Tag: Movies

TAMIL SONGS WITH BEAUTIFUL LYRICS

Music is the art of combining sounds to create a tune that is soothing or refreshing to listen to. Songs are musical compositions that are produced to be sung in a human voice. It is a combination of music and lyrics that represent a life situation, devotion, or affection. Songs with feel-good music and lyrical meaning go directly into the heart and touches the soul. Here are some such songs in Tamil that are worthy to listen to and enjoy.

  • Ovvoru pookalume solgirathey – Autograph

This motivational song digs your soul and makes you believe in yourself and your life. Its encouraging lyrics energize even a despaired man to regain hope. Lyric was written by lyricist P.Vijay, music composed by music director Bharathwaj and sung by legendary singer K.S.Chithra, this song has Tamil people’s hearts.

  • Ella pugazhum – Azhagiya Tamizh Magan

Another inspiring song that cheers up everyone to give their best at whatever they take up. A very uplifting song that has been specially made to honor the almighty. Composed and sung by music director Isaipuyal AR Rahman, this song has its lyrics penned by great poet Vaali.

  • Nadhiye Nadhiye – Rhythm

This song personifies water(river) as a woman. The lyrics are penned in such a way that each and every quality of the river is compared with the qualities of women. A feel-good and proud song for women to realize their own value. This beautiful song is composed by the legend AR Rahman, vocals by singer Unni Menon and written by lyricist Vairamuthu.

  • Poovasam purappadum – Anbe Sivam

A romantic melody that depicts the love that the couple share for each other. This song is written in comparison with the portrait. The sketches are given life by comparing it with the feelings and love the hero and heroine have for each other. This melody composed by music director Vidhyasagar, sung by singers Vijay Prakash and Sadhana Sargam has its lyrics written by Vairamuthu.

  • Aanandha yazhai – Thanga meengal

This is a soul-penetrating song that describes the bond a father and daughter share. The lyrics show the father’s love for his daughter and how he admires her. This lovely father-daughter song is sung by Sriram Parthasarathy, composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja, and lyrical magic by Late. Na. Muthukumar. The lyricist won the National award for this song.

  • Aariro aaraariro – Deiva Thirumagal

Another song that depicts the father-daughter relationship very smoothly that it’s always a bliss to hear. This is a lullaby that a father sings for his daughter. The song perfectly describes the movie’s scenario that how a mentally challenged father with 5-year-old maturity can take the place of both mother and father. A heart-touching melody sung by singer Haricharan, composed by GV Prakash, and written by Na. Muthukumar.

Many such magics are created by great legends. The songs with soothing music and pleasing lyrics are always a delight to enjoy. Do check these songs and experience the pleasure of the Tamil words and verses. Translations are available for all these songs. However, no translation would match the beauty of the Tamil language.

Hannibal Lecter : The Greatest Villain of all Time

One of the great villains created in the past 50 years is Hannibal Lecter, in the movie The Silence of the Lambs, from the book by Thomas Harris, Red Dragon. The original film created from Harris’ book, entitled Manhunter, going on in the films that followed, and has given us a bar to reach for as far as villains are concerned. Hannibal the Cannibal was one of the key characters that inspired audiences to clamor for stories, movies and TV that feature him, Manhunter, The Silence of the Lambs, sequel and two prequels: Hannibal, Red Dragon and Hannibal Rising, and a relatively successful NBC television series, Hannibal.

Characteristics

Some of his characteristics are obvious; he is a murderer and eats human flesh, which is gruesome. In exchange for some freedoms, Hannibal cooperates with FBI profiler Will Graham, offering information to hunt down a killer on the loose. There are several facets that contribute to Hannibal’s draw, not just his smarts and charisma, ruthlessness and perversion, but he also has his own bizarre code of ethics. His intelligence is revealed to the audience not only in the way he manages and negotiates for himself, escapes imprisonment, in his ability to accurately track down the killer, but also in the insane rationalization for his bizarre behaviors. He kills people he thinks commit insufferable crimes, but also those who insult his cultural sensibilities. He tries to kill Mason Verger just because he was rude while his therapy session.

