Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring
Kim Ki-duk
This is a South Korean film about the life of a Buddhist monk as he passes through the seasons of his life, from childhood to old age. The movie shot entirely in the Jusan pond is a visual treat as it successfully brings on screen the aesthetic beauty of Nature. A contemplative storyline, with minimum dialogue, leaves a lot for the audience to introspect with. The background score blends perfectly with the mood and themes of the movie.
Rashomon
Akira Kurosowa
A Japanese masterpiece from the maverick director, it is a story in which a crime witnessed by four individuals is described in four contradictory ways. Questioning the essence of objective truth, Kurosawa weaves magic on screen with taut screenplay and amazing camera angles. The climax leaves us questioning all our understanding of human psychology.
Goodwill Hunting
Gus Van Sant
The film follows 20-year-old labourer Will Hunting, a genius who is forced to see a therapist and study advanced mathematics with a renowned professor in order to avoid jail time. Issues that haunt youngsters in their formative years are the crux of this enthralling drama. Exploring the perceptions of identity, success, failure and relationships, the movie boasts of an incredible cast. The chemistry between Robin Williams and Matt Damon is the soul of the movie. Damon also shares the credit for penning the beautiful screenplay with Ben Affleck.
Ondanondu Kaladalli
Girish Karnad
The film marked Shankar Nag's debut as an actor and is still considered a cult classic among the Kannada audience. Shot on a modest scale it has the influence of Kurosowa's Samurai movies and is the story of two mercenaries in the pay of warring brothers. Karnad's mature and non-judgemental narration of the story is outstanding.
The Motorcycle Diaries
Walter Salles
The film is a Spanish biopic on the journey of two friends through a continent. Based on the journey of Ernesto Guevara and Alberto Granado, the movie is an excellent attempt at portraying the evolution of the iconic Marxist revolutionary Che Guevara. It is the ultimate road movie, with all the ingredients to entertain as well as stir up introspection. Painting a picture of the then socio-economic situation in Latin America, it succeeds in capturing the youthful spirit of exploration. The cinematography adds to the beauty of the movie.
Those that almost made it
The Dark Knight: Christopher Nolan
Inception: Christopher Nolan
The Shawshank Redemption: Frank Darabont
Life is Beautiful: Roberto Benigni
Anand: Hrishikesh Mukherjee
Seven Samurai: Akira Kurosowa
Million Dollar Baby: Clint Eastwood
The Fight Club: David Fincher
Manjunath A.N., an engineering graduate based in Chickballapur, is a part-time lecturer who loves exploring the world of movies, literature and politics.
