7 days in slow motion

అతిథి భారతీయ సినిమా, సమీక్ష 4 comments

కోడి కూయక ముందే లేచి, ప్రైవేట్లు, ట్యూషన్లకు పోయి, రాత్రి పదికో, పదకొండుకో ఇల్లు చేరే పిల్లలు. వాళ్ళతో పాటు వాళ్ళ చదువులు, తాము కూడా చదివినంతగా కష్టపడే తల్లిదండ్రులు. ఒకోసారి పిల్లలు పుస్తకాల మీద నుంచి దృష్టి కూడా కదపని పరిస్థితుల్లో వాళ్ళకు అన్నం కలిపి, ముద్దలు చేసి నోట్లో పెట్టి తినిపించి, వాళ్ళ పుస్తకాలు సర్ది ఇచ్చి, వాళ్ళ బట్టలు ఉతికి, ఇస్త్రీ చేసి ఇచ్చి, చదువు మాత్రమే వాళ్ళ ఏకైక బాధ్యతగా పెంచే తల్లిదండ్రులు ఈ రోజుల్లో కోకొల్లలు. ప్రతి దశలోనూ పిల్లల పరీక్షా ఫలితాలు వచ్చే సమయానికి యావత్కుటుంబం ఊపిరి బిగపట్టి, రక్తపోటు పెంచుకుని, కళ్ళల్లో వత్తులు వేసుకుని ఎదురు చూపులు. ఆశించిన ఫలితాలు అందకపోతే అక్కడక్కడా అఘాయిత్యాలు జరగడం కూడా కద్దు. నేటి మధ్య తరగతి ప్రజలకు ఇది నిత్య జీవిత వాస్తవం.
అలాంటి ఓ తల్లిదండ్రుల కొడుకు రవి. “ఆటలు,సరదాలు అనవసరం. చదువులోనే రోజుకు 60 శాతం గడపాలి. సరదా చేయడానికి వీసమంత సమయం చాలు. ఎప్పుడూ క్లాసులో మొదటి రాంకునే సంపాదించాలి. తనకన్నా తెలివైనవాళ్ళ సావాసమే చెయ్యాలి” అనేది తల్లి ఆదేశం, ఉపదేశం. సినిమాలంటే ఆమె మండి పడుతుంది. సినిమాల గురించి మాట్లాడే స్నేహితులతో సావాసం చేస్తున్నాడని కొడుకుని తప్పు పడుతుంది.
రవి తెలివైన వాడే. క్లాసు పిల్లల్లో పై రాంకుల్లో వుండేవాడే. కానీ, రవికి సినిమాల పిచ్చి. సినిమా తియ్యాలనే ఉబలాటం. ఆ తల్లి తనమీద పెట్టుకున్న ఆశలు వమ్ము చేస్తానేమోననే విపరీతమైన భయం మరో వేపు. తనమూలాన తల్లి ప్రాణత్యాగం చేస్తున్నట్లు పీడకలలు.
రవి తండ్రి సూరి. అతనికి క్రికెట్ పిచ్చి. టీవీలో చూసే అవకాశం ఎలానూ లేదు. కనీసం రేడియోలో కామెంటరీ ఐనా వినాలనే తాపత్రయం. వింటూ వింటూ పెళ్ళానికి దొరికి పోతానేమోననే జంకు. అందుకోసం రకరకాల ఎత్తులు వేస్తూ, కొడుకుతో లాలూచీ పడుతూ నాటకాలాడుతుంటాడు.
రవి అమ్మమ్మకు విదేశాల్లో ఉంటున్న తన చిన్న కూతురిపై పక్షపాతం. ఆ కూతురి గొప్పలు గోరంతలు కొండంతలు చేసి చెప్తూ తనను పోషిస్తున్న పెద్ద కూతురు (రవి తల్లి)ని తక్కువ చేసి మాట్లాడుతుంటుంది. తల్లి ప్రవృత్తిని తట్టుకోలేని కూతురు కోపం కక్కలేక, మింగలేక హింస పడుతుంటుంది. ఐతే రవి చదువే తన జీవిత పరమావధిగా పెట్టుకుని, వాడు ఏదైనా ఓ ఐవీ లీగ్ స్కూల్లో సీటు సంపాదిస్తే అదే తన జీవితానికి సాఫల్యంగా తలుస్తూ, కొడుకెక్కడ తప్పటడుగు వేసేస్తాడో, ఏ స్నేహితుడు తప్పుదారి పట్టించేస్తాడోనని భయపడ్తూ, తన జీవితాన్నీ, తనవాళ్ళ జీవితాన్నీ కూడా ఎక్కడలేని ఆవేదనకూ గురి చేస్తుంటుంది.
