Sneha Jaiswal's Blog, page 134
November 22, 2023
Stamped from the Beginning Review
The etymology of a word can reveal much about history and our world. For instance, the term “slave” finds its roots in the Latin word “sclāvus,” as the Slavs were frequently captured and traded as slaves in medieval Europe. The transatlantic slave trade involving Africans transported to America began in the early 16th century. My awareness of this etymology deepened after watching the Netflix documentary “Stamped from the Beginning,” which is based on Ibram X. Kendi’s non-fiction book of the same name. Although, slavery has been around for ages, extending back to biblical times, the Old Testament recounts the enslavement of the Israelites in Egypt for several centuries.
Directed by Roger Ross Williams, “Stamped from the Beginning” is akin to a non-fiction feature film. Animated recreations of historical events are seamlessly woven together with expert interviews, file footage and photographs, offering viewers a concise history of slavery in America and the enduring prevalence of anti-black ideas in the country. For anybody who hasn’t read extensively on the subject, the documentary provides a lot of food for thought, forcing you to take a closer look at some historical figures of America.
With a concise 90-minute runtime, it’s understandably challenging for the makers to encapsulate the entirety of Ibram X. Kendi’s 600-page book. Nevertheless, they commendably select riveting accounts to illustrate the insidious nature of anti-Black ideas in the country. However, inclusion of historical data, graphs, and info-graphics would have enhanced the documentary’s coverage of violence against Black Americans. Except for a brief graph with the headline “Black Americans Are Killed by Police at a Much Higher Rate than Americans,” lacking specific numbers or percentages, there is a scarcity of statistics. Had it not been for that fleeting graph, the omission might have gone unnoticed. Nonetheless, the documentary effectively utilizes news clippings to underscore numerous instances of unprovoked Black killings, highlighting the undeniable white privilege prevalent in America.
The documentary lays emphasis on the crucial role played by Black women in exposing the horrific treatment they endured at the hands of their white masters. The creators illustrate Harriet Jacobs’ life, the African-American woman who wrote the book, “Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl”. It was published in 1861 and stands out as the first-hand account that vividly illustrated how women in her position faced relentless sexual harassment and abuse from their owners. All these accounts are accompanied by fitting background tracks, all of which are by Black artists, creating a poignant and resonant atmosphere throughout the documentary.
Overall, “Stamped from the Beginning” is just about the right duration, with well-spoken interviewees and is a good place to start for foreign viewers looking to learn about the history of slavery in America.
Rating: 7 on 10. You can stream it on Netflix.
Read Next: The Billionaire, the Butler & the Boyfriend Review
Also Read: Scott Pilgrim Takes Off Review (Audio Version Below)
Leo Review – A Musical Lizard with Sage Advice for Kids
“Don’t cry. Crying is for weaklings. Don’t cry. It’s lazy and dumb. Dry those tears; they make you look ugly. Suck it up, you mustn’t succumb.” – That doesn’t sound like a very good pep talk for a kid, does it? Those are the lyrics from a song in the 2023 animated musical “Leo”, but before you fume – it’s only meant as a joke. After the song, a kid reads out the importance of crying and how it releases oxytocin and endorphins, which makes one feel better. So, Leo endorses “let it go”, Elsa style.
Directed by Robert Marianetti, Robert Smigel, and David Wachtenheim, “Leo” has been written by Robert Smigel, Adam Sandler, and Paul Sado. The musical follows a 74-year-old lizard, Leo (voiced by Adam Sandler), who has spent all his life in a classroom and now wants to escape to live his life before he finally dies. As Leo plots his escape with his turtle friend Squirtle (Bill Burr), a new substitute teacher forces her students to take turns caring for one of the class pets at their homes. Thus begins Leo’s real adventures, every weekend he spends quality time with one 11-year-old, listening to their problems and helping them out.
So Leo basically serves as a therapist for the kids, telling each one that they are the only one who can talk to him, to make each child feel “special.” The script navigates various kid problems, poking fun at helicopter parents (literally, with one kid having a drone following him), humbling bratty kids, and empowering children with different struggles. If nothing else, “Leo” is a warm albeit comedic look at how children have big feelings and a listening ear helps them go a long way. Ms. Malkin (Cecilia Strong), the strict substitute teacher, serves as the antagonist whom all the children fear; her character feels like it was inspired by Roald Dahl’s malevolent Trunchbull in Matilda.
