bhatian Reviews

Lion (2016)

There is GOD

[9/10 · 26 March 2017]

I am writing this review as an Australian Indian who moved to Australia in 1989. Unlike Saroo's experience I moved to Australia for education and work and later called Australia my home. To me Australians are great souls which Brierly family rightfully signifies and are excellent living examples.

The film is very hard hitting showing us the true meaning of love and care. I love the scene in the beginning where Saroo is surrounded by butterflies that shows us the innocence is surrounded by and protected at the same time by love of God. There is no secret or spoiler to this film as its based on true story, therefore all I'll say is that the Writers and Director have done an excellent job, and to add to it we see some brilliant acting especially by Nicole Kidman.

Please take a box of tissues with you when watching LION because you're sure to cry from start to end.

You know there is GOD when you see this film.

God bless ALL LOST SOULS.

The Great Gatsby (2013)

Best Design and Costume you will see this year

[8/10 · 3 June 2013]

The story is nice and simple; hence if you are going in for the narrative, then please don't expect much. Whereas the production and costume designs are spectacular, making you want to live in the 1920's.

The film is sheer elegance filled with excellent talent from end to end. It felt like a pop-up book of fairy tales when I was a kid who made me want to live in the times and immerse myself in their lives. Therefore if a film can place me into its fictional world, then I see it as a job well done.

What I am trying to say is to watch this film to appreciate colors, design, special effects, production design, and costume design. Credit goes to Catherine Martin who is brilliant at what she does, and who would have thought that the film was shot in studios in Sydney, Australia.

Note: do yourself a favor and listen to the soundtrack!

My score - 8 out of 10

Neeil Bhatia

Last Night (I) (2010)

Watch this with your spouse

[8/10 · 1 December 2012]

I could not get my eyes off this film. It seemed like 10 minutes and the story ended. Lovely acting, great characterization, fantastic story-telling, and finally an honest touching point.

The film is fantastically shot and well chosen actors. Kiera looks beautiful as always and portrays a typical modern day beautiful married lady. Sam on the other hand played a proper husband caught into matters unexpected. This film points no fingers and plays a fair part on both spouse.

I enjoyed the films simplicity in its message and the length it needed to cover a debatable subject which husbands and wives can have after watching this film; "Darling have you ever cheated on me?"

City of Life (2009)

Dubai a place for dreamers

[6/10 · 8 May 2010]

Prior to viewing this film in the cinema in Dubai, I had already heard some good reviews of the film having a potential to enter mainstream cinema. Therefore last night I decided on viewing this film without expecting much.

The storytelling is basically similar to the likes of Babel and Crash, and the film style is "done that, did that". In spite of all the similarities I was impressed by production quality and cinematography. Film touches on lives of three people living in Dubai, and their experiences based on their dreams. Dubai has always been a city of dream rather than a city of life, where people come to fulfill their dream on making more money, buying a bigger better car and home, or simply living a lavish life. This has been well portrayed in the film.

The acting quality is excellent and the costumes, make-ups, and production designs are all well picked. But somehow watching this film in a cinema felt a bit awkward as it had a television production feel rather than cinema house quality. My overall experience just like everyone else was good.

I recommend you watch this film if you have never lived in Dubai, as it does speak out well about Dubai's lifestyle and the dreams people carry here. Dubai is simply a place for dreamers and its best lived short and sweet.

My score: 6 out of 10

Neeil Bhatia

No One Knows About Persian Cats (2009)

Hidden Talent

[9/10 · 24 March 2010]

I must begin my review that the film's title is absolutely appropriate to the entire story. It's sad to know how talented people in Iran are forced to shelter their love for music and film. Throughout the film Negar and her band make various efforts to embark overseas in order to showcase their musical genius. This film clearly shows how anyone and everyone who is Iranian are looking for freedom outside Iran (even if they are blind). Iran not only restricts your talent but also your vision.

What I liked the most about the entire film-making is that sad and negative characters such as police and Islamic police were covered away from the screen which was not visual. Hence this film is in a clear war with the negative energy that lurks in Iran, which in all its free creative power pushes away the sinners (in this case the police or the Islamic police).

The film's soundtrack is excellent and worth listening to. The soundtrack covers all the genres from Rock to R&B. If you are a lover of international independent art film production, then you will appreciate all the hard work put in by the films cast and crew.

PS. I watched this film in Dubai (United Arab Emirates) and I was all alone in the cinema.

