Sometimes, we need life to push us back a little bit in order to move forward. Otherwise we find ourselves stuck, trapped, limited within our boundaries. And then we indulge ourselves in the warm daily routine: wake up, the morning coffee, the traffic to our job, then calling some friends, going home, taking care of kids, the pets, watching some TV, Facebooking, Twittering, Orkuting or whatever and then the sweet bed.
It is true, for many people in the world this picture sounds like a perfect thing, especially if you are homeless, jobless and all the other „less”. But this is not the point, as one day, „bang!”, it hits you: you lose your job, you lose your house, you do not have money for school, you get ill, you are stolen, your spouse betrays you, you fall, you cannot feel anything...
That moment you ask God or life or the world or your friend: „Why me?” „Was I so bad?” „Did I made anything wrong?” „Is it faith?” Unfortunately we will never find the answer. But the beautiful part is that we can do something, we gather our strengths to find a solution, we suddenly discover that we have a big power: to think and to do something about it. The result might not be the one we dream of, but we accomplish something more important: WE MOVE.
We free ourselves in the searching process and we learn new things. It’s up to us if we become better persons, but the chance has been given. So, folks, let’s move, let’s do something new, it doesn’t matter what. Either is helping a neighbour, or taking a new course, or talking more to the children, or reading an author we do not like, or joining a volunteer organization, or learning a foreign language, let’s do something new.
We have one life, as far as we know, and it would be such a pitty to waste it without trying all the things it has to offer. Life is smart; don’t get angry with it when it pushes us back in order to move forward.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Sunday, February 14, 2010
My Name is Khan – a journey
I cannot speak about My Name is Khan without shortly mentioning Berlin experience. I can live very well without visiting the city anymore, but I appreciate it manages to attract thousands of cinema lovers during The Berlinale. Some of them are weird, some of them are adventurers, some of them are normal, but all of them are ready to queue for hours just to buy the golden tickets.
I had my MNIK ticket reserved for 13th. But I wanted to go on 12th, as the most beloved trio – Karan, Kajol and Shahrukh - was going to attend the premiere. It would have been a win-win situation anyway. If my haunt for tickets on ebay had failed, I would have got the Red Carpet chance to see them close, get an autograph or even hug Shahrukh. But what I wished more was to be in the same hall watching the movie together.
And I don’t regret this, as I felt like one of just a few real supporters in the middle of a crap audience – most of them people who entered via invitations and who had no idea what they were coming to see. Three guys, who stayed near me and had some VIP badges on the chest left after 20 minutes. I am very sorry I could not see their names. But if they ever read this, they will know I am talking about them – Shame on you, impotent bastards. Fans paid impossible to utter amount of money to be inside and you dare get out? And shame on you Berlinale organizers for letting in such persons, instead of giving this chance to someone who really loves and respects the work of movie-makers and deserves the special moment of a premiere.
Now that I expressed my rage against the atmosphere inside, which should have been really hot (proof? the second watch on 13th was really amazing – the love exuded in the cinema hall was almost material, like a thick silky veil), maybe time has come to focus on the movie in itself.
Karan had guts to do such a movie. First of all, non-believers, detractors, haters, would say: “Oh, no, did we need another Forrest Gump or another Rain Man”? Well, even so, what is wrong to see more stories about similarly challenged people? Let me tell you something, the trailers are misleading. I got in the same trap. I thought I knew what the story would be about and what was the message, blah, blah… He,he,he…Karan managed to surprise me, right from the very first seconds of the movie. The way camera moves, following Rizwan Khan, the music, which is absolutely brilliantly used, marks the beginning of a journey that will enchant you, will make you clap, tear, suffer, laugh and smile.
I will not detail the narrative thread, as this is not important now, but I will mention the very-well written script (puzzle-like sometimes), the incredible cinematography, a neat and very much westernized editing and decent Americans actors (for a change - this is an aspect I use to hate in Bolly movies).
There are two big moments in the movie, when time seems to stop and the world freezes. One belongs to Kajol, one to Shahrukh. Both of them are catharsis creators. Brace yourselves for a mother in pain and for the church speech. Those who saw/will see the movie and remain(ed) untouched by these 2 moments lost something precious in their lives – sensibility and love.
