Shree Reviews

Boot Polish (1954)

Touching Social Drama

[23 June 2003]

This film ranks as one of the finest thought provoking social dramas asking how we look at ourselves given the limited resources and choices and faced with overwhelming odds. Raj Kapoor's presentation of the humble lifestyle of two children who wish to overcome the obstacles of abject poverty shows the importance of the spirit of endurance and dedication in the face of adversity. We can learn from children when they try to face challenges in the world created by greedy souls.

I would recommend this film as a lesson in the triumph of the human spirit when facing the evils of man made adversity. We probably can relate to the two youn protaganists of the film in our everyday lives. Life can be a bitch, and films such as BOOT POLISH show the more dramatic encounters of what we call the human struggle.

Evita (1996)

It is a musical worth seeing!

[6 June 2001]

As a person who is not a big fan of movie musicals, I was thoroughly impressed by the magnificent performance of Madonna playing the title role and singing the immortal hit "Don't cry for me Argentina." Jonathan Pryce and Antonio Banderas were also spectacular in their respective roles.(p)

Andrew Lloyd Weber's musical genius is captured in this touching and historic portrayal of the life of Argentine First Lady Eva Peron. A peasant girl who used her charms and elegance as an aspiring entertainer and rises to become the wife of Argentina's most powerful politician is sequentially presented with song and dance that only a masterful musical producer such as Weber could create.(p)

I highly recommend this movie to anyone interested in learning about the life of an important poltical figure of the twentieth century and being delightfully entertained at the same.

Lean on Me (1989)

An excellent movie demonstrating the triumph of tough love and discipline over societal obstacles.

[12 December 1999]

LEAN ON ME is an astoundingly inspirational film based on the life and accomplishments of Principal Joe Clark, an unyielding and determined educator who refused to accept the state's conclusion that his high school students were academic failures and decided to change the perception using unorthodox methods of teaching and stern discipline. His work gained national recognition in the 1980's and even received public mention by then President Ronald Reagan. "Crazy Joe" became a household name and set a valuable example to numerous inner city school systems.(p)

This movie has a profoundly realistic and an unforgettable performance by one of the great actors of our time, Morgan Freeman, playing the role of Joe Clark. The film has numerous memorable quotes and keeps the audience thoroughly entertained. It is a remarkable movie worth seeing by both adults and children.

Life (I) (1999)

A remarkably funny film that should be seen by all!

[11 December 1999]

In this comedy drama of prison life and challenges, Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence provide outstanding performances as two bootleggers fiendishly framed for murder by a redneck sheriff in the Deep South of the 30's and given a life sentence by a racist jury. Each attempt at escape is met with additional punishment and hardships for these two ambitious friends.(p)

The film asks an important question as to what is the meaning of justice and whose rules are to be followed to create a semblance of social order. The talents of Murphy and Lawrence captivate and humor the audience from the beginning to the end. It is a comedic presentation of some of the other great prison movies such as PAPILLON and THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION. This is a must see for everyone.

Prison Heat (1993)

Another sexploitation film ridiculing females and the Islamic world.

[21 November 1999]

I wanted to see this film as late night entertainment, and I was shocked to see that this film not only exploited women in the prison system but also egregiously promoted the negative stereotyping of Middle Eastern and Islamic cultures so pervasive in Western popular media. The story is set in Turkey and involves a group of young female tourists who are falsely imprisoned on drug trafficking charges without receiving a trial and are maliciously raped and sodomized by sadistic prison guards. The hidden message I interpreted from this movie is that Turkey, the Arab world, and Islam are all lumped together as an evil boiling pot attempting to make stew out of innocent Westerners.(p)

In an apparent insult to both Islam and the Arab world, the prison warden is continuously shown drinking vodka with an Arab businessman who specializes in trafficking women to sheiks to satisfy their carnal desires. To an uneducated mind, this movie just builds to the popular misconception that anything from the Middle East is evil and repugnant and should be scorned. One of sad ironies to this movie is that Turkey is one of the few countries in the world to have elected a female to lead its people right at the time this sexploitation film was produced. The Islamic world has democratically elected two other women heads of state as well, something we have yet to see in the USA. Another irony is that Turks and Arabs are two different peoples with unrelated languages and cultures, yet the guards are shown throughout the movie conversing in Arabic.(p)

I hope film producers show a more understanding approach when dealing with sensitive issues such as cultural differences. While entertainment is the primary concern for moviegoers, responsibilty and accountability should be factors seriously considered when filmmakers wish to entertain audiences with movies like PRISON HEAT.

