Master of the House

"Master of the House" (2024) is a film about a power struggle within a wealthy family.  Similar in many ways to series that you may have seen.  It is not superior to other ones, but it does have at least two differences.  First it is set in Thailand, which most of us might not realize has a well entrenched upper class.  And secondly it is told from the viewpoint of a maid.

A maid, Naimook is married to the head of the family, Roongroj.  She is of course resented by the family.  That same evening Roongroj dies from an apparent accident.  Of course you know it was really a murder.  The death and consequent will result in the younger son, Mavin gaining control and he almost immediately demotes his brother Phupat with further cuts coming..

Time for a character discussion.  The family's wealth is based on jewelry and they are filthy rich.  Their wealth has caused them to be arrogant and selfish.  In particular the second son is especially cruel and enjoys other people suffering.  His wife is also vicious in humiliating others, particular Naimook.  We learn over the course of the series more of the bitter rivalry between the two men.  At one point the father, Roongroj explains he set his two sons to compete each other to prepare them to take over his business.

The servants are continuously humiliated, but are mindful they have no viable alternative.  Over the years my perception that the poorer Thais are desperate.  The inequality becomes evident with the lifestyle which includes polo matches and yacht parties.  The fact that the family can afford to have well over 20 servants and demand instant obedience is another example of their wealth.  

The power struggle has a few twists including a murder (or more) along the way and at the final episode using flashbacks they explain what happened behind the scenes.  The presentation is well done.

For me it was a totally new cast and crew although I have seen a few other Thai films.  For the record here are some of the contributors.

The creator, writer and executive producer was Kulp Kaljareuk.  He has 4 credits as a producer and 4 as a director.  

 Sivoroj Kongsakul was the director.  He has 9 credits as a director, 3 as a writer and 3 as an editor.

Pramett Chankrusse was the cinematographer.  He has 36 cinematography crdits.

 Narily Gulmongkolpech played Kaimook.  She was a member of the girl band Gelato.  She has 16 acting credits.

Teerapong Leowrakwong played Roongroj, the head of the family.   He was mainly a fashion photographer.  This film is his only acting credit.

Charttayodom Hiranyasthti played Phupat, the older brother.   He has 21 acting credits.

Thanavate Sirwattanagul plays Mavin, the younger brother and someone you will come to hate.  He has 11 acting credits.

Nusha Punnakanta plays Padcha, the wife of Phu and comparatively almost likeable.  she has 13 acting credits.

Claudia Chakrabandhu Na Ayudya plays Araya, the wife of Mavin and almost as dislieable as her husband.  Her father was an Italian musician.  She had done commercials and been a fashion model.  She has 8 acting credits.

Thailand was never conquered by Europeans, but has mostly been ruled by monarchs.  Now they have an elected assembly with a monarchy.  They have a film industry which offers films for the masses and a few for an international audience.  "Master of the House" is available on Netflix in either subtitled or dubbed format.

Two Films About Overcoming Blindness

 

 The name" Srikanth" (2024) was a famous cricket player and when a father was first informed he had a new son he picked the name Srikanth.  Soon he learned his son was blind and felt the most compassionate thing would be to let his son die.  His wife prevented him.  Most blind people survive through begging.This new Srikanth was fortunate that he was able to receive support.  He was sent to a school for the blind at Hyderabad, but was kicked out.  With the help of a teacher he contested in court his right to a regular science course.  He then gets accepted at M.I. T.  

As a true story he is inspiring in how he over comes problems.  His transition to a successful business career was not smooth and at some points he has to overcome his pride and overconfidence. 

At the closing credits you can see the real Srikanth and the real Ravi as they meet their film counterparts.  You can also see a photo of the wedding with Swathi and Srikanth and of his first child.

Tusher Hiranandani was the director.  He has 21 writing credits, 3 directing credits and 2 for additional crew including  "Attihi Tum Kab Jab Koagi" (2010), "The Villain" (2014) and "Half Girlfriend" (2017). 

Jagdeep Sidhu and Sumit Parohit wrote the script.

