Category Archives: Must Watch

Crime, Genre, Korean Movies, Must Watch, Rating, Reviews, Thriller

Seven Days Review

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Seven Days Review – Seven Days is a South Korean crime thriller movie released in 2007. Yoo Ji-yeon is a successful lawyer. Her daughter is kidnapped and she has to win a case to release a convict with death sentence for a murder to save her daughter.

The movie is very slick and engaging throughout. The suspense of the plot is maintained throughout and keeps you guessing on what is going to happen next. Yunjin Kim has performed her role very well. She comes across very convincingly for a lawyer and a mother trying to save her daughter. The scene in which she is interacting with the criminal with utmost confidence and the scene in which she breaks down for her daughter there is a sharp contrast and powerful.

The script keeps building up well and knots tighten as they try to break it. In the end everything falls in place. The movie has a strong take on the moral values and the conflict between moral values versus the selfish benefit for one’s own family.

High Points: The script is very thrilling and engaging throughout, Yunjin Kim’s performance, suspense maintained throughout the movie.

Low Points: Not many for this movie.

This movie is remade in Bollywood as Jazbaa featuring Aishwarya Rai and Irrfan Khan. From the trailer it seems to be neatly done, maintaining some of the core essence of the movie. It definitely promises to be a good movie and has a very promising cast for the roles that had been in the original.

Overall Seven Days is a treat for crime thriller fans and it does go beyond dealing with emotional dilemma of ethics. If you love crime thrillers, this one is a must watch for you. This one has some explicit violence scenes and viewers discretion is required.

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Drama, Genre, Must Watch, Rating, Reviews, Tamil Movies, Thriller

Papanasam Review

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Papanasam Review – Papanasam is a Tamil thriller drama released in 2015. This is remake of Malayalam movie Drishyam. The movie revolves around the middle class family of Suyambulingam, his wife and their two daughters. They lead a typical life that has both happy as well as challenging moments around petty things. Overnight they go through a situation that threatens to change their lives forever. What was the situation and did they manage to overcome it is the plot of Papanasam.

Director Jeethu Joseph and Kamal Hassan should be appreciated for remaking the movie in Tamil. Many a times the remakes of a super hit falls into the trap of making it bigger and dramatic thereby loosing the essence of the movie. Papanasam does not fall into the trap and maintains the essence of the story and also adapting it very well to the nativity of Tamil Nadu very well. Kamal’s performance is outstanding and is on par with Mohanlal’s performance in Drishyam. He has performed the role with such ease. The scene, in which he boasts about himself to his wife, creates pun intended statements in the teashop, breaks down at the key moment his performance shines.

There are few changes done to the screenplay as compared to the original still they don’t spoil the story. Kalabavan Mani has performed his role very well as a ruthless inspector. Gouthami has come onto the screen after so many years, it is definitely refreshing to watch her on screen. You might have heard people refer to Japanese movie Suspect X to be similar to this one, but both are very different movies.

High Points: Screenplay of the movie, Kamal Hassan’s performance, Essence of the original maintained, very appealing story line

Low Points: Not much to say as low points although the length of the movie could have been kept within 2.5 hours.

Overall Papanasam is a very well made thriller. Even if you have watched Drishyam it is still entertaining to see this one as well.

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PS: SPOILER AHEAD – On a funny note I wonder why the police didn’t catch the fact that the family couldn’t have watched Anjaan on August 2nd as it released only on August 15th 🙂

Action, English Movies, Genre, Must Watch, Rating, Reviews, Thriller

Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation Review

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Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation Review – Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation is an English action thriller released in 2015. The movie is a sequel to the Mission Impossible franchise. Ethan Hunt the undercover agent is on a mission for IMF. However as IMF loses its existence his existence is under threat, as he is wanted by the CIA and also by a criminal organization.

