Movie Review: Barbie (2023)

The problem with radical feminism is that it projects men as "enemies" of women. And its second-best trait is that it teaches women to be "self-centered", even at the cost of breaking up anything that comes in its way. Could a movie in the name of "Barbie" be made without ideals of radical "feminism" in it? Certainly, for some time in future. Because "Barbie" of 2023 brings the same old rhetoric just colored in lots of pink. 

The first thing that comes to mind after looking at the cast of the movie is their age. Age is a polite way to put it, but it is the "baggy eyes". Or "tyres" around the eyes of Margot Robbie. Just look below: 

Just so that you don't misunderstand me, I have been a fan of Margot Robbie and last time I saw her in "Once upon a time in Hollywood" playing Sharon Tate in the most epic manner possible. In her roles, she always brings grace and positivity, and we always need more of her. 

At the same time, it is really interesting to notice how men and women age at a different pace. Because Margot Robbie is just 33 but looks 53 while Ryan Gosling is 43 and looks 35. At least in this movie. 

The movie starts in a confusing scenario where everyone was calling everyone else "Barbie". It went on like this and its weirdness did not wear off for long. Only later, the need to see Barbies in hoards stopped, as the "Steriotypical Barbie" moved to the real world. Ken, moved there with her too; because what would boys do in life if not chase girls? 

I guess the makers of this film knew that kids would also go to watch this movie (it has 12A rating). Then I felt that all the references to all the evil byproducts of modernity, including mental illnesses, feminism, patriarchy and "fascism" were highly objectionable. In an epic scene in this movie which I loved, a small girl calls Barbie "fascist"! 

The funniest part of this movie was when Ken shouted, "Men still rule the world!" and goes on to search books about how he could use patriarchy to "rule the world". He then goes back to Barbie land and establishes "Ken's land". It was hilarious and ironically, this part by Ken was the most enjoyable part of the movie. Ryan Gosling says, "Mojo Dojo Casa House" and it was so funny. 

One of the most boring part of the movie is when "Mattel" (the company which makes Barbie) starts using the screentime to give us a historical account of the types of Barbies and Kens which were made and later stopped. This was not supposed to be a "biopic" I guess! The other major boring part competing with Mattel is the part played by America Ferrera gives a very long lecture about how it is "difficult to be a woman". Come on, you are making one of the biggest blockbuster movies ever made, and here you are lecturing us on something which everyone always knows!  

In the end, Barbie land is saved, and Ken's land is dismantled in most ridiculous manner possible - the Kens forgot that it was the voting date! (men forget dates). And once Kens return to the venue, a "Black Barbie" uses a cussword (Mo*) against them (though the term is offensive to mothers, perhaps it works differently in the gospels of radical feminism). Well, all the kids who came to watch this movie certainly learnt something new. 

Now, how could men (Kens) deal with an abusive Black woman (Barbie)? The movie shows Ken "running away crying". Well, well, well. What did we expect? 

Despite all the rhetoric and pink, the most beautiful scene and dialogue of the movie is when Ken says, "I just don't know what I am without you". For a moment it seemed that even the most ridiculous scriptwriters get flashes of heart in between. But immediately, Barbie lectures Ken in order to prepare him to be "Ken without Barbie" (the ultimate heights of radical feminism) and then Ken repeatedly says, "Ken is me!", "Ken is me!" Why did not the world end before this movie was released?  

If it matters, the movie also generously promotes "fur" which is height of weirdness. 

The movie certainly tries hard to give us a mix of experience of Cartoon channel, Disneyland and fancy-dress competition combined.  

And in one scene, all men are "tickling" each other. Welcome to the world's most weird lost opportunity ever. 

By the end of the movie, Barbie is searching for an identity. And she ends up wishing to be a human. The long chat she has with the inventor of Barbie (btw, the inventor was a woman, not a Patriarchal man), is the most boring part of the movie as well as most boring part of my recent life. 

Due to the lack of priorities, lack of imagination and a plot which gets completely lost by the half-time, the movie of this name should be remade for the sake of Hollywood's worth. 

Making a "Barbie" movie was such a huge opportunity, and it is disappointing that the movie makers used it just to lecture the world on feminism and patriarchy. 

- Rahul  

Movie Review: Crazy Rich Asians (2018)

The best and the worst thing about this movie is its title. At its best, it is catchy and generates curiosity in viewers. But after watching it, we realize that it is just a regular "Cinderella" theme movie with everything "Western" replaced by "Chinese". To be honest, the title of the film should have been "Crazy Rich Chinese" since there is nothing else "Asian" in this movie. 

