Films Seen in 2013: Top Ten

Which are my selections for the best films seen in 2013?
You must be wondering.
Let's see if my pick for the top ten movies this year matches yours.
Well, it's easy to guess my favorites because I have already spoken or written about them, be it here or on any of the virtual platforms for exchange of ideas, viz. Twitter, Facebook.

'ParaNorman'

Here's the Top Ten list of mine:

1. Amour (2012)
2. Prince Avalanche (2013)
3. Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012)
4. Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
5. The Master (2012)
6. The Fall (2006)
7. ParaNorman (2012)
8. Ship of Theseus (2012)
9. Shabdo (2013)
10. Shahid (2013) 

Films Seen in 2012: Top Ten

This year, the top ten films, chosen from among the ones I liked best, have something in common. It is for the readers to find out. It has not happened consciously, that I can swear. Maybe it had to do with my dominant mood. Or, maybe, it was because of the films themselves being real treats for a hardened movie buff like me. Or, maybe, it was a bit of both. After having seen so many films year after year, it is not easy for one to be still charmed or impressed by a film like a kid discovers something new. Yet, all these films (and a few more, actually) have been able to make me feel like a kid. I laughed, I cried, I cheered, I chuckled, and did a whole lot more. I have grown fond of them, having simply been overjoyed at the innate goodness that lay in the heart of the protagonists; rediscovering humanity; reaffirming my faith in my fellow-mates; recharging my batteries; even reviving my oft-battered soul. I hope my readers will warm up to all of them, if they already haven't been lucky to see them, and share my madness and may they find all meaning in that very madness, in their own special way, and make themselves better attuned to life.

1) Le Gamin au vélo (The Kid with a Bike) (2011)

This French film directed by Belgian brothers Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne actually has a an emotionally enriching tale but the beautiful treatment is what makes it stand out. It says so much without actually saying out loud. The acting, the music, and the cinematography had me rooting for the film, and its central protagonist.

2) The Artist (2011)
Toasted at the Oscars, this film is one of the rarest gems that celebrates cinema, of the silent black-and-white era, and, essentially, celebrates life. The storyline of the silent-era star having a sweet romance with a young aspirant is laced with brilliant humor and pathos. It has its brilliant set-pieces orchestrating the rich dramatic crests and troughs and the two lead players, and the dog, are sure to win our hearts

3) Hugo (2011)
This is an incredibly lavish yet irresistibly endearing historical-adventure-drama-film - and it is in 3D. Martin Scorsese has definitely a made a masterpiece yet again, aided as much by Brian Selznick's novel as by the latest 3D technology. The film is gorgeously delightful, and is helmed by the performances of Asa Butterfield, Ben Kingsley, Chloë Grace Moretz, Christopher Lee, Jude Law, Emily Mortimer, Ray Winstone, and Sacha Baron Cohen.

4) Moonrise Kingdom (2012)
I was absolutely unprepared for the odd sweetness offered by this Wes Anderson film, which I saw near the fag end of the year. The story and the characters have a quaint, idyllic charm, and the eccentricities are so easy to relate to. More than the adult members of the cast, the usual prototypes used sparingly, it is the children - principally Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward - who steal the show. The production design, cinematography, and music are all top notch.

5) Life of Pi (2012)
A seemingly unfilmable novel, with a universally acclaimed philosophical premise, has been made into a visual masterpiece by And Lee and I do not have words to lavish praises on the end-result. It is simple yet profound; a breathtaking spectacle that offers a spiritual journey for every willing viewer.

6) Boy A (2007)
This 2007 British film was also chanced upon by me quite by chance. Andrew Garfield is a revelation in the title role. Peter Mullan is splendid as the rehabilitation worker showing empathy as well as dilemma. The premise is controversial, but the response generates introspection.

7) Biutiful (2010)
Javier Bardem could have been reason enough to find this film appealing. He is one of the best actors we have ever had, which he proves quite handsomely in this inspirational film directed by celebrated Mexican director Alejandro González Iñárritu. The film is beautiful, but heartwrenchingly so, much like life itself.

8) Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close (2011)
I stayed awake all night to see this film. I could not sleep a wink after the film ended, as I was too emotionally charged by its sentiments. It addresses something too intense and gripping, and is dramatic to the core, but that does not take away anything from the film's underlying strength, and the celebration of innocence, even when it is maligned.

9) Beginners (2010)
Heady and heartfelt, serious and funny, emotionally loaded but never over-the-top, wisely bereft of maudlin hues, this is one of the most life-affirming films made in recent times. Ewan McGregor and Christopher Plummer are a treat to watch.

