Way OT: Bollywood?

[MSW]

A couple of old friends of mine invited my girlfriend and I over to watch some movies this comeing weekend. They are big film buffs..French films...italian...you name it...and thier latest "obsession" are Bollywood films...

Now I know what they are, but have never seen any....for those that don't know the Indian film industry actualy is bigger then the American film industry. centered in Bombay (reason its called "Bollywood") they are mainly known for produceing musicals...

Now I'm a huge animation buff...anime obviously, stopmotion, CG, painting on glass, cardboard cut out...If its animation I'm generaly quite willing to give it a chance....now live action musicals, are a different story

Just wondering from those of you who may have seen a Bollywood film or two...if they are all thier hyped to be?

[Ali Sama]

you shoud like the movies. assuming they show you the good ones.

feel free to aim me if you need any help.

ccpjedi

Ali

[UN Spacy]

Since we're OT Ashwariya Rai is going to be on the Letterman show tonight.

[Golden Arms]

I could never really get into them because I detest musicals. But, I've heard that they have been churning out some really good films over the yrs. I've also heard that the cinemas are alot different in India as well. People are allowed to bring in their own food and the theathres are larger. BTW Sholay is supposed to be a really good film.

Edited February 9, 2005 by Golden Arms

[VF-19]

I watched a few of them for an English seminar on post-colonial literature. My first impression was that they're overwhelming. So much colour, so much music and so long (but not that it's a bad thing).

But yah, they're a very enjoyable bunch of movies.

[Ali Sama]

I could never really get into them because I detest musicals. But, I've heard that they have been churning out some really good films over the yrs. I've also heard that the cinemas are alot different in India as well. People are allowed to bring in their own food and the theathres are larger. BTW Sholay is supposed to be a really good film.

i sw tha tin the theaters.

[Zentrandude]

I would be so scared if someone said hey everyone lets go to bollywood just thinking of that *shivvers*

[areaseven]

Someone once told me that several years ago in India, a theatre played the latest film starring the most popular actor back then. What happened on that movie was that his character died in the end. This infuriated moviegoers to the point of rioting and setting the theatre on fire.

[Ali Sama]

Since we're OT Ashwariya Rai is going to be on the Letterman show tonight.

thank you

[yellowlightman]

I would be so scared if someone said hey everyone lets go to bollywood just thinking of that *shivvers*

Er.. what?

[Max Jenius]

Its a fad. Its time will pass.

[VF-19]

Someone once told me that several years ago in India, a theatre played the latest film starring the most popular actor back then. What happened on that movie was that his character died in the end. This infuriated moviegoers to the point of rioting and setting the theatre on fire.

Wouldn't surprise me if it really did happen.

Also, there's a bit of a financial reason for the "excessive" length. Most Indians don't make enough in a month to go and see one movie. So, to make it worthwhile to the audience to see the movie, film makers make the movie longer than "normal".

Also, most Bollywood films tend to focus on the colonial period of India (with the Indians usually triumphing over the Brits in some way).

[Mechamaniac]

Also, most Bollywood films tend to focus on the colonial period of India (with the Indians usually triumphing over the Brits in some way).

Brit - "I claim India for Britain!"

Indian - "You can't claim us, we live here!. 500 Million of us!."

Brit - "Do you have a flag?"

[VF-19]

Also, most Bollywood films tend to focus on the colonial period of India (with the Indians usually triumphing over the Brits in some way).

Brit - "I claim India for Britain!"

Indian - "You can't claim us, we live here!. 500 Million of us!."

Brit - "Do you have a flag?"

You have no idea how close you are to the truth...

Colonialism is very complex (both politically, and psychologically), and I STILL can't figure most of it out, dispite the fact I took two seminars on the subject... But I must have gotten something right as I did get a B and a B-, and a whole pile of books that make your head spin....

[Mr March]

I am very much addicted to film and have seen a great deal. I have seen numerous foreign films from all around the world including a few from what laypeople would call "bollywood".

As a great fan of all film, I encourage you to try them. I think it's good for the average person to view more foreign film, so I support the distribution and viewing of such material any time I can. Give it a try and you may like it. If you like them, you've just opened up an new door to art and entertainment. If you dislike them, you'll appreciate what film you do enjoy that much more. There is nothing to lose and everything to gain by trying.

As a critic of film, I must say that most of the product coming from Hindi cinema is not to my liking. It is true that the Indian film industry is actually larger than the American film industry and produces the most product of any film industry in the world. However, maintain some perspective when looking at it and judging it.

