Traffic (2000)

Director: Steven Soderbergh
Screenplay: Stephen Gaghan (based on Traffik by Alastair Reid)
Cast: Michael Douglas, Don Cheadle, Benicio Del Toro, Catherine Zeta-Jones 
Music: Cliff Martinez
Time: 147 minutes
Bottom-line: Traffic provides entertainment thanks to its powerful narrative structure and some good bits of acting

Steven Soderbergh won the Academy Award for Best Director for this 2000 thriller film, Traffic. With a huge cast and multiple interwoven storylines, the film is about drug trade (illegal of course!) from the viewpoint of different people. Michael Douglas, Don Cheadle, Benicio Del Toro and Catherine Zeta-Jones play the lead roles, with Dennis Quaid, Erika Christensen and Luis Guzmán in the supporting roles. Three storylines, two hours of thrill, one film: Traffic.

Douglas as Robert Wakefield

Mexico: Police officer Javier Rodriguez (Del Toro) and his partner Manolo Sanchez are hired by General Salazar to help him wipe out the Tijuana Cartel. Javier agrees to work for Salazar, but soon it becomes clear that Salazar himself is not clean, and Javier is indirectly working for a criminal...

Washington/Ohio: Robert Wakefield, an Ohio judge, is appointed to head the President's Office of National Drug Control Policy, taking on the title drug czar. However, as his own home, his daughter Caroline, (Christiansen) is becoming increasingly addicted to cocaine.

San Diego: Two DEA officers, Ray (Guzman) and Gordon (Cheadle) arrest Eduardo Ruiz, a high-stakes drug dealer. Wanting immunity, he gives up his boss, Carlos Ayala, one of the biggest drug distributers. His pregnant wife, Helena (Zeta-Jones), faces death threats. She decides to hire an assassin to kill Ruiz, thereby ending the case against her husband. As the story progresses, we see that all the characters get engaged in a game – a game, where nobody gets away clean. 

Del Toro as Javier Rodriguez 

While many critics praised the acting of everyone, my opinion differs in some ways. First, I liked Douglas’ acting, for more than the character of a judge, he played the role of a father very well. Benicio Del Toro was good, but not so good that he deserved the Oscar for his role... Gladiator was also released the same year, and Joaquin Phoenix, who played Commodus, did a much better job than Del Toro in this film. Dennis Quaid’s role seems a mystery to me – I still don’t find any significance of it (though technically he is a lead actor in the film). The three actors in the San Diego storyline: Don Cheadle, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Luis Guzman have given very good performances. An unnoticed performance may be that of Erika Christiansen, who plays Robert’s drug-addicted daughter. Though she may not be as well-known as the lead actors, her performance was quite excellent.

Cheadle as Gordon, with Guzman as Ray (behind)

Now to the aspect that makes the film unique, the narrative structure. There is no proper order – the tracks interchange every now and then, but Soderbergh has done it in such a way that it is not too confusing to follow all the three storylines. Unlike my (and I am guessing many others’ as well) expectations, the tracks don’t converge to a thrilling finale or something... most of the time they are independent of the others, and in fact, no character from one story meets any character from another (except one scene where Javier, Salazar and Robert meet). However, all the incidents are significant in some way or the other, and together produce a good film.

Catherine Zeta-Jones as Helena

Another interesting thing I found about the story is the realism. The script is cleverly written, for it is a story from the viewpoint of people one would usually associate with drugs: a politician, a cop, and a user. There are no sudden heroics, no unnecessary stunts, but just a straightforward story. that is the reason the film is able to leave an impact on you.

The photography was also good. I liked the way Soderbergh distinguished the storylines using camera work. The Mexico track has a particular bright yellowish shade to it, and the Wakefield storyline had another shade. With masterful direction from Soderbergh, good performances from an ensemble cast, and an excellent screenplay, Traffic isn’t exactly a pure thriller, but it is, for sure, a terrific entertainer. It may not be the director’s best film, but it might be the best film to be made on the topic of drug trade and trafficking.

My Rating: 3.5/5
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 92%

Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge? (2010)

English translation: Dear guest, when will you leave?
Director: Ashwni Dhir
Screenplay: Tushar Hiranandani, Robin Bhatt, Rutvik Oza 
Cast: Ajay Devgn, Paresh Rawal, Konkona Sen Sharma
Music: Pritam
Time: 115 minutes
Bottom-line: Nice, simple family entertainer

Ever had a guest who irritated you to the core? Someone you wanted to kick out but just couldn’t? Well then this is just the film for you! Ashwni Dhir’s comedy is a movie that revolves around a family welcoming a guest into their home, only to suffer in his presence. The film stars Ajay Devgn, Paresh Rawal, Konkona Sen Sharma in the lead roles.

