2021 English speaking films

During the Covid-19 Pandemic most of us probably watched more films more often in a streaming format.  There has been some criticism over movie production going ahead while many had to stay at home.  I am lucky, retired I am not losing any money staying home, but like many others I suffer from cabin fever and am grateful that there are a lot of archive films and new ones available.  A trend for me, shared by many others is to mini series perhaps accelerated by the pandemic.  I was fortunate to have a conversation with Lawrence Hill, successful author negotiating a mini series.  He felt there was more room for character development.  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2020/09/the-book-of-negroes.html 

 "Nomadland" (2020)  A movie more about character than plot.  Frances McDormand is displaced due to a plant shutdown and limited financial resources takes off in her van.  She meets a lot of displaced people who develop strategies for coping.  Won Oscars for Frances McDormand (first to win for both acting and producing), and Chloe Zhao.

 

 

 

 

 

 "Promising Young Woman" (2020) had a good plot focused on sexual consent and the unfairness of women's treatment.  It had bits of humor, suspense and twist (of course).

"The White Tiger" (2021) has a lot of Bollywood connections, but is 90% English.  Priyanka Chopra Jonas is one of the three main stars and is also an executive producer.  Rao Rajkumar, a popular Bollywood star played probably the second star.  The real star is Adarsh Gourav who plays a poor man who eventually becomes rich.  Corruption, crime and caste all play a role.  Based on a Booker Mann literary award.   http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2021/01/the-white-tiger.html

 

 "One Night in Miami" (2021) perhaps inspired by an actual meeting between Cassius Clay, Jim Brown, Sam Cooke and Malcolm X.  Underlying theme is what blacks need to do to empower themselves.  Malcolm X seems to feel that Jim Brown and Sam Cooke are catering to the white man while they point out that is where they can gain wealth and power.  One interesting example was with Sam Cooke gaining enough wealth and power to form his own music company that allowed him to hire black musicians and composers.   One of the composers had a rhythm and blues song reach number 94 on billboard, but Sam was able to sell rights to the Rolling Stones and they turned "It's All over Now" into a number one hit that eventually gave the original composer a huge residual.

 "Jojo Rabbit" (2019) doesn't glorify Nazism and in fact brilliantly satirizes it.  From the talented Taika Waititi of New Zealand 

 "The Dig" (2021) was a movie about recognition.  Before WW II a wealthy woman hired an "excavator" to explore some mounds.  Basil Brown uncovered an ancient ship used for a burial, but museum people took over. 

"Judy" (2019) about an icon and one who seemed so innocent when we first became aware of her.  Renee Zellweger deservedly won an Oscar.  Tragic story.

"Dark Waters" (2019) based on true story concerning misleading practices of DuPont.  Some of the actual participants consulted and had bit parts in the movie.

"Bombshell" (2019) included because it uncovers Roger Ailes, but done much better  (more detail) with "The Loudest Voice"  A good short version.

"Let him Go" (2020) starred Kevin Costner and Diane Lane in a conflict about parenting styles.  A son has died and his parents visit their grand son and feel he is being abused.

"News of the World" (2020) Tom Hanks and Helena Zengel who stole a lot of the show without speaking hardly any English

"Top End Wedding" (2019) is in some ways a typical romance comedy, but it is noteworthy having been co-written by a well known aboriginal actress Miranda Tapsell and set in aboriginal territory of Australia.

 "Our Friend" (2019)  a tear jerker based on a true story.

 "Fatherhood" (2021)  Father loses his wife after a child birth and decides to tackle bringing up his daughter on his own.  The big surprise was how good Kevin Hart could be.  

"The Mauritanian" (2021) Guantonamo detainee for 15 years.  You would think he would be discouraged and bitter.  A charming man in real life--sings along with Bob Dylan song.  Rule of law affects everyone.  Tahir Rahim and Jodie Foster were excellent.  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2021/07/the-mauritanian.html 

 

 

 

 "Words of Bathroom Walls" (2020) is a story about a young man with schizophrenia who tries to hide it.  With Charlie Plummer and Taylor Russell.

"Judas and the Black Messiah" (2021)  won two Oscars, one for Danial Kaluuya and one for music.  It pitted the Black Panthers against FBI who had an inside spy.

 

 

 

 

 "Grand Unified Theory" (2016) is a semi typical family angst movie, but has a redeeming feature.  One of the characters is an astro physicist who brings up provocative questions such as how do we get something from nothing.

"tick, tick...BOOM" (2021) musical on Jonathan Larson who wrote "Rent" I had watched the movie only because my cousin Linda who doesn't like musicals, commented that she did like Rent.  Good music

 

 

 

 

"The Power of the Dog" (2021) is a modern Western with Benedict Cumberbatch.

"Pig" (2021) shows Nicolas Cage in a very different role.  He has a pig he uses to find truffles and someone steals it.  We learn that his character had been a greatly respected restaurant owner, but dropped out many years ago to live by himself chasing after truffles.  He was very attached to the pig.  The DVD comes with a special feature showing Nicolas Cage cooking on two videos under the guidance of a master chef with some interesting recipes. 

 

"The Unforgivable" (2021) A de glamorized Sandra Bullock, also a producer.  We all make judgments based on superficial information and sometimes we are terribly wrong and unfair to others.   A story based on British series created by Sally Wainwright who also contributed to some of my favorites such as  "Happy Valley" (2014-2022), "Last Tango in Halifax" (2012-2020) and "Scott and Bailey" (2011-2016).