My score: 9 out of 10

Neeil Bhatia

Karthik Calling Karthik (2010)

Thought provoking film

[8/10 · 27 February 2010]

The right genre this film falls under is "Suspense".

From start to end, the chronology of this film is simply flawless. It captures the audience into thinking all the time as to who is the person on the phone. The film at every level speaks to the audience like a friend who teases constantly.

If the scripting is powerful, then obviously the film will conclude appropriately, hence Karthik Calling Karthik is the best example on how to write a good script which keeps the audience gripped in the cinema right till the end.

This film is not for the lovers of Bollywood Love Drama's, but for people who enjoy into thinking deeply and then finally relaxing with a relief after the suspense is revealed.

Characterization is well placed, and surely the auditioning was well handled. It seems during the auditioning, the director also briefed the actors as to how he wants' the actors to act off each and every character.

Please do yourself a favor and enjoy this film with people who have loved films like "Usual Suspect" and "What lies beneath" in the past.

My score: 8 out of 10.

Neeil Bhatia

www.linkedin.com/in/bhatian

Persepolis (2007)

Film so pure and innocent

[9/10 · 31 January 2010]

I had heard some good reviews about the film long before I watched it last night, but what made me view this film was the fact that most of the story was represented in black and white. Black & White signifies purity, simplicity and creates equality in all.

The film focuses on the innocence of little Iranian girl who has normal dreams and hopes in life. Presepolis intelligently conveys the message of simple and regular Iranians who just want to live a normal life, and how politics and war can be damaging to thousands of innocent people.

My suggestion is view this film with positive and happy thoughts about the Middle Eastern people who only want "love".

Enjoy!

Neeil Bhatia [e-mail]

Slumdog Millionaire (2008)

Seriously; This film is no crap!

[10/10 · 24 March 2009]

The film teaches us all a lesson on 'how taking people's crap can lead us to success'. It is not asking us to be an 'ass-licker' but instead making us stronger by showing us the difficult sides of life.

Here we have the character Jamal who is innocent, simple, happy, and takes life as it comes. Jamal's simplicity leads him to path which we all think is only possible by being a crook, street-smart, firm, confident or positive. Whereas in this film, Jamal achieves his destiny by just moving on with his life and taking every new day as a 'brand new day'.

I think we all have a lot to learn from Jamal, and it's not easy for us to follow in a short span of time. Hence i urge everyone to view this film few times to let the story sink into our brains and hearts.

Remember: "There is no use fighting with crap.....because it is crap" N. Bhatia

Rock On!! (2008)

Makes you feel young again!

[8/10 · 29 January 2009]

I went to see this film in cinema without any expectations and I really enjoyed every minute of the film. The film have a perfect narrative and the actors in it are very 'real-like' unlike the commercial Bollywood actors. The characters were well developed and my credit also goes to the cinematographer who knew his colors, angles and lights. Finally, I hope the screenplay writer gets an award, because without the perfect script a film such as Rock On!! would easily fail. The songs and music were also unique unlike commercial Bollywood love songs in the middle of a park or landscape.

Get your popcorn, coke, water and sit back and enjoy this film.

Rock On!! Neil Bhatia.

The Dark Knight (2008)

Finally a film worth raving about!

[10/10 · 24 August 2008]

Prior to watching Dark Knight, I had heard too many rave reviews about it on the radio and TV that this film has broken many records including bypassing Godfather in every way. Hearing such news, I wanted to see it with my own eyes before believing the media, and not to my surprise, this film has done complete justice to the world of cinema.

Dark Knight offers a clear classic example of modern film-making; scripting, cinematography, sound, characterization, comic adaptation, lighting, make-up and costumes, directing and special effects.

Every character in the film has been offered with a role and dialog that is unforgettable. Scripting of Dark Knight is very strong and compliments the soundtrack and the sound effects, something that lacks in many Hollywood Cinema's. Joker's role is obviously very essential, but over-taking Batman's limelight in this film was un-imaginable. Joker's sarcasms were so strong that it brought in a lot of laughter in the cinema hall. Joker was indeed a 'Joker', and he lived up to his name and his insanity which he filtered into the entire city of Gotham, and bringing down Batman with it.

I can write a million positive words for this film and it still won't be enough. Therefore I strongly recommend you to watch this film and see for yourself 'what the hype is all about'.

My score: 10 out of 10.

Enjoy viewing, Neil Bhatia

The Pianist (2002)

Very gripping

[8/10 · 27 October 2007]

I had the DVD of this film for over 3 years and never watched it, because I never really had the time in between my hectic schedule to watch this film, but when I did read the reviews of the film on IMDb, it grabbed me so much that I finally decided to watch this film at mid-night (after my entire days schedule). I must say that it was WORTH every minute (late at night).

