arunothia Reviews

Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)

Interesting novum based on Multiverse Theory

[9/10 · 9 May 2023]

The movie started off to be quite annoying to me frankly, but after watching for over half hour or so, the science fiction aspects of the movie start unveiling and it becomes very engaging from then on.

The actors have done a phenomenal job - especially the main leads. Comic sense and timing was excellent at a couple of scenes. I loved how different and refreshing it was to watch this - the storyline is really well written.

I also loved how inclusive the movie felt - it is the first time I have seen a normal looking girl to play such a critical character in a movie and I really appreciate that. Overall, highly recommend this movie to all science fiction lovers!

Ponniyin Selvan: Part I (2022)

Finally a real Tamil Period Film!!

[10/10 · 30 September 2022]

First of all, I watched the movie in United States on a Thursday evening - but guess what? The theatre was filled with Namma Tamil Makkal! Some had come in proper Tamil attire, veshti and all... I felt so happy!! Ponniyin Selvan has always been on my reading list and I'm meaning to read it in Tamil and Tamil alone. I came to know about the movie only a month ago and got very anxious that I haven't yet read it. I just started reading it and quickly realized that it is going to take me a while to finish it (especially because I'm slow in reading Tamil) - so was kind of very upset with myself. But finally I came to terms with it because when we read the novel, we realize that there's so much to learn about Tamil ancestry via this novel, so knowing the plot is not going to reduce the value in reading it. Anyways, coming back to the movie - it was goosebumps all the way!! All actors have played their roles really well and the story is very very engaging (with a great twist at the end). I had a front row seat in an IMAX theatre and had to pull my neck back all through the move, lol, but I still ended up loving the movie. Definitely going to watch again with a proper seat!

Tenet (2020)

What happens, happened!

[10/10 · 1 January 2021]

What a masterpiece! I had to watch this movie twice in the same sitting to understand its total brilliance and trust me, it is totally worth it! The novum in this movie is so unique, unlike any time travel that you might have seen before. The ability of Nolan and team to bring such a complex idea into a beautiful narrative is so admirable. The actors have put together a brilliant performance and together with its perfectly fitting background score, the movie is an impeccable treasure to me. Needless to say, I highly recommend this movie to anyone who likes conundrums for a piece of art!

Ben Is Back (2018)

An emotional rollercoaster

[10/10 · 12 October 2018]

Ben is Back has been directed really well. All actors have done an excellent job. I always felt that movies can't do what books do to me, but this movie proved an exception. I felt all shaky with emotion at the end of it. I really really hope that everyone suffering from addiction gets help just like Ben. Please, may everyone find real peace and happiness.

Working Woman (2018)

All men should watch this

[9/10 · 10 October 2018]

The movie is very well directed and the actors have all done a great job! I just hope that in the real world women will voice whatever happens to them (even if it is a very small deal) to their loved ones.

Cold War (2018)

Mad Romance, I don't get it

[7/10 · 10 October 2018]

I don't really see such a romance as love, so I can't make myself love this film. That said, the film is beautifully directed, showing a lot of pollish/french culture and art. It's great for a one time watch!

Amateurs (2018)

Beautiful film <3

[10/10 · 10 October 2018]

I loved this film. You'll kind of live in Sweden with those kids while watching it. The movie has a very good story schemed into an everyday plot. The bond between the girls just melted my heart. Everyone has played their part really well. I recommend this movie to everyone!

Burning (2018)

Not my type, but good movie

[6/10 · 10 October 2018]

I saw the korean movie as a part of VIFF last night and feel very disturbed by it. I felt it was too much on dull details but very less on building up every character. But this now I realize is because everything is from the perspective of the lead character and hence you're shown only what he sees or feels. The movie has something to it that is making me recall about it every now and then, so I ended up reading Barn Burning by Haruki Murakami on which the movie is originally based. I liked the ending in the writing more and now I can kind of see why it's a very praised movie.

Capernaum (2018)

A moving narrative!

[10/10 · 9 October 2018]

I don't care what political/Oscar intentions the team had. The movie is an experience, it teaches us how blessed we are and how much of a difference we can make to the world if we choose to be genuinely kind like the kid, at least that's what my take away from it is. Also, why is a cute kid being the protagonist a problem? He acted really well and it would be nice if we appreciated that!

Spyder (2017)

A very bad mimic of Batman Series

[6/10 · 1 October 2017]

I usually refrain from commenting if I didn't like a Movie, so I'll keep it short. First half is super boring and unimpressive. There are some good scenes in the second half. But, if you're a Nolan fan, DON'T WATCH IT. It's not worth it. If you thought A.R.Murugadoss would have by now changed the way he shows women on screen, I'm sorry, that again doesn't happen (I would say it's worse than Samantha's role from Kathi). Overall it was super embarrassing to have taken my parents to this Movie. I don't recommend it to anyone.

Magalir Mattum (2017)

A house wife's plight

[8/10 · 15 September 2017]

This movie is beautifully directed and the actors have done an excellent job (especially Urvasi). It has a simple plot showing the plight of house wives in our Tamil society. I really appreciate the efforts by Jo and her team for coming up with such useful narratives for our society. Also, Maddy's guest appearance added more color to the movie! I liked it and definitely think it's great for a one time watch.

Anbe Sivam (2003)

Anbe Sivam ( Love is God ) - An experience of love

[10/10 · 24 August 2015]

Ever wondered what keeps humans going? Think of your biggest skill, your best feature and the main reason for your level of confidence. Now what if a tragedy stole this from you? What next? How will you face the world? Will you be able to love yourself again? This movie answers these and beyond. The movie which is better related to as an experience will leave you awestruck in every possible way.

The story is about a journey shared by two people - Nalla Sivam aka Nalla(Kamal Haasan), an experienced, physically challenged, middle aged guy and Anbarasu aka A.Aras ( R. Madhavan ), a short tempered, immature, good at heart youth from Bhuvaneshar to Chennai ( Along east coast of India ). Nalla, being the matured he is, teaches Aras that it is love that is god! He takes us along with Aras through an emotional havoc which leaves our heart with no space but for love. Nalla's heart touching flashback, the words he utters to show his brotherly love to Aras, and the way their stories converge, are few of the many brilliant moments this movie has to offer.

The movie poses strong philosophical views to those deep thinkers. It's title "Anbe Sivam" can also be seen to imply that Anbarasu is Nalla Sivam. That is, beyond any truth, you and I are one and the same.

This movie is a must watch if you thought miracles happen to change one's perspective.

PS : The fact that it is directed by Sundar C may come as a shock to any 2000's kid who would have been most vulnerable to his recent ventures.