Some cinematic reccos for y’all
In the 20th century, they told us not to believe everything we read. In the 21st century, we mustn’t believe everything we watch. Of course, this conjecture doesn’t apply to cinema. All the categories and subcategories of commercial entertainment don’t have to carry the cross of propaganda. Fortunately. It’s a personal transaction between the makers of films and their (exponential) consumers. Let’s say, I watch something, via whichever platform, and I make some noise—positive or negative — on whichever platform, the film lives on. And that’s how cinema is bound to thrive in an era congested by too much content and too little perspective.
2019 was a very good year for cinema per se and I should have done better. But the truth is, I didn’t consume to my usual standards. From watching over 20 films in a week in 2009, I’ve tapered down to less than 5 a week. But to my credit, I am keeping up with the trends. Earlier, I ignored the popular recommendations with a smugness best resigned to youthful follies. As of now, I care about what’s going on in the world of Netflix, Prime, Hotstar, etc. — maybe I am finally embracing the future of cinema. There is no point being nostalgic about finding torrents in 2005 when the game-changers have owned the game of calling dibs on entertainment.
Anyway, irrespective of many distractions, I did enjoy some good stuff this year and here are a few of them. In my book, life is too short to watch movies with IMDb rating less than 6.5 stars. So, check if you have watched the following or not yet.
Film: Leave No Trace (2018)
Verdict: Every once in a while, we harbour crazy thoughts of abandoning the society and moving to the hills or into the woods. This story features a man who exactly does that and what it means to his relationship with his beloved daughter.
Film: Bird Box (2018)
Verdict: When memes float, reviews take a backseat. However, I thought this was quite an ominous treat with mini-stories embedded around birds (nature), truth (existentialism) and care (society). Also, a shout-out to the greatest boat of all time.
Film: Brexit: The Uncivil War (2019).
Verdict: Would a movie about propaganda be a propaganda movie too? To learn the answer, do watch this meticulously built film on one of the most momentous events of the decade. Gives you a better understanding of what Taleb meant by ‘skin in the game’.
Film: Capernaum (2018)
Verdict: Nothing, absolutely nothing, can prepare for this once-in-a-lifetime performance by a boy who has never acted in a film before. He emotes better than a majority of those who call themselves professional actors. Just watch it.
Film: At Eternity’s Gate (2018)
Verdict: Willem Dafoe might have portrayed Jesus in Martin Scorsese’s The Last Temptation of Christ (1988) but he literally resurrects Vincent van Gogh here by single-handedly bringing back the mad genius to life on celluloid.
Series: Sex Education (2018)
Verdict: Contrary to its title, this one turned out to be highly enjoyable. It deals with issues beyond the obvious puberty-related drivel. Proving once again that mature writing doesn’t have to compromise on humour.
Film: The Wild Pear Tree (2018)
Verdict: If you have the patience to sit for more than 3 hours in front of the screen, then go for it. But the reward lies in the wistful absorption of the visuals, not to forget the insightful conversations about relationships and actions. This is less of a movie and more of a therapy.
Film: Period. End of Sentence. (2018)
Verdict: Got 25 minutes? Watch this Oscar-winning short documentary. The urban lot love differentiating themselves from the rural lot but this film features an important change in a village not very far away from Delhi. Changes your viewpoint on social change in India.
Film: Free Solo (2018)
Verdict: Remember that mountain climbing scene featuring Tom Cruise in the prologue to Mission: Impossible 2 (2000)? Wasn’t that epic? If yes, how about a guy who does it for real on the toughest mountain wall for the first time in history? Say hello to Alex Honnold.
Film: Border (2018)
Verdict: If you thought Let the Right One In (2008) was bizarrely brilliant, wait till you go through this Swedish presentation. Very mythical and yet so real. Do watch it for its relevant message on fear and scorn of the unknown.
Film: Shoplifters (2018)
Verdict: One of those movies you watch and then ponder about for days to come with questions like — What is love? What is family? What is childhood? Etc. A major props to the underage protagonists who hit you hard.
Series: BBC’s Dynasties (2018)
Verdict: Take a break and relish this beaut of a documentary. 5 episodes, narrated by the heavenly David Attenborough, with absolutely mad brilliant cinematography and storytelling. Like the old man keeps highlighting in his interviews, the credit goes to the nameless folks who work behind those patient cameras.
Film: Paddleton (2019)
Verdict: Let’s hope we all have at least one friend who would understand our cry for help when nobody else would bother. Paddleton explores such a warm friendship between two unassuming characters.
Series: After Life (2019)
Verdict: You either love Ricky Gervais or you hate him. Indifference doesn’t apply to him and with this series, he thickens his hold on his fans. I don’t remember watching a more a soothing exercise in grief that follows the loss of a loved one. Only 6 episodes.
Series: Downton Abbey (2010–15)
Verdict: For somebody who didn’t care two hoots about English aristocracy (other than the fact that they own one-third of the land in England even today), I’ve come a long way thanks to this marvelous take on a family stuck between the decline of refined empire and the steep rise of modernity. The high point of this show is the sharp writing conveyed through short witty exchanges and unexpected twists in plots.
