I Care a Lot

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Film: I Care a Lot

Director: J. Blakeson

Cast: Rosamund Pike, Peter Dinklage, Eiza Gonzalez

Genre: Dark Comedy/Thriller

Streaming On: Netflix

"I've Been Poor. It Doesn't Agree With Me."

Marla Grayson (Pike) is a dubious court-appointed legal guardian of several vulnerable elderly citizens. Using her influential network of people she swindles their assets lawfully. While doing so she comes across Jennifer Peterson, a senior citizen who allegedly has no kin of her own. This leads Marla to get entangled in a mafia world.

Pike won Golden Globe for this role and rightly so. She plays this sinister, ruthless woman to the T with child-like innocence. If you enjoyed Gone Girl you ought to like it too. It is nice seeing Peter Dinklage for the first time after GOT finale. He plays Roman pitted against Grayson beautifully.

The film makes us question the authenticity of guardian system in US.

The Beekeeper of Aleppo

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Book: The Beekeeper of Aleppo

Author: Christy Leftery

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Language: English

“Where there are bees there are flowers, and wherever there are flowers there is new life and hope.”

The Beekeeper of Aleppo follows the journey of couple Nuri and Afra who flee war-torn Syria to Turkey to Greece and ultimately Britain to join their remaining family.

This book is not an easy read. Not in terms of writing, but the depth of subject. It gives us the insight into the trial and tribulation refugees had to endure. It is easy to pass judgment on them, calling names. But have we ever for a second thought what would be our condition if we had to leave our hoe, family, our almost perfect life for no fault of ours?

Though a work of fiction author's experience over volunteering for two summers in Athens at a refugee center inspired the story line.

Wonderful read of the year.

Chernobyl

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TV Miniseries: Chernobyl

Genre: Historical drama

Cast: Jared Harris, Stellan Skarsgard, Emily Watson, Paul  Ritter

Episodes: 5

Director: Johan Renck

Streaming Platform: Disney +Hotstar

Year: 2019

"The truth doesn't care about our needs or wants- it doesn't care about our governments, our ideologies, our religions- to lie in wait for all time. This, at last, is the gift of Chernobyl."

Our knowledge of Chernobyl was only limited to the fact that it was one of the worst man made disasters. Sometimes you need little nudge to watch something that probably would have slipped your mind. Here the push came from the brother and we were set.

Circa April 1986 of USSR the nuclear power plant explodes in Chernobyl (Che-no-byl). The emitted radioactive slowly released to Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, western Europe, and Scandinavia. Valery Legasov (Jared Harris), Soviet's nuclear physicist is the first to grasp the magnitude of situation. Along with Boris Shcherbina (Stellan Skarsgård), vice chairman of counsil of ministers and Stellan Skarsgår (Emily Watson), another nuclear physicist he tries to contain the disaster and investigate how the reactor exploded in the first place.

A brilliant series that captures not only the explosion and its aftermath effects, but also about the ignorance, high handedness of authority, Russian politics, sacrifice, above all humanity.

2 Guns

Film: 2 Guns

Director: Baltasar Kormakur

Cast: Denzel Washington, Mark Wahlberg, Paula Patton

Genre: Action

Year: 2013

Streaming: Amazon

Concoction of Hollywood action films are rogue agents betrayed by their departments like CIA, FBI, DEA, SWAT, SEALs, City+PD; gun blazing villains, explosions, chasing in the middle of populous streets, estranged/loving family. You get the drift.

Despite the usual formula they are mostly enjoyable. In 2 guns protagonists Bobby ( Washington) and Stig (Walhberg) plan to rob a bank across the diner.  Each is unaware of other's true profession, that is Bobby with DEA and Stig with navy.  Their intention is to catch Mexican drug lord, Papi Greco who accumulated an insane amount of drug money in the bank's safety. The operation goes haywire and the menace unfolds.

Watch if you enjoy action films.

The Mexican Gothic

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Book: The Mexican Gothic

Author: Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Genre: Horror

Language: English

“A woman who is not liked is a bitch, and a bitch can hardly do anything: all avenues are closed to her.”

Finally I was able to break the self-imposed jinx of not reading horror genre. Many moons ago I was over-enthusiastic to watch horror movies, be alone or in company to the disapproving look of many. If I think now I drifted away mainly because of the repetitive narrations and concept.

I heard many raving about it on SM. To boot it has won Goodreads 2020 award in horror category.

Noemi, a young woman living her life to the fullest doing what rich socialites do. She was summoned by her father after receiving a disturbing letter from her cousin, Catalina saying her husband is poisoning her.  She was sent from Mexico City to understand things better. In High place, a remote mansion she meets her cousin's husband, his father, cousin, and cousin's son. There are many rules were in place like no smoking, no talking during dinner, so on and so forth. From the beginning Noemi senses the eerie feeling coming out of the house. During the short stay she tries to understand her cousin's condition and in no time she realizes she herself need the rescuing from this godforsaken place.