It is important to know that the movie is based on a novel of the same title, published in year 2013.

The plot is very simple, a regular girl and a super-rich boy fall in love and once the boy takes her to meet his family, she is subjected to humiliation and manipulation. By the end, she gives up and returns, but then, in a twist, the boy's family allows him to pursue her; and hence the movie ends in a typical "boy gets the girl" fashion. It is easy to see that the unequal marriage's survival is still questionable in the long term, but the film industry wants to keep viewers in a "fairy tale" world where stories end after a boy and girl marry, and now they do not even write "and they lived happily ever after" since we all know how convenient it sounds. 

The movie heavily relies on the acting and charisma of actor Henry Golding. Henry was born to a British father and Malaysian mother. The actress Constance Wu gets the most limelight in the movie though and does her job well but there is nothing extraordinary in her performance. There are several side characters in their small side stories, but everything in this movie looks like "stolen" from other movies made on Cinderella type marriage theme. 

As a final verdict, watching this movie is like watching a medley of two dozen other movies on similar theme. If one loves China, then it is a definitely a must-watch; because in the end, its glorification is the only takeaway from this movie. 

- Rahul 

Movie Review: Oppenheimer (2023)

When this movie came out last year, I assumed it would be boring; after all, how interesting can life of a scientist be? I know lives of artists were interesting enough, but what can a movie of 3 hours on the life of a scientist offer us? J. Robert Oppenheimer was not an Einstein, or a Niels Bohr and I never read about him in school days. Hence, I dropped the idea of watching it and I recently watched it on JioCinema. 

One interesting thing to know is that the movie is made based on the book "American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer" by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin. The book had won the year 2006 Pulitzer Prize for Biography or Autobiography. This explains the movie's tilt towards a particular episode in the life of the scientist: "security clearance hearing", to make it more interesting for the viewers. But I did not like the hearings during most part of the movie and it offered some good insights only at the end. The story about nuclear bomb's development was much more interesting and it would have been better if the movie makers covered the nuclear program part apart from giving some insights on other parts of life, like his childhood, parents, of the old age. It is supposed to be a "biopic" after all. 

The star cast of the movie is mind-blowing. It is like a dream to have a collection of so many actors and actresses I liked, and all have been included to make this movie.  

I have been a great fan of Cillian Murphy, and he has done a good job in this movie. After all, he got an Academy Award for Best Actor for this film. But I noticed that he has become almost skeleton like thin, and I am not sure if he became like this for this rule since the real J. Robert Oppenheimer was thin but not 'this thin'.

More than Cillian Murphy, I loved the role played by Robert Downey Jr. He has totally nailed the role of an old astute politician Lewis Strauss and he is hardly recognizable in his role, and it is so amazing to witness his great art of acting. I read that he got Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor too. 

Emily Blunt is great in her role of Katherine Oppenheimer, the wife of Robert Oppenheimer. 

Matt Damon is surprisingly "average" in the beginning and only by the end of the movie he justifies his huge name and fame. 

It is great to see Alden Ehrenreich in the role of a Senate aide to Lewis Strauss. I remember him from his amazing movie "Rules Don't Apply" (2016) and it was nice to see him again on screen. 

Coming back to my overall feeling after having watched it, I think the movie makers should have shortened it to 2.5 hours, and if they could have found any other backdrop instead of "security clearance hearing", it would have been better. I think as a "biopic" this movie definitely falls short of my expectation because it is about only two particular events from his life. 

- Rahul 

Christopher Lasch's accurate prognosis of modern society

 

Memories: Talking to a Baby Goat

 

During my village-stay, I noticed the bonding between small kids and small goats. Poor families in the village raise goats and often their small children take these baby goats as their playmates. There is an open land near our house which we have left just like that, and villagers bring their goats to graze its grass. Often small kids of age 4-5 accompany their goats and many times they are seen "talking" to their goats! Once I saw a small baby boy who had come to take his goat back to his home, talking to his goat saying, "ghare chala". All this was in the back of my mind since I just observe and do not usually interfere in things people do. 