The movie has the quality of a bildungsroman and it can be interpreted and analyzed at many levels. I would recommend you to forget about analysis and simply enjoy the story, the rhythm, the fun, the jokes, the magic and charm of a special jodi, the kids acting in the movie (very good), the breathtaking images, the drama, the tears (yes let them flow – they will purify your soul), the Hollywood style ending, the humanitarian message, the incredible eyes of Shahrukh (dead, but expressing million things in the same time – I really cannot remember/imagine other actor of such a performance), the wide, beautiful smiles of Kajol, Zarina Wahab as Rizwan’s mom (adorable), the serene presence of Sonya Jehan, a delicious Vinay Pathak in a short role…and I can continue like this for pages and pages...
The movie can come over you like an avalanche. The desire to know how the story goes on and what happens next can make u impatient and hence, for some people, MNIK will be too long. That is why a second watch is a must. As then you can taste all those little details that first time seemed of no importance to you.
Trying to be objective as much as I can, I must say that My Name is Khan is one of the most powerful movies I have seen lately and appropriate both for Western and Asian audience. A Shahrukh-Kajol-Karan fan doesn’t need any reviews, any opinions or any ratings and the experience will be mind-blowing for him/her.
In the end, if you read these lines, please, go and see the movie. You will rediscover love. And love. And more love.
I had my MNIK ticket reserved for 13th. But I wanted to go on 12th, as the most beloved trio – Karan, Kajol and Shahrukh - was going to attend the premiere. It would have been a win-win situation anyway. If my haunt for tickets on ebay had failed, I would have got the Red Carpet chance to see them close, get an autograph or even hug Shahrukh. But what I wished more was to be in the same hall watching the movie together.
And I don’t regret this, as I felt like one of just a few real supporters in the middle of a crap audience – most of them people who entered via invitations and who had no idea what they were coming to see. Three guys, who stayed near me and had some VIP badges on the chest left after 20 minutes. I am very sorry I could not see their names. But if they ever read this, they will know I am talking about them – Shame on you, impotent bastards. Fans paid impossible to utter amount of money to be inside and you dare get out? And shame on you Berlinale organizers for letting in such persons, instead of giving this chance to someone who really loves and respects the work of movie-makers and deserves the special moment of a premiere.
Now that I expressed my rage against the atmosphere inside, which should have been really hot (proof? the second watch on 13th was really amazing – the love exuded in the cinema hall was almost material, like a thick silky veil), maybe time has come to focus on the movie in itself.
Karan had guts to do such a movie. First of all, non-believers, detractors, haters, would say: “Oh, no, did we need another Forrest Gump or another Rain Man”? Well, even so, what is wrong to see more stories about similarly challenged people? Let me tell you something, the trailers are misleading. I got in the same trap. I thought I knew what the story would be about and what was the message, blah, blah… He,he,he…Karan managed to surprise me, right from the very first seconds of the movie. The way camera moves, following Rizwan Khan, the music, which is absolutely brilliantly used, marks the beginning of a journey that will enchant you, will make you clap, tear, suffer, laugh and smile.
I will not detail the narrative thread, as this is not important now, but I will mention the very-well written script (puzzle-like sometimes), the incredible cinematography, a neat and very much westernized editing and decent Americans actors (for a change - this is an aspect I use to hate in Bolly movies).
There are two big moments in the movie, when time seems to stop and the world freezes. One belongs to Kajol, one to Shahrukh. Both of them are catharsis creators. Brace yourselves for a mother in pain and for the church speech. Those who saw/will see the movie and remain(ed) untouched by these 2 moments lost something precious in their lives – sensibility and love.
The movie has the quality of a bildungsroman and it can be interpreted and analyzed at many levels. I would recommend you to forget about analysis and simply enjoy the story, the rhythm, the fun, the jokes, the magic and charm of a special jodi, the kids acting in the movie (very good), the breathtaking images, the drama, the tears (yes let them flow – they will purify your soul), the Hollywood style ending, the humanitarian message, the incredible eyes of Shahrukh (dead, but expressing million things in the same time – I really cannot remember/imagine other actor of such a performance), the wide, beautiful smiles of Kajol, Zarina Wahab as Rizwan’s mom (adorable), the serene presence of Sonya Jehan, a delicious Vinay Pathak in a short role…and I can continue like this for pages and pages...
The movie can come over you like an avalanche. The desire to know how the story goes on and what happens next can make u impatient and hence, for some people, MNIK will be too long. That is why a second watch is a must. As then you can taste all those little details that first time seemed of no importance to you.
