Nov 17th, 2008
The Scent of Green Papaya
I revisited one of my favourite films last week. Every time I see it I love it more. Masterfully directed by Tran Anh Hung, it follows the life of a Vietnamese servant girl in 1950s Saigon.
Feb 17th, 2008
Mr Magorium and Pipe Organ Pizza
Mr Magorium’s Wonder Emporium The heart in this film is undeniable, and it’s definitely not just for children. As the film’s motto goes: “You have to believe it to see it.” (It’s alone worth watching for a cameo appearance by Kermit the Frog, out shopping, dodging stares from the public). Mr Magorium (Dustin Hoffman) is [...]
Jun 18th, 2007
Into Great Silence — Film Review
I watched an illumining and interesting film last week. Into Great Silence is surely one of the bravest films ever made. Almost three hours long, no script, no score, no commentary. I was compelled to see such a daring feat of minimalism. Over 20 years before the film’s release, German director Philip Groening applied for [...]
May 18th, 2007
Ramayana Bridge Seen From Space
I first became acquainted with the Ramayana when someone lent me a translation many years ago, written in rhyming couplets. It was originally written in rhyming couplets, but in Sanskrit, by the sage Valmiki. I wish I had taken note of the translator, as I have never found a more charming version. The beauty of [...]
Feb 20th, 2007
The Road Home (Zhang Yimou)
Ostensibly this film is a glimpse of difficult times in recent Chinese political history, highlighting the perceived value of knowledge and learning, and illustrating the bonds of family love. It is a poignant reminder of fading noble values—values in danger of being lost to a world of mass-production and a society of short-termism. A businessman [...]
Copyright © 2010 sumangali.org.
Designed by 