Film script writer Puneet (Devgn), his wife Munmun (Sen Sharma) and their son Ayush live in Mumbai. A normal middle class family, they seem to be well off, with the only problem being that they never had, and never have, guests. One day, a man by the name of Lambodar (Rawal) comes to their home, claiming to be a distant uncle. They welcome him, and soon they realise that it was a big mistake to do so. He possesses many habits that irritate them, and does all sort of things (and even gets Puneet fired from work!), but as he is elderly, Munmun and Puneet feel bad to just chuck him out of the house. How they manage, and how, towards the end, the “trouble” in the form of Lambodar turns into a blessing is what the film is about.

Ajay Devgn as Puneet

The first thing I liked about the film: the theme – just a simple story that probably takes place in everybody’s house. All of us have guests now and then, but in my view, other than the fact that they usually bring something to give you (biscuits or chocolates maybe!) they tend to cause more trouble than pleasure. Likewise, Lambodar appears a huge burden to this family. He wakes them up very early with his obstreperous gargling noise, he invites a bunch of friends over and asks Munmun to cook for all of them... but surprisingly, he also has some very good habits. He gives Munmun money just for making delicious food (even blessing her by saying that no one who comes to their home will ever go away with an empty stomach), and he also creates joy in the neighbourhood by singing in the temple regularly.

Konkona Sen Sharma as Munmun

The story is quite hilarious and importantly, it also manages to deliver a message to the viewers towards the end. While you cannot stop laughing in the scene where Lambodar goes to the movie set, you also feel sad when he apologises to Puneet after that, for getting him fired. Most of the humour comes from the way the family tries to send away Lambodar out of the house, but in a seemingly “polite” manner! But towards the end the message the film provides is Athithi Devo Bhava, a popular saying meaning “guests are God”. Any so-called “trouble” of a guest can also turn out to be a blessing.

Paresh Rawal as Lambodar

Paresh Rawal is the star in acting. He almost single-handedly manages to make a super entertainer from such a simple storyline with his acting. Ajay Devgn and Konkona Sen Sharma have also contributed by giving some good performances.

It may not have big stars or expensive set design, but with a simple but effective story, Athithi Tum Kab Jaoge? is quite good for a family entertainer. I like the selection of the theme (and it should have taken a lot of persuasion to choose, I think, for these type of films usually don’t run in the theatres), and the message it delivers. Watch for Paresh Rawal’s classy acting as well!

My Rating: 4/5

GoodFellas (1990)

Director: Martin Scorsese
Screenplay: Martin Scorsese and Nicholas Pileggi (based on the book Wiseguy by Pileggi)
Cast: Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco
Time: 140 minutes
Bottom-line: Violent, stylish and superbly act and shot, GoodFellas is a first-rate gangster drama

For my 150th review, I choose the film, GoodFellas, often considered by many as one of the greatest films ever made, by the director, and in general. Veteran director Martin Scorsese takes his viewers through three decades of mafia life in this 140 minute film, and by the end of it I felt that this is as good a gangster film you will ever come across. GoodFellas stars Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta and Joe Pesci in the lead roles, with Paul Sorvino and Lorraine Bracco in the supporting roles.

Ray Liotta as Henry Hill

1955, Brooklyn – “As far back as I can remember I always wanted to be a gangster. To me, being a gangster was better than being President of the United States”, says Henry Hill (Liotta). You have probably read this line in every review of this film written so far, and the reason is, I think, is because that’s exactly what the film is about – is being in the mafia really that great? Through Henry’s eyes, we get to experience the mafia life for nearly three decades, from 1955 to 1981. At a young age, he starts working for the local mob capo, Paulie (Sorvino). His mentor is James “Jimmy” Conway (De Niro), whose associate is Tommy DeVito (Pesci), a man with a temper that can make him go mad. The story explores their initial successes, their ups and downs, and decay.

GoodFellas, I felt, is more of a case study about the mafia. The reason it is accurate is probably because it is based on the true story of Henry Hill, who narrated his story to Pileggi, who eventually wrote the book that formed the basis for the film. The reason the film seems authentic in terms of characters, dialogues and screenplay is because Scorsese gave the actors freedom to improvise. In fact, Joe Pesci even directed one sequence from the film, where he scares Henry with his famous line, “I mean funny like I'm a clown? I amuse you?”

Robert De Niro as Jimmy Conway

Ray Liotta has given a magnificent performance, and he seems best suited for the role. I liked his acting especially towards the end, where his world comes crashing down and he is finally arrested by the cops. This is the first time I am watching De Niro in a Scorsese film, and I admit I loved his acting too. He is a mentor for Hill, a gangster, a hijacker and (as we see later) a ruthless murderer, and the way De Niro changes his method of acting to bring authenticity into all the different types of characters is amazing. But the most memorable (I wouldn’t say “best”) character is Tommy DeVito, played by Pesci. His performance as the humorous, aggressive and unimaginable crazy DeVito is a class apart – and the Oscar was rightly given to him as well. The same guy who made you laugh in the Home Alone series by making a fool of himself now shocks you with his aggression and violent attitude. Lorraine Bracco’s acting was impressive as well, and she deserved an Oscar nomination.

