Insight –
International Movie Week
Culture can mean many things; it can be your food, your
clothes, your religion etc. However one of the most cherished aspects of
culture that inspires us: the world of art.
A famous quote by former American President John F. Kennedy
says, “If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society
must set the artist free to follow his vision wherever it takes him.”
A movie, a work of art, is a type of visual
communication using motion pictures and sounds to tell stories or provide
information to help people learn. It is a common form of entertainment enjoyed
by all people around the world. Movies can also be seen as an integral part of
culture that conveys prevailing concerns, thoughts, attitudes and beliefs. It
is also true to say that movies can influence society and shape up ideologies.
Understanding of different cultures is an objective to be
achieved under the avenue of International Understanding. Thereby our club
initiated the project “Insight- International Movie Week” and screened different internationally acclaimed movies of
different countries to help understand the diversity in culture of various
countries through variations in theatre.
The concept of an “International Movie Week” was recognized
by the club to enable university undergraduates to appreciate theatre works of
other countries.
A project committee headed by Rtr. Shenadi Basnayake decided
to screen 5 different movies of different countries for the students of the
university to come and enjoy after lectures.
These movies were screened daily from 4.30 – 6.30 pm
at the university premises during the week 14th to 18th
September 2015. It was attended by our club members, fellow faculty members and
friends.
Following were the movies that was screened at the
university.
The Fault in Our Stars (English) – 2014
Director: Josh Boone
Synopsis: Hazel Grace Lancaster (Shailene Woodley), a
16-year-old cancer patient, meets and falls in love with Gus Waters (Ansel
Elgort), a similarly afflicted teen from her cancer support group. Hazel feels
that Gus really understands her. They both share the same acerbic wit and a
love of books, especially Grace's touchstone, "An Imperial Affliction"
by Peter Van Houten. When Gus scores an invitation to meet the reclusive
author, he and Hazel embark on the adventure of their brief lives.
A sensitive movie which addressed the ‘can do’ attitude reflected in
the American culture. It was very emotional and made everyone get lumps in
their throats at the end of the screening. Although it talked about cancer,
family, loneliness and emotions, it was enjoyed by everyone for the way the
story was narrated. Also it gave a thought to ponder and a message to always
keep on believing and achieve your dreams.
One Missed Call (Japanese) – 2004
Director: Takashi Miike
Synopsis: Yumi (Kou Shibasaki) tries to assuage the fears of a
friend, Yoko (Anna Nagata), who has received a disturbing voice mail from
herself. In the message, Yoko screams while chatting with Yumi. Three days
later, the exact call plays out, and Yoko dies. As the bodies of Yumi's friends
start piling up after they receive voice mails and videos of themselves, she
discovers that a vengeful spirit is the source of the disturbing messages and
murders - and all the messages are strangely connected to her.
The horror movie of the week turned out to be house-full! Although it
was meant to be horror, watching with you own club members and other friends in
the faculty turned out to be very enjoying. Everyone was glued to the movie
till the very end. The mystery of the movie remained until the very end and it
was scary indeed!
Windstruck
(Korean) – 2004
Director: Kwak Jae-yong
Synopsis: Female Police Officer Kyung-Jin (Gianna Jun) spots a purse
snatcher fleeing on foot. She's off-duty, but gives chase anyways. Kyung-Jin
arrests a man named Myung-Woo (Jang Hyuk), who she
mistakes for the purse snatcher. The two are then paired together to patrol an
area popular with underage students. Love soon blooms for the couple.
The Korean movie also became a crowd favorite. Most of the audience
was Korean fans plus with the sense of humor in the film, it was an enjoyable
evening.
The Intouchables (French) – 2011
Directors: Olivier Nakache, Eric Toledano
Synopsis: An unlikely friendship develops between a wealthy
quadriplegic (François Cluzet) and his caretaker (Omar Sy), just released from
prison.
Queen (Hindi) – 2013
Director: Vikas Bahl
Synopsis: A young Delhi woman from a traditional family goes
on a solo honeymoon when her wedding is canceled.
Although a movie depicts a thought or a point of view of a director,
these thoughts are influenced by the culture that surrounds a person.
At the end of the week, everyone could understand the openness of the
American culture and the somewhat conservative nature of the Indian culture.
The sense of humor in the Korean movie and the horror in the Japanese movie
were equally enjoyed by all despite the difference in cultures.
It was a memorable experience, not only the entertainment but also the
fact that movies were a source of information to learn about other exciting
cultures.
The movie week ended on a successful note with the audience
having a glimpse of 5 different countries and cultures.
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