Of Gods and Men AKA Des hommes et des dieux (6/10) (2010)

Of Gods and Men

A group of missionaries (monks of Tibhirine) living in Atlas mountains in Algeria peacefully near a muslim village in the 1990s when terrorists threaten the well being in general, and perhaps the Christian priests in particular. Its a slow moving movie as the situation warrants - with the priests deliberating whether they should leave and thinking what their mission is, what they are headed for and so on. There is always the possibility of their being kidnapped or killed. Some of them go through phases of wanting to leave, but a couple are steadfast that they won't including the medic priest.

The encounters are a bit documentary like because they are real but the acting is superb, and the icing is the bit during their "last supper" when they have all decided to stay - a piece from Tchaikovsky's ballet, Swan Lake (10th movement, the first from Act II: Scene: Moderato).

While the discussions of the priests are shown in fair detail, the other side is shown just in sketches, and their encounters have no discussion as such (perhaps as is likely to happen in a real-life situation when at least one side has its views fixed). I would have liked to see more on those lines though.

Of Gods and Men AKA
Des hommes et des dieux (6/10) (2010)

From Paris with Love (2010) (5/10)

Eiffel tower is shown a couple of times, a drive past Seine once but otherwise this movie could have been shot anywhere. I deplore the use of one of my favorite city's name in this fashion. The movie has elements of espionage and something like a plot but many holes. But clearly like many Hindi movies you are supposed to ignore that and just go gaga over the violence and the attendant nonchalance. Bottomline: if you like guns and shootings and brawls, this is for you. If not, perhaps you could give it a miss.

From Paris with Love (2010) (5/10)

A Wednesday (2008) (8/10)

A movie about terrorism and its effect on common man. The workings of a police organization once it is made aware of a threat to thousands of citizens of Mumbai from 6 bombs. How the media is made use of by terrorists. How the terrorists get blinded by their acts and are proud of destructive activities.

I am against killing. But clearly wars happen (though I wish they wouldn't). When you are attacked, you have to defend. But if in the process you have to fall to the opponents level or below thats a shame. Religious hared, for instance, need not be fought by equal religiousness. It may be a better world if it is fought by a secular outlook.

Many prisoner release situation come into existence because such demands are met with. If it is realized that that won't happen, such incidents may decrease.

Mostly believable movie and good acting.

A Wednesday (2008) (8/10)

V for Vendetta (2005) (7/10)

A philosophical action movie trying to make it hard to draw a line between terrorism and revolutionism. Asking questions if destroying symbols of democracy wielded by a few is okay if that is going to make a peoples democracy available. If the revenge is not going to do any good for you personally, do you have the right to do good to others whether or not they want it?

Good dialogues, excellent acting, and good theme. It is all exaggerated a bit (a lot) but it is fair enough to drive across the point. Or may be not. If one person could do so many things, may be such a persion should do it. The issue is mainly due to fractured mandates, fractured identities etc. The human variety is what is sometimes the problem. But hopefully it is a solution too.

V for Vendetta (2005) (7/10)