DVD REVIEW: OM SHANTI OM 2007 (HINDI)

If there is one recent Bollywood movie you should have on your ‘must see list’, it has to be OM SHANTI OM. This movie was released around a year and a half ago in cinemas, but already has a cult following that equals that of the Blues Brothers. The acting is superb even from the then newcomer Deepika Padukone (daughter of badminton legend of the 1980s and 1990s, Prakash Padukone) and actor Arjun Rampal makes a great villain in the movie. Actors Kiron Kher and Shreyas Talpande shine in their supporting role and Farah Khan once again excels as the director and choreographer of this movie. But it is Bollywood heart throb Shahrukh Khan that steals the thunder and is downright titillating (apologies for the graphic description, but he is!) in his role of Om Prakash Makhija, a junior artist (in other words, a movie extra) who dies and is reincarnated as Om Kapoor, who becomes a Bollywood superstar.


Set initially in the 1970s, the movie depicts scenes of Bollywood’s golden heyday and mimics the heroes and heroines of that genre. For those of you that grew up watching Bollywood movies in the 1970s, it is a great journey through memory lane. Moreover, it has some really great songs too.

If you haven’t watched the movie, I don’t want to spoil it for you by telling you more.

I strongly recommend you watch OM SHANTI OM and enjoy a Bollywood cinematic journey from the 1970s into the present. And check out Shahrukh’s pecks whilst you are there!!!


OM SHANTI OM will be screening this Friday night at 9.00 pm on SBS Two. Don’t miss it!

NB: Check out the official OM SHANTI OM website HERE.

VG’s Rating: 5 stars for the music and movie!

DVD REVIEW: BACHNA AE HASEENO 2008 (HINDI)

Bachna Ae Haseeno (Beware O Beautiful Ones) is a Bollywood movie staring Ranbir Kapoor (son of Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh), Minissha Lamba, Bipasha Basu and Deepika Padukone. The film was directed by Siddharth Anand whose previous films include Salaam Namaste (2005) and Ta Ra Rum Pum (2007).

The film follows the ‘love’ exploits of Raj Sharma (Ranbir Kapoor). It tells how he meets three girls at these different stages of his life and goes from one love affair to another, only to run into true love: Mahi (Minissha Lamba) - a small-town girl from Punjab he meets when holidaying in Europe, Radhika (Bipasha Basu) - a model from Mumbai and Gayatri (Deepika Padukone), his true love – an Indian Australian taxi driver and student he meets when working in Australia.




He ends up breaking Mahi’s and Radhika’s hearts, only to find that Gayatri, the one that he loves, does not believe in the marriage instituition…..just like he used to be! Rejection cuts him deep and as he stands, alone, watching the love of his life walk away, he remembers the hearts he broke - Mahi and Radhika. He decides to return to India to apologize and make amends.

Will Mahi and Radhika ever forgive Raj? Will Raj ever find happiness? Watch Bachna Ae Haseeno to find out.

The movie also has some great songs and ironically the title song, Bachna Ae Haseeno, was first ‘sung’ by Rishi Kapoor, Ranbir’s father, in the movie ‘Hum Kisise Kum Nahin’. The song was originally sung by the late Kishore Kumar and the original version has been maintained in this movie, with newer lyrics added and sung by Kishore’s son, Sumit Kumar - copying the concept made famous by Natalie Cole when she sang the duet, ‘Unforgettable’ with her deceased father, Nat King Cole.

My favourite songs in the movie are the first four songs, in that order:

Jogi Mahi
Small Town Girl
Bachna Ae Haseeno
Khuda Jaane
Aahista Aahista
Lucky Boy

VG’s Rating: 4 stars for both the Movie and Songs.

