Just got through part 1. Highly thought provoking. Religion being an astrotheological interpretation of the Sun's movements.
Parts 2 and 3 deal with more contemporary issues including 9/11. Worth watching for sure. Very gripping and very bold. It's not like BullShit! by Penn and Teller. It actually has brilliant substance and is not just mindless ranting.
American based as can be expected, but definitely not Hollywood esque. Well structured and well worded. Seems neutral and unbiased.
(Updated) Just going through Part II now. It's lost most of its neutrality. It's become another 911 demolition conspiracy theory as used by the United States as a self inflicted wound for greater control over the people. An excuse for a communist way of government in a democracy. Seems very believable as do all such documentaries. But here, it gets a little too sentimental, and understandably so. The Gauntlet has an excellent critique of the documentary.
Do I think 911 was facilitated or staged by the government. I would definitely say, yes. Intelligence operations has reached that stage in the world where everything is known at least a few hours before it happens, most of the time days and weeks before it happens. The USA cannot be incompetent in this field. The 911 "attack" was a tragedy, but it was a controlled tragedy. A common enemy syndrome emerged and it was immensely profitable to Cheney, Bush and the others. Check Haliburton for instance. A cost plus contract during a recession? Very shady indeed. The 911 commission report alluded to in the movie can be found here.
Showing posts with label Movies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Movies. Show all posts
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
A sheep named Stalin
This post is a response to the irresponsible accusations about the movie Charlie Wilson's war made here. The post above talks about how bad the movie was.
Anyone who takes the trouble to look beyond the obvious would be able to appreciate that the movie was exactly as it should be in order to convey a message about how the people who suffer are always those who are in the battle zone, while the congressman enjoys his recliner and Julia Roberts. (Much like the trading in agricultural derivatives in the Indian market is making farmers suffer)
What does one look for in a movie? The impact, the story, the cinematography? Maybe for a non movie buff, all one looks for is the sleaze. However, being able to appreciate the finer nuances of a movie is what makes a movie worth watching.
First of all, the film is by no means, a "comedy". It wasn't meant to be one. It follows the normal Tom Hanks tradition of satire and sarcasm during lighter moments in order to convey a deeper message to a wider audience (the sleaze catering to a particularly shallow audience - north indians, for instance).
Second, if someone were to watch the movie and get ANYTHING out of it, it would be that it was so easy to wage war (getting 500 million dollars for the purpose) and pretty much impossible to get a million for reconstruction of schools. The movie is extremely relevant as of now as the US is treading the same path in Iraq. If a democrat gets elected, the promise to withdraw troops would result in a similar situation as has been shown here.
The entire movie talks of the futility of war and more relevantly, the futility of a cold war. It shows the amount of horse trading that seems necessary to ensure that weapons just reach the agents. The CIA agent explains the story of the Zen Master and the little boy at the end of the movie although there is an allusion to it right at the first meeting with Wilson. The station chief at Islamabad seem to echo the sentiment of the cold war. All this looks to show us how war serves no purpose.
Tom Hanks pulls off a Tom Hanks as usual and is as stunning as ever. Julia Roberts cant look bad no matter what she does or wears and the entire movie is built up brilliantly to deliver the message at the end. The ending would not have had its impact if it had not been built up they way it had. It is important, of course, to understand that the movie was screened at an International Relations course to show how insanely ludicrous and historically doctored it was. But that seems to have slipped notice. The movie makes you think. It makes everyone think. You would say something as insanely egoistic as dialogue being imperative only if you feel if u have a monopoly over thinking for yourself. You call it a premier legal institute. Maybe someone else, at least 2 other people in that room that day other than you could possibly think and understand the significance of the screening. I personally find nothing wrong with this movie being screened and would go as far as to say, it was a good choice.
I am confident that a blog entry is not a start of anything. You wanna actually do something abt it (and not just crib endlessly and yell at everyone in sight to get responsibility)? Then blogging is definitely not the answer. You have to start somewhere where it matters.
Lastly, Communism deserves to be stereotyped.
It is the most wretched form of government there is, was or ever will be.
Communist pigs do not value the meaning and fragility of life (here i refer to the communist leaders and not every communist citizen in general - after all the leaders are the basis for judging the cause anyway). Why then, should we respect theirs? I have been a Marxist socialist most of my life and the one thing I hate more than capitalist blood sucking, is communism.
I believe in one principle of morality around which i have structured
my entire life.
"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
Anyone who takes the trouble to look beyond the obvious would be able to appreciate that the movie was exactly as it should be in order to convey a message about how the people who suffer are always those who are in the battle zone, while the congressman enjoys his recliner and Julia Roberts. (Much like the trading in agricultural derivatives in the Indian market is making farmers suffer)
What does one look for in a movie? The impact, the story, the cinematography? Maybe for a non movie buff, all one looks for is the sleaze. However, being able to appreciate the finer nuances of a movie is what makes a movie worth watching.
First of all, the film is by no means, a "comedy". It wasn't meant to be one. It follows the normal Tom Hanks tradition of satire and sarcasm during lighter moments in order to convey a deeper message to a wider audience (the sleaze catering to a particularly shallow audience - north indians, for instance).
Second, if someone were to watch the movie and get ANYTHING out of it, it would be that it was so easy to wage war (getting 500 million dollars for the purpose) and pretty much impossible to get a million for reconstruction of schools. The movie is extremely relevant as of now as the US is treading the same path in Iraq. If a democrat gets elected, the promise to withdraw troops would result in a similar situation as has been shown here.
