THE BLIND SIDE--SANDRA BULLOCK'S FILM

Sandra Bullock’s terrific performance in The Blind Side fetched her The Golden Globe Award for Best Actress (Motion Picture) and numerous awards and nominations. The Blind Side is based on the 2006 book The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game by Michael Lewis. This 2009 American drama-sports film is directed by John Lee Hancock. Starring Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, Quinton Aaron, Kathy Bates, The Blind Side is produced by Broderick Johnson, Andrew Kosove, Gil Netter.

The Blind Side is the story of Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron), an African-American youngster from a broken family. He is adopted by Sean (Tim McGraw) and Leigh Anne Tuohy (Sandra Bullock) who helped him achieves his potential as footballer. The film is a journey of Michael how he overcomes every obstacle; racial discrimination, his own insecurities, new environment and academic hurdles to play NCAA Division 1 football.  The Blind Side is also an insight into Michael’s self discovery.

The film has a touching story that will strike chord with every viewer. Told in a straightforward and simple manner, the emotional quotient is its unique selling point. Sandra Bullock as the rock inspiration for Michael is simply marvelous. Leigh Anne is the epitome of modern women who is all maternal but can be tough as and when situation demands. She perfectly balances her family and work, as a mother and working woman. The Blind Side is more than a sports film. The film also subtly touches upon the topic of family values, social values and the role of environment in up-bringing. The message is clear but doesn’t get preachy at any point. When Sandra meets the drug addict mother of Micheal, she is portrayed with dignity and compassion.

Michael transformation from an insecure teenage to self-confident person is really real. Though he doesn’t speak much but his facial expression says it all. Aaron’s performance is just on the right track.

John Lee Hancock has been successful in translating the book into a moving film. The film doesn’t indulges in cheap sentiment and wins our hearts though direct and honest depiction of life experiences.

Get one step closer to life with The Blind Side!



 

Starring : Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, Quinton Aaron, Kathy Bates
Release Date : 29th Jan, 2010
Language : English
Genre : Drama

ROAD TO SANGAM---THE REVIEW

Road to Sangam will remind you what is patriotism. The film is a journey of one Hasmat Bhai (Paresh Rawal) who is torn between his faithfulness towards his own community and his professional duty. Written and directed by debutant Amit Rai, Road to Sangam is a thought provoking film that will inspire you to sit up and think why people fight in the name of religion? Why people are divided on the line of religion and commuity? To what extent wily politicians can stoop to gain political mileage?

Hasmat Bhai (Paresh Rawal) is a mechanic engineer and is also the general secretary to the local Mosque Committee in Allahabad, U.P. He has been assigned the work of repairing an old Ford car. The condition of the car is bad and he and his small team starts working on it without knowing its historic significance. It was the car that transported the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi to be immersed at the Sangam (where the rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati meet). However, after a bomb blast in the city, Hamat life is going to change forever. Police pick suspects randomly for the blast and all of them happens to be Muslims youth who had no criminal background. The community decides to protest the arrest by shutting down shops. At this point of time Hasmat is in dilemma whether to continue with his work or stop his work and show his solidarity and support to his community. But after much consideration, he decides to continue to repair the car inviting much ire and ridicule from his close friends, President Nawab Kasuri (Om Puri), Maulana Qureshi (Pawan Malhotra) and his community.

Road to Sangam is Hasmat Bhai’s trials to complete the daunting task in the face of opposition and being labeled as betrayer. The path that he has chosen is laden with thorns and he must tread carefully and unwavering courage to reach his destination.

Road to Sangam is unlike any masala entertainer. But it is a film that will compel you to do some soul searching. Till date, Paresh Rawal acting is the best. He has shown what an incredible actor he is in Road to Sangam. No doubt, no one could have step in the shoes of Hasmat Bhai other than Paresh. Pavan Malhotra as the instigating Maulvi is mind blowing. His performance is too powerful to be ignored. The veteran actor, Om Puri as expected has done good acting, though he doesn’t get much scope.

If you haven’t watched Road to Sangam, I am sure you won’t mind booking your ticket right now after reading this review. Watch it and I bet you won’t regret it!


Starring : Paresh Rawal, Shaikh, Pavan Malhotra, Swati Chitnis, Masood Akhtar, Yusuf Hussain, G.P.Singh, Rajan Bhise and Tushar Gandhi
Release Date : 29th Jan, 2010
Language : Hindi