Anupama (1966)

When Mohan Sharma (Tarun Bose) and Aruna (Surekha Pandit) tie the knot, they instantly knew they had found their soulmates. It was a love so strong that blossomed into a deep and mutual respect, filling their lives with happiness. It couldn't get any better than when Mohan receives the news that they were to have a baby. Life seemed to be coming full circle. But given here and as the saying goes 'it seems too good to be true' - Aruna dies in childbirth, leaving behind a beautiful daughter, Uma and an embittered Mohan. And life was never the same. He is unable to bring himself to love, let alone look at his child, holding her responsible for taking away what he cherished most in life, his wife.

Uma (Sharmila Tagore) is brought up by her nanny and grows up to be a beauty. But with everything she has materialistically, she lacks emotionally. Time passed has not helped heal the wound and Uma has not been able to win over her father. She is introverted and shy and is constantly walking on eggshells around him. Things begin to look up for Uma after a chance encounter with Ashok (Dharmendra), a writer and poet. She finds her voice and an ear in someone who actually loves her for who she is.

But will she be able to find the courage to follow her heart? 

A few things I like about this movie is firstly, that it's black and white. The storyline isn't too elaborate but is still riveting and meaningful, delivering performances that are top notch. The music and songs are mesmerizing and once again its hats off to the director - Hrishikesh Mukherjee!

After all these years of its release, this film can still hold its own.

Parama (1984)

Parama is beautiful; draped in a white and red saree, this light-eyed beauty with gorgeous tresses dripping down to her waist, her feet laced with the Amber tones of alta is a sight to behold .. But she's thrown in a tizzy as Rahul hits the nail on the head aptly describing her as a little doll all dressed up, living in a beautifully decorated house, totally oblivious of the world on the outside. But hang on a second and lets back up ...

Parama (Rakee Gulzar) means the world to all those residing at the beautiful house on a tree-lined street in Calcutta. Married at an early age, the demure Parama is a devoted wife, mother, aunt, daughter-in-law and sister-in-law. But in playing these numerous roles Parama has lost a bit of herself and she isn't sure if she can exist out of this little circle, one that is now her emotional security blanket. Things change dramatically after her encounter with Rahul (Mukul Sharma) an expat photographer. He expresses a wish to photograph this pretty Bengali woman for a feature he is working on about 'The Indian Housewife'. In his presence Parama recites poetry she once enjoyed, talks of the plants she adored in her childhood, remembers the strains of the sitar she once loved to play - all of it now forgotten and pushed to the far recesses of her mind. However, while the naïve Parama treads dangerous waters into unchartered territory, enjoying stolen moments (albeit liberating ones), she doesn't realize the heavy price she'd have to pay.

Watch the deep and moving tale of a woman who is on the path of self-discovery. This is a story of courage and hope with Rakhee stealing the show. I've fallen so in love with this film that I couldn't help myself from watching it a few times already. 

On Lifes Journey ....

Happy New Year to all you dear readers. I started this year with a lot of trepidation, but delightfully thrown in was a bit of excitement. So, what is it you ask? A move, to a new city! 

Being an avid traveler and food lover, (I'll skip the term "foodie", it's so clichéd), this comes with a lot of expectancy in exploring the unknown. I've always possessed the need to understand what is beyond the realm of my immediate purview and then use it to grow and overcome what I see as self-imposed boundaries. So a new language, culture, food habits definitely falls under that category.

Another year has gone by and I have a question, do you make resolutions? I for one, don't, and I never have. But there were a few things that came to mind as the clock struck 12 and the new year awaited with open arms... 

My contemplations on a bygone year had given me a lot to think about. I am eternally  grateful for what's passed and expectant for what was to come. I had decided to live in the moment, savoring each precious second as it is more than what someone else could have wished for. It would be great to do something that would bring a smile to my face - like read a book, watch a movie, pot a plant, or even visit someone and if that's not possible then pick up the phone and call. 

So with my bags strapped and ready and with spring now heralding the new, I wish you all the very best! 

The Skeleton Twins (2014)

The 'Skeleton Twins' is a story about twins, Milo (Bill Hader) and Maggie (Kristen Wigg). While Milo lives in LA, where he hoped to make it in the movies, Maggie stayed close to home. Living in Nyack, New York, Maggie has been married to Lance for about two years and they are trying to start a family. Having lost touch with each other the Fates finally intervene to bring the estranged siblings together. A suicidal Maggie is just about to pop a fistful of pills, when a phone call interrupts her. The call is from a hospital in LA informing her about Milo's suicide attempt. After a brief visit Maggie is able to convince Milo to head back to NY and live with her till he's stable.
After 10 long years the twins finally catch up with each other's lives .. a gay Milo admits to having failed to make it in the movies and is still single. Maggie admits to using birth control to avoid having a baby with Lance, while she sleeps around with the instructors for the numerous courses she is signed up for. What a mess!
But blood runs thicker than water and after putting aside their differences , the 'Skeleton Twins' are now stronger than ever.
The name conjured up images of a thriller of some sort. Surprise, surprise it turned out to be a great family movie. Now that's my kind of movie.

