Archive for the ‘Movies’ Category
Must Watch! – List 05
Hi friends here are my new recommendations for the movies you must watch. For all recommendations under ‘Must Watch!’ segment click here.
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Casablanca (1942) They had a date with fate in Casablanca! This movie is directed by Michael Curtiz, starring Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman and Paul Henreid and featuring Claude Rains, Conrad Veidt, Sydney Greenstreet and Peter Lorre. Set during World War II, it focuses on a man torn between, in the words of one character, love and virtue. He must choose between his love for a woman and helping her and her resistance leader husband escape from the Vichy-controlled Moroccan city of Casablanca to continue his fight against the Nazis. This movie often gets credited as the best romantic movie ever made. This is one of those ever green classics that appear so fresh when you watch it even today, in spite of being made more than six decades ago. The story is timeless and meaningful, full of heart and should endure for another six decades with no problems. You can’t afford to miss this beautiful classic. Kedu’s Rating: 8.5/10 |
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Goodfellas (1990) “As far back as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to be a gangster.” — Henry Hill, Brooklyn, N.Y. 1955. This movie is directed by Martin Scorsese. It is based on the non-fiction book Wiseguy by Nicholas Pileggi, who also co-wrote the screenplay for the film with Scorsese. The film follows the rise and fall of three gangsters, spanning three decades. The film stars Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci and Ray Liotta in the lead roles as James ‘Jimmy’ Conway, Tommy DeVito and Henry Hill respectively. Many refer to this movie as director Martin Scorsese’s best, but I personally like his movie ‘The Departed’ more. Anyways this is one of the best Mafia movies I’ve ever seen. This movie is based on true events and expresses a lot of the gangster ways and how they really did things. It tells the viewers what mafia life is lower down the mafia food chain. This movie is power packed and full of energy with no dull scenes. All I will say is this is must watch if you enjoy gangster movie. Kedu’s Rating: 8.0/10 |
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Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998) A Disgrace to Criminals Everywhere. This movie is directed and written by Guy Ritchie. The film introduced actors Vinnie Jones, a former Welsh international football player and Jason Statham. The story is a heist film involving a self-confident young card sharp who loses £500,000 to a powerful crime lord in a rigged game of three card brag. In order to pay off his debts, he and his friends decide to rob a small-time gang who happen to be operating out of the flat next door. In a way the confusion really starts when a pair of antique double-barrelled shotguns goes missing in a completely different scam. This film oozes with style, class, dark humor, plot twists and turns, and doesn’t drag one bit. The movie is beautifully balanced between being serious and hilarious at the same time. You are definitely going to enjoy this movie. Kedu’s Rating: 8.0/10 |
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The Matrix (1999) Remember there is no spoon. This movie is written and directed by Larry and Andy Wachowski and starring Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Joe Pantoliano, and Hugo Weaving. It has been one of my all time favorite movies. Why is it appearing so late in my ‘Must Watch’ recommendations? It is because I think most people have already seen it. Anyways for the benefit of the people who haven’t I have decided to mention it in this list. This is an amazing sci-fi movie which will make your brain turn crazy. This movie can be referred as mother of all special effect movies. And it is not just about amazing special effects and action; it has a great plot as well. The film describes a future in which reality perceived by humans is actually the Matrix: a simulated reality created by sentient machines in order to pacify and subdue the human population while their bodies’ heat and electrical activity are used as an energy source. The movie shows the struggle between the few humans who have managed to break out from the Matrix, to overthrow the Matrix and free other humans. It is very difficult to describe the movie; you have to see it yourself. Maybe watch it multiple times to get it correctly and the funny thing is every time you watch it you take back something new. A masterpiece! Kedu’s Rating: 9.0/10 |
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Fight Club (1999) How much can you know about yourself if you’ve never been in a fight? This movie is adapted from the 1996 novel of the same name by Chuck Palahniuk. The film was directed by David Fincher and stars Edward Norton, Brad Pitt, and Helena Bonham Carter. Norton plays the protagonist, an “everyman” who is discontented with his white-collar job in American society. He forms a “fight club” with soap salesman Tyler Durden, played by Pitt, and becomes embroiled in a relationship with him and a destitute woman, Marla Singer, played by Bonham Carter. With this fight club they find their release from the prison of reality, here men can be what the world now denies them. Their concept catches on, with underground fight clubs forming in every town. Their boxing matches and harmless pranks soon lead to an out-of-control spiral towards oblivion. The real shocker is the climax of the movie. This movie is a must watch! Kedu’s Rating: 8.0/10 |
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Must Watch! – List 04
Hi friends continuing with my recommendations for movies you can’t afford to miss. For all recommendations under ‘Must Watch!’ segment click here.