Bhushan Kumar was a producer.  At age 19 his father died and he took over the music business turning it into a major force.  Then he got involved with films leading up to 180 film credits including "Hindi Medium" (2017), "Kabir Singh" (2019), "Chandigarh Kare Ashiqui" (2021), "Drishyam 2" (2022) and "Bheed" (2023).  Check http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2019/09/arjun-reddy-and-kabir-singh.html

 Ishaan Chhabra provided the background score. He has 28 composing credits, 5 for the  Music Department  and 3 for the  Sound Department including   "The Hundred Foot Journey" (2014),  "Jana Mana Gana" (2020) and ""She" (2020).

 Pratham Mehta was the cinemtaographer.  He has 33 cinematography credits, 13 for the Camera and Electrical Department and 2 for the Editorial Department.

"Sanjay Sukla was the editor.  He has 103 credits as editor, 6 for the Editorial Department and 2 as producer.  Kuch Kuch Hota Hai" (1998),  "Kabhi Khushi Kabhe Gham" (2001), "Kal Ho Naa Ho" (2003) and "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna" (2006).

 Rajkummar Rao played Srikanth and is very effective as a blind man..  He acted in two theatrical groups before heading to the films.  He has been on a streak of films including "Shaitan" (2011), "Shahid" (2012), "Talaash" (2012), "Kai Po Che" (2013), "Queen" (2013), "Hamari Adhuri Kahani" (2015), "Trapped" (2016), "Bareilly Ki Barfi" (2017), "Stree" (2018), "Made in China" (2019), "Ludo" (2020), "White Tiger" (2021) and "Badaai Do" (2022).  check http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2022/03/badhaai-do-lgbt-film-from-conservative.html

Jyotika (or Jyothika) has performed in Tamil, Telegu, Malayalam and Hindi films.  She has 50 acting credits including "Raatchasi" (2019), "Thambi" (2019) and "Ponmagal Vandhal" (2020).  She has been a producer for 6 films.  For her acting check http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2022/04/raatchasi.html  For her producing check where she was heavily involved with my top overall film for 2021."Jai Bhim" (2021).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2021/11/jai-bhim.html

 Sharad Kelkar plays Ravi, a key financial investor.  He has 59 acting credits ad 2 for producing including "Rustom" (2018). 

Alaya F played Swathi, the romantic interest.  She has a diploma from the New York Film Academy and has trained in Kathak and contemporary dance.  She has 10 acting credits, 1 for writing and 1 for cinematography. 

This film is available subtitled (with much English dialogue) on Netflix.

"Ray" (2004) was about Ray Charles who I once watched at the Canadian National Exhibition.  He was diverse in a revolutionary sense.  One of the fascinating things was how he was able to maintain independence despite blindness.  He attributed it to his mother.  He did not use a cane.

How he figured out if a female was open or not answered an unspoken question of mine.    He had systems to avoid being cheated on money, and how to wear suitable clothing.

At first his music copied established performers, then he developed his own style but eventually he ventured into rock and country and proved he was a winner, despite many doubters.  He did have drug problems, but was able to overcome them. 

Jamie Foxx won an Oscar for his portrayal.

I watched it on a PVR copy.

Want more inspiration check:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2013/10/paralyzed-men-in-4-foreign-movies.html

Both films had interesting plots, provided by two interesting biographies, but for me what held my attention was how these men dealt with the loss of sight.

"A Propos d"Antoine" or in English "About Antoine"

"A propos d'Antoine" is a series of shorts (mostly 20 minutes).  We are introduced to a young actress, Julie who has decided to leave her boyfriend in Montreal and take up with a new man, Marc in Quebec City.  She has been told he has two children, one of whom is very handicapped.  But nonetheless it is overwhelming and she thinks she may have made a mistake. 

Doing some background research I conclude that it really is based on real experience.  It is mostly a comedy, but one suspects it wasn't so funny at the time.  There are a few sobering moments when the viewer wonders how they would care for a severely handicapped child. 

We learn that that both Marc and his ex wife Justine feel the other is responsible for Antone's condition, but have not discussed it.  Both confided in Julie. 

