Film: Coriolanus

Cast:  Ralph Fiennes, Gerard Butler, Vanessa Redgrave

Directed by: Ralph Fiennes

Duration: 120 mins

Rating: * * * *

Coriolanus is a modern day adaptation of the Shakespearean tragedy written in the early 17thcentury. Perhaps because it is not as popular as a Hamlet or Macbeth, it has not been a favourite among filmmakers. But make no mistake, it has a powerful story to tell and Ralph ‘Voldemort’ Fiennes who makes his directorial debut, has done a fantastic job.

The credit should largely go to the Bard for creating such intriguing characters. Writer John Logan (Last Samurai, Aviator, Hugo and the forthcoming Bond film, Skyfall) has also made a wonderful adaptation of the not so well known story.  After all it is not often that you get to hear Shakespearean English with an Apple Macbook in the background. But most importantly, it looks so very relevant.

It is not mentioned as to when this movie was set – it could well be present day. Martius (Ralph Fiennes) is a celebrated leader of the Roman army, but not very popular among the people. He won’t let his own people access the granary even during hard times. But at the same time he is ready to lay down his life for Rome which is fighting against the Volscian army led by Aufidius (Gerard Butler). The two are friend turned foes gunning for each other now.

Martius is even given the title of Coriolanus when he returns home, to a proud mother Volumnia (Vanessa Redgrave), wife (Jessica Chastain) and son. But because of his arrogance, pride, a not-so-sympathetic ideology and two scheming powerful men, he is banished from Rome. He then joins hands with his arch enemy Aufidius to attack Rome and seek revenge.

Coriolanus is effective on many levels. The characters are well etched, even though you are not sure till the end if you should sympathize with the man or abhor him for being a fascist of sorts. Because of the language (Coriolanus mostly speaks in the vintage English) and the complexity of the plot, the films requires your undivided attention. And then it would be the understatement of the century to say that Shakespeare was a very good writer and his works are timeless - even in this day and age, one can find so many parallels and relevance’s in his stories.

On the acting front, there are some absolutely top class performances. Starting from the veteran Vanessa Redgrave as the mother whose portrayal can serve as a template for budding actors, to Brian Cox who plays the senator. Gerard Butler is not quite in the same league in a relatively smaller role. Ralph Fiennes also delivers a superb performance in the lead role. Whether it is his menacing attitude or a man who is let down, he is a class act.

So, if your idea of a good film is Transformers or Twilight, stay clear of this one. All those who like quality cinema are strongly advised to watch this film.           

Number of beasts

Film: Underworld – Awakening

Cast: Kate Beckinsale, Stephen Rea

Directed by: Marlind and Stein

Duration:  89 mins

Rating: * * 1 / 2

The Underworld franchise obviously has some fan following, since the fourth instalment has just been released. After the skipping the third instalment of Underworld, Kate Beckinsale reprises the lead role once again. Directed by the Swedish duo of Björn Stein and Måns Mårlind, within the framework of these kinds of films (vampires, mutants and other beasts) they have done a reasonably good job. The style has always been there in this franchise, it’s the content that is contentious.

This film takes off where the second one left (the third part was a prequel). At the outset, we are given a brief background of who is who, and all that happened between humans, vampires, their erstwhile slaves, the Lycans (werewolves). Selena (Kate Beckinsale, clad in latex) the vampire manages to escape from the clutches of the scientists after being kept in a frozen state for more than a decade. She is trying to find the whereabouts of her lover but instead she meets her hybrid daughter Eve, who was also held captive.

Meanwhile an all out war breaks between humans, vampires and the Lycans leading to a lot of action, some of it smartly choreographed. It is hard to really dissect a movie like this; you just have to go with the flow.

Kate Beckinsale brings the glamour quotient and gets to do some kick ass scenes as well. This one is meant for her fans, or those who are into werewolves and vampires.