No doubt as a member of MacrossWorld, you are all too familiar with the criticism of the American film industry. Countless posts appear here on the boards about Hollywood's lack of creativity, endless boring films, the horrible remakes, and homogenized content. This too is true of Bollywood, and I dare say, to a much greater extent. This is not to say one industry is better than another, only that it has been my experience that one must look with a more critical eye through a larger amount of weak film in the greater Indian film industry to find those jems. There is also the fact that as a North American and living in Canada, it's much easier for me to judge what is good/bad North American film.

Be prepared for the cultural differences and a be generous until you find something you really like. Also be aware that the large majority of Mumbai based films are musicals. But give it a try nonetheless.

[MSW]

Thanks, I'll give it a go...I must admit they do sound interesting. Its prolly just my hit/miss experience with hollywood musicals that concerned me...can't recall ever seeing a foreign musical, so it should be interesting to say the least...

I dunno what films we will watch, prolly better if its a suprise anyhow...only other reservation is these old friends were also fans of Troma flicks so who knows what they have cooked up

[Jemstone]

Well, one of Bollywood's favorite villains is dead. Amrish Puri died not too long ago. He was Mola Ram in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.

Edited February 9, 2005 by Jemstone

[MrDisco]

i can't stand bollywood films.

[Wes]

One of those ABC-newy evening shows did a special on these a while back. Is it true they make litterally a million of these a yere?!?

I have seen a few foreign films, but none from there. It's probably like Anime and Hollywood - a few winners, the rest is poo.

[Solscud007]

I saw a couple Indian films. I cant remember the name. But they were very good. I did see one popular musical. It was good too. I have to say though that the formula for musicals is a little over done.

Here is the formula:

One guy singing with an army of back up dancers and singers behind him. (kinda like a Michael Jackson Music Video)

He is then faced off with a girl and her entourage of back up dancers and singers. and that is the formula.

The movie I saw repeated the formula a gazillion times.

Father vs mother

Eldest son vs wife

Second son vs love interest

Grandson vs school mate love interest

There were other combinations of the same formula. It gets tiring.

Also your correct in that Bollywood makes more movies that the US. like a couple hundred a year vs our piddly few

Edited February 9, 2005 by Solscud007

[Mr March]

One of those ABC-newy evening shows did a special on these a while back. Is it true they make litterally a million of these a yere?!?

I have seen a few foreign films, but none from there. It's probably like Anime and Hollywood - a few winners, the rest is poo.

Not exactly. They don't make a million films annually, but the entirety of the Indian Film Industry has been producing over a thousand films per year for the last decade I beleive. India hit something like 1,200 films per year in 2004.

By comparison, the United States made roughly 540 films in 2004. Japan is actually the number three film industry in the world with 293 films in 2004 (yes, even ahead of France, which was 200).

[Opus]

Also, most Bollywood films tend to focus on the colonial period of India (with the Indians usually triumphing over the Brits in some way).

Brit - "I claim India for Britain!"

Indian - "You can't claim us, we live here!. 500 Million of us!."

Brit - "Do you have a flag?"

After a hard day of putting babies on spikes there's no movie I enjoy more than "A Room With A View, Of Hell".

Ive never been able to sit through a whole Baliwood movie. They're pure cheese.

[Mr March]

Thanks, I'll give it a go...I must admit they do sound interesting. Its prolly just my hit/miss experience with hollywood musicals that concerned me...can't recall ever seeing a foreign musical, so it should be interesting to say the least...

I dunno what films we will watch, prolly better if its a suprise anyhow...only other reservation is these old friends were also fans of Troma flicks so who knows what they have cooked up

I would recommend newer Indian productions as opposed to the older stuff. The impact of international film centers on India's culture has actually increased demand for a more complex and sophisticated style of film. I think you'll find a few more jems in modern Indian cinema as opposed to older film. But it's just more of a guess than anything else. I'm hardly an expert on Indian cinema.

I'd also recommend finding some websites and doing a little research. There are plenty of sites offering their opinions on Indian cinema and that should help you find more of the kind of films you would enjoy.

[areaseven]

Here's a Bollywood classic:

The Indian Superman

[aaajin]

Bollywood movies are all based on Romance....trust me...back in Malaysia...only GIRLS watch em....

just j/k....but Im serious about the romance thing

aaajin

Edited February 10, 2005 by aaajin

[Roy Focker]

I haven't had the International Channel in a while but when I did have it I was addicted to this show of pop music from other countries, Japan, Korea, Chinese and India. Can't remember the name of the India show but it was like their version of Entertainment Tonight and featured music video clips from the movies. They are pretty entertaining. I haven't went and saw a Bollywood film yet but I would give them a try. They look like fun.