The animation is bright, cute, and charming in bits and pieces; however, the lack of effort in some of the story’s minor characters is pretty glaring. For instance, some zoo animals that appear in the second half look like they are out of an early 2000s animated movie. “Leo” largely relies on the character’s “wisdom” and Adam Sandler‘s gruff, guttural old man voice to power the story. Because for a musical, the songs are incredibly mediocre despite the funny and witty lyrics. But that could’ve been deliberate – it’s a lizard and eleven-year-olds singing their heart out and they needn’t be perfect.
With a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes, I’m uncertain if “Leo” can maintain pace with the short attention spans of its primary target audience – pre-teen viewers. The second-half feels stretched out and could’ve used more imagination or should’ve been trimmed. Nevertheless, it succeeds in being an enjoyable kids’ film that even an older audience might find chuckle-worthy.
You can stream “Leo” on Netflix.
Read Next: Scott Pilgrim Takes Off Review (Audio Version Below)
November 21, 2023
Kaala Paani Review – Dystopian Getaway
Sneha Jaiswal (Twitter | Instagram)
“I’ve said it a thousand times – always look for the simplest explanation. Because the simplest explanation is almost always the right explanation.”
A doctor tersely advices her juniors in the first episode of “Kaala Paani”, the 2023 Netflix series about a mysterious deadly epidemic sweeping the islands of Andaman. As it turns out, the source of the disease is easy to explain, but the solution to contain it is a long-hard race against time and death.
Directed by Sameer Saxena and Amit Golani, “Kaala Paani” spans seven episodes and is a gripping fictional dystopian tale written by Biswapati Sarkar. The first episode opens in Port Blair, where a young man newly arrived for a job is given a tour of the Cellular Jail, also known as ‘Kaala Paani’ by the crafty local Chiranjeevi Prabhu (Sukant Goel), who emerges as a major character in the series. Twenty kilometers away in Jenkins Island (a fictitious place), a dark, horror-like scene shows members of an indigenous tribe trying to break a pipeline late at night, their reasons unexplained. But readers can draw some simple conclusions.
Meanwhile, an array of other characters is introduced. There’s the corrupt cop Ketan Kamat (Amey Wagh), who is on a punishment posting to Andamans and would do anything for a transfer back. There’s also the feisty, fierce Doctor Soudamini (Mona Singh), who has isolated a bunch of patients in her hospital suspecting a possible new outbreak; the young, enthusiastic post-doctoral candidate Ritu Gagra (Radhika Mehrotra) assists the doctor in understanding the new disease. A major sub-plot focuses on a tourist couple Santosh Savla (Vikas Kumar) and Gargi Savla (Sarika Singh) who find themselves trapped in Andamans and are separated from their young children. Ashutosh Gowariker is Jibran Qadri, the Lieutenant Governor of Andamans, tasked with bearing the weight of the entire fate of the union territory. Gowariker delivers a dignified portrayal of a leader who is compelled to make difficult decisions for the well-being of the civil population grappling with the outbreak of a new and threatening disease.
With at least four major stories unfolding simultaneously, “Kaala Paani” has plenty of plot packed into the series. The Islands of Andaman emerge as characters in themselves, with the cinematography capturing their scenic beauty and secrets vividly. A small fictitious indigenous tribe called the Orakas, who live in the forests untouched by modern ways of life, present a tense “minority versus majority” theme in the tale. However, the overarching theme of “Kaala Paani” centers on the age-old struggle of “man versus nature,” highlighting the perilous outcomes that often ensue when corporate greed interferes with the delicate balance of the natural world.
The Orakas are a fictitious indigenous tribe in “Kaala Paani”.
If you are post-apocalyptic fiction fan, “Kaala Paani” is one of the rarer Indian titles you can pick from around the web for a slice of desi dystopian experience. Once the authorities in the story realize they have an epidemic on their hands, they try to control the situation without creating panic among the masses, but their efforts lead to a chaotic stampede, which is reminiscent of zombie-themed stories like “The Walking Dead”. But as fans of the genre know – the scariest things in a zombie apocalypse aren’t zombies, but humans. And “Kaala Paani” has plenty of morally grey characters to keep you worried about what they might do, although, the writing does not push boundaries with its “villains”. There’s a strange balance between reality and fantasy, which never quite hits the bullseye, but at least keeps you engaged throughout.
