Tuesday, March 14, 2006

RDB Re-Reviewed

Saw Rang De Basanti a second time, and this time around, my perspective about the movie has changed. No, I did not suddenly find the movie worthy of an Oscar. But a few of my conceptions(is that a word?) about the movie have changed since the first time.
The second time around, the movie seemed more enjoyable. Amir's acting seems more refined on second viewing. See especially, his breaking down when he returns from the demonstration. The way his lips quiver, he has certainly matured as an actor. By contrast, his portrayal of the carefree DJ seems by the numbers, and his Punjabi/Delhi accent leaves a lot to be desired. Also my main peeve, that the characters have not been fleshed out still remains.
Where the movie scores the second time is in the earnestness. Looks like its heart was in the right place. But as with all things with hearts in th right places, it comes of as a little naive. All politicians are evil, the cure for it is to join govt. and so on. Living in India and seen the changes first hand, I can attest that things are a lot more positive now. Sure, things are not perfect, but they are not so down and out either. People are happer than before and they are taking more interest in their suroundings. In this scenario, to say that things are bleak is missing the point.

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