Recently, one day I heard sound of a goat which appeared like sound of a crying child. I went out of the house to check what was happening and found that there was a baby goat which had fallen legs up and it was crying in a human-like sound! There were other goats nearby but they were obviously not helping. Hence I went near the baby goat and found that the rope with which it was tied to ground, had got entangled in a bush and hence the goat was not able to move. Entangled in the rope, it had fallen in a manner where its head was touching the ground and its four legs were up towards the sky! I bent down and started the arduous task of untangling the rope. 

The rope had got circled around the goat's legs too and hence I had to touch its leg to free it from the rope. I noticed that its leg was not in two piece like human leg, but it had many joints, like it had many knees; and hence it was very flexible. Usually if people tried to get near to the goat, they would run away, but at that time since I was helping the goat, it was looking at me but it was still not reacting as if it understood that I was trying to help it. The rope had entangled a lot and when I started taking long time to free it, the goat once tried to shrug it off, which was counterproductive. At that point, in order to calm down the goat, I spoke to it, asking it to remain calm while I was helping it. I noticed that when I spoke to the goat, the goat immediately became calm, perhaps understanding that I was talking to it. I was touched by this gesture. In a few minutes, the goat was freed from the rope, but it was still lying on the ground and hence I picked it up, holding its belly with both my hands and left it standing on its four feet. I noticed the goat's hairy skin which was soft and fluffy. 

Once I kept the little goat on its four legs, it immediately started grazing grass, as if nothing had happened! I was a bit shocked, but I understood. I checked out the bush in which the rope had entangled, and it was really rubber like unbreakable one, and there was high chance for rope to get entangled with it again, hence I pulled it out of the ground with roots and threw it far away. The baby goat won't face this ordeal again. 

After returning to home and before going to wash my hands, I looked at the goat and it was still calmly eating the grass "as if nothing had happened". I don't know from where the baby goat got that resilient attitude. Anyways, I took a deep breath and moved on too. 

- Rahul 

Travelogue: Mahatma Gandhi Auditorium, Motihari, Bihar

 

Entrance gate, Mahatma Gandhi Auditorium, Motihari, Bihar 

The roadside near the auditorium 

Mahatma Gandhi Auditorium, Motihari, Bihar 

Mahatma Gandhi Auditorium, Motihari, Bihar 

Flowers plantations inside the auditorium campus

- Rahul Tiwary 

Travelogue: Moving Around Places in Motihari - Part II

 Pictures from Motihari, Bihar: 

- Rahul Tiwary 

Bill Gates India Visit Pictures - Feb 2024

 

Dream of Parrot - Part-II

Few days back, I had written about an interesting dream I had about a big parrot: An Interesting Dream About a Parrot (rahultiwaryuniverse.blogspot.com). Afterwards, I got another dream about a parrot and this is small one but interesting too. 

Once again, I saw a waterbody, this time it was clear that it was a sea and not a lake. My viewpoint was in the sky, i.e. I was seeing the point in the sky as if I was in the sky. A big bird was coming from the sea-side towards me and towards the land; and although I could not identify the bird since it was too big, there was a "voiceover" which spoke in Hindi about "samudri tota". Then I realized that the big bird was a parrot, and even in the dream I realized that I had seen a dream about parrot few days back too (so, even in my dream, I recalled my earlier dream). After I recalled my earlier dream, this new dream broke and I woke up. 

I don't think parrots live in sea and marine areas and I don't think there is a bird called "sea parrot". But then, a dream is a dream and it is expected to be creative. 

This concludes part-2 of parrots in my dream. 

- Rahul 

Article: Best Gazals of Pankaj Udhas

Pankaj Udhas, the maestro of ghazals, has left an indelible mark on the world of music with his soulful renditions. Here are some of his most memorable ghazals and songs:

1. Chandi Jaisa Rang (1984):

   • This timeless ghazal remains one of Pankaj Udhas’s top hits. Its melodic beauty and heartfelt lyrics continue to resonate with listeners.

2. Jeeye To Jeeye Kaise (1991):

   • A soul-stirring track that captures the essence of love, longing, and life’s complexities. Pankaj Udhas’s emotive rendition makes it unforgettable.

3. Chitthi Aayee Hai (1993):

   • A poignant ghazal that tugs at the heartstrings. The lyrics express the pain of separation and the yearning for a beloved.

4. Chhupana Bhi Nahin Aata (1993):

   • Pankaj Udhas’s velvety voice weaves magic in this ghazal. It beautifully portrays the struggle to conceal emotions.