 

Older flims (before 2011)

"The Magnificent Seven" (1960) Mexico was upset over "Vera Cruz"(1954) that they felt insulted Mexicans.  Some censorship and even plot change--asked for guns first rather than gunmen, clean clothes (1960)    http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2021/02/steve-mcqueen-mr-cool.html

"The Elephant Man" (1980) made me feel something like a voyeur, somewhat repulsed, but very curious.  We like to picture ourselves as very open minded, but we are have fairly set ideas of normalcy and beauty. I remember actually hiring someone who had a distorted face that I at first felt repulsive, but gradually accepted and found him to be helpful whereas I also felt protective.  Some of those feelings were evoked by this film.  We do have prejudice against appearances and don't always realize there is a person there.  Mel Brooks, noted for comedy was the deliberately uncredited executive  producer who was very involved with decisions.  

I watched the revival "The Producers" (2005) to remind what Mel Brooks usually specializing in.  In poor taste, but hard not to laugh at points.

"The Aviator" (2004) was a blockbuster I missed when it came out.  Leo DiCaprio was phenomenal.   Howard Hughes stood up against Hollywood censors and the United States Senate.  A very innovative man, but with some devastating faults.

"Seven Years in Tibet" (1997) had been seen many years before, but not really appreciated at the time.  Since then I have come to admire the Dalai Lama who is depicted as an inquisitive 14 year old boy.  Magnificent scenery.  I have also come to enjoy music of Yo Yo Ma, here composed by John Williams. 

"Holiday" (1938) with Cary Grant, Katherine Hepburn and Lew Ayres.  Directed by George Cukor. 

"Erin Brockovich" (2000) won an Oscar for Julia Roberts in an out of character role.  

"Jezebel" (1938)." Now, Voyager" (1942), "Dead Ringer" (1942)," The Little Foxes" (1941) were seen as part of my Bette Davis study.  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2021/08/bette-davis.html

"Sweet Bird of Youth" (1962) had been censored from the original Broadway production written by Tennessee Williams.  Paul Newman had a clause that allowed him to take on Broadway shows that he liked and so he opted for this one and then brought it to the screen along with Geraldine Page and Rip Thorn.

"2001:  A Space Odyssey" (1968) Amazing concepts of the near future.  Most perceptive would a danger of artificial intelligence.   

 

 

 

 

 "Limitless" (2011) depicted Bradley Cooper as a man given a pill that opened one's whole intelligence enabling him to make an immense fortune.  But life is not that simple.

"Ordinary People" (1980) An excellent movie on human relations.  A big shock for me was Mary Tyler Moore who been a favorite on tv.  Donald Sutherland showed his versatility.  Surprised to learn it was directed by Robert Redford.   

 

 

 

"Midnight Cowboy" (1969) regret I consciously avoided.  An excellent story of two men who come to support one another.. 

"Kramer vs. Kramer" (1979) Dustin Hoffman, Meryl Streep  After a divorce the mother decides she wants her son back.

"Stranger than Fiction" (2006) Will Ferrell--a new opinion  Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson

"A Beautiful Mind" (2001) A contrast to previous Russell Crowe movie, "Gladiator"  (2000).  Game theory, Ron Howard, director and writer conveyed mental illness in way that at first caught one off guard, but increased our understanding of the disease.

"Groundhog Day" (1993)  Everyone would like a second chance.  Bill Murray classic.

"White Dog" (1982) a film that had been shelved, partly as one authority declared it to be racist.  Actually it is anti-racist demonstrating racism exists.  Heard about as had been a book by Romain Gary.  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2021/10/white-dog.html

"The Importance of Being Earnest" (1952)  An Oscar Wilde play.  Manners of English upper class.

"In the Heat of the Night" (1966) with the impressive duo of Rod Steiger and Sidney Poitier.  Displays the racial animosities of the time with slight melting with a very long way to go.  Big well deserved Oscar winner.  Racial tension had Sidney Poitier requesting all filming north of the Mason Dixon line.

 

 

 

 

"Chicago" (2003) winner of 6 Oscar Awards.   Who knew Richard Gere could tap dance?  Murder and music and especially dancing with Catherine Zeta-Jones, Renee Zellweger and Chita Rivera,

"Beat the Devil" (1953) Despite a stellar cast and crew this film is only included  because of a side issue.  Humphrey Bogart had a serious auto accident while filming and was not able to speak clearly so the studio found a man gifted for voices--Peter Sellers.

"Seconds" (1966) was a rare movie for glamor superstar Rock Hudson, but he proves a better actor than credited.  It is sort of science fiction where a man dissatisfied for life accepts an opportunity with plastic surgery, rehabilitation and coaching to restart life.  Satisfaction in life is hard to define.  From the supplements appreciated the cinematography of James Wong Howe.  Not a box office success, but has since achieved cult status.

"The Fallen Idol" (1948) is a British masterpiece inspired by a Graham Greene story, directed by Carol Reed with Ralph Richardson and Jack Hawkins playing a role.  About an eight year old boy who doesn't understand deceptions of adults and gets involved in police investigation.  Innocent and not so innocent lies play a role.

"Sunrise" (1927) A silent film, but including some music and street sounds.  Won 3 Oscars.  An early cinematographic model.

"Fried Green Tomatoes" (1991).  A fine cast led by Jessica Tandy gives a view of the South in the twentieth century.

Mini Series

"John Adams" (2008) of course had a lot of history involving critical people and their decisions that carry on to today.  A tremendous effort to convey the atmosphere of the times.  Abigail Adams was given almost equal coverage and demonstrated that women did deserve the vote.

"Six Feet Under" (2001- 2005)had been seen in part years ago, but decided to watch total series.  The ending was unique in that it truly projected an ending.  Ernest Hemingway once said in paraphrase that if there is no death it is not a true story.  Fictional stories are more credible that end in death.  Some in the writing end seemed to favor natural burials.

"Chernobyl" (2019) a horror film, although it is true.  A phrase to remember: "Every lie we tell incurs a debt to the truth.  sooner or later that debt is paid."

