Monkey Man | Review and Impressions Thread
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It's currently sitting at 90% after 30 reviews. So IGN's definitely and outlier.
The reviewer seemed to have not liked the politics of the film… so probably one to keep as an outlier and not indicative of the film's quality.
View: https://x.com/SiddhantAdlakha/status/1767789479274635519?s=20
Siddhant has a good eye. I'll temper my expectations. A nice trailer is still just a nice trailer.
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I mean, as we're not from the country it's easy to just handwave that stuff and be like "I just care about action", but I wouldn't actively encourage that just because you don't want to hear it, not to mention they mention other issues.
I'm just confused why Netflix would pull this to not 'anger' the government if it were pro-Hindutva.
From the review, it isn't pro-Hindutva, but the heroic characters use the same sort of Ramayana imagery that falls in line with Hindutva propaganda.
Just saw it. Film was a lot of fun. The plot is super basic but the fact it takes place in a totally different world/culture to what most western audiences will know does give it a fresh flavour. There's probably less action throughout than people are expecting but 2 huge, really well executed set-pieces that go on for like 15-20 minutes each.
Was really impressed with the direction. Patel has a keen eye for visuals. Lots of creative and wild camera angles that really made this feel dynamic. Dude also got JACKED for the role. Very very solid debut, guy clearly has a future making action films if he wants.
Was really impressed with the direction. Patel has a keen eye for visuals. Lots of creative and wild camera angles that really made this feel dynamic. Dude also got JACKED for the role. Very very solid debut, guy clearly has a future making action films if he wants.
This irks me so much.Anytime anything Hindusim is depicted it is deemed Hindutva. What is Ramayana imagery that is not hindutva propaganda then. Ramayana is one of the most iconic epics to have ever been written and is a significant cultural touchstone for a lot of Hindus. Jai Bajrang Bali is not hindutva, Ram imagery is not hindutva.
It is Hinduism and it is okay for us to get representation without the entire religion being held hostage by elements within a political party. It is annoying that every time we get some representation on screen it is followed by "But BJP.."
Curious if the film is appropriate for a young teenager? My son is interested in seeing this weekend with me.
I actually have a spoiler related question
In the initial rating for it last fall, it said there was sexual assault/rape in the film, but in a recent rating change they didn't list that, was there anything of that kind in the film? My girlfriend wouldn't like that.
It's 91 on rotten tomatoes. In the grand scheme of things, IGN's review is on the lower spectrum on reviews that matter.
Sorry, should've specified. He is pretty good and mature with violent movies. It's the sexy stuff that gets him very awkward and uncomfortable seeing a movie with his parents. Like...a naked person won't bother him, but god forbid someone kisses someone else.... (I kid, not that bad)
It's a good film and all, but the Puma Man post credits tease was a bit much...
I enjoyed this a lot. This was a really wonderful template for Patel. It's not perfect and can be overindulgent at times, thought it never feels without purpose. I can't wait to see what else he has lined up.
I enjoyed this a lot. This was a really wonderful template for Patel. It's not perfect and can be overindulgent at times, thought it never feels without purpose. I can't wait to see what else he has lined up.
Got tickets for tomorrow night. Been watching Scott Adkins movies so very much in head kicking mode.
There are portions dealing with sex workers and dubcon with them.
Dev Patel's character's mother was also assaulted and killed, though I don't think that was shown (had an emergency pop up during that period, so I mighta missed it).
Japan is the worst country when it comes to international movie releases. Like what the actual fuck? Why would I go to the movies if I can get the bluray weeks earlier ???
This is a real corny point to make when the reviewer, Siddhant Adlakha, is one of the few critics to actually have any insight into some of the cultural context around Monkey Man's use of Hindu symbology and India's current political climate.
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This was absolutely phenomenal.
Loved everything about it, and I'm deeply confused why anyone would mistake this story for something remotely pro the current state of things in India.
Loved everything about it, and I'm deeply confused why anyone would mistake this story for something remotely pro the current state of things in India.
I disagree with the close shots, but the editing yes. There were a few sequences that almost had a skipping record effect that I highly doubt was intentional.
Agreed, I thought it was on the cusp of something great. Dev clearly had a lot of ideas he wanted to try and visions he wanted to realize in all aspects of the film and he decided to just put them all in. I don't think he quite nailed when to linger on something and when to move on faster.
For what it's worth there was a lot of hardship that went into creating the film (which was shot during the pandemic). In his own words everything that could have gone wrong went wrong, as far as breaking his hand and not being able cast it (cuz they couldn't afford to CG it out) so later fights had to be rechoreographed for one hand. Among a host of other stuff
Of course ultimately this isn't on the viewer but it might help to explain why it might feel like its stitched together. It's pretty fascinating hearing him talk about what he had to go through to get the film made
Shared my thoughts on the movie on another thread but honestly definitely going to be divisive I know One reviewer who really didn't understand the culture and the caste system that exists in India so found it more confusing than anything hopefully some of the comments in their video can kind of clarify some things.
Sadly I went to an early showing today and one person decided to make a very bigoted remark during a certain scene I won't spoil it though... But he was the same person who said it wasn't John wick either (it REALLY isn't)
Sadly I went to an early showing today and one person decided to make a very bigoted remark during a certain scene I won't spoil it though... But he was the same person who said it wasn't John wick either (it REALLY isn't)
Yup. There's a lot there to like but it's so poorly edited that it ends up feeling like a bit of mess.
For being truly beautiful at time, the movie is rarely confident enough to let a scene linger.
I'd be hyped for a second one though. You can see the pinnings of an amazing movie buried under this one.
You should copy them over here! I was on the fence today whether to go (mum is in town and I asked her if she wanted to see it--she asked whether it was all fights all the time--she likes John Wick, but just isn't in the mood for that type of film. After reading your post in the other thread I convinced her that it wasn't all action and she wanted to go!) So hey, might have gotten one more ticket sold for the movie than the trailer would have :D
I don't know how anyone could interpret it that way without willfully misinterpreting it.
Anyway, I really liked the movie and it's more raw look and feel over some newer movies that feel a bit too "polished"
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I enjoyed it. It was good, but falls short of great. I agree with what others said about pacing issues... some parts went quick, others dragged. I liked the imagery and general look and vibe of the film, but some of the action (car chases especially) was so shaky and blurry.
For a directorial debut, it's a solid effort and a promising start. Eager to see what he directs next.
For a directorial debut, it's a solid effort and a promising start. Eager to see what he directs next.