There was a lot of engaging stuff to watch this weekend - on the TV as well as the big screen. (Those who know me a bit - probably know I'm gonna write about Sports and movies, and offer several biased opinions on the way :) )
It started with 'a Wednesday', which I had seen the trailers of and not thought much of, till the reviews came in. The movie received extremely favorable reviews, and I completely agree with them. It's just the kind of movie I like - good story, great acting, some element of realism, engaging (and entertaining) screenplay, and most importantly it had a strong point to make. 'Rock On', which I saw last weekend, was also good and met most of the criteria listed - except the story was rather weak and it didn't have much of a point to make. There wasn't much to discuss afterwards, except the great music. 'a Wednesday', on the other hand, strikes a raw nerve, and if you start thinking about the ideas thrown up - your mind can go places...
This also explains why I liked Rang de basanti much more than Lage Raho Munnabhai a couple of years back. Both were great movies, but RDB had so many layers that you could watch it multiple times and connect with some new, finer thoughts each time. And RDB was about the kind of extreme shake-up we need in this country today. Gandhian philosophy, as 'good' and 'correct' as it sounds - IMHO it is not very result-oriented. It assumes the 'conscience and inherent goodness of others', an assumption that isn't valid a lot of the time. And even when it does hold, Gandhi's proposed methods are neither the quickest nor the most efficient routes to results. (I've always wanted to blog about this, but been too lazy to. Someone will have to provoke me, in order for a lengthy discussion of Hitler vs. Gandhi vs. Bhagat Singh to materialize)
Onto a completely different subject, I saw the US Open semi-finals and it confirmed the reason I like Fed and Djoker much better than Rafa. In the Fed-Djoker match, there were few long rallies. Both players served with power, pulled off some breathtaking plays, and each tried to dominate by hitting winners. I enjoy watching these virtuoso displays by sportspersons. They display the kind of skill, self-belief and disrespect for 'limits' - that feeds the human spirit!
In the other match, Rafa was trying to do what he always does - wear down and outlast his opponent. Though I admire and respect Rafa, I don't particularly enjoy watching him, because he doesn't try to be flamboyant or spectacular. He tries to win through a work-man-like approach. Through graft and patience. That's the kind of drudgery we have in our own lives, and while his success is inspiring, it's not quite in the same league as Fed's and Djoker's.
(Not closing post. Carrying on with F1 in a separate post)
hmm...ironic, since I am reminded of a comment you made during the world cup (football) as to liking the professionalism (work-man-like approach) of France and trashing the flamboyance of Brazil. I thought you would like Nadal cos of that, and also since I don't like the bugger, by default I assume you like him :P
ReplyDeleteFor starters, 'twas Italy, not France.
ReplyDeleteThis is a little tricky. See, there's a fine line between genius and crazy. If someone has great talent, and convert the potential into gold, you love 'em. However, there's nothing more frustrating than to watch talent being wasted. Brazil and Yuvraj Singh exemplify 'wasted breathtaking talent'
As for Italy, the squad doesn't lack talent by any means. But they always choose success over flamboyance. That's what I like.
Also - there's a difference between the adulation for a champion and a soft corner for the hard-working underdog. I can't explain, but hope you get what I mean.