I am not sure if this one were the best of the Mission Impossible series however this would definitely be one of the best in the series. The movie has all the ingredients that one would expect from a Mission Impossible movie perfectly assembled together in the right proportion to woo the audience. There is the impossible mission, unexpected twists, adrenaline pumping action sequence and you know what would happen in the end. Still this makes a very interesting action thriller that keeps you glued throughout. The only part I hated was the mid movie break.

The strongest part of this movie is the characterization of the Villain. This one well could be the arch nemesis of Ethan Hunt as Moriarty was for Holmes. The villain is very sophisticated, intelligent and more gruesome which makes the mission more challenging and more bangs for the bucks. Tom Cruise looks very handsome despite his age. I felt he looked better than how he looked in Ghost Protocol. Good part of the movie is that they haven’t used the facemask technique too much which has now become predictable thanks to the over use of it in the second installment. They have in fact made fun of wearing a facemask.

High Points: Screenplay of the movie, Motorbike chase sequence, Characterization of the villain, Brilliantly placed twists, impossible situations that puts the hero in the corner.

Low Points: Not many low points for this one. If you want to find one then it would be the opening sequence, which looked forcefully stuffed into the screenplay but what is a MI movie without such gravity defying stunts  🙂

Overall this one is a very enjoyable outing for the Mission Impossible fans and also fans of action thrillers. Forget the logic; just go in to be enticed by the mission.

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Crime, Drama, Genre, Korean Movies, Must Watch, Rating, Reviews, Suspense

Mother Review

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Mother Review – Mother aka Madeo is a South Korean crime mystery released in 2009. A mother has to find the killer of a girl murdered in the neighborhood to save her son from being convicted for the murder.

The premise is very interesting and is set in a small town in South Korea. Director Bong Joon-ho yet again comes up with a brilliant script with full of suspense and mystery around a crime after his Memories of Murder. A mother’s love towards her son is universal. How far a mother would go in order to save her son when all the odds are pointing against him is a very interesting plot line. The screenplay is very intense and starts getting gripping once the mother start her journey of finding the killer. The opening shot of the movie itself is a brilliant one and keeps you interested till the end. Kim Hye-ja has performed the role very well and is the backbone of the movie.

The scene in which she is trying to hide in one of the suspect’s house to take an evidence of crime and the attitude in her walks is simply amazing. The entire scene is very gripping. She can turn her expression from anger to guilt to love in seconds. The suspense is maintained till the end of the movie and the ending is just brilliant. I had a very long reflection process after watching this movie. It was quiet overwhelming for me to see the ending anything I speak about it I would give the movie away.

High Points: The screenplay of the movie, acting performance by Kim Hye-ja, gripping moments, background score

Low Points: There are no much low points. I felt the script was bit longer for its content.

Overall the movie is brilliant and is very different from the movie you would have seen. Watch it for the unique script and power packed performance by Kim Hye-ja. This is a must watch for all suspense thriller fans.

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Drama, Genre, Must Watch, Other Languages, Rating, Reviews, Thriller

Suspect X Review

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Suspect X Review – Suspect X (titled as Yôgisha X no kenshin) is a Japanese thriller released in 2008. Ishigami a Mathematical genius and a high school teacher try to save his neighbor a divorcee woman and her daughter from being convicted for a murder.

This is the movie that is been widely talked about nowadays that shares similar plot lines with Drishyam. However both movies are different but for the fact that a murder is being concealed by creating alternative evidences. But for that both these are very different movies. You could see it for yourself.

Now coming to the Suspect X movie, the movie is a very gripping tale of fight between two great scientific minds the genius mathematician and the charismatic physics professor. This is based on the popular Japanese TV series Galileo. The screenplay is very crisp and precise. Keeps the interest level flowing throughout. There are many scenes that create the thrills and the movie reaches a different level as the climax unfolds. Everything connects together. Till then the movie is both intellectual and emotional roller coaster ride. Anything more I say here would become a spoiler in the movie.

If you are a screenwriter and looking for ideas to keep the screenplay precise then this movie is a great example. Although mention of many places occurs in the screenplay, there is no visual until there is a strong requirement for the visual to move the story ahead. In the first five minutes you would get acclimatized with the main characters of the movie and from then on the director can concentrate on developing the plot.