Trying to be objective as much as I can, I must say that My Name is Khan is one of the most powerful movies I have seen lately and appropriate both for Western and Asian audience. A Shahrukh-Kajol-Karan fan doesn’t need any reviews, any opinions or any ratings and the experience will be mind-blowing for him/her.
In the end, if you read these lines, please, go and see the movie. You will rediscover love. And love. And more love.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Demență
Când începea să viseze, sunetele hipnotizante o făceau să deschidă prima ușă. Străbătea încăperile uriașe, sufocate de draperii sângerii din brocart greu, una după alta, într-o goană disperată. Același miros înțepător de mosc și tămâie. Într-un târziu, ajungea la destinație. Abia peste 20 de ani, bărbatul care cânta la pian își va întoarce fața și îi va spune să se arunce în abisul ce se căsca urât între ei. S-a supus fără crâcnire, însă viața trecuse deja pe lângă ea. N-a mai visat niciodată...
Particip la Concursul de Proza Arhiscurta organizat de Trilema.
Particip la Concursul de Proza Arhiscurta organizat de Trilema.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
India - karma or obsession
This post is dedicated first of all to my friends from Twitter who stubbornly use to ask me what is my connection with their country. On the other hand I think time has come to actually answer myself if this is a karmic thing, or simply an obsession built up in time due to various elements.
Well, I guess everything started in childhood. I had the privilege to be literally brought up in the cinema hall, as my parents worked their entire life in a cinema. As I have confessed to many so far, my oldest memory is from a movie - a cut head rolling down a hill and the beheaded body covered by a purple cape. Well, in former Eastern European countries, movies coming from India represented a steady and most beloved presence (and who claims otherwise is a pathetic liar). So, my first contact with the Hindustani land occurred in the magic shelter of the cinema hall. Movies like Aradhana (Vandana in Romanian), Haathi mere Saathi (My friends, the Elephants), Awaara (The Vagabond), Shree 420 (Article 420), Ek Phool Do Mali (A flower and two gardeners), Yaadon Ki Baaraat (The chain of memories), Raj Kapoor, Mr. Amitabh, Kabir Bedi (in Sandokan Series) simply helped the Romanians to evade from their gloomy world and dream of a land that seemed to be like a fairy tale.
In time, when books became another source of getting knowledge for me, I discovered Eliade and his wonderful love story - Maitreyi or La Nuit Bengali.The book describes the relationship between the author and the young Indian Maitreyi Devi (a protegée of Tagore), who became a famous writer herself. For many years, Maitreyi Devi was not aware that the story had been published. After reading it, she wrote her own version of the relationship in 1974 - Na Hanyate (It Does Not Die - in English).In fulfillment of a promise Eliade made to Maitreyi that his novel would not be published in English during their lifetimes an English translation, of Mayitreyi, Bengal Nights did not appear until 1993.
Well these two books had a great impact on me on a superior level and made me discover more about India and in the process I went through all the already known clichéd stages (yoga, gurus, high spirituality, Mother Teresa, Gandhiji etc. - must admit crazy times were these and kind of weird). But my quest was not on the right track and for many years India simply lingered somewhere in a corner of my mind until some time around 2000, when all of a sudden India started to be in the news.
At that time my personal profile registered a huge change - from the book addicted philologist and an "elite intellectual" I had turned into a new to be economist and my mind had become more opened to the mechanisms that hide behind different societies. Little by little, my image about India absorbed different aspects, like history, social rules, governmental rules, development trends, you name it.
Caught in the hectic world of professional career, gasping desperately for time, once again I grabbed what was at hand to ease up my information hunger. Bollywood (oh, boy, and I have seen quite a huge number of glossy and unrealistic Bolly flicks) and Internet (youtube made history from this point of view). Year after year I watched in awe and with increased interest the changes India went through.
Well, last year something bizarre happened (unfortunately it cannot be shared) and all of a sudden things (big or small) related to India were coming my way on a regular basis (like receiving a sari from someone who most probably wanted to get rid of it and had no clue about my interest in India). Things that can be explained only if karmic or obsessive.
Once I wrote my first tweet the craziness exploded. The easiness I connect with people from India (though we come from complete different cultures, with complete different values) goes beyond the normal, kind social media rules. Twitter also had a great deal with my decision to relocate and leave my country, just because somehow I believe on a long shot my destiny and fulfillment is in India.
My closest friends from home are quite appalled by the idea and they hope it is just another whim of mine. I fear and hope it is not.