The entire movie talks of the futility of war and more relevantly, the futility of a cold war. It shows the amount of horse trading that seems necessary to ensure that weapons just reach the agents. The CIA agent explains the story of the Zen Master and the little boy at the end of the movie although there is an allusion to it right at the first meeting with Wilson. The station chief at Islamabad seem to echo the sentiment of the cold war. All this looks to show us how war serves no purpose.
Tom Hanks pulls off a Tom Hanks as usual and is as stunning as ever. Julia Roberts cant look bad no matter what she does or wears and the entire movie is built up brilliantly to deliver the message at the end. The ending would not have had its impact if it had not been built up they way it had. It is important, of course, to understand that the movie was screened at an International Relations course to show how insanely ludicrous and historically doctored it was. But that seems to have slipped notice. The movie makes you think. It makes everyone think. You would say something as insanely egoistic as dialogue being imperative only if you feel if u have a monopoly over thinking for yourself. You call it a premier legal institute. Maybe someone else, at least 2 other people in that room that day other than you could possibly think and understand the significance of the screening. I personally find nothing wrong with this movie being screened and would go as far as to say, it was a good choice.
I am confident that a blog entry is not a start of anything. You wanna actually do something abt it (and not just crib endlessly and yell at everyone in sight to get responsibility)? Then blogging is definitely not the answer. You have to start somewhere where it matters.
Lastly, Communism deserves to be stereotyped.
It is the most wretched form of government there is, was or ever will be.
Communist pigs do not value the meaning and fragility of life (here i refer to the communist leaders and not every communist citizen in general - after all the leaders are the basis for judging the cause anyway). Why then, should we respect theirs? I have been a Marxist socialist most of my life and the one thing I hate more than capitalist blood sucking, is communism.
I believe in one principle of morality around which i have structured
my entire life.
"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
Monday, April 7, 2008
American, Chinese, German, American, French, Syrian, English or Japanese?
I just got done watching CHINATOWN. Its a 1974 movie with Jack Nicholson. After watching this movie, I felt I should compare some movies I have seen which seem to have the same resounding effect on me. Some movies just refuse to leave you and stick with u for a very long time. There is always something to learn and remember in all such movies.
So here they are:
Shawshank Redemption: This essentially turns into a feel good movie towards the end slightly lessening its blow.
Chinatown: Just stunning. It takes its own time to sink in, but when it does, you are left to think abt a masterpiece. What makes this movie one of the best I have ever seen? Attention to detail. Every little seemingly useless moment seems to have some significance and connection in a grand scheme of things. Every actor has given his best and directed to perfection. It does not have a happy ending or a pleasant storyline. Chinatown could represent modern day china. The movie is remarkable and a must watch for any movie watcher who watches movies for the story and not the violence or sex.
Leben der Anderen, Das: What do u get when u put in a stunning babe in a movie with a rivetting story? The Lives of others is unquestionably exciting and involving. It is one such movie where one dusn mind reading the screen throughout. (This movie motivated me to try and learn german. Haven got v far yet)
Bucket List: Two terminally ill cancer patients who decide to do stuff before they die. So wat? The two patients are Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson. Thats what. Need any more be said? Well, it is a very moving movie with not much of a story, but a brilliant character sketch and the meaning of life, love and regret. Very well made and beautiful cinematography.
Leon: Crafted like a madeleine, the movie talks of violence yet shows no gruesome or macabre scenes. By the end, you find yourself rooting for a professional hitman who kills with no mercy. The entire character sketch is brilliant and Portman steals the show as usual (even when she was 12). Slow at times, but that is necessary to build up the character. (This movie should NOT be compared to Hitman, which is by far the worst movie I have ever seen in any language (and ive seen my share of the bad ones). The movie hitman should be avoided unless the other option is death. Even then, its a tough decision.)
Syriana (Stephen Gaghan film starring Clooney - Thanks, Bobo): This movie is nowhere near as good as "Good Night and Good Luck". I wouldn recommend this movie unless u have 2 hrs of time to kill and feel like getting into intense drivel with a sad and torturous ending. Chinatown is a much better movie and seeks to convey the exact same message. The rich will triumph over the poor. Come what may. This movie is on par with "Confessions of a dangerous mind" (Clooney's direction if im not mistaken).
The Third Man: BRILLIANT. Just Magnificient. Its a must see and theres no question abt it. Every dialogue has been crafted to perfection. It shows the American "protagonist" as a TRUE american. Well what sets it apart from the rest of the movies in this list? Its a BRITISH movie (Made by London films). Nothing more need be said about its obvious superiority.
Rashomon: Slow, Painful, yet still worth watching. How so? Some dialogues may seem quite anti feminist (who cares?), but the movie is not. It is very well shown and shows man's nature of overplaying EVERYTHING in order to look good. Should one have faith in man? I would say NO. Cynics are the most suited men for this planet for they are the only ones who can TRULY understand man's nature. This movie proves the dictum of HOUSE MD, "Everybody Lies". (Again, a British lead to make an American show a hit)
So here they are:
Shawshank Redemption: This essentially turns into a feel good movie towards the end slightly lessening its blow.
Chinatown: Just stunning. It takes its own time to sink in, but when it does, you are left to think abt a masterpiece. What makes this movie one of the best I have ever seen? Attention to detail. Every little seemingly useless moment seems to have some significance and connection in a grand scheme of things. Every actor has given his best and directed to perfection. It does not have a happy ending or a pleasant storyline. Chinatown could represent modern day china. The movie is remarkable and a must watch for any movie watcher who watches movies for the story and not the violence or sex.