Overall if you like detective thrillers then you would enjoy this one. This is much different from your standard detective thrillers but a strong dual of intellectual personalities.

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Action, Drama, Fantasy, Genre, Hindi Movies, Historic, Must Watch, Other Languages, Rating, Reviews, Tamil Movies

Baahubali – The Beginning Review

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Baahubali – The Beginning Review – Baahubali – The Beginning is a Telugu is a historical fiction movie released in 2015. The film is the first of a two part series. Shivdu is found on the riverside and is raised by a small tribe family; he always wants to climb the big mountain near the village against the wish of his mother. He is able to do it when he grows up; this leads him to his roots from where had come from.

5 tablespoons of Mahabharat, one tablespoon of Ramayan and one tablespoon of masala ingredients from high packed action movies mixed well together. The dish that comes out of the above ingredients is what is Baahubali in a nutshell. Although it is made of the ingredients that we have tasted before, the dish is well prepared and fulfills our appetite like a grand feast. Director SS Rajamouli has dreamt big and kudos to him and his team to bring such a visual grandeur to the silver screen. The breath taking visuals, a native story, stunning fight choreography, powerful characterization all these make Baahubali a very compelling watch. The movie stays true to its promotion and what it had promised to offer; a historical fantasy story painted on an expensive canvas. Every frame has visual grandeur in it, right from the formidable falls to the large battlefield. Many of the characters and situations resemble many of the Indian mythology stories you would have heard but putting them in this combination is interesting. Prabhas, Anushka, Sathyaraj, Nassar, Ramyakrishnan, Rana Daggupati, Tamanna all of them have performed very well. Peter Hein’s stunt choreography is one of the highlights of the movie.

High Points: The narration, visual effects and characterization of Baahubali, Bhallala Deva, Kattappa and Sivagami shine in this first installment. The interval block for the movie was really powerful and is the high point in the movie for me.

Low Points: There are definitely some low points. There is very less differentiation between Shivdu and Baahubali. You don’t feel they are two different characters. There have been some sequences to please the fanfare on the opening day of the movie, which could have been avoided. The background score for such a visually stunning film was a bit let down for me.

Overall Baahubali is a visual treat, though it is a story you would have heard a million times still it is very interesting when SS Rajamouli narrates it. This one is a milestone in Indian Cinema and a Must watch for all Indian movie lovers.

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Comedy, Drama, Genre, Must Watch, Rating, Reviews, Tamil Movies

Kaaka Muttai Review

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Kaaka Muttai Review – Kaaka Muttai is a Tamil comedy drama released in 2014. The movie had its theatrical release in 2015. The movie revolves around two young kids growing up in the slums and their biggest aim in life is to eat a pizza, but it is not as easy as they think.

Director M. Manikandan has done a wonderful job in painting the view of life through the eyes of two kids from slum who gets excited with simple things in life. Most of the movie is shot with a Camera angle at the eye line of the kids, which gives the view of the world from their eyes much more naturally. The names of the kids are not revealed in the movie and they are just addressed by their nickname “Chinna Kaaka Muttai and Periya Kaaka Muttai”. This is very effective in making them a true representation of unknown kids from slum. The other characters in the movie are also used very well in the larger screenplay and every character has a meaningful role to play in the 2 hour drama. Yet another movie that is shorter in length and works more effective than the 3 hour extravagant movies. Indian moviemakers should take some cues from this and be precise to their premise without introducing unwanted frills.

The two boys playing the lead roles in the movie has performed very well. In particular the younger one is so adorable in his acting and innocence. The movie also touches sarcastically upon some harsh realities in the society. Although subtle but still makes a very compelling impression on issues like economic differences, discrimination based on economic status, child labor and many more.

High Points: The screenplay is the major strength of the movie, Cinematography is very apt for the movie, the performances of the kids, the humor in the script is another big plus

Low Points: There is nothing really as a low point. Such movies should be promoted well to reach more audience.