Well, I guess everything started in childhood. I had the privilege to be literally brought up in the cinema hall, as my parents worked their entire life in a cinema. As I have confessed to many so far, my oldest memory is from a movie - a cut head rolling down a hill and the beheaded body covered by a purple cape. Well, in former Eastern European countries, movies coming from India represented a steady and most beloved presence (and who claims otherwise is a pathetic liar). So, my first contact with the Hindustani land occurred in the magic shelter of the cinema hall. Movies like Aradhana (Vandana in Romanian), Haathi mere Saathi (My friends, the Elephants), Awaara (The Vagabond), Shree 420 (Article 420), Ek Phool Do Mali (A flower and two gardeners), Yaadon Ki Baaraat (The chain of memories), Raj Kapoor, Mr. Amitabh, Kabir Bedi (in Sandokan Series) simply helped the Romanians to evade from their gloomy world and dream of a land that seemed to be like a fairy tale.
In time, when books became another source of getting knowledge for me, I discovered Eliade and his wonderful love story - Maitreyi or La Nuit Bengali.The book describes the relationship between the author and the young Indian Maitreyi Devi (a protegée of Tagore), who became a famous writer herself. For many years, Maitreyi Devi was not aware that the story had been published. After reading it, she wrote her own version of the relationship in 1974 - Na Hanyate (It Does Not Die - in English).In fulfillment of a promise Eliade made to Maitreyi that his novel would not be published in English during their lifetimes an English translation, of Mayitreyi, Bengal Nights did not appear until 1993.
Well these two books had a great impact on me on a superior level and made me discover more about India and in the process I went through all the already known clichéd stages (yoga, gurus, high spirituality, Mother Teresa, Gandhiji etc. - must admit crazy times were these and kind of weird). But my quest was not on the right track and for many years India simply lingered somewhere in a corner of my mind until some time around 2000, when all of a sudden India started to be in the news.
At that time my personal profile registered a huge change - from the book addicted philologist and an "elite intellectual" I had turned into a new to be economist and my mind had become more opened to the mechanisms that hide behind different societies. Little by little, my image about India absorbed different aspects, like history, social rules, governmental rules, development trends, you name it.
Caught in the hectic world of professional career, gasping desperately for time, once again I grabbed what was at hand to ease up my information hunger. Bollywood (oh, boy, and I have seen quite a huge number of glossy and unrealistic Bolly flicks) and Internet (youtube made history from this point of view). Year after year I watched in awe and with increased interest the changes India went through.
Well, last year something bizarre happened (unfortunately it cannot be shared) and all of a sudden things (big or small) related to India were coming my way on a regular basis (like receiving a sari from someone who most probably wanted to get rid of it and had no clue about my interest in India). Things that can be explained only if karmic or obsessive.
Once I wrote my first tweet the craziness exploded. The easiness I connect with people from India (though we come from complete different cultures, with complete different values) goes beyond the normal, kind social media rules. Twitter also had a great deal with my decision to relocate and leave my country, just because somehow I believe on a long shot my destiny and fulfillment is in India.
My closest friends from home are quite appalled by the idea and they hope it is just another whim of mine. I fear and hope it is not.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Locked in people’s hearts for good.
You blew the world as Raja, telling your wife you would not touch her until she accepted you.
With Raju, you came to Mumbai and showed us that love was stronger than the glamorous lifestyle.
Then with Ajay/Vicky schizophrenic personality you managed to woo the audience. The dead look in your eyes in the last shot revealed a land of wonders.
As Rahul Mehra, people became aware of the tormented love and could not help, but share the pain of not being loved back.
You came along with sparkling Sunil whose defeated posture in the rain and teary eyes announced the soon to be the knight of hearts.
As Raj Malhotra you made history and the world has never been the same since that year. You became a brand and a solid as rock print in our souls.
Ram Jaane reminded us of an angel with dirty face and the craziness of sacrifice.
Arjun Saagar marked the point where your charisma and sadness merged for the first time into an expression difficult to watch at times.
Other 2 Rahuls were yet to come in 2 love stories which almost annoyed the viewers with their unbearable sweetness and sorrow. Each and every tear you shed was thousand times multiplied and formed an ocean of admiration all over the world.
Then Amarkant puzzled everybody. One of those strange roles that leave you wrapped up in anguish.
With Baadshah, Ajay and Max, entertainment got a new side, but fans breathed easily when Raj Aryan came back with his eternal love for a dead woman.
Asoka confirmed an underlying statement – I am here to stay. For good. And I do not care whether you like it or not.
