Sandeep 's World >> Movie Zone

This is a list I compiled a few years back and badly requires an update. Some of the movies like 'Bedazzled' or 'Maine Pyar Kiya' may not figure here, when I update the list and I would surely add something like 'Page 3'. I didnt include any malayalam movies even in this list, just b'coz I didnt want to put any language barrier here. But, some of them, especially some from 80's, like 'Thoovanathumbikal' or 'Oru Vadakan Veeragadha', should figure in a language impartial list!

The Matrix

Well ... this movie according to me is one of the greatest science fictions ever made. The kind of cynicism this virtual reality thriller pushes u into is shocking. It attacks the basic ego of the human beings in a grant way. The terrific jigsaw puzzle set up in the first half an hour is well explained later on.Starring Keenu Reeves, Lauence Fishbourne and Carrei Anne Moss, the movie is directed by Wachowski brothers Larry and Andy. Apart from the story line which infact puts u in depression, the movie has great special effects, ground breaking technologies like bullet speed action and above all loads of style.

Roja

This classic Tamil movie (later dubbed to Hindi and a few other languages) directed by Mani Ratnam deals with the love of a beautiful newly wed couple who gets entangled with the Kashmir issue. The movie is a wonderful blend of patriotism and romance, coupled with trend-setting music (A R Rehman's debut, penned by Vairamuthu) and commendable photography from Santhosh Sivan. Later dubbed into Hindi, it was a big hit in both the languages.

Life is beautiful

This movie puts u in a quandary whether to cry or smile. Set in the backdrops of the second world war and Holocaust, this evergreen classic uses comedy and humour to touch our hearts deeply. The movie is co written and directed by Roberto Benigni, who is also the lead character.

Dil chahtha Hai

This directorial debut of Farhan Akthar is one of the very few sensible Hindi films, which was bestowed with commercial succes as well (pardon me, since the list of films I've seen is not very big). The movie is about the friendship of Aakash, Siddharth and Sameer (portrayed by Aamir, Akshay Khanna and Saif). Set in a flamboyant, boisterous and ambience, what appealed to me most in this movie was the ease with which the director completed the love strories of all his heroes. Fine performances and foot tapping music adds to the movies charm.

A beautiful mind

Russel Crow's Oscar winning performance and a well written script defenitely stands out in this movie. The movie tells the real life story of John Nash, who fights schizophrenia, which in one stage threatens to destroy his life and career. With the loving support of his wife Alicia (played by Jennifer Connelly) he goes on to win the Nobel Prize.

Basic instinct

Catherine Trammel (played by Sharon Stone) is one of the steamiest and most sizzling characters ever produced by Hollywood. She plays a very rich writer of bloody stories whose life imitates her art a bit too closely. She becomes the chief suspect in a grisly murder investigated by Nick Curren (Michael Douglas) and then the plot thickens. The movie is directed by Paul Verhovan. Well ... I thought many times before putting this movie here ... sorry ladies ... but the movie is here in the list also because of an intriguing plot.

Rangeela

I see Rangeela as one of the trend setters in Bollywood, in terms of technology and music. This action packed movie without any action sequences (?) from Ram Gopal Verma sort of took boolywood by surprise. Beautifully picturised songs (tuned by A R Rehman), a nice climax and great performance from Aamir Khan is the main reason for the movie to be here. My reasons apart, the movie became a big commercial success due to Urmila Matondkar, beyond doubt.

10 things I hate about you

This teenage version of Shakespeare's "Taming of the Shrew" is fresh, sheer fun as the Stratford sisters - vapid, beautiful Bianca (Larisa Oleynik) and crass, ill-tempered Kat (Julia Stiles) - confront romance at Padua High School. Confounded by her father's strict rules, Bianca, a sophomore, knows she cannot date until her older sister, a senior, does so her wannabe boyfriend Cameron James (Josep Gordon Lewitt) bribes a sullen transfer student with an infamous reputation, Patrick Verona (Heath Ledger), to woo the notorious Kat. The best thing I liked about the movie is the arrogant cocky character of Patrick Verona and beauty with which his relationship with Kate is developed. And ofcourse some wonderful quotes. Couple of quotes from this movie are in Quotes 'n Lyrics page. After all who wants to see affection when U have blind hatred :)

Bedazzled

I havent seen the original version, but the 2000 version starring Brendan Frazer and Elizabeth Hurley is surely a nice comedy. Brendan Frazer plays Elliot Ness - a lonely techno nerd who will give a complex to most software engineers I know [that doesnt include me :)] by being so similar & stupid - who sells his soul to Satan in exchange of seven wishes. Frazer really impressed by stepping up to the demands of playing several distinct variations of his character. Elizabeth Hurley oozes screen presence as the vampy female manifestation of Satan.

Maine pyaar kiya

Dont know why I am putting this movie here. Almost a non-descript love story released during the deluge of love stories produced in 1980s, this movie was a big money grosser. I dont know why I liked this movie. Innocense imputed to the lead characters, pretty Bhaghyasree (she is still my first crush) or the nice songs (unfortunately I later found out that my favourite "Mere Rang Mein" is a direct lift of 'Final Countdown'). This is also one of the few movies in which I didnt hate Salman (Salman fans please excuse). The movie is the debut of Bhagyasree (her one and only noted movie), Salman and Sooraj Bharjatiya (who later came up with Hum Aap Kai Hai Kaun, triggering the family trend in Bollywood).