Movie Review: Last Love (2013)

The film Last Love’s tagline says ‘It’s never too late to love life again’. Sandra Nettelbeck tries hard to project this and she does succeed to some extent but the overall impact is not great. Whatever she achieves is killed in the last 15 minutes of the film and one is just left feeling somewhat bitter!

Michael Caine plays the role of an aging widower Matthew Morgan, a retired Princeton philosophy professor, who lost his beloved wife three years ago. He lives alone in Paris, drowning in silent grief. A chance meeting with Pauline (Clemence Poesy) a young Parisian cha-cha-cha teacher brings some spark in his lifeless life and brightens it up. Or so it seems.

He says her hair reminds him of his late wife’s; she says she liked his beard for it reminded her of her late father’s. Slowly and strangely Pauline’s entire life seems to revolve around Matthew, strange because their relation is so ambiguous. It’s vague whether it is platonic affection that arises out of their respective loneliness or there is an undercurrent of real desire. 

Why need there be a clear demarcation one might say. Agreed! I did not have a problem for the most part of the movie. But as mentioned above, the last part just messes it all up and you’re left wondering.

When Matthew attempts a serious suicide, his two children Miles (Justin Kirk) and Karen (Gillian Anderson) come down from America on a disappointing note. They are not happy about having to be there as is evident from Karen’s remark, "An overdose is not my favorite excuse to come to Paris but thanks for making an effort, Dad." The two, especially Miles, develop an instant hostility for Pauline seeing her as “our future stepmother for all I know”.

Things take a turn from here and Nettelbeck seems to have found a shortcut to put things in order, which is far from convincing. Cliché and melodrama end up in disaster.

Michael Caine is undoubtedly a brilliant actor and he’s fairly good here. Only sometimes it seems that he is merely reading out his lines in a detached manner. Many people also have a problem with his (fake) American accent. Poesy is good in her part, and shares a good chemistry with Caine. Gillian Anderson has the least screen space but she plays it to the hilt.

I don’t have a problem with slow paced films but the languid pace might disturb some. Hans Zimmer’s score is subtle to suit the tone and mood of the film, but even though it looks very promising it too goes downhill. Michael Bertl though deserves great applause for the wonderful cinematography. Paris has been shot so well and one would (for the nth time) end up falling in love with the city.

Last Word: Last Love is not a bad film. It does take up serious issues deal with them well in the first half. It is the end that majorly disappoints. This film really had the potential to be better, so much better.

Rating: 7/10

Happy Friendship Day! :)

Today Facebook is flooded with friendship messages and pictures. I don't really believe in a particular day to express one's feelings, whether it is Friendship Day or Valentines Day. I especially detest forward messages; can't identify with the concept of sending mass messages just because the day warrants so. So I did not call my friends or text them to wish Happy Friendship Day!

However it wasn't always like this and I was poignantly reminded of this today. On my way back in the metro, I spotted a gang of college kids chit-chatting, laughing, celebrating and having fun. They had friendship band on their wrists and a couple of them were carrying lovely bouquets. The excitement and fervour transported me back to my college days.

Those days Friendship Day was an occasion for grand celebration - cards, gifts, flowers, messages, phone calls. Moreover it used to set the tone for my birthday. I remember in 1st year of college, my friends had sent cards by post first for Friendship Day and then for my birthday. So I used to receive 1-2 cards almost every day. Some of the pg girls mocked, some were envious and other just happy about the bond that I had with my friends. They said they had never received so many cards at one time J I really used to be the enthusiastic one, planning and coordinating with everyone, ensuring that I met most of my friends on that special day.

Now we do change with time and today such celebrations do seem kiddish. But does it mean that the day has lost its value just because we have grown up? During college we used to hang around with friends so often. It was then that another special day was not needed for us to express our love for friends.

