(2008) is undoubtedly one of the most touching and thought-provoking films made on the Holocaust in particular and the World War II in general. Though the tempo of the film is indeed rather slow, nevertheless it is entirely gripping and forces the discerning viewer to think and realize yet again that life is usually not black-and-white, rather always grey. The film is basically meant for a mature and thinking audience....one that has an eye and a mind for cinema on serious / controversial subjects such as the Holocaust and how the post-war generation of young Germans are still coming to terms with their troublesome past.The performances by all the cast are perfect for their respective roles, even that of Ralph Fiennes, whose role has, in my opinion, been rather unfairly derided by some. The stand-out acting performances are delivered by Kate Winslet (who won a richly deserved 'Best Actress in a Leading Role' Oscar in Feb 2009, for her role of "Hannah Schmitz" in this film)and the young prodigy,David Kross (brilliant uninhibited portrayal of an adolescent boy who falls in love with a woman in her 30s and later learns about and has to somehow come to terms with her notorious past).Indeed the duo have given it their all. So brilliant is Kate's performance (at her trial and onwards in the film)that it is difficult not to sympathize with her and make a genuine attempt to also understand her defence of her past actions, especially the circumstances under which she did what she had to do as a part of her official duties as an SS female guard in a Nazi concentration camp. The background musical score by Nico Muhly is brilliant and just right for the grim and sombre mood of the film.
Overall 'The Reader' is a brilliant,sensitive and highly thought- provoking film....full of pathos and tragedy,....a film that boldly dares to challenge conventional notions about the Holocaust without overtly defending its perpetrators / taking sides. The Director leaves it to the judgement of the audience to decide for themselves. One of the "must watch" movies for those who value and understand quality cinema purely for its story,performances and direction...not just for gizmos and special effects and to watch certain over-hyped "stars".
Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007)
Very well made and entertaining film !
I saw "Elizabeth: The Golden Age"(2007)in a cinema hall in New Delhi last afternoon. It is indeed a very well-made and entertaining movie, and I would definitely recommend watching it once in a hall on the large screen, some historical inaccuracies notwithstanding. The film is a visual delight, and the performances of the cast are first rate,esp. by Cate Blanchett, who has once again played the lead role with almost perfection.In my opinion, hers is an Oscar-worthy performance, and I'm pretty certain that she will at least get a nomination for the Best Actress category, even if not win it (that depends on the relative performances of the other four nominees in the category as well !). Cate Blanchett has truly brought out the majesty of Elizabeth, the individual and the undoubtedly great queen that she was.
Kudos also to Shekhar Kapur (the director) and the twin writers who have done a great job.However, Shekhar should have been more circumspect and accurate in portraying the battle with the Spanish Armada (which in reality never occurred !). He too stands a pretty good chance in the Best Director category at the Oscar next year (in 2008).
Finally, supporting actor Abbie Cornish (who played the role of Bess, Elizabeth's main lady-in-waiting) is a great looker, and the film is worth watching for her alone ! A very promising newcomer indeed...a British beauty in the classical sense.
Poirot: Five Little Pigs (2003)
Fantastic , dark movie !
'Five Little Pigs'is a hauntingly beautiful film with brilliant performances from its entire cast, especially David Suchet (Hercule Poirot) and the amazingly beautiful,Rachael Stirling (Caroline Crale). I haven't read the novel, and so won't compare the film with the book. It is indeed a very sad, melancholic story which poignantly illustrates the dark shades of the human psyche,..there is very little alleviating about the film, and in my opinion that is how indeed it should be! The performances by the entire cast are first rate, and you indeed feel sorry for everyone involved...even the real murderer at the end. Another thing that struck me was that the "suffering" wife looked a lot better than the "other woman",who came across as childish in comparison... something that has also been rightly been commented upon by another reviewer! Another masterpiece from the "Poirot" series....go ahead and watch it...at least once...the story and the performances will stay with you for a long time, I promise! Agatha Christe was indeed the undisputed "Queen of Crime Fiction"...hats off to her !!