Umar Mansoor Bajwa Reviews

Abhimaan (1973)

Excellent Melodrama ........

[10/10 · 27 June 2022]

The year is 1973 and Amitab Bhachan was eagerly grabbing the golden opportunity to sign films with prime directors, like Shakti Samantha, Hirishikesh Mukherjee and Yash Chopra.

Amitab's excellent acting coupled with exceptional performance by Jaya Bachan and Hirishda's captivating direction made it a gem of a movie. The emotional outpouring and melodrama was very well played, needless to mention the eclectic poetry and mesmerizing music by S. D. Burman made this a landmark movie.

Primarily, Amitab Bachan's wrenching performance in this movie coupled with Zanjeer set the stage which would finally takeover the Super Star 🌟 status from Rajesh Khanna in later years to come.

Antony and Cleopatra (1972)

A flop movie.

[8 February 2022]

Had this movie directed by William Wyler, it would had definitely left its mark not only in the filmography of Charlton Heston but also by grabbing a number of Oscars. Wyler possessed the acumen to get the best out of actors by exercising retakes, besides sharpening the script with archaic dialogues (suitable for historical epics) while accentuating the screenplay and melodrama with academic use of deep focus of sentimental emotional expression.

Sharafat (1970)

Great Direction by Asit Sen

[10/10 · 17 May 2020]

The story, script, direction and screenplay are all a class to watch. The songs are emotional and sensibly tipped with the threadings of the plot. Hema and Dharmendar, both have revealed their outstanding acting prowess in ample measure. Whereas, the old timer - Ashok Kumar is top of the class and manages to hold on to his very difficult and demanding role.

A must see movie for all serious viewers.

Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015)

A fiery film like none other.

[10/10 · 1 April 2020]

It is a different kind of movie which borders on a lesson oriented theme for the people of both India and Pakistan. It is a very good effort by Indian artistes and film makers to provide an excellent platform of entertainment which binds the essence of platonic relationships of mankind. The people in general and the polity in particular may take cognizance of the fact that love and belonging are more powerful and enduring than hatred and bigotry.

The simple story and crisp script coupled with fluid screenplay and evocative direction of Kabir Khan make it thrilling and engaging for the audience. The main theme of this film is a clear departure from other formulaic love stories and mafia baron movies, making it a strong case for cerebral depiction and brilliant portrayals based on moralistic purity of thought and action. The character of Shahida/ Munni played by a young Harshali lends innocence and injects pristine human values which cannot otherwise be expressed by an adult star.

It is a must see movie, at least for the not so brotherly people of India and Pakistan.

Khilona (1970)

A good melodramatic movie.

[8/10 · 29 March 2020]

It is a good engaging film that centers on the morality of a good natured woman belonging to the red light area. Mumtaz is the main star and the whole story revolves around her misfortunes. Sanjeev Kumar has also given a stunning performance as the poet Vijay. But the ending of the movie resonates with the excellent cameo performance of Jeetender. The evocative performance of Mumtaz coupled with Jeetender steals the show defining the end.

The only shortcoming in this movie is extra comical sequences associated with comedian Jagdeep which are unnecessary and unsynchronized with the main plot. Nonetheless, it is a good lesson oriented social drama film based on good direction, especially the opening song and the one "Khilona jaan kar tum tu....".

Man with a Million (1954)

Piece of Million pound paper!

[9/10 · 25 March 2020]

This is how the world moves. Money makes the mare go - little different here. Gregory Peck's screen presence does the rest. Its a light hearted entertainment brewed with humour and some thrill. A must see movie on a rainy evening redolent of the golden past Hollywood era spanning the 50s.

All Quiet on the Western Front (1979 TV Movie)

Great anti-War TV Adaptation

[9/10 · 23 March 2020]

This is poised to match any full length war feature film. Nice and accurate coverage of WW1 frontlines. This remake is worthy to be ranked as a first grade film. The screenplay, direction and war setting is impeccable. The plot and acting is first rate. The tragedies of war are vividly shot in their complete ruthlessness.

The Garden of Allah (1936)

A Classic in Technicolor

[9/10 · 22 March 2020]

The year being 1936 and the movie in Technicolor means great entertainment for the then audience. The script and plot is significant and the play of colors during dusk amid sand dunes is remarkably captured. It is overall a very absorbing and entertaining movie till this time. Dietrich and Boyer are prefect in their respective roles and provide a subtle setting to the sublime flow of story. It is for a serious and mature person to enjoy and appreciate the underlying message in this true classic film. A must see for the 21st century gentry.