Leben der Anderen, Das: What do u get when u put in a stunning babe in a movie with a rivetting story? The Lives of others is unquestionably exciting and involving. It is one such movie where one dusn mind reading the screen throughout. (This movie motivated me to try and learn german. Haven got v far yet)
Bucket List: Two terminally ill cancer patients who decide to do stuff before they die. So wat? The two patients are Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson. Thats what. Need any more be said? Well, it is a very moving movie with not much of a story, but a brilliant character sketch and the meaning of life, love and regret. Very well made and beautiful cinematography.
Leon: Crafted like a madeleine, the movie talks of violence yet shows no gruesome or macabre scenes. By the end, you find yourself rooting for a professional hitman who kills with no mercy. The entire character sketch is brilliant and Portman steals the show as usual (even when she was 12). Slow at times, but that is necessary to build up the character. (This movie should NOT be compared to Hitman, which is by far the worst movie I have ever seen in any language (and ive seen my share of the bad ones). The movie hitman should be avoided unless the other option is death. Even then, its a tough decision.)
Syriana (Stephen Gaghan film starring Clooney - Thanks, Bobo): This movie is nowhere near as good as "Good Night and Good Luck". I wouldn recommend this movie unless u have 2 hrs of time to kill and feel like getting into intense drivel with a sad and torturous ending. Chinatown is a much better movie and seeks to convey the exact same message. The rich will triumph over the poor. Come what may. This movie is on par with "Confessions of a dangerous mind" (Clooney's direction if im not mistaken).
The Third Man: BRILLIANT. Just Magnificient. Its a must see and theres no question abt it. Every dialogue has been crafted to perfection. It shows the American "protagonist" as a TRUE american. Well what sets it apart from the rest of the movies in this list? Its a BRITISH movie (Made by London films). Nothing more need be said about its obvious superiority.
Rashomon: Slow, Painful, yet still worth watching. How so? Some dialogues may seem quite anti feminist (who cares?), but the movie is not. It is very well shown and shows man's nature of overplaying EVERYTHING in order to look good. Should one have faith in man? I would say NO. Cynics are the most suited men for this planet for they are the only ones who can TRULY understand man's nature. This movie proves the dictum of HOUSE MD, "Everybody Lies". (Again, a British lead to make an American show a hit)
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Ratatouille
A truly ratty movie. I would recommend it to all the uh.. "movie buffs" out there. Those that liked fantastic four for instance. It is not bad, pretty well made, nice story, but gets pretty boring and the ending is far too predictable. The one character is the greatest theme is so over explored that it gets obvious as to what would happen in every scene. I can go so far as to say even some of the dialogues were predictable. Nobody would want to watch a movie where everything is known. Then again, a lot of people who haven'twatched many movies will enjoy it.
I recommend Hot Fuzz for any person who has not seen it. It is probably not one of the best i have seen as it gets slow at some parts. However, it is right up there with the great movies. The story is brilliant and the movie is exceptionally hilarious at parts. British comedy at its best. The American ideals as enumerted in the Die Hard series, Bad Boys 2, Point Break etc are shown in a very interesting light.
I recommend Hot Fuzz for any person who has not seen it. It is probably not one of the best i have seen as it gets slow at some parts. However, it is right up there with the great movies. The story is brilliant and the movie is exceptionally hilarious at parts. British comedy at its best. The American ideals as enumerted in the Die Hard series, Bad Boys 2, Point Break etc are shown in a very interesting light.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Pi, theta, tora And Justice For All
Pi - A very obscure movie, yet manages to make you think. Most of the movie doesn't make much sense but it is necessary in order to understand the nuances of the story. The underlying question is, whether there is a number which dictates the patterns behind one's life and actions? Is there order within the chaos?
"Hold on. You have to slow down. You're losing it. You have to take a breath. Listen to yourself. You're connecting a computer bug I had with a computer bug you might have had and some religious hogwash. You want to find the number 216 in the world, you will be able to find it everywhere. 216 steps from a mere street corner to your front door. 216 seconds you spend riding on the elevator. When your mind becomes obsessed with anything, you will filter everything else out and find that thing everywhere."
The similar theme is seen in the movie 23 which falls way below my bench mark of a watchable movie. I would not recommend 23 to anyone. Pi, however, is a dark and grim movie. It seems to be just about to get boring and monotonous and something happens which makes you go "WOW!" or "GROSS". On the whole decent movie, but i wouldn recommend it to anyone who does not like obscure and/or a person who thinks spiderman was a good movie.
And Justice For All is a brilliant movie and is a must watch for any law student who wishes to inculcate some amount of moral integrity to their work. The story revolves around Al Pacino blackmailed to take up a case and ending up defending a judge he does not respect and does not like. The ending was quite brilliantly handled and Al Pacino shines through the entire movie. If only, all lawyers were like Mr. Arthur Kirkland. Very gripping movie and pretty arty at times.
"Hold on. You have to slow down. You're losing it. You have to take a breath. Listen to yourself. You're connecting a computer bug I had with a computer bug you might have had and some religious hogwash. You want to find the number 216 in the world, you will be able to find it everywhere. 216 steps from a mere street corner to your front door. 216 seconds you spend riding on the elevator. When your mind becomes obsessed with anything, you will filter everything else out and find that thing everywhere."
The similar theme is seen in the movie 23 which falls way below my bench mark of a watchable movie. I would not recommend 23 to anyone. Pi, however, is a dark and grim movie. It seems to be just about to get boring and monotonous and something happens which makes you go "WOW!" or "GROSS". On the whole decent movie, but i wouldn recommend it to anyone who does not like obscure and/or a person who thinks spiderman was a good movie.