While Mona Singh stands out in the first episode as the fiercely independent Doctor Soudamini, as the plot progresses, other characters begin to come to the forefront. Vikas Kumar as Santosh Savla has the most fantastic character arc, starting out as a soft, gentle, loving father to his two kids Kaddu (Aradhya Ajana) and Parth (Payash Jain). But as the epidemic changes their circumstances, Vikas is forced to shed his gentle demeanour to become a hardened survivor and Vikas Kumar deftly portrays this slow transformation. Amey Wagh is thoroughly despicable as the villain-like police officer Ketan Kamat, he is so convincing as an unscrupulous sycophant, you cannot imagine him mending his ways, even when the script tries to make you believe he is redeemable. Sukant Goel is terrific as local guide Chiranjeevi, who like Ketan is quite vicious, and dabbles in illegal side-businesses for extra cash. His mother warns him by citing the famous frog and scorpion fable, which demonstrates how venomous beings can bring harm upon others at the cost of hurting themselves. The fable foreshadows Chiranjeevi’s eventual fate, and Sukant Goel smoothly keeps changing colours like a chameleon throughout the runtime. It’s a “dog-eat-dog” world in “Kaala Paani”, where some choose to become saviours, while others descend into the state of ruthless predators.
Radhika Mehrotra is sincere as the young Ritu Gagra, an expert in communicable diseases, who works round-the-clock to help find a cure and is often at the receiving end of severe criticism from her seniors for being too idealistic. Arushi Sharma plays another pivotal character called Jyotsna Dey, a nurse, who is visiting Port Blair to sell off her ancestral property and would’ve left before the island goes under lockdown but is stranded likes thousands of others because she extends her stay to re-unite with her childhood friend and crush Vinayak (Priyansh Jora). While Jyotsna’s storyline hints at the possibility of romance in the series, it takes a refreshing turn as her journey primarily revolves around her role as the guardian of two tourist children she rescues from a stampede. Some viewers might be disappointed by the lack of a typical romantic story in the tale, love is a major theme in “Kaala Paani”, although, a lot of it is familial. Veerendra Saxena has a cameo as Bunker Basu, an eccentric and asocial old man whom Jyotsna reaches out to for help. I chuckled when I saw Veerendra Saxena because it seemed like the role was practically written for him; he might be typecast into “cranky man” roles, because he pulls them off perfectly.
The series is interspersed with several flashbacks, ranging from centuries ago to World War II featuring Japanese soldiers (when Andaman was under Japanese occupation), and more recent ones that provide insights into the protagonists’ lives before the epidemic. While some flashbacks enhance the depth of the narrative, others could have been trimmed, as they contribute little to the story’s substance and primarily serve to intensify melodrama. This could have been achieved without delving into the character’s past struggles. Also, there are some scenes that get frustrating for viewers, because despite a life-threatening disease ravaging the islands, people don’t get their priorities straight. For example, there’s a scene where a character is on an important call, about to convey crucial information regarding the disease when someone enters the room, and instead of asking that person to wait for a minute, they put the call on hold. Seriously?
“Kaala Paani” is atmospheric, with a haunting soundtrack that steadily builds suspense, intrigue, and tension over the course of its seven episodes. While I was hoping for a decisive conclusion to the story, I wasn’t prepared for the loose ends in the climactic episode, which wraps the series with a promise of a potential season two.
Rating: 8 on 10. You can stream “Kaala Paani” on Netflix.
Read Next: ‘The Plague’ by Albert Camus – Book Review (Audio Version Below)
Ron Kamonohashi’s Forbidden Deductions Episode 8 Review
Ron Kamonohashi and Toto are still on Nandan Island, where a photographer has been shot dead, and John Grizzy, a reputed professor from the detective school BLUE, zeroes in on Ron as the primary suspect. Everybody except Toto is convinced of Ron’s guilt, but when a second murder occurs, the duo find themselves in a race against time to nab the real culprit.
For a plot overview, read – Ron Kamonohashi’s Forbidden Deductions Episode 1 Review
Titled “The Case of the Observatory Murder – Part 2,” episode 8 of the anime series “Ron Kamonohashi’s Forbidden Deductions” begins with ominous shots of scenes from in and around Nandan Island. It’s raining, and the visitors at the observatory, where the murders have occurred, are virtually locked in. It’s an atmospheric episode, where the creators use a lot of natural ambient sounds to enhance the mysterious tone of the tale. While a dark and serious tone pervades this episode, there’s also ample comic relief courtesy Ron and Toto’s interactions. While Toto is tense, terrified and anxious about finding the killer, Ron is happy focusing on getting a sugar rush (but it’s for powering his brain, so it’s fine).