ఈ నేపథ్యంలో కాకతాళీయంగా నగరంలో జరుగుతున్న సినిమా ఉత్సవానికి సమీక్షకుడిగా విదేశం నుండి వచ్చిన మిస్టెర్ టురేక్ అనే అతను ఏమరుపాటున పోగొట్టుకున్న ఖరీదైన వీడియో కెమేరా రవికి, అతని స్నేహితులకి దొరుకుతుంది. వాళ్ళకి దొరికిన సంగతి అతనికి తెలీదు. కానీ, అతనుండే హోటలు దర్వాను పసిగడ్తాడు. ఉత్సవం గడిచే వారం రోజులు గడువుగా పెట్టుకుని, సినిమా తియ్యాలనే నిర్ణయానికొస్తారు పిల్లలు. వారం రోజుల కార్యక్రమాన్ని నిర్దేశించుకుంటారు. ఏడవరోజు టురేక్ కెమేరా అతనికి అందజెయ్యాలని తీర్మానించుకుంటారు. దర్వాను కంట పడకుండా, అతడి నించి తప్పించుకోవాలనే ప్రయత్నంలో రకరకాల ప్రహసనాలు.
రవి స్నేహితుడు హమీద్ ది సంపన్న కుటుంబం. తండ్రి దుబాయ్ లో వుండి పుష్కలంగా డబ్బు పంపిస్తుంటాడు, అప్పుడప్పుడు వచ్చి పోతుంటాడు. కారు ప్రమాదంలో తల్లిదండ్రులు చనిపోగా, బాబాయి చేరదీయగా వాళ్ళ ఇంటి పంచన జేరిన పదహారేళ్ళ సలేహా హమీద్ ఇంట్లో వుంటూ, పిన్నమ్మకు భయపడ్తూ, వయసుకు సహజమైన సరదాలను దాచిపెట్టుకుని పనిమనిషి జీవితం గడుపుతుంటుంది.
సినిమాకు డబ్బు పెట్టుబడి పెట్టడం, అవసరమైన నటీనట వర్గాన్ని సమకూర్చడం, ఏర్పాట్లు చెయ్యడం హమీద్ బాధ్యత. నటవర్గంలో ఓ కీలకమైన పాత్ర పోషించడం మరో స్నేహితుడైన ఓంకా బాధ్యత. తన సినిమాకు హీరోయిన్ గా సలేహా కావాలంటాడు రవి. మా అమ్మ చస్తే ఒప్పుకోదు, కుదర్దంటాడు హమీద్. తాను హీరొయిన్ కాలేక పోయినా, వాళ్ళకు హీరోయిన్ ని ఏర్పాటు చేసే పని తనమీద వేసుకుంటుంది సలేహా.
ఇదిలా వుండగా హమీద్ తల్లి సలేహా కన్నా రెట్టింపు పెద్దవాడైన, అరబ్ దేశాల్లో వుండే ఒకతనితో ఆమె పెళ్ళి ఏర్పాటు చేస్తుంది.తనక్కాబోతున్న ఇష్టంలేని పెళ్ళి గురించిన ఆవేదన వ్యక్తావ్యక్తమైన భాషలో రవికి చెప్పుకుంటుంది సలేహా. తొడిమలోనే తుంచబడుతున్నసలేహా స్వప్నాల గురించి, ఆమె అశక్తత గురించి తీవ్రంగా బాధ పడ్తాడు రవి. ఈ విషయం హమీద్ తో అంటే వాడు పట్టించుకోడు. తల్లితో అంటే మన సమస్యలు చాలవన్నట్లు వాళ్ళ గొడవ నీకెందుకంటూ కసురుతుంది.
తన బంధువులిద్దరు సంగీతం కూరుస్తారని వాళ్ళ దగ్గరకి రవిని, ఓంకాని తీసుకెళ్తాడు హమీద్. వాళ్ళకు సంగీతమంటే ఓనమాలు తెలీవని అర్ధమైపోతుంది రవికి. రోజులు గడిచి పోతుంటాయ్. సినిమా కథ సిద్ధం కాదు. సంగీతం కుదరదు. నటులుగా కుదిరిన కుర్రాళ్ళకు అతిగా నటించడమే తప్ప, మోతాదులో నటించడం రాదు. హోటల్ దర్వాను కెమేరా చేజిక్కించుకోవాలని చేసే ప్రయత్నవలయం బిగుస్తుంటుంది. నిద్ర కరువౌతుంది. కెమేరా వాపసు ఇచ్చేయాలి. అన్నీ సమస్యలే. పరిష్కరించాల్సింది రవి ఒక్కడే.
ఏడవరోజు ముగిసే సరికి సినిమా పూర్తి చేయాలి. అదే ఏడవరోజున పరీక్ష కూడా వుంది. తల్లిని నిరుత్సాహ పరచకుండా ర్యాంకు సంపాదించాలి. పరీక్షకి చదువూ, సినిమా పూర్తి చెయ్యడం – రెండూ సాధించడం ఎలా?