DVD REVIEW: BILLU BARBER 2009 (HINDI)

When I first heard of this movie, it conjured up visions of a ‘B’ grade movie – a low cost production with new actors wanting to break into the Bollywood market. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that it was actually a movie with two of my favourite actors, Shahrukh Khan and Irfan Khan, in the leads. I started appreciating Irfan Khan when I saw him in ‘The Warrior’. For me, for an actor to be able to reach his audience with not much dialogue in a movie is no mean feat and one that Irfan carried out to perfection in ‘The Warrior’. He was brilliant! I totally recommend you watch the movie if you can. Okay, I am transgressing here, I know…..we are talking about ‘Billu Barber’ today, not ‘The Warrior’.


Anyway, in this movie, the main character Billu (Irfan Khan) is a poor barber who lives with his beautiful wife Bindiya (Lara Dutta, Miss Universe 2000) and their two children, Gunja (Mitali Mayakar) and Ronak (Pratik Dalvi) in the village of Budbuda. Though struggling, Billu lives a simple and uneventful life until Bollywood superstar Sahir Khan (Shahrukh Khan) comes to the village for a film shoot.

Billu has mentioned to his family, years ago, that he knew Sahir from his youth but has never elaborated on the fact. However, his children start telling their friends about their father's friendship with the famous star which then spreads throughout the village, the story taking different forms with each relay. Virtually overnight, Billu who had previously been scorned by most of the villagers for his impoverished state, becomes the center of attention. People, who had previously spurned him, now call him a close friend so that he will introduce them to Sahir. They bring him gifts as bribery. Billu refuses and downplays the friendship, saying that it is impossible for him to introduce people in the village to Sahir. When Billu consistently fails to introduce the people of the village to Sahir, his situation changes once again. Not only is he spurned but is now accused of lying about his friendship and of conning the villagers. Everyone - including his wife and children, begin to doubt his character and integrity.

So, does Billu really know the great Sahir Khan and if so, how? But why doesn’t he approach Sahir? Or are the villagers and his family right….that he is lying about his friendship? Watch Billu Barber to find out.

Not only is this a great movie, it also boasts some great songs. My favourites are the first three songs.

Khudaya Khair
Love Mera Hit Hit
Marjaani
You Get Me Rockin
Ae Aa O
Jahoon Kahan
Billoo Bhayankar

Billu Barber Facts:

Despite its great reviews, Billu Barber was rated by ‘Box Office India’ a box office "flop" in its third week.

The movie was renamed to ‘Billu’ in India because of protest from the hairdressing industry. They claimed that the term ‘barber’ is derogatory to their profession….go figure!!!

The movie was directed by Priyadarshan and produced by Gauri Khan (Shahrukh Khan’s wife).




Actresses Kareena Kapoor, Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra make guest appearances in the item numbers (a term commonly used in Bollywood movies to describe a catchy, upbeat dance sequence in a movie that has no relevance to the plot of the film). The film was released on 13 February 2009.

The movie is a remake of the 2007 Malayalam (a south Indian dialect) film, ‘Kadha Parayumbol’. It is also an adaptation of the Sudama and Krishna story as mentioned in the Bhagavata Purana (Hindu text).

VG’s Rating: 4 stars for both the Movie and Songs.

DVD REVIEW: BARSAAT 1949 (HINDI CLASSICS)

BARSAAT (Rain, Rainy Season or Monsoon) is a 1949 classic black and white Bollywood blockbuster film directed by Raj Kapoor. The film stars the famous duo of the time, Raj Kapoor and Nargis and also starred actor Prem Nath. Barsaat saw the debut of actress Nimmi, whom Raj Kapoor discovered whilst Nimmi was an onlooker/guest during a movie shooting.




The success of Barsaat ensured that the studio (RK Films) Raj Kapoor established in 1948 with the movie Aag (whilst he was only 24), continued to be a success and a going concern.

The movie BARSAAT revolves around two love stories - Pran (Raj Kapoor) and Reshma (Nargis) and Gopal (Prem Nath) and Neela (Nimmi). Two friends with opposite personalities, the rich but sensitive Pran and the womanizing Gopal both get involved with two local girls while holidaying in Kashmir. Whilst Pran and Reshma's love is true and reciprocated, Gopal is a cad, who disregards the faithful Neela (Nimmi) and tricks her to wait faithfully for his return with the next BARSAAT (rainy season). Many trials and tribulations are faced by the lovers. Will the lovers come out unscathed by the BARSAAT? Watch BARSAAT to find out.

