Sacha's Talk

Du Rififi Chez les Hommes (Rififi)

An engrossing film noir by Jules Dassin. Rififi, is a masterpiece, a film highlighted by a glorious, hushed and dialogue free safe-cracking sequence - lasting over 30 minutes , so incredibly realistic that the French police banned the movie for some time, fearing it might serve as an instructional manual.
Telling the tale of an outrageous jewel heist and it's aftermath, the film revolves around the brutal, consumptive ex-con, Tony le Stephanois. Tony, portrayed with cold efficiency by Jean Servais, is out of prison after a five-year stint and is trying to put his life back together.

"Rififi" was the first movie that Dassin made after a five year absence from the industry, forced upon him by the blacklist.
It is laconic, fatalistic with acute camera angles and edits offsetting its raw simplicity. Rififi is gorgeously filmed in haunting black & white. Most of the outdoor scenes were shot on overcast days to increase the gloominess of the shadowy cinematography.

Dassin tells his story with simplicity and pace, refreshing familiar situations to create something brutally effective. Even after five decades this expertly plotted movie has few parallels in the realm of heist movies.

Hable con Ella (Talk to Her)

An original and unusual storyline and set of circumstances. There was one particular scene that was quite bizarre and I?m sure if you?ve seen it you will know immediately of which one I?m referring to, but the main plot is a much more serious and interesting story, which I felt made compelling viewing.

The Wind That Shakes the Barley

Ken Loach's political drama gives a chilling description of the Irish uprising during the 1920's. The radical approach by director shows the brutality committed by the British troops (The Black & Tans squads) & the Irish as well. It is also a humane drama about two Irish brothers and change in their mindset as the war gets murkier.

"Damien: The Treaty does not express the will of the people, but the fear of the people."

Breaking the Waves

Poignant, Intense & Thought provoking

Lars Von Trier first sensitizes the viewers by the innocence & playful curiosity of Bess, once it sets in he unleashes unrestrained waves of suffering & grief. It is a heart wrenching story of a girl (Bess) living in a repressed and religious community. Her husband whom she deeply loves is injured and asks her to make a sacrifice.

This movie raises pertinent issues regarding love, religion, faith and sacrifice. It is a long movie and some people may be unnerved by the plot but it is difficult to brush aside the brilliant direction by Lars Von Trier and riveting performance by Emily Watson.

'In the depth of winter, I finally learned that there was within me an invincible summer' these words by Albert Camus kept ringing in my mind as I watched this movie.

I'm Not Scared

The Fall

Beneath the visual grandiose hides a touching relationship and the celebration of imagination.
Right from the beginning (ad maker turned director) Tarsem Singh's movie dazzled me with the most sumptuous visuals. The scenes are surreal, lush as if imagination is painted on a canvas. Yes it is extravagant & excessive at times but it still kept me in awe for the entire duration.

It is a tale set in the 1920's Los Angeles hospital where an injured stuntman (Roy) lies in depression. He meets a young girl (Alexandria) who is also in the hospital because of a fractured arm. He begins to tell her a story. With time the thin line between reality & fiction starts to blur in his tales. The intricate tale that he conjures is vivid & fascinating, on the other hand it reveals his own helplessness at times. In reality his attitude towards life becomes more negative but the girl urges him to complete the story about five mythical people. The plot moves on as the dysphoric n dispirited stuntman combines with the exuberant & effusively imaginative little girl to weave a story about five heroes which alters their own lives in various ways. The interactions between Roy and Alexandria, both within and outside of the story he tells, are audacious and lovely.

The plot is good but not without its drawbacks. At few points extravagance seems to take over substance. The actors have done a good job. Catinca Untaru who plays the little girl named Alexandria is brilliant and a 'natural'.

Even with its minor shortcomings in the plot this movie will live in my memory for a substantial time because of its visuals. There are various aspects to a movie - direction, story, acting, score, visuals etc. Tarsem Singh has given us an opportunity to witness the lavish scenes, the vivid locations & stunning visuals from which we are mostly deprived.

This movie took four years to complete with shooting locales spread over 24 locations worldwide. For me, the four years & millions of dollars spent is not an exercise in vanity rather a bold effort in making a movie with delectable aesthetics & redeeming the power of imagination !!

2046

An engrossing movie about relationship and emotions from Kar Wai Wong . It tells an intriguing tale about a writer who thinks he is writing a futuristic story whereas he is just writing about his experiences in past. Cinematography is beautiful & the cast has given solid performances.
The metaphor regarding the 'mysterious train to 2046' is thought provoking and can be interpreted in different ways. A good movie which moves at its own pace and has many layers...

Secuestro Express

A very realistic feel of a story of a kidnapping. Impressive actiing all round, in particular Mia Maestro. The kidnapping gang are played by members of one of South America's most popular rap groups 'Vagos Y Maleantes' Gritty and action packed, this film will hold you from start to finish.

Taken

Great movie!

Mirrors

Great movie!

Little Chenier

This movie supprised me. I rented it not knowing anything about it and loved every second of it. The end almost had me in tears.

Perfect Stranger

A very enjoyable, non too complicated, whodunnit type of film, with a good twist.

Outlaw

A great gritty British vengeance film, where vigilantes take a stand against the bullies in society.

Just when I thought Sean Bean was past his prime, he pulls off a part that suits him really well.

The Code

(Known in the UK as La Mentale) One of the best Gangster style films I've ever seen. Fantastic performces all around especially from Samy Naceri, this had a very realistic feel to it.

A definite recommendation