Quick! What countries come to mind when you hear the term ‘foreign cinema’? Chances are South Korea wasn’t the first (or second, or third, or fourth or…) that would come to mind. Which is honestly a shame, because Koreans can flat out make movies.
While most Americans might be more familiar with the filmmaking efforts in China and Japan, Asian cultures (and a certain, often Hot Topic-skewing, segment of the American population) have been devouring Korean movies for decades.
Director Joon-ho Bong, whose 2006 hit The Host currently ranks fourth all-time in Korean ticket sales, is one of the Korean new wave’s shining stars. His newest film, Okja, a Netflix Original was released on the streaming service and on limited screens in the U.S. on June 28th.
Bong previously dipped his toes into English language and cross-cultural filmmaking with 2013’s, Snowpiercer. It’s easy to see by the fan and critical reactions to both that movie and ‘Okja’, he will likely continue this career path. Based on his technically beautiful approach alone, he’ll likely be able to pull an AngSteven Yeun Lee and become an Asian film maker that is able to work both domestically and in the Hollywood system with great success. (Speaking of Asian directors who were given large-budget Marvel movies, it’d be interesting to see what Bong could do with a $150 million Doctor Strange movie…though he reportedly wasn’t thrilled with the process of making the much more low-stakes ‘Snowpiercer’ for $40 million ).
Okja, a US-Korean joint production, stars both Korean and American actors (and one Korean-American actor in Steven Yeun) and, though shot mostly in English, about one-third of the dialogue is delivered in Korean. For an interesting look into Yeun’s character and how the Korea/English language dynamic plays an important part in the film, click here.
The plot focuses on a Korean farm girl, Mija (played with a natural and enjoyable earnestness by Seo-Hyun Ahn), and her relationship with Okja, a hippo sized ‘Super Pig’ that Mija needs to rescue form the evil corporation trying to take her away. But the central conflicts at play are, at best, a little muddled.
I mean, the evil corporation (the fictional Mirano Corp.) did give Okja to Mija and her grandfather (Hee-Bong Byun) in the first place. And they did pay them to raise her. And they did make it abundantly clear they were going to take her back some day. And the current CEO (played with a cartoonish but somewhat moving earnestness by Tilda Swinton) is trying to distance the company form their world-destroying past. And, though Mirando Corp. wants to turn the Super Pigs into food, we do see Mija using Okja to catch fish for stew and her grandfather definitely raises other livestock on the farm to eat. We’re also told, albeit through a Mirando promotional video, that the Super Pigs could possibly produce more food for starving people all while leaving a smaller impact on the environment. So…maybe evil is a bit strong?
While this type of complex dynamic could mean that the audience is left to draw their own conclusions and that we’re not meant to pick sides so easily. This film, however, definitely draws our conclusions for us in pretty dark and unambiguous terms. The problem seems to lie in the weird tonal shift the movie goes through.
The opening act, sets up a movie that promises a surreal and heart-felt adventure. The naturalistic acting from the Korean actors clashes well with the over-the-top performances from Swinton and Jake Gyllenhaal, who plays a once-beloved TV presenter reduced to the role of a current corporate shill (and with the voice of Richard Kind on cocaine and helium).
There’s an early action sequence where Okja leads a chase through a Korean shopping center that is fantastic and simply brilliant from a technical standpoint. Bong, cinematographer Darius Khondji and special effects coordinator Jeff Brink are a fantastic team and I left act one excited for what was to come.
Unfortunately, once the action moves to America, the Korean actors disappear for long stretches and the hyper-exaggerated American performances have nothing to ground them and often vere towards grating. The style and surreal feel of the film became lost in a weird, but not wholly unenjoyable, mishmash of a corporate drama (Swinton is fighting off her sister for control of the company/we see that Mirando’s ‘earth friendly’ claims are a little too good to be true) and a soft-core heist film anchored by Paul Dano (who can play irritatingly sanctimonious almost as well as he can play conniving and weasley).