And Justice For All is a brilliant movie and is a must watch for any law student who wishes to inculcate some amount of moral integrity to their work. The story revolves around Al Pacino blackmailed to take up a case and ending up defending a judge he does not respect and does not like. The ending was quite brilliantly handled and Al Pacino shines through the entire movie. If only, all lawyers were like Mr. Arthur Kirkland. Very gripping movie and pretty arty at times.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Hostel
I watch a lot of movies and normally write a lil abt those i like. But sometimes, i end up watching a movie that is SO brilliant, that i just HAVE to write abt it. One such spectacular and amazing movies is hostel (I am being sarcastic. It's easily the worst movie i have ever seen in my life).
I ask the guy at the video rental for an "action" movie. He offers zodiac, but i figure its probably boring. Then he asks me if i liked Saw (its probably the best movie i have seen - its my favourite at any rate). So i answer with an emphatic yes and he says hostel is of the same type. So excited as i was i get to watching it and surprise, surprise. I see a mental image of Lee killing himself for "Saw" just bein compared to Eli Roth's outstanding "Hostel". I mean, come on! Honestly. Roth probably thought up 10 mins of violent scenes (cutting off a person's ankles at the back so he falls off his feet when he stands or burning a person alive and then cutting off the eye which was hanging out after the fire or maybe the classic chainsaw used to cut off some fingers), 20 mins of sex (ya. theres a lot of this) and tried to write another 60 mins of story into it. The movie takes 40 mins and a lot of sex to actually start having a semblance of a plot. Then its mindless violence and a lot of running. Its far from scary. Its actually not only boring, gory, sickening, disgusting and painful to watch, but also makes u want to look up Eli Roth. So thats exactly wat i did. I've even attached a photo of Eli Roth for all those dying to see him. I see that hes a brilliant young man with a promising future. With movies like hostel u wudn expect any different would u? :)
If u want a watch a movie where u have the protagonist escaping because the person trying to kill him slips on the fingers he had just cut off using the chain saw, then Hostel is perfect for u. If u are sane, however, please stay away from the movie. Oh, btw, theres a hostel 2 as well. Maybe ul wnna watch tht too while ur at it. :) I attached some photos from the movie. Hope u can stomach it.
Some problem with the net connection. ill put up the pphotos in a couple of days.
I ask the guy at the video rental for an "action" movie. He offers zodiac, but i figure its probably boring. Then he asks me if i liked Saw (its probably the best movie i have seen - its my favourite at any rate). So i answer with an emphatic yes and he says hostel is of the same type. So excited as i was i get to watching it and surprise, surprise. I see a mental image of Lee killing himself for "Saw" just bein compared to Eli Roth's outstanding "Hostel". I mean, come on! Honestly. Roth probably thought up 10 mins of violent scenes (cutting off a person's ankles at the back so he falls off his feet when he stands or burning a person alive and then cutting off the eye which was hanging out after the fire or maybe the classic chainsaw used to cut off some fingers), 20 mins of sex (ya. theres a lot of this) and tried to write another 60 mins of story into it. The movie takes 40 mins and a lot of sex to actually start having a semblance of a plot. Then its mindless violence and a lot of running. Its far from scary. Its actually not only boring, gory, sickening, disgusting and painful to watch, but also makes u want to look up Eli Roth. So thats exactly wat i did. I've even attached a photo of Eli Roth for all those dying to see him. I see that hes a brilliant young man with a promising future. With movies like hostel u wudn expect any different would u? :)
If u want a watch a movie where u have the protagonist escaping because the person trying to kill him slips on the fingers he had just cut off using the chain saw, then Hostel is perfect for u. If u are sane, however, please stay away from the movie. Oh, btw, theres a hostel 2 as well. Maybe ul wnna watch tht too while ur at it. :) I attached some photos from the movie. Hope u can stomach it.
Some problem with the net connection. ill put up the pphotos in a couple of days.
Runaway Jury
Brilliant movie. Very thought provoking. Can unethical means be used to get over other unethical practices? Is fighting fire with fire to ensure that there is no fire anymore morally acceptable? The movie is excellent and very gripping. I would say a lot abt it, but the story is very intricately woven and i would not want to ruin it for someone who hasn seen it.
I also saw "to kill a mockingbird". Granted Gregory Peck is a brilliant actor and the story is very good, i still found the movie very dragged and downright boring in some parts. I dont know why it is that people actually feel this movie is so brilliant. I have seen better movies by far which are gripping throughout.
I have decided to watch some war movies now (i had been avoiding them till now due to their length and their extremely slow moving and boring nature). I guess "No Man's Land" changed my mind abt war movies. So here i am shivering as i press the play button and Downfall starts off. This movie would probably hold the key to my continuing watching war movies. :)
I also have to watch Judgement at Nuremberg. The Nuemberg trials as far as i see is a clear case of the winner writing history. It is akin to the dishonourable discharge of the two accused in "A few good men". Enough said for now. i need to know a lot more before i can comment on the trials themselves.
I also saw "to kill a mockingbird". Granted Gregory Peck is a brilliant actor and the story is very good, i still found the movie very dragged and downright boring in some parts. I dont know why it is that people actually feel this movie is so brilliant. I have seen better movies by far which are gripping throughout.
I have decided to watch some war movies now (i had been avoiding them till now due to their length and their extremely slow moving and boring nature). I guess "No Man's Land" changed my mind abt war movies. So here i am shivering as i press the play button and Downfall starts off. This movie would probably hold the key to my continuing watching war movies. :)
I also have to watch Judgement at Nuremberg. The Nuemberg trials as far as i see is a clear case of the winner writing history. It is akin to the dishonourable discharge of the two accused in "A few good men". Enough said for now. i need to know a lot more before i can comment on the trials themselves.