10) Cosmopolis (2012)
Coming from David Cronenberg, this film does not really shock us, but it makes us chuckle at the queer probity displayed by the maker with opulent confidence in his craft. The terrific theme deals with vacuous soullessness that threatens to plague us in an unthinkable manner, and few could have portrayed the wasted stance better than Robert Pattinson, surely my favorite.

The selection and ranking has been based on personal preference 

taking into account the 200+ films viewed - be it on the big screen or on video. 

Pics courtesy: Google Images 

[The year in brackets indicates the year of release and/or making] 

Wanna Speak vs Don't Wanna Speak

If you have a chance to express yourself,

to speak your mind, to get listened to,

you should grab it with both arms, grab the chance to speak.

That seems to be the age-old wisdom,

and it's even the street-smart funda that helps

one create a space for oneself, get one noticed and accounted for.

But the big question is: Do we always want to speak?

Do we take refuge in silences, or in partial utterances?

Do we deliberately speak in an ambiguous tone?

Do we obfuscate our communication?

What makes us grapple with the dilemma - To-speak or Not-to-speak?

There are times when I feel

I need to renew my spirit,

gather my strength,

and make myself heard for not only

selfish reasons, but for a greater cause.

But, then I wonder

if it is more important to make some noise,

some flutter, some unrest,

and perhaps some upsets,

than to contemplate,

meditate,

let my mind wander beyond the immediate,

relax, ponder, and come to terms

within.

A small flower, a tiny crystal,

or a seashell can make more sense

than the best of words uttered by us.

Words are, after all, just words.

Things happen all the time,

in silences, and amidst noises,

and even in the cosmic harmony

and divine melodies which need not be

planned or prepared for......

whether I speak or I embalm my

expression in a prolonged silence

I do need to lose, and subsequently,

find myself again and again.

The Year That Was

2011...... the year that was

It's been more than two weeks into the new year.

Yet, I think it is the right time to look back

into the year that was.

2011 has been good and bad for a lot of things

- for me, personally speaking.

I lost my father last year, and

that's something that's left a deep void, within.

The year was quite traumatic for me at times.

I found it difficult to cope with

many changes on the personal front.

There were a lot of negative feelings

that were generated.

Some spilled over...... some I tried to hold in.

Relationships underwent a sea-change.

However, once I got over the immediacy,

I could understand my feelings better,

I could diffuse some of the tension that had

built up inside of me.

I could even calmly look back

and act sanely.

Well, I know that our feelings, as tools,

can serve us well, only if the crystallize

naturally, and if we have someone to share

them with. The trick is to express ourselves

and be heard...... and it's this very trick

that I fail to master....... maybe I have

been making all the wrong choices all along

and crying my lungs out for help to

all the wrong persons!

Coming to the city of Kolkata,

my city, my El Dorado, the year 2011

was positively special for Mamata Banerjee,

Messi, and Dhanush.

Mamata Banerjee came to power in West Bengal,

and has been ruling the roost, seated at the Writer's

Building, and enjoying the support of Kolkatans

immensely.

Messi and Dhanush won our hearts

with football-fever and music-mania

respectively, like never before.

It was a dream come true for soccer-crazy

Kolkatans when Messi came to the city

to play. I could not be at the Salt Lake Stadium

to witness the game first hand, but the palpable

excitement trickled down no doubt.

Dhanush came to conquer Kolkatans' hearts

at the fag end of the year. His Kolaveri di

had already gripped the entire nation,

and I can say that I have never seen

the people of my city to be so unreasonably

obsessed with a song - a song which has

truly crossed over - not since the Hassan

Jahangir rage, or the Altaf Raja craze,

or, to a lesser extent, the Dayal baba

kala khaba phenomenon.

Numerous spoofs and parodies have

followed. Which reasserts the song's

unique appeal.

Last year, Kolkata also witnessed

tragedies of great proportions,

the AMRI fire claiming the lives of

helpless patients being the worst.

Early last year, my dad had been admitted

to the same nursing facility and hence

the place has had a special place in my

quota of memories.

In 2011, apart from losing my dad,

a dear one snapped ties with me,

after seven long years of a lovely

relationship.

I also happened to befriend a very

special person. And it is a unique sort

of a bond that I am cherishing, I'm loving

it in all its uniqueness and warmth.

It is this very person who has said

these special words:

Life is like a book, a memoir.....

you experience, you treasure

the special moments, or you

simply disengage yourself from

the difficult ones, and move on.....

