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DIRTY HARRY - REVIEW

Dirty Harry (English,1971)

Director : Don Siegel

Cast : Clint Eastwood , Andrew Robinson

This movie is considered to be one of the best action movies ever made. I thought this would be one of those mindless movies , which have a dozen fights thrown in , and endless chase sequences . But,boy, I was in for a big surprise...

Harry Callahan ( Clint Eastwood) is a no-nonsense Police Officer in San Francisco , and his antics earn him the title "Dirty Harry" among his colleagues . There is a maniac called Scorpio (Andrew Robinson) , who snipes and kills innocent victims, and leaves a ransom note at the scene of the crime. Our man , Dirty harry is assigned the task of catching hold of Scorpio.

If there is one thing about the movie which hits you smack on the face , it has to be the air of machismo about it. The ruthless character of Harry is established right in the first few scenes itself, where he meets the Mayor. The sheer ruthlessness of Harry will keep you interested all through the movie.

The story as such has nothing much to boast about and is rather simple. But the movie's greatest strength lies in the Director's ability to take such a simple story , which might be considered not-so-suitable for an action movie , and transform it into a brilliant flick.

As the movie progressed I was overwhelmed by the brute character of Harry . Clint Eastwood is brilliant as "Dirty Harry".There is this scene in which he stands and watches a school-bus , from atop a bridge. It just made me clap my hands in sheer delight.

Nihilistic in every sense of the word, Eastwood's character in "Dirty Harry" , is such a feast to fans of the Action genre , till date.

The screenplay is very fast and the movie as a whole is very slick. There are hardly any scenes which give you any leeway to get bored. The basic plot is not dragged , and keeps you hooked to the movie , without letting you go into a "Er.. What's happening ?" mode.

The character of Scorpio has been played to perfection by Andrew Robinson. The maniac sniper has to be one of the best on-screen villains I have come across in a long time. There is this superb scene in which he kidnaps children in a school-bus , and tries to entertain them by singing
"Row,Row,Row your boat.." . But his happiness is short lived , as he encounters our man Dirty Harry along the way.

The "Do I feel lucky ?" dialogues have become part of cinematic history , and many attempts have been made to spoof them. But , Clint Eastwood IS Clint Eastwood , PUNK !!! This dialogue which comes twice in the movie , will make you fall in love with the movie , mark my words.

Every frame with Clint has machismo written large on it. This is what I call a " Guy movie" . There is something about the movie which makes the on-screen display of ruthlessness , as infectious as the flu. I don't know why , but after watching it , I felt like bashing up the next living creature I come across.

The action sequences are thankfully very sensible , something which I don't come across in many action movies. Violence is portrayed only on few occasions, but when it does show-up , man , it will sweep you away.

This is easily one of the best movies I have come across , across all genres. My verdict for this movie will be 4.5 out of 5. If you are a guy , you got to watch this for the spirit of machismo , which it showcases so brilliantly. Watch this one with a group of male friends , with some beer and snacks thrown in , and am sure you will love it ... PUNK!!

VERDICT : Simply Uber (Ultimate) 4.5 / 5

DONNIE BRASCO - REVIEW

DONNIE BRASCO ( English,1997)

Director : Mike Newell

Cast : Al Pacino , Johnny Depp,Michael Madsen

I have always wanted to watch this one for a long time , but never really had the opportunity to sit down and watch it , for some reason or the other. But last night I finally put an end to this procrastination , and decided to watch it.

Joseph Pistone ( Johnny Depp) , is an undercover FBI agent , who has to infiltrate the New York Mafia , posing as Donnie Brasco , a jewelery man. He then meets Benjamin "Lefty" Ruggiero , an experienced gangster , who works for one of New York's gangs. Lefty then decides to take Brasco under his wings , and help him out in his initial days in the Mob. How Brasco manages to lead a double life , and what happens when he gets too involved in the Mob , forms the rest of the story.

Set in New York in 1978 , the film gives an insight into the organized crime scene of that era. But this one is a bit different from the other gangster movies I have seen. It does not really have too many scenes portraying violence and shoot-outs , but instead focuses on the politics and ego-clashes within the mob. There are factions within the Mob , and Brasco is unsure if he has to stick with Lefty , or follow the orders of the bigger boss Sonny Black ( Madsen) .

The movie is very interesting and keeps you hooked for the most part , thanks to some brilliant performances by Pacino and Depp. Lefty tries to be a father-figure to Donnie , and keeps giving him advice all the time. Donnie , on the other hand has to lead a double life , and has to deal with a wife and 3 daughters when he gets home.

Depp has come up with a really fine performance , and plays a subdued character , as Brasco , and a family man with a bad temper , as Pistone. He does not get to spend time with his family and is away from home most of the time , leading to various problems with his wife.