The house reminded me so much about Manderly of 'Rebecca'. Without giving away much I have to say I really enjoyed this one. Waiting for the screen adaptation to be released soon.

Homegoing

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Book: Homegoing

Writer: Yaa Gyasi

Genre: Historical fiction

Language: English

“We believe the one who has power. He is the one who gets to write the story. So when you study history, you must ask yourself, Whose story am I missing? Whose voice was suppressed so that this voice could come forth? Once you have figured that out, you must find that story too. From there you get a clearer, yet still imperfect, picture.”

The story begins in late 1700, of two women living in Ghana. Despite sharing a mother their lives move in a different directions, one being the wife of a rich slave trader and other being a slave. The narration takes us through seven generations of same family.

Racism, slave trade, and violence are explained in graphic details. So, stay clear if you are faint hearted.

I vaguely remember reading about 'Door of no return' a few years ago. Here, I get to know about that in gory details.

It's a wonderful read of the year. I was surprised to know this is Gyasi's debut. I sure will be picking Transcendent Kingdom in coming days.

Parker Pyne Investigates

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Book: Parker Pyne Investigates

Author: Agatha Christie

Genre: Mystery/Crime

Language: English

A collection of 14 short stories. Here the protogonist is as the title says Parker Pyne. He gathers clients by placing an advertisement in newspaper, that is "Are you happy? If not consult Mr. Parker Pyne,  17 Rhiemond Street."

I'm not a great fan of short stories. I would like to invest my time and mind on something elaborate, to be more specific a classic Christie's Whodunnit.

These stories are not bad. Each one had suspense, mystery, crime, marital problems, espionage, adventure as theme. And Parker Pyne is cool and funny, but he ain't Poiret or Marple.

Tribhangha: Tedhi Medhi Crazy

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Film: Tribhangha: Tedhi Medhi Crazy

Genre: Family Drama

Cast: Kajol, Mithila Palkar, Tanvi Azmi, Kunal Roy Kapoor, Vaibhav Tatwawadi

Director: Renuka Shahane

Streaming Platform: Netflix

We will not know the meaning of Tribhangha until the middle of the story. It is a posture used in classical Odissi dance form since protagonist Anuradha (Kajol) is a dancer. We wondered in the beginning why choose Kajol who is definitely not known for her dancing skills. Cleverly the makers have not made her to dance. We were curious for one more reason because it was written and directed by Renuka Shahane.

Nayantara (Azmi) a well-known writer is in comatose after a brain stroke. Her estranged daughter (Kajol) and son (Vaibhav), and granddaughter (Palkar) were forced to be present in the hospital along with Milan (Kapoor) who is writing an autobiography on Nayantara.

It is a tale of three women of different generations and their choices. The relationships are complicated. Or do we make it complicated? It is about imperfect mothers. Contrary to societal belief mothers need not be perfect. They are humans too. Their decisions, choices are often questioned. Sometimes their decisions may leave scar on the psyche of children. It is our belief that most of the time mothers have their kids' best interest at heart.

A beautiful heart-warming film 

Anxious People

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Book: Anxious People

Author: Fredrik Backman

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Language: Language

“They say that a person’s personality is the sum of their experiences. But that isn’t true, at least not entirely, because if our past was all that defined us, we’d never be able to put up with ourselves. We need to be allowed to convince ourselves that we’re more than the mistakes we made yesterday. That we are all of our next choices, too, all of our tomorrows.”

This is a story about a bridge and idiots and a hostage drama and an apartment viewing. But it is a love story. Several in fact.

This is my second book of Fredrik Backman, first was "A man called Ove." It is not simple to describe what this book about. It is exactly what the first sentence says. The writing technique was different. The firs half was eccentric, hilarious and had me in splits.

The Undoing-TV Miniseries

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TV Miniseries:  The Undoing

Genre:  Psychological Thriller

Cast:  Nicole Kidman, Hugh Grant, Noah Jupe, Donald Sutherland

Director:  Susanne Bier

Streaming Platform: Disney+Hotstar

It was definitely Hugh Grant that interested us after seeing the promotion of this miniseries. We have not seen him in any other characters but for rom-coms. Here he was casted in different role, a psychological thriller nothing less.  Add to this Nicole Kidman and we are sold. We are not sure whether these two actors paired up before.

WeReflect: A wealth psychologist, Grace Fraser lives seemingly perfect life with husband, Jonathan, a pediatric oncologist and teenage son, Henry who attends the expensive Reardon School.  Her life turns up and down when Elena Elvis, another mom with whom Grace had brief contact was found bludgeoned to death. Sooner than later primary suspect turns out to be Jonathan. He had treated Elena's son Miguel of Wilms tumor in the past. Though confesses to infidelity Jonathan denies killing Elena. Not only that Grace also learns her husband has borrowed hefty money from her father without her knowledge and he has been fired from his job in the hospital for misconduct. Can Grace trust him after the colossal deception? Is he the murderer?