Overall Kaaka Muttai would bring in smile on your face as you walk out of the movie hall and next time you see slum kids running around their chore you would definitely stop and think about the battle they are fighting. 2 National awards for this movie is well deserved.

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English Movies, Genre, Must Watch, Rating, Reviews, SciFi

Jurassic World Review

Jurassic World Review – Jurassic World is an American science fiction adventure movie released in 2015. The movie is a sequel to the franchise of Jurassic Park. After 22 years of the incidents in the island of Jurassic Park there is a new theme park created with genetically altered dinosaurs. Things go awry when the newly created predator Indominous Rex breaks free into the wild.

The movie of dinosaurs releasing after 22 years made it very special for this movie. Many of us who have seen the first installment had nostalgic moment of going to this movie. When Jurassic Park was released it was almost considered, as a sin for not have watched the movie. Although Jurassic World did not create the peer pressure but still drew people by recreating the nostalgic memories of seeing dinosaurs on big screen.

Jurassic World has the chills and thrills that you expect from the movie. Although it can never match up with the first one due to the fact that we have already seen dinosaurs on screen, still it is successful in recreating the magic world much bigger and fancier this time. The movie’s money shot is the sequence in which the biker drives alongside running Velociraptors.

Jurassic World Bike sequence with Velociraptors
Jurassic World Bike sequence with Velociraptors

It is said that Steven Spielberg wanted to create this scene in the new installment of the movie, which was originally in the Lost World book but he could not add it to the movie. The end output had worked very well.

Director Colin Trevorrow should applauded for recreating the magic of Jurassic Park all of us have enjoyed in the past. The imagination of a theme park has gone wild and the sequences are visually very appealing. It is also great to see Irrfan Khan having a substantial role in this compared to his role in The Amazing Spiderman.

It is really unfair to compare this with the first one then you may not enjoy it very much. Go with an open mind and get enticed with the visuals you see on screen. If you have kids take them along with you they would enjoy this a lot.

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Drama, Genre, Must Watch, Rating, Reviews, Tamil Movies, Thriller

Enakkul Oruvan Review

Enakkul Oruvan Review – Enakkul Oruvan is a Tamil psychological thriller released in 2015. Vicky is an insomniac, working as an Usher in a movie hall. Vicky comes across a drug dealer who sells him a new drug Lucia that would enable him to sleep with a caution that he would start living a double life in his dream. Vicky takes the drug and starts living the life of a celebrity in his dreams but soon things take unexpected turns.

This is the remake of the Kannada movie Lucia directed by Pawan Kumar. The Tamil version is directed by debutante Prasad Ramar. I haven’t seen the original which had a more of a new age film treatment while the Tamil version is bit more charismatic with actor Siddharth’s presence.  The movie kept me engaged right from the first scene. The screenplay is the king of the movie. Having most of the sequences of the movie in black and white is a huge risk but still it has worked beautifully here. As an audience you would be confused as the promos for those portions have been in color. The intertwining of the dream life and the real life is treated very well in the narration. Having character overlaps in the two worlds have also been brilliantly placed.  Siddharth has performed his role very well. His performance as an Usher is commendable. He has exhibited a great deal of difference in his body language to differentiate between the two characters.

High Points: Novelty of the plot, the screenplay, Siddarth’s performance, black and white treatment

Low Points: Challenge to stay upto the expectation of the original, audience had watched the original may not like this so much as it always happens with remakes.

Overall despite being a remake Enakkul Oruvan is still a brilliant movie that would stand out from the crowd. If you love movies then watch this one for sure.

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Drama, Genre, Must Watch, Rating, Thriller

Nightcrawler Review

Nightcrawler Review – Nightcrawler is an American neo-noir thriller film released in 2014.  A small time thief in Los Angeles finds a business opportunity in filming incidents to be sold to news channel.

