SAMTHEBESTEST
Joined Feb 2014
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SAMTHEBESTEST's rating
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SAMTHEBESTEST's rating
Donga Ramudu (1955) :
Brief Review -
Indeed, a classic Telugu drama by K. V. Reddy and what a memorable start for ANR's Annapurna Pictures! Donga Ramudu is a quintessential Indian family drama that still feels fresh and relatable even after so many decades. It's the kind of film that influenced countless others and set those classic templates in place. It's a brilliantly crafted story, elevated by a smart screenplay that makes it complete and wholesome. There isn't a single dull moment; instead, many "wow" moments appear occasionally to leave you thoroughly impressed. In short, the story follows Ramudu, a jobless man who often steals things. Fate keeps turning against him - he gets caught every time, causing humiliation for his beloved sister. He eventually lands a job but is fired after stealing from the owner, only to get another job as a driver. His new boss is set to marry his sister, so Ramudu must hide his relationship with her. But fate once again plays a cruel trick, threatening his sister's marriage. Will he manage to escape this mess? Donga Ramudu boasts a terrific script where conflicts are woven with great intelligence. Every scene impacts the next, one conflict triggers another, and their consequences feel so naturally interconnected. I must say, I've watched so many classics from the 1950s, yet Donga Ramudu remains one of the best in this genre. It's a solid mix of drama, emotions, romance, music, and mainstream entertainment - Reddy sir achieves perfect balance in every aspect. Akkineni Nageswara Rao gets one of the best roles of the decade and excels in every frame. Watch out for his expressions in the confrontation scenes when he is accused of robbery and murder. Savitri is graceful and delivers exactly what her role demands. Jamuna is superb as the sister, and Jaggayya and Relangi leave their mark in supporting roles. Pendyala's music adds a distinct charm, while the sets and production design look lavish for its time. A big thanks to K. V. Reddy for delivering a timeless classic in one of the most loved genres ever! This is what truly defines Indian cinema and its clean entertainment.
RATING - 8/10*
By - #samthebestest.
Indeed, a classic Telugu drama by K. V. Reddy and what a memorable start for ANR's Annapurna Pictures! Donga Ramudu is a quintessential Indian family drama that still feels fresh and relatable even after so many decades. It's the kind of film that influenced countless others and set those classic templates in place. It's a brilliantly crafted story, elevated by a smart screenplay that makes it complete and wholesome. There isn't a single dull moment; instead, many "wow" moments appear occasionally to leave you thoroughly impressed. In short, the story follows Ramudu, a jobless man who often steals things. Fate keeps turning against him - he gets caught every time, causing humiliation for his beloved sister. He eventually lands a job but is fired after stealing from the owner, only to get another job as a driver. His new boss is set to marry his sister, so Ramudu must hide his relationship with her. But fate once again plays a cruel trick, threatening his sister's marriage. Will he manage to escape this mess? Donga Ramudu boasts a terrific script where conflicts are woven with great intelligence. Every scene impacts the next, one conflict triggers another, and their consequences feel so naturally interconnected. I must say, I've watched so many classics from the 1950s, yet Donga Ramudu remains one of the best in this genre. It's a solid mix of drama, emotions, romance, music, and mainstream entertainment - Reddy sir achieves perfect balance in every aspect. Akkineni Nageswara Rao gets one of the best roles of the decade and excels in every frame. Watch out for his expressions in the confrontation scenes when he is accused of robbery and murder. Savitri is graceful and delivers exactly what her role demands. Jamuna is superb as the sister, and Jaggayya and Relangi leave their mark in supporting roles. Pendyala's music adds a distinct charm, while the sets and production design look lavish for its time. A big thanks to K. V. Reddy for delivering a timeless classic in one of the most loved genres ever! This is what truly defines Indian cinema and its clean entertainment.
RATING - 8/10*
By - #samthebestest.
Pellinaati Pramanalu (1958) :
Brief Review -
KV Reddy's flippant attempt at The Seven Year Itch (1955) feels more like a regular husband-and-wife drama. Pellinaati Pramanalu was made between two iconic films of KV Reddy - Mayabazar (1957) and Jagadeka Veeruni Katha (1961). Reddy was fascinated by the idea of the Hollywood rom-com The Seven Year Itch, which I personally believe had nothing particularly special to attract someone's attention. Also, I think it wasn't suitable for Indian audiences back then. Yet, Reddy decided to make a film on that idea despite resistance from his earlier producer. The basic concept was turned into a fresh script and that's how Pellinaati Pramanalu was born. I have seen The Seven Year Itch and can confirm that PP hardly has 10% resemblance to the Hollywood flick. It's more of a standard husband-wife drama built around the theme of a married man's "wanderlust." We see Krishna Rao falling in love with Rukmini and eventually getting married. Seven years later, they have three kids and Rukmini is entirely occupied with the home and children. Krishna meets a new female employee in his office, Radha. She decides to teach him a lesson for doubting her dignity, and soon he starts falling for her. Rukmini's brother learns about this and sets up a plan for his sister's betterment. Will Krishna realise his mistake and acknowledge Rukmini's true worth? That's the whole plot - predictable, yet still engaging. There are plenty of songs and typical romance that keep you entertained. However, the film feels a bit overlong. One can complain about its length and screenplay, as what it had to offer wasn't anything particularly novel. ANR and Jamuna look adorable, while R. Nageswara Rao is fine. S. V. Ranga Rao does well in his role, and Rajasulochana shines as Radha. Reddy had set the bar too high for himself, and this regular domestic drama couldn't live up to that standard. Overall, a good watch but one that could have been better.