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A Beautiful Mind (2001) The Only Thing Greater Than the Power of the Mind is the Courage of the Heart. This movie is based on the life of John Forbes Nash, a Nobel Laureate in Economics. The film was directed by Ron Howard and written by Akiva Goldsman. It was inspired by a bestselling, Pulitzer Prize-nominated 1998 book of the same name by Sylvia Nasar. The film stars Russell Crowe, along with Jennifer Connelly, Ed Harris, Christopher Plummer and Paul Bettany. The story begins in the early years of Nash’s life at Princeton University as he develops his “original idea” that will revolutionize the world of mathematics. Early in the movie, Nash begins developing paranoid schizophrenia and endures delusional episodes while painfully watching the loss and burden his condition brings on his wife and friends. It is a beautiful, sensitive and a very touching movie with an important message. You will also get to see some awesome acting from powerful actors. I really liked the emotional strength displayed by Jennifer Connelly’s character. Kedu’s Rating: 8.5/10 |
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The Pianist (2002) Music was his passion. Survival was his masterpiece. This movie is directed by Roman Polanski, starring Adrien Brody. The film is a co-production between Polish, French, German, and British film companies. In addition to winning the Palme d’Or at the 2002 Cannes Film Festival, the film won the Academy Awards for Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Adapted Screenplay. This movie shows the suffering of Polish-Jews subjected to inhuman Nazi law during World War 2 through eyes of a Pianist. It is an adaptation of autobiography of same name by Jewish-Polish musician Władysław Szpilman (Adrien Brody). At the outbreak of the Second World War, Szpilman becomes subject to the anti-Jewish laws imposed by the conquering Nazis. Szpilman watches his world go from piano concert halls to the Jewish Ghetto of Warsaw and then must suffer the tragedy of his family deported to German concentration camps, while Szpilman is conscripted into a forced German Labor Compound. At last deciding to escape, Szpilman goes into hiding as a Jewish refugee where he is witness to the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. The Pianist doesn’t celebrate heroism of any kind but shows a life of a simple man who is doing his best to stay alive. Roman Palanski does a brilliant job in telling this real story. Excellent film! Kedu’s Rating: 8.5/10 |
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Crash (2004) You think you know who you are. You have no idea. This movie is co-written, produced, and directed by Paul Haggis. The film is about racial and social tensions in Los Angeles. A self-described “passion piece” for director Paul Haggis, Crash was inspired by a real life incident in which his Porsche was carjacked outside a video store on Wilshire Boulevard in 1991. It won three Oscars for Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay and Best Editing of 2005 at the 78th Academy Awards. Race is paramount in this film, and all our preconceptions of who people are get twisted and turned through the intricate plot. With each new additional character we find another assumption, another stereotype, and then watch as that preconception is obliterated as the character develops. It is a credit to the deftly written script, tight direction and exceptional acting talent that every one of these many characters is fully realized on screen without ever feeling one-dimensional. Kedu’s Rating: 8.5/10 |
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The Prestige (2006) Are You Watching Closely? This movie is directed by Christopher Nolan, with a screenplay adapted from Christopher Priest’s 1995 World Fantasy Award-winning novel of the same name. The film features Hugh Jackman as Robert Angier, Christian Bale as Alfred Borden, and David Bowie as Nikola Tesla. It also stars Michael Caine, Scarlett Johansson, Piper Perabo, Andy Serkis, and Rebecca Hall. The story follows Robert and Alfred, stage magicians in London at the beginning of the 20th century. Robert, his beloved wife Julia McCullough and Alfred are friends and assistants of a magician. When Julia accidentally dies during a performance, Robert blames Alfred for her death and they become enemies. Both become famous and rival magicians, sabotaging the performance of the other on the stage. When Alfred performs a successful trick, Robert becomes obsessed trying to disclose the secret of his competitor with tragic consequences. Movie has lot of twists and at the time when you least expect them. Christopher Nolan delivers yet another master piece. Kedu’s Rating: 8.5/10 |
