The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
Mark Herman
A film on the widely discussed theme of Holocaust, it takes the viewer to both sides of the fence showing life through the eyes of an innocent German boy, who happens to be the son of an SS officer. He befriends a Jewish boy in a concentration camp. The film shows the plight of the Jews and the helplessness of the offenders and is based on a novel by the same name. Watch it for its brilliantly etched characters and realistic depiction of tragedies.
Moonnam Pakkam
P. Padmarajan
This is a timeless classic by Padmarajan that touches upon the poignant relationship between an old man and his new age grandson, who after a long time comes for a vacation to his grandfather’s place. Padmarajan noted for his uncanny narration style and bold storytelling maintains throughout a magical simplicity, while dealing with the emotional complexities of human nature. The portrayal of the old grandfather by legendary actor Thilakan is remarkable and the short role of Jayaram as his grandson is also memorable. Long after the film is over, the melancholic mood will haunt you.
The Pursuit of Happyness
Gabriele Muccino
A simple but poignant story centered around the travails and subsequent rise of a struggling New Yorker essayed by Will Smith, the film leaves you teary eyed. Based on a real life story, the film with its strong sense of optimism drives the protagonist through the miseries of every day life in the different roles of father, husband, employee and so on. Watch not only for Will Smith’s brilliant performance but also for the much needed positive thoughts we need in our lives.
Autograph
Cheran
A brilliant work by actor-director Cheran, the film is a welcome departure from usual Tamil films, and was duly recognised with a National award. With its intensely personal narrative style the film takes you through various stages in the life of a young man. Flip through the pages of an autograph book and you will recognise the uncanny resemblance the film has with each one of our lives.
Slumdog Millionaire
Danny Boyle
Every movie is a vision of the world through its maker’s eyes and this movie will take you by surprise for the way Danny Boyle captured the myriad facets of India that normally elude an Indian’s eyes. Sewed together as questions in a game show the film expands to cover the grim realities of life in India as episodes in the protagonist’s life.
Those that almost made it:
The Prestige: Christopher Nolan
The Dark Knight Rises: Christopher Nolan
Catch Me If You Can: Steven Spielberg
Scent of a Woman: Martin Brest
The Shawshank Redemption: Frank Darabont
3 Idiots: Rajkumar Hirani
Alan John Maniamkot is a mechanical engineer from IIT Bombay. He enjoys watching short films and movies with a fictional take on the realistic happenings around us.