Film: Vice (2018)
Verdict: War and lies go hand in hand, don’t they? This biopic follows the manipulative trails of Bush Era and reminds us once again that there is nothing Christian Bale can’t/won’t do to fit into the character he plays on the big screen. It’d be a miracle if he remembers who he really is anymore.
Film: Ronnie Coleman: The King (2018)
Verdict: Coleman was Mr. Olympia 8 times and in the process, raised the bar — no pun intended — for bodybuilding. However, he physically suffered a LOT and this documentary gives us a peek in to the pain that goes into making a champion.
Series: Losers (2019)
Verdict: Everybody wants to win but what about those who don’t? Contrary to what sports wants us to believe today, winning isn’t everything. Participation is and more importantly, giving in your best. Watch the 8 episodes of this series to admire those who almost made it. By the end, you’ll google Surya Bonaly to know more about her.
Series: Love, Death & Robots (2019)
Verdict: If the future is anything like the one depicted in this wonderful future-enema, I’d be mighty scared. Nonetheless, it’s a fascinating watch as well as a grim reminder that cats will outlast all other species.
Series: Our Planet (2019)
Verdict: You’ll be ultra-amazed by everything you’ll watch here, even the stuff you had a faint idea of before. Also, you’ll keep wondering throughout — “How did they get THAT shot?”
Film: The Panama Papers (2018)
Verdict: Ever wondered why the greatest leak in the history of data journalism fizzled out way too soon from public memory? Do watch this for a clue.
Film: On the Basis of Sex (2018)
Verdict: Our society, and women in particular, have come a long way. But this didn’t occur overnight. The struggle has been intense. Watch this real-life legal drama for one such compelling piece of history.
Series: Norsemen (2016)
Verdict: Uniquely funny as this Scandinavian comedy pushes the borders of jargon in each episode.
Film: Photograph (2019)
Verdict: You love Mumbai? Yes? You’ll love this movie. That’s all.
Film: Arctic (2018)
Verdict: This is to tundra what Cast Away (2000) was to island and All is Lost (2013) to sea. Oh yes, there is a polar bear in there too.
Film: The Gatekeepers (2012)
Verdict: There are many reasons why Israel still exists as a nation and this documentary showcases one segment of what we can call ‘gatekeepers’ and it’s amazing how ridiculous candid they are in their assertion. Also, is there anything Israeli Intelligence not capable of? A lesson in anger, fear, tactics and strategy.
Series: Chernobyl (2019)
Verdict: An unmissable piece of art, loosely based on true events. Centered around a massive accident, it teaches us how arrogant mistakes and state secrecy feed each other. Every frame is a piece of mastery here and each dialogue hits you.
Special: Strange Times (2018)
Verdict: Turns out Joe Rogan is quite an entertainer when he is not podcasting world-famous personalities. Just like on YouTube, he says whatever the fuck he wants but makes sense. Hilarious stuff.
Film: A Dog’s Journey (2019)
Verdict: All dog lovers must watch this. There are no two ways about it. And while you are at it, go for The Art of Racing in the Rain (2019) too. You won’t regret either. And no need to thank me later.
Film: Pavarotti (2019)
Verdict: If you are one of those who know who Pavarotti was but don’t have an idea why is he celebrated, this documentary is for you. Directed by Ron Howard, it follows a heavenly voice and a vibrant personality.
Film: Ailo’s Journey (2018)
Verdict: Believe it or not, they actually follow a reindeer from its birth through an entire season as it traverses across the snow-covered Lapland. Breathtakingly close to nature.
Film: My Life as a Dog (1985)
Verdict: A story seen through an adventurous boy’s eyes. Take it from me, this is one of those films that remains with you for a long, long time.
Film: The Art of Self-Defense (2019)
Verdict: It’s difficult to figure out whether this is the most karate film ever or the most anti-karate film ever. However, if you are a Jesse Eisenberg fan, you’ll finally watch a movie where he breaks the Jesse Eisenberg mould and does something differently, although briefly.
Film: The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019)
Verdict: I must admit that I can’t stand Shia LaBeouf and I can’t have enough of Dakota Johnson. That said, both assemble here for a story you won’t forget. It’s the kind of journey movie Imtiaz Ali would direct. A heartwarming tearjerker.
Film: Bobby Robson: More than a Manager (2018)
Verdict: If you are a football fan, you MUST watch it because there are no managers today who aren’t influenced by this great man. If you aren’t a football fan, give it a try anyway. You might learn something new.
Film: Honeyland (2019)
Verdict: This film is to documentary genre what the NYT piece on Oudh royalty was to sustained intrigue. You’ll learn a lot about the struggles of those who don’t want to abandon the ‘old ways’ of their forefathers but are ruthlessly tugged by the modern call of our times. A thorough portrait of a stoic beekeeper from Macedonia.