Chilling Quotes

Hannibal Lecter portrayed by Mads Mikkelsen

His humor and intelligence are weapons he wields with facility at will. One of his most famous lines in Silence of the Lambs shows Clarice Starling exactly the lengths to which he will go to satiate himself. “A census taker once tried to test me. I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice Chianti.” “Killing must feel good to God too. He does it all the time, and are we not created in his image?” “I do wish we could chat for longer but I’m having an old friend for dinner.” Saying stuff like that while keeping a straight face makes Hannibal Lecter a charming yet terrifying person.

Performances

  • Brian cox played Lecter in 1986’s Manhunter. Manhunter centers on Will Graham, a retired criminal profiler who seeks an incarcerated Lecter’s assistance after being recruited to hunt down a new killer known as “The Tooth Fairy”. Cox’s Lecter is much more low-key and less charismatic than Anthony Hopkins’ version.
  • Gaspard Ulliel, a French actor and model, as a young Hannibal in 2007’s Hannibal Rising, which reveals the cannibalistic serial killer’s backstory. Unfortunately, Hannibal Rising earned bad reviews, and is almost unanimously considered the worst movie featuring Lecter. Ulliel’s Hannibal doesn’t at all seem like he would grow up to be the man we saw in the Hopkins films, and also looks and sounds absolutely nothing like Hopkins.
  • Mads Mikkelsen: If there’s anyone in Anthony Hopkins’ league when it comes to playing Hannibal Lecter, most fans would argue it’s Mads Mikkelsen, star of NBC’s Hannibal TV series. Many Lecter fans were skeptical of a new take on the character, especially one on network TV. Those same fans were taken aback at just how great Bryan Fuller’s series turned out, and how spellbinding Mikkelsen proved to be in the role. While Hannibal was never a ratings hit, it lasted for three highly acclaimed seasons.
  • Anthony Hopkins: One of the greatest suspense thrillers of all time, The Silence of the Lambs adapted Thomas Harris’ sequel to Red Dragon, which in many ways boasts a similar setup. FBI rookie Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) is tasked by boss Jack Crawford with seeking the help of an incarcerated Hannibal (Anthony Hopkins) in order to track down a killer dubbed “Buffalo Bill” (Ted Levine). The Silence of the Lambs went on to clean up at the Oscars, and make Hopkins’ Hannibal a pop culture touchstone. Hopkins would reprise the role for 2001’s Hannibal, which saw Julianne Moore take over as Clarice, and return again for Red Dragon, which saw a redo of the Lecter/Graham story with Edward Norton as Will.

MOVIE REVIEW – INTERN

Workplace Stress:

Weekends are the most exciting days of our lives. We feel exhausted working straight for a week and crave for the weekends. People of the age group 20-30 are more likely to face stress at their workplace. In a survey conducted in the US, it is proved that around 83% of people in the US are stressed because of their work. The same situation prevails all over the world. There are many reasons responsible for this stress. Some of the major reasons are as follows:

  • Paths are not chosen, but force-fed: People are captivated by luxury nowadays. Hence they fail to think about their strength, passion, and will while choosing a career. They identify the jobs which pay enough to satisfy their demands and run behind them. Anything which is not started with an interest will have enormous hurdles to pass through.
  • Market: The competition in the market is increasing at a tremendous rate and hence the companies have to accelerate to stay in the market. This pressure will eventually fall on the employees.
  • Success without struggles: Current generation is so obsessed with success and they forget the steps which must be followed to achieve them. They expect a huge success rate in a shorter span of time. 

Plot :

“Age is no barrier. It’s the limitation you put on your mind” – Jackie Joyner

When I saw the movie image on an OTT platform I guessed that it would be a story of a young woman who is an intern in an esteemed organization. When I watched the movie, I was quite surprised to know that the man who stood behind her was the actual Intern. This clearly proves the way we guess people according to their age. Ben, a 70-year-old man post his retirement is feeling restless staying alone at his home. He tries every possible way to keep him engaged. But all in vain. One day he comes across an advertisement in which a clothing company has launched a senior internship program. He decides to give it a try. 

