MOVIE REVIEW

TARKATA

Director: Mohammad Mostafa Kamal Raj
Writer: Mohammad Mostafa Kamal Raj
Stars: Arefin Shuvo, Bidya Sinha Mim, Mousumi
Runtime: 150 minutes
Strength: Background score
Weakness: Very lengthy, flat theme, loose plot, acting, presentation, very awkward product placement
Showbiz Rating: 1/5
Plot: Ibrahim (Arefin Shuvo), known as Ibu, accidentally gets involved in the underworld who kills other criminals mercilessly without remorse. He entered the underworld following a plot by his girlfriend's father. Being accused of a murder case, he finds his place behind bar, leaving him helpless.
Review: Following the rejection of his girlfriend and his sister (Mousumi), he finds support from another super criminal Ezajul Islam, ultimately finding his shelter under him. He becomes a master criminal in the city and dominates the underworld. In the meantime, he meets Chand (Bidya Sinha Mim) and falls in love with her. As a lover, he brings Chand, a singer singing at a bar, to a greater platform and opens possibilities for her using his power. However, he is seen as a loving uncle and brother at the same time.
This movie is basically a compilation of few Bollywood movies. Anyone who has seen the Bollywood movie Aashiqui 2 and the item song Chikni Chameli might find similarity with this movie. The plot is loosely formed and the shifting from one scene to another very awkwardly, without proper development to reign the audience in. The film is true test of the audience's patience, if the 3 hour long runtime doesn't get you, the repetition of the same song four times (yes, four times) definitely will! The only comic relief comes from 'chotobhai' and his unique stammer. In case you haven't stayed upbeat with the latest commercials of Pran Up, Bhatika and Symphony brands, the movie will definitely fill the gap in your mind! I would recommend the movie to anyone who has absolutely nothing else to do with three hours of his or her life!

Reviewed by Mohammad Zahidul Islam

***

Classic Review

LIFE OF BRIAN (1979)

Director: Terry Jones
Writers: Monty Python team (same as the stars)
Stars: Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle
Runtime: 94 mins
Strength: Witty approach, acting
Weakness: Biblical knowledge required
Plot: Brian is born on the original Christmas, in the stable next door. He spends his life being mistaken for a messiah.
Review: No matter how much the Monty Python team denies that 'Life of Brian' is about not about Jesus, it becomes evident within first few scenes. But, the story tactfully sidelines Jesus and focuses on Brain. Life of Brian takes place in Judea, where a boy named Brian is born on the same day as Jesus. It becomes obvious on the first scene when the three Magi come to Brian with gifts instead of Jesus who was just beside the barn where Jesus was born. The language of Monty Python comes through in every scene with each one funnier than the other. Each scene can be an independent funny skit. But when edited together, the message of the movie becomes clear. Trying their best to get away with insulting Christianity, they manage to deliver their message. The message can be interpreted as one likes, but Monty Python provides us with a final note with a song, “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life”. The comedy of Monty Python is very physical and slapstick – from Jim Carrey to Southpark, we can still see the shadows of Monty Python in many comedies today. If taken lightheartedly, this movie will be one of the funniest you will ever watch.

Reviewed by Zia Nazmul Islam

***

I SAW THE DEVIL

Director: Kim Jee-woon
Writers: Hoon-jung Park
Stars: Byung-hun Lee, Min-sik Choi, In-seo Kim
Runtime: 141 mins
Strength: Well developed story and characters, fantastic acting and direction
Weakness: Extreme portrayal of violence, gore and psychotic behavior, not for the faint of heart
Rating: 4/5
Plot: Jang Kyung-chul (Choi Min-sik) is a psychopath. He has committed infernal serial murders in diabolic ways that one cannot even imagine and his victims range from young women to even children. When a girl falls victim to the psychopath, her fiancé Soo-hyun (Lee Byung-hun), a top secret agent, decides to track down the murderer himself. He promises to make him feel the pain he put his fiancé through.
Review: The kills in this movie are not cheesy or 'hollywood-ish'. The women being killed are not bimbos running through forests. The kills are very real. They make the viewer uncomfortable, and can bring one's mind into very dark places. The monsters in the film are horrifically scary in the sense that they could be anybody in any society. This brutal realism makes people uncomfortable, and the violent portrayal of extreme scenes such as mutilation of live bodies and consumption of human flesh is definitely not for the faint of heart. Those who enjoy horror thrillers – be warned! Korean revenge thrillers are not for those uncomfortable with torture or blood! The story, acting, character development and technical aspects of the film are brilliant. Beautiful cinematography contrasts the stark, dimly lit murders, or gritty fight scenes. The story itself is typical of revenge films, but fantastic in its execution. In the process of seeking revenge, the protagonist begins to resemble the man he so hates. The line between "victim" and "aggressor" becomes blurred. This is where the film shines - there is no black and white in "I Saw the Devil"; the viewer is left with shades of grey. If you are comfortable seeing serial murder portrayed realistically, please, do yourself a favour and watch this film. You won't forget it in a long, long time.

Reviewed by Zakir Mushtaque