Not only was the movie a super hit on its release, so was its music; and still is to this day! The film was the debut for duo music directors, Shankar Jaikishan and established their careers. The famous playback singer Lata Mangeshkar sang for both Nargis and Nimmi in Barsaat and further entrenched her popularity in Bollywood music.

The famous songs from this movie include:

Hawa Mein Udata Jaye
Barsaat Mein Humse Mile Tum Sajan
Ab Mera Kaun Sahara
Bicchde Hue Pardesi
Chhod Gaye Baala
Jiya Beqarar hai
Mujse Kisse She Pyaar Ho Gaaya
Mera Aankhon Mein Bas Gayaa

I give this movie a 4 Star rating (only because there were unjustified long sequences in the film....in my opinion of course.....you may beg to differ) and the music 5 Stars.

DVD REVIEW: SHARMILEE 1971 (HINDI CLASSICS)

SHARMILEE (shy) is a 1971 Hindi movie directed by Samir Ganguly and stars the very handsome Shashi Kapoor and superb actress Rakhee Gulzar. The film is not only popular for its great story line but also for its very melodious music by S. D. Burman. Rakhee plays a double role in this film (twin sisters), and her portrayal of a modern sister and one very shy and demure sister, helped make her one of the decades top leading lady actress in Bollywood. Unlike Shashi Kapoor, Rakhee still does some acting roles.

Check out these really great songs from the movie HERE and HERE.

DVD REVIEW: THE GRUDGE I and II [JU-ON I & II] (JAPANESE)

Sorry, it's been quite some time since I posted any DVD reviews on my blog....doesn't mean that I haven't been watching movies.....more the case of laziness taking over.

Anyway, whilst it is still fresh in my head, I thought that I'd write about The Grudge I and II (the Japanese version) which I watched last weekend. FYI, when The Grudge opened at "The Melbourne International Film Festival", it was a complete sellout.

The Grudge is the story of the evil dead, left in a house, that is latching itself on to the living. It is the vengence, the grudge from beyond, that no one can stop and no is safe.

Warning - this movie is not for the faint hearted. My eldest daugher slept with the radio on (only because I wouldn't allow her to take the dog to bed with her) cos she was convinced that she heard 'grudging' noises in the night.

After watching these movies, I once again reiterate - the Orientals reign supreme when it comes to horror!!! If you are a lover of horror movies, I totally recommend you watch the movie.

Note: You can buy the Grudge dvds at JB HiFi.

DVD REVIEW: GHAJINI (HINDI)

See Aamir Khan in one of his best performances ever. GHAJINI currently holds the record for the highest grossing blockbuster in the history of Indian cinema. It is out on DVD now and you can purchase original copies online from Bollywood Quarter or if you are living in Canberra, from Bharat International (17 Oatley Court) in Belconnen. BTW, the songs are great too (4 stars).

Trivia: Did you know that "Yaadon Ki Baraat" (1973) was Aamir Khan's first movie? He plays the role of young Ratan - the young child that needed to go 'wee wee' during the family song at the the start of the show. It wasn't until 1988 in the hit movie "Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak" (with Juhi Chawla) that he become a household name in India.

ANNOUNCEMENT: SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE OUT ON DVD ON 1 MAY 2009

The movie SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE will be officially out on DVD in all good music stores in Australia on Friday 1 May 2009. You can however buy it online from overseas distributors and also from Bollywood Quarter now.

You may also check out my review of the movie HERE and the movie's oscar wins HERE.

