![]() |
kung fu moves by Stephen Chow |
I have always had a very soft spot for movies even though at times the story or rather the plot is very predictable. I seriously do not know what is the reason behind this but movies are rather close my heart. In fact I have watched more English movies in the cinemas compared to other language films ( I watch a film for the story, not for the actor or actress therefore language is not a barrier for me even if there is no subtitles, as i try to understand the story in my own way).
Anyways I still believe that Asian movies have got a long way before an official entry comes along the way for the best foreign language film at the Academy Awards. Our movies mostly have a predictable ending or rather happy ending. Where are those movies which were directed by the late Satyajit Ray, Akira Kurusawa and so on. Well you might call me old school or a guy who does not have taste but trust me, I am not supporting the films because they are old or classics but merely due to the story.
So far the current cinema is improving from what it was in the 90's by giving such great movies. But the saddest part is that when you advice nowadays youngsters to watch it, they say the ending is just too sad therefore they are not going to watch this films. Our mentality is more towards all about masala based films which needs to have, family, intimate scenes, love, fight and most importantly an ending which is appreciated by everyone. This has now become a trademark for our films (especially Indian films)
Well ending is one thing, but we never looked at the story line and say that this film is good. In my opinion as person who loves film, I personally feel that we need to change our perception towards film in order for good films to be produced or rather made in the future. There are many good films which were made but never got the recognition it deserved. Due to our mentality, nobody is willing to take a risk in making good movies as they no it would never be a success among us.
Everyone wants to reap profit from cinema, therefore the same story which a bit of alteration here and there is being made, and we the cinema lovers are actually watching the same movie again and again and again if we realize that. Another important aspect of cinema is acting, well look at the talents that we have. This people are not here in the cinema to help promote cinema but rather here to make a name for them and reach superstar status.
All I can say is that do not compare our Asian cinema with any other cinema around the world, it is all about us. Our support and our willingness to receive a good story with open hands that counts at the end of the day. Watch good films and encourage them. Then one day we can proudly say that our Asian cinema is producing the best films in the world. So far from my knowledge, the only cinema which gives importance to the story is the cinema in Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese to be specific), Japanese, Thai and arguably the front runner currently in Asian cinema, the Iranian movies. I hope that other languages will be a part of this soon. May Asian cinema continue to prosper.