In today’s busy world, we are barely in touch with our friends. All are busy in their respective lives – martial life, family and kids, career or studies. We all know that we care and love each other but the point is do we express it that often? Do we really get the time and space to do so? So it is not a good reason for us to take out some time and let friends know that they still are an important part of our lives. It might not be important to do it today, but the idea is to just express. And since I already feel it, I might as well do it today :)

Growing up, we do lose out on friends. I have lost a many and it has been tough. However that has only taught me to cherish friends and friendship all the more. To all those who have moved on, I thank them for teaching me this invaluable lesson. To the ones who have stuck and stuck in the real sense, being there always through the thick and thin, well a thank you is just not enough. You still have me, need you more ;) And to the ones who have newly come in, well you should be glad our paths crossed and you got the chance to know the amazing me ;) 

There are some names that have to come in here. Listing them in alphabetical order :)

Apurva – I have found a friend in a brother and what an incredible friend you are! Just love spending time with you, having those ‘intellectual’ conversations and sharing almost everything! Te quiero :)

Bhua – You were the friend that I always had, right from my childhood. I have grown up with you, learnt from you and imbibed so much from you. It’s been a blessing to have you in my life. Besides being an aunt, you have always been a friend. Love you :)

Joyee – It’s always been a roller-coaster ride with you. We are caught up in the web of life and our escapades are not that interesting. Time to add the ‘past’ tadka ;) Love! 

Mona – As I was growing up, I always missed having a sister; someone with whom I could share everything from crushes to heartbreaks, family troubles to personal issues. Someone who would be protective and not have any motive; and most importantly someone who would always be there coz she was family. I no longer miss having one. Love you so much sister :)

Moulshree – It’s commendable how we are yet to have our first fight. Eight years of togetherness. We were kinda lost in between but thanks to whatsapp we are in regular touch now. To more years of friendship! Also now that I am in Delhi, we should meet more often. So lets fix that long overdue trip soon. Dherai maya :)

Munish – I know a lot of people who find love on the internet. I found a true friend. The comfort and ease with which I share everything with you is commendable. You are forever so encouraging and supporting. Thanks for always being there. All our memories have been of the virtual world so far but doesn’t seem like we have not met yet. Having said that, I am really looking forward to seeing you, soon. Love you pal :)

Nicky – Frankly, I really miss ‘us’ – Nicky & Nanny, especially coz I am in Delhi now. I need to take more effort to be in touch. But we have seen worse in terms of no communication, and we will survive this as well. You continue to be my alter-ego girl. Much love :)

Nupur – Oh I am so delighted that you are a part of my life! Did not know back then that a by chance phone call would blossom into this marvellous friendship that we share. I so miss spending time with you. Hopefully we will relive those moments soon. I am truly, truly blessed to have a wonderful friend like you. Love you my honey-bunny ;)

Pranav – We have been going through a rough patch of late, and all thanks to me. Irrespective of that I want you to know that you are a good friend and I care for you. I like that you have an opinion about things and voice it too and that you feel strongly for causes that you believe in. I love having discussions and arguments about almost everything. We have shared good times and I want us to get back to it. I miss those days and now I take the onus. Love you Joshi :)

Shashank – You care for me, you make me feel special, you bring out the best in me (and sometimes the worst) – you just make me feel alive. I am just glad to have you in my life. Love you!

To all my other friends, wish you Happy Friendship day! :)

You make me proud brother

Ravi, my brother, has topped his college (Hansraj, my Alma Mater too :D) in Eco Hons, 1st year. He has scored 80% - now such high percentage in a subject like Economics was unheard of, at least during my time. The standard might have gone up, as the university topper has scored close to 90% but the fact that he comes from a Science background makes it all the more special. Moreover, there was a huge hullabaloo over his taking up this course. I was rebuked by my dad and many others for encouraging him to drop Science and take up B.A (Hons).

Dad always wanted me to take up Science, but I was not interested. So I took up Commerce in the eleventh grade. He was a little disappointed but there still was some hope. It was, however, all lost when I chose to graduate in Literature. He was unhappy with my decision but Ravi kind of made up for it when he decided to take up Science. Lost hope was rekindled and papa was very happy. But maybe destiny had something else in store for him. He did not make it to any of the good engineering colleges, missing some of them by just a whisker. He did not want to drop a year and said that he wanted to shift to Economics instead. Now, the course is good and has great career prospects. But I too wasn't very comfortable with the idea of him dropping Science. However I had to change my mind as he was determined and absolutely sure that he did not want to drop a year. Plus he had other valid points too. So after weighing all the pros and cons, I agreed. Dad was dead against it but I explained things to him. There was no point in forcing him to either take up a college he did not want or get him to drop a year. So he eventually enrolled in Economics. Dad of course wasn't happy and I had to hear a lot of times that it was not a right decision.