Bridge of Spies (2015)

A Historically Accurate Cold War Thriller!

[10/10 · 24 February 2016]

After a long time, I was able to see and witness a captivating prisoner swap drama sequel from the declassified archives of American CIA.

Steven Spielberg is all praise for his professionally meticulous direction, perfectly taking the audience to the austere world of late 50s, when the Cold War was taking its surreptitious twists and turns. All the set frames including location shooting in Germany and USA were too close to reality. The entire story, script, screenplay and dialogs were so well fed and uttered with skillful craftiness by Hanks and the soviet convict spy played by Rylance, which made viable sense and were bred with the thrill that ensures the viewer to stick to the end.

It is a must see spy thriller for mature audience taking them back in time to all those moments of glory unfold from enigmatic and suggestively nerve raking espionage taking place in the classic world of late 50s. Well done Tom Hanks and Mark Rylance for superb characterization of their respective roles, skillful film editing by Michael Kahn and top of the line direction by the old timer - Steven Spielberg.

Everest (2015)

Awesome and Breathtaking!

[10/10 · 27 September 2015]

I call myself fortunate to have watched this thrilling 3D Himalayan adventure, based on a true story of Everest trekkers in 1996. The Mount Everest surrounded by sky kissing peaks of the mighty Himalayan range is stunningly shot in 3D. That's a real feast for the eyes.

The entire story of this Everest expedition, especially the screenplay and the naturally pictured high altitude drama with all the enthralling ingredients like avalanches, exposure to frost bites, team work, sheer joy of achievement, snow storms and tragedy are meshed up to give that special feel to the audience, making them get thoroughly engaged and absorbed in the epic scale of this lifetime adventure.

Well done, Baltazar for endeavoring to bring out a real gem of suspense stricken, excellent mountaineering drama that captures the wit and soulful performance of its characters by tough spirited artists. A must see movie for all cine goers, as it holds the revealing charm to leave an indelible mark on their minds.

The Thief of Bagdad (1940)

The Best Colour Rendition of the Arabian Nights Saga!

[10/10 · 28 June 2015]

It was really a feast for my eyes to watch this wonderful, amazingly interesting, magically charged Arabian Nights adventure after so many years. I really enjoyed it and felt the beauty of the golden age of Hollywood unleashing before me like some dream come true.

This is a superb Technicolor movie sporting special effects of those seminal times of motion picture technology. The story and the plot is extremely well scripted and filmed. The characters of Jaffar, Princess and the thief played by Sabu, all perfectly get under the skin of their respective roles.

Considering the year 1940, it was a far cry for even big Hollywood productions like Casablanca(1942) and Citizen Kane (1941) to be filmed in Technicolor. The special visual effects are more catchy, attractive and thrill oriented than those filmed today with computer aided technology of the 21st century.

I, therefore pay my glowing tributes to the producers and directors who endeavored to magically enthrall their audience well over half a century ago. The bewitching music score by Miklos Rozsa adds stymieing ambiance to this fine episode of One Thousand and One Nights. A must see for all the sci-fi crazy generation of this computer graphics age.

Casablanca (1942)

A Memorable Classic Movie!

[10/10 · 27 June 2015]

This movie is a big milestone from the seminal times of Hollywood. Excellent story revolving around romance, forlorn love, betrayal, intrigue, escape and murder, nightlife, upheaval and reunion. In this way, the scope and scale of Casablanca is really enviable for other movie makers of the time.

But, above all, exists the towering, dashing, bold, upright and magnanimous figurehead presence of Humphery Bogart as Rick. Rick is the one single ingredient in the film, which is the pivot of all the riveting poignant drama that is superbly played by Bogart. Besides, the script and screen writing is marvelous for those early times of motion picture industry. I am really amazed by the thoughtful direction of Curtiz who majestically and effectively steered the intrigue laden drama from the many puzzling twists and turns into a most morally upright finale. A must see for all serious movie buffs.

Bhowani Junction (1956)

Ava Gardner and Granger at their very Best !

[10/10 · 19 April 2015]

The epic "Bhowani Junction" took two years in production (1954-55) including the location shooting in Lahore, Pakistan. It is a great melodrama that circumvents the tumultuous times and events unfolding Sub-continent's partition and the socio-political upheaval associated with it.