My favorite scene from this episode takes place in the first few minutes, where Toto tries to imitate Ron’s investigative methods by lying down beside the victim’s corpse but is immediately freaked out and gives up. It was hilarious, and his attempt at imitation was a clever way to indicate just how much he admires Ron’s work and intellect. It’s only a matter of time before the two catch the killer, and there are plenty of hints that help even the viewers eliminate some potential suspects. But in an interesting surprise, the Nandan Island chapter doesn’t conclude, and viewers will have to wait for “Ron Kamonohashi’s Forbidden Deductions” to find out who is behind the very meticulously executed murder.
While the episode is fast-paced and entertaining, it was a refreshing change to see Ron take some time to figure out what’s happening on the remote island; it makes him seem more human than usual. “The Case of the Observatory Murder” is definitely the most thriller-like story so far in the anime series, and I wouldn’t mind if they stretch it for another two episodes, as long as there are enough twists transpiring. But finding out the killer’s identity in the next episode would be ideal!
You can stream “Ron Kamonohashi’s Forbidden Deductions” on Netflix.
Read Next: Scott Pilgrim Takes Off Review (Audio Version Below)
November 20, 2023
Migi to Dali Episode 8 Review
Story so far – Based on a manga by Nami Sano, this mystery-thriller series follows orphaned identical twins, Migi and Dali, who pretend to be one child called Hitori to their adoptive parents Sonoyama Osamu and Sonoyama Youko. Migi and Dali take turns to play Sonoyama Hitori, while they try to find out their biological mother’s murderer in Origon village. The twins zero in on the arrogant Eiji Ichijo and are very close to finding the truth.
“Migi to Dali” Episode seven ended with a cliffhanger, indicating a serious rift between the brothers for the first time. Migi feels betrayed by Dali for pretending to be a girl without telling him anything and allowing things to get weird. Episode eight focuses on Dali’s attempts to mend bridges with his brother while also trying to be Hitori full-time in the Sonoyoma house, as an upset Migi is living with his friend Shunpei Akiyama.
This edition begins with a creepy sequence of Migi slithering like a snake in his friend Shunpei Akiyama’s house, clearly sulking over the past events. The series back to being bizarre and tinged with horror tones, which is what makes “Migi to Dali” unique – it’s a genre bending creepy comedy investigative series. I couldn’t stop myself from laughing out loud at a scene where Dali eats for two at lunch because usually, one of the twins is sitting at the table and passing food to the other who is hiding below. So when his mom, Youko, asks him why he isn’t eating like usual, he stuffs his face and later throws up in the bathroom. Of all the exaggerated and unreal things that happen in the show, it was kinda hilarious how the writers try to be realistic when it comes to Dali’s appetite.
In a comedic surprise, there’s a Halloween-themed subplot in the series. Dali participates in a costume contest and devises a scheme to hurt Eiji Ichijo at the event. The flamboyant Youko is probably the most fun character in the show, her optimistic enthusiasm for everything is funny-sweet and it’s amusing how her character uses a lot of English words while talking. She comes up with a ridiculous costume for Hitori to wear, and Dali like a sport wears a hideous outfit and gives it his own twist. The episode concludes with a an unexpected event, and it will be interesting to see how this revenge saga shapes up.
You can watch “Migi to Dali” on Crunchyroll.
Read Next: Scott Pilgrim Takes Off Review (Audio Version Below)
“A Good Day to be a Dog” Episodes 5 and 6 Review
Quick recap of ‘A Good Day to be a Dog’ story so far: The protagonist, Han Hae-na (Park Gyuyoung), accidentally kisses her colleague Jin Seo-won (Cha Eun-Woo), triggering a curse that transforms her into a dog from 12 am to 6 am every day. The only way to break the curse is for the same person to kiss her while she’s in her dog form. However, Jin Seo-won is afraid of dogs, so Han Hae-na tries to help him overcome his fear. Meanwhile, her protective sister Han Yoo-na (Ryu Abel) keeps coming up with schemes to end the curse as soon as they can.
Titled “Overcoming Trauma”, episode 5 of “A Good Day to be a Dog” focuses on the issue of school bullying, which is a major problem in South Korea. Seo-won intervenes when he witnesses Ji Won, a student, being bullied. Despite his efforts, the perpetrators initially escape consequences. Opening up to Hae-na about his own experiences with bullying, Seo-won seeks her assistance in bringing the culprits to justice.
