DANGAL (2016)

Genre: Drama

Running Length: 2:41

Cast: Aamir Khan, Sakshi Tanwar, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Girish Kulkarni, Aparshakti Khurrana, Sanya Malhotra, Zaira Wasim, Suhani Bhatnagar, Ritwik Sahore, 

Director: Nitesh Tiwari

Screenplay: Piyush Gupta, Shreyas Jain, Nikhil Mehrotra, Nitesh Tiwari

DANGAL (the title means 'wrestling') is a technically accomplished film. Everything about the movie looks cinematic and the actors' performance is commendable. That said, just like most sports movie based on a true story, the filmmakers had to add some spices to dramatize an otherwise straight forward narrative. As a result, the film feels predictable especially the 2nd half. 

The story is somewhat divided to two parts. The first half is devoted to establishing the 'madness' of Aamir Khan's character - because he doesn't have a son, he forcefully trains his two daughters to take up wrestling to fulfill his dream of winning a gold medal for India in this sport. The 2nd half is the journey of the two daughters working their way towards winning at the international front. 

The first half is more interesting because it focuses on the relationship between the tough patriarch and his daughters. And like most of Aamir's movies, he challenges the status quo. In Dangal, he breaks the taboo of Indian women participating in a sport dominated by men. His character will do whatever it takes eg. being ridiculed by the villagers, forced his vegetarian daughters to eat chicken meat to build muscles etc; to turn them into winners. 

In the state of Haryana where they come from, women are meant to be married off at a young age and is then relegated to be a baby making factory. "Women belong to the kitchen." So to break free from this vicious cycle, Aamir's character went against the grain and bulldozed his way. 

Desperate times call for desperate measures. 

As for the second half, it plays like a straight forward sports movie. I felt the filmmakers need not demonize the national coach character just so that the audience has a villain to hate. As a result, it came across forced and unbelievable. 

Nevertheless, if I'm an Indian nationality, I believe I would be extremely patriotic especially the last scene. Ola Bola did that to me. And finally, Aamir should be complimented for experimenting with his role (gaining 27kg and losing it within a few months) and more importantly, highlighting the rights of Indian women. 

Rating: 8/10

ARRIVAL (2017)

Genre: Science Fiction
Running Length: 1:56
Cast: Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Forest Whitaker
Director: Denis Villeneuve
Screenplay: Eric Heisserer, based on the short story “Story of Your Life” by Ted Chiang

ARRIVAL is a not for the mainstream audience. If you're expecting an Independence Day type of blockbuster, you'll be bored to death. The college students sitting at the back of me were impatient throughout the film; kicking the seats in front of them and shifting in their seats. When the ending credits rolled, one of them went, "Damn boring wei! No action also?! The Great Wall is better man..."

Arrival is an intelligent and cerebral movie experience. It explores the situation we're all familiar with - the arrival of the aliens in their big ships, "Are they friend or foe?" But what stands out from the other movies with similar approach is the focus on our protagonist, played convincingly by Amy Adams.

Thanks to the clever edits, camera work and good use of sound and amazing score, audience would be immersed in the shoes of Amy Adams' Dr Louise Banks. We see what she sees and we feel what she feels. So much so, when the big reveal came, I was caught off guard emotionally (eventhough I managed to guess it earlier). I genuinely felt the "painful hope" of our heroine.

As I was reflecting on Adam's character, this film reminded me Jesus' mom, Mary - what she had to go through as she cared and loved Jesus from the cradle to the cross.

In summary, Arrival is a believable film because it doesn't dumb down its story to appease the mass audience. For the thinking and patient viewers, they will find this film both intellectually and emotionally satisfying.

Rating: 9/10

LA LA LAND (2017)

Genre: Musical
Running Length: 2:06
Cast: Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, John Legend
Director: Damien Chazelle
Screenplay: Damien Chazelle

I dislike watching musicals.