Pacino is as reliable as ever , as "Lefty" Ruggiero , and his portrayal was a treat to watch. Not as overwhelming as his other gangster characters in movies like "Scarface" , " Carlito's way" , and the biggest one of' em all " The Godfather " , Lefty is a different character . He is a very experienced mobster , but has to put up with lesser deserving colleagues being "upped" , the term used when a member is promoted within the Mob.

Being a mafia based movie , it has its fair share of backstabbing , and ego-clashes , but without succumbing to cliches. The best scene in the movie has to be the one in which Depp questions Pacino , about a suspected mole , and tries to prick his conscience , by making him utter the name of a gang member , whom Lefty had just shot dead.

If there is one thing about the movie which could have been altered , it has to be the Screenplay. The movie , like I said is not a typical gangster movie and focuses more on human feelings and emotions like ego-clashes and so on. So we don't really get to see a lot of "Action" as such , which is perfectly fine with me. But the Screenplay could have been a wee bit faster , I felt. No issues however. Its because of some fine acting by biggies like Pacino and Depp , that the slow pace does not really bother you much except in a few instances.

My verdict for this movie will be 3.5 out of 5 . Please do watch it for some superb acting , and its different portrayal of the 70's crime scene. However , if you are the type of person who expects a lot of foolish fights and mindless action from gangster movies , stay away cos there is nothing in it for you. This is for more patient and sensible viewers.

VERDICT : VERY GOOD . ( 3.5 / 5)

IN BRUGES - REVIEW

In Bruges ( English,2008)

Director: Martin McDonagh

Cast: Colin Farrell , Brendon Gleeson , Ralph Fieness

This is a crime story , which is different in the sense that you don't really get to to watch lots of normal crime related stuff like chase scenes , shootouts , etc.

The story is based on two hit men , Ray ( Colin Farrell) and Ken ( Brendon Gleeson) , who complete a mission in London. The mission does not go as per plan , and their boss decides to pack them off somewhere else , to hide for sometime.

They then end up in Bruges , Belgium . This is a city which has a lot of history associated with it. The duo , try to while away their time sight-seeing. Ken is the senior among the two , and appears to be rather intrigued by the immense cultural heritage which Bruges has on offer. Ray however , being the young-jumpy type does not really like the city as it's rather dull.

The two of them think that all they have to do is lay low in Bruges for sometime , and get back to London upon their boss , Harry's orders. But little do they know that Harry has completely different plans for them.I will not dwell any longer on the story , as it will make the movie lose its unpredictability quotient.

Ray 's mind is always troubled , as he cannot get over the horrid incident which happened in London , in which he ends up shooting the intended victim , and also an innocent victim. He also has the pleasure of a brief romantic interlude with Chloe , a drug dealer.

Ken , comes across as a man of culture , although he is a ruthless murderer. He is very impressed with Bruges , and likes it a lot , and enjoys his stay , unlike Ray.

The movie is not your conventional Crime type. The movie focuses more on the psyche of the hitmen , instead of the actual murder , and follows the ensuing series of events which unfold after the murder.

The acting is really good. Colin Farrell comes up with a rather fine act , and provides some comic relief with his witty dialogues. He easily fits into the role of Ray , and appears very convincing in his act. Another fact is that the character of Ray is Irish , and so is Farrell.

Brendon Gleeson , as Ken , is a very likeable character. The movie tries to make a point that even hard criminals , have a humane side to them , and Gleeson comes up with a brilliant performance , justifying the fact.

However,the most interesting character in the movie is that of Harry , played by Ralph Fiennes. Harry is a ruthless boss , but someone who is cut and right in his modus operandi. The characterization of Harry is easily one of the best things about the movie and Fiennes is simply brilliant.

The midget's character seems rather unwanted in the earlier stages of the movie. But he is rather likable , and is of particular significance in the climax scene.

The movie has few let-downs. The romance between Chloe and Ray seems unwanted , as far as the screenplay goes , but nevertheless adds to the atmosphere. Clemence Poesy , as Chloe is a class act , albeit in very brief role. The screenplay could have been a bit faster , but is compensated for by the excellent acting and witty humor , especially on the part of Ray.

The dialogues are very simple , yet funny in rather sarcastic way. Watch out for the Clock tower sequence in the first half. The climax scene is one of the best endings I have come across in a long time . "You've got to stick to your principles" is what the climax is all about.

Technically the movie is rather minimalistic. However the town of Bruges is highlighted beautifully. There is nothing great about the movie. However , it holds your interest , and there are only a few dull moments. Watch it for the amazing characterization, especially of Ken and Harry.

I will give it 3.5 out of 5 , as I firmly believe that characterization is the foundation of any movie and this does not let me down . And am someone who sticks to my principles ( Pay attention to the climax scene , and you 'll understand my last statement)

Verdict: Definitely worth a watch . 3.5/5