More than
Just a Movie
Films are moments of shared humanity,
projected on a larger screen.
AKIRA KUROSAWA
1910–1998
Akira Kurosawa in particular has been an influence on several film makers.
—Krishna Mohan
FEATURED FILM
DERSU UZALA
1975 · AKIRA KUROSAWA
MY PERSONAL FAVOURITE
Of all Kurosawa’s films, Dersu Uzala is my personal favorite. If someone were to ask me to recommend one Kurosawa film, I would unhesitatingly suggest Dersu Ouzala. It is a film about friendship, about a simple man’s deep harmony with nature, and about a way of life that has a quiet dignity.
There are some films which remain with you for a very long time. They become a part of you. They have touched a chord somewhere that defines your personality and existence. While a majority of films entertain you, these films have a meaning for you. They tell you something about life that keeps touching you.
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One-Liners Medley
In the film Ben-Hur Judah Ben-Hur who is on a torture trip along with the other prisoners and criminals is denied water. As he pleads “Oh God” Christ comes with a pitcher of water, washes his face and gives him…
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The Western as a Genre
From John Ford to High Noon and The Magnificent Seven, Krishna Mohan reflects on the moral codes, archetypes and vast landscapes that give the Western its enduring power.
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Manvasanai
Bharathiraja’s rural cinema becomes a way of thinking about landscape, honour, gender and love—and about whether Muthupechi is allowed a voice of her own.
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Luis Buñuel and Surrealist Cinema
Luis Bunuel was one of the founders of the surrealist movement in films along with Salvador Dali. Surrealism is the exploration of something beyond the real. It is digging into the dream like, deep unconscious to discover new realms of expression.…
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Maya Bazaar
My father watched Maya Bazaar 53 times in theatres, and perhaps I inherited some of his fascination. I have returned to it often—for its actors, language, music, humour, mythology and enduring charm.
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Re-Runs
Not long ago watching movies in theaters was one of the things I looked forward to. I was born in 1968, and probably acquired some aesthetic sense to enjoy and appreciate good films in 20 years. Passionate remarks or casual…
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Stray Dog-Akira Kurosawa
Set in post Second World War Tokyo, this crime investigation masterpiece in the genre of Film-noir, carries the ubiquitous stamp of Kurosawa’s genius. It is the story of two cops who are on the hunt for a criminal on the…
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The Films of Akira Kurosawa — Dersu Uzala
Why Dersu Uzala stands apart among Kurosawa’s films: simplicity, friendship, nature and the quiet dignity of a life lived close to the wilderness.
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Bari Theke Paliye The Runaway by Ritwik Ghatak.
Kanchan is the only child of a headmaster in a village school. He is young, playful and has big dreams of going into the world and exploring its wonders. His mother shields him as often as she can from his…
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DERSU OUZALA
Took time off to watch Dersu Ouzala again after nearly 16 years. There are some films which remain with you for a very long time. They become a part of you. They have touched a chord somewhere that defines your…
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