Rahul Raichand appealed to Western audience more than ever. Period. The gesture of blessing your bride, while rain was desperately pouring, could freeze anyone’s heart in a never-ending beat.
Soon after that, Devdas popped up in our lives. The depths of his eyes mirroring the hell of our own mistakes and loneliness were hard to bare. Grieving got a new meaning.
Without any mercy, you gave us Aman Mathur so we can be hunted and distressed even more.
Major Ram Prasad Sharma helped us cool down a bit, so we could cope some time later with that first split second of terror and misery in Veer Pratap’s eyes.
And what a feast Mohan Bhargava offered us. Decency, calmness, honesty, genuine talent, but also a new ironic statement: „Hey guys, you thought I couldn’t do it? Well, check that!”
Between Kishenlal, the boring „accountant” and the selfish Ghost, one cannot choose easily. So we were satisfied with the famous line: "I am the yearning that resides in a woman´s heart... that´s who I am."
Dev Saran shook again the Western hearts and troubled the Indian ones. Dev disturbed many people. Dev annoyed many people. Dev was hated by many people. Because Dev had the courage to show the truth. Dev had the courage to destroy so he could live. Dev had the guts to open up widely the „dark” side of our souls and desires. And Dev proved us how pathetic and coward we are and this was why I loved Dev so much. Unfortunately, Dev does not exist in the real world.
In a twist of fate, Vijay/Don „cleaned-up” the mess made by Dev and we watched in awe the wonderful new played double role. The mean, sarcastic, sharp, cunning and charming Don simply brought smiles on our face. Once again the audience was ready to understand and forgive the villain even if there was absolutely no reason for that.
2007 was a weird year. Kabir Khan and Om Prakash/Kapoor played with our feelings. On one hand here it is the astonishing coach - severe, correct, wounded, sad and tough – who stands uncorrupted in his heartbreaking solitude; while on the other hand, we have Om – the childish, gully, puerile, sissy, but so sexy hero. Split personality? Freaking talent? Blessed by Gods? I can only assume or guess and cannot give an answer.
Surinder Sahni/Raj does not any more introductions. The man has a heavenly gift and made justice for himself and for a feeling so much disregarded, but so much secretly desired by everyone: Love.
Sahir Khan let us catch glimpses of the real thing. He tries to tell us leave him alone. I am sorry but we are not able to do that. When your name is Khan, you are doomed to be forever locked in people’s hearts. It is a heavy burden, I know, but instead of swimming in rivers of tears, it is better to float on oceans of love.
Happy Birthday Shahrukh.
With Raju, you came to Mumbai and showed us that love was stronger than the glamorous lifestyle.
Then with Ajay/Vicky schizophrenic personality you managed to woo the audience. The dead look in your eyes in the last shot revealed a land of wonders.
As Rahul Mehra, people became aware of the tormented love and could not help, but share the pain of not being loved back.
You came along with sparkling Sunil whose defeated posture in the rain and teary eyes announced the soon to be the knight of hearts.
As Raj Malhotra you made history and the world has never been the same since that year. You became a brand and a solid as rock print in our souls.
Ram Jaane reminded us of an angel with dirty face and the craziness of sacrifice.
Arjun Saagar marked the point where your charisma and sadness merged for the first time into an expression difficult to watch at times.
Other 2 Rahuls were yet to come in 2 love stories which almost annoyed the viewers with their unbearable sweetness and sorrow. Each and every tear you shed was thousand times multiplied and formed an ocean of admiration all over the world.
Then Amarkant puzzled everybody. One of those strange roles that leave you wrapped up in anguish.
With Baadshah, Ajay and Max, entertainment got a new side, but fans breathed easily when Raj Aryan came back with his eternal love for a dead woman.
Asoka confirmed an underlying statement – I am here to stay. For good. And I do not care whether you like it or not.
Rahul Raichand appealed to Western audience more than ever. Period. The gesture of blessing your bride, while rain was desperately pouring, could freeze anyone’s heart in a never-ending beat.
Soon after that, Devdas popped up in our lives. The depths of his eyes mirroring the hell of our own mistakes and loneliness were hard to bare. Grieving got a new meaning.
Without any mercy, you gave us Aman Mathur so we can be hunted and distressed even more.
Major Ram Prasad Sharma helped us cool down a bit, so we could cope some time later with that first split second of terror and misery in Veer Pratap’s eyes.