Every single actor in the film had a realism in their character which is very uncommon in many international films. It seems that the director 'made sure' that the film grabs you inside the TV/Screen and puts the viewer in the space and time of Warsaw massacre. Having said this, the props were well selected and felt real.

The story telling and the chronology was well synchronized along side the classical composition of Szpilman.

This film is not about the Holocaust but about one man and his will to survive the evil that prevailed during the times of Hitler. This film also goes to show 'why should an innocent Jew suffer from the higher level of political war that prevails on this earth'. He just want's to be left alone and continue with his normal life. He has nothing to do with the war, but with his survival and his life. "Why should he die, if he is not guilty".

In conclusion, this film conveys a message to all of us that we do not need to fight with opponent to win anything, but we need to find way's out of the trouble and war that has 'nothing to do with us'. This is a lesson we must all learn from this film.

I am proud of Szpilman and many more who followed his footsteps, because they are the real winners of the war.

MUST SEE THIS FILM.

My score: 8 out of 10

Regards, Neil Bhatia

Born Into Brothels: Calcutta's Red Light Kids (2004)

"Zana auntie" gives them a gift

[10/10 · 7 December 2006]

Whenever we receive a gift in our life, we show emotions of various types. Here in this documentary Zana gives the young kids from the brothel area of Calcutta a camera and a new life, so that through the camera the young kinds can capture every moment of their journey and positive experience they've had with Zana. Apart from capturing a positive moment and discovering life in general through the lens, camera becomes an introductory tool toward the forth-coming education that Zana plans for them. In short, Zana in this documentary is trying to bring these kids out of the brothel life and give them a new life of knowledge and inner-power.

Actually, this documentary is not about how the kids live in the brothel areas of Calcutta, but rather a documentary about Zana's struggle towards changing lives of unfortunate children towards something better. The entire documentary has a very positive vibe which is evident from Zana's work, and it can put most of us to shame knowing the fact that "giving is not necessarily donating money to the poor and the needy, but giving them a practical hand of life", which is what Zana is trying to do here in this documentary.

Please do watch this documentary carefully, and I am sure that you will also wish you had an "auntie" whose gift is life! Enjoy! Regards, Neil Bhatia

Downfall (2004)

An Evil within

[9/10 · 7 December 2005]

This film clearly accentuates Hitler's Evil brains and cold heart towards his own people. Half way through the film I felt like "I wish I was really alive and present there in front of Hitler, I would have slapped him in front of his own army, no matter whatever consequences I may have to face later, because he deserves that".

The film is segmented in three parts connoting Hitler's Evil life; first, a complete dark scene with a voice-over conveying a message of Evil born on this earth, second, the film shot in absolute darkness in bunkers where it signifies Hitler "down in hell", and finally, there is light after Hitler's death and the war is over and scene's outside the bunkers in broad daylight. This film makes me extremely sad about the fact that numerous people were shot dead for no reason at all, plus a number of unnecessary suicides. Suicide in my terms is a complete waste of life and is the power of Evil.

The film is very well crafted and entertains you even if you are not a fan of any war films (just like me). Bruno's acting is spectacular and he portrays Hitler in its original form and deserves an award. I also appreciated the Set Ups arranged by the Art Director. Overall this film is worth every penny in the cinema / DVD.

My overall score for this Masterpiece is 9 out of 10.

Watch it! NEIL BHATIA

Sholay (1975)

Best Indian Film Ever

[10/10 · 19 November 2005]

Excellent characterization, acting, scripting, directing, and cinematography all put together in this film brings out the best film ever made in India.

The film story line is very simple, yet very interesting to watch. Acting and dialogs in this film hold a very high caliber according to various film aficionado's. The film is about two young men hired to stop a group of bandits in a small village.

I especially recommend every film student to watch this film at least twice in order to grasp the tradition of quality film-making. "Sholay" has a winning formula which is rare to find in todays film-making.

Watch it! SCORE: 10/10

Freaky Friday (2003)

Put yourself in others shoes

[8/10 · 21 September 2005]

This film is an excellent entertainment. I thoroughly enjoyed it and well put-together explaining individual mind-frame and it works.

I am sure we easily judge into other people's positive and negative attitudes, but unless we put ourselves into their shoes, we will never know. Hence this film takes us into the journey of a daughter and mother who have complete different personalities. After a while, the daughter and mother switch "only" bodies (via some weird Chinese magic), by which they realize each others "actual life".