What a family when they gather together which is frequently.  Marc's mother,  ex wife, two brothers, two children, one of whom, Antoine has an extensive list of disabilities.  He can't walk or talk, he is autistic and has epileptic fits.  He is almost always smiling and is included in all activities.

The reason behind my title is that Netflix uses "About Antoine" for its promotion, but at first I was unable to find the title at IMDB, but eventually found the original title, "A Propos d'Antoine".

The gang that made this series includes those below.

Daniel Grou was the director.  He has 34 credits as director, 2 as producer and 2 for the Art Department including for "Three Pines" (2022), "Transplant" (2022) and "Lupin" (2023).

Cathleen Rouleau was a writer and the leading actor, Julie.  She has done many tv. commercials for the Quebec market.   Cathleen graduated from the Ecole National de l'Humour.  She has performed comedy at festivals n Quebec, Switzerland and Belgium.  Cathleen has 4 credits as an actor and 3 as a writer.

Sylvain Parent-Bedard is the producer and matches many of the details of the leading male, Marc.  He created the Festival Grand Rire de Quebec.  He has produced shows for Madonna and Celine Dion.  He has 26 credits as a producer.  Also noteworthy, he is a big supporter of charities for epilepsy and autism.  

Shawn Pavlin was one of he cinematographers.  He has 33 credits for cinematography, 21 for the Camera and Electrical Department and 5 for the Editorial Department including "Mommy" (2014).  The other cinematographer was Vincent Biron who has 62 cinematographer credits, 9 as director and 7 as writer.

Claude Legault played Marc, the festival owner.  He has 65 acting credits and 10 as a writer.

 Antoine Parent-Bedard plays the focal character.  Despite his multiple handicaps he always has a smile.

 Fanny Mallette plays Justine, Marc's ex wife who is still considered and acts like a member of the family.  She won a gold medal in 1989 at Canadian junior judo championships.  She has 54 acting credits, 1 for directing and 1 for producing including "The Barbarian Invasion"(2003).

Micheline Bernard played Margot, Marc's mother who lives next door.  She has 49 acting credit including "It's Not Me, I Swear!" (2008) and "Matthias and Maxime" (2018).

Sylvain Marcel plays Patrick,  a brother and business partner with Marc.  He has been successful in television commercials. He has 51 acting credits including "Good Cop, Bon Cop" (2006)

Quebec is an important part of Canada.  Quebec City is one of my very favorite places and a nearby vacation spot Ile d'Orleans.   http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2012/07/travels-of-salesman-part-3-quebec.html

Available subtitled on Netflix.   If distorted bodies or references to messy bowel movements make you squeamish, well you should watch it anyway--it will do you good.

 As usual I have bolded the first mention of films I have seen.  They are not necessarily a recommendation, but generally I found them worthy of my time.

Maharaja

 The title, "Maharaja" is only one letter different than a recent blog on "Maharaj".  What a world of difference.  They are not related.   I had said I would look forward to this film as it had a much higher rating.  I can see why it got the higher ratings--it has a clever plot, some very good acting, and in general a strong presentation.  I would like to warn everyone that this film is very violent and if that disturbs  you perhaps it would be best to avoid.  

The plot is simple yet leads to complications.  Maharaja is a barber who owns his own shop, but has put another man in charge.  One night he is robbed and goes to a police station to demand they return an empty dustbin that had been stolen.  The police laugh at the idea and refuse.  Maharaja then offers a bribe and they become suspicious that there is something valuable attached to the missing item.  He does tell them of an emotional almost religious attachment, but they feel that is ridiculous.  The bribe got their attention, but they proceed on the assumption that there is something much more valuable than the bribe and they decide to play along.

There are a few twists from the past and eventually the viewer will understand how everything fits together.  There is a great deal of physical violence.  It is well put together and while you may be confused you will also feel a sense of engagement. 

Below are a few of the talented people who put it together.  

Nithilan Saminathan was director and writer.  This is only his second film after previously having written and directed another film.

B. Ajaneesh Loknath composed the music.  He started his film career with the Kannada language. He has 48 credits as a composer and another 5 with the music department including "Kantara" (2023).  