ఈ విడి పోగులన్నిట్నీ అల్లుకుంటూ, నవ్వించే సన్నివేశాలతో, విభ్రమం కలిగించే ముగింపుతో ఎంతో నేర్పుగా, పెద్దలూ పిన్నలూ కూడా కలిసి చూసి, ఎవరి మటుకు వారికి, వారి వారి జీవిత శకలాలను స్పృశించిన అనుభూతి కలిగే విధంగా కథనాన్ని, దర్శకత్వాన్ని నడిపించిన ఈ “7 Days In Slow Motion” అనే చిత్రాన్ని తీసినది ఉమాకాంత్ తుమ్రుగోటి. అతనికి ఇది మొదటి ప్రయత్నమే ఐనా, చేయి తిరిగిన మనిషి ధోరణి కనిపిస్తుంది. పదమూడేళ్ళపాటు డిస్నీ స్టూడియోస్ లో కళాదర్శకుడుగానూ, ఏనిమేటర్ గానూ పని చేసినప్పుడు పోకాహాంటస్ (Pocahontas), బోల్ట్ (Bolt) వంటి సినిమాలను తెరకెక్కించడంలో, పాత్ర నిర్వహించినట్లుగానూ, ఆ సమయంలో ఎన్నో విషయాలు నేర్చుకున్నట్లుగానూ అతనే చెప్పుకున్నాడు.
అక్కడక్కడ తెలుగూ, హిందీ, ఉర్దూ వినబడుతూ, ఇంగ్లీషులో తీయబడిన ఈ చిత్రం ఏప్రిల్ 26న లాస్ ఏంజిలిస్ లో జరిగిన ఇండియన్ ఫిల్మ్ ఫెస్టివల్ లో ప్రదర్శించ బడింది. ప్రేక్షకుల ఆమోదం చప్పట్ల రూపంలోనూ, ప్రశ్నోత్తర సందర్భంలో ప్రశంసా ప్రకటనల రూపంలోను వెలువడింది. నిజానికి దగ్గరగా వుండడం వల్ల,’స్లం డాగ్ మిలియనీర్ కన్నా ఎక్కువ మార్కులిస్తున్నట్లు ప్రకటించాడు ఒక ప్రేక్షకుడు. సినిమా అంతా హైదరాబాదు లో జరుగుతుంది. ఒక్క టురేక్ ను మినహాయిస్తే, నటులంతా దేశీయులే.
మనసు విరిగి, కోపంతో కోత పడ్తున్న హృదయాన్ని మోస్తూ, కొడుకు మీదే ఆశలన్నీ పెట్టుకుని జీవించే తల్లిగా రాజేశ్వరీ సచ్దేవ్ పాత్ర జ్ఞాపకం వుండిపోతుంది. జాతీయ పురస్కారాలు, మరాఠీ కళా రంగంలో పురస్కారాలు సంపాదించిన ఈ నటి చేత పాత్రను సజీవం చేయించడంలో దర్శకుడి ప్రతిభ కొట్టొచ్చినట్టు కనబడుతుంది. సలేహా వేదన మాటల్లో చెప్పే పని లేకుండా మూగ చూపులతోనే ప్రేక్షకుల మనసుకు హత్తుకుపోతుంది. రవి, ఓంకా, హమీద్ పాత్రల్లో పిల్లలు, 11, 12 సంవత్సరాల వయసు వాళ్ళ అమాయకత్వం, ఆత్మ విశ్వాసం, ప్రవృత్తికీ-వ్యావృత్తికీ మధ్య నిలిచే అడ్డంకులూ, అనుకోకుండా ఎదురయ్యే కృత్యాకృత్య మీమాంసను ఎదుర్కొనడం వంటి విషయాల్లొ సహజత్వాన్ని ప్రదర్శించి కృతకృత్యులౌతారు. చిన్నా పెద్దలందరి చేతా కూడా ఏ మాత్రం గడి దాటని నటన చేయించడంలొ దర్శకుడి నైపుణ్యం క్షణక్షణం కనబడుతుంది. మన సినిమాలను పట్టి పీడించే కృతకత్వం ఎదురవ్వదు.
కామెడీగా రూపొందించ బడిన ఈ చిత్రం చూసి ప్రేక్షకులు ఎంత అప్రయత్నంగా నవ్వుతారో, అంత అప్రయత్నంగానూ ఆ తెర మీద నడుస్తున్న జీవితాల్లొ నిబిడమైన విషాదానికి వాళ్ళు కదలడమూ జరుగుతుంది. అప్రయత్నంగా కలిగే ఈ అనుభూతుల వెనుక ఎంతో ప్రయత్నం, చిత్రనిర్మాణం మీద పరిణతి సాధించిన అవగాహన వుండక తప్పవు.
ఎన్నో బహుమతులు అందుకున్న అనూ మాలిక్, అతనితో పాటు, హైదరాబాదు వాడైన ఆశీర్వాద్ ఈ సినిమాకి సంగీతం సమకూర్చారు.