It is indeed very hard, and I know that clinging on does not

help at all. I need to find myself and keep moving......

I cannot afford to stand or stoop, hover around or hanker.....

It is indeed very hard, and I know that clinging on does not

help at all. I need to find myself and keep moving......

I cannot afford to stand or stoop, hover around or hanker.....

I need to look at the road ahead......

there are maybe a few paces left of the distant run,

but those paces better be resolute and brisk,

the it's better to be equipped with confidence,

if not luck; may I indulge my foolish zeal if poorly

equipped to take a calculated risk.

Unlike an old acquaintance who simply wishes that I write a new chapter,

have a new beginning, I would even like to look ahead for the joy

of rewriting some old chapters, reinterpreting life, reinterpreting

my dreams, dream anew. I live because I dream, and I dream because

I am still alive. Yes, I am alive to the opportunity of adding on not just new chapters but maybe a new old story, if not a whole new story.

Films Seen in 2011: Top Ten

1. A Serious Man [2009]

2. The King's Speech [2010]

3. Black Swan [2010]

4. Blue Valentine [2010]

5. The Savages [2007]

6. Kick-Ass [2010]

7. Dhobi Ghat (Mumbai Diaries) [2011]

8. That Girl in Yellow Boots [2011]

9. Aami Aadu (Sound of Love) [2011]

10. G**du (Loser) [2010]

The selection and ranking has been based on personal preference

taking into account the 200+ films viewed - be it on the big screen or on video.

Pics courtesy: Google Images

[The year in brackets indicates the year of release and/or making]

Best of Hindi Cinema

Here's a listing of one hundred favorite Hindi films of mine:
[I have tried my level best to order them chronologically, based on the year of release - inadvertent historicity bloopers be excused]

1. Awara (1951)

2. Devdas (1955)

3. Jagte Raho (1956)

4. Naya Daur (1957)

5. Mother India (1957)

6. Do Ankhen Barah Haath (1958)

7. Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958)

8. Kaagaz Ke Phool (1959)

9. Kanoon (1960)

10. Mughal-e-Azam (1960)

11. Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (1962)

12. Bandini (1963)

13. Yaadein (1964)

14. Guide (1965)

15. Teesri Kasam (1966)

16. Bhuvan Shome (1969)

17. Mera Naam Joker (1970)

18. Anand (1971)

19. Reshma Aur Shera (1972)

20. Pakeezah (1972)

21. Piya Ka Ghar (1972)

22. Saudagar (1973)

23. Achanak (1973)

24. Garm Hava (1973)

25. Ankur (1974)

26. Avishkaar (1974)

27. Deewar (1975)

28. Sholay (1975)

29. Chhoti Si Baat (1975)

30. Mrigaya (1976)

31. Manthan (1976)

32. Kinara (1977)

33. Shatranj Ke Khiladi (1977)

34. Bhumika (1977)

35. Kitaab (1977)

36. Gaman (1978)

37. Junoon (1978)

38. Golmaal (1979)

39. Chakra (1981)

40. Chashme Buddoor (1981)

41. Umrao Jaan (1981)

42. Arth (1982)

43. Sadma (1983)

44. Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro (1983)

45. Katha (1983)

46. Mandi (1983)

47. Saaransh (1984)

48. Holi (1984)

49. Party (1984)

50. Utsav (1984)

51. Paar (1984)

52. Mirch Masala (1985)

53. Saagar (1985)

54. Damul (1985)

55. Ijaazat (1987)

56. Yateem (1988)

57. Salim Langde Pe Mat Ro (1989)

58. Raakh (1989)


59. Nazar (1989)

60. Kasba (1990)

61. Prahaar (1991)

62. Rudaali (1993)

63. Maya Memsaab (1993)

64. Bandit Queen (1994)

65. Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge (1995)

66. Daayra (1996)

67. Khamoshi: Sangeetmay (1996)

68. Dil Se (1998)

69. 1947: Earth (1998)

70. Satya (1998)

71. Rockford (1999)

72. Hera Pheri (2000)

73. Lagaan (2001)

74. Dil Chahta Hai (2001)

75. Chandni Bar (2001)

76. Jhankaar Beats (2003)

77. Black Friday (2004)

78. Maqbool (2004)

79. Raincoat (2004)

80. Iqbal (2005)

81. Sarkar (2005)

82. Main, Meri Patni... Aur Woh! (2005)

83. Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi (2005)