DVD REVIEW: GAAU JI [DUMPLINGS] (CHINESE)

Based on a novella from Lillian Lee (Farewell, My Concubine), this 2004 Hong Kong film directed by Fruit Chan (what a name) stars the box office queen Miriam Yeung and Hollywood actress Bai Ling. The movie dabbles with the supernatural and delivers a haunting and even realistic glimpse of human horrors. The movie was expanded from a short segment, Three... Extremes.


A former tv soap actress decides to eat a Mainland woman's special dumplings in her quest to obtain eternal youth. Trashy Mainland immigrant Mei is a former singer-turned-doctor-turned-abortionist-turned-cook whose dumplings is said to provide eternal beauty. What is truly revolting, is the contents of the dumplings. Watch the movie to see what DUMPLINGS is all about....

Be warned, this movie is not for the faint hearted!!!

DVD REVIEW: GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES [HOTARU NO HAKA] (JAPANESE ANIME)

I used to admonish Mr G when he stayed up late and watched Japanese anime. It all backfired when one night, with nothing on telly, I watched my first Japanese anime and to bout, it was an offering from the famous Studio Ghibli. Ever since then, I have been a fan. If you want to give anime a go, I would recommend you start with GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES from Studio Ghibli, one of the finest anime created and one of the most touching war films ever made, anime or not. It is directed by Isao Takahata, who also wrote the screenplay.

Set in the aftermath of World War II, GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES focuses on the lives of Setsuko and his young sister Seita and how they struggle against both the elements of wartime and a depreciating Japanese empire. The most striking thing about GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES is probably how real everything seems and it depicts the gravity of the era. I cried quite a few times during the course of the movie, and by saying this, I hope I have not put off any blokes that may be reading this – it is mushy, yes, but it deals with war, human emotions and sibling love – not the boy meets girl type of stuff!


With the Japanese empire in crisis and food shortages are a daily occurrence, it is heart breaking to see a brother struggle to make ends meet for his sister, who does not understand the gravity of the situation, especially when the children have had an idyllic childhood, sheltered from the war until the war finally arrives in Japan. Their lives crumble when the children lose their mother in a bombing and their father, whilst he is in service with the Japanese navy. To find out what happens to the children, I strongly recommend you watch GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES. You can purchase it from most DVD stores or on line from JB HiFi.

FYI: The story is based on the semi-autobiographic novel by the same name, whose author, Akiyuki Nosaka (born 1930), lost his sister due to malnutrition in 1945 wartime Japan. He blamed himself for her death and wrote the story so as to make amends to her and help him accept the tragedy. Nosaka suffered a stroke in 2003 and although still struggling with the effects, he still writes a column for a famous Japanese newspaper, the Mainichi Shimbun.


Due to the graphic and truly emotional depiction of the negative consequences of war on society and the individuals therein, some critics have viewed GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES as an anti-war film.

DVD REVIEW: THE MAID (SINGAPORE - ENGLISH)

The Maid is a 2005 Singaporean horror film telling of a maid recently arriving from the Philippines. She has to acclimate herself to the customs of the Taoist Ghost Month, during which she struggles with supernatural forces. The maid is employed by a Teochew opera family, a family with many secrets, who give her a place to stay in their dilapidated shophouse. (Source: WIKIPEDIA)

Her employers, the middle age and gentle Mr and Mrs Teo care for her well and their mentally-handicapped son Ah Soon also takes to Rosa. However unbeknown to her, she had unwittingly broken many rules on the first few days of the Ghost/Seventh Month. That’s when things begin to happen. She sees horrific images and senses that another maid who lives across her home is constantly watching her and runs when Rosa tries to get close.

Rosa soon corners the girl and finds out that Rosa had a predecessor, Ester, who disappeared mysteriously one day. Now the story takes an interesting turn. To find out what happened to Ester and her connection with Rosa and the Teos, I urge you to watch ‘The Maid’.

The film broke the box office record in Singapore for the horror genre, making S$700,000 on its opening weekend.