అవకాశం వస్తే అందరూ చూడాల్సిన విభిన్న చిత్రం 7 Days In Slow Motion.
కథ, స్క్రీన్‌ప్లే, దర్శకత్వం: ఉమాకాంత్ తుమ్రుగోటి
సంగీతం: అనూమాలిక్, ఆశీర్వాద్
వెబ్ సైట్: http://www.7daysinslowmotion.com/

హౌ టు ట్రైన్ యువర్ డ్రాగన్

వెంకట్ ఉప్పలూరి అమెరికా, ప్రపంచ సినిమా, సమీక్ష featured 50 comments

ఛ ఈ వయసులో కార్టూన్/యానిమేషన్ సినిమాకి ఒక్కడినే వెళ్ళటం ఏమిటి అనుకున్నా. యుఎస్ న్యూస్ లో రివ్యూ బాగుండటం పైగా నా ఫ్లయ్ ట్ కి చాలా టైం ఉండటం తో సర్లే పద అనుకుని ఈ సినిమాకు వెళ్ళాను. 3డి అనుకుని వెళ్ళా కాని ఆ ధియేటర్ లో నార్మల్ ఫార్మాట్ లోనే చూడాల్సి వచ్చింది.
అద్బుతం అమోఘం అని చెప్పక తప్పదు. చాలా రోజుల తర్వాత ఎడ్జ్ ఆఫ్ ద సీట్ లో కూర్చుని చూడాల్సి వచ్చింది. ప్రతీ సీన్ కలర్ ఫుల్ గా చాలా చక్కగా కుదిరాయి. 3డి కాకపోయినా చాలా డెప్త్ తో 3డి చూసిన అనుభూతే కలిగింది. కొన్ని సీన్లు చూస్తూంటే యానిమేషన్ సాధించిన ప్రగతి ప్రస్పుటంగా కనిపిస్తుంది.
హికప్ హీరో.. వైకింగ్ జాతి వాడు.. మిగతా జాతితో కలసి ఓ చక్కని ద్వీపం లో నివసిస్తూంటాడు. అందరు మహా బలవంతులే తను తప్ప. వాళ్ళ నాన్నకి కూడా నమ్మకం ఉండదు. వీరికి ఉన్న ఒకే సమస్య.. డ్రాగన్ దాడి. అవి వచ్చినప్పుడల్లా మంటలు, చంపుకోవడాలు మామూలే. ఈ గొడవ లో హికప్ ని రానివ్వరు. అయినా ఓ సారి ఏలానో చొరబడి ఓ డ్రాగన్ ని అటాక్ చేసి ఓ ఆయుధం ద్వారా బంధిస్తాడు. కాని అది ఎవ్వరు నమ్మరు. దాని కోసం వెదుకుతూ బయలుదేరుతాడు. అది నిస్సహాయ స్తితి లో ఉన్నా చంపలేక దాని బంధనాలు తొలగిస్తాడు. దీని పేరు టూత్ లెస్ ఓ రేర్ జాతి డ్రాగన్. కాని అది ఎగరలేక పోతుంది. ఎలివేటర్ తోక విరిగిపోయి ఉంటుంది. దానికి చేపలు పెట్టి స్నేహం చేస్తాడు. ఎలివేటర్ టైల్ తయారు చేసిస్తాడు. ఆ డ్రాగన్ మీద కూర్చుని ఎలివేటర్ కంట్రోల్ చెయ్యడం ద్వారా తను ఎగురుతాడు.
వాళ్ళ నాన్న ఆదేశం మీద ఓ నలుగురు యువత కు డ్రాగన్ ఫైట్ లో శిక్షణ మొదలవుతుంది. ఓ నాలుగైదు పట్టుబడిన డ్రాగన్ లతో. తను టూత్ లెస్ దగ్గర నేర్చుకున్న ట్రిక్స్ తో అన్నిటిని మచ్చిక చేసుకుని జాతి వారితో హీరో గా కొనియాడబడతాడు, ఆస్ట్రిడ్, హీరోయిన్ తనుకూడా ఫైట్ లో శిక్షణ తీసుకుంటూంటుంది. ఓ రోజు హికప్ ని వెంబడించి రహస్యం తెలుసుకుంటుంది. అనుకోకుండా ఇద్దరు కలసి టూత్ లెస్ మీద కూర్చుని స్వారీ చేస్తారు. అప్పుడ అసలు క్వీన్ డ్రాగన్ గుహ చూస్తారు. మిగతా డ్రాగన్ లు దాని బానిస లని తెలుస్తుంది. దిగిన ఆస్ట్రిడ్, హికప్ చెంప మీద కొడుతుంది ఇది నన్ను కిడ్నాప్ చేసినందుకు అని వెంటనే ముద్దు పెట్టి ఇది మిగతా అన్ని విషయాలకు అని.
వాళ్ళ నాన్న ముందు ఓ డ్రాగన్ ఫైట్ లో ఓడిపోతాడు. అప్పుడు వాళ్ళ నాన్న కి అసలు విషయం తెలిసి క్వీన్ డ్రాగన్ మీద యుద్ధం ప్రకటిస్తాడు. కాని ఓటమి అంచుకొచ్చేస్తాడు. అప్పుడు యువత మిగతా డ్రాగన్ ల తో కలసి క్వీన్ బీ ని చంపేసి, వాటితో కలసి సహ జీవనం సాగించటం తో సినిమా సుఖాంతం అవుతుంది ఓ చివుక్కుమనే విషయంతో.
సినిమా పూర్తవ్వగానే మనస్పూర్తిగా చప్పట్లు కొట్టాను మిగతా వారితో కలసి.
జే బరూచెల్, అమెరికా ఫెరెరా, గెరార్డ్ బట్లర్ ముఖ్య వాయిస్ సపోర్ట్. డ్రాగని లు మాట్లాడ లేదు యాక్షన్ తప్ప.
డ్రీమ్ వర్క్స్ వారి తయారీ. రిలయన్స్ పేరు ఎక్కడా కనబడలేదు. యానిమేషన్ లో ఓ కొత్త వరవడిని సృష్టించగల సినిమా. క్రిష్టోఫర్ సాండర్స్, డీన్ డిబ్లాయిస్ డైరెక్ట్ చేశార్. ఇదే పేరుతో వచ్చిన క్రెసీడా కొవెల్ నవలకి రూపాంతం.
పిల్లల్ని తీసుకుని మరీ వెళ్ళండి.

spirit movie

http://maacinemapegi.blogspot.in/search/label/animation%20movies

నేటి సినిమా మాయాబజార్

నేటి సినిమా మాయాబజార్

కిందపడి దొర్లి నవ్వడం ఈరోజు చూసాను. ముఖ్యంగా చిన్నపిల్లలు నవ్వారు చూడండి ... 

Five Indian Movies with Strong Child Characterization

There’s more to Children’s movies than Ra.One and My Friend Ganesh. Taking stock of all the movies we’ve seen over the years on children, Halabol has summarized a list of five, which have delivered strong screenplay and role characterization in relation to pressing and sensitive social issues.

0Comments Read MoreEntertainment, movies

Komal Nehta in an article on why the children’s film movements hasn’t taken off in India states that the Indian audience does not take children’s movies as a potent form of entertainment and much rather opt for ‘masala’ movies meant for family viewing. This very reason affects productions and investments into children based movies as well as the script and character development for child actors.
However, 2011 has seen a great upsurge of movies based on children in animation, super hero movies and even those addressing social issues in light hearted but effective ways.  Taking stock of all the movies we’ve seen over the years on children, Halabol has summarized a list of five, which have delivered strong screenplay and role characterization in relation to pressing and sensitive social issues.

Taare Zameen Par (2007)

One of the most successful children’s movies in the Bollywood box office, it added bright colors of hope and optimism from the greyish perspective that people maintained of children with any special needs and challenges.  More than that, it brought clarity in the way ‘common people’ perceived and understood the finer differences between the kindof disabilities as well as the importance of the education system finding a way to discover a child’s talent or skill and not to dogmatically impose itself on a child’s imagination.  Darsheel Safary portrayal of a dyslexic child left many ‘mummies’ and ‘daddies’ incredibly moved, increasing the awareness and importance of special education in schools.