Jules an young and super enthusiastic entrepreneur runs all her day to gain a balance between work and her personal life. She does multi-tasking most of the time and expects the people around her to be as energetic as her. She is unaware of the senior intern advertisement the company has posted and is shocked to know that a 70-year old man will work under her. Initially, she avoids him and tries to shift him to another department but eventually, they get to know each other and Ben guides her in all possible ways. The movie is well-detailed and brings out the layers of the leads in a beautiful manner. Watch the movie to understand how enthusiasm and experience found their ways to mend up their relationship and thus make their lives better. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Intern_(2015_film)

https://www.tinypulse.com/blog/stats-stress-in-the-workplace-how-to-remedy-them

The Magical lands of Studio Ghibli

Studio Ghibli is a Japanese animation studio that has been creating wonderful animated movies since 1985. Founded by Hayao Miyazaki and co., Ghibli’s movies have always stood apart for their thought-provoking themes and immensely settings. Ghibli animations have the power to transport us to an ethereal land that transcends beyond the mundanities of human life. They are usually set in a mythical of fictional landscapes which are hidden from and within the everyday realities of humans. Through these fictional characters and magical settings, Ghibli movies have a way of moving us to tears with etched emotions. Their plotlines are heart-wrenchingly beautiful and are often presented with a touching message to humanity. Another element that adds to the beauty of each movie is that they are accompanied by an assortment of soulful music. Ghibli movie magic lies in the fact that it can instantly takes us lands that reminds us of the beauty of mossy meadows, gentle rivers, sweet smell of earth after the first rain, dewdrops on a tender leaf and vast grasslands meeting a clear blue sky in its horizon.

Here’s a list of top 3 must-watch Ghibli movies:

1. Spirited Away

Spirited Away was released in 2001 and was directed by Hayao Miyazaki. Spirited Away follows the story of Chiro, a 10-year-old girl who, while moving into a new neighbourhood with her family, accidentally enters the world of Kami or Japanese folk spirits. The family crosses into the threshold before sunset, not knowing that it transforms into the magical land of spirits after sun down. After her parents are turned into pigs, Chiro embarks on a journey to recover their true selves by working for the land’s wealthiest witch Yubaba. Set with beautiful animations of glittering nightscape and elegant river spirits, Spirited Away is easily a true cinematic masterpiece. It won the Academy award for ‘Best Animated Feature Film’ in 2002 and is critically acclaimed worldwide.    

2. Princess Mononoke

Princess Mononoke was released in the year 1997 and was directed by Hayao Miyazaki. It is a thought-provoking story that questions and laments the destruction of nature sue to mankind’s greed for more. Set in the late Muromachi perios, it follows the story of a young Prince Ashitaka who encounters wild forest gods and its protectors who are caught fighting against humans who seek to destroy the forest for their purposes. With surreal mythical creatures and an abundance of emotions, Princess Mononoke moves us with its powerful message.

3. My Neighbor Totoro

My Neighbour Totoro was released in the year 1988 and was directed by Hayao Miyazaki. It follows the story of two little girls named Satsuki and Mei who, while moving into their new house, discover a hoard of fantasy creatures in their backyard. The two children, especially the younger one is innocently curious. As she stumbles into a mossy hole, she discovers a couple of friendly wood spirits including the huge Totoro who keep her company until her sister arrives back from school. Set in a post-war Japan, the movie shines with the innocence of the children and explore their humorous interactions with the mysterious and cute creatures. Totoro was widely popular and has been the face of Studio Ghibli since.

There are several other notable Ghibli movies including Howl’s Moving Castle, Castle in the Sky, Grave of the Fireflies and Kiki’s delivery service, etc.

SEIRRA BURGESS IS A LOSER

Media Madness :

Modern Teens are taken over by external appearances and run in a race of fame leaving their originality behind. They value the opinions of their fellow mates about their beauty and strive hard to get compliments from them. Social Media has added fuel to the fire. Guys have an idealogy that, if they can flaunt around with a beautiful girl around then they are above all other boys. Girls on the other hand try their level best to stay super cool among their boyfriends. And the circle continues. 

Protagonist Preface:

Sierra Burgess is a talented, hard-working, kind teen in her high school. Even though she pretends to be strong when humiliated by her classmates who think they are the most adorable ones, she breaks down at times when she feels that no one could love her because of her body. Her parents are super supportive and try their level best to boost her self-esteem, but all in vain. She is also confused when her professor asked her “Sierra Burgess is a ________?”. 