Departing from the series’ light-hearted tone, this installment explores the darker theme of how well-connected individuals oppress the vulnerable. A section in the episode takes a horror or vampire fiction-like turn, as History teacher Lee Bo-kyeom (Lee Hyun-woo) decides to teach a lesson to one of the bullies. Lee Bo-kyeom’s mysterious actions heighten intrigue, leaving non-webtoon readers eager for more details about his backstory. Lee Hyun-woo skillfully transitions between the sunny, sweet, and adorable facets of Lee’s character to darker, intimidating streaks.
The episode maintains a good pace, offering a refreshing shift from the usual romantic focus. There’s evident progress in the evolving romantic feelings between the leads. And while the bullying sub-plot offers interesting perspective, the solution to the problem is far too convenient in the series given its fantasy and exaggerated elements. Besides, the students show no remorse over their despicable action and the bullying chapter is closed without much ado, with the focus back to the lead’s Dogerella troubles.
Episode 6 – “The Transfer Student” – ramps up the supernatural elements in the show and introduces Min Ji-a (Kim Yi-kyung), a new character rumored to be a shaman. Ji-a, who can accurately read people’s faces and hands, becomes popular among students. The story soon seamlessly transitions back to the comedic tone, focusing on a school trip. Hae-na’s desperation to break the curse intensifies, especially with the increased risk of exposure during the trip. She takes the help of Seo-won’s nephew, Choi Yul (Yoon Hyun Soo), and their scenes together add a layer of humor to the edition. The school trip brings forth both romantic moments and challenges, including a near-death experience for Hae-na in her dog form.
From romantic interludes to horror-inspired sequences and comedic moments, “A Good Day to be a Dog” navigates through varied moods with smooth execution. The background score plays a pivotal role in enhancing these transitions. Historical flashbacks peppered throughout the episodes add an intriguing layer to the characters’ past lives, further engaging the viewers. The chemistry between Park Gyu Young and Cha Eun-Woo continues to evolve, with adorable onscreen moments. Cha Eun-Woo adorably exhibits Seo-won’s gigantic crush on Hae-na, and there are some comically moments where he gets jealous over her interactions with the history teacher, who she originally wanted to date.
Overall, “A Good Day to be a Dog” maintains its whimsy and charm, offering a unique narrative that keeps viewers hooked with each passing episode. The evolving mysteries and character relationships contribute to the series’ delightful watchability.
You can stream A Good Day to be a Dog on Viki.
Read Next: Congrats My Ex! Review – Everybody Wins, Save the Bride
Also Read: Scott Pilgrim Takes Off Review (Audio Version Below)
A Taste for Blood – Graphic Novel Review
A graphic novel about a woman serial-killer? That’s not something I come across too often, so I didn’t think twice before reading “A Taste for Blood”, a graphic novel by Debuhme, about how Aldo, a mobster fresh out of jail strikes an unlikely friendship with farm-woman Lou. Turns out, Lou is a hot-headed serial killer in the making, while Aldo is much mild-mannered than one would imagine him to be. Aldo almost ends up being murdered by Lou, however, the two unite to take on the local mafia.
The graphic novel is in color, and the illustrations have a caricature-like style, reminiscent of older newspaper editorial cartoons. While I wasn’t a big fan of the artwork, the drawings complement the subtle dark humor and themes of the story. The exaggerated features and expressions add a layer of satire that enhances the overall tone of the narrative. Debuhme keeps playing with the color schemes of different chapters, making several sections look very different from the others.
“A Taste for Blood” is fast-paced, unfolding like a comedy-of-errors, and carrying an old-school charm in its storytelling. Despite the title suggesting a more intense theme of blood, death, and violence, the plot doesn’t fully live up to these expectations. With the book being only 120 pages long, the characters, Lou and Aldo, don’t receive extensive development. Regardless, the personality clash between Lou and Aldo stands out as the high point of this fictional work, subverting gender stereotypes. Aldo, despite being a member of a mafia gang, is portrayed as a gentle soul who wouldn’t hurt a fly, while Lou is depicted as a bloodthirsty and angsty woman who would kill without a second thought. This dynamic helps drive the story forward. Aldo’s past is briefly explained through a small flashback, and there’s an intriguing backstory about how he ended up in jail, adding a good twist to the tale.
