Lord of War [2005] - Directed by Andrew Niccol

I had seen this movie a couple of years ago, now I got the Bluray version and man was I “blown away” watching it again. I have to write a separate blog about Bluray – it is an experience.Lord of War is the story of an illegal arms dealer – Yuri Orlov played by Nicolas Cage, one of his best performances ever. Yuri is a wacky, smooth talking, offensive at times, one tough S.O.B and the character is not apologetic at all for what he does. A lot of Hollywood productions in the past have glorified gun running, gangsters and other illegal subjects, but this movie raises a lot of questions about arms trade and that’s the success of the director who has not glorified arms dealing or makes it look cool even though the movie as a whole looks damn cool. This is a mark of the pure genius of Andrew Niccol.

Cinematography is top notch; the opening sequence itself [Titles or Credits] will give you such a rush and it sets the pace for the rest of the movie.  The other most important thing about this movie is the Dialogues, some of the best dialogues I have ever heard and it has loads of it throughout the movie.  


Here are some of the lead character Yuri Orlov’s dialogues:

: There are over 550 million firearms in worldwide circulation. That's one firearm for every twelve people on the planet. The only question is: How do we arm the other 11?

: The first and most important rule of gun-running is: Never get shot with your own merchandise. 

: Selling a gun for the first time is a lot like having sex for the first time. You're excited but you don't really know what the hell you're doing. And some way, one way or another, it's over too fast. 

: There are two types of tragedies in life. One is not getting what you want, the other is getting it. 

: Some of the most successful relationships are based on lies and deceit. Since that's where they usually end up anyway, it's a logical place to start. 

In one of the sequences, Yuri [Nicolas Cage] has landed his plane with his illegal shipment of arms in Africa; they show a time lapse sequence where the whole plane is being dismantled by the Natives while Yuri sits in front of the plane. It looks stunning but the most interesting part is that the background score used for this sequence is the Theme music from our very own BOMBAY – by A.R.Rahman - Again excellent selection with background score which complements each and every frame of this movie.

I guarantee that most would love this movie and if you can, watch the Bluray version.

Cheers

Pradeep

The Fall (2006) - Directed by Tarsem Singh

The Fall is a Visual Treat. The story is set in an hospital in the 1920's, the story essays from the reality of 2 patients to exotic locales were the story dwells into fantasy genre. Watch this only for the pleasure of your eyes and ears, cinematography is the best thing about this film. The background score was so engaging that it kept me at the edge of my seat to keep guessing whats gonna happen next. 
The most outstanding thing about this film is the character of the little girl played by Catinca Untaru. She is so adorable and cute that we will forgive all the lag in the films pace at times. I was little disappointed with the later part of the film but again I was really blown away by the little girls character. 
It would be best to watch the Bluray version of this movie, by the way this movie was directed by an Indian - Tarsem Singh [previous work - The Cell]
Cheers
Pradeep

Progressing Backwards

Wow, we are growing into one intolerant society with all the protests and agitations by fanatic groups. Funny thing is its all for such trivial issues, issues that do not affect the general public at large.

Yes, Fanatics. They are very common nowadays in all walks of our lives, here there is no discrimination. Fanatics can be found in ALL religions, political parties, regional outfits etc ….  Some are violent and some are plain dumb, both are equally harmful.

So are we progressing backwards, or is it just the media that flashes only the fanatics and forgets about the rest of this country who I believe are moderates.

Cheers,

Pradeep