#English Film

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stills from road (1987) by alan clarke

[lafiguraentutapiz]

The Long Day Closes. Terence Davies. 1992

[nix-whythisfilm]

Movies to watch this Holiday Month

Films that somehow seemed to capture the spirit of a home

Abominable (2019)

A film by the Dreamworks Animation company, this movie is wholesome and much more. The story starts with a girl from an Asian household, little and quite rebellious. With nearly nothing comforting her in any way, we quickly see her working hard for something that she wants to save up for. At the same time, we see a creature, quite furry and obscure hiding in places and then coming to her roof, where she has a shrine for her father's belongings. What then ensues is a beautiful relationship between a girl and an incredible being.

With no idea of what the film would be about, this movie was enchanting and tear-jerking in a comforting way. The graphics are incredible with the music syncing beautifully with it all. A film that would appeal to children as well as people of all ages, this can be watched any day to spend time together. Mild spoiler, the song by Coldplay in this film feels absolutely beyond the world.

The Sky is Pink (2019)

Another favourite, this was incredible in the new generation of Bollywood films. With quite a bit of adult language and some sensitive topics being discussed in the film, it is a little delicate to watch it with little children. But otherwise, the film is based on the real-life of Aisha Chaudhary, diagnosed with health issues in her infancy, where we see her live her life and talk about love quite like she did as a motivational speaker. While it is easy for us to dismiss a person's lifestyle identifying them as sick or disabled, this little girl shows us how perspectives can be turned around to do anything you want.

With a touch of reality shrouded with cinematic entertainment, this film is a serious must-watch for anyone. The bonding this family has is everything anyone would wish for with little moments throughout the film that heals the soul. And with the actual brother of the protagonist having contributed his music for this film, it is entertaining and gives any individual something to ponder about.

Pan (2015)

We all know the story of Peterpan and Tinkerbell whisking Wendy to the Nevernever Land, away from the orphanage she was in. This film shows us the tale of Peter becoming a part of the Nevernever land, something outlandish and grimmer than imagined. This film shows us Peter picked from the orphanage by people trafficking people into a magical place where Blackbeard is ruling the land. Making new friends and looking for a mother who he never thought he would find, this film is full of beautiful graphics and an amazing storyline.

Having brought many things into the storyline compared to the original story, this film was not as received well by the cinema, and so became an underrated gem. With Hugh Jackman in a significant role, this tale is splendid for all audiences and a really good family watch. With fantasy creatures all over the story and endearing characters, it is a memorable watch.

Over the Moon (2020)

Featuring the story of a young girl who lost her mother due to an illness, this little girl sets out to build a rocket to go to the moon to meet a mystical goddess. With an unusual plot that doesn't make sense without the cultural background, this film is set in a Chinese household where they make mooncakes for a living. A loving father who adored her, FeiFei was still adamant and steadfast in finding the Moon Goddess to prove that she was, indeed, real. With so many challenges in her way with only her mind and will against it all, this story amazes anyone who has a conscience.

Sceptical to watching a random movie on an OTT platform, I thoroughly did not expect it to be sensitive and thought-provoking to people of all age groups. The film so delicately addresses depression, coping mechanisms and many more things that are still shamed in today's world. A tale of mythical fantasy and childish joy, this film appeals to children and anyone who enjoys a good animated film.

Naanu Nanna Kanasu (2010)

Put together over two decades ago, this Kannada film is beyond time and language barriers. A story about a father learning to deal with his daughter getting married to a man of another culture, it is entertaining and brings relevance to the tale. With Prakash Raj leading as the father, this film is hilarious and speaks of a story perceivable by anyone. A father's daughter as a child, now a grown woman making decisions beyond his imagination, this story shows us a tale that is universal amongst all parents.

Prakash Raj, known for his impeccable acting and quality performance, in this film brings out so many facets of his skills. A father through and through, his character questions her decisions, his worth in her life, and the seriousness of this entire situation. Set in a traditional house in Karnataka, this wedding about to happen is an experience to watch.