But LA LA LAND was a different experience for me. Director and script writer Damien Chazelle who gave us the stunning Whiplash proves he is no one hit wonder with his second feature.

This film is beautiful to look at with its 1950s feel eventhough it is set in modern day. The camera work and approach somehow creates an immersive experience for the audience (perhaps it's the close ups). Musically however, the songs are not instantly memorable except for two songs, sung by both stars Gosling and Stone individually.  

Speaking of both our main stars, although they are very capable with their acting, singing and dancing, it's their chemistry that shines through. Their relationship feels believable. So much so, the cinema-goers in the cinema I was in were swooning and sighing out loud watching their characters falling in love.

So what made this film different from other musicals? I don't think it's the feeling of nostalgia, although there are plenty of it in the first 2/3 (which felt a little draggy to me). But it's the realism of the final 1/3 of this otherwise fairy tale-like movie that knocked me out of the park. Oh, that ending!

Although I felt this film could have benefited from snipping 15 mins from its running length, nevertheless, it's an emotionally satisfying movie. It reminds us that chasing after a dream demands a price.

Rating; 8.5/10

KAUSERN REVIEWS TOP 10 MOVIES OF 2016

I watched 47 movies this year in the cinemas. First movie of the year, Point Break. Last movie of the year, Sing.

It's such a privilege to be living in Malaysia as our cinema tickets are still one of the cheapest (if not the cheapest) in the world; It cost only about RM15 (USD3.50) per admission to be entertained, educated and challenged. Of course one has to pay a loading for IMAX, 3D and other immersive experiences but the standard cinemas are good enough for me. The seats are comfortable, the sound is good and the air-conditioned temperature is always perfect.

On a side note, although none of the the locally produced movie this year which I've watched made it to my Top 10, I must say this year's quality collectively has improved. The one that left an impression on me was Jagat. If the industry continues to move towards this way, our film industry will progress slowly but surely.

OK! Enough of the commentary and on with the Top 10!

Note: Some of these films were released last year in the US but it only found its way to our shores early this year, especially the more non-blockbuster type of movies. 

#10 STORKS (8.5/10)

What I like about this movie: Many will be wondering how did this movie ended up in my Top 10. It's silly and absurd with its random over-the-top humour. And that's probably the reason why I LOL in the cinema hall, so loud that the audience around me were looking at me. It just hit all the right spots for me. This movie made me very satisfied and happy.

#9 ZOOTOPIA  (8.5/10)

What I like about this movie:  A very timely movie on the theme of "unity in diversity" and "self-acceptance". There are many thought provoking moments where adult viewers will be moved to confront the kid in them. It's also funny and of course, has alot of heart. And the expressive cute EARS!  

#8 ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY (8.5/10)

What I like about this movie: Important characters get killed off in this unrestrained Star Wars movie. It wasn't done to manipulate the heartstrings of the audience but it was necessary for the plot and it serves an important "moment" in the Star Wars saga. The effects were believable and of course, that last scene...it reminded us all, why Darth Vader is the most bad ass villain ever created on the silver screen.

#7 THE JUNGLE BOOK (8.5/10)

What I like about this movie: Probably the best CGI movie of the year. That's the main star. We're talking about full on motion capture layered into CGI trees, river and mountains. It is mind boggling and more importantly, it's beautiful and believable.

#6 TRIVISA (8.5/10)

What I like about this movie: Probably one of the best authentic Hong Kong movies in recent years that didn't sell out to the pressures of Big Brother. A smart 3 films in 1 movie that sets up to be a sociopolitical commentary by weaving in the popular HK gangster genre into its narrative. Each film has its own strength especially the story starring Gordon Lam. But the actor that stood out the most to me is Richie Jen; the once popular heartthrob from Taiwan. He is unrecognizable and totally badass in this movie (yup, that's him in the singlet).     