The perplexed minds and characters of Anglo Indians filled with angst were the signs of those turbulent times as the British pack up for their home country in the aftermath of India's partition and Independence. Ava Gardner as Victoria Jones has outperformed in all facets of her central character in the movie, as she perfectly translates her persona and body language which is in complete sync with the abnormal circumstances taking new twists and turns of fate with every passing day. Stewart Granger as Col. Rodney Savage is equally superb in his majestically mature performance who takes hold of a crisis like situation on Bhowani Junction (shot on actual location of gigantic Lahore Railway station) with wisdom, sagacity and the grit to out maneuver the machinations of Hindu rebels or trouble makers. That were trying times and the British colonialists had to deal with unusual challenging situations.

The screenplay and direction by George Cukor speaks for itself and I personally feel that this gem of a movie is underrated and unfortunately did not do a roaring business on the box office, but for all the glory that was Hollywood during that golden era of cinema, Bhowani Junction presents a complete feature film coupled with cinema-scope colour production, evocative musical score composed by Miklos Rozsa,thoughtful direction, superb cast and wonderful acting skills of those classic actors of a bygone age. (Ten out of ten). A must see for serious viewers.

Aakhri Khat (1966)

Great Acting by the Child Star !

[10/10 · 21 December 2013]

Although, this is the debut film of Rajesh Khanna who was offered the role by winning the finalist position in the All India Talent Contest held in 1965 by Film Fare and United Producers. But it was essentially the wonderful real/natural acting of the child star - Bantu who steals the show by his extremely innocent and pretty demeanor. Bantu is the real protagonist instead of his father, Govind played by Rajesh Khanna.

The song number "Aye baharo mera jeevan bhi sawaro....." is superbly sung by Lata Mangeshkar. The script by Chetan Anand renders purpose and meaning to the story while music by Khayyam adds suspenseful rhythm to its sentimental flow of events. A really nice art movie of the yore worthy to be awarded the Academy Award in Best Foreign Film category.

Skyfall (2012)

Average Action studded Pseudo Bond Film.

[6/10 · 10 November 2012]

Nothing original. Not written by Ian Fleming. The persona of Mr. Daniel Craig does not fit into the character created originally by Ian Fleming. The story revolved around an insider job, executed by an ex-M16 agent. Own M16 British secret agent revolting against his department Head. Too much action, too much flaws like M (MoneyPenny) ordering to fire, even when the girl on the trigger apprehends James Bond may be hit, who was engaged in a hand to hand scuffle with the bad guy. Strange orders of M, executed ruthlessly that result in shooting their own secret agent. Afterwards, lame excuses put by M (Judi). Too weak a story. I logically suppose such decrepit orders of an incompetent M, should be enough to perturb James Bond to join hands with Silvo.

Too much crazy action, too weak script, unimpressive Bond girls and a young feeble and immature Q. His persona was quite much a mockery of the character Q, that was originally defined by Ian Fleming. Finally, Daniel Craig has a cold, insipid and stolid visage. His physiognomy does not represent or portray the exact tall, suave and femme fa-tale demeanor consummately sported by Sean Connery and Roger Moore.

The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)

A David Lean War Movie !

[9/10 · 17 October 2012]

The story is well laden with excitement, thrill and adventure. The characterization of different roles is uniquely perfect. The intrinsic conflicts, valor and stoic fortitude displayed by Col. Nicholson played by Alec Guinness is indeed commendable. Needless to mention is the daredevil nature of the commando action steered by a British Major to blow the bridge, laboriously built by another British Colonel is a striking coincidence. However, tragedy awaited Shears (William Holden) the US Navy Officer who had earlier miraculously escaped from the POW camp run by an intransigent Col. Saitu.

Above all is the magnificent direction of Sir David Lean, who has captured marvelous locations for filming the army offices and bungalows situated at uniquely picturesque spots. It requires a keen eye to identify the meticulous details of the sets, like the revolving pedestal fan and wartime furniture, when Major Warden convinces Shears to join the death defying plot. The screenplay is a feast for the eyes. The dialogues and script goes hand in hand with the majestic flow of thrill in this commando mission movie.

A must see for all war movie buffs.

Out of Africa (1985)

Masterpiece Movie of Colonial Africa !

[10/10 · 22 September 2012]

The entire cast, crew including the director and music composer did a great job to make alive a forgotten chapter from the Kenyan colonial times that was penned down by a Danish colonialist in a superb setting.

The cinematography and screenplay goes so well with the mesmerizing and soothing John Barry sound track. The cool and evocative music played at dusk with the train streaking its way through the vast grasslands is a feast for the eyes. Something that takes the audience/viewer right into the ambiance of the great setting, magnificently directed by Pollack.