The movie stays true to its neo-noir genre. It is dark and brings the dark side of human life which can go to any extent for caring for oneself. Most of the movie sequences too happen in the night and it throws a light on the unethical and unprofessional elements in the news industry where bad news sells. It always operates in a fine margin of selling bad news and almost creating it. Jake Gyllenhaal has given a very compelling performance in the lead role. His character arc through the movie is handled very well. From the point where he is negotiating the price of a stolen watch to the point where in he owns a top notch news business his transition is very well handled in the script.

Director Dan Gilory has made the script stay close to the main theme of the movie and has not tried to do anything dramatic. The scenes build up from one part to the other flows naturally. I would recommend this movie a notch higher than Gone Girl.

High Points: Jake Gyllenhaal’s performance, the scene in which he trades a bicycle for the video camera and police scanner, the way he goes about negotiating his terms with people is just brilliant, the climax chase sequence is shot very well.

Low Points: Not really a low point but you may not like this if you don’t like neo-noir movies.

Overall if you are fan of neo-noir films you should not miss this one. Even if you are not a fan of neo-noir films this one has much more to offer to keep you engaged.

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Biopic, English Movies, Genre, Historic, Must Watch, Rating, Reviews, Thriller

The Imitation Game Review

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The Imitation Game Review – The Imitation Game is an English historical thriller movie released in 2014. The movie is based on the biography Alan Turing: The Enigma by Andrew Hodges. The movie covers the life of Alan Turing during the world war II and how he cracked the code of Enigma.

The movie has turned the biography into a very compelling visual format on the screen. The choice of Benedict Cumberbatch to play the role of Alan Turing fits very well with the movie and the character. The story follows a non-linear narration which keeps the interest going on. The characterization of Alan Turing as an out of the normal person whom his colleagues find to be very difficult work with has been done very well. Through the movie you would find yourself connecting to the growing obsession of Alan Turing to develop the machine to crack the code. The movie also touches upon the controversial side of Turing’s personal life. Other characters in the movie has played their part well to make the story flow.  The character of Keira Knightley has been used well in the screenplay to get the best out of Alan’s character. If not for this the movie could have been on a very monotonous tone.

High Points: The characterization of Alan Turing, the performance of Benedict Cumberbatch, very gripping screenplay, some of the dramatic scenes where in Alan writes to Churchill to get approval to override his Boss’s orders are very neatly done, The depiction of tension during world war II has been captured well

Low Points: The length of the movie could have been a bit shorter as in the middle portions there is a slight drag

Overall if you are interested in historical biopics you would love this one. You should watch this one for the brilliant performance by Benedict Cumberbatch.

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Comedy, Drama, English Movies, Genre, Must Watch, Rating, Reviews

Birdman Review

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Birdman Review – Birdman  or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance is a American Black comedy released in 2014. Riggan Thomson is a washed up Hollywood actor who is very famous for his role as a superhero by name Birdman. But he has given up the job of doing the role of a superhero and is giving everything into put up a show at the Broadway. The voice of Birdman constantly criticizes him for the decision he has taken.

The movie is constructed like a single shot for most part of the movie similar to the attempt Hitchcock had made in Rope. This treatment itself makes the movie special as it is not easy to put a continuous tone to such a complex screenplay. The performance of Michael Keaton is perfect and there is equally powerful performance by Edward Norton as a broadway actor who practices Method Acting.

Director Alejandro G. Iñárritu have taken the risk of keeping the climax open ended as according to them that would be the most powerful ending for the script rather than ending this in a logical way. Anything else I write here would be a spoiler.  You could watch this and draw your own interpretation.  There is a very interesting sequence in the movie where the lead actor is interacting with a famous critic and the dialogues have a very strong take against the stereotypical way a critic looks at creative work and they have nothing to lose.

High Points: Single shot construction for the movie, The Birdman sequence in Times Square, the screenplay and the performance of Michael Keaton and Edward Norton, the dialogues are pretty interesting.

Low Points: Not many low points apart from the fact that there is a risk of the audience not entirely connecting to the plot

Overall Birdman is a brilliant piece of work that would be remembered for a long time and would act as an inspiration for many new wave film makers.

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