Make it count…
Until we enter a new decade, let’s make the most of this one.
30 days till 2020
Frozen 2 (2019)
Frozen 2 is a very well written film, matching it’s extremely famous predecessor in every way and raising the bar, visually and thematically, for its audience.
The four characters get developed in detail, with songs of their own, going through different challenges and evolution. The reindeer too, gets ample opportunity for humour and adrenaline.
The aesthetics will be enchanting for children, while they enjoy the larger plot line and interesting trivia. The deeper messages are more for adults, which can make for detailed bedtime stories for their kids.
From ‘Let it go’ to going into the ‘unknown’ the journey is getting more complex. While there was a hint that this might be the last part, I don’t believe such a lucrative franchise will run out of steam just yet.
Enjoy the beautiful world created by Disney which has many age-appropriate as well as currently relevant messages.
4/5
Official Secrets (2019)
Based on a true story and an event in history which was highly unnecessary, this film speaks about the courage and bravery of one woman who took it upon herself to leak classified information.
Keira Knightley is convincing in her role as whistle-blower Katharine Gun, supported by a host of talent we have seen and admired in shows and movies; Ralph Fiennes, Matt Smith, Matthew Goode and Rhys Ifans.
I like to walk into a movie without knowing anything about it, which helped greatly this time. To be told about this fact unfolding as film was not only a revelation but a relief that someone tried to do something about it.
A tense and well-paced film which needs worldwide press and release.
3.5/5
Liar (2017)
A British series with Joanne Froggatt and Ioan Gruffudd, it focuses on the subject of rape which cannot be proven.
The tension doesn’t stop there, with a variety of relationships which support the plot, that all have secrets of their own which propel the drama forward.
It is a disturbing and frustrating watch, with some loop holes which don’t tie in with the current awareness and technology.
Good performances and locations.
Big Little Lies – Season Two (2019)
The stellar team of Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Laura Dern, Shailene Woodley, Zoe Kravitz, is back with the addition of the enigmatic Meryl Streep, who plays a delicate character, who is annoying, intrusive yet caring and concerned. It’s a difficult part to play but who better than her to brave it.
The principal cast is persistent on hiding what really happened at the end of Season 1, which plays out as different stresses for their characters. New truths are revealed as they navigate through their complex lives in their sleepy small town.
Excellent performances which culminate in an intense final episode.
The Crown Season 3 (2019)
Olivia Colman is brilliant as The Queen in the third season of the much awaited and acclaimed series, The Crown. Her every expression, twitch, inaction communicates volumes, bringing alive the stoic monarch on the screen.
Supported effectively by Helena Bonham Carter as her sister, Tobias Menzies as her husband and Josh O’Connor as her son, we see her many limitations, triggers, patterns and evolution as she completes 25 years of her reign.
As always the personal, professional and historical events are tied up in a rich and seamless manner, providing not only entertainment, but an education as well.
The Lone Protestor
I was recently in Hong Kong for a reunion with friends and to celebrate my birthday. It’s a city I have visited frequently and really enjoy. I knew that our planned itinerary would have to be changed according to the current situation in Hong Kong. What I didn’t realise is that it would turn into an adventure of sorts, with fast paced thrilling moments to pepper our otherwise languid sightseeing.
What should have been a quick half hour journey on the MTR to the beautiful Tian Tan Buddha turned out to be an long drawn but interesting ferry and bus trip. An hour and a half after we left our hotel, we arrived in a rickety bus to an almost empty village with a handful of tourists to flank the enormous and serene structure.
After a quick visit to the nearby monastery we rushed to catch the one bus which would take us back to the fast ferry back to the Island, only to see it deliberately driving away from us, five minutes before it’s scheduled time.
One taxi stood idly and kindly responded to our request to call for more taxis to accommodate our group of seven as he drove off for his prior appointment. We had 40 minutes to reach the ferry. Two taxis turned up, one of them was infuriatingly hailed by people who weren’t in the queue. Time was ticking by. Another one turned up soon enough. We had 30 minutes and the drive time showed 35.
We told the driver to step on it and he did, taking his cue from the speedy lady driver in the taxi ahead of us! Racing on hills and cursing at one ways, we finally got to the ferry with 3 minutes to spare! We made it to the Island on time to get on with our evening.
This was one of the many days in the vibrant city of Hong Kong which has been greatly affected because of protests. One night as reports of activity closed in on our location at TST we decided to rush back to the hotel. 3 taxis were needed, only one agreed to go.
I sat in the first taxi with my heart racing as we drove directly into a barricaded area, full of a crowd of protestors dressed in black in the distance. The driver turned around swiftly, thinking of alternate routes, manoeuvring around bricks, trash bags and a blocked path to a tunnel. As we alighted the taxi near our hotel, we came face to face with a single protestor, who was quietly putting traffic cones back on the road to block cars from passing.
His mask represented everything we had seen on the news, concerning all the activity going on in the city. There was fear and anxiety in the air as we walked away as quickly as we could to the hotel. One group managed to get a taxi after waiting for 20 minutes, another group walked around the affected areas along the promenade as they made their way back to the hotel.
The above was a little window in to a city which was a thriving hub, safe and prosperous which is now facing closure of schools, MTR stations, an economy in recession and many questions about its future.
It was a thrilling time which was filled with hourly updates on where to go, what to avoid and trying to stay safe in the process. We saw everything on our itinerary thanks to the wonderful planning of our guardian angels, Ekta, Veer, Rakesh and Manisha. Nothing stopped us from having fun! From Sheesha nights to parks, great days out sightseeing to beautiful dinners, foot massages to enjoying desi music, we did it all!
In a chance meeting I got to meet my brother Vinod who was there for work. Thank you for braving a night out from your hotel to spend time with all of us.
Thank you Hong Kong for standing tall and welcoming tourists. Hotel, restaurant and public transport staff were extremely helpful and kind to all of us. Hope things settle down soon and see you again to enjoy the buzz and energy you have in so much abundance.
Modern Love (2019)
Modern Love: A wonderful 8 episode series which cover eight distinct stories of love in the current day. Not necessarily romantic, but beautiful, nuanced relationships which have so much to teach.
Based on true stories with some facts altered, they speak of love that may not fit our ideas but is real and true nonetheless. With a stellar cast and some surprises, be prepared for deep, thoughtful and well-written viewing.
Last Christmas (2019)
A heart warming film by director Paul Feig which starts strong and builds slow. We have it all, dysfunctional family, a childhood dream, an unfulfilling job and no purpose.
Emilia Clarke is as adorable as ever, playing out a classic pattern of behaviour. Her boss, the graceful Michelle Yeoh is supportive, but stern. Enter the charming Henry Golding, who comes a breath of fresh air in Emilia’s life.
Her relationship with her mother, the writer and producer of the film, the extremely talented Emma Thompson, is a tumultuous one, but not for no reason. She cares and the audience ends up caring as well.
A perfect Christmas film with the memorable songs from George Michael.
3.5/5
Hustlers (2019)
Jennifer Lopez is in the great shape and form for a bold role which is based on a true story.
How a group of strippers profited from unsuspecting wall street men and some other unfortunates in the troubled economy post the 2008 depression, marks the crux of the film.
While we may not agree with the premise, we do want justice in some form or other.
Be the jury and decide if you condone or condemn them.
2.5/5
Movies&Musings 