"I, Claudius" (1976)  A classic starring favorite Derek Jacobi.  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2021/09/i-claudius.html 

 

 

 

 

 "William and Mary" (2004-2007) was a series I had seen partially on tv many years ago, but enjoyed even more when able to see full set on DVD.  Julie Graham is a favorite and Martin Clunes (a favorite of Helen Rigby) was not at all obnoxious.  He plays an undertaker and she is a midwife, covering the circle of life.

"United Shades of America"  (2018- 2021) such a mind opener.  Racism is obvious, but the unconscious part is also dangerous.  Education is so critical and when everyone has the same opportunity we all benefit.  W. Kamau Bell and his crew are excellent at uncovering basic problems.  Sexual orientation, refugees, blacks and minority.  How racial factors interact with establishment.

"Startup" (2016- 2018) about a trio that uses their skills to set up their own organized crime syndicate. 

"Wire in the Blood" (2002) Watched as part of Robson Green blog.  A bit gory.  Robson played a police affiliated psychologist who liked to get inside the mind of serial killers and their victims.  Robson was very good at that.  See more on the series and Robson Green at http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2021/11/robson-green.html

 

  "Castle and Castle" (2018)is from Nigeria which is slowly gaining international recognition and English is fairly common.  They have money and have built up some expertise.  This is about a legal firm which is one way of connecting to power.  They try to copy American and European high end people, but do have a few unique angles--Muslims with more than one wife, colonial laws, extradition to the U.S.  tribal loyalties.  They do have inventive relationship entanglements.  Lagos is a very large modern city which impacts the rest of the world.   Nollywood is making progress:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2020/07/nollywood-upcoming-force-in-global-films.html

 Documentaries

"Inside Einstein's Mind" (2015) using graphics and animation demonstrated Einstein's theories.  Hadn't realized the scope of his thinking.  

"The True Cost" (2015) uncovers the cost of fashion.  It starts at farming where genetic engineering, fertilizers, pesticide spraying are intended to increase profits at the expense of famrers and labourers.  Creates financial stress that has resulted in farmer suicides.  A profit driven society stresses that consumption will solve problems.  Trash increases as we dispose of used up products.  The real bottom line is unbridled capitalism.

"The Secret Mind of Slime" (2020) follows experiments with slime and discover that brainless entities are able to duplicate some laboratory results obtained by such animals as mice.  One of the thoughts is that this is a step in evolution.  The slime is able to distinguish light and chemical that it either wants to eat or avoid.  One experiment demonstrated that over time it is able to get around a substance they do not like such as salt to reach the food that had been blocked.

"Lincoln: Divided We Stand" (2021)  Six part CNN series points out that Lincoln was a complicated man who didn't set out to free black slaves, but evolved in his thinking.  He was open minded and practical.

"In Defense of Food" (2015) processed foods, cheaper--Govt finds itself attacked by interest groups when trying to regulate such things as sugar--French are healthier--French serve smaller portions--food meant to be enjoyed--eating is an event--eat slowly.

"The Whale Detective" (2019) following a whale breaching on top of producer Tom Mustill.  Awesome

"The Hunt" (2015) is a mini series narrated by David Attenborough.  The most basic story of life.  The inter play between predator and prey.  Very wide reaching.  The effort to kill more often fails, but persistence and ingenuity pay off.   Balance of nature, ignored at our peril.    Too many survivors result in starvation and/or depravity.  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2021/05/the-hunt-is-what-life-is-all-about.html     

"Cowspiracy" (2015)  Climate change is fueled significantly with meat eating.  The cattle industry is well entrenched.  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2021/05/cowspiracy-points-out-major-premier.html.

"Raise Hell:  The Life and Times of Molly Ivins" (2019)  Very astute political observer with a excellent  irreverent sense of  humor.  Brings up important point that politics should not be boring, it affects everyone every day with their decisions.

"I am Not Your Negro" (2016) James Baldwin, articulate spokesman wrote the script many years ago and film adapted to his words.

"Control Room" (2004) focused on the Iraqi invasion as covered by Al Jazeera and referencing American media and state--Donald Rumsfeld (who lied about justification) said Al Jazeera was pounding flat out lies all day--realize edited to make points, but my experience with Al Jazeera is they make an honest attempt to be objective--they offend many Mid East governments--one of American military spokesman came to realize Al Jazeera is trying to do a job

"Putin Interviews" (2017) U.S supported Taliban against Russia  U.S. initiated Turkish missile sites that provoked Russia to put missiles in Cuba.  NATO supposedly not needed after collapse of Soviet Union, but missiles surround Russia.  Has sense of humor.  Ukraine, Georgia, Chechen  Snowden, Trump--denials and dubious justifications

"Escape from Extinction" (2020) focuses on the increasing animal extinctions.  It also attempts to shift criticisms of previous zoo practices to their efforts to curb extinctions.   It eased my guilty conscience a little bit.  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2021/10/escape-from-extinction.html

 

"Haida Modern" (2019)  Have been fascinated with the Haida nation since a news announcement from Pierre Trudeau.  Have a few prints on hand.  Robert Davidson was the focus (no relation). 

 

 

 

 

"The Game Changers"(2019) This film will tip me closer to veganism.  Athletes demonstrate that being a vegan can be a boost.  Doctors and scientists and archaeologists provide rational proof.  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2021/12/the-game-changers.html    

 

 

 For subtitled movies from around the world check out:   http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2021/12/enjoyable-subtitled-movies-seen-in-2021.html   Why should you bother with "foreign" films?  A different perspective--help you understand and appreciate.  Best of all because creativity is everywhere.they are enjoyable.  After awhile you will notice a lot of borrowing between cultures.  This year my top ones come from that list.

Ventilator, a serious movie with comic relief

We are all more familiar with the term "ventilator" than we were a few months ago.  It represents a life saving device or a desperate effort.  This Gujarti version of "Ventilator" is a remake of a Marathi original that I heard of a few years back because of the involvement of Priyanka Chopra.  I did not see that, but bought an iTunes song from it.