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Atonement (2007) You can only imagine the truth. This movie is an adaptation of Ian McEwan’s novel of the same name, directed by Joe Wright, and based on a screenplay by Christopher Hampton. It stars Keira Knightley and James McAvoy and is produced by Working Title Films. The story starts off with 13-year-old, bratty aspiring writer (and playwright) Briony (Saoirse Ronan) who has completed her first play. Briony, after that is given a letter from the house-servant’s son, Robbie (James McAvoy) to give to Briony’s sister, Cecilia (Keira Knightley). But it’s only after he gives Briony this letter that Robbie realizes he has made a mistake by giving her the wrong letter. This letter he had given to Briony is very erotic. This letter confuses Briony. But to top it off, Cecilia and Robbie do something Briony has never seen before and not able to completely understand. When Briony’s friend and cousin, Lola Quincey (Juno Temple) is attacked, Briony commits a lie that has strong affect on the lives of Robbie, Cecilia and herself. What surprises you most is the climax of the movie. It is a wonderfully crafted, beautifully lush and immensely moving film that shows, above all, how storytelling can both destroy and heal. Kedu’s Rating: 8.5/10 |
Must Watch! – List 03
Hi friends here are my next set of recommendations for movies you can’t afford to miss. For all recomendations under ‘Must Watch!’ segment click here.
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Citizen Kane (1941) Some called him a hero. Others called him a heel… This movie is a drama directed by Orson Welles. The film traces the life and career of Charles Foster Kane, a man whose career in the publishing world is born of idealistic social service, but gradually evolves into a ruthless pursuit of power. Narrated principally through flashbacks, the story is revealed through the research of a newspaper reporter seeking to solve the mystery of the newspaper magnate’s dying word: “Rosebud”. Citizen Kane is often cited as being one of the most innovative works in the history of film making. The American Film Institute placed it at number one in its list of the 100 greatest U.S. movies of all time in 1997 and again in the revised list of 2007. In a recent poll of film critics and directors conducted by the British Film Institute, Citizen Kane was ranked the number one best film of all time by both groups. Kedu’s Rating: 8.5/10 |
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The Godfather Part II (1974)
This movie is a crime thriller directed by Francis Ford Coppola from a script co-written with Mario Puzo. The film is both a sequel and a prequel to movie ‘The Godfather’. The film stars Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, John Cazale, Talia Shire, Michael V. Gazzo and Lee Strasberg. I would also like to recommend that you read the book ‘The Godfather’ by Mario Puzo first as the movie ‘The Godfather’ misses on lot of details. This movie continues the story of the Corleone family following the events of the first film while also depicting the rise to power of the young Vito Corleone in the New York City. The movie shows the life long struggle of Don Michael Corleone controlling is father’s vast empire which is continuously slipping out of his hands. This is best movie of ‘The Godfather’ trilogy. The movie pushes the extreme power play depicted in first movie to the next level. The movie is 3 hr 20 mins long but the time just flies by. Kedu’s Rating: 8.0/10 |
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The Usual Suspects (1994) In a world where nothing is what it seems you’ve got to look beyond… This movie is mystery thriller written by Christopher McQuarrie and directed by Bryan Singer. The film tells the story of Roger “Verbal” Kint (Kevin Spacey), a small-time con man who is the subject of a police interrogation. He tells his interrogator, U.S. Customs Agent David Kujan (Chazz Palminteri), a convoluted story about events leading to a massacre and massive fire that have just taken place on a ship docked at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro Bay. Using flashback and narration, Verbal’s story becomes increasingly complex as he tries to explain why he and his partners-in-crime were on the boat. The best and most genius parts of the movie are the subtleties. Be careful not to stop concentrating on the movie as the remaining running time of the movie will be spent trying to figure out how what you missed has lead to what you are now watching. After you see the ending, the truth hits you like a ton of bricks. Kedu’s Rating: 8.5/10 |