 Zakhm (1998)

Many don’t view this typically as a children’s movie given the ‘adult’ issues like religion, communal conflict and extra marital relationship that it deals with. But Zakhm is a mature children’s movie, one that gave more credit to a child actor than just playing ‘problem child’ or ‘patty cake’ roles. This is one of those rare movies (which is neither in the art or independent genre nor completely mainstream) that gave depth and complexity to childhood and shows how many children in socially exceptional circumstances ‘grow up’ faster than the rest.  Kunal Khemu hasn’t been able to outdo his own feat in this role till date as an adult actor.

I Am Kalam (2011)

"It is a crime to dream small. The world out there wants you to be like everyone else, but I want you to strive hard to be unique. Continuously strive to acquire knowledge about the world around you as it will give you power," said Former President APJ Abdul Kalam (Source: The Times Of India). This quote alone summarizes most of the movie about the story of a child labourer in a small dhaba in Rajasthan who is lovable, ambitious and a fast learner in all equal measures. Stereotypically pet named, Chotu befriends a young Rajput prince to whom he introduces himself as ‘Kalam’ as a token of his inspiration to dream big and work hard to become a ‘suited booted’ professional. Beyond the father figure, the movie also touches on childhood friendships that often cut across social boundaries like class or status that’s hard to replicate in most adult relationships.

Masoom (1983)

One of the craftiest works in Indian Cinema and easily the most touching movie on children, the ripples of which affect us till date whether it is with playful tunes of ‘Lakdi Ki Kaathi’ or the empathic tone of ‘Tujhse Naraaz Nahi Zindagi’.  Jugal Hansraj plays the dashingly cute kid whose single mother passes away and leaves him to his dad, married to another woman with daughters. Matter of wonder how Shekhar Kapur’s in his debutant directorial work gave such a delicate story a classic touch instead of an over the top drama it most likely could have been.

 Stanley Ka Dabba (2011)

Amole Gupte, the Director of the movie, was quoted in an article in The Times of India, “One can't make a film on child labour and also have the child slogging it out for 12 hours shooting for it.” Which is why, he shot Stanley Ka Dabba on weekends and summer vacations of the cast involved and took particular attention in making sure that his son, Partho Gupte (the wonderful protagonist of SKD) had his Sundays free for fun and games.  SKD is not the in-your-face kind of cinema and instead Gupte has relied more on subtle techniques to slowly and surely affect the audience with the larger issue in hand by contextualizing it in small pockets of everyday reality. With a small budget, zero marketing and short life on the silver screen, this movie has managed to win many hearts besides the well-deserved critical acclaim. He next plans to make a film on segregative education and non-inclusive teaching in India.
Are there any movies on children from any genre or format that you would recommend as a good watch? Would you be as excited to watch a children’s movie as much as any other commercial or art movie?

Best Movies for Christmas Holiday 2010

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By: John Stevens | Dec 22, 2010 | 564 words | 6398 views

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Christmas is coming to town, and it would not be a perfect holiday without a holiday movie for the entire family to enjoy. In this season, we would like to introduce some classic movies, maybe some of them are not new for you, however, watching them while sitting up together next to Christmas tree would bring you the holiday spirit, and definitely good feeling too.

"The Nightmare Before Christmas" (1993)

Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King, rules the Halloween town but he is unhappy with that role. One day, he tries to find something exciting and arrives in Christmas town. He takes it upon himself to take over the duties of Santa to deliver toys to children across the world, however, things do not go as planned. The film has recently been released in 3-D version.

"The Nightmare Before Christmas"

"Home Alone"

Kevin is a little boy who gets left at homewhile his family accidentally leaves him behind for Christmas vacation. At first, he entertains himself, but after that, he realizes how much he needs his family. When his house becomes the target of burglars, Kevin knows he must fight back to protect his house.

"Home Alone"

"The Santa Clause"

A toy company executive, stared by Tim Allen, accidentally kills Santa, and due to the "Santa law", he is required to take Santa identity. Day passes and he is transformed into the real Santa, but he must convince other people, except for his son, that he is not crazy.

"The Santa Clause"

"White Christmas"

With a simple content about World War II, veterans turned entertainers try to collect money to save the failing Vermont inn of their former commanding general, and finally find their true love. The film is famous for its beautiful songs and dances.

"White Christmas"

"Miracle on 34th Street"

A man named Kris Kringle - who is hired to act as Santa at a toy store Macy - is actually a real Santa. His kindness and love really warm up many people hearts, especially Doris and her little daughter.

"Miracle on 34th Street"

"A Christmas Story"

All the little boy Raphie wanted was a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas, but run-ins with his Six-year-old brother and having to handle school bully, he does not know if he can survive long enough to get the gun. Moreover, the adults determine to refuse his wish with "You will shoot your eye' excuse". With many laughs abound, this movie is considered a classic one.

"A Christmas Story"

"Elf"

It is a warm-hearted comedy about a baby boy brought to North Pole by mistake, living with Santa and elves. When he grows up, he goes back to human society to find his real dad. However, the real world is not just peaceful as he thought. He decides to do something to help NY people to bring back the holiday spirit.

"Elf"

"It’s a Wonderful Life"

The true classic movie of all time with touching stories about dying George Bailey and his guardian angel, who helps him back to holiday spirit and shows him how much well he has really done. This is the movie for people of all ages that every time you see, it just gets better.