Right or wrong I still do not know. I don't know if he would have done better with Science. I only know that I had trust him and he did not let me down. I also know that you are sincere and hardworking and will do well in life. You make me proud brother. Keep rocking :)

Ravi (left) with his friend after receiving the awards on the Annual Day :)

Receiving the award :)

Happy birthday dearest Bhai :)

Wish you a very happy birthday Bhai. This one is indeed very special for you – you are celebrating your 25th Birthday plus your engagement announcement exactly a week ago, adds to the celebration. I am sure all those numerous gifts, warmth and love from my would-be Bhabhi did make you feel special and made your day already. But there are other people too who care, a lot, it is just that they might not express it often. And I am of them.

Well, it is never easy to pen down our feelings for someone who is so dear to us. Sometimes we do not have the apt words, and sometimes it seems like words are not enough to express all that we want to say. When that someone is YOU – it is a Herculean task. And mind you, this is the second time (I shall not miss any opportunity to talk about the testimonial that I wrote for you and the one that is pending from your side ever since :P) I am attempting to write something about the remarkable bond that we share!   You know how our relation has been like. We have grown-up fighting – physical when we were kids and later on verbal, especially in college. We have outgrown those days, as we are matured now. But when I look back at all of it, I have a smile on my face.

Know what? Ever since childhood, I have pretty much been on my own. Most of friends at that time had elder brothers who, by their basic nature, were very possessive. I somehow missed that interference in my life and always wished I too had an elder brother. My friends told me I would not like it and they can really be a pain imposing restrictions and all that stuff. But you know how we always want something we don’t have. Similarly, I wanted someone to keep an eye on me and be concerned about my whereabouts. Things changed as I grew up, because my dominating attitude would not allow me to be under someone’s control. However, the desire to share that bond was always there. And today, I can so proudly say that my wish was granted. In fact I got much more – I got a wonderful friend in a brother.

You would soon be starting a new phase of your life and I wish you all the best. And yes, no matter the distance or time, you will always be a special and an important part of my life. Thanks so much for everything. Love you!

P.S. We don't have a single photograph together!!!!

Sibling Bonding

A couple of days ago, my little kid brother Aayush came crying from school after his Maths exam (He is not a kid in the literal sense but he is the youngest, is extremely sweet and looks like a kid too. You would not be able to make out that he is appearing for his ISC exams). He had been practicing a lot for this particular exam and was disappointed at having missed out on some questions. Now that was the first time I had seen him cry, if you discount the childhood tears. In fact, just a few days back I distinctly remember asking him when he had last cried. He is the “apple of everyone’s eye”, liked by elders, peers and children alike. He has an amazing sense of humour and always has a smile on his face. So it was awfully upsetting to see him like that. Obviously seeing one’s sibling cry is not a joyous moment for anyone. But there was something else I realized that day.

I have been away from home for the most part of my life and have spent very little time with parents and brothers. Plus there is an age gap of 6-7 years between me and my brothers. So there is minimal sibling bonding and no deep connected thoughts. But that day I figured out that no matter how distant you appear to be on the surface level, deep within the attachment is always there. The love we have for our family is unconditional which doesn’t require any reassurance. Only, it might be difficult to express it. At least that’s how it is with me.

Some days ago, I was encouraging a friend to spend more time with his siblings. He is pursuing his Masters in US and had come to India on a vacation. We just happened to talk about sibling bonding and he had a similar story to share. He was closer to his brother who was a couple of years younger to him. “It is easy to connect with my brother but I am not very close with my sister. We're kind of distant...like I care for her, but don't spend enough time with her; I can’t express my feelings easily,” he said. Since there were just a couple of days left for him to go back I suggested that he take them both out for dinner and ensure that he pay special attention to his sister. He said I was more matured that I appeared to be.

It was so easy for me to understand his situation. And I did give him some advice as well. But when it comes to me, I am equally bad, worse maybe. We usually take our family for granted. It is so difficult for me to say “I love you” to mom even when I want to at times. Why is so difficult for us to express our love for our near and dear ones? One reason can be that I have mostly been on my own, away from home and family, more in the company of friends. So communicating my thoughts and emotions lucidly is surely an issue sometimes. Obviously it can’t come to me all of a sudden. But I have been trying to bridge the gap. And I am sure this will only get better with time.