Week 4

Movies –  Non-English
The Motorcycle Diaries (Argentina, 2004) [ IMDB:7.8/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 91% ] 

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6jz_b80V5g

The true story of the road trip that Che Guevara took before he became a revolutionary. The film shows the deep empathy Che had for people and his dedication towards helping to improve the lot of the people. Absolutely memorable scenes without getting preachy. The standout scenes include the one in which a migrant labourer asks Che why he travels. In another scene when Che raises a toast and says that all of Latin America is one, you are willing to believe it. Watch this entertaining movie to know how the world changed Che before he changed the world. .

Children of Heaven (Iran, 1997) [ IMDB: 8.1/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 94% ]

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqxvZeQsVzY

Do you believe in innocence? Have you ever tried finishing second or third in a race because that is what your sister wanted? Do you believe that movies can be magical without special effects? Get introduced to Iranian cinema through this masterpiece which will leave you spellbound. A very simple story of a brother who loses his sister’s shoes but promises to get her a new pair, told in the most interesting manner. If only Hollywood kids could act like the ‘stars’ of this film.

The Battle of Algiers (Algeria, 1966) [ IMDB: 8.2/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 99% ]Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ca3M2feqJk8



If there is one movie which you should watch before you die, this is the one. Though made in 1966, I can vouch that the film will be as edge of seat stuff as it is now, even in 2066.The movie was banned in France as it chronicles the Algerian struggle for Independence from France. The film was influential to the extent that some very famous directors like Mira Nair have called it the biggest influence in their film making. You will be mesmerized. So, watch before you die.

Hollywood Retrospective
Amadeus (1984) [IMDB: 8.4/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 96% ]

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIzhAKtEzY0

The incredible story of Mozart, this movie is a not very well known in spite of winning 8 Oscars. The opera parts do get a little tedious but Murray Abraham’s portrayal of  Mozart’s competitor Salieri is certainly one of the best acting performances in movie history. The movie begs the eternal question. Are some people born geniuses. On the evidence of it, they are.

This is Spinal Tap (1984) [ IMDB: 8.0/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 95% ]


Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFl7Cq2fvqI

Rob Reiner’s mock documentary (may be a new genre) which rips apart the rock scene and the artists who are drowned in self importance. A must watch for any music fan. Never has the rock scene been exposed before and never will any movie have the audacity and creativity to do what this movie did. ‘Puppet Show and Spinal Tap’. A line you will never forget.
Movies I Saw This Week

Monsieur Lazhar (Canada, 2011) [IMDB: 7.5/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 97% ]


Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjNCkxnT-xE


Definitely worth a watch.

Here Comes the Boom (2012) [ IMDB: 6.4/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 69% ]


Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4L6ruTF5qE


The only good thing is that the movie has its heart in the right place. Could have been much better.

Ingenious (2009) [IMDB: 5.4/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 47%]


Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVMgRnZRblM


Well, in case you are wondering what the above mentioned gizmo is, it is the talking beer opener, which is the third largest selling novelty product of all time. I would not recommend the movie. Open your beer and watch something else.

Documentary pick of the week

Senna (2010) [ IMDB: 8.5/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 95% ]

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDbyILj7o-w

Chronicles the life and times of Ayrton Senna, who died a legend in racing when he was just 34. One of the best documentaries ever.

Eagerly waiting for : ‘Venus in Fur’ because Roman Polanski never disappoints.

Did you know: Tamil Nadu remains the only place in the world where the Chief Ministers were from the field of cinema for most of the last 45 years.