It won the European Fantastic Film Festival Federation (EFFFF) Asian Film Award at the 10th Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival (PiFan). The EFFFF Asian Film Award is a prize awarded to the best Asian film of the year by the federation, of which PiFan is a supporting member.

It stars Alessandra de Rossi, Hong Huifang, Benny Soh, Guan Zhenwei and Chen Shucheng, a veteran actor-compere. (Source: WIKIPEDIA)

FYI: The Maid is screening at 12.50 am 23 September 2008 on SBS.

DVD REVIEW: THE RED KEBAYA (MALAYSIA - ENGLISH)

Sorry …. I know I have been a bit slack with my DVD reviews (and gardening tips) so in the next coming weeks I will try to post my opinion on some of the movies I have watched in the last month or two. Hopefully I remember what they were.

Anyway, last week (I can still remember this, thank god) I watched a Malaysian production titled ‘THE RED KEBAYA’(FYI, a kebaya is a short blouse worn with a long skirt or sarong, by Malay women). It has been nearly 15 years since I have watched a new Malaysian movie (my mum bought me some P Ramlee movies last year) and I was very surprised to see it on sale at JB Hifi. Mind you, I paid $28.95 for the DVD so I was hoping that it would be good and I was not TOTALLY disappointed.

The movie is a Malaysian period drama set in the 1950s and is directed by Oliver Knott and produced by Andre Berly and Ramli Hassan. In summary, the story begins with Latiff (Ramli Hassan, who is also the producer) a famous but lonely photographer who was orphaned as a child. He decides to photograph abandoned houses around Malaysia as his latest project and on his journey, he is haunted by images and sounds that that he cannot comprehend. He comes to the island of Penang and ‘sees’ a red kebaya in an antique shop window. As he enters the shop to inquire about the dress, he has a sense of ‘déjà vu’ when he meets the shop owner and is told that there is no red dress in the window. Latiff is then mesmerised by a photograph he finds in the shop and goes to visit the house, which is now derelict on the foothill of Penang Hill (on the island of Penang).

Latiff finds himself transported to the past and witnesses a shocking event that occurred there. Through his experience, Latiff comes to understand the significance of the Red Kebaya and the tragic circumstances that led to him being orphaned.

In the flashback, Latiff is transported to the era during the British colonisation of Malaya, about 50 years ago. He sees an Englishman who is trapped in a controlled and stifling marriage with his xenophobic wife. When the wife, Davinia (Samantha Schubert), briefly leaves Malaya for England, John Reynolds (Bob Mercer), becomes involved with a beautiful joget dancer, named Azizah (Vanidah Imran) - until a tragedy occurs.

I would not say that it was an excellent movie but it has a great storyline and would have been a great movie if it was executed properly. In my opinion, Ramli Latiff was a bit stiff in his role, maybe because of the language – he tried too hard to articulate his speech; in other words, to speak the queen’s English. Vanidah played her part pretty well but I believe that her role should have been made slightly more coy when she meets Mr Reynolds (Bob Mercer) for the second time.

Bob Mercer got better in his acting as his role progressed but I think it was part of the role he played. However, Samantha Schubert stole the limelight as the detestable Davinia Reynolds, portraying a woman who obviously did not like the ‘colonies’ and found the locals to be beneath her. She played the part of a woman scorned to perfection. My main grievance was with regards to the role of Patrick Teoh, the antique shop owner. I believe the director should have introduced his role better in the movie. I could not connect to the significance of his presence in the movie.

Having said this, would I watch this movie again? For sure. And I would recommend you do too if you enjoy period films. The movie will give you a sense of nostalgia.

DVD REVIEW: THODA PYAAR THODA MAGIC (HINDI)

Anyone living in the Canberra area would tell you what weird weather we have been having in the last few days. On Friday, we had quite a frost in the morning and it was minus 3°C. Yesterday, our weather went up to 24°C and I had the doors and windows opened until I went to bed. Then we had a thunderstorm in the wee hours of the morning and it is still raining out there now and the temperature has dropped again. Perfect weather for a snuggle with a book or a DVD to which end, I snuggled with a blankie on my sofa and watched THODA PYAAR THODA MAGIC (A LITTLE BIT OF LOVE, A LITTLE BIT OF MAGIC). I am still felling a bit under the weather (excuse the pun) so it was a perfect opportunity.