Meryl Streep as Blixen has outperformed and imbued all the aura and charisma to her demanding role as a freedom loving adventurous wife of a white settler. This movie based on a true novel is bred with originality of characters, sequences and incidents which at times, seem ethereal in nature and challenging in composure.

A must see film for those who are not carried away by the temporal and crazy side of performing arts.

A Passage to India (1984)

An Absorbing, Beautiful and Poignant Film !

[9/10 · 16 February 2012]

I had known of this film that it had earned two Academy Awards and bears the true story of colonial India. By chance, yesterday, I got the opportunity and the quite time to witness this gem of a movie. I was really taken back in time to almost a century, to the country and culture that is native to me.

How remarkable and perfect is the direction and screenplay by legendary David Lean that I have no words to express my real appreciation. The excellent portrayal of various characters and realistic enactment of colonial India was a toast to watch and the compelling cinematography by Ernest Day was a feast for the eyes. It is really worthwhile that how simplistically and effectively David Lean had filmed every aspect of the novel while taking into consideration the touchy business of Anglo/Indian antagonism towards the other culture. It was also nice and near to reality to hear various dialogs in native Urdu language when the need arose, i.e. it would had been a bit artificial, if those impromptu sentences were spoken in English, the real charm would had lost.

The picturesque and surreal landscape of Indian topography is excellently shown with a sense of magnificence while depicting the erstwhile Indian customs and way of life. Judy got perfectly under the skin of her immature and honest character sketch of Miss Adela while Banerjee bore the exact repose of a native doctor/educations of a local college. The interplay of various exciting and mystifying events coupled with a subtle portrayal of emotional outpourings has been excellently crafted by Sir. David Lean who exhibited his legendary skill at creating memorable epics for the Motion Picture Industry after a lapse of almost 22 years.

Finally, A Passage to India demonstrates, at the twilight of Lean's career, his intelligent and consummate craftsmanship and his continued relevance to modern cinema that would always remain a hallmark of excellence for the posterity to watch.

Bunty Aur Babli (2005)

Entertaining and Hilarious Passtime Movie !

[7/10 · 21 December 2011]

Well, if someone has just to kill time and entertain himself with a juvenile crazy motion picture, then Bunty aur Bubli is the right choice.

After all, its not boring and not filled either with overly volatile sequences and neither with cheap, synthetic and temporal cinematic representation that have lately become the hallmark of most of Bollywood films.

Above all, the versatile Big B is there to come to the rescue of these scoundrels turned thugs who had mastered the skill to be-fool and trick even the state authorities. The swindling acts of the freedom loving couple played by Abhishek and Rani Mukherjee is laden with interesting script and imaginative screenplay. The Kajra Re song bearing the dance sequence with guest star - Aiswarya Rai, Amitabh and Abhishek added color to the robust story line. The moral lesson should not be lost as primarily; "the Law should be used to reform the criminals and not only to exercise futile punishment !"

The Season (1975)

Memorable and Evocative Depiction !

[10/10 · 3 March 2011]

The resounding and penetrating direction and story by Gulzar makes this film a toast to watch. Although, the story is not very extra ordinary, but the resonating acting of Sanjeev Kumar and Sharmila bring poignant waves of past events laden with turbulent sequence in the movie.

Simply put, they don't make it like this anymore ........... Gone are the days, when lesson oriented, soul stirring and reflective films were made. These films which carried their imprint on the audience memories for a long time,not like the hullalalabulo absurdity of present day movies. The classic era of cinema, may it be from Hollywood, Bollywood or Lollywood was a subject of intellectual thoughts and yearnings. The crazy, temporal and mediocre standard of present day movies hold nothing for the mature and serious viewer. There is nothing worthwhile to watch, which could penetrate beyond the cinema screen.

Maryada (1971)

An average Movie

[8/10 · 30 January 2011]

This movie can be put into the genre of formulaic films, but for the sad song "Zuban per dard bhari daastan chali aye".

The wording of this song and the perfect voice quality of Mukesh, the terrifically thrilling night windstorm, melodramatic music and morose acting by Rajesh Khanna is something special to watch. The anguished and perplexed vibes frozen on the face of Rajesh during this particular song are an excellent display of his magnetic screen presence during the early 70s. Another music number "Chupke se dil dye de" also carries some romantic appeal which is a duet filmed on Rajesh and Mala Sinha.

