Significant movies watched in January and February
As promised in my previous post, here is a list of handpicked movies that I really loved, which I had gotten through in the previous two months. I have watched more, but they were insignificant.
1. Where the crawdads sing:
This movie is based on a best selling novel by the same name. This is a very different kind of a murder mystery ; although it has all the elements of a masala movie: suspense, romance and drama. An abandoned girl in North Carolina, who's had been thriving by herself throughout 2 decades and is truly a marsh girl is charged with the murder of a popular guy of the town. The way the story unfolds is truly fascinating and the movie is beautifully made. Released in 2022, right now it's streaming in Netflix. I love movies that forces me to ponder for days after watching.
2. Frida
What a mind boggling movie! If you haven't watched it yet, you need to, even real life/dark dramas are your jam. This movie came out in 2002, and received 6 Academy Award nominations, including Best Actress for Salma Hayek.
This is based on the real life of the famous controversial Mexican artist Frida Kahlo', who had a short (47 years) but an incredibly eventful life. Her life (and the movie) belongs to the Communist era and I went down the rabbit hole of her life, after watching the movie. I watched it in various parts, when my kids were not around, as there are graphic s*x, n*dity and gore scenes. This movie has got everything, and you won't be able to brood over it, after it gets over.
3. It ends with us:
Of course this movie doesn't need an introduction. Based on the international bestseller by the same name by Coleen Hoover, this is a fantastic adaptation, although true bibliophiles would stay loyal to the book.
This movie has been fantastically made (of course, strong storyline) and Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni are on fire; in literal sense! In case you missed it, Blake had sued her co star and director of this film, Justin, for a myriads of reasons. The only cause why we should be bothered about this is that there won't be a scope of sequel (It starts with us) or at least not with the same cast. It's a pure masala movie yet it's deeply emotional and deals with domestic violence. This came out in the later half of 2024, I got to watch it in January.
4. Find me falling
This might be a cookie cutter movie for some, but I liked it. Exotic locations fascinate me and I am all for movies that revolve around middle or slightly elderly age. Because unlike Bollywood, romance is not just restricted to the salad days.
A famous rockstar from US relocates to Cyprus because he's fleeting from real life and wants a new start. What happens on that tiny Cypriot island is really sweet and lovely. You can watch it on Netflix.
5. Book Club: The next chapter
This is the sequel to the 2018 movie Book Club. The star cast is to die for; with all the elegant veterans thrown together. Read Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen and Mary Steenburgen. The men aren't too bad either 😂 These 4 "girls" go on a bachelorette trip to Italy and have one hell of a ride. It's a fun movie with undertones of how precious life is and that we should cherish every moment. And I never complained about the backdrop of various cities of Italia!
What all movies (old and new) have you watched that are available on OTT? Recommendations are welcome whole heartedly!
20 comments
Your list of movies for January is so diverse and refreshing. I’m always on the lookout for good films, and your recommendations just added a few to my watchlist. I liked how you shared your personal experience with each movie — it made me connect with your choices even more. The way you analyzed the emotions and storytelling behind them was brilliant. Now I’m curious to know which one left the biggest impact on you.
ReplyDeleteOh Mandira you are making me crazy... You are an amazing woman who knows how to segregate your time in multiple activities. I am lacking this skill right at this moment and even I make some time I prefer to watch Indian movies... Too much Desi panti in me. Rarely do I watch english movies untill and unless someone recommend it. I will try to watch what u watched in Jan for sure.
ReplyDeleteI have had the Book Club on my list forever. Which platform is it on? I didn't like It Ends With Us, it was too much! I like exotic locales too, so add Find Me Falling to my list.
ReplyDeleteIt Ends with Us has been on my watchlist for a while, more because of the controversy between the leading casts. However, its good to know the film is good, despite all the unwanted attention it is getting.
ReplyDeleteLoved your list! ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’ stayed with me for days too, such a hauntingly beautiful story. ‘Find Me Falling’ sounds interesting; I might check it out for the scenic vibes! If you haven’t already, try watching ‘Past Lives’, it's a deeply emotional film that lingers long after it ends.
ReplyDeleteI have watched only It Ends with Us. Thanks for sharing short reviews of each. I have marked the others on my watch list.
ReplyDeleteLoved your list. Will check out falling me and book club. It seems intresting. I may be the one who did not watch any of the above
ReplyDeleteSo good to see Frida on the list. I haven't watched either of The Book Club movies and I need to check those out. The cast is truly to die for. Thanks for the recommendations, Mandira.
ReplyDeletethanks for this list! Where the crawdads sing is on my list too but i first want to read the book. And then the trailer for Frida also caught my eye so it is on my list as well. Saw 'it ends with us' recently on plane and liked the message.
ReplyDeleteFind Me Falling was amazing. Simple, heart-touching, and warm. I've been avoiding It Ends With Us, but now I think I will watch. Where the Crawdads Sing is definitely on my list. I dont know why I've not watched it yet. Thanks for the detailed recco
ReplyDeleteFrida sounds extremely interesting. Have you watched Shekar Home? It's indian adaptation of Sherlock Homes set in the backdrop of West Bengal of 1990s. It's BBC production and available of Jio Cinema/Jio Hotstar
ReplyDeleteIt's always so fun to hear about the movies that made an impact. Your choices for January and February seem like a perfect mix. Definitely giving some of these a watch based on your recommendations.
ReplyDelete-Anjali
That's quite a fascinating list from diverse backgrounds. I have onlybwatched It ends with us from the list so lot more to catch on. Although I have watched "In from the Cold", "Erin Brockovich" "Running Point" and The Monalisa Smile" and loved them all.
ReplyDeleteI didn't renew my Netflix subscription for months but seems like I must do it now. It Ends With Us and Frida are on my wishlist. When The Crawdads Sing is added to it now.
ReplyDeleteI love how you’ve shared your January movie picks! I too enjoy starting the year with thought-provoking films. Your list has definitely inspired me to check out a few of them!
ReplyDeleteI love how your movie choices span across genres, offering a mix of thought-provoking, emotional, and inspiring films! Your insights into each one make me want to add them to my watchlist—especially Where the Crawdads Sing and Frida. It’s always great to see movies that stay with you long after watching. Looking forward to more of your recommendations
ReplyDeleteI've been wanting to watch Frida and Find Me Falling. I've watched It Ends With Us and loved it. Wonderful recommendations.
ReplyDeleteWow!! You are increasing my Watchlist!! What a recommendations!!! J am going to watch Freida
ReplyDeleteI would love to watch the book club and Frida.
ReplyDeleteI loved where the crawdads sing and it ends with us. I will try to watch the rest. Thanks for this list
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