The Green Mile
"He kill them wi' their love. Wi' their love fo' each other. That's how it is, every day, all over the world."
The movie's abt the prison gurad on death row and the story of E Block in Cold Mountain Penitentiary. It is easily one of the most moving movies i have ever seen. By the end of the movie, i was on the verge of tears. It is kinda long and stretched at times, but its gripping and at no point would you feel like taking a break. The movie is abt death and abt how ev1 has to die sooner or later. Its abt takin care of those ppl who are slated to die by the electric chair and suddenly u meet a man who's innocent. What happens then? No. This is not some amazing jail break story. Its a down to earth and simple story. It is pretty unbelievable and fantastic at times, but ignoring the miracle parts of the movie, the msg the movie delivers is strong and it stays with u for ages.
I was told of 3 deaths in the span of 1 week. A murder, an accident at home and a heart failure. I do not claim to know any of the three personally. They are only people i know of. A friend's father, another's mother and a senior. The fact is there are thousands of deaths everyday all around the world. You hear of it and u say "oh" and not give it a second thought. As a wise friend of mine had once said, he always said oh and never cared abt the many murders in Patna until one day his uncle was killed. You never think its a big deal until it actually affects you. I realise this as all three people i did not know. It was a another ocassion for me to say "oh". But, it was somehow different this time. Very different. The finality in death. Theres no comin back from it. I've been privy to many threats. 4 suicide threats as well (one wasn exactly a threat, it only seemed like one. and of the four 2 were by the same person). I never took them seriously and with good reason. No one can take his own life so easily. Apart from the fact that it needs guts, it also needs the person to be in such a pathetic state and with absolutely no one to turn to. No parents, no family and no friends. None of the four were therefore credible. But thats far from what i am tryin to say. I only feel that everyone should realise how lucky they actually are before turnin around and making a mountain of a mole hill and threatenin to commit suicide over nothing substantial.
The movie's abt the prison gurad on death row and the story of E Block in Cold Mountain Penitentiary. It is easily one of the most moving movies i have ever seen. By the end of the movie, i was on the verge of tears. It is kinda long and stretched at times, but its gripping and at no point would you feel like taking a break. The movie is abt death and abt how ev1 has to die sooner or later. Its abt takin care of those ppl who are slated to die by the electric chair and suddenly u meet a man who's innocent. What happens then? No. This is not some amazing jail break story. Its a down to earth and simple story. It is pretty unbelievable and fantastic at times, but ignoring the miracle parts of the movie, the msg the movie delivers is strong and it stays with u for ages.
I was told of 3 deaths in the span of 1 week. A murder, an accident at home and a heart failure. I do not claim to know any of the three personally. They are only people i know of. A friend's father, another's mother and a senior. The fact is there are thousands of deaths everyday all around the world. You hear of it and u say "oh" and not give it a second thought. As a wise friend of mine had once said, he always said oh and never cared abt the many murders in Patna until one day his uncle was killed. You never think its a big deal until it actually affects you. I realise this as all three people i did not know. It was a another ocassion for me to say "oh". But, it was somehow different this time. Very different. The finality in death. Theres no comin back from it. I've been privy to many threats. 4 suicide threats as well (one wasn exactly a threat, it only seemed like one. and of the four 2 were by the same person). I never took them seriously and with good reason. No one can take his own life so easily. Apart from the fact that it needs guts, it also needs the person to be in such a pathetic state and with absolutely no one to turn to. No parents, no family and no friends. None of the four were therefore credible. But thats far from what i am tryin to say. I only feel that everyone should realise how lucky they actually are before turnin around and making a mountain of a mole hill and threatenin to commit suicide over nothing substantial.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Unity in Diversity
"Hate is baggage. Life's too short to be pissed off all the time. It's just not worth it."
After the Indian victory over Pakistan in the Twenty20 final, there was a roar in the tv room. All people, whether North Indian, Kannadiga, Tamilian or Khasi were screaming alongside each other. Side by Side. For a brief moment everything was forgotten. Caste, communal, racial, all divides non-existent. No matter what had happened in the past, no matter what one had put the other through or vice versa, there was a feeling of oneness. There was a feeling of UNITY. There was pretty much no reason to doubt that everone in that room was a loyal Indian. Nothing else mattered. A game of cricket is all it takes to unite Indians. It was perfect. India beat their arch rivals Pakistan, AND won the first ever world cup. It was an all round victory.
The point here is there are differences between people. Most people tolerate the differences. This is the safe alternative, yet does not speak very highly of transparency of the people. Others emphasise these differences proving their own way of life is right by adopting a distinct and extreme way of life which would completely oppose the other way of life. I am ashamed to say that over the past few months, i got converted into this vile way of thinking. This was clearly wrong, but the situation and the company at the time made it essential for me to devolve into such a person. But the fact is i cannot blame the situation. I let it happen. Even if it was unwittingly. The situation is never at fault because it is YOU who puts yourself in such a situation. Anyway, i am not placing blame. There are no bad people. Its always a combination of yin and yang. Maybe the people i have been associated with have not had a perfect balance of the two. Or maybe its just with a jaundiced eye that i am seeing these people. Whatever the case may be, there have been numerous misunderstandings and miscommunications which always end in shit. But im digressing. What i wanted to say was that there is a third kind of people. This is certainly a rare breed and i can actually count the number of people who i have met in my life and who come under this category. These people learn to respect the differences between people. It sounds very easy and straight forward, but it definitely is not. People who think they come under this category, definitely do not. I can elaborate, but its not worth the trouble. After all, heaven only knows what people would twist the truth into to get attention.