Dinesh Purushothaman was the cinematographer.  He has 5 credits for cinematography including "Love Today" (2022).   

Philomin Raj was the editor.  He has 29 editor credits including "Mehand Circus" ((2015), 'Raatchasi" (2019, "Mandela" (2021) and my top movie for 20221 "Jai Bhim" (2021).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2021/11/jai-bhim.html

Vijay Sethupathi played Maharaja.  He has performed in Hindi, Tamil, Telegu and Malayalam cinema and won many awards.  His film credits include "Puriyaatha Puthir" (2017), "Vikram Vedha" (2017),  "Super Deluxe" (2019), "Kadaseela Biriyani" (2021) and "Farzi" (2023).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2023/03/farzi-or-fakes.html

Anurag Kashyap played Selvam, a man who spent years in prison.  He has been a Bollywood powerhouse for many years. including acting, (34 credits) writing, ((59 credits) directing (at least 15 credits) and  producing (65 credits)..  Some of the movies he has contributed to include "Black Friday" (2004),  "Water" (2005),  "Aamir" (2008), "The Lunchbox" (2013), "Queen" (2013) "Sacred Games" (2018) and "Super 30" (2020).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2021/02/super-30-puts-focus-on-education.html

Sachana  Namidass played Joythi, the daughter of Maharaja.  She has 2 acting credits.

Mamta Mohandas played Aasifa, a coach and helpedr for Jyothi.  She has been a playback singer for several movies.  Mamta has 62 acting credits incuding "Jana Mana Gana" (2022).   See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2022/06/jana-gana-muna.html

It will certainly be a memorable movie.  Another Tamil language film that deserved high ratings.  You can see it on Netflix, subtitled.

As usual I have bolded the first mention of films I have seen.  They are not necessarily a recommendation, but generally I found them worthy of my time.  If you follow the links you should be able to determine if a particular film is worth following up.

Melancholia

Those who hope "Melancholia" is a typical Korean romance, will be frustrated,  Those who appreciate a clever revenge against devious perpetrators will get more satisfaction.  Those who appreciate advanced mathematics will have a bit to feed on.  Personally I found it engaging with many relationships inter-twined.

The initial setting is an elite high school where many of the students are children of wealthy or politically powerful people.  Cheating is normal.  Noh Jung Ah  is a manipulator on behalf of the wealthy and is a key element in a cheating experience on behalf of a powerful parent and covering it by framing innocent people.  A revealing quote "Do you know how to get what you want the easy way?  Instead of saying what you want you listen to what the other person wants" 

First five or so episodes are about abuse and the remainder are  about revenge.  Relationships had been ruined.  Revenge was planned to be as agonizing as the victims had felt.  The self righteous cheaters thought they were doing good, by protecting the wealthy and powerful  i.e. the most deserving.  Strange bedfellows work together, but the opposition is well entrenched.  Redemption occurs for some characters       

Advanced Mathematics is highlighted as a tool.   One student and one teacher are very enthused, but both are relatively honest and powerless and are framed in a coverup.   One interesting angle was to  tie Van Gogh into a mathematical analogy.  At a later point.  Mathematics is truth, but has gotten buried by the cheating. Above all the two main characters  find math intellectually challenging.  

There are lots of different relationships portrayed  involving parents, students, teachers, donors, and politicians.  iI is well put together

Here are some of the contributors.

Ang-hyub Kim was the director.  He has 9 director credits.

Ji Woon Kim wrote the script.  He has 2 writing credits.

Lee Hye-young was an executive producer.  He has 9 credits as producer including "Queen of Tears" (2024).  See  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/05/queen-of-tears.html

Park Se joon was responsible for he music.  He has 5 composer credits including "Little Women" (2022).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/06/little-women-korean-version.html

Lee Do-hyun plays Baek Sung yoo as a young promising mathematician and later as mature successful mathematician.  He has 15 acting credits including "The Glory" (2022-2023) and "The Good Bad Mother" (2023).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2023/06/the-good-bad-mother.html

Lim Soo-jung plays Ji Yoon Soo, a teacher who encouraged Baek Sung yoo and helped other student.  An honest person who ran up against corruption.  Before films she modeled for magazine ads.    She has 23 acting credits. 

