Film reviews
Men In Black 3
It’s not a sequel that needed to be made, but thanks to the charm of its leads and a tone that harks back to the wit and humour of the original, it’s a pretty enjoyable trip.
Bel Ami
The excellent female support cast saves this patchy effort, which is let down by its leading man and a flat screenplay.
The Dictator
A disappointing, often repulsive and mean-spirited mess of a film with seemingly only one real criterion on its agenda: to shock and offend.
The Woman In Black
Packed with atmosphere, this old-fashioned but deftly told ghost story delivers ample chills and thrills.
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Peepli Live (Film)
Rating: M
Running Time: 106
Country: India
Director: Anusha Rizvi
Cast: Onkar Das, Raghuvir Yadav
Release Date: August 13, 2010
Film Worth: $13.00
FILMINK rates movies out of $20 - the score indicates the amount we believe a ticket to the movie to be worthA layered, moving satire which delves into social issues neglected in most Bollywood films.
Rural settings and the plight of farmers was the topic of many Bollywood films in earlier decades. However, in recent times, with an urbanised audience and the value of entertainment outweighing the need for social commentary, farmers are oft neglected in Indian narratives. Peepli Live brings the issue back to the forefront with a layered story authentically portraying the contemporary poverty of the neglected Indian villagers.
The film follows Natha (Omkar Das Manikpuri), a farmer who is on the brink of losing his land when his family is unable to repay a bank loan. Upon hearing of a government scheme that compensates farmer suicide, Natha decides to kill himself to save his family. Unfortunately, his suicide plans become national headlines once the media is tipped off, and politicians are forced to step in. What unfolds is a satirical circus, populated by local bigwigs, national policymakers and pesky journalists, all intent on exploiting Natha's suffering for their own agenda.
Peepli Live is an innovative story that tackles an important social issue with humour, wit and intelligence. The subject is refreshing and educational, providing a springboard to explore the inner workings of contemporary Indian society. Writer/director Anusha Rizvi does a remarkable job in thoroughly teasing out the intricacies of the social issue, and making it relevant and comprehensible for viewers. Beginning at the micro level (the village) and winding into the national arena, the screenplay unveils the different elements at play. It seamlessly encompasses the individual, the family structure, the agricultural community, the political players with their apathy and inconsequential policies, and the media that exacerbates the situation. Amongst the satire lies a powerful social commentary. It explores modern India's neglect of its agricultural legacy, aptly probing, "When the government doesn't give us anything while we live, why would they give us anything when we die?"
The story and authenticity is bolstered by flawless characterisation, natural performances, music and cinematography. Though it loses steam towards the end with too many twists, it's a compelling film, both humorous and haunting.