By the end of the film, we’re happy with the way Mija’s story ends but it’s hard to reconcile the other storylines with the movie we were promised in the first act. In all, it is a gorgeously shot and mostly well acted film that you would be forgiven for choosing to turn off, or at least tune out, once you no longer have to read the subtitles.
Rating: 3/5 Stars – See it for the surprisingly good action sequences, a glimpse at the soon-to-be-a-star Seo-Hyun Ahn, and because your film nerd friends won’t stop insisting you that you have to.
In recent years, the Indian entertainment landscape has witnessed a remarkable surge in the popularity of Japanese anime, leading to an increasing demand for localized content. Recognizing this trend, several platforms have begun offering anime dubbed in regional Indian languages such as Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, making these captivating stories more accessible to a broader audience.
Streaming services have played a pivotal role in this cultural integration. For instance, Animedub.pro provides a vast collection of anime dubbed in languages including Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Bengali. Popular series like “Naruto,” “My Hero Academia,” and “Jujutsu Kaisen” are available in these regional languages, allowing fans to enjoy content in their preferred dialects.
Similarly, Crunchyroll, a leading anime streaming platform, announced a slate of Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu dubs for series such as “Dr. STONE,” “BLUE LOCK,” and “Haikyu!!” between May and June 2024, further catering to the diverse linguistic demographics of India.
The success of dubbed anime is significantly attributed to the talented Indian voice artists who bring these characters to life. Notable examples include:
Prasad Barve: Renowned for voicing Ash Ketchum in the Hindi version of “Pokémon” during the early 2000s, Barve’s portrayal became iconic among Indian audiences.
Sonal Kaushal: Known as ‘The Motor Mouth,’ Kaushal has been the Hindi voice of Doraemon since 2005, endearing herself to a generation of viewers.
Ankur Javeri: Celebrated for his portrayal of Goku in the Hindi dub of “Dragon Ball Z,” Javeri’s performance has electrified fans at events like Zee Cafe’s Anime Fest.
Javed Jaffrey: While not an anime series, Jaffrey’s humorous narration of the Japanese game show “Takeshi’s Castle” in Hindi showcased his versatility and contributed to the show’s cult status in India.
The localization of anime through regional dubbing has not only broadened the genre’s appeal but has also fostered a deeper cultural exchange between India and Japan. By experiencing stories that blend universal themes with distinct cultural nuances, Indian audiences have developed a greater appreciation for Japanese storytelling. This trend has also opened new avenues for Indian voice artists, providing them with opportunities to showcase their talent and connect with audiences nationwide.
In conclusion, the dubbing of Japanese anime into Indian languages like Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu signifies a harmonious blend of cultures, enriching the entertainment experiences of audiences and paving the way for a more inclusive media landscape.
Directed by: Rajesh Kumar | Written by: Rajesh Kumar | Starring: Vijay Sethupathi, Nayanthara, and Pasupathi
Genre: Drama, Thriller | Runtime: 2 hours 45 minutes
Available on: Netflix | Studio: Red Studios
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Thandel is a gripping drama-thriller that examines the deep-rooted social and political issues prevalent in rural India. Directed and written by Rajesh Kumar, the film brings to light the stark realities of human suffering, class divides, and systemic oppression while weaving a powerful narrative of hope and resistance. With stellar performances by Vijay Sethupathi, Nayanthara, and Pasupathi, this film offers more than just entertainment – it’s a powerful commentary on society.
The story centers around Karthik (Vijay Sethupathi), an idealistic young man who returns to his village after years of studying in the city. He quickly realizes that his community is being threatened by a corrupt political system that is destroying the very fabric of rural life. His attempts to restore justice and bring about change lead him into a whirlwind of tension, deceit, and violence. As Karthik allies with Anjali (Nayanthara), a strong-willed social activist, the two face constant opposition from powerful forces.
The narrative is slow-burning at first but quickly accelerates, with each twist revealing more about the characters’ motivations, fears, and hopes. The layered storytelling keeps you hooked until the very end.