The story has elements of the Hollywood movie ‘Mary Poppins’ with Rani Mukerji playing the role of a ‘peri’ (angel) who GOD sends down to help Saif Ali Khan, a recluse, to look after 4 orphaned kids. In true Bollywood style, there is song, dance, funny moments and tears. I would recommend you watch this movie and being a Yash Raj movie, you know you will be getting your money’s worth. Anyway, don’t we all deserve ‘thoda pyaar, thoda magic’???

PS: You can buy this movie on line from BOLLYWOOD QUARTER. My favourite song from this movie is 'Crazy lamhe'.

DVD REVIEW: A TALE OF TWO SISTERS (KOREAN)

Last weekend I saw a really awesome Korean horror movie. When it comes to the spate of horror movie offerings in the recent years, my opinion is unshakeable – the Orientals are making better horror movies than the West (mind you I am not saying that Hollywood movies aren’t great….it’s just that I think Asians, with all our superstitious have come up with some really, really novel stories…a far cry from the ‘flying ghosts’ you used to see in Chinese movies!).

Take for example ‘The Ring’. It is undisputed that the Japanese version fares much better than the Naomi Watt movie. Then there are Chinese movies like ‘The Eye’, Thai movies such as ‘Nang Nak’ and ‘Shutter’ and Singapore with it’s offering entitled ‘The Maid’ (I will post a blog on this soon). Then there is ‘A tale of two sisters’.

A Tale of Two Sisters (장화, 홍련 Janghwa, Hongryeon literally 'Rose Flower, Red Lotus') is a 2003 South Korean psychological horror film. It was directed by Kim Ji-woon and is both the highest-grossing Korean horror film and the first to be screened in American theatres.
The film is inspired by a Joseon Dynasty folktale entitled "Janghwa Hongreyon-jon", which has been adapted to film several times. An American remake called The Uninvited starring Emily Browning and Arielle Kebbel as the sisters is slated for a 2009 release date. (Source: WIKIPEDIA)

You are intrigued from the start and because you know it is a horror movie, you are forever on your guard but the scary bits arrive when you least expect it. That for me adds to the appeal. You feel the love that the sisters’ share and you share their hatred for their step mother and anger towards their father. Horror aside, it actually is a really good movie and I recommend that you watch this….but if you are faint hearted, preferably with someone who is not easily ‘disturbed’ with supernatural themes. It is also a bit of a tear jerker, so have the hankies handy. And watch out for that closet!???

DVD REVIEW: PRINCESS MONONOKE (JAPANESE ANIME) AND THE HOME SONG STORIES (ENGLISH)

I blame SBS for getting me hooked on anime. A few months ago, SBS was having an anime month featuring movies by Hayao Miyazaki of Studio Ghibli. The anime that caught my attention was “Howl’s Moving Castle” (see HERE). I could not believe the detail and effort that was used to make the movie. I have to admit that Japanese stories are a bit ‘out there’ but I have to say that they are quite entertaining to say the least. To reinforce how good Miyazaki’s and Studio Ghibli’s anime are, they have won academy awards. His last win was for “Spirited Away” (see HERE).

If you want to give anime a go, I’d recommend you watch “Grave of the fire flies” (see HERE) by Isao Takahata of Studio Ghibli. See if that does not bring a tear to your eye and make you a fan! This was made in the late 80’s. Studio Ghibli only gets better.

Anyway, yesterday we watched “Princess Mononoke”, another of Hayao’s offerings. Once again, the quality was superb and this time the theme was something much more comprehendible – nature and man’s intent of destroying it and how hate can consume people’s mind and thoughts and make them irrational. I don’t want to give too much away….I’d recommend Princess Mononoke. I am definitely buying it to add to my collection! Check out the cast and the synopsis HERE.

