The Last Days (1998) (Documentary) – (Movies To See Before You Die – Historical)

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The Last Days (1998) (Documentary) – (Movies To See Before You Die – Historical)

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Hiroshima (1998) (Docudrama) – (Movies To See Before You Die – Historical)

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Hiroshima (1998) (Docudrama) – (Movies To See Before You Die – Historical)

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Shaheed (1965) (Movies To See Before You Die – Historical)

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Shaheed (1965)

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Jodha Akbar – A Brave Successful Attempt

 

 

 

 

Ashutosh proves himself once again with his New Age Epic and gives a new dimension to the word ‘GRANDEUR’ in Indian Cinema. The very first thing I suggest is that don’t consider it as an Historical movie, rather see it as a fiction and keep aside all the controversies related with Jodha, her actual name and her relationship with Akbar. The second thing I would like to say that as most of the people took it as a miscast movie, “its not”. The casting is just perfect and after watching it you cannot consider any other actor portraying the role of Akbar among the young generation so brilliantly except Hrithik.Hrithik is again at his best and has done full justice with his character. Especially he is incomparable in the scenes where he shows his anger. Equally impressive is Aishwarya as Jodha and she provides all the dignity and beauty needed by her character. Here I would like to add that the promos of the film are only 10% of its actual worth, so don’t be mislead by them. It is purely a love story in the background of ruling Mughals & their conflicts with Rajputs.There are many scenes which are among the main highlights of the film which include :
1. Hrithik taming a Wild Elephant.
2. Sufi Dance by Hrithik in the song “Khwaja Mere Khwaja.”
3. Bhajan Chanting being heard in a Mughal Emperor’s Darbar.
4. The Sequence of Akbar Jodha with Sindoor.
5. Death Sentence to Adam (Akbar’s cousin brother)
6. And the Man to Man fight sequence in the Climax.

 

Rating : 4 / 5 (Watch it on big screen only)

The movie starts slowly and is less impressive at the start. It starts picking up after 40 min and then keeps growing on the viewer. By the time it ends you don’t seem to mind its more than 3 hours duration, but still it could be trimmed at the start and also could do without a couple of songs. The second half is surely more engrossing than the first.

A. R. Rahman is excellent with his background score but is less impressive in the song department with only two enjoyable tracks “Azeemo-Shan Shehenshah” and “Khwaja Mere Khwaja”. The Sufi Qawwali has got a mystic touch given by the maestro which takes you to a trance. Moreover, you feel heavy influence of western instruments in the score whereas the film is a period drama. So they could have been replaced by ethnic Indian instruments according to the time period of the story. The Camerawork and Art Direction are among the best and they impress to a great extent.

The entire star cast excels and after the lead pair, among the top are Sonu Sood & Nikitin Dheer . The surprise act is by Mrs. Poonam Sinha as Akbar’s mother. The voice over of Amitabh Bachhan is also just apt for the grand project. Hrithik seems to be born for the role and Aishwarya looks as an eternal beauty with her majestically designed costumes and jewellery.

Ashutosh Gowariker makes a statement with this project and proves that he has got the vision to think of Hrithik as Akbar and also the capability of making an Epic movie with this grandeur. He also takes utmost care of the Hindu Muslim thought involved in the story. Still the Hinduism factor is somehow given more mileage in the movie. The climax sequences with endless plains and desert in the background reminded me of “Lawrence of Arabia” which is indeed a compliment for Ashutosh and his team.

To sum up, it’s a movie to be enjoyed in its grandness on theaters only and for the brilliant performances of Hrithik and Aishwarya. This kind of a grand movie will not be there in many coming years, so don’t waste the opportunity by watching it on small screens. And also don’t miss it just taking it as a historical movie, there may be mixed reviews but you will surely enjoy it.