Hichki (2018)

A story of a woman stubborn in her ambition to be a teacher, it entails a tale of quirky students being mentored by a teacher with Tourette's syndrome. The world is against her for her ambition in being a teacher and is constantly being mansplained by everyone who interviews her, Rani Mukerjee has done an excellent job as Nina Mathur. Finding a role in an elite school she went attended as a student, this film takes us on a ride till the end.

A school with an obsession with elitism and high marks, and students being admitted with a change in educational policy, this school challenges the students of a different community to keep up with the world. With a narrative that is common to every student of this era and any teacher, this film is familiar and fun to watch at any time of the day. A wholesome story to connect with, this film was eccentric and unorthodox while setting standards.

777 Charlie (2022)

Another gem from the Kannada industry, this film is beyond any age restrictions and appealing to all. It is a story of a man and a dog getting attached beyond reason, and then experiencing a whole new world because of each other. A depressed man living day to day with no direction in his life and a young pup having travelled across cities only to settle outside his home to eat his leftover idlies. With a story that seems cliche and yet unique, this film takes us on a journey beyond our homes and our scepticism on how we can choose to love.

With the film still trending across television channels and OTT platforms, this film is available to watch over any weekend with friends or family. While I was excited that it was a Rakshith Shetty film, known for his style of acting and next-door boy charm, I was hesitant with anticipation to go on the emotional rollercoaster. And the film delivered it wondrously. With the stubborn pup being hell-bent on getting his affections and him being naturally dismissive of affection itself, this duo is enough to make any grown man cry.

Shaandaar (2015)

Not having run that well during its initial release, I believe this film became a cult classic with only selective crowds finding the appeal in its direction and narration. I would call it mildly underrated, even with many significant Bollywood actors due to the narration being highly romanticised, which is appealing to any imaginative individual. An orphan girl adopted into an extremely wealthy family, initially dismissed for her quirks, she develops close bonds with her sibling and her father. Fast forward to the present, the sibling is getting married when somehow Alia meets a man who is constantly competing with her father to prove himself.

With a quirky flair to the dialogues and imagined animation popping every few minutes, I find the film immensely visual and with a unique story. While the dynamic is common, something atypical is Alia Bhatt's character being an insomniac. Much like in fairytales her father would have promised to find her a guy who would make her sleep. While it is cliche, she ironically finds Shahid Kapoor's character is also an insomniac. It is a good watch for a mixed audience and makes for an entertaining time.

Godhi Banna Sadharana Mykattu (2016)

Ananth Nag and Rakshith Shetty are the leads for the film, which is a story of a workaholic son who is constantly mindless towards his father suffering from Alzheimer's. Having not expected much, with a film title that made no sense, this film is a highly enlightening watch. Between his work calls and regular visits, he loses his father right in front of his house. With no idea on where he could have gone, the son sets out to find him along with his father's daughter. As a mild spoiler, the title comes to light when it is the description used to find his father.

Starring numerous actors of high calibre, this film brings us a story from South India that feels extremely homely and cosy. With the visuals having been crafted very delicately to match each aesthetic, and the narration takes us on a journey on the person Ananth Nag's character was, this film makes us ponder on numerous things while also keeping us entirely engrossed and engaged.

English Vinglish (2012)

Made precisely a decade ago, this film was screened internationally and all over India. It stars Sridevi as the protagonist, a small-time caterer and a housewife in urban India. While her children went to a catholic school and her educated husband worked every day, it was common for them to dismiss her lack of knowledge and skills in English. As the story brings us a wedding scenario where she has to travel to New York to her niece's place, she is terrified of the prospect that she does not know how to communicate in English. This film shows us a perspective that most of us have overlooked easily and brings in a narrative that takes much courage and shows us the strength of this Indian woman.

Having read numerous articles regarding this film and written about it in a college essay, it was this film that woke me in several ways we patronize mothers and women in our household. While it isn't easy to admit, many of us dismiss the knowledge and experience that comes with a woman taking care of a home, much like the protagonist. The dialogues break our hearts, especially her perspective of the treatment pinches us in hidden ways. Gauri Shinde directed this film in dedication to her mother who was also a housewife with no knowledge of English. All in all, this movie is for all audiences, especially children so that they can be illuminated through this.