This film could have been made in various forms, but the writer and the director chose a way by which they can convey their message to the society while entertaining at the same time, which I personally think is a better option. The film is very light-hearted, well scripted, well directed, excellent costumes, brilliant acting skills, and finally very easy to follow the storyline.

Please do yourself a favor and rent this DVD (and order a pizza) and watch it at home with your family - maybe it will do you some good.

Enjoy! NEIL BHATIA

Score: 8/10

A Different Loyalty (2004)

A man torn apart

[8/10 · 21 August 2005]

This film teaches you about love vs life. What is more important to you, serving for cold blooded organization or your family? The film starts brilliantly explaining who Leo is and the real human in him. Leo is a mere person (like anyone of us) who is torn between loyal work and his love. In actuality I think Leo is a classic example to all mankind that love comes before work. Life is as short as the length of this film, hence its best to choose love (in this case Sally). What did Leo achieve? Loosing his family to an honorable award from the Russians. My suggestion to all of you: Please choose your family over work, boss, money, and fame. Begin your choices right, only then will you die happy (unlike Leo).

The film has excellent concept of cinematography and film quality. It is shot in the format of old times and the costumes, location sets are perfectly chosen to create the right kind of mood. Sharon Stone is in her best form compared to her previous film "Basic Instinct". If she continues to choose roles such as Sally, then it will lead her to a more professional and recognized acting career.

I recommend anyone to watch this film (especially) young hot blooded men in Universities having an ambition in life. This film is deep and hold true to the accounts of Sally and Leo who are inbuilt in all of us. Please do yourself a favor and watch it with your love or your wife/husband.

I applaud the screenplay writer and the director.

My score 8/10.

NEIL BHATIA

Open Water (2003)

Next best to JAWS

[8/10 · 12 August 2005]

I had read a brief synopsis of this film few days prior to viewing it, and I thought to myself how could one build a full-length film out of this? Later when I saw the film, it was above my expectation, and I was completely satisfied with its scripting, plot-lines, and casting. The lead characters were well chosen as they looked believable. The film had a perfect flow of narrative which built the audience's curiosity towards thrills and chills in the film.

Half way through the film it makes you think "how responsible did the travel agents, boat-men, and the hotel owners felt". Such a mistake is unthinkable, i.e. leaving the couples stranded in the middle of the ocean.

I applaud the film director's imagination which was well portrayed visually. If he continues to think in this fashion then I am sure he will be the next Spielberg.

Anyway, grab the DVD and watch it at home with a few mates, and I am sure you will have a lot to talk about after the movie is over.

NOTE: Don't let this put you off "water".

NEIL BHATIA

The Amityville Horror (2005)

Not too scary

[5/10 · 21 July 2005]

I remember watching the 1979 version and thought that it was too scary for its time, but this remake has very few scenes in which you get scared. Most of the scary scenes were predictable and played very little with my fear. The actors were good especially Mellisa George who was able to carry the film forward and interesting. What I would really like to know is if this home still exists! If so, then I am sure it has become a attraction for many tourists and visitors alike.

Art Direction in this film is excellent and well handled. Objects, space and settings were well organized based on the original script. Whereas the handling of cinematography seemed more closer to the making of music videos. The entire making of the film seems as though it was made by some new comers in the film industry, but yet the job was well done.

In conclusion, if you have never seen the original 1979 version, then this film will keep you awake all night thinking of the living dead and evil around us rather than getting scared in our dark room while we sleep.

SCORE: 5 out of 10.

Take care, Mr. NEIL BHATIA

War of the Worlds (2005)

Waste of money

[2/10 · 29 June 2005]

I only saw this film, because my family took me to it, or else I had no intention to watch it. I knew that this would be another Hollywood Hype (out there to only make money). The film had no strong plot line or a base or foundation or a story to tell. It was a complete waste of the film reel. One could sum up this whole film in 5 minutes of viewing.

There was no acting talent required in this film. Aliens in the film looked like some clown in your birthday party. The dialog's were extremely lame and poor and had no depth in it. This film is only good for Home Theatre System stores where one can display his new system while playing "War of the Worlds" DVD for a good sound test. I just hope the DVD Home Theatre System sell after playing "War of the Worlds".

Spielberg made a HUGE mistake making this film.

Take my advice: Do not bother watching this film.

