My constant effort to write immediately after watching a movie fails more often than not – it could be the lack of ‘enough’ enthusiasm or sheer internet connectivity at home, I don’t like it. Last month I watched Elegy and The Reader and wanted to write about them almost instantly, but here I am, making a comeback after 15 days… Now as I write, I hope to God that I can do justice to my thoughts about the movies that I felt *that* time.

Elegy, a sweet touching love story between an ageing professor and his gorgeous student may initially seem like a familiar piece, but the movie has been dealt with much sincerity, thought, maturity and class.  Penelope Cruz at her best with Ben Kingsley’s appropriate contribution, the movie is beautiful and leaves you with a no bad taste in your mouth. The background score is soothing and goes well with the theme of the movie. It’s amazing how Penelope Cruz manages to deliver such fine acting – she is simply superb! Another thing I liked about the movie was Ben Kingsley’s relationship with his best friend – at that age, when you’re all grey and your knees hurt from walking, a ‘buddy’ in the real sense can actually make it all worthwhile. Good movie, must watch.

Kate Winslet starrer The Reader (also fetched her the Oscar!), is another love story with a difference. An ex-Nazi lady, a torrid affair with a 16 year old and then a bond that is seasoned over the years. At first I was repulsed by the sheer idea of the plot, but as the movie unfolded, I saw myself hooked onto it.  How far can you go to protect a secret? Well, a love story above all odds, I loved the movie! The emotions are complex and intense and even though the plot comes across as morally incorrect, in the bigger picture of life, it is plain beautiful. Acting and dialogues are of supreme quality and the overall plot rather heart wrenching. The movie is sweet and bitter all at the same time. More than anything else, I like the title of the movie – The Reader – which is apt and convincing.

Two simple love stories packaged very differently, these also go under my non-existing Strong Recommendations list!

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I also saw Apocalypse Now – an epic war movie set in the times of Vietnam War – is one of the best examples of fine cinema. It takes a constant commitment from the viewer to pay attention to the fine details of the movie. Be it the dialogues, the plot, acting, cinematography or just the feel of the movie, the film is a class apart. Marlon Brando as usual, at his best with Martin Sheen’s undoubted performance, Apocalypse Now is heavy and thought provoking. On a common day, I would not watch something that involves so much gore and bloodshed, but I am glad for that one Sunday afternoon.

BTW, even O’ Brother Where Art Thou is quite a funny movie – not to forget mentioning Mr George – Hot – Clooney’s hair obsession in the movie.

State of the mind? Restless

Weather? HOT

Song? Ye meri kahani…