On cold lonely days, when there is no other task ahead, watching this flick, especially the aforesaid sad song, with a hot cup of tea should be worthwhile.

Krakatoa: East of Java (1968)

Majestically Filmed Volcanic Disaster

[9/10 · 30 November 2010]

As his debut motion picture, director Bernard Kowalski has done a great job by filming and editing this movie. This movie still holds water and attracts audience to a spell binding show of volcanic eruption, terrific tsunami and the human gall and fighting spirit in the face of death and disaster. Taking into consideration, the time when it was filmed i.e. in late sixties, when filming techniques were not as refined and advanced as now and the special effects department lacked the present cutting edge computer graphic technology, it is, by far a great effort and thrilling experience that re-creates and re livens the colossal natural calamity of the late nineteenth century.

Treasure Island (1950)

Best rendition of the Intriguing R.L. Stevenson's Novel

[9/10 · 14 November 2010]

Treasure Island directed by Haskin is indeed commendable even after a lapse of fifty years. It is the first live action film by Disney Productions. The violence is a bit more for Walt Disney level.

Robert Newton steals the show in the role of Long John Silver. He has injected the exact amount of guile, treachery, crooked chivalry and maneuvering in the robust character of versatile pirate named Long John Silver. The originality exuding from the acting of Newton far outweighs that of film giants like Orsen Welles in the film version of 1972 or by Charlton Heston in TV adaptation of 1990.

The special effects and computer graphics generated in the fiction movies of this ultra advanced age have failed to come up to the austere and vivid standards of this Disney Production half a century ago. Honestly speaking, in its genre, this flick has more entertaining charm and reality than in the Pirates of the Caribbean (2006). Robert Newton as the lame, rugged and craggy natured pirate (Silver) outperforms Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow (modern day pirate) of The Dead Man's Chest.

I would go, even that far to say that Jim Hawkins played by Bobby Discroll consummates better as the young protagonist in comparison with Daniel Radcliffe playing Harry Potter, although Discroll seems younger in 1950 than Radcliffe in J.K. Rowlings children thriller.

Khandan (1965)

Good Movie

[9/10 · 2 November 2010]

The story is average and it is based on joint family values. The acting by Sunil Dutt and Om Prakash is significantly good but Nautan steals the show with her graceful, resilient and evocative charisma. The touchstone of this film is the song "Tumhi mere mandir" which is beautifully sung by Lata Mangeshker and remarkably acted by Nautan. The sweet and soothing music as composed by Ravi Shankar adds glory to its rhythmic intensity. There are certain latently vibrant feelings that accompany the flow of the song as it progresses and Nautan seems to be so comfortable in exuding the required talent that it seems that no other actress could have risen beyond her remarkable performance.

Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India (2001)

Great Art Movie !

[10/10 · 7 October 2010]

It is seldom in this modern era of IT generation that a long movie surpassing three hours of running time and without a show of synthetic acting, vulgarity and cheap comedy, captivates the audience to stick to their seats. WELL DONE Gowarikar ...... WELL DONE Amir Khan .......

Mr. Gowarikar, please note that if this sublime film had been directed by a British or American director like Danny Boyle or Richard Attenborough .... the Oscars would have definitely flown into the laps of the director and the protagonist actor. This is not to say that your directorial skills lack the excellence to win the coveted Academy Awards, but it is to mention the inherent bias and prejudice which prevails among the jury of the Oscar Award Committee towards directors, producers and actors of the Sub-Continent namely India. Mother India (1957) met the same fate from the then jury of Academy Awards committee who simply rejected its nomination for the Oscars on the grounds that it is laden with too much songs, formulaic in nature.

Besides, the excellent performance of Amir Khan as an aggressive and challenging native youth 'Bhavan'; Rachael Shelley has put up a remarkable and evocatively strong performance as the suave young British lady Elizabeth Russell, who aspires to help out the hapless villagers from the cunning guile of his brother, Captain Russel.

Now what can one say if the members of the Oscar awarding committee do not understand the meanings of wordings of the emotionally focused songs (due to language and culture difference). It is a handicap with them and not with the local Indian movie making team.

Keeping aside this injustice, the movie characterizes pure and pristine feelings, emotions, struggle and fighting spirit of a raw and unskilled cricket team of illiterate Indian villagers who capitalized the opportunity to get waived the odious land revenue tax, with exacting standards of will power and perseverance.

After a long time, there is an Indian movie bred with the contents found in the Indian films of yester years.