84. Rang De Basanti (2006)

85. Kabul Express (2006)

86. Khosla Ka Ghosla (2006)

87. Johnny Gaddar (2007)

88. Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd (2007)

89. Chak De! India (2007)

90. Jab We Met (2007)

91. Rock On!! (2008)

92. Firaaq (2008)

93. Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na (2008)

94. Wake Up Sid (2009)

95. Dev.D (2009)

96. 3 Idiots (2009)

97. Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year (2009)

98. Love, Sex Aur Dhokha (2010)

99. Udaan (2010)

100. Peepli Live (2010)

A tête-à-tête with Shoaib Ibrahim

Shoaib is one of my very first e-friends.
We befriended on Orkut, and now we are pals on Facebook as well, and even though our interactions haven't been too regular in all these years, he has always come across as unassuming, friendly and responsive. He has been pursuing a career in modelling rather seriously, and, to be very honest, his natural charm would easily appeal to anyone who vibes with him. Contrary to the narcissistic froppery and snootiness that some male models are known for, Shoaib is an easy-going lad. Here, for the readers of my blog, I have had a candid chat with him, essentially on his modelling dreams and pursuits:

Hi Shoaib, first, I would like to know about your initiation into modelling..... how did it all start?

My sister, who is also a fashion designer, and my brother ....they both saw the potential in me and encouraged me to get into this and made sure that I had my portfolio done..... that was how it all started.

Tell me, who inspired you?

None other than Salman Khan....

Really? That's interesting.

Ya, I have always looked up to him as my role model... I really like his style, his charisma, his acting, everything about him, and have always wanted to do the same... You can say, I am a die-hard fan of Salman Khan.


Did you have any mentor or guide to help you groom as a professional model?

No, I think you don't need any grooming as such. You develop the spark within, that inner strength of yours on your own.... with your inner confidence you are the one who can actually change yourself.

That's true, but what do you think are the pre-requisites for a successful model, apart from the natural good looks which you are blessed with?

Hard-Work , a positive attitude, focus and patience - these are the key factors for one's success in any field, and modelling is no exception.

Do you love to function more as a ramp-model, or for television commercials or for the print medium, any preferences?

Ohh.... I enjoy all of them so no personal preferences as such.

When you are on your own, what are most comfortable in?

My denims and a cool t-shirt.

That's cool! Buddy, would you say male models have more competition than female models? I mean, are the opportunities less?

Well, I don't think so. As far as I am concerned, I have never felt that kind of insecurity, and I truly believe that one should be his own toughest competitor.

Any personal favorites or idols amongst the male models, who you look up to?

Yeah.... Shawar Ali Bhai.

I think, he has been one of the most successful male models from India, in the league of Milind Soman, Arjun Rampal, Dino Morea, and Zulfi Syed.

True. Plus, he has been around for so long!

Yes. Now, would you like to share some interesting/funny/bizarre experiences as a model?

Every moment in this field is interesting, every shoot, every assignment comes with its own share of excitement.... so, nothing in particular.

Many think that modelling as a career option is not so lucrative despite the quick bucks and the glamour, as the shelf-life of a model is quite small. Would you agree?

Yes, you can say that if you want to limit yourself only to this as a career.

You are quite accomplished even academically, as you are a dentist as well.....

Well, even if one wants to diversify in showbiz, one can easily move into films and television. So, it all depends upon the thinking and the determination of an individual to make it big. This is the way it is ... I mean, one does require to look beyond and move on in life, one should always look for betterment. Hence, to remain in the limelight for a greater span, one cannot afford to limit one's growth as just a model.

I agree. By the way, talking of films, do you find a bias amongst film-directors who are of the view that male models are too vain to emote comfortably in front of the camera?

Actually, I have a different opinion on this. Such a generalization would not be proper. I can tell you that I have seen the perspective vary from individual to individual. I won't say that there's a general reservation on the part of the directors to use model-turned actors.

Finally, tell me what you look forward to achieving in the future, any special dream or aspiration that you'd like to share with my readers?

Hahaha.... my future plan.... rather, my only dream is to get into films and to become successful actor eventually.

Okay.... that's superb! Here's wishing you all the best. May all your dreams come true, and may you have a contented life, buddy.

Elizabeth Taylor - the legend

Elizabeth Taylor has passed away yesterday, but she lives and breathes in her films, in all her stunning portrayals, she lives in the hearts of all cine-buffs.

Elizabeth Taylor (February 27, 1932 - March 23, 2011)

(in 'National Velvet')

She was the ultimate Hollywood beauty.