"It’s a Wonderful Life"

Best Children's Books Made into Movies

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By: John Stevens | Jan 15, 2011 | 652 words | 6149 views

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Since its publication in 1963, the 338-word story of Max has been a bedtime favorite of wild things everywhere (and their parents). After five decades, director Spike Jonze enlists the stars to play the beasts that inhabit Maurice Sendak's magical world into the great hit “Where the Wild Things Are”. Jonze has done a masterly job, giving live to Sendak words, and broken one Hollywood doctrine: children's cinema need steady stream of laughs, action sequences and references to flatulence.

Time Magazine has praised that “The beauty of "Where the Wild Things Are" is that for all its fantastical elements, it's a work of realism, an exploration of mood and emotion. Like Sendak's book, which on initial publication was considered too edgy and creepy by some critics and libraries, the movie is dark, but it is perhaps even more richly cathartic”.

Carol (voiced by James Gandolfini) and Max (Max Records) in "Where the Wild Things Are" directed by Spike Jonze.

The commercial trailer of "Where the Wild Things Are" was rated as top five trailers for children movies.

Besides the stunning beautiful characters "Where the Wild Things Are" story were brought to screen, here are some other movies in which Hollywood chose to retell a children's classic using real actors.

"Mary Poppins" (1964)

It took Disney over two decades to persuade M.L. Travers, author of the Poppins books, to allow the studio to bring her magical nanny to the big screen. This is the first film to blur the line between real action and animation by having real actors appear with cartoon penguins in a scene.

The special effects like Mary's umbrella-powered flight were considered state-of-the art in the 1960s.

"The Little Prince" (1974)

The beloved story of Antoine de Saint Exupéry was recast as a musical film under the talented production of director Stanley Donen with lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner and music by Frederick Loewe.

In "The Little Prince", produced in 1974, Stephen Warner plays the title role, Bob Fosse plays the Snake, and Gene Wilder plays the Fox.

"Madeline" (1998)

Before bringing the famous Madeline into a real life, the story was made into animated movies several times. The story itself was brilliant, however, the film was not highly rated for actor performance.

The tales of "smallest girl in the straight lines" Madeline came to life in 1998, with Hatty Jones as title character.

"Stuart Little" (1999)

The movie tells the story of a talking mouse who is adopted by a human family. Stuart must use all the love and courage he has to gain their acceptance. The movie was based on E.B. White's 1945 novel but little in common with the original book.

Stuart is voiced by Michael J. Fox, while his adoptive parents are played by Geena Davis and Hugh Laurie

"The Grinch" (2000)

Dr. Seuss's 1957 tale of Christmas time redemption was brought into the big screen by director Ron Howard with many new details from the book.

"The Grinch" became a blockbuster when it was first released in 2000, and remained No.1 position for four weeks in a row.

Harry Potter series

The popular of Harry Potter books by Rowling with millions of copies sold made the film producers rapidly work to release their Potter film. The first movie of series in 2001 earned up to $1 billion at the box office. The last part,"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II", is expected to be released in the summer of 2011.

Harry Potter series turn their casts - Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Ruper Grint - into international stars.

"Nanny McPhee" (2006)

"Nanny McPhee" stars Emma Thompson, a magical nanny under the cover of an ugly hag. Transformed into a beautiful young woman, she teaches the children manners as well as helps them and their fathers find the true love and happiness. The character Nanny MacPhee was adapted from Christianna Brand's Nurse Matilda books.

The movies earned enormous success with the revenue more than $100 million worldwide.

Movies for Both Parents and Kids

This entry was posted on May 24, 2012, in Rugged Bear. Bookmark the permalink. Leave a comment

Although you will probably find these in the children and family section of Netflix (or you may remember them being in the family section of Blockbuster), the movies on this list are ones I still find entertaining, meaningful and/or funny. If you find yourself looking for a family movie and the new releases are not cutting it, maybe give one of these at try.

15. Shrek – A fun twist on the “real beauty is within” storyline; ogres are like onions: they have many layers…

14. Little Rascals – My favorite couple under the age of ten, Alfalfa and Darla

13. The Labyrinth – Ok, so this was kind of a strange movie for me when I was five years-old, but I remember finding it really interesting and watching it over again and again. Maybe fast forward the part where the fire gang tries to get Jennifer Connelly to take off her head…

12. Emperor’s New Groove – I always found this movie amusing, especially with the voice of David Spade as the selfish, Emperor Kuzco.

11. Finding Nemo – Probably the cutest movie ever.

10. Hocus Pocus – A Halloween classic – Bette Midler puts a spell on you.

9. Lion King – who doesn’t like to sing “Hakuna Matata?”

8. Up – I didn’t know I was going to enjoy this movie as much as I did. Up has an entertaining and touching plot that everyone will get something out of.

7. Mrs. Doubtfire – Maybe a little mature for some kids, but it is a mild PG-13

6. Sound of Music  – Classic, great music. Also good if your kids play instruments as many of the songs can be adapted to beginners’ versions on the piano or guitar.

5. ET– An alien, a flying bike and adorable child star Drew Barrymore? Yes, please

4. Elf – Christmas or not this movie is hilarious and one of my all-time favorites

3. Madagascar- Still makes me laugh – love King Julien. Looking forward the Madagascar 3!

2. Princess Bride – Has all the elements of a perfect fairytale.

1. Wizard of Oz – The characters, the costumes, the music; it is one of the best movies of all time.

Have any to add?

Compass is Golden Wonder

Golden Compass ... one of the best children's movies this year

Top 10 animated children's movies of all time

 

   Kung Fu Panda

This DreamWorks Animation offering is surprisingly good, considering that DWA's other features include the desperate and unfunny Shrek films. Jack Black is wonderful as the voice of Po, a portly panda who dreams of being a kung fu warrior and works to overcome struggle and save his village. Cute without being dumb, and funny without being cruel, it's an encouraging film for kids that packs a positive message of determination and empowerment.

