New York, I Love You

New York, I Love You (2009)

Typical is one thing New York, I Love You is not. Released in 2009, New York, I Love You captures the diversity in defining love throughout the city that never sleeps. This movie is a part of a series of sequels called the Cities of Love, founded and launched by the same producer Emmanuel Benbihy who is known in feature-length film producing. In general, the authenticity of this franchise is that each movie consists of a number of directors' work from around the globe compiling their idea of the theme and incorporating it into a movie. Thus, this movie should be interesting and new for viewers to experience.

Natalie Portman as Rifka Malone

Personally, I think Mira Nair's contribution to the movie has to be highlighted. The segment she directed featuring Natalie Portman and Irrfan Khan truly captured my attention as a viewer and a reviewer. I was utterly in awe as I felt entertained justifying Rifka Malone's (Natalie Portman) relationship with Mansuhk-bai, (Irrfan Khan) an Indian diamond merchant. In addition, Nair's idea of forging intercultural relationships in her segment was bold, mainly because the two cultures highlighted was not a typical match in the silver screen.

Shekhar Kapur's segment also got my attention out of the many short films in New York, I Love You. Kapur's segment portrayed a deeper definition to love. Featuring Julie Christie, Shia LeBouf and John Hurt, this part of the movie was moving and truly, properly artistic. Kapur's segment accentuates on how viewers perceive and label the kind of love portrayed.

One of Shekhar Kapur's memorable scenes featuring Julie Christie and Shia LeBouf

Watching New York, I Love You felt like a bargain in its own nature. First off, the cast. I can not remember the last time names such as Bradley Cooper, Andy Garcia, Shia LeBouf, Natalie Portman and many other talents assembled in a single movie. Seeing these names together would excite any movie go-er as the final product was expected to 'wow' viewers. Next, the fact that this movie was put together with ten short films, each one directed by different directors. In frank, it can get really confusing halfway through the movie as the segments only have the theme in common. Moreover, viewers might also experience a hint of dullness as some bits in the movie are unnecessarily draggy. All in all, New York, I Love You was an achievement that could be polished and should not be under-rated.

The Overture (Hom Rong)

The Overture (Hom Rong)

It is always a good experience to deal with the immense feeling of satisfaction, knowing you have watched something truly spectacular. The Overture managed to stir some of those emotions through its brilliance as a a great story. Directed by Ittisontorn Vichajlak, The Overture (Hom Rong in Thai) fictionalizes the life-story of a Thai palace musician Luang Pradit Phairoh in the late 19th century.

The story starts out with the elder Sorn (played by Adul Dulyarat) in bed recalling his childhood-fond moments. Sorn was from a family of musicians. From a young age Sorn has always been intrigued by the Ranad-ek. His father however forbids Sorn to play the instrument as he fears his family's dark history would repeat. Sorn's older brother was a skilled and gifted Ranad-ek player. His talent however caused him his life as he stirred some dissatisfaction and rivalry among other musicians. Despite this dark past, Sorn was determined to play the instrument and retreats himself to an abandoned temple in the jungle to familiarize himself with the Ranad-ek.

As time passes, Sorn's father lets him play after being consulted by a monk who advised that it is Sorn's right to play the Ranad_ek. Sorn (now played by a younger actor, Anuchyd Sapanphong) as a student of the art excelled tremendously to a point where he became the topic of talk for other bands. Sorn then starts to miss practice and becomes somewhat arrogant which lead him to be stunned by another mysterious matured Ranad-ek player. Post experiencing defeat, Sorn struggled to come to terms with himself but eventually he was fortunate enough to be offered a position in the palace's royal music entourage. Under the guidance of Master Tian, Sorn was able to learn and master various Thai classical instruments. Granted with astonishing musical skills, Sorn surprised many, including the King in the kingdom's musical competition. He dueled once again with the mysterious Ranad-ek player, only this time, Sorn triumphed.

Sorn performing in the kingdom's competition.

In all honesty, I would not have known that this is a movie with minimal budget. I appreciate the fact that the actor playing Sorn actually learnt how to play the Ranad-ek which reflects how realistic they want to make this movie. I also like how this movie flourish with genuine classical elements; the music, the wardrobe, the culture. All in all, The Overture has been a pleasure to watch as it lets viewers learn and be absorbed into a foreign culture.