Schindler’s List (1993)

Steven Spielberg’s one of the greatest movies of all time and he makes a major contribution to the world cinema with this movie. Very few films have the power to transform you into that era where you can feel the pain and sufferings of the people who were actually there at that time. This film takes the curtains off from one of the most bitter truths of the history and makes you witness the horrors of the Holocaust and War. One of the best war films of all times and you must watch it as a mandatory clause. After you have seen the 3 hours and 17 minutes of Spielberg’s work, it will be something you will never forget and you will feel proud of all those who tried to help some people survive. Spielberg deliberately made it in black & white to have a more authentic feel and you feel like watching real history. The tagline of the movie says “Whoever saves one life, saves the world entire” and you can feel the depth of the words after seeing it. Superbly directed by Steven Spielberg, amazingly photographed in black-and-white, perfectly performed by everyone and it all gets more effective with the brilliant background score. It would be a crime to miss it.
Directed By Steven Spielberg
Starring : Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley & More

Hotel Rwanda (2004)

An insight into the blood shed faced by Africa and the regional war there in the early nineties. It’s a movie to be seen for international awareness. You will be amazed to see the situations in the movie as they are inspired from true incidents. Its about a simple hotel manager, who saves the lives of his family and more than 1000 men & women giving them shelter in his hotel. It has breathtaking sequences and not advised for very young children as it features a high dosage of violence. But indeed an enlightening movie about Africa and its tough living conditions at that time. A Must Watch for All. Highly Recommended.
Directed By Terry George
Starring : Don Cheadle, Desmond Dube and More

JFK (1991)

The movie is an insight into the murder of John. F. Kennedy and is more like a documentary film with a story line. Its about the mystery which is still considered unsolved. Its about a curious and responsible person who devotes his time and life to solve this mystery but finds it tough enough as he is opposed from all directions including his family. He tries to find answers to many unsolved questions. Its really enlightening about some amazing facts which may not be known to many. The movie is about a real life mystery but is also entertaining at the same time. A great choice for historical and political movie lovers.
Directed By Oliver Stone
Starring : Kevin Costner, Tommy Lee Jones & Kevin Bacon

Mughal-e-Azam (1973)

One of the top 10 all time hits of India Film History. The film considered as the most Grand movie ever made in Indian Cinema. Though you can call it dramatic but its purely a treat to watch. The new coloured version is not recommended as its looking all fake and deliberate. The Black & White version has more depth in it and it has can make a better impact on the viewer. Making an historical epic of such scale at that time of the century is really unimaginable. It took more than 10 years to complete this epic and the effort just shows on the screen. The music by Naushad is just one of the best score an Indian film has seen. A fine example of Cinematic Class.
Directed By K. Asif
Starring : Dilip Kumar, Madhubala & Prithviraj Kapoor

Music By Naushad

Hey Ram (2000)

Only Kamal Hassan could have made this Anti Gandhian movie as there are very few having that kind of courage. Movie of its own kind, talking about the independence struggle and partition times from completely a different angle. Salute to Kamal Hassan for even trying this and bringing this enlightening topic in front of the new generation. For some it may be the first time they will see Gandhi as a negative character. The small performance of Rani Mukherjee also keeps lingering in your mind long after. Being a Bengali herself she has done complete justice to her role. A special mention for the music of Maestro musician Illayaraja. The compositions are complimentary to the theme. Though some songs could be avoided in the film as it’s an intense film. Special Effects are also incorporated beautifully in the movie. The Riots sequence and the confrontation between Kamal & Shahrukh is a real treat to watch. Though the movie is criticized a lot for its content but as I see it, its simply not to be missed.
Directed By Kamal Hassan
Starring : Kamal Hassan, Rani Mukherjee & Shahrukh Khan
Music By Illayaraja

Garam Hawa (1973)

One of the top three movies made on the topic of partition and considered as one the 10 best movies till date from Bollywood. Balraj Sahni is no doubt one of the best natural actor of all times and the story of Ismat Chugtai just captures the moments of that time in the right spirit. The tension between Hindus & Muslims, before & after partition can be experienced first hand while watching this all time great movie by M. S. Sathyu. Each character is influenced in his own way by the partition and at the same time is praying that the phase passes fast over. Undoubtedly one of the most intense movie on this topic. The end of the movie is a complete chapter to study as it leaves many questions open for the viewer to think. A must watch and Strongly Recommended. Go for this at the earliest you can.
Directed By M. S. Sathyu

Starring : Balraj Sahni, Farukh Sheikh & More
Music By Bahadur Khan, Aziz Ahmed & Khan Warsi