Children’s Day Spl: Finally, Bollywood wakes up to Children’s cinema!

Posted at November 14, 2011

This Children’s Day we re-visit some of the best loved films which either had children as the protagonists or were styled in such a way that it made a healthy viewing for children.

Chak De India (2007)

Directed by Shimit Amin, this story was inspired by a real life story of goalkeeper Mir Ranjan Negi who was disgraced by losing out to Pakistan in the 1982 Asian Games. Ostracised by all, he redeemed himself by coaching the Indian Women’s Hockey Team only to see them lift the 2002 Commonwealth Games Hockey Gold and proving his detractors wrong.

The film had Shah Rukh Khan playing a disgraced coach who then comes around coaching a gaggle of sixteen contentious players into a champion team.

 

What kids learn: team work, discipline, hard work and humility.

Taare Zameen Par (2007)

This Aamir Khan starer and directed film set new standards in teaching children in India. For the film had as its protagonist a free spirited 8-year old dyslexic boy (a reading disability) called Ishaan who is bad in academics and is misunderstood by his parents, peers and friends.

What kids learn: the joy for life, enjoying the process of learning

What elders learn: the unnecessary academic pressure that is put on children in the name of learning

My Friend Ganesha (2007)

This is story of 8 year old boy Ashu who is lonely as his parents work and have no time for time. All he has for company is his maid who takes care of him. To cheer up the small boy she tells him stories of Lord Ganesha.

In time, Ganesha becomes a part and parcel of little Ashu’s life and soon he starts to become friends with Ganesha who appears to him every now and then and helps him with all his problems. In the process they have loads of fun too.

 

What kids learn: Mythology is fun now, triumph of good over evil, and devotion

Koi Mil Gaya (2003)

This film inspired by ET and Alien but with a different story line than those, was a big hit with kids. It had as its protagonist Hrithik Roshan who plays a boy who is mentally challenged; he behaves like 10 year old kids.

However, one day he and his friends discover a machine that his scientist dad built to communicate with aliens. It so happens that they actually manage to communicate with aliens who then descend on the sleepy town. Sadly a mishap occurs and they have to leave and in the rush one of the aliens gets left behind. The creature is saved by Hrithik who then becomes friends with him and helps him overcome his disabilities.

What kids learn: magic of science, victory of good over evil

Haathi Mere Saathi (1971)

Technically not a kiddies’ film, but the theme of love and compassion for all is certain to win hearts. It is the story of an orphan boy brought up by elephants who grows up to start his own zoo which houses other wild animals and his own four elephants.

Rajesh Khanna plays the protagonist who then falls in love and marries his lady love played by Tanuja. When their child is born, the wife has apprehensions about the kid’s safety in the presence of so many wild animals and asks her husband to choose between his animals and wife/son. Khanna chooses to stay with his animals. It is then that Ramu, his favourite elephant goes about bringing the lovers together but in the end paying with his life.

What kids learn: love and compassion for animals much before Bollywood stars started campaigning for PETA.

Rani Aur Laal Pari (1975)

This was our very own desi Cinderella with Neetu Singh playing Cinderella and Reena Roy playing the fairy godmother. It was a faithful re-production of the fairy tale, complete with European style dressing.

What kids learn: apart from a time for good story telling, it shows goodness triumph over evil

Hanuman (2005)

Here’s a classic tale that tells the story of Hanuman right from before his birth to his final act of devotion to Lord Rama. But it’s not just that which endeared it to all—children and adults. The treatment of the film was so interesting what with baby Hanuman up to so many tricks like flying up to the Sun only to gobble it thinking it to be a ripe mango; flying through planets, skiing on lightening to swimming in gushing forests streams and what not!

What kids learn: Apart from being a colourful and fun-filled initiation into Hindu mythology, it marked the coming-of-age of Indian animation.

Iqbal (2005)

Here’s a tale of a deaf and mute boy (played by Shreyas Talpade) from the interiors of India who overcomes his difficulties and inabilities to do one thing that he aspires to do—play cricket for the Indian team.

 

Helped by a local drunkard coach played by Naseeruddin Shah who in his prime was a great talent himself and egged on by his kid sister, Iqbal realizes his dream.

What kids learn: patience, perseverance, hard work and belief in oneself

Mr. India (1997)

This Anil Kapoor-Sridevi starer is the story of a local do-gooder but foolish man (played by Anil Kapoor) who runs an orphanage with his cook friend with one room given on rent to a budding local reporter played by Sridevi.

While he struggles to keep the orphanage going, he discovers that his father had invented a machine that could make people invisible. With the help of this device and together with Sridevi and his gang he goes about beating the bad elements in society.

 

What kids learn: Apart from victory of good over evil they also marvel at the wonders of science as this film is among the earliest of science fiction films made in Bollywood. Then one also learns about kindness and care for others.

Makdee (2002)

Truly a kiddies’ film and a thriller too! It’s the story of Chunni, her twin sister, Munni and their encounter with a witch who lives in a haunted mansion played by the redoubtable Shabana Azmi. Chunni is a prankster who fools around in her village while Munni is the docile one. Now, there’s a haunted house in the village where the witch stays and the story goes that anyone who strays into the mansion is promptly turned into an animal. One day one of Chunni’s prank backfires on her and her docile sister has to enter the house. The witch turns her into a hen.

A hapless Chunni runs pillar to post to get help from the villagers but all turn their backs on her. Helpless she enters the mansion and is confronted with the witch. She begs and pleads with the witch to spare her sister as it was her fault. The witch agrees but strikes a deal—she is prepared to turn Munni back into a human but only after Chunni gets her 100 chickens in exchange.