The Godfather (1972)

Perhaps the best film on organized crime made in this century.

[21 August 1999]

THE GODFATHER undoubtedly remains a masterpiece in motion picture production and is probably on the top ten list of best films ever made of most movie buffs. Based on Mario Puzo's highly acclaimed novel of a fictional Sicilian American crime family, it is a dramatic and realistic portrayal of the trials and tribulations of life, liberty, and justice in the "underworld". This film introduced moviegoers to the acting genius of Al Pacino and reemphasized the unique talents of Marlon Brando, which won him an Oscar in his splendid portrayal on Don Vito Corleone, the founder and titular head of a powerful mafia family. (p)

This movie should be seen by everyone. The captivating performances by distinguished entertainers coupled with a touching plot of family honor and loyalty will have the audience glued to their chairs and not lose interest even though this movie is well over three hours in length. Superb job in directing by Francis Ford Coppola!

The Palestinian (1977 TV Movie)

A touching and informative documentary serving as a harbinger to the Palestinian Intifadah.

[1 August 1999]

This documentary is a poignant and thought provoking presentation of the tragedy of the Palestinians, a people who who have been oppressed and subjugated in the name of "justice" for another people, the Jews of the Diaspora(exile). It is masterfully narrated by one of the finest stage and screen actresses of our time, Vanessa Redgrave. Her exuberant theatrical voice is so convincing of the need for our understanding to the plight of a proud and noble people who have been denied their right to self-determination by a military occupation backed by special interest forces in the West.(p)

At a time when Israeli and Palestinian leaders are negotiating a peaceful settlement to respect the national aspirations of both peoples, this documentary serves as a harbinger to the events that have led to the dramatic developments of the past decade. If anything, films such as THE PALESTINIAN enhance and broaden our knowledge and understanding of world events and should be a useful educational tool for the layperson. Thanks Vanessa for your efforts in informing us of a human tragedy and your call for a just solution! It is a must see.

Gizmo! (1977)

An entertaining documentary on human endeavors and inventions that may have been overlooked but certainly worth mentioning.

[1 August 1999]

GIZMO is a delightful, comedic presentation of the human spirit of determination and the willingness to take physical risks to overcome obstacles. The centuries old saying that fact is stranger than fiction is very much exemplified by the characters appearing in this film. The most bizarre fact is that this is actual footage without any actors and actresses performing the sometimes hilarious feats of human endurance.

The movie is wholesome entertainment that should bring about a laugh or two at a family gathering. It would also be a splendid tool for a motivational seminar. Laughter is sometimes the best medicine, and GIZMO might be a remedy!

Benji (1974)

An entertaining family film about a lovable canine friend.

[1 August 1999]

BENJI is one of the finest films made about the trials and errors of society, as seen through the eyes of a cute male terrier. This pooch wants nothing more than friendship and understanding from his daily interactions with the human species. He befriends a pair of siblings and their housekeeper who call him Benji and treat him as a respected family member.(p)

Through the course of the film, we are given a dramatic presentation of canine emotions and perceptions, showing how closely a dog's world resembles our own. Benji develops a romantic interest as well. He is undoubtedly the hero of this story, as he courageously comes to the rescue of his human friends after they are kidnapped. There are some intense moments in the film dealing with the horrors of abduction, but through it all, Benji comes out the winner and is given his due recognition.(p)

This film is highly recommended for family viewing. Both old and young will probably find it a worthwhile lesson of life and its challenges through the eyes of "man's best friend".