#5 KUBO AND THE TWO STRINGS (9/10)

What I like about this movie: A powerful story about the power of storytelling. It was an inspired choice to use stop motion + CGI to tell such an epic fantasy because the results are organic and 'human'. The voice cast is spot on while the soundtrack is just perfect especially during the tender moments. I teared during some of these scenes T_T

#4 EYE IN THE SKY (9/10)

What I like about this movie: If there's one thing I remember about this movie is its tension. I definitely remember squirming in the cinema seat during some of its sequences. This intelligent 'talky drama' provides an almost real-time comprehensive inside look on the bureaucracy and humanity of a drone strike. The acting is damn believable. 

#3 THE BIG SHORT (9/10)

What I like about this movie: One of those rare movies where comedy and drama are used so seamlessly to educate us on a complicated subject; the 2008 housing credit bubble burst which triggered a devastating global financial meltdown where tens of thousands of people lost their homes and jobs. Even with an ensemble of a power cast, all the characters (both lead and supporting) are fleshed out well.  I remember feeling a sense of deep anger towards the greed of men when I walked out of the cinema hall.


#2 APPRENTICE (9.5/10)

What I like about this movie: This performance driven movie is haunting. Eveything about it was good; the pacing, the cinematography, the sound. It's also educational especially what a prisoner on death row will go through on the day of his hanging. It's deeply unsettling.

#1 THE WAILING (10/10)

What I like about this movie:  This psychological + thriller + horror Korean flick messed up my mind pretty good during the movie and after it concluded, as it continued to haunt me for days with its satisfying ambiguous ending. Everyone involved in the production (actors, cinematographer, sound, score, editor, costume, set design etc) delivers beyond what was expected most likely due to the leadership of its director and screenwriter, Na Hong-jin - a visionary and also a perfectionist in the details.


Lastly, here's looking forward to 2017!

ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY (2016)

Genre: Science Fiction / Adventure
Running Length: 2:13
Cast: Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Ben Mendelsohn, Alan Tudyk, Donnie Yen, Wen Jiang, Forest Whitaker, Riz Ahmed, Mads Mikkelsen,
Director: Gareth Edwards
Screenplay: Chris Weitz and Tony Gilroy from a story by John Knoll and Gary Whitta, based on characters created by George Lucas

ROGUE ONE is better than Force Awakens, not because the former is more superior but it's because the end product feels unrestrained. Probably the filmmakers do not feel overly pressurized to fit their story into the Skywalker saga. One do not really need to fully understand the universe that George Lucas has created in his trilogies to enjoy this movie.

For Star Wars fans, Rogue One is packed with easter eggs. Thankfully it wasn't distracting but more like a wink to its legion of followers. As for the narrative itself, it's a grittier fare than one would expect because this film has more "war" than "star" ie space opera. People die in Rogue One. Not just one but many.

That said, when the characters gets killed off, I didn't feel much for them, eventhough the movie took a good 50%-60% of its running length to establish its characters. Ok, I did feel a lump in my throat when one of them perished.

The 'return' of Darth Vader was triumphant. Eventhough Director Krennic is the chief villain in this film, it is Darth Vader that steals the show with the few scenes he is in. Talk about impact. As for the rest of the cast, Diego Luna's character is equally central as Felicity Jones'. And as for Donnie Yen, it's nice to see him finally getting the kind of recognition from the West he so deserves. Overall, the diverse cast is adequate.

The big standout for me was the special effects. It is very impressive especially the dogfights and war scenes. It wasn't a disorientating mess as viewers know who's good and bad. And thank God it's not a CGI fest aka screensaver, like the ones in Ep. I, II and III. And speaking of CGI, the recreation of Grand Moff Tarkin (once again portrayed by Peter Cushing, who passed away in 1994) using CGI was a distraction for me. It reminded me of Polar Express.    

In summary, Rogue One a good standalone movie and it presents a closure on why the Empire's ultimate planet killer weapon had such an easy-to-exploit flaw. And it serves well as a companion piece to the Star Wars anthology too.