Self-esteem starts to  sow the seed of selfishness:

While remaining in a perplexed state she receives a message from an unknown number and they instantly start being comfortable around one another. The boy on the other side is a charming teen who dreams of having a dashing girlfriend to flaunt in front of his gang. He messaged her thinking that she’s Veronica, a girl on who he had a crush since she has been a cheerleader for his football team. Once Seirra gets to know the truth she is perplexed whether to continue chatting with him or to let him know the truth. But her self-esteem leads her to the wrong choice. She pretends to be Veronica and they both chat on a regular basis. They start to fall for each other’s words. Trouble arises when the truth unfolds in an awkward manner. 

“The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance” – Aristotle. 

Although the movie might have been taken with intentions of normalizing our external appearances and let us know the importance of self-acceptance, at some points it fails to prove the same. The protagonist herself feels terrible when she is left behind after other girls in her school, she repeats the same with his boyfriend. She is attracted to his external appearances initially and that’s the sparkle that initiated their conversations. So it’s contrary to the baseline of the story. 

The word wonders:

It’s the dialogues in a movie that make them a memorable one. There comes a dialogue in which the hero says” roses are bitchy supermodels of flowers, I love sunflowers”. This dialogue is self-explanatory at that scene. It means to convey that above all girls whom he wanted to make love with for his entire life, he chooses Sierra for her words and her inner self which exactly aligns with his. 

“To have someone understand the real version of you is a different kind of intimacy”

INFLUENCE OF CINEMA ON SOCIETY

Cinema has been a part of our society right from the ages and we don’t have to explain it now as we are spending most of our free time watching movies in this quarantine. Cinema is said to influence the lives of people in many ways. It helps people to break themselves from the olden thoughts and culture. Movies are said to provide good pleasure and rejuvenate us. Even though it has many benefits, it also leaves a negative influence on people, especially on youth. 

ADVANTAGES OF CINEMA

Cinema has a lot of advantages if we try to focus on the positive side. It is the reflection of society. It portrays the facts that common people are not aware of. Cinema has always been a platform to showcase the hidden vulnerabilities right from abuses to murders. We have many movies portraying the different aspects of society. The films related to society are taken with the motive to reach these messages to the public. We have movies depicting the difficulties faced by women to get their rights and recognition in society. These encourage every woman to stand and fight for themselves. Similarly, we have movies like Dangal which depicts the hard work, never give give-up attitude, and the father’s support for his daughters. Movies like Dear Comrade and Jersey showcase the difficulties to get selected for a sports team despite our talent and passion. They reveal the beast-side of the higher officials who take advantage of the helplessness of the talented people. All these have always been motivating for everyone and guides them to take each step carefully. It also characterizes the truth behind politics and social media. Moreover, it convinces people to accept different artforms and cultures. It depicts family values and relationships. The artists who act in films create an excellent impact on people’s thoughts. People get convinced easily about something they don’t agree with if actors keep them as a request to their fans. For example, we have many in our society who are not ready to get vaccinated. But they change their mind and become ready to get their jab if their favorite actor or actress does that and ask their fans to do the same. That shows how fans are influenced by their fav artists’ words and we have many more to cite as an example. Thus, it makes people learn and be aware of the things that are covered up in our society.

DISADVANTAGES OF CINEMA

Although there are many advantages, we have disadvantages too. Movies influence people badly at times and get addicted to them. They get deviated from their life and desperately wait for the first look, teaser, trailer, or movie release. They also became mad in the name of fans bathing the cutouts and posters with milk. Cinema showcases violence and vulgarity in action and other sequences. These influence kids in a very bad way that they start using unparliamentary language. Most of the time, romantic and other genres are just fantasy showing things that are quite impossible in actual life. On seeing these, people tend to believe that the same happens in reality. This increases their expectations and later everything will go in vain. For example, we have movies expressing college life as a carefree and most enjoyable life. But we get to know the fact only we step into our college life and get disappointed as we expected it to be the same as shown in the films. The sexual content shown in the cinema arouses the young to engage in eve-teasing and several cases of abuse that happen in our society.

On the whole, Cinema has its good and bad influence on people as well as society. So, it is our responsibility to take the good things and leave the bad things behind. Everyone can leave a happy and regret-free life if we always try to follow “Too much of anything is good for nothing”.