Central do Brasil (1998): A Journey Towards Light

What It's About

I don't know why, but I have a unexplained fascination about this movie. I watched it over and over again and always felt the same way. Rarely a movie can touch me so profoundly. The story evolved around Dora, a old and single woman who earns her living by writing letters for illiterate people at the station and Josue, a 9 year old boy who lost his mother and had nowhere to go. Dora took him with her- not from her kindness but with an evil intention. However, she came to realize her fault and then set out for a journey to find out Josue's father whom he never met. This epic and emotionally moving journey transformed Dora totally. But did Josue meet his father? Did his long awaited dreams come true? 

What's Special

The story is simple but sentimentally very powerful. I nearly cry every time I watch this movie. The visuals are strikingly beautiful, thanks to a splendid camera work. Above all, Vinícius de Oliveira's performance as Josue is beyond any word. He did exceptionally good. Fernanda Montenegro also gave a superb performance. You will have a good idea about the landscape and culture of Northern Brazil through this movie. Pardon me if I sound a bit over-exited but I recommend this movie to everyone. Watch it- you will not regret.

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It's A Wonderful Life (1946): Magical Inspiration

What's It About

George Baily always sacrificed his dreams for the sake of others. He always wanted to make it big out there, but in reality could never go our of his little town- Bedford Falls. The welfare of the people of this town is his prime concern and he never hesitated to give up on the things that matter most to him for the sake of the good of his townspeople. 

But on a Christmas Eve, Baily misplaced a $8000 loan. The antagonist, millionaire Mr. Potter also seemed invincible in his plan to harm the ordinary townspeople. Baily could not bear it anymore and decided to commit suicide. At that point, his guardian angel Clarence came down to earth with an assignment to convince Baily not to commit suicide. Clarence showed him what would happen if Baily were not existing. 

 What's Special

This movie is a masterpiece. It is one of the most inspiring movies of all time. Frank Capra did a wonderful job in the way he presented the story. When you will fill very upset or rejected- watch this movie. It will definitely light up your spirit. Watch this movie to remind yourself that how insignificant your life may seem, in reality it has value beyond measure.

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It's a Wonderful Life
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The Science of Sleep (2006): Dreaming Wide Awake

What's It About

The Science of Sleep, originally known as La Science des Reves (2006), is probably the best work of Michel Gondry, the most imaginative director of our time. Stéphane Miroux, an young artist returned to France to get closer with his mother. His mother helped him to get a job in Paris. The job turned out to be boring and not least like what Stephane expected. He falls in love with his neighbor Stéphanie. But this love was never smooth. Stephane's frequent escape to a dreamworld starts to make his life and relationships complex to handle. The thin line between reality and dream became so blurred that at some points Stephane even could not differentiate between his dreamworld and real world.

What's Special

Probably, this is one of the most imaginative films I have watched so far. Michael Gondry did a great job in visualizing the dream sequences. Those dreams were funny, interesting and engaging. Garcia Bernal acted well as Stephane. If you want to watch a refreshing movie than you can go for it.

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Departures (2008): Symphony of Death

What It's About

Departures, also known as 'Okuribito', oscar winner in the best foreign language film category in 2009, is one of the few movies that will make you think about death and it's meaning. Daigo, an aspiring cellist decides to make an end of his musical career and starts to look for a new job. Soon, he gets a job and the job turns out to be the job of an 'encoffiner', a person who performs traditional rituals before placing a dead body in the coffin. Though he did not actually welcome this employment initially, gradually he starts to like the job. He starts to understand the meaning of death from a totally new perspective. However, as the job is socially loathed, his personal and social life becomes increasingly complicated. The relationship with his employer ignites Daigo's long-hidden love-hate feelings for his father who left Daigo and his mother long ago. Daigo's loving and caring wife leaves him because of this job, still he can not quit it. 

What's Special

The acting of all the main characters is outstanding. The movie has a brilliant display of dark humor. For this film, music was really important and I must say the musical compositions were enchantingly beautiful.

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