Another movie that I will be buying for my collection (I currently have nearly 400 DVDs) is the Australian movie “Home Song Stories”. My daughter and I cried when we watched this. Mr G declined to watch this because it was too sentimental!

It tells the TRUE story of Rose, a Chinese cabaret singer in Hong Kong (played by Joan Chen) and a mother of two, as narrated by her son who wrote and directed this movie (Tony Ayres). Rose and her kids migrate to Australia in the 60’s after she marries an Australian navy sailor. You are shown the ‘demons’ that are haunting Rose and how they impact her and her children’s lives. It well acted and Joan does a great job in her role. You can check this movie out HERE.

DVD REVIEW: SAAWARIYA AND RACE (HINDI)

Yes, I am home again, with the flu (and I had my flu jab too). So I have spent my time either in bed asleep or watching DVDs. I actually ordered some movies from Bollywood Quarter last week to watch over the long weekend this week but I ended up watching them in the last two days.

I buy my Hindi movies on line and only originals. You can get pirated ones from some Indian grocery shops but I don't because one, it is illegal and two, because once you watch original DVDs which are clear and great, you would not want to watch pirated copies. But each to their own, I say.

‘Saawariya’ or Beloved is a musical (yes, it has more music than your average Bollywood movie) love story starring Salman Khan and Rani Mukerji (in minor roles but still very essential roles for the story). Basically the movie is the launching pad for two newcomers, Ranbir Kapoor, son of Rishi Kapoor (of Bobby fame) and Neetu Singh; and Sonam Kapoor, daughter of Anil Kapoor.

The movie is very much in the style of Baz Lurhmann’s Moulin Rouge, except where Baz uses lots of red hues in his movie, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the director (of Devdas Fame) uses lots of blue. The movie is based on Fyodor Dostoevsky’s short story, “White Nights”.

It is a poignant love story and you will feel for the characters, but for the constant music. In my opinion, I believe that this movie loses its message because of the music. You be the judge. 3 stars from me.

‘Race’ on the other hand is an action packed thriller that has more twist than a Hitchcock movie. It is well written, actored and the songs are lovely. Race is not about car or horse racing, but is about the race or competition between two half brothers, the elder being Saif Ali Khan and the younger, Akshaye Khanna. Bipasha Basu and Katrina Kaif (who has come a long way since her earlier movies – she can actually act now!) compliment the brothers in the movie and Anil Kapoor provides some comic relief to what is a very fast paced movie. If you are a Bollywood fan, you’d enjoy ‘Race’. The songs are great too! 4 stars from me for the movie and songs, especially 'Zara zara touch me'.

PS: I do not receive commisions for my reviews. Maybe I should!

BOOK/DVD REVIEW: THE THORN BIRDS (ENGLISH) BY COLLEEN McCULLOUGH

What I did yesterday and today was watch ‘The Thorn Birds’ miniseries DVD (adapted from Colleen McCullough’s book of the same title) with my eldest daughter. I had forgotten how good the miniseries is, for I first watched it when it was released on TV3 in Malaysia in 1983. Richard Chamberlain and Bryan Brown are sooo cute in the show (although they are looking quite over the hill now). And the best thing of all, all the juicy bits are intact! There is no censorship. Both mother and daughter balled their eyes out.

Anyway the DVD went for 8 hours but it was worth it. However, I do have one complaint. Initially I was upset with the American accent as it did not seem right that an aussie book and an aussie backdrop had American actors playing the lead roles. When I first watched the show in Malaysia, I did not know any better. But watching it the second time, I felt ripped off. But I soon got over it. So, if you are interested in watching the show again, you can buy the DVD from Dick Smith’s for AUD$19.95 (I bought it last Sunday).

I am now on the quest to find another of Colleen’s stories that has been made into a movie – Tim - which I believe stars Mel Gibson in the title role. Wish me luck in my endeavour!