It is listed as a comedy and drama, but I would say the comedy is of the relief type as the drama is too heavy to dwell on, at least that is human nature.  A man's life is on the line and the family gathers.  We really don't see the man, but are intermittently reminded of him.  Much of the family is consumed with petty issues such as blocked up toilet sewage, a local religious festival with a last minute requested change, and malnourished coconut plants.  More seriously we become aware of family resentments, particularly between two sets of fathers and sons.

As death appears closer the eldest son is asked whether he wants to continue with the ventilator and at first he says no.  His sister resists and there is a bit of a feminist point made that ends up with a compromise to keep the ventilator plugged in for a few more hours.  Everyone seems to accept the decision, although not all are pleased.

The father-son conflicts become more apparent.  It hit me personally as it might other men.  For much of my youth I resented my father as he seemed to be the one stopping me from doing what I wanted to do.  I overlooked the many things he did for me, although as I became an adult I appreciated that he had his own problems and had made an effort to steer me in the right direction.  Cultural attitudes have changed and I realized my father did actually display his love in many small ways, but now days it would be much easier.  A theme of the movie was that a father's love is difficult to express and without saying, it meant in comparison to a mother's love.

The ending is not a big surprise, but I was caught off guard with a comparison to an incubator for a premature born baby.  Life is precarious at both ends and not to be taken for granted anywhere in between.  Set in India and having watched dozens of Bollywood movies I was expecting that there would be planning for the traditional first born son to light the funeral pyre for a cremation, but the talk seemed more modernized.

The film brought up organ donations and made the point that lives are saved.  I even learned it is possible to donate parts of the body I was unaware of.  I have signed a form inspired by a friend of my father in law who received a heart transplant and went on to outlive both my father-in-law and his own brother both of who spent a lot of time worrying about the imminent death.

A few notes about the movie production.   The comic aspects seemed annoying at times, but they were included perhaps to demonstrate how petty we all are a lot of the time.  It also set us up for an emotional reaction both to the family tensions and an imminent death.  In the end the viewer is left with some uplifted feelings.

Another interesting ploy was to use one family member as flying in from the United States with his young son.  The young son apparently only spoke English and asked some maybe unintentional probing questions that moved the story along and illustrated that immigration has a price.

The Gujarti language has produced few movies that have reached my attention, but this one borrowed two familiar Bollywood actors.  Apparently Jackie Shroff's first language is Gujarti, but this was his first in that language after a long successful career as a Bollywood, mostly action star.  Some of his films include, "Mission Kashmir" (2000), "Devdas" (2002),  "3 Deewarein" (2003) and "Dhoom 3" (2013).  He plays himself as an action movie star that even the relatives gawk over.  He shows an emotional depth as one of the resentful sons, but devoted to his relatives.

The other Bollywood loan was of Juhi Chawla in a somewhat comic cameo.  She did raise the feminist issue.  As a former Miss India she once played the romantic lead in a number of movies.   Her hits include "Yes Boss" (1997), "Duplicate" (1998),  "3 Deewarein" (2003) and "My Brother...Nikhil" ( 2005).  She formed a partnership with Shah Rukh Khah that led to Red Chillies Entertainment that was involved with this production.  Juhi does have a comic touch, but is also very good in mature roles.  Lately her talents seem to be used mostly in comic roles, although she had had some involvement as a producer and has selected some socially relevant roles.

First time director was Umang Vyas who had done some assistant directing and acting with Bollywood films.

Niren Bhatt was a co-writer that had done "Wrong Side Raju" (2016) a Gujarti film and a Bollywood movie I will be blogging about but haven't yet seen,"Bala" (2019)

Karan Vyas was also co-writer who has written and been associate director with"Wrong Side Raju" (2016), and "Made in China" (2019) a Bollywood production.

Lately I have found some of the regional movies have provided some of the best from India.  Some good examples would be "Peranbu" (2019) and "Dharala Prabhu" (2020) in Tamil and "Uyare" (2019) in Malayalam.

"The Sky is Pink" My top movie for 2019

If you are human  "The Sky is Pink" will definitely make you cry although you might try to hide it.  You will also laugh a lot.  You might even feel you understand the meaning of life a little bit better.  This movie crossed my radar a few months ago and I read as much as I could.  I was shocked that it seemed to have an ordinary IMDB rating and when I checked closer I noticed the vast majority of reviewers gave it a 10/10 with a few 9's--I will be a 9 on principle.

One criticism was that it was too long, but I didn't feel that way at all.  It held attention as it jumped back and forth in time.  Stay tuned for the very end.  The frame was different in that it started after the death of Aisha, the lead character who announced she would be narrating the story which focused as much on her parents.

Don't want to spoil the story, but you already know she dies.  She talks about her parent's sex life and their tensions.  Because of medical histories at one point it appears that the father was not the father of one of their three children.  Turned out to be a bureaucratic screw-up, but caused stress.  We learned of stresses before the birth of Aisha and she herself predicts the parents will argue after her death.  In the meantime there are a lot of the ups and downs (traveling between London and Delhi) of the family with a dying daughter.

At the end credits we are shown the real Chaudhary family and a speech by Ayesha that is very impactful (reportedly that Priyanka's husband, Nick Jonas cried).

For those worried about sub-titles, yes there are lots, but there is also a lot of English--they spend several years in London and as upper middle class people there is English in many of the scenes in India.

A key person in bringing this beautiful movie is Shonali Bose as director and writer.  At the end she left a note in the credits regarding her own son's tragic death.  Before she died Ayesha (changed to Aisha for the script) had seen the trailer of a movie, "Margarita with a Straw" (more of that in the link) a few dozen times, but the movie was not released before she died.  Her mother and father did see the movie and were very moved and chased down Shonali living in Los Angeles at the time and said they wanted her to do the movie version of the story.  Shonali had her own son die and it contributed to her divorce.  An earlier blog gives more details about Shonali's movie career: http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2015/09/shonali-bose-does-films-with-impact.html

The co-writer was Nilash Maniyar who had also co-written "Margarita with a Straw," but has been involved as a casting director and producer (including "The Sky is Pink").