Joe Pesci as Tommy DeVito

Though there is no real story as such, the film basically tells how the mafia life actually is. Initially we see their power, indicated by this line said by Hill: “If we wanted something, we just took it. If anyone complained twice they got hit so bad, believe me, they never complained again.” And of course, there’s the other side of the coin: “For most of the guys, killing's got to be accepted. Murder was the only way that everybody stayed in line. Shooting people was a normal thing. It was no big deal.” We see how Hill, Conway and Tommy make money by performing heists, how they murder a “made man” and put themselves in danger, how they manage to stay afloat, and finally, what they do when they reach a stage where only betrayal and murder prevail. It is ironic how Conway’s first advice to Hill is, “Never rat on your friends and always keep your mouth shut,” and in the end Hill is the one who gives the others away.

Lorraine Bracco as Karen Hill

I may have given written about many parts of the story that occur in the second half and towards the end, but to me, there are no major twists in the film, like maybe Shutter Island or The Departed. GoodFellas should be viewed for its sharp, stylish and realistic portrayal of the rise and fall of three gangsters in a span of three decades. Filled with outstanding performances by all the leads, Joe Pesci in particular, some memorable dialogues (and of course, the swear words!), superb camera work (including many long shots, quick cuts and freeze frames), GoodFellas is one of the best films by Martin Scorsese, and is a classic in the gangster genre.

My Rating: 4.5/5
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 96%

Chak De! India (2007)

English translation: Go India!
Director: Shimit Amin
Story: Jaideep Sahni
Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Vidya Malvade, Shilpa Shukla, Sagarika Ghatge
Music: Salim-Sulaiman
Time: 153 minutes
Bottom-line: In most aspects, as good as Lagaan

Perhaps Shah Rukh Khan’s finest film till date, and one of the most patriotic films after Lagaan (2001), Shimit Amin’s Chak De! India proves to be a compelling family entertainer, and a superbly made sports film. First, a special word of praise for the crew responsible for the script and direction, for making a film about hockey, a sport that is only remotely familiar among the people when compared to cricket. The film talks about how a man coaches the Indian Women’s Hockey Team and attempts to take them to the World Cup.

World Cup Final, India versus Pakistan; Pakistan lead 1:0. One minute from the close of the match, India gets a penalty shoot. Captain Kabir Khan (SRK) takes it, misses, India lose. Seeing Khan shake hands with the Pakistani captain after the match, reporters immediately spread a rumour that Khan is a traitor, and following this, he is forced to leave his home. Seven years later, Khan is appointed as the coach of the Indian Women’s Hockey Team. He drills the team rigorously, and his strict attitude is not welcomed by the team, and soon they rebel against him. The rest of the film is about whether the team get on with Khan’s training methods, and whether or not he is able to make them win the World Cup.

Shah Rukh Khan as the coach, Kabir Khan

The main theme is India’s national game, hockey (which is what makes the film “patriotic” in the first place), but many other issues are also dealt with along with the main storyline. From the first scene where Kabir Khan coaches the team, making them acknowledge that they play for India and not for their respective states, till the last scene, we see how he induces the team spirit in all the players, and unites them despite their own regional prejudices. In the beginning, the theme of India-Pakistan rivalry is also portrayed: reporters frame Khan as a national traitor, and the fact that he supposedly helped Pakistan induces more anger among the people. Few scenes also deal with the gender discrimination that prevails in India, where men are considered superior and women are considered inferior. When the girls play against the men’s team, Khan advises them, saying, “Don’t think you are playing against men; think as though you are playing against all the idiots in the country who think women cannot do anything”.

The "Chak De!" team

I feel that this is Shah Rukh’s magnum opus in terms of acting – he really put all his effort to make his performance flawless. During the film you don’t see him as the actor, but as though he is a real coach; he displays all emotions and speaks all his dialogues in such a way. If you look at his role from the girls’ point of view you sort of hate him for being a martinet. But of course, in the end you (and the team members) realise that his “tyranny” (as they thought so initially) actually helped them to unite. This is also one of the rare films (if not only one) where SRK is comparatively passive but the other lead actors do most of the stuff. SRK later won the Filmfare Award for Best Actor for the film, though the other favourite was Darsheel Safary, for his role in Tare Zameen Par. All the members of the hockey team have given good performances as well, especially Shilpa Shukla (who plays Bindia Naik, the senior-most player), Chitrashi Rawat (who plays Komal) and Sagarika Ghatge (who plays Preeti). Before shooting, all the newly chosen actors had to go through a strict diet and proper hockey coaching so that the way they played hockey looked authentic. On the other hand, those who were already players had to learn to act well!!

The photography was amazing. The way the hockey matches were shot, and the way the camera captured the emotions of the players was perfect. Be it the message of teamwork and unity, class acting, good music and some delightful display of hockey, Chak De! India provides everything within 153 minutes. The story is taut (with no unnecessary melodrama), and SRK is at his very best in acting. A first-rate family movie... don’t miss it!

My Rating: 5/5