Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi: Review

I must first of all admit that I am NOT a Shah Rukh fan, and I get irritated seeing him on screen. With that out of the way, I must say this “Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi” is a surprisingly good movie. Yes, it’s filmy. And yes, it’s got a few make-you-cringe moments (especially some of the songs), but it really is a good movie. A very mature take of a filmy relationship.

Why I say “filmy relationship” is that the characters portrayed are somewhat stereotypical… we’ve seen them before (and yes, Shah Rukh Khan plays it down, but he can’t escape being Shah Rukh Khan). And yet, we’re still in for a movie-treat. Director Aditya Chopra does a good job in transcending expectations and literally does “something different”. I must say that I was surprised at certain times and also cared about the way the movie would end. And yes, I was happy with how it ended.

I best liked the fact that most of the movie was earthy and simple. Of course the Haveli in which Shah Rukh can lives is so obviously a film set, (it even resembles the out-of-character house in Swades). But regardless, the streets, the mood, are pretty level-headed (and not too glossy). Of course the dance class scenes have their loud and over-done nature, but what to do… the film is not perfect.

I also liked the new girl… what’shername?… (off to wikipedia… ah yes, Anushka Sharma)… who was portrayed realistically… and not too ‘beautifully’ (ie. there were not too many closeups and slowmotions). Again, very nicely portrayed. For instance, she has a very clear “Indian” accent while speaking English. Refreshing!

It was also nice to see that there were not too many characters. Ie. no kiron kher, anupam kher… no parents, no crazy aunt/uncle, no relatives, no cute yet irritating children (except in a song) this is really a biggie for Indian cinema… a big step up.

And finally the plot is really there. While there are moments (like the unnecessary Dhoom scene) where the plot is given less importance to the visual effect… still the overall story is told with determination. Not too much here or there. I even liked the final “message” of the film (the moral, if you will). Though the idea of loving a person more than God is a theme that doesn’t really fit my “theology” (but who cares, right?)

So yes, I liked the movie. Really liked it. And would recommend it. Even if you’re not a Shah Rukh Khan fan!

Best sports movies of all time (well, in my time!)

I had heard someone say that Field of Dreams is the best sports film ever. I just finished seeing it (yes today), and I must say that it was not as I expected, and quite a good movie. But no, not the best sports movie ever. So, what is the best? The following is my quick compilation of my personal favourite sports movies. Obviously, my list will betray my age… as I haven’t seen some of the older sports movies… but from the recent to not-so-recent crop, here’s the list in the order according to sports.

CRICKET

Lagaan
Now I know it is in Hindi and I know that it’s not perfect (the “foreign” love element eeks), but as a sports film I must say that this is by far the most enjoyable sports film I have ever watched. Plus, it deals with my favourite sport… so all the better.

ATHLETICS

Chariots of Fire
A heart-warmer and more… this classic redefines athletics and makes you want to run… and believe!

Cool Runnings
OK, call me shallow, but this comedy is sensational. Does it make me think? No. But laugh, yes, oh yes!

BASKETBALL

Coach Carter
Recent favourite… love the school-teacher sports genre mix.

The Air Up There
Old, campy, and memorable

White Men Can’t Jump
Where is Wesley Snipes these days?

AMERICAN FOOTBALL

Remember the Titans
Denzel Washington, in racial times

Jerry McGuire
Tom Cruise in not so racial times… actually this movie was quite slow and yet engaging as well… I love the (spoiler) positive ending though (end of spoiler)

HOCKEY

Miracle
Ice Hockey, actually

Chak De India
Unlike Lagaan, this movie about not-ice-hockey is supposedly more high-tech and yet features terrible sporting action. Nevertheless, it keeps the emotions running high, till the last shot.

BOXING

Rocky 5
I would say that Rocky 5 is the best of the Rocky’s; it’s the one the real pathos is captured.

Rocky
Well, this is a classic.

Rocky 4
I must say that this is like Return of the Jedi… plain old bash-em-up fun.

BASEBALL

For the Love of the Game
What’s with Kevin Costner and sports movies. He’s probably done the most of them (not counting Stallone’s Rocky’s). But I think this movie was better than Field of Dreams… in terms of being more fun. I enjoyed the narrative technique, too.

The Rookie
A little slow, but still engaging (it’s pace feels like Field of Dreams). Yet I liked this better than Field of Dreams because Field of Dreams glorifies baseball, while this movie focuses on the person.  I don’t particularly care for Baseball, but I can sure identify with the themes in the Rookie.

SOCCER

Shaolin Soccer
In comparison to Stephen Chow’s Kung Fu Hustle, Shaolin Soccer is pedestrian and even cheap. Yet, as a sports movie, what better combination than Kung Fu with Soccer!!!

Goal!
It’s low budget, but it’s not that bad. (at least the first one. The second one is not that great, hopefully the third will be ok).

The Cup
A simple story about Buddhist monks who want to watch the Soccer World Cup

MISCELLANEOUS

Seabiscuit
Horse Racing

Tin Cup/Happy Gilmore
Two different genres, yet both on Golf

Wimbeldon
On… well… yes… The Wimbeldon

Nacho Libre
Wrestling… with Jack Black… enough said.