This occured to me after watching American History X. This movie really spoke to me. The protagonist does what he does because he is pissed off. Misguided rage. It never actually makes any difference to who you are. It only maes you do things u would regret as long as u live. There is no call for anger. Even in the face of betrayal, disloyalty and plain ol' bein stabbed in the back, anger has no place. I learnt this the hard way. Anger solves nothing. It only worsens the situation. There is a call to be angry, but it is not advised. Decisions taken in anger would not be the right ones. I have made many decisions in my anger. I continue with what i have decided solely because i do not wish to swing like a pendulum (a quality that is important in itself). However, it is necessary to reach a balance. To cut ones losses. Had i known this earlier, the last few months of my life would not have been the mistake that it was. Going along with an impulsive decision solves nothing. When u knw the decision was the wrong one, remedial measures should be taken (kinda like the stoploss function in stock trading :) ). Again, i digress. The point i am trying to make is a simple one. It is disheartening that only an external common enemy should make us feel the unity. Why cant the unity be present in everyday life? The unity is blurred by the various things done which, most of the time, shudn be done. So is there a solution?
The movie 300 portrays the Greek situation very well. Athens, Sparta and the various other city states were constantly at war, but when faced with an external threat, they all united and normally won. So where does that leave us? As the protagonist tells his brother in American History X, end an essay with a quote because someone else would have said it better already. This is perfectly true. So ill end this post with a quote. The situation is never to blame. Only the weak blame the situation and say that "circumstances" MADE them do things. It is from Julius Caesar as written by Shakespeare (Act I Scene ii, Cassius)
"The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, But in ourselves..."
After the Indian victory over Pakistan in the Twenty20 final, there was a roar in the tv room. All people, whether North Indian, Kannadiga, Tamilian or Khasi were screaming alongside each other. Side by Side. For a brief moment everything was forgotten. Caste, communal, racial, all divides non-existent. No matter what had happened in the past, no matter what one had put the other through or vice versa, there was a feeling of oneness. There was a feeling of UNITY. There was pretty much no reason to doubt that everone in that room was a loyal Indian. Nothing else mattered. A game of cricket is all it takes to unite Indians. It was perfect. India beat their arch rivals Pakistan, AND won the first ever world cup. It was an all round victory.
The point here is there are differences between people. Most people tolerate the differences. This is the safe alternative, yet does not speak very highly of transparency of the people. Others emphasise these differences proving their own way of life is right by adopting a distinct and extreme way of life which would completely oppose the other way of life. I am ashamed to say that over the past few months, i got converted into this vile way of thinking. This was clearly wrong, but the situation and the company at the time made it essential for me to devolve into such a person. But the fact is i cannot blame the situation. I let it happen. Even if it was unwittingly. The situation is never at fault because it is YOU who puts yourself in such a situation. Anyway, i am not placing blame. There are no bad people. Its always a combination of yin and yang. Maybe the people i have been associated with have not had a perfect balance of the two. Or maybe its just with a jaundiced eye that i am seeing these people. Whatever the case may be, there have been numerous misunderstandings and miscommunications which always end in shit. But im digressing. What i wanted to say was that there is a third kind of people. This is certainly a rare breed and i can actually count the number of people who i have met in my life and who come under this category. These people learn to respect the differences between people. It sounds very easy and straight forward, but it definitely is not. People who think they come under this category, definitely do not. I can elaborate, but its not worth the trouble. After all, heaven only knows what people would twist the truth into to get attention.
This occured to me after watching American History X. This movie really spoke to me. The protagonist does what he does because he is pissed off. Misguided rage. It never actually makes any difference to who you are. It only maes you do things u would regret as long as u live. There is no call for anger. Even in the face of betrayal, disloyalty and plain ol' bein stabbed in the back, anger has no place. I learnt this the hard way. Anger solves nothing. It only worsens the situation. There is a call to be angry, but it is not advised. Decisions taken in anger would not be the right ones. I have made many decisions in my anger. I continue with what i have decided solely because i do not wish to swing like a pendulum (a quality that is important in itself). However, it is necessary to reach a balance. To cut ones losses. Had i known this earlier, the last few months of my life would not have been the mistake that it was. Going along with an impulsive decision solves nothing. When u knw the decision was the wrong one, remedial measures should be taken (kinda like the stoploss function in stock trading :) ). Again, i digress. The point i am trying to make is a simple one. It is disheartening that only an external common enemy should make us feel the unity. Why cant the unity be present in everyday life? The unity is blurred by the various things done which, most of the time, shudn be done. So is there a solution?
The movie 300 portrays the Greek situation very well. Athens, Sparta and the various other city states were constantly at war, but when faced with an external threat, they all united and normally won. So where does that leave us? As the protagonist tells his brother in American History X, end an essay with a quote because someone else would have said it better already. This is perfectly true. So ill end this post with a quote. The situation is never to blame. Only the weak blame the situation and say that "circumstances" MADE them do things. It is from Julius Caesar as written by Shakespeare (Act I Scene ii, Cassius)
"The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, But in ourselves..."
12 Angry Men
First of all, BRILLIANT movie. I haven actually sat down and updated my blog in ages. I had a lot to actually write over the last few days, but i guess its all old news now and not exactly interesting.
Anyway, the movie is easily one of the best i have seen. It deals with the jury in a murder trial. It is a brilliant character sketch of the various biases and prejudices of the jury and how they operate. The movie has an all male cast with probably only 13 actors or so.
