A Director 's Cut !

Two Movies. One Director.
Director Marc Foster's Cut (above the rest)!

The Kite Runner (2007)

There is always a strange dilemma. Either to read the book first or watch the movie. It is easy when one of them is not available. I read the book first. Khalid Husseini's 'Kite Runner', a little over two months ago.
And after watching the movie last night, it seems both experiences have been truly enriching.
The book has been done a great justice by some superb screenplay and direction by director, Marc Foster. In one word, it left me 'spellbinded' for most part of the two hour movie.


Right from the opening credits which captivated the senses with such scintillating background music to the aerial shots of the Kite Flying scenes in the rugged mountains of Afghanistan, every frame is a soul stirring experience ...I was already in love with the movie in the first few minutes.

The two young kids played their bit of roles as Amir and Hassan to utmost perfection. Their relationship as described in the book was brought out superbly onscreen .

The most notable was the sets. The Afghanistan town of the late '70s was brought alive with such great detail...it was a visual treat...going back in time . Classic art direction. 'Bravo!'

Hassan 's characterization was extremely well done. The child actor showed some great acting skills. He was brilliant in the role of the submissive servant , resilient, and loyal to the core friend of Amir. The scene where he is in the Kite Shop on his birthday was splendid.




The most impressive actor who actually dominated almost the first half of the screen space was Amir's father , Baba.
He had charm, charisma, a mystical aura about him that reminded me of Marlon Brando in the Godfather.
He had such screen presence, such great persona that it overshadows any other character till the time he finally goes to the grave.
His relation with his son, Amir(as a child and as a youngster ) is delt deftly and incredibly.

Full marks to the director for choosing such a fine actor to portray such an important character.


The story is very fast paced, the cinematography is brilliant , the music moves with movie like poetry in motion. Some of the shots leave you heavy eyed. I admit I had tears atleast at more than a few shots, one being the scene where Amir returns to Pakistan after 20 years and reads the last letter written by Hassan.

The city of Peshawar, that desk near the tea-stall, that moment where Hassan's words blend into the background score , that expression on Amir's face. Unforgettable!

Personally, I feel it ended too soon. Had there been some more minutes in the final stage of the film, it would have lasted the impact much much better. I dont know why the director shied away from giving some more screen space to Amir and Sohrab( Hassan's son). It was a very sensitive subplot of the story which I thoroughly enjoyed while reading the book.

Nevertheless, watch out for the scene where Amir goes in search for Sohrab in a Masjid with his wounded body and offers his prayers. The song 'Supplication' plays in the background. A song that touches a chord deep within and almost makes it a divine intervention. There are no words to decribe the feeling. I can revisit and replay that scene a thousand times over!
Just like Amir repeats Hassan' s loyal words to Sohrab, when he goes to run the Kite in the end....

" For you, A Thousand times over!"

My Rating : "EXCELLENT". "MUST WATCH". "A COLLECTOR'S ITEM".

Quantum of Solace (2008)

I am a great fan of James Bond flicks. Ever since, I first saw 'For your eyes only' as an 11 year old. Then, I simply loved the action.
And since then, I have admired the marque , the brand, the name is Bond. James Bond.
I have grown up in the modern era of Mr.007 , played by Peirce Brosnan in movies like 'The Golden Eye', 'Tomorrow Never Dies' and 'Die Another Day'.
For me, Mr.Brosnan was a perfect Bond, who carried Ian Fleming's character to new heights.

And then came the hard boiled Daniel Craig in Casino Royale, almost 2 years ago. Frankly, I was disappointed. James Bond had changed. In character, in portrayal and in his demeanor.

This has continued in 'Quantum of Solace'. But this time, he's done a better job. Much better. And I find it a better film, not in league with my era, but in continuation of a new era ,defined by the Jason Bourne series of spy agents. Hardhitting, all brawn and brawl.


By definition, “Quantum of Solace” means a small degree of comfort that can exist between two people emotionally in a relationship.
Marc Foster does a good job again , by doing justice to the title by concentrating on Mr.Bond's personality 'dis'orders as he goes on to seek revenge of his beloved 's death.

However, this time , the Bond Babe fails to impress.
Bond girls are known to be a class apart in their acts, bold, beautiful, seductress, intelligent,suave and savvy.
But Olga Kurylenko, is good only in a few action scenes.
There is hardly any chemistry between her and Daniel Craig. Her characterization also leaves much to be desired.
And perosnally , I didnt find her attractive enough to carry off the prestigious tag of a Bond girl.
Anyways , a word for the action sequences, they were superbly crafted, especially the aerial combat and the para-dropping. Great!


Marc Foster 's direction is again a cut above...though completely different from artistic 'Kite Runner'.
This shows that this man can handle any subject with such dexterity and finesse. And he leaves his mark in every frame that he captures in this high voltage drama. He blends poetry with action here!

As for Mr.James Bond, he is as smart as ever , just watch him walk right up to you and ask' Shall We?"

And the most satisfying experience was the last scene between Madam M and Mr.007.

[last lines]
M: Bond, I need you back.
James Bond: I never left.

Kudos, Mr.Director.