On the face of it 'The Becoming' is a well-made Whodunit thriller. On deeper level it deals with marriage, infidelity, cruelty, privileges, relationships. Grant gives a solid multilayered performance. We can't elaborate more without giving out the climax. Kidman is brilliant as Grace who tries very hard to keep her family together when everything around her is falling apart. With just six episodes it takes around 6 hours to binge on and that is what we did.

We added "You should have known" by Jean Haff Korelitz to TBR list as "The Undoing" was based on it.

The Crown

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Show: The Crown

Cast: Claire Foy, Matt Smith, Venessa Kirby, Olivia Coleman, Tobias Menzies, Helena Bonham Carter

Genre: Historical Drama

Language: English

Creator: Peter Morgan

Streaming On: Netflix

Initially the reason for my fix to British Royal family was Princess Diana. Innumerable numbers of writers, movies, and TV shows advanced our interest in European history, especially British. It is also natural course because of the colonization.

The Crown chronicles the life of Queen Elizabeth II from 1940s to contemporary times. The power struggle, sibling, rivalry, political turmoil, changing world and such nuances are captured beautifully. Basically it is the life behind the closed doors of Buckingham palace, their privileges and hardships.

We have finished 4 seasons and waiting for the next. As strange as it may sound the day after we finished the fourth season, Duke of Edinburgh passing away.

One of the best shows we would recommend if you like historic drama.

The Hollow-Book Review

 

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Book: The Hollow

Author: Agatha Christie

Genre: Mystery

"The real tragedy of life was that you got what you wanted"

Book Blurb:  Lady Angkatell, intrigued by the criminal mind, has invited Hercule Poirot to her estate for a weekend house party. The Belgian detective's arrival at the Hollow is met with an elaborate tableau staged for his amusement: a doctor lies in a puddle of red paint, his timid wife stands over his body with a gun while the other guests look suitably shocked. But this is no charade. The paint is blood and the corpse real!

WeReflect:  This was the first book I picked for the #Christichallenge2021. A story set in a grand house, 'The Hollow' a quaint estate in England country side. The owner of the house invites six people to spend their weekends here. Four among them were cousins and one couple. Before they could reach 'The Hollow' we were amply introduced to them all. And I waited patiently for the murder to happen. Here enters the Hercules Poirot, another guest staying in the adjacent cottage. At first the murder looks like an open and shut case. The investigation begins. As usual everyone comes under the radar of suspicion.

Midge Hardcastle, poor relative of Angkatells is in love with cousin Edward, but Edward is in one with Henrietta. Hold your horse here. Henrietta is in love with married-man Dr. Christow (victim) and doctor is in love with himself.  He and his wife Gerda's relationship is of inequality. Gerda kisses the ground her husband walks on. John is just your average male chauvinistic pig who takes her for granted. Gerda's devotion is greater than her love. What will happen when you realize your picture perfect husband is not what you thought he is? 

In a mystery a reader constantly tries to guess the killer and motive. I was little disappointed with it's end. And Poirot's presence and investigation is rather annoying. Not to say it is a bad read. Just that I've read better Christie's work.

Bridgerton-TV Show

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Bridgerton-TV Show

Genre: Period romance

Season: 1

Cast: Phoebe Dynever, Rege-Jean Page, Jonathan Bailey, Adjoa Andoh

Creator: Shondaland

Streaming Platform: Netflix

"It takes courage to not live within the traditional expectations of society"

This eight-episode of period romance is based on the Bridgerton series by Julia Quinn, mostly from the first book "Duke and I". So, the series focuses on Daphne, the eldest daughter of Bridgerton as she is introduced into the marriage market. She was approved by Queen Charlotte as flawless on her debut. Even with glorious start her market value recedes after few debacles. So, she hatches a plan with Duke, Simon who is averse to any commitment. Oh, in regency romance all high and mighty peerage like Duke, Marquess, Earl, Viscount, and baron are commitment phobics. You will know if you have read enough of Barbara Cartland like I did. The sparks fly between Simon and Daphne, however, both decides to hide their feelings form each other. Yet, an odd situation forces them to get married. Duke confesses his decision to not have children. This shatters Daphne as all she wanted in life was to have whirlwind romance and raise children like her parents.  Still she accepts this verdict and decides to be supportive wife without knowing the basics of "the birds and the bees."

And there is a 'Gossip Girl' called Lady Whistledown who writes salacious news on these high society. A combination of Downton Abbey and Gossip Girl. I definitely want to read the books to know about these 8 Bridgerton siblings who were named in alphabetical order Anthony, Benedict, Colin, Daphne, Eloise, Francesca, Gregory and Hyacinth.