This movie got me thinking. The various prejudices and biases of people who evaluate us. The brilliant teachers who have complete autnomy over our grades, and our lives. So what about their biases? Is it right to give such great autonomy to teachers when they can hide the basis for their evaluation and decide to either mark arbitrarily or keeping the name list next to them. There was once a teacher who specifically told us he would let the "class participation" decide the marks in projects and vivas. Another announces in open class that he keeps the names next to papers while correcting them. Maybe someone should sit down with these teachers and tell them exactly in what ways their past affects our futures.
Anyway, the movie is easily one of the best i have seen. It deals with the jury in a murder trial. It is a brilliant character sketch of the various biases and prejudices of the jury and how they operate. The movie has an all male cast with probably only 13 actors or so.
This movie got me thinking. The various prejudices and biases of people who evaluate us. The brilliant teachers who have complete autnomy over our grades, and our lives. So what about their biases? Is it right to give such great autonomy to teachers when they can hide the basis for their evaluation and decide to either mark arbitrarily or keeping the name list next to them. There was once a teacher who specifically told us he would let the "class participation" decide the marks in projects and vivas. Another announces in open class that he keeps the names next to papers while correcting them. Maybe someone should sit down with these teachers and tell them exactly in what ways their past affects our futures.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Shawshank or NLS?
"These walls are funny. First you hate 'em, then you get used to 'em. Enough time passes, you get so you depend on them. That's institutionalized."
I just watched the Shawshank redemption and couldn help but draw many parallels between "life" in NLS and life in Shawshank prison as portrayed by the movie. Dont read ahead if u haven seen the movie as ul be spoiling for urself a hell of a story. Its a brilliant movie that is not only fast moving and gripping, but also appeals to ur heart. I reached the conclusion that NLS is the mental incarceration equivalent of the physical equivalent in Shawshank. Since its mental, its far worse and takes around 1/10th the time to actually operate.
Starting right from the beginning, most of us did not CHOOSE to come here. We came here by chance. We just happened to write a good paper on that fateful day. We also happened to get through the interview without laughing or jeering at the people on the other end of the table. For these two "acts", we've been sentenced to two terms back to back. BA and LLB. We are now mwntally incarcerated as we cannot leave. Either due to external forces such as parents or due to internal forces making u realise u couldn live with urself if u left.
Right at the beginning, by the harsh treatments of those inmates already here, some people had to leave. They were so badly beaten (mentally - positive interaction) that nothing could save them. The earlier inmates take bets and see how they can make the fresh ones cry. Most importantly, the entire prison has people smoking throughout and cigarettes form the vein of the barter system. Something all of us should have already seen.
Upon entering, some people are silent and take a long time to open up to the inmates. You finally meet the dark man "who can get things" or in this case, the dark man "who bought you things". U end up becoming friends with such people, a bond that grows stonger over time. In the first few months, we are under a lot of pressure and lots of people find it difficult to adjust. There will be instances of mental sodomy by various gangs of inmates that u work hard to avoid, but put up a fight if u end up getting caught. The former knowledge and the fact that u are good with numbers helps u gain friends among the inmates. We make "friends" with the SDGM and they do the vigilante work of keeping away the evil sodomisers. Fines are levied and upon permanent damage to the wallet, the brutal attacks stop. The SDGM is clearly protecting us now.
Very soon we are called to forcibly work outside as interns to help "better" law students and give them a look at the outside world. We end up backing various scams (like classes for instance - barring constitutional law of course) and covering for them. We realise that the honest people we were (at least most of us and to a certain extent) turns completely inside out here and most of us tend to take the easy way out. While succumbing to the various vices, we see that most people lose hope of ever leaving. When they finally have to leave (after their term), they have nowhere to go and quite a few people decide to stay on ("Remnants"). They do anything it takes to stay back as they have been "institutionalised". Those few who actually make it out, dont know what to do and end up missing their time in the law school. It finally culminates in some dead end desk job in a firm and thereby mentally they commit suicide as there would remain no more intellectual stimulation.
Some of the new people who enter, are helped by us to cope and to learn. When they finally are forced to leave or are removed by circumstances, we feel the truth of the entire situation and the way one lives life being mentally incarcerated. We're sent back to mental seclusion. Solitary confinement with no idea what to do. When one finally emerges from the solitary state, and tends to open up, people all around seem to think uve lost it and when u ask for a rope (or go on to the terrace), there is only one assumption made. That the breaking point has been reached.
The end is something that is yet to happen. One thing is for sure. Hope is very important. We must all remember that we will not be here FOREVER. Maybe a long time, but NOT forever. Outside lies a better world. A world where we can actually feel free and liberated. Away from the faculty and the SDGM, all the scams and seclusion. HOPE. Most of the time, its ALL we have in such a place. Sometimes i feel hope is hidden right behind the meaning of the word itself. We just need to find OUR ray of hope to escape from the seclusion and depression that permeates the air.
I just watched the Shawshank redemption and couldn help but draw many parallels between "life" in NLS and life in Shawshank prison as portrayed by the movie. Dont read ahead if u haven seen the movie as ul be spoiling for urself a hell of a story. Its a brilliant movie that is not only fast moving and gripping, but also appeals to ur heart. I reached the conclusion that NLS is the mental incarceration equivalent of the physical equivalent in Shawshank. Since its mental, its far worse and takes around 1/10th the time to actually operate.
