Two Line Reviews - #179

Movie: Munich (2005)

Plot: A retribution team is formed to kill the terrorists who were responsible for the killing of Israeli Munich Olympic athletes. The execution of the vengeance mission makes the crew involved realise the meaninglessness of war and how a revenge only builds the rage of the fire of anger.

Highlights:

• The core members of the team are characterised brilliantly. Steven Spielberg's expertise is on show with the plans, the executions, the locations to which they travel, the intermitten emotions shown etc.
• Eric Bana as the passionate but sensible/sensitive Israeli & Daniel Craig as the passionate Israeli are the show stealers.
• With his non chalant music John Williams, as always, gives good company to the Spielberg narrative. The murder scenes are engaging , especially the one involving the Arab fighters and KGB officials. 

Lowlights:
A series of bombings are unsuccessful or done in public places and yet the crew escapes very easily which is tough to believe.

A slow-paced yet engaging film on a 'meticulous' retribution

Two Line Reviews - #169

Movie: The King's Speech (2010)

 

Plot: The prince of the British empire is a victim of stammering - inflicted upon him during his childhood by curbing his instincts for the family's orthodoxies. He finds a therapist - one of the unconventional type who , with his extremely dedicated therapy, gets the prince-turned-king to give his first war time speech on the declaration of war against Germany in what would be the start of World War - II.
Highlights:

• Colin Firth as the stammering, self-doubting prince is extremely convincing in his portrayal of the disability. Oscar-worthy effort for sure.
• Geoffrey Rush who plays the therapist's role is the perfect foil and his determination & optimism are inspiring enough. The character of the wife of the king who is so sure of her man is beautifully etched too.
• The final climax scene, with the subtle and smooth background score, fulfils the expectation that the build-up to it sets.

A highly motivating film on a man who defies all odds to triumph - REALISTICALLY!