Rating: 8.5/10

MOANA (2016)

Genre: Animated
Running Length: 1:43
Cast (Voices): Auli’I Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Jermaine Clement, Temeura Morrison, Nicole Scherzinger, Alan Tudyk
Director: Ron Clements & John Musker
Screenplay: Jared Bush, Ron Clements, John Musker, Pamela Pibon, Taika Waititi

MOANA is the classic hero's journey story where one must overcome a series of conflict for his/her transformation to be completed. Probably that's why it feels like a throwback to the Disney hits in the late 80s/early 90s ie The Little Mermaid, The Lion King. The storytelling is linear; punctuated with songs and memorable animal sidekicks.

The film tells a tale of Moana, a teenage Polynesian girl, who has to team up with Maui, a cocky demi-god, to save her tribe. Along her journey, they have to face coconut-shaped pirates (in an engaging sequence most likely inspired by Mad Max: Fury Road), a giant narcissistic crab and a massive lava monster.

The film’s visuals are top notch. As most of the scenes involve the sea, the animated water is really impressive. The voice cast is overall rock solid (see what I did there *smirk*) with a special nod to Jermaine Clement's jewel-encrusted vain crustacean. Also, a special shout out to the opening animated short, Inner Workings which kinda sets the theme for Moana.

Although it felt long (probably because the characters frequently break into singing songs - one of the key reason why I wasn't into Disney cartoons then), I still enjoyed it more than I should have because it's entertaining.

I just hope the Mouse Factory doesn't get lazy and continue to produce such 'retro' animated flicks or even re-hashing their classics into live action. Because their recent films such as Wreck-it Ralph and Zootopia are smart and fresh.

Rating: 7/10

APPRENTICE (2016)

Genre: Drama
Running Length: 1:36
Cast:  Fir Rahman, Wan Hanafi Su, Mastura Ahmad,
Director: Boo Junfeng
Screenplay: Boo Junfeng

"The payment of sin is death..." Romans 6:23

APPRENTICE is a Singapore produced movie which debuted at the prestigious Cannes film festival this year and is currently 100% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. When the credits rolled, I can understand why. Everyone in the cinema hall I was in was in total silence for a good 30 secs. I believe we were deeply affected from the 90mins+ experience. It was like we went through a spiritual experience.

The story tells of a young correctional officer (newcomer Fir Rahman) who is transferred to another prison and forms a friendship with the 60+ years old Chief "Hangmen" Executioner, played by Wan Hanifi Su (a Malaysian veteran actor). When the Chief's assistant quit because he just couldn't pull the lever, Rahman's character is asked by the Chief to be his potential successor.

This film is more than just about capital punishment and the moral dilemma our junior protagonist had to face. From the movie trailer, we are given a clue to the motive behind our protagonist's decision to join the prison. But if you were to distill it down further, it's really a story about 'atonement with the father' (you can google this term and read more about it)

In essence, our 'hero' must reconcile with the ultimate authority figure in his life. And in our story here, we are given glimpses of Rahman's character trying to cancel out a wrongdoing throughout his life by doing good deeds and also to resort himself to some act of self-punishment, thus putting himself into a self-imposed prisoner of the mind.

This poetic aspect of the story intrigued me the most. Hats off to the filmmakers wanting to challenge themselves to relate such a complicated human condition to a relatively simple premise of capital punishment of 'gantung sampai mati'. Speaking of that, there is an engagingly educational scene where the Chief explains to his apprentice the technical aspects of hanging a criminal.

In summary, this performance driven movie is very well made. Even the performances of those to be hung are extremely moving. The pacing is good as it moves the movie along effortlessly. Special shout out to the cinematographer and the sound effects crew as they were able to create an immersive sense of dread and claustrophobia.
 
There are many movies out there which highlights the life of the prisoners but never have I seen anything like Apprentice which gives special attention to the life of the guards and the prisoners' family members. This is indeed an emotionally satisfying movie.

"...but the gift that God freely gives is everlasting life..." Romans 6:23

Rating: 9.5/10