The recreation of 18th century is marvelous with all the glitter, grandeur and pomp. The execution of erotic scenes is super classy and raunchy. And inclusion of non-white cast playing the protagonist in the 1800 is commendable and it flows naturally without giving explanation on ethnicity. It even depicts Queen Charlotte of Britain as of mixed race, which led to debate across the popular culture. There is also homosexuality which was illegal at the time.

You will know how it ends. Still you binge on. Definitely recommended to people who love some regency romance.

Paava Kadhaigal-Film Review

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Film: Paava Kadhaigal

Language: Tamil

Year: 2020

Genre: Anthology

Streaming Platform: Netflix

Cast: Prakash Rai, Sai Pallavi, Karthik Jayaram, Kalki Koechlin, Anjali, Simran, Gautham Menon

This anthology consists of four short films directed by four different directors.

'Thangam' set in the early 1980s follows the story of Sathar, a muslim trans man who is in love with his childhood friend Saravanan. He works hard to save money to undergo gender reassignment surgery, so that he can marry the love of his life. As fate would have it Saravanan reveals being in love with Sathar's sister. Though devastated Sathar helps the couple to forge a relationship and eventually to elope due to religious differences. The runaway duo returns to the village in a year after reconciling with the estranged families only to be on the loose again. Where does Sathar picture in this? The hardship faced by third gender is captured beautifully in this tiny frame work.

'Love Panna Uttranum' is a story of twin sisters, Aadhilakshmi and Jothilakshmi. Their father Veerasimman is an archiac village lord who endorses inter-caste marriages publically for political gain, but nurtures a different thought personally. Unaware of her father's dual nature Aadhilakshmi confides in him about being in love with a lower caste man. She even invites her twin to meet them from city where she was studying. Jyothilakshmi arrives with her friend Penelope and Bad Boy Bharani, but soon realizes nothing has changed in her household. Now With her twin dead she must escape unscathed with friends. Will that be possible? A lesbian angle is brought into this dark comedy.

'Vaanmagal' follows the story of a close-knit family of parents, a son and two daughters. Their small world turns ups and down when the unimaginable incident hits the family. Imagine the plight of a puritan mother who observes not-touching during period customs to washing things with water to purify to not taking off car covers to keep it pure when she is faced with the harsh reality. 

Taking forward the family honour to next level is Vetrimaran's 'Oor Iravu'. Father invites estranged pregnant daughter for her baby shower as an olive branch, which she happily agrees to. And what happens is evident, but how that transpires is bone-chilling.

To what extend people go to keep their misguided notion of family honour is the crux of the matter. And honour by default lies on the shoulders of the women to uphold. If they dare to make a choice they were taught a lesson in a brutal way.

It is shocking to known in this age and time many of our fellow countrymen/women had to go through these rigmaroles every single day.

Deeply disturbing and haunting. All the performances are good. However, we are partial towards Prakash Rai and Sai Pallavi. Probably that's why 'Oor Iravu' was placed in the end.

The Switch-Book Review

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Book: The Switch

Author: Beth O'Leary

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

“Is it really an adventure if you don't make at least one ill-advised decision?”

There were two books of Beth O'Leary doing the rounds in social media a lot. And I chose Switch after reading the blurb. With another lock-down looming over us I needed something lighter to calm the surrounding anxiousness. 

WeReflect: Leena Cotton was forced to take sabbatical of two months from work after having a panic attack during the presentation. After losing her sister to cancer she immerses herself in the work to forget the pain. She returns to her grandmother's place in rural Yorkshire for much needed break.  Eileen Cotton, her grandmother is recently divorced at the age of 79.  She wants to explore romantic liaisons, but her tiny town has limited options. Both Leena and Eileen decides to switch their places for two months and explore the opportunity.

Both Cotton women are exceptional organizers, with Leena pitching in for neighbourhood watch committee and related activities. In London aided by Leena's friend Eileen has her own dating apps and scouts the prospects.  Also, she sets up Silver Shoreditch Social Club after seeing lonely Letitia. In their journey both find stepping into each other's shoes is not as easy as it sounded in the beginning.

The story is dual narrated from both the protagonists' perspective. The story line was quite predictable, yet the reading simple. Usually I don't prefer contemporary feel-good or chick-lit (for lack of better word) types. The writing is crispy and humorous. The relationship between grandmothers and grandchildren is special and in Switch it is delightful. Having said that I was interested in the septuagenarian part than the vicenarian.

The General's Daughter

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Film: The General's Daughter

Year: 1999

Director: Simon West

Cast: John Trivolta, Madeline Stowe, Leslie Stefannson

Genre: Thriller/Mystery

This is another film based on the book of same by Nelson DeMille. We've soft spot for Hollywood action heroes, and Trivolta is one among.

An outgoing general and vice-president aspirant's daughter is murdered on the military campus. Two criminal investigators are summoned for the inquisition. What they discover during the course is disturbing and compelling.

