Hmm. So many movies, most of which I haven't even heard. Lots of work to do.
Anyway coming to my all time fav list, I would put one or two at a time so that I could give a brief about what I liked in that movie. I would like others also to give brief review about their fav films and what they liked in that. It would help others decide whether they should go for it or not as not all would like all the genres.
Coming to my list, the first movie that comes to my mind is "The last samurai" starring Tom cruise, Ken watanabe, Hiroyuki sanada, Koyuki and others among the main cast, directed by Edward Zwick. What I like in the film is the way the story evolves, the locales, dialogues - always subtle and to the point, the fight sequences etc. It touches upon subjects such as Loyalty, Honour, Dedication, Pride in one's culture, Respect and what not. Edward Zwick took a rebellion that happened in late 18th century in Japan as his inspiration but the story of the film is completely a work of fiction.
The brief story - Algren is a US Army captain, around the US civil war time, is disillusioned and angry with himself and his country men after he partakes in a campaign against the Red Indians, during which women and children are also killed by the Army. On the other side of the globe Japan's young emperor is advised by his selfish minister Omura to pursue modernisation and abolishes many age old traditions. This angers Katsumoto, the royal teacher as well as army general. He tries to impress upon the emperor but Omura thwarts his attempts and Katsumoto decides to rebel and stop the plans of Omura with might.
In order to suppress the rebellions, who are well versed in traditional warfare, Omura imports modern firearms from US and other countries and approaches Colonel Bagley ( who lead the assault against Red Indians) to train the army. Colonel Bagley, with some help from Seargent Zebulon Gant convince Algren to accept the offer. Once in Japan Algren is forced by Bagley to lead an assault against Katsumoto in spite of Algren saying that the Army is still not ready for a conflict. During the assault the Army is defeated by Katsumoto's men and Algren is captured.
During his capture Algren learns the ideaology of Katsumoto and the reason for his rebellion. By the time Katsumoto releases Algren from captivity he falls in love with their way of live and comes to respect Katsumoto. During the final war he sides with the samurai and fights the war against the Imperial Army of Japan.
One thing that some of my friends who watched the movie and also others pointed out was that the character of Katsumoto opposes modernity and advancement. However, if one carefully observes, Katsumoto himself learns and speaks English. The only thing that he opposes is mindless modernisation and advancement which would kill ones culture. Case in point made in the film is the ban on growing long hair and top knots.
A special mention should be made of Ken watanabe who plays the character of Katsumoto. He literally brings the character Katsumoto to life with his display of emotions and it is really hard not to side with the character in the film. So are Hiroyuki sanada and Koyuki who play the characters of Ujio and Taka respectively. Their action is so subtle that if you see any other film immediately one may feel other actors are going overboard with their acting.
And the music by Hans Zimmer is simply out of this world. It elevates the experience to such a level that you feel the pain, the adrenaline, pride just as the scene's unfold on the screen. I don't know how many times I listen to the background score of this film, and every time it brings some calmness with it that I cannot explain.
If one needs to understand the logic or rather the idea behind a scene one should watch movie with voice over commentary by Edward zwick, which is available on DVD's in special features. A simple example for this - In the film the character of Algren, played by Tom is so disturbed that he never really finds peace or calmness. This is symbolized by the nightmares he has and director very subtly points to his impatience with himself by showing Algren not being able to sit in a place peacefully for a moment for most part of the first half. Later on as he comes to learn and appreciate the "bushido" (I think that is the term) or Samurai way of life, he slowly finds peace within himself and this tranformation is reflected in a scene where Algren is shown meditating.
The following narration by the character Algren in the film showcases that
"Spring, 1877. This marks the longest I've stayed in one place since I left the farm at 17. There is so much here I will never understand. I've never been a church going man, and what I've seen on the field of battle has led me to question God's purpose. But there is indeed something spiritual in this place. And though it may forever be obscure to me, I cannot but be aware of its power. I do know that it is here that I've known my first untroubled sleep in many years. "
The picture is best summed by two dialogues
One is when Algren chats with Katsumoto at a graveyard where katsumoto's ancestors are laid to rest. There while discussing about war and life, Katsumoto says this "to see Life in every breath, every moment". This is the defining moment which changes Algrens view of life.
And in the end when the emperor, though supporting modernisation says "but we should not forget who we are and where come from".
I think I could keep on blabbering about the movie but would stop now.
Last edited by vamsi.kona : 11th March 2010 at 22:16.
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