5. Na Kajre Ki Dhar (1994):

   • A melodious duet with Alka Yagnik from the movie “Mohra.” The song’s lilting melody and romantic lyrics make it a classic.

6. Ek Taraf Uska Ghar (1997):

   • A ghazal that explores the complexities of love and longing. Pankaj Udhas’s expressive vocals evoke deep emotions.

7. Ahista (1998):

   • The gentle pace and heartfelt lyrics of this ghazal create an enchanting experience. It’s a gem in Pankaj Udhas’s repertoire.

8. Woh Ladki Yaad Aati Hai (1997):

   • A nostalgic track that beautifully captures memories of lost love. Pankaj Udhas’s rendition is soulful and evocative.

9. Ghungroo Toot Gaye (2001):

   • Although not a traditional ghazal, this song showcases Pankaj Udhas’s versatility. Its rhythmic appeal and emotional depth make it memorable.

Pankaj Udhas will forever be remembered for these soulful melodies that touch our hearts. 

Travelogue: Moving Around Places in Motihari (Bihar)

 

Kachahri Chowk, Motihari (Bihar)

Main Gate of Durga Mandir, Kachahri Chowk, Motihari

Durga Mandir, Kachahri Chowk, Motihari

A tree in winter season at Motihari (Bihar)

Motihari Court Building

Mahatma Gandhi Integrated Farming Research Institute (ICAR), Motihari (Bihar)

- Rahul  

An Interesting Dream About a Parrot

I have been frequently getting dreams in sleep. Most of the time my dreams used to be contextual. When I was preparing for IIT-JEE, I used to solve maths and physics sums for hours in my dreams. I also often get "aware" of my dreams even while watching my dreams. In childhood, if I woke up due to a dream and after recalling that it was a nice dream I would go back to sleep, most of the time I would be able to "continue" the same dream. After growing up, after being in a dream for some time, at some point of time I get awareness that what is happening is not real but a dream, but I continue on the dream anyway. A few weeks back, I was telling someone a joke during my dream. And I and pondered how I was able to tell that joke when I had not read or heard it anywhere. I had cooked up that joke during the dream and it was really interesting. Many times, my dreams happen like movie scenes, given that I love watching movies a lot. 

Last night, I saw an interesting dream. I had not watching such a dream before. I saw that I was traveling in an airplane with my family. I was sitting on the right side row while they were on the left. I was looking into the sky and clouds outside the window. Suddenly, I saw a big parrot flying parallel alongside the airplane at some distance. There were a couple of other flying objects too, but I did not notice if they were parrots too or not. This was a big size green parrot with a big red beak. In my dream, I was shocked and wondered how could a parrot fly so high alongside an airplane! In a moment, the parrot looked towards its left and noticed the airplane. It immediately rushed towards the airplane, and collided with it. As soon as the parrot touched the airplane, the airplane goes into a whirlwind and starts falling down towards the ground. Everyone was horrified as there was going to be a disaster. The airplane reached the bottom very fast in few moments, but we noticed that it had fell into a waterbody, whether a river or a lake near Hyderabad, and upon hitting the water, it went inside and I wondered if water would rush inside the airplane. But the airplane was "air tight" and water did not enter. The aircraft soon floated to the surface of the waterbody and we realized that we were safe; and at that point my sleep broke.

I know internet and other magazines would tell about "meaning of dreams", which would count as superstition. I tried searching and got to know that seeing parrot in dream may indicate about others gossiping about us, or the parrot trying to tell or warn us about something, or it can indicate that we were recalling our childhood days since parrots are always in the nicer memories of everyone's childhood. I don't know if any of this makes sense for me, but I do know that I had spoken about air travel a couple of days back and hence the air travel part would have come from there. And rest could be a highly dramatized "movie like" version of any fear I would have. I am not sure about the parrot though, since I have not seen a parrot in real life for quite some time. 

Whatever be the meaning, I just thought to record it in this blogpost, for the sake of it. 

- Rahul 

Some Hindu Temples in Muzaffarpur (Bihar)

 

Baba Shaktinath Mandir, aka Durga Mandir, Goshala Chowk, Muzaffarpur (Bihar)

Kali Mandir, Aghoria Bazar Chowk, Muzaffarpur (Bihar)

Bhagwati Sthan, Goshala Road, Muzaffarpur (Bihar)

Sahu Pokhar Mandir aka Ram Mandir, Purani bazar, Muzaffarpur (Bihar)