[ewilen]

I also catch the occasional clip from a Bollywood movie on IC or one of the other international-type channels on local cable. They do look entertaining. Note, aside from the Bollywood-type musicals, there is a "serious" film tradition in India as well, though I have to admit I haven't seen much of it other than the (very good but depressing) Salaam Bombay. I've heard of Satyajit Ray, whose World of Apu is supposed to be an international classic along with the other movies in the "Apu Trilogy".

Hey, Mr. March, where does HK stand in the list? Judging from the rental stores in Chinatown, Hong Kong cinema is also a real crank-em-out operation, with tons of formulaic screwball comedies, actioners, and a few dramas. What makes it to the repertory theaters and mainstream rental stores is probably the cream of the crop. (Nothing wrong with that, I might add.)

[Fugly]

Bollywood movies are awesome, if you like musicals. Myself, I LOVE musicals, and Bollywood films are the friggin' pinnacle of musicals. And any film that has that guy from Asuka innit is bound to be good.

[Mr March]

Hey, Mr. March, where does HK stand in the list? Judging from the rental stores in Chinatown, Hong Kong cinema is also a real crank-em-out operation, with tons of formulaic screwball comedies, actioners, and a few dramas. What makes it to the repertory theaters and mainstream rental stores is probably the cream of the crop. (Nothing wrong with that, I might add.)

In answering such a question, keep in mind that the film counts of the world's nations is difficult to accurately measure because of the disparity involved and lack of a coordinated body to track world wide productions. Also, given the very nature of the american termed "runaway" productions and globalization of many film industries, it's more difficult to define what makes a "Canadian film" or a "Hong Kong film."

With the above in mind, I'll post what I found from one online source.

India - 1,200

U.S. - 540

Japan - 293

France - 200

Spain - 137

Italy - 130

Germany - 116

China - 100

Philipines - 97

HongKong - 92

I know from past reading and study that some of the above are in error. For example, I know the Philipines makes at least 3-4 hundred hundred films annually (I beleive the 2004 count was somewhere around 380 films) and that Hong Kong averages more like 1-2 hundred a year.

Regardless of where one might obtain their statistics, I can tell you that I personally always see India, the U.S., the Philipines, France, Hong Kong, and Japan in the top of any list of the world wide film industries.

[Mechamaniac]

Also, most Bollywood films tend to focus on the colonial period of India (with the Indians usually triumphing over the Brits in some way).

Brit - "I claim India for Britain!"

Indian - "You can't claim us, we live here!. 500 Million of us!."

Brit - "Do you have a flag?"

After a hard day of putting babies on spikes there's no movie I enjoy more than "A Room With A View, Of Hell".

Ive never been able to sit through a whole Baliwood movie. They're pure cheese.

LOL...

Staircase of Satan!

Pond of Death!

[Opus]

Also, most Bollywood films tend to focus on the colonial period of India (with the Indians usually triumphing over the Brits in some way).

Brit - "I claim India for Britain!"

Indian - "You can't claim us, we live here!. 500 Million of us!."

Brit - "Do you have a flag?"

After a hard day of putting babies on spikes there's no movie I enjoy more than "A Room With A View, Of Hell".

Ive never been able to sit through a whole Baliwood movie. They're pure cheese.

LOL...

Staircase of Satan!

Pond of Death!

Joo f**k my wife?

Hey Mr.March, do those stats include porn?

[Mr March]

Hey Mr.March, do those stats include porn?

Unlikely. In most nations, pornography is considered a seperate industry for many reasons beyond the stereotypical moral implications. Most likely, specialized forms of film would not be included in the film count of a given nation. This would include pornography, instructional films, government films, corporate films, and other such specialized film.

[Capt Hungry]

Also, most Bollywood films tend to focus on the colonial period of India (with the Indians usually triumphing over the Brits in some way).

Brit - "I claim India for Britain!"

Indian - "You can't claim us, we live here!. 500 Million of us!."

Brit - "Do you have a flag?"

Hehe!!

Eddie Izzard rules!!!!

[Graham]

Hey, Mr. March, where does HK stand in the list? Judging from the rental stores in Chinatown, Hong Kong cinema is also a real crank-em-out operation, with tons of formulaic screwball comedies, actioners, and a few dramas. What makes it to the repertory theaters and mainstream rental stores is probably the cream of the crop. (Nothing wrong with that, I might add.)

The HK film industry has been in decline for about a decade now. Fewer and fewer films being made every year. At least those films which do get made generally tend to be better quality.

Graham

[areaseven]

The HK film industry has been in decline for about a decade now. Fewer and fewer films being made every year. At least those films which do get made generally tend to be better quality.

Graham

Speaking of which, how is Stephen Chow's latest film Kung-Fu Hustle?