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Reviews
Kapringen (2012)
Kapringen: An excellent lesson in negotiation.
There is something very unique in the way Scandinavian directors and scriptwriters build a story. Realism is always a core element in their plots, irrespective of the genre, unlike films from other parts of the world.
Tobias Lindholm's Kapringen (A Hijacking) is one such film.
At first glance, it will definitely remind you of Captain Phillips because the theme revolves around a vessel hijacking by a group of Somali Pirates. However, the resemblance ends here. Although the Maersk Alabama Hijacking (basis for Capt. Phillips) unfolded in a typical Hollywood manner in real life, most vessel hijackings are quite the opposite. Tobias masterfully captures the scenes behind such a hijacking – the lives of the sailors held in captivity, sandwiched between merciless pirates and their stubborn company officials who refuse to let the pirates dictate terms.
The movie is indeed a lesson in negotiation and crisis management. It is also a disturbing account of how corporates weigh their balance sheet more than the lives of their own men, who spent months in hostile waters, away from their loved ones.
The actors do justice to their roles and put in credible performances. However, the show stealer is Tobias's well written script (I read that he has also penned 'The Hunt', which is in race for the Best Oscar for Foreign film). The negotiation scenes are shot with such realism that it will remind you of one of those boardroom conference calls in your office. I also read in one of the forums that the phone calls were actually made between Denmark and Somalia, so that the voice quality remains poor (with a slight echo) as anybody would experience over a long distance call.
Unlike Captain Phillips, Kapringen will definitely leave you devastated and in agony over decisions and actions that could have otherwise altered the outcome. In the end, they were all greedy; some for money, others for mere survival.
To me, the movie is a tribute to those countless sailors and their everyday struggle, far away from home, and everything they truly love. A must watch.
Verdict: 7.5/10
La vie d'Adèle (2013)
Excellent french drama with brilliant direction and incredible performances....
It is hardly surprising that "Blue is the warmest colour" has been tagged as the most controversial film since Antichrist or maybe 9 Songs; two films that premiered in Cannes and shocked audiences around the world due its controversial content.
But unlike Lars Von Trier or Michael Winterbottom, Abdellatif's story about two homosexuals is one of the finest pieces of art I have seen in quite sometime. The film is a study on French culture, food, art and music as much as it is about love and relationships – both spiritual and physical. The story revolves around Adele, an introvert high school girl, exploring her sexuality and trying to cope up with the realization that her inner self relates to women rather than men. She meets Emma, a fine arts student who is more matured in character and older to her by age, a relationship largely portrayed through a series of intense sexual encounters. The film explains how Adele opens up her personality to be close to someone she truly loves and cares about. The intimate scenes form a very important part of the film, and the story will definitely be incomplete without the raw emotions it takes us through. Yes, they are quite explicit and can make you uncomfortable; but they are also shot artistically (although many critics have argued that it was simply mainstream pornography). What I enjoyed the most here is how well the director has portrayed the female body for all its perfection. You can't help but admire how beautiful the two protagonists were, all bare. However, the film's highlight is undoubtedly Adele Exarchopoulos, who plays the title character Adele. She puts up an incredible performance as Adele, an adorable youngster, who displays an array of emotions throughout the movie – the standouts being the scenes with her red cheeks when she is teary eyed and her beautiful smile. You almost feel like living her life and falling in love with her – her emotions are very deep and raw. Lea Seydoux, who plays the role of her partner Emma, also puts a very credible performance. Their chemistry is undoubtedly what keeps us afloat in a movie that stretches to almost three hours. With no background score (except for sounds captured from the surroundings), no make-up, no lead male actors, and a controversial content, this may not be everyone's favorite film; although, I am very certain that this film will find many devoted fans in Mr.Skins.com – which is indeed a shame. I would recommend this important film mainly for its two main contributions to mainstream cinema – an exceptional talent in Adele, and a beautiful love story. Go for it. You will be happy you met Adele.
Diamond Necklace (2012)
Another winner for Fahad and from Lal Jose.. !!!
Diamond Necklace: I remember reading an article on the winds of change that has begun to hit the Malayalam film industry and how every aspiring film maker wanted to try their luck with a 'bold' script - a bastard child born to a producer who wants a commercial hit and a script writer who wants to bring art to life.
Lal Jose, perhaps, in the same line, manages to bring together a script that is more commercial, but yet has elements of art spread across the story line. Believable performances from Fahad and the three female characters, ensures that these 'elements' I referred to, shine brightly and remain to be enjoyed.
The story of a playboy flirting with money and women would have been told a million times; but interestingly, the script writer chose to ignore the 'playboy oomph' that is more 'reel', and instead zooms in and unmasks the 'real' life behind them. The film has its share of humor, romance, drama, and thrill; in fact to the right degree.
Shot extensively in Dubai, the director(and the editor) has taken care not to dilute the story line with unwanted cuts and frames of the luxury in offer in the desert, and also intelligently places and exposes brands to the audience wherever the script demands its presence(barring one scene with Mr. Joy Alukkas).
Overall, a decent watch, from a veteran in industry. I would gladly give it a 8/10. Good to see fresh scripts emerging. Now to terminate Shaji Kailas and the remaining in his league.