We could not but wonder where the inspiration for "Test Case" came from.

Tandav-Web Series Review

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Web Series: Tandav

Year: 2021

Genre: Political thriller

Cast: Saif Ali Khan, Sunil Grover, Dimple Kapadia, Mohammad Zeeshan Ayyub, Kritika Kamra, Kumud Mishra

Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime

Synopsis: Samar Pratap Singh (Saif) is a savy youth leader of a political party who assumes he is going to be the next prime minister after his father's (Tigamanshu) retirement. The father, Devki Nandan Singh, three-term PM and party president is not ready to hand over the reins. As a next step Samar decides to kill his father by poisoning and does so, but is being blackmailed by Anuradha Kishore (Kapadia), a close associate of his father who is also an PM aspirant. Pushed into the wall Samar decides to play king maker and makes way  for Anuradha to be the PM. Another leader Gopal Das (Mishra) is unhappy with the decision as he feels he deserve the chair better because of his seniority and experience in the field.

In the parallel world a student activist, Shiva Shekar (Ayyub) is embroiled in a farmers' protest and becomes an overnight media sensation. He is an idealistic who wants to bring in the much needed change in the otherwise corrupt politics. He and his equally enthusiastic friends get ensnared in a shady mystery of betrayal.

Assuming the self-assigned role of wire-puller Samar envisions to use Shiva as a pawn in his ambitious game with the help of his henchman Gurpal (Grover). The season ends in a cliffhanger giving us the hint of next season.     

WeReflect: Currently in news for multiple criminal cases lodged against the makers and actors in several states for hurting religious sentiments. And court denying relief to the team stating "right to freedom of speech is not absolute"

Definitely our religious sentiments weren't hurt. Our grouch is Tandav is an average show that mixed up various current affaris like farmers' protest, student agitation, dynastic politics, religious intolerance and others without a gripping narration.

We expected something like "House of Cards" and it falls flat. The only character we liked was of Grover. The transformation from Dr. Mashoor Gulati to Gurpal is amazing. Never imagined he could pull off something like this. No doubt the show is stylish and moving, but quite predictable.

Tandav due to the controversy may get good viewership because you know the 'forbidden fruit' and all. Or it may be taken off the air pretty soon. Watch it if you like political drama.

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

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Book: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

Author: V. E. Schawb

Genre: Historical Fiction

Language: English

"A Life No One Willl Remember. A Story You Will Never Forget"-says the blurb

I wound rather not forget Addie LaRue, a woman of strength, defiance and clarity.

In 1714 in a moment of helplessness, French woman Addie makes a Faustian deal to live forever and is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets. Circa 2014, in New York City's book store Addie meets a young book keeper who remembers her name.

Though the name is invisible this three centuries long journey of Addie is extraordinary. The adventures unfold from countries to continents, across history and art.

I admired feisty Addie her grit and determination. Despite many hardship she refuses to surrender her soul. Living for 300 years can be very tiring especially when you don't have family, friends, or loved ones. Still she goes o from one experience to another. And does not regret her choice one bit.

Heard movie adaptation will be out soon.

One of the best reads of 2021

Double Jeopardy

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Film: Double Jeopardy

Year: 1999

Director: Bruce Beresford

Cast: Ashley Judd, Tommy Lee Jones, Bruce Greenwood

Genre: Crime Thriller

Libby Parsons's happy life crashes down when she was wrongfully convicted for the murder of her husband, Nick. She requests her friend Angela to adopt her son, Matty. But within few months they disappear from the scene. Distraught Libby tracks the down in Los Angeles only to learn bitter truth about her husband. After serving for 6 years she gets a parole and Travis (Tommy Lee Jones) is her parole officer. While trying to locate her son, Libby breaks all the parole rules and Travis is on hot pursuit.

A gripping and over the edge thriller.

The Queen's Gambit-Miniseries Review

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Name: The Queen's Gambit

Year: 2020

Genre: Coming-of-age period drama

Cast: Anya Taylor-Joy, Bill Camp, Moses Ingram, Harry Melling, Thomas Brodie-Sangster

Episodes: 7

Streaming Platform-Netflix

"Anger Is A Potent Spice. A Pinch Wakes You Up. Too Much Dulls Your Senses"

Do you remember seeing moves of chess in your sleep when you play it excessively during the summer holidays? We did. Playing chess was part of history now. Not that we were great players of anything. We grew up in the era where Vishwanath Anand and Garry Kasparov were the talk of the town. The Queen's Gambit brought back though memories.

