Reviews
Amar Singh Chamkila (2024)
Lame effort
Felt like just another lame Bollywood flick. Amar Singh Chamkila, the voice of Punjab, deserves so much better. Songs are in Punjabi yet the makers feel compelled to add translation in Hindi text. Couldn't make it up. Absolutely ridiculous. This story still needs to be told properly with real honesty, integrity and without bias. As with most things on Netflix it's always style over substance. The story of Chamkila is stuff of myth and legend. It needs to be researched properly before being devised into a film. I honestly don't think a film can even do it justice. Possibly a tv documentary would be a better solution.
Amar Prem (1972)
One of the Quintessential Hindi Movies
Sublime in every aspect. Not many films can show the meaning of life itself. This is one of them. Khanna, Tagore, Burman, Kishore & Samanta all combine to deliver a powerhouse picture. Sometimes the simple things in life are the ones that ultimately matter the most. Being a world cinema enthusiast I would rate this picture very highly and even on par with Fellin's La Strada, Ozu's Tokyo Story, Renoir's La Regla De Jeu and countless other triumphs of cinematic storytelling. The acting, lyrics, songs are all superb. The story paints a picture of life that conveys tragedy, failing, humanity and a sensing of tolerance and hope that one yearns to acheive. A masterpiece in every sense. Watch and learn.