Vijay Sethupathi delivers yet another powerful performance, effortlessly transitioning between the earnestness of his character and the complex moral dilemmas he faces. Nayanthara, as always, excels in portraying the fiery yet vulnerable activist, and her chemistry with Sethupathi elevates the emotional depth of the story.
Pasupathi, in a key supporting role, steals the show with his nuanced portrayal of a villain who is more human than one might expect, further adding complexity to the story.
Rajesh Kumar’s direction is both poignant and precise. His attention to detail in capturing the rural landscape of India creates a sense of place that is both beautiful and haunting. The cinematography is immersive, with sweeping shots of the village contrasted by intimate close-ups that highlight the emotional turmoil of the characters. The direction adds weight to the social commentary while never sacrificing the entertainment value of the plot.
The soundtrack, composed by Anirudh Ravichander, is another standout element of Thandel. The haunting score perfectly complements the film’s dark themes, while songs like “Thamizh Puthu” bring an uplifting energy to the narrative at the right moments. The sound design plays a crucial role in amplifying the tension in key scenes, immersing the viewer further into the tense atmosphere.
At its core, Thandel is a powerful examination of social inequality, the exploitation of rural communities, and the complex relationship between political power and the people. The film touches on corruption, justice, and the role of activism in driving societal change. Through its nuanced portrayal of its characters and their personal struggles, it urges viewers to think about the impact of systemic oppression and the importance of standing up for what is right.
Thandel is a thought-provoking, emotionally charged film that blends drama with thriller elements. Its intelligent screenplay, solid performances, and striking visuals make it an essential watch for anyone interested in socially relevant cinema. While the pacing may be slow for some viewers, the emotional payoff and the film’s profound message make it well worth the wait.
Rating: 9/10
Runtime: 2h 17min
Genre: Action, Drama, Crime
Director: Manoj Rathi
Writer: Veerendra Pal Singh
Studio: Rathi Films India
Cast:
Gavie Chahal as Veeru
Aarushi Sharma as Meera
Karamveer Choudhary as Chaudhary Saab
Manjit Singh as Inspector Malik
Rajendra Bhatia as MLA Dhillon
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Jaat comes galloping in with the firepower of a rural action epic and the emotional core of a revenge drama. Directed by Manoj Rathi, this gritty North Indian action film pulls no punches, delivering a hard-hitting tale about honor, family, and retribution.
Gavie Chahal commands the screen as Veeru, a former army man turned vigilante who returns to his village only to find it ravaged by corruption and political thuggery. Chahal brings stoic intensity to the role, capturing both the silent rage and explosive force required of a righteous hero. Aarushi Sharma as Meera provides warmth and emotional grounding, while Karamveer Choudhary adds gravitas in his portrayal of an old patriarch trying to hold on to fading traditions.
The film’s biggest strength lies in its raw action sequences, beautifully choreographed and grounded in realism. Hand-to-hand combat, shootouts in mustard fields, and gripping chase scenes through narrow village lanes are highlights that keep you on the edge of your seat.
What Worked:
Authentic setting: The dusty lanes, village politics, and vibrant Haryanvi culture feel lived-in and immersive.
Powerful soundtrack: Folk-infused music enhances key moments, especially during confrontations.
Action choreography: Brutal, believable, and satisfying for fans of grounded action.
Strong lead performance: Gavie Chahal delivers a breakout role with screen presence and emotional depth.
Pacing issues: The second act lingers due to subplots that could have been trimmed. Predictable plot points: The revenge arc follows a familiar path and would benefit from more unexpected twists. Underdeveloped antagonist: Although the villain is effective, they lack depth and backstory, which would make the rivalry more engaging..
Rating: 7.5/10
Verdict: Jaat is a must-watch for fans of desi action with heart. It wears its rustic flair with pride and delivers a satisfying punch of drama, action, and cultural resonance. While it doesn’t reinvent the genre, it revs up the rural revenge saga with style and sincerity.
The rise of Japanese anime in India
Thandel: A Riveting Journey Through Social Inequities and Human Struggles
Jaat (2024) – A Gritty and Pulse-Pounding Ride Through Rural JusticeJaat
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