NEIL BHATIA

The Ring (2002)

Scariest Film on Earth

[10/10 · 28 June 2005]

If you have not seen this film, then I highly recommend you watch it. This film will give you the creeps you will never forget. The film spooks you into the belief of the story and Samara's death. The film is extremely convincing about the websites being read by Naomi Watts.

This film is the remake of the Japanese film RINGU and I saw this few weeks ago and RINGU is not too scary, but Hollywood feeds on dramatizing reality and this time they were successful with THE RING. The Ring is a simple story of a lady who watched a 30 second spooky video and is cursed to death, after which she conducts research on the truth behind the 30 second video and finally gets successful in her mission. All this is too simple to read, but wait till you watch THE RING, I guarantee you that "Friday The 13th" will seem lame.

My credit goes to the director of THE RING and he has done an excellent pre-production plan prior to the making of this film.

WATCH IT AND STAY AWAKE ALL YOUR LIFE.

Go (1999)

Movie on the Run

[8/10 · 30 May 2005]

This film has been brilliantly made and well written. The chronology of the film is perfect and story telling by each person is simple and to the point. The film consists of good quality action and comedy at the same time and puts "Leathal Weapon" to shame. Scripting and Directing in this film is of a very high quality. I am sure that the writer and the director met each other too many times during pre-production of this film, which goes to show the excellent team work and the final output is excellent.

I have seen this film three times and have asked my friends to watch it, and even their comments about this film is excellent.

The film takes you on an experience of each character and ends with no confusion in your mind. I suggest you should buy the DVD of this film as this film goes down as an excellent example of film-making in the history of cinema.

ENJOY.

Mr. NEIL BHATIA

Warning: Parental Advisory (2002 TV Movie)

Freedom to hear

[8/10 · 24 May 2005]

"Why do people think negative?" This is what this film will help you realize that there is joy in everything you see or listen to. Thinking negative will reach you nowhere. If people have problems with listening to rock music or heavy metal, then they don't need to listen to it, but then they also do not have the right to stop others from not listening to some great rock music.

All in all, I suggest that this film SHOULD be viewed by conservative religious type of people who have closed minds, which will help clear their brains.

This film is a good entertainment and education. Oh by the way, I think Deborah Yates looks really HOT! Enjoy! Mr. NEIL BHATIA

Hari Om (2004)

Journey of Freedom

[9/10 · 10 December 2004]

Have you ever wondered what its like to feel FREE? I am sure that each one of us know the meaning of freedom and never seriously think of using it to our advantage. HARI OM shows the audience what freedom actually means. In this film freedom is described in the form of style represented by Isa's discovery of India. Isa discovers her inner true love when she is in a Rickshaw journey with Mr. HARI OM. She looks at life differently and portrays freedom that every woman restricts in herself when she is in a relationship.

This film is definitely "worth a watch", and I saw this the first time in Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF), and I left the cinema hall with complete satisfaction.

"Watch it"!

Matchstick Men (2003)

Your mind plays games with you

[9/10 · 10 August 2004]

Excellent film! Well directed! Great acting! Brilliant story! Fantastic suspense! - to say the least.

You always knew that there are many con artists out there wanting to take away everything you have, hence you are always careful (but are you sure that you have been careful enough!). This film shows you that a dishonest way of living never pays off well.

Message in the film: "You think you suffer from tic, but do you? You think you have conned people into making money, but have you?"

Enjoy watching it!

My score: 9 / 10

NEIL BHATIA

Chandni Bar (2001)

Life behind closed doors

[10/10 · 10 August 2004]

After you have seen Chandni Bar, your perception of any prostitutes around the world will change drastically. Instead of looking at a prostitute as a sexually satisfying object, you will look deeper into her and realize "why she ever became a prostitute in the first place". It is too easy to say that "there is no excuse for being a prostitute, and one can choose his/her own career in life", but after you have seen Chandni Bar, your view point will change completely and you will want to help many women who are helpless/poor/prostitutes around the globe.

Chandni Bar starts by introducing the main character's traumatic beginnings that locks her into doing things she willingly doesn't want to. Throughout the film, the "change room door" in the bar signifies the actual life of helplessly trapped women on one side of the door, and the "pretentious women" on the other side of the door who make a living by selling themselves.

In conclusion the film has been very well put together, and has an excellent direction (worthy of film awards).

I have had tears rolling down my cheeks over ten times when I watched this film, and I suggest you view it with someone who has very little respect for women or views them as sex object. This is a very hard hitting film that will touch you deep within.

My Score: 10 / 10 (for all the ten tears I had)

Watch, listen and understand !

NEIL BHATIA