And what a feast Mohan Bhargava offered us. Decency, calmness, honesty, genuine talent, but also a new ironic statement: „Hey guys, you thought I couldn’t do it? Well, check that!”
Between Kishenlal, the boring „accountant” and the selfish Ghost, one cannot choose easily. So we were satisfied with the famous line: "I am the yearning that resides in a woman´s heart... that´s who I am."
Dev Saran shook again the Western hearts and troubled the Indian ones. Dev disturbed many people. Dev annoyed many people. Dev was hated by many people. Because Dev had the courage to show the truth. Dev had the courage to destroy so he could live. Dev had the guts to open up widely the „dark” side of our souls and desires. And Dev proved us how pathetic and coward we are and this was why I loved Dev so much. Unfortunately, Dev does not exist in the real world.
In a twist of fate, Vijay/Don „cleaned-up” the mess made by Dev and we watched in awe the wonderful new played double role. The mean, sarcastic, sharp, cunning and charming Don simply brought smiles on our face. Once again the audience was ready to understand and forgive the villain even if there was absolutely no reason for that.
2007 was a weird year. Kabir Khan and Om Prakash/Kapoor played with our feelings. On one hand here it is the astonishing coach - severe, correct, wounded, sad and tough – who stands uncorrupted in his heartbreaking solitude; while on the other hand, we have Om – the childish, gully, puerile, sissy, but so sexy hero. Split personality? Freaking talent? Blessed by Gods? I can only assume or guess and cannot give an answer.
Surinder Sahni/Raj does not any more introductions. The man has a heavenly gift and made justice for himself and for a feeling so much disregarded, but so much secretly desired by everyone: Love.
Sahir Khan let us catch glimpses of the real thing. He tries to tell us leave him alone. I am sorry but we are not able to do that. When your name is Khan, you are doomed to be forever locked in people’s hearts. It is a heavy burden, I know, but instead of swimming in rivers of tears, it is better to float on oceans of love.
Happy Birthday Shahrukh.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
A Match Made in Heaven
Time has come to talk about a film which turned into an addiction for me. Its not my intention to make a proper review as I cannot be objective when heart is completely involved. Rabne Bana De Jodi gave me many headaches and I would not give details for safety reasons, but the fact that such a film cannot be found here says a lot about this. All in all, it was only the 4th view that included everything (quality, soundtrack - yes you read well, soundtrack! -, subtitles, etc.)
The movie, starring Shahrukh Khan as Surinder 'Suri' Sahni and Raj (Kapoor!), Anushka Sharma as Taaniji and Vinhay Pathak as Bobby Khosla and directed by Aditya Chopra, receieved bad critics, but also very warm ones. I guess the bad ones came from people who could not accept the fact that the heroine cannot literally recognize her husband after he suffers a complete change of style - from a normal, shy, clumsy, boring man to an over the top, joyful, lighthearted, flirty, crazy guy. Maybe this was not the most brilliant convention chosen so that the plot could elaborate from, but it is still a convention. Once you admit this, the beauty of the movie can really make an impact on your soul.
I will not talk in detail about the story, the characters, the cinematography, the soundtrack or the fact that the flick is a cornucopia of Hindi movies references but I will highlight some scenes and moments in the bullets style:
-the ordinary sneakers image when SRK gets down from the train followed immediately by the brilliant red of his wife's wedding sari is the moment when we realize tough times are coming for our hero.
-the big kitchen hosts one of the most delicate and humorous shots in the movie - the red rose placed back again in the vase.
-Punjab Power lighting up your life ji. Extrapolating a bit the Punjab Power is in fact the love energy that lightens Suri's otherwise grayish and ordinary life.
-Suri's first victory - the yellow food box and the amazing song of Haule-Haule (incredible lyrics).
-Accha, accha short jingle marking intelligently certain moments/intros.
-Meri love story bana de yaara scene where the entire craziness starts and where Shahrukh shows for the first time in the movie how many things he can express only with his eyes and thin smiles.
-Raj's flamboyant and hilarious motto invented on the spot (and of course in "full version"): Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna, Hum hai rahi pyaar ke, Phir milenge, Chalte Chalte (Never Say Good-bye, We are travelers on the Path of love, We'll probably meet again soon - these are approximate translations and mainly based on the official sources like Wikipedia and imdb) mixing shamelessly the titles of more or less iconic movies very well known to Hindi movie watchers.
-Raj's cool and "too silky smooth" T-shirts and goggles. :)
-Raj's idiotic but heart melting obsessive expressions - mafiji, sorryji, never again or Taani partner Hello dear Never fear Raj is here.