Beth Harmon orphaned at the age of 9 is brought into an orphanage where she is taught to play chess by Janitor, Mr. Shaibel. She becomes addicted to tranquilizer pills that were given to all girls in the orphanage, which was a common practice in the 1950s. She becomes exceptional chess player due to her visualization skill enhanced by pills. She gets adopted by Alma and her husband, and develops a special bond with her mother who eventually becomes her manager. she enters into various chess tournaments without proper experience yet winning most of them. She befriends with other chess players. She becomes successful financially. At the same time she is addicted to drugs and alcohol.

WeReflect: It is a given that Beth overcomes all hurdles to becomes the first female grand-master. As it happens with many miniseries "Gambit" is based on the novel of same name by Walter Tevis. We weren't sure whether we would be able to keep up with the theme based on a game, that too chess. The movies/shows based on sports/game usually have predictable story line and ending, mostly variations of rags to rich. What stands out in Gambit is Beth. All through her growing up years she is haunted by the memory of her mother's suicide and father's abandonment. Despite that she is focused to fault when it comes to her game. She was on steady dose of alcohol and pills and few emotionless sexual encounters. Chess is known to be an antisocial game, so is Beth. Yet, her relationship with others, especially her opponents is endearing, something of new. You can binge watch the series without understanding the rules and moves of pawns.

One of the best miniseries of 2020  

The Vanishing Half

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Book: The Vanishing Half

Author: Britt Bennett

Genre: Historical Fiction

Language: English

This was on my TBR ever since it won Goodreads Choice Awards in historical fiction category. What better way to start year's reading with this acclaimed book. It didn't disappoint. In fact it lived up to the expectations.

In 1960s Stella and Desiree Vignes, twin sisters run away from a small town Mallard in Louisiana at the age of 16 to escape the laborious life and simplicity. The Malllard blacks pride themselves about their light colour that they have achieved over the course of generations voluntarily. However, Desiree returns after 14 years with her dark child Jude and settles there. While Stella opts for a new life as a white woman, cleverly hiding her background from her white husband and daughter.

The story line spans between 50s to 90s with racism at its center. It details with several issues like physical abuse, gender identity and inequality, bullying, relationships, motherhood.

Can't wait to watch the miniseries by HBO of the same.

Definitely a must read. 

AK vs AK

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Film: AK vs AK

Director:  Vikramaditya Motwane

Cast: Anil Kapoor, Anurag Kashyap, Yogita Bihani

Genre: Black Comedy/Thriller

Streaming: Netflix

After public spat with Anil Kapoor, eccentric director Anurag Kashyap Kidnaps Kapoor's daughter Sonam. He must now find her on-camera as part of Kashyap's next big realistic flick.

The structure of the film is meta, mocumentary. Probably one of its kind in Indian cinema, the piece is fun.

Mona Lisa-The Painting

The first time I've seen the painting of Mona Lisa was in high school. I remember history teacher telling it was the world famous portrait by Leonardo da Vinci. Some girls even said she was the most beautiful woman at the time. Honestly I didn't give much consideration about it until I read Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code. That book in itself is a revelation. Contrary to popular belief Mona Lisa was not famous for her enigmatic smile or mysterious interpretations, but by a mere fact that Da Vinchi declared she was his finest piece of work. It is even said he carried it whenever he traveled.

This most expensive piece of art was stolen twice, most recently in 1911. Two years later, she was found hidden in a trunk in a Florence hotel room. During World War II she had to be moved to different locations in France's countryside due to the threat. This year I've put 'Saving Mona Lisa: The Battle to protect the Louvre and its treasures from the Nazis' by Gerri Chanel to my TBR list.

This oil painting was drawn between 1503 to 1519 when Da Vinci was living in Florence. Some say the woman in half-body portrait is Lisa Gherardini, wife of Francesco del Giocondo. Others including Sigmund Freud interpret it to be Vinci's mother Caterina. The third theory is that the painting is not woman, but Vinci's self-portrait given the facial similarities between two. The exact identify of the sitter is not proven yet, adding more mystery to it.

What I learnt from Da Vinci code is that Mona Lisa not only looks androgynous but also her name is an anagram of divine unity of Amon and Isis (pictogramically lisa), Egyptian god and goddess of fertility. And that is the reason for her mysterious smile. Though fiction I tend to lean more on this theory than any others. Along the way somehow could not shake the picture of our own Ardhanarishvara. I digress.

Though warned by others we were really excited to see Mona Lisa in Louvre on our trip. And oh boy! We were stunned. Hanging on the northwest wall of Salle des Etats this piece was just 31 x 21 inches, smaller than the poster I've mentioned in the beginning of the post in a bullet proof case. Many have tried to vandalize the portrait by throwing rock, mug, acid and spray paint, hence the bullet proof glass. The crowd was making it impossible to have few moments of quite with this petit lady. It is painted on the poplar wood panel in sfumato style, in which forms appear to evaporate into one another. 