Music was by Pritam Chakraborty.  He wrote music for "Jab We Met" (with one of the all time best romantic songs), "Barfi" "Dangal," "Ae Dil Hai Muskil," and "Life in a Metro" where you could see him actually performing.  My favorite male singer, Arijit Singh sings in two songs. The real son composed a song for his sister which is played during the credits.
 
Andrew Alderslade, the cinematographer has mostly done American films.  For this he traveled between London and Mumbai.  The viewer will see a variety of scenes, some quit impressive.Kartik Vivay was also a principle cinematographer.

Minas Mittal, the editor  had worked on "Detective Byomkesh Bakshy."

Priyanka Chopra played the mother Aditi and was also an executive producer.  In the year 2000 she won the titles of "Miss India" and "Miss World" and I would say maturity has added to her beauty.  She was the lead in an American tv series, "Quantico."  She married an American, Nick Jonas, but still combines Bollywood movies with American films.   Some of her standout movies include "Dil Dhadakne Do," "Barfi" "Don," "Don 2" and "Mary Kom."  She has also produced regional movies in Marathi, Nepali, Punjabi and "Bhojpuri.  She has also been involved as a volunteer for literacy and polio.


Farhan Akhtar played the father Nirvan and has a long history starting as a producer/director for "Dil Chatha Hai," with Aamir Khan, followed by "Lakshya" with Hrithik Roshan and "Don," another big budget film with Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra.  This past year produced "Gully Boy," a top movie.  He has been an actor in a number of good movies,  "Rock On,"(as a lead, singer), "Karthik Calling Karthik," "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag," and "Zindagi na Milegi Dobara" (directed by his sister Zoya).   He has also written scripts and dialogue and does most of his own singing.  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2011/11/farhan-akhtar-young-man-on-rise-in.html


Zara Wasim played Aisa and had been in two previous movies with Aamir Khan, "Dangal" and "Secret Superstar" where she played the lead.  Her spunkiness as actress and narrator developed the audience's buying into the story.








Rohat Sarat played Ishaan, the son.  He has been in a few notable films, "Dear Zindagi," "Hichki," and "What Will People Say" (in my subtitled best films for 2019).









My second favorite movie of the year is also from India, but not a Bollywood movie.  It is quite different but very engaging from the very beginning.  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2019/08/uyare-unexpected-gem.html

The bolded movie titles are just to indicate some familiarity of that particular movie.

REGIONAL FILMS FROM INDIA WELL WORTH VIEWING

Over a decade ago I stumbled on Bollywood and it seemed like a good match.  Loved much of the music and found the stories and actors interesting.  It was my dependence on subtitles that fooled me into thinking many regional language films were Bollywood (which speaks Hindi), when they weren't, although there certainly were links.  India is the world's top producing film country, but the numbers are greatly boosted from a rich regional industry.

When I first was investigating Bollywood I watched a Tamil movie with the music from what I thought was a Bollywood composer, A R Rahman.  "A Peck on the Cheek" was involved in the civil war in Sri Lanka, but the main characters were from India.  This was my first acquaintance with Mani Ratnam, Madhavan and Nandita Das who were all also Bollywood standards.  An award winner which I enjoyed and perhaps it even perked my interest in Bollywood.  Because of the setting I did realize it wasn't the usual Bollywood.  The concept of suicide bomber originated amongst Tamils in Sri Lanka and one is depicted in this about a young girl with the help of her adoptive parents (from India) searching for her birth parents in Sri Lanka.

Over a few years I saw a string of Tamil movies that I didn't realize were not Bollywood.  The unifying elements were Mani Ratnam, A R Rahman and Arvind Swamy who was the leading man.  "Roja" (1992) was the first and involved the Kashmir conflict; then "Bombay" (1995), although ended in Bombay started in Tamil area, "Sapnay" (1997) that had Kajol as leading lady and finally" Kadal" (2013) where Arvind played a priest trying to save an adolescent against an ex priest.  This last one had my number one iTunes song, "Nenjukkule" as sung by Shakthisree Gopalan.  Kajol is making another Tamil movie this time with Dhanush.

I had always associated A R Rahman as a Bollywood artist, but he was known as "the Maestro of Madras" -the former name of Chennai in Tamil Nadu state. He started with Tamil movies, and moved to Bollywood with some of my favorites, but has expanded to the UK and USA while not giving up southern Indian dialects.  He not only writes very popular music, but also sings and produces for other composers.

Shriya Sarin is one of my favorites anywhere.  She has not only appeared in English speaking roles, but also Canadian directed films, "Cooking with Stella" (2009) and "Midnight's Children"(2012).  I first saw her in "At the Other End of The Line" (2008) where she played a girl next door type, except she flew from India to California to stalk (with no bad intentions) a phone voice.  Intrigued I searched and found her in a Tamil film, "Kanthaswamy" (2009) where her role was sexy, but also bitchy.  More recently she appeared in one of my favorites, "Drishyam" (2015) in a key supporting role (see http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2015/11/driishyam-bollywood-remake-masterpiece.html "Drishyam" was originally Malayalam.  Recently Shriya finished a Telegu film to good reviews (not seen).  She got her first break in Telegu and has also acted in English, Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi--an example of multi-lingual actor

Rajinikanth established his reputation over a 100 movie career.  One I saw was "Sivaji" (2007) with Shriya as leading lady.  He was asked to get involved in a major endeavour involving photo realistic motion capture film (like what was seen in "Avatar").  His daughter Soundarya, a director  was heavily involved as was A R Rahman who eventually wrote the music.  It ended up in 2014 as "Kochadailyaan" with a cast that included Rajinikanth, Deepika Padukone and Jackie Shroff.  Presented in 6 languages:  Tamil, Hindi, Telegu, Bengali, Marathi and Punjabi.  Criticized on technical grounds, but praised for everything else.  It was a big step forward for Indian cinema in its technological progress.  I saw a demonstration of some of the motion capture before and after the story with the special features.