Instant Family (2018)

The story starts with a classic white couple having a wonderful marriage, travelling places and exploring hobbies. Until they finally acknowledge they have something missing in their lives. But instead of opting for a child of their own, they explore adoption or foster options where they choose Lizzy, who comes as a package with her two younger siblings. With barely any clue on how to be a parent, they welcome three children into their lives and home. But we all know that changes come with challenges. And hence starts their struggle to learn how to be a family.

This film, humorous by nature, has many notable details that make it unique while also challenging our perception of what a family should be. While we may initially laugh at how they all struggle to cope, we also see them being patient with each other and bonding over simple things that seem superficial sometimes. While the kids have moved from foster home to foster home and are inept at handling themselves, they struggle to let an adult take care of them. And while the couple thought it would be easy to manage children with their childhood memories to guide them, they slowly understand the perspective of the children that they brought home. It is insightful to watch this at any age and entertaining to any audience.

Night at the Museum (2006)

With a normal enough name as the film title, this film was brilliant and educated me in many ways when I was a child. The movie starts with a divorced father trying to find a stable job to meet his son regularly, who happens to chance upon the Museum of Natural History in need of a nightguard. With a simple job and three shoes to fill, he takes this job seriously with no idea of what would come next. Larry is terrified and astonished on the first night to discover that the museum comes to life every night to have its moments and breathe.

While the idea is refreshing, we see parts of history that are given a unique voice in this film, and it is also thoroughly entertaining and a classic for fantasy fiction lovers. Being nearly as old as my sibling, this film was a classic repeater on my favourite English movies channel on television. They screened it every week, and what's more, we watched it every time for how layered the story was. While the plot is simple, the story in itself is brilliant for the year it was made and the CGI that brought the imagination to life. With a fresh perspective on history and classic humour, this film is a splendid watch for anyone who likes a good time.

Vaah! Life Ho to aisi (2005)

Available to watch for free on Youtube and on Amazon Prime, this film is a throwback to two decades ago when values were different and so was the universal modern. The story starts with Adi being a part of a big family with his brother's kids to look after along with his older sibling and mother. Working alone for the household, he meets a girl that he quickly falls in love with and they decide to get married. All is going well when suddenly he dies in an accident and is then collected by a very modern-looking Yamraj, a lookalike of Sanjay Dutt. With his family in financial and fraud trouble, he is granted to help them out as long as he promises to come back. What then ensues is for the audience to discover and enjoy.

The film is obviously old with a perspective that today's kids need to watch. Showing us Shahid Kapor early in his career, this movie has an innocence that is not very common in today's world of infodump and knowledge is power. Having watched this film long ago, it was a kids' favourite back then and is entertaining for anyone. While some things might not be the same today, kids always enjoy a good film if it matches their pace and is fun.

[papa-osmubal-artworks]

Sir Alfred Joseph Hitchcock KBE- an English film director and producer. (art: papercutting)

[caedmonofwhitby]

Derek Jarman, 1942-94

By Richard Hamilton

Derek Jarman was a visionary film-maker, painter, gardener and activist,

Following his diagnosis as HIV positive in 1986 he discussed his illness in the public arena and became a defiant voice for the gay community at a time when 'promoting homosexuality' was being outlawed.

Here, Jarman is pictured in front of one of his own paintings, titled Ataxia- AIDS is fun shortly before his death.

Richard Hamilton later used computer manipulation to blur the image to approximate Jarman's view of the world, which was affected by a severe eye disorder connected with the later stages of AIDS.

Pigment transfer, 1996-7

National Portrait Gallery, London

[professorcalculusstanaccount]

I remember discussing Tintin casting choices with a friend from Germany and remarked how it was odd he often has an English accent in adaptations rather than a Belgian one, and my friend just replied "that's because Tintin gives incredibly strong English boy energy (derogatory)"

Here in the UK there's a lot of weird classism tied into accents. Today accent diversity and representation in broadcasting is actively pursued but in Tintin's time there certainly was a preferred accent to have.

imagine this exchange happens between pages 28-29 in The Crab with the Golden Claws

[deafening-enthusiastic-dreamer]

Inception

Directed by Christopher Nolan

Image from Pinterest

This film is a masterpiece of visuals, storytelling and cinematography. This two and half hour long film did not have one dull moment in site. From the very beginning I was intrigued and quite sucked into the storyline.

