1971

'1971', though deals with the Indian prisoners of wars in Pakistan, it isn't a film that would only appeal to Indians but to the world. One of the most finely crafted films of recent times, '1971' scores high on every department. Though the plot is fictitious, this movie does raise the question of what happened to the real prisoners of war who were last seen in Pakistan in 1988. Completely ignored, by the rest of the world, what has become of those brave soldiers? '1971'is finely balanced. Nothing is over the top or unrealistic. It refrains from the stereotypical hatred and bloodshed that has so often been shown in films of this genre. '1971' is breathtaking in its technical craft. Maybe a few scenes would have been more effective without the background score. Yet, the score itself is mesmerizing and helps us follow the characters' journey. Amrit Sagar deserves immense credit for taking up the challenge and giving us a fine piece of work through brilliant execution, strong characterization (credit also goes to Piysuh Mishra) and amazing storytelling that ends with a shattering conclusion.

Manoj Bajpai delivers the finest male performance of the year (and one of his best). It's great to see him after a long time with a film that does full justice to the actor. The rest of the cast including Deepak Dobriyal (another fine work after 'Ómkara'), Chittaranjan Giri, Ravi Kishan, Kumud Mishra, and Manav Kaul were equally excellent in their roles. The film doesn't have many songs but the few were used effectively (in the background mostly). Screenplay is one of the best and is simply beautiful. It has its few light moments and dark moments but as I have mentioned above, nothing over the top. Cinematography is well done. Editing is allows the film to be complete as every moment in the film sticks to the main plot.

Now I wonder how such a fine piece of work hasn't received any attention from critics or audiences? It seems to be already forgotten and it hasn't been more than a few months since its release. I wouldn't scare away from calling it one of the best films and more people should watch it. I'll quote another commenter because I exactly feel the same ¨Watch this movie for it's passion. Watch this movie if you want to learn what film-making is all about. Watch this movie to take home some true feelings about the people who have never been thought of. Don't let the sand wash away, preserve your soil. Let the talent be ripe in this dying beautiful world. But for the almighty sake, don't watch this movie for the critics. Watch it for yourself, watch it alone and you will walk back with great honor in your heart. That's my word for you.¨ This is one movie that's not to be missed as it's rare to find something as balanced, brave, brilliant and beautiful created by a filmmaker (let alone a débutant).

What worked: -based on the true story; it's fascinating watching this movie almost 50 years after the time line of the movie. The screenplay is fair and flows well throughout the movie. The concept is powerful, with strong performances by some of the finest actors in the industry. What makes the first half a gripping and thrilling watch is the narrative and focusing more on the plot than glorifying their situations. The movie makes its point with its storytelling and strong conclusion, keeping us in awe and engaged, and also keeping us disturbed and perplexed. It's a great story told with a beautiful team. The background score is worth praising. Overall, a satisfying watch. What did not work:

• runtime; the movie overstretches on the second half, adding the spices, melodrama and glorifying to increase the dramatic value in the movie. These scenes are fine but overlong and unbearable at times because of its dramatic value. I would have taken out the songs if I was in charge of the movie. I would also take away many scenes from the second half, cutting down to crisp and balance the narrative. That being said, the movie winning National Award is not a surprise for its subject and narrative. It's a good movie but not without flaws.

Final verdict: recommended

One of the best movies made on prisoners of war.. It will definitely make you emotional.. It's a must watch..

I am wondering how such a movie never came into the limelight and got commercial success. Every bit of the portrayal was so realistic. Must watch

The film is probably the finest example of top-notch story telling. Prisoners of war with no hope of release, freedom or of ever returning to their homeland or families, locked away in a hostile and brutal enemy state, left to their own devices.

The losers become the true heros - for their story is narrated in the most forceful way but with no heroics, no foolhardy or exaggerated success in attempts at escape but with total and complete realism unmatched in movie making.

Probably the movie of the century.... a must watch!