Notes on some movies I liked

I have been desiring to write about a few movies that I have watched in the recent times, but was holding myself back because most of my posts have either been about movies, books or just plain rant. But then I thought, well these are the things I like or love, so why stop writing about them. So here it is :)

Reservation Road:
Genre: Family Drama

What I liked: The portrayal of emotions by both the fathers (one who has lost his son in a hit-and-run, and the other is guilty of the hit-and-run of the kid, but in turn is afraid to lose his kid's affection if he confessed and turned himself over to the cops). Both the actors Joaquin Phoenix and Mark Ruffalo have done complete justice to their roles. Very heart wrenching.

After thoughts: In this movie, Jennifer Connelly, who plays the mom of the kid who is killed in the hit-and-run, recovers from the trauma much faster than the father. In fact, their relationship gets strained because Joaquin doesnt let it go or may be he doesnt want to let it go, until he gets justice for his son and Jennifer wants to go on with their lives, as they have a daughter to take care. In general, the greatest loss would have been to a mother, who has lost her kid. So this aspect of the movie, got me thinking a little. But you know what, it is true, that even though men are stronger physically, in terms of emotional strength, women are the strongest. I guess that is how the concept of balance works. Women are made emotionally stronger to compensate for their physical weakness. This way, both men and women can coexist sharing their strengths and balancing their weaknesses.
Also is it really possible for Joaquin to forgive the man or atleast let him go, when he so badly wanted to get justice for his dead son ? I guess he definitely would have, if he didnt know or if Mark didnt have a kid of his own and if Joaquin didnt see how much Mark is struggling to be a good father to his kid. Does it justify the accident ? No, it doesn't. But when a man is already fighting with his own ghosts on the accident that he happened to cause, how much more can you punish him ? I would say, by letting him go, Joaquin gave him the highest level of punishment that even the legal system cannot give.
Must watch movie, if you have a little inclination to family drama.

Iris:
Genre: Drama (what kind ? I am not sure)

What I liked: The beautiful rendition of the life of Iris Murdoch by Judi Dench and Kate Winslet. Judi Dench is always a pleasure to watch (just like Susan Sarandon and Meryl Streep). Jim Broadbent (I was wondering...where have I seen this guy ? then after Googling I found out .....Prof Horace Slughorn of HP - HBP... ) does touch your heart with his portrayal of John (Iris's husband). I dont know much about "Iris Murdoch" but started to watch this film only for Judi and Kate and ended up watching it fully. It is about the novelist Iris, for whom Words were her life (some dialogues are so so nice.. ) and slowly when she becomes a victim of Alzheimer's disease, how even the simplest of words become difficult for her to understand. It is also about her husband, who is with her till the end and who tries his best to give her a peaceful end. You should see the desperate ways Jim tries to find Iris when she goes on her own in the rain, while he was typing something and how he reacts when one of her friends brings her home after finding her in a super market. I remember one of the lines which Iris tells her husband in the restaurant.

"Between two evils, always choose the one you haven't tried before". Dont ask me why this stuck with me...it just got stuck......

After thoughts: I pray to you God, that if you ever happened to put me in such a situation, with such a disease, where I cannot even remember myself, please be kind enough to give me a quick death. I dont want to be a burden on someone in my life. It is definitely scary to even think that you wouldnt be able to remember what you said a sec ago and to repeat the same again. We do it all the time when we start getting older, but then we say "you know what, I think I am getting older that is why I keep forgetting things". But I wish I will be able to say that but still be able to remember other things. If there is a name for the fear for Alzheimers, I have got it..

Again a must watch movie, if you like Drama.

Irumbu kottai muratu singam:
Genre: Satire

What I liked: It is a plain simple story with political and movie sarcasm. Nothing too grand, but plain enough to understand and make you smile all the way through. You cannot stop giggling in some places. Simbudevan has did it again. After 23 pulikesi, this is on such a high note, that you cannot miss the beat. Am going to say nothing more. Just watch it, you will love it. And one more note: none of the senior actors were wasted, according to me. Everyone has their own role to play, be it Manorama, Raghavan, Nasser, Delhi Ganesh, Mouli, Bhaskar. I cannot say that for the heroines though. They are used only for the songs. Highlights: Bhaskhar and his interpreter (Sorry boss, I dont remember your name though). Awesome performances, especially the scene where he translates the cries of help of Bhaskar.

Must watch (atleast when compared to the likes of Vettaikaran and Sura...these movies are 100 times better)