I noticed myself not questioning anything, I was just trying to understand what was happening and going with the flow of the film. It presented us with lots of information but in such a simple manner, I was stunned. Making a movie as complex as this one, yet being able to connect with the audience, takes a lot of work and talent.

Watching the film, I couldn't move from my seat. At the end I was sad that it had to end, yet happy that it did? to an extent.

It was a way of emotion, that crashed onto me, I needed to step out for a while just to process it all

so well done.

Now I will never be able to see a top with the same mindset again, and I am not mad about it.

I lost the ability to blink in this scene, I did not want to miss anything, there was so much happening, quite a site to see.

There is a lot to unpack in this movie, I could watch it a few more times just to admire the shooting style, colour grading and editing.

And still not be sick of watching it.

[homkamiro]

Lil Pootis but I was inspired by a really old USSR film "Wolf and Calf" which made me really emotional

[shattereddteacup]

Past Lives (2023)

Dir. Celine Song

Language: Korean, English

[nextmashup]

25 Best Hollywood Movies of All Time That You Should Watch

What is the number 1 Hollywood movie? What movie has a 100% rating? What is the #1 grossing movie of all time? Which Hollywood movies one must watch? Whether you are a casual film watcher or a cineliterate buff, all these questions are very common to put across different search engines when you want to watch the best Hollywood movies on weekends or late at night.    Don’t worry! In this post,…

[determinate-negation]

if you ever want to be blackpilled on the real attitudes of europeans to the holocaust, including the members of the resistance, watch the sorrow and the pity. its a documentary about french collaboration with the nazis and the interviewer confronts a lot of former nazis and nazi sympathizers, and resistance members. whats really striking is how completely irrelevant and inconsequential anything about jews was to them. even people in the french resistance didnt resist because they objected to the genocide, they didnt care at all, they even say they didnt know about it. everyone lies on camera, evades the questions, and says they had very little idea what was happening even though the interviewer shows that cant have been true. it was banned from french television for years after it came out

[lafiguraentutapiz]

The Long Day Closes. Terence Davies. 1992

[romanceyourdemons]

the majority of the postwar american and japanese wwii film i’ve seen is like the real enemy is War Itself. the postwar chinese wwii film i’ve seen is like the real enemy is The Japanese, check out these war crimes. seriously look. i’m not going away until you do

[theunfairfolk]

TUFF movie reviews: Kirikou and the Sorceress

when i tell y'all my expectations were low, i mean it. i rarely see folklore handled well, much less ones that try to forge their own path. but y'all.

y'all.

this film is what disney should have been doing all along when they talk about "adapting" stuff. it's a beautiful example of a transformative work that still deeply reflects the culture it draws from.

it is a perfect example of a folk tale, up to and including the way the dialogue is written. it is musical on purpose with actual divergences into songs about the hero kirikou (made up by the children of the village of course).

and the animation.

ok ok it's not the smoothest or like. i dunno. "good" in the sense of flow of movement. but it is beautiful. no sameface syndrome to be found. body shapes all over the place. vibrant colors. it's fantastic.

my one complaint about this film is that i wish more people had seen it.

[felixschaoticstuff]

Inspired by this post by @molielee (hope you like it)

So basically I'm sure ambrosius would wear white at their wedding. Also they asked Nimona to wear something elegant but she decided to make it closer to her style

[lesorus]

The rise in popularity of "subversive" movies and tv shows about students seducing their teachers or women lying about getting abused, raped and groomed is really concerning to me. I don't care if "its a good story" or about the aesthetic. Who are these getting produced for and why? As soon as the narrative started shifting around the abuse of women and girls people are trying to bring back the status quo.