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Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) You can erase someone from your mind. Getting them out of your heart is another story. This movie is a drama directed by Michel Gondry. The film uses elements of science fiction and neo-surrealism to explore the nature of memory and romantic love. It centers around the life of Joel (Jim Carrey) a shy, mild mannered man who is heart broken after splitting from his feisty, impulsive girlfriend, Clementine (Kate Winslet). A short while after their split, he meets her again while she is working at a library and he is stunned to discover that she doesn’t recognize him. He later finds out that the reason for this is that Clementine has had her memory of Joel wiped out completely. Dr Howard Mierwick (Tom Wilkinson) has performed an operation on her brain after Clementine visited his clinic to forget Joel. So, in an act of self-gratification, Joel decides to undergo the procedure himself, erasing every argument, every embarrassment, every thought he has had involving Clementine. But as the procedure goes on, Joel begins to realize that beyond the quarrels and the less flattering incidents there were beautiful memories that he never wants to forget. So he does the unthinkable. Joel attempts to outrun the erasers through a dizzying chase through his mind. It is a beautiful original love story. Kedu’s Rating: 8.5/10 |
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Wall-E (2008) An adventure beyond the Ordinar-E This movie is an animated science fiction film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and directed by Andrew Stanton. It follows the story of a robot named Wall-E who is designed to clean up a waste-covered Earth far in the future and is not fit for human habitation. He eventually falls in love with another robot named EVE, and follows her into outer space on an adventure that changes the destiny of both his kind and humanity. It is everything we’ve come to expect from Pixar and more – colorful, vibrant, imaginative, exciting, beautiful, and most importantly a film with interesting, involving characters. The creators have done a brilliant job in putting the human emotions into the animated characters with such details. Wall-E is a very adorable and lovable character. It is definitely one of the best animated movies. My salute to guys at Pixar for bring to us one brilliant movie after another. Kedu’s Rating: 8.5/10 |
Must Watch! – List 02
Hi fellas! Continuing with the ‘Must Watch!’ segment on the blog here are next set of recommendations from me for movies you cannot miss. For all recomendations under ‘Must Watch!’ segment click here.
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Forrest Gump (1994) The world will never be the same once you’ve seen it through the eyes of Forrest Gump. This movie is a comedy-drama based on the 1986 novel of the same name by Winston Groom. The film, directed by Robert Zemeckis, stars Tom Hanks, Robin Wright Penn, Gary Sinise, Mykelti Williamson, and Sally Field. The film tells the story of Forrest Gump’s epic journey through life meeting historical figures, influencing popular culture, and experiencing first-hand historic events of the late 20th century while being largely unaware of their significance, due to his borderline mental retardation. It shows the beauty of life through innocence and honesty. It is an inspiring movie. Kedu’s Rating: 8.5/10 |
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Before Sunrise (1995) Can the greatest romance of your life last only one night? This movie is a drama film directed by Richard Linklater and written by Linklater and Kim Krizan. The film follows Jesse (Ethan Hawke), a young American, and Céline (Julie Delpy), a young French woman, who meet on a train and disembark in Vienna, where they spend the night walking around the city and getting to know one another. The plot of the movie is very simple and it has just two main characters who discuss their perspectives on love and life. You immediately connect with the two characters and start feeling you are the third person moving along with them listening to their conversation. It is a nice romantic movie. Kedu’s Rating: 8.5/10 |
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Memento (2000) Some memories are best forgotten. This movie is a psychological thriller film written and directed by Christopher Nolan, adapted from his brother Jonathan’s short story “Memento Mori”. It stars Guy Pearce as Leonard Shelby, a former insurance fraud investigator searching for the man he believes raped and killed his wife during a burglary. Leonard suffers from anterograde amnesia, which he contracted from severe head trauma during the attack on his wife. This renders his brain unable to store new memories. To cope with his condition, he maintains a system of notes, photographs, and tattoos to record information about himself and others, including his wife’s killer. He is aided in his investigation by Teddy (Joe Pantoliano) and Natalie (Carrie-Anne Moss), neither of whom he can trust. The movie uses asynchronous style of story telling, in which all the scenes are not in chronological order. So you might have to slightly use your brains to understand it. It is definitely one of the best psychological thrillers. Hindi movie Ghajini was a bad bollywoodized copy of it. Kedu’s Rating: 9.0/10 |