For graphic novel enthusiasts who enjoy crime fiction and are intrigued by titles featuring female killers as leads, “A Taste for Blood” offers a decent one-time read.
Rating: 3 on 5
Read Next: Mariko Between Worlds – Graphic Novel Review
Also Read: Scott Pilgrim Takes Off Review (Audio Version Below)
November 19, 2023
Sukhee Review – Shilpa’s ‘Queen’ Moment in Dilli
Sneha Jaiswal (Twitter | Instagram)
Rani had to go all the way from Delhi to Paris and make new friends to find herself in the 2013 hit “Queen,” but Shilpa Shetty’s Sukhee just needs the courage to take a train from her small Punjab town to the national capital to reunite with her childhood friends and rediscover her lost spirit crushed by the grinds of being an unappreciated homemaker.
The 2023 slice-of-life Bollywood film “Sukhee” marks the directorial debut of Sonal Joshi and has been written by Radhika Anand, Paulomi Dutta, and Rupinder Inderjit. Shipa Shetty plays titular protagonist Sukhee, who wants to attend her high-school reunion in Delhi, but her domineering husband Guru (Chaitannya Choudhry) refuses to give her “permission” for the two-day trip she wants to take. Sukhee, however, rebels, goes to Delhi, much to the chagrin of her husband, and has the time of her life with her best friends – the feisty single Meher (Kusha Kapila), workaholic Tanu who works in London (Dilnaz Irani), and the modern royal bahu/socialite Manu (Pavleen Gujral).
Two of the best bits about ‘Sukhee’ were the endearing relationship she shares with her grandfather-in-law (Vinod Nagpal), the only person in her house who values her, and then the friendship she shares with her girlfriends. The loud squeals and shrieks the women let out when they meet in Delhi for their reunion were adorable, representing how most women turn into excited girls when they are around their squad. The cinematography is simple, bright and features some delectable scenes of Sukhee and her friends enjoying street-food in Delhi, followed by a rather un-funny sequence of “eating gone wrong” comedy though.
Sukhee” is a worthy attempt at showing how many women tend to lose their sense of individuality and self-worth after marriage. Shilpa Shetty, who doesn’t seem to have aged at all in the last two decades, is equally vivacious and vulnerable as Sukhee, who used to be the most popular girl in both her school and college but becomes an invisible doormat after marriage, despite settling down with the man she was in love with. “Doesn’t matter if it’s a love marriage or an arranged marriage; all men become the same after a few years of marriage,” a supporting character scoffs in the film. Except for one scene where Shilpa struggles with emoting a genuine emotional breakdown, the actor is quite charming in the lead. The actors playing her gang of friends are also fun to watch, while Amit Sadh has a small cameo as Vikram, a former classmate who encourages Sukhee to pursue a long-forgotten hobby after they meet at the reunion. The reunion party was mildly hilarious, where Sukhee and friends dress to kill and are massively disappointed to see balding men all around. In a ridiculous scene shift, there’s a song-dance number at the reunion, where suddenly, lots of young people (background dancers) emerge out of nowhere to dance at the party. Yeah, don’t expect too much realism from the story.
The script invariably blames everybody around Sukhee for her plight, leaning on stereotypes and cliches, instead of also acknowledging that Sukhee too has some share of blame in devolving. Chaitannya Choudhry is convincingly grey-shaded as Guru, the husband who takes his wife for granted, even going as far as belittling her in public spaces. Her 15-year-old daughter Jassi (Maahi Jain), who is the school topper and head-girl, is not much different in her disrespectful attitude towards her mom. With a 2-hour runtime, “Sukhee” isn’t too long but isn’t exactly riveting either, with some school scenes that were quite unnecessary and unreal. For example, there’s a scene where Jassi rants about her mother to a classmate, and the classmate gives her a rather grown-up lecture about how “at least you have a mom” and how “moms are always the best”. It’s a trope I am tired of seeing, and I wish writers could write kids like kids and not like condescending all-knowing adults.
Despite its flaws, “Sukhee” also has many redeeming qualities. The writers do a laudable job of conveying how both mutual respect and self-respect are key to a healthy relationship. While the climax includes an unnecessary cliched speech about how “moms are the best,” overall, “Sukhee” is an entertaining one-time watch.
Rating: 3 on 5 stars. You can watch “Sukhee” on Netflix.