A younger star in Tamil films is Dhanush.  First saw him in"Aadukalam" (2001) an award winner with an odd topic. The hero was heavily involved in cock fighting.  I saw a feature that demonstrated what looked like vicious cock fighting was really CGI.   Later saw Dhanush in his first Bollywood film, "Raanjhanaa" (2013) opposite Sonam Kapoor.

"Interrogation" (2015) was India's nomination for an Oscar. About immigrants from another region being rounded up to confess to a crime to satisfy a corrupt police force that needed a confession.  Very well done and believable movie.  Watched on Netflix after a tip from a website, Access Bollywood.  Noticed Dhanush listed as producer.

"Sairat" (2016) first brought to my attention by a comment from Aamir Khan who highly recommended it.  Another new language for me--Marathi.  The music both for the background and for song and dance was very pleasant, Excellent, sometimes stunning cinematography.  Mood changes in second half  to grimly realistic with the two main actors showing a wide range of emotions.  The high caste girl can't cook and is sensitive to smells which causes conflict.  If you do not understand the caste system the ending will be a shock, but not so much if you do understand it; it was a shock for me.  The writer and director, Nagraj Manjule is very realistic and took a bit part.  The best of all films I have seen so far in January 2017.

Priyanka Chopra, famous in Bollywood and with "Quantico" formed a production company with her mother Madhu and they came out with a Punjabi movie (not seen).   I didn't see their Marathi "Ventilator" (2016), but bought a song from it recorded by Priyanka called "Baba."

Disney ventured into India and helped produce a Telegu movie, "Once Upon a Warrior," (2011) starring Shruti Haasan and was about a blind swordsman helping to restore justice to an ancient kingdom.

"Baahubali:  The Beginning" (2015) was a big Telegu block buster that took almost four years to complete.  We in the west don't usually realize it was not only Europe that had ancient history and this epic demonstrates civilization started in different places.   Lush scenery and large scale battles.  I had to wait until it was dubbed in Hindi with English subtitles.

"Eeaga" (2012) has to be one of the strangest movies to describe.  Before you dismiss it consider that it has an IMDB rating of 7.9 after over 13,000 voters.  It starts off like many movies as a love triangle, but soon one male kills another.  The dead male, is reincarnated as a housefly.  Improbable as it sounds he establishes contact with his lady love and seeks revenge.  Special effects are noteworthy.  Music by M.M. Keeravani who wrote music for a lot of Telegu films, but also some Bollywood ones.

When discussing Bengali some of the early classics were done by Satyajit Ray who is definitely non Bollywood.  He is recognized as one of the most artful director/writers on the world scene.  No song and dance routines for him, but look for character development, dialogue and camera angles.  I have watched "Aparajito"(1956), Pather Panchalli (1955) and "Charuklata" (1964), all black and white masterpieces.

As a Canadian it is amazing to me that languages I had not heard of until recently have more speakers than our population.  Telegu has 74 million, Tamil 72 million, Marathi 68 million and Urdu over 70 million.  This diversity is not only reflected in India itself, but also in the diaspora that has spread all over the world.  The movies help connect them.

There is a great overlapping of ideas and personnel between the regions and Bollywood.  Just like food from different parts of India.

SHAH RUKH KHAN, WORLD'S MOST FAMOUS ACTOR PART 1

In North America Shah Rukh Khan may not garner much attention, but in the rest of the world he is top of the movie world.  Not only is India the most prolific movie producing nation, they have made inroads in many foreign countries.  He can draw a massive crowd in most countries including United States and Canada.

I have enjoyed more of his movies to a greater degree than any other actor anywhere.  Shah Rukh Khan is above all charming and masculine  His acting ability seems mixed, but he has won his share of awards.  He has also been in his share of duds and has taken time to make commercially acceptable movies.  Having attracted a wide following he gets offered a lot of very good scripts supported by very talented crews.

My sister Rebecca liked "Devdas" (2004) so much she bought me a copy.  Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and also starring Aishawarya Rai and Madhuri Dixit.  A story of a man stopped from marrying his love by his wealthy father.  He self-destructs.  My sister knows me pretty well and this whetted my appetite.

"Kal Ho Na Ho" (2003) is the movie that expanded my fascination with Bollywood to an obsession.  Filming was started in Toronto, but the crew left for New York when the SARS scare happened, however you can spot some interesting local scenes.  I checked this out of the local library and was told it was "very sad."  It certainly was that, but in the beginning it seemed very juvenile like perhaps a stereotypical Bollywood movie.  That was just a big setup to make you feel guilty.  The main actors and most of the supporting cast were very good; Preity Zinta, Saif Ali Khan and Jaya Bhanali.  The music was also great from Shankar Ehsaan Loy.  If you really like good movies you will be reaching for a kleenex.  After this I looked for movies with Shah Rukh Khan.
  

"Swades" ( 2004) is my favourite.  He plays a NRI (Non Resident Indian).  He represents the successful Indian gone to the United States space program.  He misses his nanny and decides to go back to India in order to bring her to his American home.  Once there he encounters a lot of people who are envious and he offers to help them get to the States, however the romance in the story is a local teacher who won't move.  Eventually with his science and engineering skill he solves a common problem by providing electric power.  He is torn between doing something globally and scientifically significant in the United States or helping elevate the Indian people.  Directed and partly written by Ashutosh Gowariker with music by A. R. Rahman.  With many third world countries the non resident is a delicate issue with most understanding moving to opportunities while other capable people stick around.  Shot in the United States as well as India.  This was considered an artistic success, but not commercially.