Mona Lisa can't be sold or bought according to French Heritage law. She receives plenty of letters from admirers, so has her own mail box. Another known artist Pablo Picasso and poet Guillaume Apollinaire were briefly arrested when it was stolen in 1911, but were acquitted. She lived with Kings and Emperor from Francois I in Château de Fontainebleau to Louis XIV in Palace of Versailles to Napoleon Bonaparte in Tuileries Palace.

Having history of 500 years Mona Lisa is a timeless piece of art and continues to remain so for many years.

Plays 2020

What we missed apart from traveling with many other things in 2020 is plays. As patrons of art our weekends are set with attending plays, music shows, comedy shows or any cultural programs. We're happy to lead a semi-retirement life, seeing and doing the things we love the most. However, the pandemic had different plans for the year 2020 forcing us to cancel all the extracurricular activities to stay-at-home. Before the lock-down we have watched three plays, one among it is magnanimous. 

Malegalalli Madumagalu, a nine hour epic theatre performance based on the novel of same name by Kuvempu.  Play was set in four different stages in Jnanabharathi campus. The format is said to be one of its kind in the entire nation. The open theater was full house. We were smug and hoity before entering the venue thinking it would be vacant. Contrary to this the open theater was full house. In fact, people came well-prepared with blankets, pillows, food, and refreshments. This was 110th show of the production directed by C Basavalingaiah. Words fall short to narrate this wonderful experience.

Naama Namaha, a comedy drama by the theater group Kalasmrithi takes sly dig at the customs and traditions. Four young priests work in a temple. They are the prime suspects in a crime investigation when the precious crown jewel of temple deity is stolen. It was light-hearted, fun, and thought provoking. It is not advisable for religiously sensitive people.

Same goes for Poulastyana Pranaya Kathe. Epic Ramayana narrated from the point of view of Ravana. Based on the novel of same name by Latha Vamshi, this play was brought onto the stage by Sandhya Kalavidaru. Written and directed by the lead Krishna Sharma, this piece is a pure delight of 3 hours journey through mythological era.

Hope to see more theater in 2021

Web Series/TV Shows-2020

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It's a trend these days to ask "what are you watching" in conversation. It means we're talking about Web Series. We binging upon these category has nothing to do with lockdown, work-from-home, or pandemic situation. It is a norm we have been doing from the past nine years as a couple, and before that as not-staying-together-couple. Definitely the number is more since our travel and socializing came to a standstill. Here goes the list for 2020 just to remind us what we've seen and learnt in this class. 

1. Killing Eve 2 (English)

2. The Forgotten Army (Hindi)

3. Killing Eve 3 (English)

4. Jamtaara (Hindi)

5. The Last Kingdom (English)

6. Pataal Lok (Hindi)

7. Asur (Hindi)

8. Special Ops (Hindi)

9. Four More Shots Please 1 (Hindi)

10. Panchayat (Hindi)

11. Four More Shots Please 2 (Hindi)

12. Criminal Justice 1 (Hindi)

13. Kota Factory (Hindi)

14. Taj Mahal 1989 (Hindi)

15. Aarya (Hindi)

16. Out of Love (Hindi)

17. Hostages 1 (Hindi)

18. Bose Dead or Alive (Hindi)

19. She (Hindi)

20. Test Case (Hindi)

21. TVS Pitcher (Hindi)

22. Sweet Magnolia 1 (English)

24. The Blacklist 1 (English)

25. Bandish Bandit (Hindi)

26. Aashram 1 (Hindi)

27. Aashram 2 (Hindi)

28. Tales from the Loop (English)

29. Scam 1992 (Hindi)

30. Mirzaapur 2 (Hindi)

31. Bodyguard (English)

32. Emily in Paris (English)

33. A Perfect Murder (Hindi)

34. Gun Powder (English)

35. Bhaag Beenie Bhaag (Hindi)

36. A Suitable Boy (English)

37. The Spy (English)

38. Criminal Justice 2 (Hindi)

Movies Recap 2020-Part II

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(Continued from Movie Recap-Part 1)

66. Beverly Hills Cops 1 (English)

67. Beverly Hills Cops 2 (English)

68. Beverly Hills Cops 3 (English)

69. Memories (Malayalam)

70. Mamangam (Malayalam)

71. Spencer confidential (English)

72. Murder mystery (English)

73. 6 underground (English)

74. French Biriyani (Kannada)

75. Law (Kannada)

76. Blood shot (English)

77. Shakuntala Devi (Hindi)

78. Hit (Telugu)

79. Forensic (Malayalam)

80. Just mercy (English)

81. Raat Akeli Hai (Hindi)

82. Ghoomketu (Hindi)

83. Yaara (Hindi)

84. Khuda Hafiz (Hindi)

85. Doordarshan (Hindi)

86. Ishq (Malayalam)

87. Om Shanthi Oshana (Malayalam)

88. Athiran (Malayalam)

89. C U Soon (Malayalam)

90. Mundina Nildana (Kannada)

91. Desert Flower (English)

92. Hard kill (English)

93. Dia (Kannada)

94. Kappela (Malayalam)

95. Little women (English)

96. Cargo (Hindi)

97. Black Friday (Hindi)

98. Ka Pae Ranasingam (Tamil)

99. V (Telugu)

100. Maniyarayile Ashokan (Malayalam)

101. Serious men (Hindi)

102. Jallikattu (Malayalam)

103. June (Malayalam)

104. All President's men (English)

105. Nishabdham (Telugu)

106. Ginny weds sunny (Hindi)

107. 22 female Kottayam (Malayalam)