What kids learn: pranks are fun but they can be trouble too, so be careful

Boot Polish (1954)

A film made way back in 1954, it is still very relevant today. It charts the life of an orphaned brother and sister who are forced into begging by their aunt who robs them of their meager earnings. While begging once they meet a bootlegger John who rebukes them saying it’s better to die than beg. Their pride pricked, the brother and sister manage to save up some money to buy themselves a boot polish kit and start polishing boots.

When their aunt gets to know this, she throws them from her home. Forced to live in the street, in time people refuse to give them boots to polish too. Helpless, at a railway station a rich family adopts the girl while the police sends the boy to an orphanage. Ashamed at this slight, the boy runs away only to meet his sister at the railway station, who runs after her brother. She is set for a vacation with her new family. Enter into the scene is the bootlegger who runs after these two kids only to fall and bleed. Seeing him, the boy stops and in time both the kids are adopted by the family.

What kids learn: dignity of labour, sibling love

Anjali (1990)

Among the earliest Mani Ratnam films to be dubbed in Hindi from the original Tamil, it is the story of a young couple and their two children who adopt a young girl. While the husband secretly visits someone daily, the wife one day gets suspicious and confronts him only to find out that her husband visits a terminally ill child. In time, the entire family falls in love with Anjali who eventually dies.

What kids learn: love, kindness, a giving nature

Mili (1975)

Not strictly a kids’ film, but a very endearing film on niceness of being, family values and humility and love for life. A terminally ill Milli lives in an apartment complex, loved by all and quite a live wire in the neighbourhood. Into the complex moves a young man who loves his drinks, is a loner and hates communicating with the world. Watching this live wire of a girl with a gang of little children who are also her friends, his heart melts and inner self comes forth.

He falls in love with Milli only to know later that she is suffering from an incurable disease. At first, he wants to move away from the place as he can’t bare to see her die. But later decides to marry her despite her illness. The last scene shows the couple bound for abroad for Milli’s treatment as her father waves out to them.

What kid’s learn: virtues of love, goodwill and importance of positive thinking, ability to fight against odds

Chillar Party (2011)

A truly kiddies film but with an ambitious theme. It has a gang of small boys in a neighbourhood called Chandan Nagar. When a new boy member Bheedu enters the gang he is accepted with open arms. Sadly, Bheedu gets into some problem with a local politician. It is then that the boys gang up together to teach the politician a lesson.

What kids learn: determination, grit, steely resolve

Stanley Ka Dabba (2011)

A story that hacks back to the innocence and sweetness of childhood is here—up there. This is the story of Stanley Fernandes who is 4^th grader in school and is immensely popular with other students and teachers. Sadly, he doesn’t get a dabba or tiffin box to school. But all his friends love him so much that they share their tiffin with him.

Enter the villain—the Hindi teacher, Mr Verma who doesn’t get his food too but loves to gobble what his students get. He is called ‘Khadoos’ by all. All kids hide their tiffin from him but he eventually gets to know. He also threatens that Stanley better get his dabba or not come to school. For a few days Stanley is missing from school and all miss him. Then, one day Stanley comes with his dabba which he shares with ‘Khadoos’ who is hugely embarrassed and leaves the school. In time, it is discovered why Stanley hadn’t been getting his dabba.

What kids learn: friendship, camaraderie, victory of good over evil

I Am Kalam (2011)

In spite of being born into abject poverty, Chhotu an inventive child with a cheerful disposition does not let his grim circumstances defeat him. In order to support his family, he works in a small road side food stall during the day; however spends his evenings voraciously reading books he has somehow managed to gather. He someday dreams of getting an education, and commanding his own destiny.

One day, upon hearing a speech from Dr. Abdul Kalam, the former President of India, Chhotu vows to change his future. Just like him, the former President too suffered great hardships as a child, but through sheer determination, perseverance and hard work mapped his own course.

What kids learn: Positive attitude to life, virtues of good education, having a good role model

Zokkomon (2011)

Here’s a live action film for children. Starring the Taare Zameen Par hero Darsheel Safary, it is the story of an orphaned boy who is abandoned by his heartless uncle to fend for himself. Left alone, he digs deep into his reserve of courage comes out to face the world. In the process he becomes Zokkomon. A story of betrayal and bravery, it is very inspirational for kids.

What kids learn: bravery and courage to face problems in life.

Bumm Bumm Bole (2010)

The authorized version of Iranian classic, Children of Heaven (1997), this is the story of a boy and sister combination who come from a poor family. One day the brother loses his sister’s only pair of shoes and then begins a roller coaster ride to getting a new pair of shoes.

A story of great compassion, the original was much feted film nomination for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

What kids learn: compassion for the poor and determination to fight against all odds.

Ghatothkach (2008)

An animation film based on the mythological character Ghatothkach, son of Bhima and Hidimba. He was supposed to be as strong as his father and had as big a heart as his mother. He was known to be very loyal and devoted and gave up his life fighting alongside his father in the battle.

What kids learn: sense of sacrifice, devotion, large-heartedness, family bonds

Blue Umbrella (2005)

Set in a small Himachal Pradesh village, it is the story of a blue umbrella and its owner, a small girl named Biniya. The girl trades her bear claw necklace to get a beautiful blue Japanese umbrella. Soon, she is the centre of attraction in the entire village. Noticing her is the richest man in the village, shop keeper who owns an old ruined shop. He won’t buy one for himself, but sets a small boy to steal it from her.

Soon the girl loses her umbrella while the shopkeeper is seen flaunting a bright red umbrella. Soon the village gets to know that girl’s blue umbrella had actually been stolen by the shopkeeper who then dyed it red.

The villagers force the shopkeeper to return it to the girl and boycott his shop too.