The World's Fastest Indian

The only reason I went to watch this movie was because it was running in a theatre , which usually showed only high quality movies, or art movies. So I figured, if its here, it's probably a good movie. I am very finicky about what I call a good movie. I donot agree with popular America that just because a movie is well made or technically good, it is a good movie. To me, a good movie is one I walk out of, inspired, or one I walk away from learning something. A movie which leaves me a better person than when I entered the theatre.

When I left the theatre after watching this movie, I was a Happier person, elated, believing in all the good things in life and human nature.

( http://www.worldsfastestindian.com/) is the official website of this movie and here are some excerpts of what the movie is about and what people are saying about it :

"In the late 1960's after a lifetime of perfecting his classic Indian motorcycle, Burt set off from the bottom of the world, Invercargill, New Zealand, to clock his bike at the Bonneville Salt Flats at Utah. With all odds against him, Burt puts his irrepressible Kiwi spirit to the test, braving the new world on a shoestring budget. Burt's quest culminates in an unlikely conclusion and reamins legendary within hte motorcycle community to this day." So that is what th e movie is about.

"ONE OF THE YEAR’S MOST LOVABLE MOVIES. Anthony Hopkins finds all the right note to create one of the year’s most endearing oddball heroes” ­ Roger Ebert, Ebert & Roeper

“‘Anthony Hopkins is a joy to watch in a film with a big heart.” – Leonard Maltin, Entertainment Tonight

“The film wears its happy heart on its sleeve and a dusting of that dogged optimism is bound to rub off on you. Anthony Hopkins delivers an endearingly gruff performance.” ­ Stephen Holden, NY Times

“A wonderful portrait of American generosity of spirit.” ­ Patrick Goldstein, LA Times

“FAST, FUNNY AND BIG-HEARTED! Hopkins gives a performance as good as any of the lead actor nominees. This is the best movie of Roger Donaldson’s career and Hopkins gives us a hero who for once is truly heroic.” – Michael Wilmington, Chicago Tribune" Well there are many more reviews, all of them positive. Burt Monroe comes across a good hearted fellow whom everybody falls in love with, given his good nature and positive outlook. When I sat down and heard what the movie was about I sighed to myself... It was going to be one long movie... I thought it was a mistake. As the movie started , I forgot myself and lost track of time and was surprised the movie finished so quickly, when actually it was a good two hours ! WE see so much closedness in our interactions with people these days that to know that people are actually human and address the good side of each of us , comes as a refreshing change. Also it is good to see a movie that is not about murder, sex, robbery and base stuff like that . It is a movie that promotes good, Human values, and interrelationships. One that I would recommend for the whole family, not withstanding it's PG-13 rating. My kids thoroughly enjoyed this movie as did a bunch of their friends. So go out and watch it.

MOVIE REVIEW - GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES

I Happened to strolling through the library aisles and Picked up a cute looking movie- Grave of the fireflies. The only reason I picked it up was because it was an award winning movie. I am usually pretty picky about appreciating movies . But I could not talk throughout the time I was viewing the movie- I had a fat lump in my throat which was threatening to come out thorough my eyes as tears. By the end of the movie, I was shattered.

I am even otherwise, anti-war. I believe that if each can do with a little less and be a little more accomodative in nature, we can have a lot less animosity, hate and war in this world. War just kills a lot of innocent people and devastates their families, whose stories we never even get to hear. Grave of the fireflies is one such story.

Seita and Setsuke are brother and sister war orphans . The movie is about how they live their life post War and how through it all , their innocence and yet responsibility and zest for life shines through. It talks about the fragility of life, the pointlessness of war, Human prejudices, innocence of children, familial bonds, Nature, and a whole host of other gentle and subtle issues.

The movie ends as a tragedy. Yet it is one of those rare movies that make you feel blessed to have seen. The innocence of children that shines brightly through the film just like the fireflies shine through the night for Seita and Setsuke.

I believe that when you finish seeing a movie, you should have gained something from the movie that makes you a better person in your thinking. You should come out a better person than you went in to see the movie. Grave of the firelies is that and much more.

The animation I thought was far superior and much more realistic than Pop American animation. The potrayal of characters was heartbreakingly touching. You will not be disappointed in seeing this movie. It is available online throgh several sites, including amazon.com. ( see SEARCH option below )