Read Next: Congrats My Ex! Review – Everybody Wins, Save the Bride
Also Read: The Fall of the House of Usher Review (Audio Version Below)
Spy x Family Season 2 Episode 7 Review
The Luxury Ship adventure continues for the Forgers in “Spy x Family” Season 2 Episode 7. The last episode had ended just before the beginning of a new fight between Yor Forger and a scary looking assassin called Barnaby, who is armed with a weapon that that resembles Belmont’s morningstar whip from Castlevania, used to kill vampires. The usually calm Yor is a little intimidated by the new enemy and exclaims that she has never seen a weapon like the one he is wielding.
Read: Spy x Family Episode 1 Review for plot overview
Titled “Who Is This Mission For?”, Spy x Family Season 2 Episode 7 once again puts the focus on Yor’s existential dilemma about being an assassin. Now that her brother Yuri Briar is doing well for himself, Yor doesn’t really need to take on dangerous jobs for a living, so she wonders if her new family – Loid Forger and Anya – is only a cover for her double-life or people she really cares for. She stresses over these questions while fighting Barnaby and their battle is pretty entertaining, mostly due to Anya’s presence on the sidelines.
This episode was fast-paced and over in a blink! It packs in some hilarious sequences featuring Loid and Anya as Loid tries his best to be a fun dad and ensure his adopted daughter has the time of her life on the cruise. There’s a little bit of everything that made “Spy x Family” a hit with fans: tense combat scenes, hilarious character interactions, and some emotional moments where the lead characters seriously introspect on what they are doing with their lives.
I am really enjoying this cruise-ship chapter in the anime series, and luckily, the ship adventure isn’t over yet. Yor still has to keep her client Olka safe from a horde of deadly enemies and ensure her safe passage. We will have to watch episode eight to find out how things go.
You can stream Spy x Family on Netflix.
Read Next: Scott Pilgrim Takes Off Review – Fun-Fueled Ride
Also Read: Castlevania: Nocturne Echoes Prequel’s Gothic Grit (Audio version below)
November 18, 2023
The Great Indian Family Review
Are we defined by our religious identities, or are we more than the sum of our surnames and the gods we pray to? The 2023 Bollywood comedy ‘The Great Indian Family’ attempts to explore these questions in a light-hearted manner. However, despite the laudable intent of the makers, the script is quite slippery.
Written and directed by Vijay Krishna Acharya, “The Great Indian Family” follows the misadventures of local singer Ved Vyas Tripathi (Vicky Kaushal), the son of a devout Hindu priest, who faces an existential crisis when he finds out he was born to Muslim parents. This revelation also gives a lot of fodder to a rival priest to cause problems for the Tripathi family and Ved’s romantic affection for a Sikh girl complicates things further.
“The Great Indian Family” is supposed to be a colorful comedy celebrating religious plurality. However, despite beginning on a fun and joyous note, it’s largely bland, relying on stereotypes and silly jokes that only those living in an ignorant bubble would find amusing. For instance, the protagonist and his friends mistakenly believe that Muslims greet each other by saying “Allahu Akbar,” even though kids half their age would know that “As-salamu alaykum” is the appropriate greeting. And since it’s the 21st century, a simple “hello” would do really.
Due to slight similarity in titles, it’s hard not to think how the 2022 Indian series “‘The Great Weddings of Munnes” was a lot more hilarious and entertaining. Vicky Kaushal is mildly comedic in his role as Ved, who is also known as Bhajan Kumar, popular for singing devout songs. He is flanked by a talented support cast that includes Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra and Sadiya Siddiqui. Manushi Chillar plays Ved’s romantic interest, but the romantic sub-plot could’ve been chopped from the movie and it would’ve made little difference to the overall story and themes. While music is also an important ingredient in the tale, the original soundtrack fails to leave a memorable impression, except for the opening song which introduces Ved.
“The Great Indian Family” concludes with a disappointing climax where an entire family faces a humiliating public trial. Despite their eventual triumph, the creators inadvertently lend credence to the problematic “log kya kahengey?” (what will people say?) mentality prevalent in many Indian families, where the opinions of outsiders are given more importance than the feelings of our own kin. The writers should’ve done a better job.
Rating: 5 on 10. You can stream the film on Prime Video.
Read Next: Pippa Movie Review – Plot Stays Afloat, Ishaan Soars
Also Read: ‘The Plague’ by Albert Camus – Book Review (Audio Version Below)
