Chaiclassics

I enjoyed this film a lot! I feel like it has a somewhat optimistic tone like American optimism tone which makes me cringe a bit but still it's enjoyable. I'm sure that my knowledge of American politics is limited (but next year I'm sure it'll grow as I'm doing American politics at school). But this film is somewhat even more relevant today. In the sense that unfortunately there was rich people backing these governments and officials only getting them to do stuff that benefits those rich and wealthy people. And it's truly unfortunate because in my opinion, policies should affect and impact everyone in a positive way. Not just the rich people of this world. This is exactly what goes on politics. And this film almost shows the power that one man, that any individual can have to rise against corruption and fight for truth. And that's a powerful message this film holds. A naive man who I think loads of people can relate to. Also, I love Jean Arthur's role as Clarissa Saunders, a working woman, who yes maybe is a love interest and serves the man in the film, but still it defeats the true intelligence and independence of her character. That's something I love about Jean Arthur, she played a lot of independent and working women when ag such an era such roles weren't universally accepted. Some roles like this disprove the idea that old Hollywood was purely backwards and sexist (although sometimes, and let's face it a lot of the times, they definitely were!). Arthur gives one of her most touching performances in this film, she's funny, loud but poignant at the same time. Also I loved Claude Rains, he has such an amazing performance, especially those final moments. But this film truly belongs to James Stewart. Stewart possibly gives one of his finest performances. And this is exactly why I understand when people say his oscar for The Philadelphia Story was just a compensation for his loss for this film. He gives such an amazing impact, and has such an effect on the audience. He's expressive and amazing in this. Another Capra film I like. Though his work has that American optimism routinely present I think it's a factor I've come to somewhat admire.

Omg wait that actually freaked me out at some points honestly. It was actually deeply unsettling too. Inde Navarrette's performance was such a great one too genuinely like I'm gonna be so shocked if she doesn't at least get an oscar nomination. One of the best performances in horror I've ever seen! I hate Bear sm he's such a weirdo honestly. And that scene when Nikki is speaking through and asking him to kill her but he was to obsessed with the idea of her obsessed with him that he didn't even bother doing that. Ugh Nikki deserved better.

I really enjoyed this a lot! In a world of Dhurandhars be a Veer-Zaara! Veer-Zaara to me promotes peace and humanity over anything between both nations India and Pakistan. And this is shown through the love story of Veer Pratap Singh and Zaara Hayaat Khan. Both fall madly in love with each other. They represent the peace that both countries have a possibility to have one day I hope to see in my lifetime. Though I will admit this film does gloss over the whole Kashmir issue between both countries. In my opinion, Kashmir should have the right to self determination on its own situation! It's a very humane film though. The film has much feminist themes prevalent too which is amazing of course. When Zaara persuades Chaudary Singh to promote women's education in the village in Punjab. Meanwhile, Saamiya Sidiqui as a lawyer who is a woman and breaking boundaries is amazing to see. She takes on one of the most esteemed lawyers and in the process finds her own standing. I loved how this film showed the shared heritage of Punjabi culture. From using the same language that both countries use to even small details like how they play Mere Laung Guwacha, a popular Punjabi folk song, instrumental in Main Yahaan Hoon Yahaan. I don't think people understand how much Punjabis went through during the partition of India, from seeing people once considered neighbours into strangers the next day, it's horrifying. Lahore and Amritsar two sister cities now divided by a border. I truly love the message of this film though! Genuinely I hope to visit India and see all of its beauty as a British Pakistani, I hope to be received as Zaara was. Anyways in terms of artistic merits, this film does really good. One of Yash Chopra's best films ever! Apparently he did quite a few films that centred on unity between Hindus and Muslim in his early days (I need to see!). But he stopped making such films because of backlash (if I remember correctly). But Veer Zaara is a return to such a humane issue. The cast is amazing too. Specially Shah Rukh Khan who is the goat, what can you say? He is so charming, handsome and genuinely so understated. Preity Zinta was quite good as Zaara but I've seen betyer performances. One of the most scene stealing performances was by Rani Mukerji who made this film for me. She had such a strong performance I loved her a lot in this film. And her scenes were so interesting.

I love this film sm! A great depiction of British South Asian, specifically British Indian Punjabi culture. I feel like a lot of films or shows that focus on the South Asian diaspora often turn their back on their native culture but this one keeps true. An incredibly moving story of how a young teenage girl Jess Bhamra struggles to play football and chase her aspirations despite her parents wishes. It seems so fun to be a British Asian in the 2000s, although I do think that this era of multiculturalism is somewhat superficial given the fact that these leaders weren't afraid to go and invade other countries. So real issues weren't necessarily raised. But it was indeed a booming time for British Asian culture. Music, films, and shows were coming out in droves. This film btw has one of the best soundtracks ever. From Kind Mahi, to Tere Bin Nahin Lagda, to Noorie, to Move On Up. The soundtrack slaps. The cast is amazing especially the lead Parminder Nagra who we need to genuinely give more love to. She shines in this film, she is genuinely funny but also can portray those quiet scenes as well. Keira Knightley is amazing and fresh faced as well as Jonathan Rhys Meyers. Of course scene stealing performances from Anupam Kher, Archie Panjabi, who is funny as hell and Shaheen Khan. The direction by Gurinder Chadha is amazing too I genuinely need to see her other films. Also I can't get over the whole lesbian subplot scenes they were so funny.