-"Romance to dance Hindi Film style" song item - one of the most entertaining and colorful tribute to the history of Hindi movies I have ever seen.
-Shahruk's schizoid monologue just before Intermission and the beautifully shot fall of a single teardrop.
-Dance pe chance item song - addicting and smiles inducing moments. Always remember me of teenage hood crazy times.
-Gol-gappas eating contest between Raj and Taani where I also found the cutest flaw of the movie. Shahrukh with wedding ring and without it within the same scene.
-The Dhoom style bikes confrontation immediately followed by Bobby's explanations regarding the macho attitude.
-Raj's confusion related to Rakhi bandra and no macho issue.
-Tujh Mein Rab Dikhta Hai item song. What more beautiful love declaration than tell someone "I see God in you"? It’s so impressive, as such love cannot be found in real life.
-Suri's ridiculous fight with the Sumo guy. Critics dismissed the scene as it lacked humor. Well the thing is it was not intended to be funny, on the contrary. Maybe its the most realistic scene from the entire movie. Many times we find ourselves doing stupid gestures so we could impress the one we love. The way Suri makes a fool of himself almost hurts you like a knife cut. Those who loved and were not loved back can better understand and relate to this otherwise useless scene.
-Suri and Taani dancing in the competition. The robotic moves as well as the expressionless faces unfolding one more time the story and the basic misunderstanding.
Thank you Suriji for letting us with the hope that someone might love us more than God. And I am sure if this thing ever happens, God won’t get upset.
The movie, starring Shahrukh Khan as Surinder 'Suri' Sahni and Raj (Kapoor!), Anushka Sharma as Taaniji and Vinhay Pathak as Bobby Khosla and directed by Aditya Chopra, receieved bad critics, but also very warm ones. I guess the bad ones came from people who could not accept the fact that the heroine cannot literally recognize her husband after he suffers a complete change of style - from a normal, shy, clumsy, boring man to an over the top, joyful, lighthearted, flirty, crazy guy. Maybe this was not the most brilliant convention chosen so that the plot could elaborate from, but it is still a convention. Once you admit this, the beauty of the movie can really make an impact on your soul.
I will not talk in detail about the story, the characters, the cinematography, the soundtrack or the fact that the flick is a cornucopia of Hindi movies references but I will highlight some scenes and moments in the bullets style:
-the ordinary sneakers image when SRK gets down from the train followed immediately by the brilliant red of his wife's wedding sari is the moment when we realize tough times are coming for our hero.
-the big kitchen hosts one of the most delicate and humorous shots in the movie - the red rose placed back again in the vase.
-Punjab Power lighting up your life ji. Extrapolating a bit the Punjab Power is in fact the love energy that lightens Suri's otherwise grayish and ordinary life.
-Suri's first victory - the yellow food box and the amazing song of Haule-Haule (incredible lyrics).
-Accha, accha short jingle marking intelligently certain moments/intros.
-Meri love story bana de yaara scene where the entire craziness starts and where Shahrukh shows for the first time in the movie how many things he can express only with his eyes and thin smiles.
-Raj's flamboyant and hilarious motto invented on the spot (and of course in "full version"): Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna, Hum hai rahi pyaar ke, Phir milenge, Chalte Chalte (Never Say Good-bye, We are travelers on the Path of love, We'll probably meet again soon - these are approximate translations and mainly based on the official sources like Wikipedia and imdb) mixing shamelessly the titles of more or less iconic movies very well known to Hindi movie watchers.
-Raj's cool and "too silky smooth" T-shirts and goggles. :)
-Raj's idiotic but heart melting obsessive expressions - mafiji, sorryji, never again or Taani partner Hello dear Never fear Raj is here.
-"Romance to dance Hindi Film style" song item - one of the most entertaining and colorful tribute to the history of Hindi movies I have ever seen.
-Shahruk's schizoid monologue just before Intermission and the beautifully shot fall of a single teardrop.
-Dance pe chance item song - addicting and smiles inducing moments. Always remember me of teenage hood crazy times.
-Gol-gappas eating contest between Raj and Taani where I also found the cutest flaw of the movie. Shahrukh with wedding ring and without it within the same scene.
-The Dhoom style bikes confrontation immediately followed by Bobby's explanations regarding the macho attitude.
-Raj's confusion related to Rakhi bandra and no macho issue.