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Into the wild (2007) Your great adventure on Alaska. This movie is a film based on the 1996 non-fiction book of the same name by Jon Krakauer about the adventures of Christopher McCandless. It was directed by Sean Penn, who also wrote the screenplay, and stars Emile Hirsch, Jena Malone, Marcia Gay Harden, Vince Vaughn, Kristen Stewart, William Hurt and Catherine Keener. The movie recounts the life of Christopher McCandless, a real-life student-athlete at Emory University, as told by his sympathetic sister. It takes you through a spellbinding adventure experience of McCandless to Alaska. It has been highly acclaimed critically. Kedu’s Rating: 8.5/10 |
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The Dark Knight (2008) Why So Serious? This movie is a superhero film directed and co-written by Christopher Nolan. Based on the DC Comics character Batman, the film is part of Nolan’s Batman film series and a sequel to 2005’s Batman Begins. Christian Bale reprises the lead role. The film follows Bruce Wayne/Batman (Bale), District Attorney Harvey Dent/Two-Face (Aaron Eckhart), Assistant D.A. Rachel Dawes (Maggie Gyllenhaal), and Police Commissioner James Gordon (Gary Oldman) and their struggles and journey in combating the new rising threat of a criminal who goes by the name of the “Joker” (Heath Ledger). This is the best superhero movie ever made. It has amazing effects, great performances and is a gripping thriller. Even if you are not a Batman (or a superhero movie) fan you must watch it to see the madness of Joker. Kedu’s Rating: 9.0/10 |
Must Watch! – List 01
For all you movie buffs out there here are my recommendations for some must watch movies. These are awesome cinema. No movie lover can afford to miss out on them. I’ll keep posting more recommendation in the ‘Must Watch’ section. So keep watching out for this space on the blog. For all recomendations under ‘Must Watch!’ segment click here.
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Schindler’s List ( 1993 ) Whoever saves one life, saves the world entire. This movie is about Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved the lives of more than a thousand Polish Jewish refugees during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories. The film was directed by Steven Spielberg and based on the novel Schindler’s Ark by Thomas Keneally. It stars Liam Neeson as Schindler, Ralph Fiennes as Schutzstaffel (SS) officer Amon Göth, and Ben Kingsley as Schindler’s accountant Itzhak Stern. The movie has an amazing real life story to tell. Kedu’s Rating: 9.5/10 |
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The Shawshank Redemption ( 1994 ) Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free. This movie is written and directed by Frank Darabont, based on the Stephen King novel, Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption. The film stars Tim Robbins as Andrew “Andy” Dufresne and Morgan Freeman as Ellis Boyd “Red” Redding. It is one of the most critically acclaimed movies of all time. It’s a beautiful story about hope. Currently No. 1 on IMDB viewers rating. Awesome movie! Kedu’s Rating: 9.5/10 |
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Good Will Hunting ( 1997 ) Some people can never believe in themselves, until someone believes in them. This movie is directed by Gus Van Sant and written by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, both of whom star in the film. Set in Boston, Massachusetts, it tells the story of Will Hunting (Damon), a troubled Irish-Catholic young man from South Boston who, although a prodigy, a polymath and an autodidact, works as a janitor at Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge. Will must learn to overcome his deep fear of abandonment in order to learn how to trust and love the people who care about him. A genius piece of work! Kedu’s Rating: 9.0/10 |
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The Pursuit of Happyness ( 2006 )
This movie is directed by Gabriele Muccino and based on the true story of Chris Gardner. The film stars Will Smith as Gardner, an on-and-off-homeless salesman-turned stockbroker. It is a very touching story. You are definitely going to feel happy after watching this movie. Kedu’s Rating: 9.0/10 |
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The Departed ( 2006 ) Cops or Criminals. When you’re facing a loaded gun what’s the difference? This movie is remake of the 2002 Hong Kong film Infernal Affairs. It is directed by Martin Scorsese, written by William Monahan and stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Martin Sheen, Alec Baldwin, Ray Winstone, Vera Farmiga and Mark Wahlberg. This film takes place in Boston, Massachusetts, where notorious Irish Mob boss Francis “Frank” Costello (Nicholson) plants Colin Sullivan (Damon) as an informant within the Massachusetts State Police. Simultaneously, the police assign undercover cop Billy Costigan, Jr. (DiCaprio) to infiltrate Costello’s crew. When both sides of the law realize the situation, each man attempts to discover the other’s true identity before being found out. It’s a great thriller! Kedu’s Rating: 9.0/10 |
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