RATING - 6/10*
By - #samthebestest.
KV Reddy's flippant attempt at The Seven Year Itch (1955) feels more like a regular husband-and-wife drama. Pellinaati Pramanalu was made between two iconic films of KV Reddy - Mayabazar (1957) and Jagadeka Veeruni Katha (1961). Reddy was fascinated by the idea of the Hollywood rom-com The Seven Year Itch, which I personally believe had nothing particularly special to attract someone's attention. Also, I think it wasn't suitable for Indian audiences back then. Yet, Reddy decided to make a film on that idea despite resistance from his earlier producer. The basic concept was turned into a fresh script and that's how Pellinaati Pramanalu was born. I have seen The Seven Year Itch and can confirm that PP hardly has 10% resemblance to the Hollywood flick. It's more of a standard husband-wife drama built around the theme of a married man's "wanderlust." We see Krishna Rao falling in love with Rukmini and eventually getting married. Seven years later, they have three kids and Rukmini is entirely occupied with the home and children. Krishna meets a new female employee in his office, Radha. She decides to teach him a lesson for doubting her dignity, and soon he starts falling for her. Rukmini's brother learns about this and sets up a plan for his sister's betterment. Will Krishna realise his mistake and acknowledge Rukmini's true worth? That's the whole plot - predictable, yet still engaging. There are plenty of songs and typical romance that keep you entertained. However, the film feels a bit overlong. One can complain about its length and screenplay, as what it had to offer wasn't anything particularly novel. ANR and Jamuna look adorable, while R. Nageswara Rao is fine. S. V. Ranga Rao does well in his role, and Rajasulochana shines as Radha. Reddy had set the bar too high for himself, and this regular domestic drama couldn't live up to that standard. Overall, a good watch but one that could have been better.
RATING - 6/10*
By - #samthebestest.
Lee (2023) :
Movie Review -
Lee is a wartime biographical drama based on the life and legacy of celebrated photojournalist Lee Miller. During World War II, Miller was in her mid-30s, so casting Kate Winslet - who was nearing 50 when the film was shot - might initially seem like a creative liberty. But once the film begins, it becomes clear that no one else could have portrayed Miller with the same emotional intelligence and lived-in maturity. Winslet's strong performance keeps the narrative compelling even as the film wrestles with familiar biopic conventions and well-worn war-drama tropes. We have witnessed brutal depictions of war countless times on screen, but Lee asks us to consider what it means to stand in the middle of it all - to witness humanity's darkest horrors firsthand and still find the strength to document them. The fear, the trembling hands behind the camera, the question of whether capturing these images is an act of bravery or burden - this film brings that conflicted emotional state to the forefront. It's in these moments that Lee finds its voice.
The narrative opens with an older Lee Miller (Kate Winslet) reluctantly agreeing to an interview. Her hesitation immediately reflects a past filled with trauma and memories she would rather leave undisturbed. The film then transports us back to 1938, when she meets Roland Penrose (Alexander Skarsgård), the man who becomes the love of her life. Soon after, the couple is living in London, and Lee lands a job at Vogue magazine. But as World War II erupts and chaos spreads across Europe, Lee's ambitions shift to documenting the harsh realities of global conflict. In 1941, she is assigned as a war correspondent alongside fellow photojournalist David Scherman (Andy Samberg). Through Lee's lens, we begin to see a world stripped of glamor - cities reduced to rubble, civilians caught in despair, and the cruel dehumanization inflicted on innocent lives. The film follows her journey through war-torn territories as she captures moments of history that should never be forgotten.
With a runtime of just under two hours, Lee manages to maintain a steady pace without dragging. While Miller's personal relationships may not always grip the audience, her frontline experiences certainly do. Some scenes are unsettling in nature - though perhaps less shocking if one has seen more graphic wartime portrayals. A standout moment arrives when Lee casually bathes in Hitler's apartment, posing for a photo beside his framed portrait - a darkly humorous symbol of resistance and personal triumph. The final act carries a heavy emotional weight as the film reveals how much of Miller's courageous work was overshadowed or overlooked in the years that followed. It's a heartbreaking reminder of how often women's contributions in history are diminished - and that alone makes her story worth telling on film.