Jin Kyung plays Noh Jung Ah  the principle of a high end high school.  She is the evil maniplator that makes the plot.  She has the most dramatic range of all the characters.  Jin has 40 acting credits including "Glove" (2011), "Assassination" (2015), "Extraordinary Attorney Woo" (2022) and "Queenmaker" (2023).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2022/08/extraordinary-attorney-woo.html

 Choi Dae-hoon plays Ryo Sung  Jae, the fiance of Ji Yoon Soo.  He has 25 acting credits including "Crash Landing on You" (2019), "Flower pf Evil" (2020) and  "Extraordinary Attorney Woo" (2022).  See  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2022/10/flower-of-evil.html

Oh Gwang-Rok played Ji Hyun-Wook the father to Ji Yoon Soo.  He has 29 acting credit including "Oldboy" (2003)

Paul Battle plays Professor Adolf Miller, an American mathematicians.  Born in British Columbia he went to Korea to teach English and got involved with educational videos for schools.  He left for North America, but a few years later he saw a chance to get involved with film features.  Speaking Korean gives him opportunities which gave him 21 acting credits including "Vincenzo" (2021) and "You are My Spring" (2021).

"Melancholia" can seen on Netflix with subtitles.

As usual I have bolded the first mention of films I have seen.  They are not necessarily recommendation, but generally found them worthy of my time.  If you follow the links you should be able to determine if a particular film is worth following up.

Moon of the Turning Leaves; a Sequel

In its prequel,  "The Moon of the Crusted Snow", a Hamilton Reads selection we see the world from a perspective of an indigenous tribe in northern Ontario.  There has been a total power failure and we don't know how extensive it is or what caused it.  The indigenous tribe has been modernized with only bits of their supposed close to nature traditions.  The end of the book leaves us wondering what happens next as there seems to be no change in the power we all take for granted.  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2020/04/hamilton-reads-2020-moon-over-crusted.html

In this sequel a group of the indigenous have been selected to reach out and find out if there are other  survivors.  They have reverted more to their traditional ways, but are still dependent on modern ways such as guns and mostly still speak English.  

A good part of the story is the trip south.  For awhile they don't meet any outsiders, but eventually they meet a few other tribes and (mostly_ unfortunately meet some Europeans.  We learn a little bit about the outside world, but the extent and cause of the power failure still eludes us.

 One can imagine that in our distant past our ancestors in their struggle to survive were uncertain about other humans who might want to kill us.  A theme is they really don't know what happened.  It is hard for us to imagine who have television and the inter-net to keep us aware of even remote parts of the globe.

What helped me to identify with the story was geographical references.  Part of my sales career was spent in what we call northern Ontario (people in Alberta laugh at that description).  I barely skimmed through indigenous territory, but the narrative involves Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie and Manitoulin Island, places I came to appreciate not quite as I remember but as I can imagine. 

We in a modernizing world that makes life more enjoyable, except there also seems to be more stress.  Trying to make enough money to not just enjoy more, but for some to survive.  The rest of the world is going in different directions while the power brokers seem to ignore climate change.  Being close to nature seems vital that we realize.  Maybe the indigenous have a better perspective, but they also are trying to fit in.  

I enjoyed the book as it was well written and relevant in today's world.  Waubgeshig conveys the dilemma of indigenous who want to modernize, but not forget their traditions.  You would probably enjoy it more if you read the first one.

Maharaj

"Maharaj" (2024) recalls a court case going back to 1862 under British rule in Bombay.  Two lawyers conversing noted that the British were able to rule such a big country, because India had so many religions that divided the country. 

The story revolves around Kursan who loved a girl name Kishori.  After they got engaged many of their talks revolved around religion between a sceptic and a strong believer focused on a local religious leader who exploited young women by raising an emotional fervor.   Kaurson watched as Kishori was chosen for a special ceremony and rightly supposed it was a pretext for a sexual encounter.  He was very self righteous and broke off their engagement.  She is devastated and also comes to realize the ceremony was really rape.  She commits suicide, but left a note for Karsun.