108. Chaman Bahar (Hindi)

109. Virus (Malayalam)

110. Nanna Prakara (Kannada)

111. Android Kunjappa (Malayalam)

112. The Dark Tower (English)

113. The boy who harnessed the wind (English)

114. Devaki (Kannada)

115. Ye ma yau(Malayalam)

116. Ludo (Hindi)

117. Over the Hedge (English)

118. Big brother (Malayalam)

119. Klauss (English)

120. Holiday in the wild (English)

121. Operation Christmas drop (English)

122. Mega Mind (English)

123. The Captain (Chinese)

124. Chaalaang (Hindi)

125. Mahira (Kannada)

126. Home Front (English)

127. Blitz (English)

128. The November Man (English)

129. Avengement (English)

130. State of Play

Soul

Image Source

Film: Soul

Director:  Pete Docter

Cast: Jamie Fox, Tina Frey, Graham Norton

Genre: Animation/Comedy

Streaming: Disney+Hot Star

What best way to start new year than to watch Disney's beautiful movie Soul? This animated film is about a middle school teacher Joe Gardener. His biggest dream in life is to become Jazz musician. Unfortunately on the big day he meets with an accident and his soul leaves his body to move to Great Beyond. But Joe is not ready that yet. Teaming with 22 he goes above and beyond to attain his unfulfilled dream.

With philosophical message Soul is definitely a must watch.

Movies Recap 2020-Part 1

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Surely movie updates of 2020 goes in two parts since the number is 130. Many of you must be wondering why we had to record all these minute aspects? Films are for entertainment right? Not for us. We're borderline narcissistic who can keep ourselves amused without any means of external devices. Having said that we practice movies, like a religion. So, in this post we're going to note down the films we've seen in 2020,

1. The Armor of God (English)

2. Malifacient 2 (English)

3. Syra Narasimha Reddy (Telugu)

4. Black and Blue (English)

5. Hamid (Hindi)

6. Soni (Hindi)

7. Downtown Abbey (English)

8. Once upon a Time in Hollywood (English)

9. Viswasam (Tamil)

10. Bala (Hindi)

11. Junga (Tamil)

12. Sand ki Aankh (Hindi)

13. Prasthanam (Hindi)

14. Avane Shrimannarayana (Kannada)

15. Motichoor Chaknachoor (Hindi)

16. Thadam (Tamil)

17. Fakir of Venice (Hindi)

18. Parasite (Korean)

19. Pati patni aur Wo (Hindi)

20. Irishman (English)

21. Kaithi (Tamil)

22. Houseful 4 (Hindi)

23. Driving Licence (Malayalam)

24. Dabangg 3 (Hindi)

25. One who flew over cuckoo's nest (English)

26. Mardani 2 (Hindi)

27. Maari 2 (Tamil)

28. Bombshell (English)

29. Maheshinte Prathikaram (Malayalam)

30. Kurukshetra (Kannada)

31. Sri Krishnadevaraya (Kannada)

32. Babhruvahana (Kannada)

33. Guru Shishyaru (Kannada)

34. Prachanda Kulla (Kannada)

35. Thappad (Hindi)

36. Angreji Medium (Hindi)

37. Street Dancer (Hindi)

38. Varathan (Malayalam)

39. Kannum Kannum Kolliadidat (Tamil)

40. Shubh Mangal Zyadha Savadhan (Hindi)

41. Extraction (English)

42. Chaapak (Hindi)

43. Trance (Malayalam)

44. Body (Hindi)

45. Frozen 2 (English)

46. Darbar (Tamil)

47. Ayyappanum Koshiyum (Malayalam)

48. Haram (Malayalam)

49. Bad boys for Life (English)

50. Ford vs Ferrari (English)

51. House Owner (Tamil)

52. Vrithra (Kannada)

53. Sarileru Neekevvaru (Telugu)

54. Mayabazaar (Kanndada)

55. Bheeshma (Telugu)

56. Gulabo Sitabo (Hindi)

57. Shylock (Malayalam)

58. Jumanji: The Next Level (English)

59. Choked (Hindi)

60. Bulbul (Hindi)

61. Unda (Malayalam)

62. Call of the Wild (English)

63. The Monuments Men (English)

64. Vettah (Malayalam)

65. Anveshanam (Malayalam)