As expected, Kate Winslet dominates the screen. She delivers a performance that feels raw, fierce, and deeply human. Whether conveying unspoken grief or flashes of defiant determination, she remains magnetic throughout. There are a couple of brief nude scenes, but they are presented with dignity, never overshadowing her textured portrayal. Andy Samberg surprises with a more grounded, gentle approach than his usual comedic style. Alexander Skarsgård brings warmth as Roland, while Marion Cotillard, Andrea Riseborough, and Noémie Merlant offer meaningful support despite limited screen time.
Technically, the film shows craftsmanship. The cinematography creates striking compositions, though the overtly dark color palette may feel slightly excessive. The background score could have used more impact to match the emotional intensity of the subject matter. Production design, however, effectively captures the period, and the editing ensures the narrative moves with reasonable rhythm, even if the second half slows down a bit. Director Ellen Kuras treats the material with sensitivity and respect, paying tribute to a woman who risked everything to ensure the world saw the truth. Whether one considers Miller a widely essential historical figure may vary, especially given the abundance of films set during World Wars I and II. Yet Lee offers something undeniably sincere - a reminder of the resilience, empathy, and courage that lie behind every photograph documenting human suffering. Watch it for Kate Winslet, and for the powerful human story behind the camera.
RATING - 6/10*
Lee is a wartime biographical drama based on the life and legacy of celebrated photojournalist Lee Miller. During World War II, Miller was in her mid-30s, so casting Kate Winslet - who was nearing 50 when the film was shot - might initially seem like a creative liberty. But once the film begins, it becomes clear that no one else could have portrayed Miller with the same emotional intelligence and lived-in maturity. Winslet's strong performance keeps the narrative compelling even as the film wrestles with familiar biopic conventions and well-worn war-drama tropes. We have witnessed brutal depictions of war countless times on screen, but Lee asks us to consider what it means to stand in the middle of it all - to witness humanity's darkest horrors firsthand and still find the strength to document them. The fear, the trembling hands behind the camera, the question of whether capturing these images is an act of bravery or burden - this film brings that conflicted emotional state to the forefront. It's in these moments that Lee finds its voice.
The narrative opens with an older Lee Miller (Kate Winslet) reluctantly agreeing to an interview. Her hesitation immediately reflects a past filled with trauma and memories she would rather leave undisturbed. The film then transports us back to 1938, when she meets Roland Penrose (Alexander Skarsgård), the man who becomes the love of her life. Soon after, the couple is living in London, and Lee lands a job at Vogue magazine. But as World War II erupts and chaos spreads across Europe, Lee's ambitions shift to documenting the harsh realities of global conflict. In 1941, she is assigned as a war correspondent alongside fellow photojournalist David Scherman (Andy Samberg). Through Lee's lens, we begin to see a world stripped of glamor - cities reduced to rubble, civilians caught in despair, and the cruel dehumanization inflicted on innocent lives. The film follows her journey through war-torn territories as she captures moments of history that should never be forgotten.
With a runtime of just under two hours, Lee manages to maintain a steady pace without dragging. While Miller's personal relationships may not always grip the audience, her frontline experiences certainly do. Some scenes are unsettling in nature - though perhaps less shocking if one has seen more graphic wartime portrayals. A standout moment arrives when Lee casually bathes in Hitler's apartment, posing for a photo beside his framed portrait - a darkly humorous symbol of resistance and personal triumph. The final act carries a heavy emotional weight as the film reveals how much of Miller's courageous work was overshadowed or overlooked in the years that followed. It's a heartbreaking reminder of how often women's contributions in history are diminished - and that alone makes her story worth telling on film.
As expected, Kate Winslet dominates the screen. She delivers a performance that feels raw, fierce, and deeply human. Whether conveying unspoken grief or flashes of defiant determination, she remains magnetic throughout. There are a couple of brief nude scenes, but they are presented with dignity, never overshadowing her textured portrayal. Andy Samberg surprises with a more grounded, gentle approach than his usual comedic style. Alexander Skarsgård brings warmth as Roland, while Marion Cotillard, Andrea Riseborough, and Noémie Merlant offer meaningful support despite limited screen time.
Technically, the film shows craftsmanship. The cinematography creates striking compositions, though the overtly dark color palette may feel slightly excessive. The background score could have used more impact to match the emotional intensity of the subject matter. Production design, however, effectively captures the period, and the editing ensures the narrative moves with reasonable rhythm, even if the second half slows down a bit. Director Ellen Kuras treats the material with sensitivity and respect, paying tribute to a woman who risked everything to ensure the world saw the truth. Whether one considers Miller a widely essential historical figure may vary, especially given the abundance of films set during World Wars I and II. Yet Lee offers something undeniably sincere - a reminder of the resilience, empathy, and courage that lie behind every photograph documenting human suffering. Watch it for Kate Winslet, and for the powerful human story behind the camera.
RATING - 6/10*
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