"Kuch Kuch Hota Hai" (1998) saw Shah Rukh playing a father for the first time.  Kajol starts out as a tomboy friend who disappears when she realizes the more sophisticated Rani Mukerji attracts Shah Rukh.  As his wife, Rani dies.  Shah Rukh raises a young daughter with the help of his mother.  The daughter reads a letter from her mother telling her that her husband, the girl's father should seek out his old friend.  Lots of hokey moments, but a very stirring romance.  First time saw Salman Khan, in a cameo.  Directed by Karan Johar.  Some catchy melodies by the brother team Suleiman-Salim.  This movie started the appeal of Rani Mukerji and you can read more about her here:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2014/05/anupam-kher-actor-i-now-respect.html

"Khabie Kushi Khabie Gham" (2001) represented a clash with Amitabh Bachchan (who is very good as stern fathers amongst many other types).  Kajol plays the chosen one against the father's wishes (who wished for Rani Mukerji).  Scenes go from India to England and Wales and include a few shots from the pyramids for effect.  Directed and written by Karan Johar as a well produced family drama.

"Khabie Alvida Naa Kehna" (2006) is quite the soap opera.  Shah Rukh is married to Preity Zinta, but soon wants Rani Mukerji who is married to Abischek Bachchan.  A lot of shifting around and lot of anguish, but some really good music by Shankar Ehsaan Loy.  Directed and written by Karan Johar.  Set in the U.S., filmed in Philadelphia and Jersey City.

"Paheli" (2005) with Rani Mukerji again not commercially successful, but its fairy tale story was very slickly done with the pairing of the stars very satisfying.  Another of many movies supported by Anupam Kher and you can read more of him here;  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2014/05/anupam-kher-actor-i-now-respect.html

"Veer Zaara" (2004)  with Preity Zinta.  This time she is the Pakistani Muslim and he the Indian Hindu in a doomed romance.  He is thrown in jail for decades until rescued in time to reunite in old age.  Rani Mukerji plays a sharp lawyer that gets him released for a late in life happy ending.  Anupam Kher plays the mean prosecutor.  Directed by Yash Chopra.

In "Chakdei India" (2003) he coaches a girls field hockey team--as a  disgraced former international player.  His sin was not scoring at a critical point in a championship game against Pakistan.  Shah  Rukh is a Muslim and many of his roles portray him as one and in this movie he is thought to have betrayed India.  No romance, but a typical sports story very well done. Filmed in Australia as well as India.

"Don" (2006) was a revival of an old Bollywood film made famous with Amitabh Bachchan.  There were skeptics, but Shah Rukh played the dual role of the ordinary guy and the gangster very smoothly.  Priyanka Chopra played on the team chasing Don.  My favourite musical team of Shankar Ehsaan Loy provided the music.  There is a teasing relationship between Don and Priyanka who portrayed a very smart cop chasing him down.  Very spectacular stunts over the two films.  Don was filmed in Malayasia with the climax at the Petronas Twin Towers.  "Don 2" (2011) was shot starting in Malaysia, but shifted to Germany.  Farhan Akhtar directed both movies and wrote the scripts.  For more on Farhan Akhtar:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2011/11/farhan-akhtar-young-man-on-rise-in.html

"Om Shanti Om" (2007) launched Deepika Padukone.  Directed by Farah Khan who had originally been a choreographer very much favored by Shah Rukh.  He plays a dual role, first as a young man who gets involved in Bollywood, but is killed along with a woman he was infatuated with.  Thirty years later after re-birth he is again involved in Bollywood and slowly realizes the back story and seeks revenge.  Lots of complications.

"Rab ne Bana Di" (2008) launched another big star, Anushka Sharma.  At first Shah Rukh plays a bookish type of character who as a deathbed favour marries a girl much younger and active.  We all know Shah Rukh is very dynamic and soon he is masquerading as a dance partner for his wife who doesn't recognize him.  Eventually she is conflicted between her husband and this dynamic dancer.  He proves his love in his bookish avatar in a funny wrestling match.  Anushka emerged as a star in her own light.  For more on Anushka: http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2015/05/anuska-sharma-actess-on-rise.html

At this point I realize I have gone overboard on one actor, but in fact there is more I want to say, but will defer to another post.

Click here for Part 2: http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2016/06/shah-rukh-khan-worlds-most-famous-actor_23.html

The Bollywood Gender Gap and Culture

What makes you decide which movie to watch?  Of course some of us look at a lot of details, but for this post I am interested in whether the male lead or the female lead influences your decision.  Even this can be a bit difficult as many of us go as a couple and have to consider the opinion of our companion.  Even with same gender groups, decisions may partly be made by whether or not they are looking for the opposite sex or to affirm their own gender culture.

Most of us very definitely like to look at the opposite sex and the more attractive the better.  Men also  like to see what masculinity standards and which approaches to desirable women work.   Women also want to see what fashion (and behaviour) standards are important. Members of the LGBT community might spin things a little differently, but have a definite interest in gender issues.

With all that, it is fair to say that we are attracted to both male and female leads and roughly equally.  Strange to say that is not reflected in their pay.  Some reports regarding Bollywood point out that in the past the male lead has been paid as much as ten times what the female lead is paid.  Also there are more significant male roles in the film industry.

India, like many other cultures has a long history of male dominance.  Men are the ones with the aggressive hormones that lead to fighting and bossing.  And they have been the ones controlling the money.   With men dominating families in real life it was naturally reflected in films.  Not getting pregnant helps men develop leverage for salary negotiations, but really it is primarily their traditional position in families.