-Tujh Mein Rab Dikhta Hai item song. What more beautiful love declaration than tell someone "I see God in you"? It’s so impressive, as such love cannot be found in real life.
-Suri's ridiculous fight with the Sumo guy. Critics dismissed the scene as it lacked humor. Well the thing is it was not intended to be funny, on the contrary. Maybe its the most realistic scene from the entire movie. Many times we find ourselves doing stupid gestures so we could impress the one we love. The way Suri makes a fool of himself almost hurts you like a knife cut. Those who loved and were not loved back can better understand and relate to this otherwise useless scene.
-Suri and Taani dancing in the competition. The robotic moves as well as the expressionless faces unfolding one more time the story and the basic misunderstanding.
Thank you Suriji for letting us with the hope that someone might love us more than God. And I am sure if this thing ever happens, God won’t get upset.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
The 3 Magi from East reloaded
In the Christian tradition it is said that baby Jesus was visited after his birth by 3 Magi (or 3 Kings from the East) to give him some special gifts. Gaspar - gold, Melchior - frankincense and Balthasar - myrrh. They often are overlooked (though much respected in the popular belief) and none of the Gospels or other writings left us more information about their roundabouts and who they really were.
Fascinated by them and having no intention of making a preposterous blasphemy I gave them personalities and to be on the safe side different names, too.
I shall start with the myrrh bringer (symbolizing the suffering, among other things) - Varkansi. He is the wisest of all, with a mind like a rare diamond, tough, as he hates being vulnerable, strong, untouchable, though generous to a certain point, always in search for perfection, never happy, with mind-blowing depths. He stabs you without any mercy, but you hear his heart crying. Varkansi - the bearer of pain and sorrow. He carries his heavy burden with indifference and he is doomed to be madly loved and hated in the same time.
The frankincense bringer on the other hand, Salopil, comes with the shinny power of prayer. He spreads love, light and flowers. He is pure, shy, and clumsy, with beautiful, honest eyes and he would not hurt anybody. He trembles for any human being grief. He offers himself without second thoughts, but he always remains lonely. When his soul crushes, he does not despair, as he always finds the will to go on, by asking God's help. The magic of his prayers makes people smile and this is how he makes the next step. He is doomed to move on until he meets his God.
Well, the last, but not the least, Setimakan, runs all over the place with his golden gift of virtue, kingship and certitude. He is warm, kind, balanced, laughs a lot at everything, he pokes on Varkansi's seriousness and Salopil's genuineness, but always with a tear in the corner of the eye. He is the rock on which everybody holds with gratitude. He does not mind at all, as he realizes this is the reason he lives for. His helping hand is always there and he just needs a sign to bring you down to Earth. He is doomed to be never forgotten.
Having said that I hope for each and one of you to meet the 3 Magi from East (in dreams if not otherwise), as we all need them, even if we do not know that.
Fascinated by them and having no intention of making a preposterous blasphemy I gave them personalities and to be on the safe side different names, too.
I shall start with the myrrh bringer (symbolizing the suffering, among other things) - Varkansi. He is the wisest of all, with a mind like a rare diamond, tough, as he hates being vulnerable, strong, untouchable, though generous to a certain point, always in search for perfection, never happy, with mind-blowing depths. He stabs you without any mercy, but you hear his heart crying. Varkansi - the bearer of pain and sorrow. He carries his heavy burden with indifference and he is doomed to be madly loved and hated in the same time.
The frankincense bringer on the other hand, Salopil, comes with the shinny power of prayer. He spreads love, light and flowers. He is pure, shy, and clumsy, with beautiful, honest eyes and he would not hurt anybody. He trembles for any human being grief. He offers himself without second thoughts, but he always remains lonely. When his soul crushes, he does not despair, as he always finds the will to go on, by asking God's help. The magic of his prayers makes people smile and this is how he makes the next step. He is doomed to move on until he meets his God.
Well, the last, but not the least, Setimakan, runs all over the place with his golden gift of virtue, kingship and certitude. He is warm, kind, balanced, laughs a lot at everything, he pokes on Varkansi's seriousness and Salopil's genuineness, but always with a tear in the corner of the eye. He is the rock on which everybody holds with gratitude. He does not mind at all, as he realizes this is the reason he lives for. His helping hand is always there and he just needs a sign to bring you down to Earth. He is doomed to be never forgotten.
Having said that I hope for each and one of you to meet the 3 Magi from East (in dreams if not otherwise), as we all need them, even if we do not know that.
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