Paper Town (2015)

'Paper Town' got me thinking! So here I am, sharing my thoughts with you.
If I were not living where I do, having sessions with a shrink would be the norm. But where I come from, visits to one would be frowned upon. You would definitely be asked, 'something wrong with your head?' 😳 However, after a self-analysis I've come to a conclusion. The fact that I seem to love movies on journeys definitely says something. Am I searching for? or fleeing from? ... Mmm ... The truth! I feel I'm seeking answers to questions that are buried deep in my subconscious mind; all in an attempt to find my true and a better self. Wow! That's quite a mouthful, I tell ya! So let's see then - I've written about "About Schmidt", "The Darjeeling Limited", "Chef", "Up", "Eat Pray Love", "Little Miss Sunshine", "Jab We Met" ....
I know one thing - and it's way simpler, "I'm an explorer and totally dig finding new places". And that is so true! 😀

Anyway, over to the movie. Quentin has always been in love with his neighbor, Margo ever since the family moved in next door to his. While Quentin forsees his future as an oncologist, Margo isn't as sure of herself. She is an absolute mystery! Margo disappears on a whim leaving clues in her wake and appears when it suits her. But with graduation round the corner, one would think that Margo would think twice. So when she does the disappearing act, her parents aren't too bothered and know that she will make her way home when she's ready. However, Quentin is not as sure and he is soon seeking the clues that Margo has left behind. Quentin's search takes him to Algoe, Upstate New York. Algoe, is a small abandoned town with a population of only 1. What is Margo hoping to accomplish this time around?
The movie is Okay, at best! The term 'Paper Town' is intriguing and is what got me to the couch. And watch I did ... That's when I asked myself the questions I did! With 'a pinch of salt' this movie is digestible! 

About Schmidt (2002)

All through school and into our growing years, we are geared towards securing a sound future. As per the cycle of life school is followed by college, a job, marriage, kids ... But it doesn't end there now, does it? Then it's on to their education and when they fly the coop, you hope to take a breather. But the excitement is back. It's now their turn for marriage, grand kids ... Hopefully you've been there and done it all and you wisely chose your path. Because time is fragile and it skips by real quick. Before you know it, retirement will be upon you and time will slow down, enough for you to question your choices in life. Fingers crossed, you are happy with the ones you've made.
This is the story of Warren Schmidt's (Jack Nicholson) life. Warren showed great promise right from school and it followed him all through to college. He hoped to start a business of his own but with marriage and fatherhood came responsibility. So he chose to play it safe and worked as an Actuary for Woodmen of the World instead, a life insurance company. But like anyone else, Warren is now retired and boy, is it hard! He is getting himself aquainted with day-time television and through a commercial seeking sponsors for under-privileged children, Warren senses a new purpose. He finds himself a foster-father to Ndugu, a 6 year-old Tanzanian. However, Warren's life takes another twist when his wife passes on. After a period of moaning, Warren is on a mission. He embarks on a road trip from Nebraska to Colorado to visit his only daughter, Jeannie (Hope Davis) and hopefully convince her not to marry the water-bed salesman she is engaged to.
Take a journey with Warren in his RV as he sets out to find his purpose in life. Hilarious but deeply moving, this is Jack Nicholson at his best, I would say. 

Baby Driver (2017)

If scars could only speak and share their story of how they came to be, then Baby's would have a few to say. Young and innocent-looking, Miles (Ansel Elgort) a.k.a 'Baby', could pass off for just another college going, earphone donning student. But don't let looks fool you! Baby, though a man of few words, is a Maverick behind the wheel! He makes a living as a driver, but not just any driver mind you. He is the one to call if you want to make a clean and quick get-away. Baby isn't too happy doing what he does but for the debt that he can't wait to repay. And soon he has additional motivation to walk away when he finds love with Debora (Lily James), someone who shares his dream of taking off on the highway, with nothing but music for company. However, when you mix in tough circles the situation turns sticky and is a little like chewing gum, becoming hard to shake off.
The great musical with excellent soundtrack and some crazy driving sequences is the perfect cocktail in this action thriller. So if you are an adrenaline junkie, this movie is just for you.

Oh yeah! Move over Transporter, Baby Driver is in town. 

Something to listen to ...