Negotiating for compensation for films can be complicated.  Seldom is it a straight fee, often it is a share of the profits with different calculations used.  Females are less inclined to accept share of box office receipts in lieu of a larger fee.  Both established actors and actresses can make a big part of their income from product endorsements.

Athletes were at one time demanding what seemed like large amounts of money and one of the rationalizations was that their careers were short and risky.  Actresses, particularly the ones whose avatar must reflect youthfulness and attractiveness are subject to a short big income career.  In India years ago it was taken for granted that when a woman gets married she retires from whatever work she was doing to concentrate on household duties..


Today more Indian women are working outside the home and more unmarried couples are attending movies as dates.  If a young man wants to make an impression he will have to consider what his prospective date would be attracted to.  Women want to see their lives reflected in what is shown on screen and this is starting to happen.

To me one of the reasons Western societies have gained prominence has been their willingness to give women more credit and more responsibility.  Getting the vote was a big breakthrough and so was their contributions to war efforts. Glamour is still important (to both sexes), but as women achieve more economic, social and political power they need to be represented by a wider range of activities. Women  in India are more visible in policing, the military, politics, business and even boxing.

Women consumers have enough clout that women centric movies are more common.  Examples include "Kahanni," "Queen," "Mary Kom," "Mardaani," and "English Vinglish."  There are still plenty of male oriented films with the women serving merely as props for the men, but there are changes there as well

Bollywood actresses are looking for something more meaningful than complementing the male lead.

Nandita Das has played her share of romantic roles, but has sought more meaningful roles--for my first awareness she played a gun toting rebel in "A Peck on the Cheek.." In " Provoked" had her playing an activist in a wife abuse case.   She has written and directed "Firaaq" concerning the aftermath of the Gujarti riots. She had had key roles in Canadian Deepa Metha's films "Earth" and "Fire" set in India. The latter film was very controversial with Nandita's role at the centre.

Juhi Chawla basically played romantic roles in her early career, but was smart enough to accumulate resources to get involved in film production and has produced four movies. Rani Mukerji (who recently married a producer), Vidya Balan (also married a producer), Kangana Ranaut and Priyanka Chopra have all had leading glamorous romantic roles, but have sought more meaningful roles and more money.  Deepika Padukone is supposed to have received bigger contracts in recognition that she does attract big audiences.

Mira Nair got started with documentaries and then in1988 directed and helped write "Salaam Bombay" which was nominated for the Oscar best foreign film.  She is most famous probably for "Monsoon Wedding"  I was very struck by "The Namesake."

Farah Khan was a noted choreographer for popular dance sequences.  Her ability to organize the most elaborate dance routines gave her the opportunity to direct "Main Hoon Na" and continues to direct big budget films.

Women directors are now receiving more opportunities and also getting involving in producing decisions.  Gauri Schinde, after doing ad commercials and short films made her feature "English Vinglish" in tribute to her mother who ran a home business and never spoke very good English as a sort of apology.  Sridevi made her comeback in this film.  It might be a step for female directors for women centric movies, but it might be a bigger step for them to direct big budget male oriented movies such as "Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara" directed and written by Zoya Akhtar.

As women direct and produce more films they will give the female perspective more emphasis.  As more consumers accept their critical importance to the success of a film (financially and artistically) they will get closer to pay equality.

As India achieves more gender equality it can create its own momentum.  Real life inspires movies and movies in turn inspire more dreams that reach towards reality.  There will always be gender differences (thank goodness), but it will be better for all when there is more gender equality.

KANGANA RANAUT, A BOLLYWOOD QUEEN

Researching through the international movie database, IMDB  Kangana Ranaut has appeared in a fair number of poorly rated movies in leading roles.  On the other hand after watching her in a few of her better acclaimed movies she shines through. There is some glamour about her, but also a wide range of emotions often displayed very subtly.

Actors do not always control their destiny.  Speculating I assume she was pushed into some roles to keep her career moving forward.  Being too selective might mean you are unemployed.

Her first movie was "Gangster" in 2006. which I have not seen, but is worth seeking as it is well rated.   In the same year "Woh Lamhe" was released where she played a schizophrenic actress
dealing with a controlling man.  She deteriorates under the pressure.

"Life in a Metro" came out in 2007 and to be honest when I first saw the movie I was not really conscious of her role, but re-visited and identify it as a difficult one playing the mistress of her boss who is married to her room-mate's sister and has suicidal tendencies.  She eventually finds true love with the main protagonist played by Sharmon Joshi who rented out his apartment for financial and career reasons.

"Fashion" was released in 2008 set in a competitive world of fashion models.  Priyanka Chopra led while again Kangana played a difficult rival with psychological problems.




"Once Upon a Time in Mumbai" Kangana plays a glamorous Bollywood star who mixes with a notorious gangster and handles it well.  Ajay Devgn is her leading man.  Released in 2010.
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 A comic role in "Tanu Weds Manu" with Madhavan playing a non resident Indian returning to find a bride. As you might expect she is difficult to pin down.

"Queen" came out in 2014 and what a change.  Kangana is de-glamorized and at the beginning her character is humiliated by a last minute rejection by Rajkummar Rao just before a scheduled wedding.  She decides to go through with the honeymoon travels and suffers the trials of an unsophisticated traveler in Europe.  She meets up with a group of odd characters in strange circumstances and grows. This has to be one of the most revenue generating movies for a women centric movie.  She is the big reason and will deserve the awards I expect her to win.  One of the more enjoyable movies of the year.

"Krrish 3" was  a high budget film that came out in 2013.  She plays an evil shape shifter, but steals the role of hero's wife and feels emotions never felt before.  Priyanka plays the wife to Hrithik Roshan (whose father wrote and directed the movie). 

A primary goal of every actor is to be selective, to perform in roles that are satisfying to oneself.  Kangana is headed that way and not only will she benefit, but so will her audience.