Starting right from the beginning, most of us did not CHOOSE to come here. We came here by chance. We just happened to write a good paper on that fateful day. We also happened to get through the interview without laughing or jeering at the people on the other end of the table. For these two "acts", we've been sentenced to two terms back to back. BA and LLB. We are now mwntally incarcerated as we cannot leave. Either due to external forces such as parents or due to internal forces making u realise u couldn live with urself if u left.
Right at the beginning, by the harsh treatments of those inmates already here, some people had to leave. They were so badly beaten (mentally - positive interaction) that nothing could save them. The earlier inmates take bets and see how they can make the fresh ones cry. Most importantly, the entire prison has people smoking throughout and cigarettes form the vein of the barter system. Something all of us should have already seen.
Upon entering, some people are silent and take a long time to open up to the inmates. You finally meet the dark man "who can get things" or in this case, the dark man "who bought you things". U end up becoming friends with such people, a bond that grows stonger over time. In the first few months, we are under a lot of pressure and lots of people find it difficult to adjust. There will be instances of mental sodomy by various gangs of inmates that u work hard to avoid, but put up a fight if u end up getting caught. The former knowledge and the fact that u are good with numbers helps u gain friends among the inmates. We make "friends" with the SDGM and they do the vigilante work of keeping away the evil sodomisers. Fines are levied and upon permanent damage to the wallet, the brutal attacks stop. The SDGM is clearly protecting us now.
Very soon we are called to forcibly work outside as interns to help "better" law students and give them a look at the outside world. We end up backing various scams (like classes for instance - barring constitutional law of course) and covering for them. We realise that the honest people we were (at least most of us and to a certain extent) turns completely inside out here and most of us tend to take the easy way out. While succumbing to the various vices, we see that most people lose hope of ever leaving. When they finally have to leave (after their term), they have nowhere to go and quite a few people decide to stay on ("Remnants"). They do anything it takes to stay back as they have been "institutionalised". Those few who actually make it out, dont know what to do and end up missing their time in the law school. It finally culminates in some dead end desk job in a firm and thereby mentally they commit suicide as there would remain no more intellectual stimulation.
Some of the new people who enter, are helped by us to cope and to learn. When they finally are forced to leave or are removed by circumstances, we feel the truth of the entire situation and the way one lives life being mentally incarcerated. We're sent back to mental seclusion. Solitary confinement with no idea what to do. When one finally emerges from the solitary state, and tends to open up, people all around seem to think uve lost it and when u ask for a rope (or go on to the terrace), there is only one assumption made. That the breaking point has been reached.
The end is something that is yet to happen. One thing is for sure. Hope is very important. We must all remember that we will not be here FOREVER. Maybe a long time, but NOT forever. Outside lies a better world. A world where we can actually feel free and liberated. Away from the faculty and the SDGM, all the scams and seclusion. HOPE. Most of the time, its ALL we have in such a place. Sometimes i feel hope is hidden right behind the meaning of the word itself. We just need to find OUR ray of hope to escape from the seclusion and depression that permeates the air.
Exorcism of Emily Rose
"Work out your own salvation through fear and trembling"
Very few movies outside the series have rivaled "SAW" (in my opinion) in being the most engaging and intellectually stimulating movie. This movie is right up there. Watching this movie has left me dazed with a lot more room for doubt than i already had in such matters. Being an agnostic, i could relate to Linney's character defending the priest. It is important to note that the FATHER was defended by an AGNOSTIC while the State (prosecuting the father for negligent homicide) was defended by a methodist.
Father Moore: Tell me your six names!
Emily Rose: [Possessed] We are the ones who dwell within.
Emily Rose: [in Hebrew language] I am the one who dwelt within CAIN!
Emily Rose: [in Latin language] I am the one who dwelt within NERO!
Emily Rose: [in Greek language] I once dwelt within JUDAS!
Emily Rose: [in German Language] I was with Legion
Emily Rose: [In Assyrian Neo-Aramaic language] I am Belial
Emily Rose: [possessed/English] and I am Lucifer, The devil in the flesh
(from imdb.com)
The brilliance of this movie is that it opens up the possibility of possession being true, while it does not state as a fact that it is. It lets the viewers decide for themselves. Personally, i do not know. The movie still has to sink in before i can actually give it thought, i guess.
Last but not least, BASED ON A TRUE STORY!
My suggestion is to watch it and as soon as possible (and obviously watch Saw - all three).
Very few movies outside the series have rivaled "SAW" (in my opinion) in being the most engaging and intellectually stimulating movie. This movie is right up there. Watching this movie has left me dazed with a lot more room for doubt than i already had in such matters. Being an agnostic, i could relate to Linney's character defending the priest. It is important to note that the FATHER was defended by an AGNOSTIC while the State (prosecuting the father for negligent homicide) was defended by a methodist.
Father Moore: Tell me your six names!
Emily Rose: [Possessed] We are the ones who dwell within.
Emily Rose: [in Hebrew language] I am the one who dwelt within CAIN!
Emily Rose: [in Latin language] I am the one who dwelt within NERO!
Emily Rose: [in Greek language] I once dwelt within JUDAS!
Emily Rose: [in German Language] I was with Legion
Emily Rose: [In Assyrian Neo-Aramaic language] I am Belial
Emily Rose: [possessed/English] and I am Lucifer, The devil in the flesh
(from imdb.com)
The brilliance of this movie is that it opens up the possibility of possession being true, while it does not state as a fact that it is. It lets the viewers decide for themselves. Personally, i do not know. The movie still has to sink in before i can actually give it thought, i guess.
Last but not least, BASED ON A TRUE STORY!
My suggestion is to watch it and as soon as possible (and obviously watch Saw - all three).
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