There shall never be another Liz Taylor.

(in, and as, 'Cleopatra')

(with James Dean in 'Giant')

(My favorite screen couple: Liz and Paul Newman)

(with Michael Jackson - may their souls rest in peace)

Films Seen in 2010: Top Ten - and more

As the year 2010 comes to a close, here's looking back at all the films seen, be it on television, on home video, or in theaters, and, as per tradition, I offer my readers a selection of the very BEST from amongst them.
The Top Ten films are as follows, ordered according to personal preference:
1) Mr Nobody (2009)

2) A Single Man (2009)

3) Wonder Boys (2000)

4) Udaan (2010)

5) Peepli Live (2010)

6) The Kids Are All Right (2010)

7) The Social Network (2010)

8) Les Roseaux Sauvages / Wild Reeds (1994)

9) The Hurt Locker (2008)

10) The Wings of the Dove (1997)


As I have seen 300 films the whole year, the above listing required some deliberation and some re-appraisals. However, there were so many exceptional and interesting films that comprised my movie viewing experience this year that it would be sinful not to doff my hat to some of those films. Hence, I would love to have them randomly culled from memory. I am sure some of my readers would settle for many of them in their own listings, and I would be more than happy if they do. I thoroughly enjoyed watching them. And, here, they all get a special mention:
Inception,
Normal,
Bolt,
Love Sex Aur Dhokha,
Arekti Premer Galpo/ Just Another Love Story,
Little Children,
Crazy Heart,
Up,
All the King's Men,
An Education,
Good Dick,
The Private Lives of Pippa Lee,
Assassination of a High School President,
Final Destination,
Clerk,
The Freshman,
The Wendell Baker Story,
Abohoman,
Ishqiya,
Havoc,
Dorian Gray,
Breaking the Waves,
The Men Who Stare at Goats,
Alice,
Confessions of a Shopaholic,
My Beautiful Laundrette,
The Time Traveller's Wife,
The Lovely Bones,
Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge,
The Other Boleyn Girl,
Were the World Mine,
Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day,
Alice in Wonderland,
Precious,
Deception,
Elegy,
Well Done Abba,
Can't Think Straight,
The World Unseen,
Little Ashes,
Pankh,
The Japanese Wife,
Romance and Cigarettes,
The Imagination of Doctor Parnassus,
Twelve and Holding,
Mumford,
Creation,
Becoming Jane,
Control,
Bombay Talkie,
the Open Road,
Ambulancen,
G. I. Jane,
Up in the Air,
Last Life in the Universe,
Shutter Island,
Brothers,
Gone Baby Gone,
2046,
Me & Orson Welles,
Blindness,
Room to Rent,
Never Been Kissed,
Shrek Forever After,
The Draughtsman's Contract,
Step Up,
Half Nelson,
The Indian Runner,
Hotel Rwanda,
Exam,
Gerry,
You Can Count on Me,
Rumble Fish,
Penelope,
I Love You Phillip Morris,
It's Complicated,
Rails and Ties,
Grey Gardens,
Newcastle,
Killers,
Tere Bin Laden,
Incendiary,
I've Loved You So Long,
Shukno Lanka,
Pineapple Express,
Athadu,
Coraline,
Greenberg,
My One and Only,
The Brothers Bloom,
Paris, je t'aime/ Paris,
The Informant,
Hollywoodland,
The Boy in Striped Pajamas,
Y Tu Mama Tambien,
Los Abrazos Rotos,
Peacock,
Aashayein,
Lafangey Parindey,
Nowhere Boy,
Bin Jip/ 3 Iron,
Smart People,
The Witches of Eastwick,
Big Bang Love - Juvenile A,
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs,
Frozen,
Knight & Day,
Get Him to the Greek,
Bully,
The Dreamers,
The Boys Are Back,
Autograph,
Zwartboek / Black Book,
Eat Pray Love,
Do Dooni Chaar,
Despicable Me,
Mahanagar@Kolkata,
Chatroom,
Angus, Thongs & Perfect Snogging,
The Boat That Rocked,
Fifty Dead Men Walking,
Band Baaja Baaraat,
The Town,
Moner Manush,
Phas Gaye Re Obama,
Marley and Me,
Mirch,
Head-On/ Gegen Die Wand,
District 9
and
Donnie Darko.

'Donnie Darko'

Happy movie viewing in the coming years, friends. Long live cinema, and the magic of cinema!
Wishing all a Happy New Year in advance!