Karsun decides to expose the fraudulent guru using his journalist connections.  The guru at first is very self confident that nothing would deter his devotees.  In some cases they were very devout and in other cases they had been intimidated.  

The film seems like a battle between reason and religion.   It is historical so you could look it up, but it would be easier to check it out on Netflix which carries it in several languages including English. 

 This is a mammoth effort that holds attention.  For that here are some people who are responsible.

 Malhotra P. Siddharth was the director.  He has 4 credits as director, 20 as a writer and and as a producer has 30 credits including "We are Family" (2010) and "Hitchki" (2012)

 Vipul Mehta adapted the story  He started his film career in the Gujarati theatre (the original story has Gujarati roots) and then moved to Marathi and Hindi films.  He has 21 credits as a writer, 2 as a producer and 7 as a director.

Aditya Chopra was a producer.  Aditya Chopra is a name attached to many enjoyable Bollywood movies, often as a director or writer.  At age 23 his first directing and writing effort was the longest running movie "Diwale Dulhania Le Jayenge."  He comes by it honestly as his father, Yash Chopra was the well established.  Aditya also got my attention as he married Rani Mukerji,   Aditya is the highest grossing Indian producer to date.  He has continued to write and direct. but is now more involved in producing where in a sense he is even more creative.   He has 66 producing crdits, 22 as a writer and 4 as director including "Mohabbatein" (2000),  "Veer-Zaara" (2006) "Fanaa" (2006), "Rab Ne Bana  Di Jodi"  (2008), "Jab Tak Hai Jaan" (2012)"Sultan" (2016), "Fan" (2016) and "The Railway Men" (2023).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2023/11/the-railway-men.html

Sohail Sen provided the music. He has 24 composing credits, 12 for the music department and 2 for acting including ""Ek Tha Tiger" (2012) and "Baazaar" (2018).

Rajeev Ravi was the cinematographer.  He has 41 credits for cinematography, 5 as director and 2 as a writer including "No Smoking" (2007), "Gulaal" (2009), "Dev D"(2009), "Gangs of Wasseypur" (2012), "Bombay Talkies" (2013) and "Virus" (2019).

 Shweta Venkat was the editor.  She has 33 editor credis and 3 for the editorial department including "Gangs of Wasseypur" (2012), "Hasee Toh Phasee" (2014) and "Newton" (2017).

Jaideep Ahlawat played the arrogant, evil Maharaja very frightenly.  He has 33 acting credits including "Aakrosh" (2010), "Gangs of Wasseypur" (2012), "Raes" (2017), "Razzi" (2018), "Three of Us" (2023) and "Jaane Jaan" (2023).  See  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2023/10/jaane-jaan-from-devotion-of-suspect-x.html

 Junaid Khan play Karson.  As the son of Aamir Khan he had some unusual opportunities.  He was on the second unit  assistant director for "PK" (2014).  This was his first lead in a feature film.     See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2015/03/pk.html

Shalini Pandey played Krishori.  She started in Telegu cinema and has since done Tamil and Hindi films.  She has 14 acting credits including the lead in "Arjun Reddy" (2017).   See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2019/09/arjun-reddy-and-kabir-singh.html

 Edward Sonnenblick played a lawyer in the court room scenes.  He grew up in California earning a degree in botany.  He was a natural food chef in northern Californian for 15 years.  He learned Hindi, likely after marrying his wife.   He has 33 acting credits including "Badmash Company" (2010), "Game" (2011), "Neerja" (2015), "Kapoor and Sons" (2015) and "RRR" (2022).

 There was some confusion as apparently two films covering the same historical events with a similar name came out in 2023, this one "Maharaj" and another "Maharaja".  I understand one of them, has been held up for a censor board concerned about religious sensitivities.  It could have been this one, but somehow it did make it through the censor to Netflix.  If the second version becomes available I will be very interested.  It does have a higher IMDB rating.

As usual I have bolded the first time mention of films I have seen.