I watched Rangoon on Netflix. Since I knew my beloved Japanese actor Satoru Kawaguchi will appear this film, I had been eagerly waiting for this day. (Incidentally, it has not been screened in Japan yet!)
The synopsis of Rangoon is so epic. Love, War, Deceit... there are completely wrapped in beautiful screen images and music. From the beginning to the end, I felt my heart beating so fast. Especially, expressive Julia and stoic Nawab Malik... their appearance that two hearts melt in love is so emotional and heartwarming, but on the other hand I became saddened by the feeling of the tragedy.
Satoru as their prisoner Hiromichi, he played the role of bonding lovers, was surprisingly perfectly. He gives a heartfelt performance as a soldier who is never strong and wants to go back to his mother, and his honest acting and comic timing are surely the jewels in his crown.
By the way, before watching this film, I was worried about how the Japanese army would be drawn in this tale. Its canvas is the Burma campaign during World War II. Even though I knew that Shahid Kapoor would play a BIA soldier, I could not think that Japanese would be drawn a villain.
I was excited to the utmost in the fight scene between Nawab and Hiromichi. Both of them were not villains and desperately trying to live in the wartime. Although each of them masterpieces were Hamlet, both had surpassed themselves. Exactly, Hamlet versus Hamlet. I was so glad because my favorite film is Shahid's Haider and of course I adore Satoru deeply.
The scene where Hiromichi left there, was the most impressive. I have never seen a film which Japanese true colors accurately drawn as much as Rangoon. Kill or shame... he was suffering between honor and friendship. So sad, that was wartime. So I think Director Vishal Bhardwaj is awesome who can draw foreign souls.
Also I found a brilliant actor in this film. Kangana Ranaut... How attractive she is! Her innocent smile, eyes that talk too much, adorable action, dance... I'm sure that there is no same feelings on her face as one regardless of which frame in chosen. She is the best actress I have ever watched, and I guess Rangoon further amplified her charm.
However, there were parts which I did not like. In the same director's work Haider, I found reality in fiction. But in Rangoon, the climax where Julia goes to help her lover has lost reality. Of course I understand that Julia and her ex Rusi are excellent action star, but I wanted to see a scene where Julia and Nawab are joined together in the beautiful river. There are many entertainment films in the world, but I like socially which is the feature of sir Vishal.
Still I love this film. Rangoon, I have a soft spot for there. I learned English to watch this, and as a result, saw the landscape of India I had never seen before, heard beautiful music, knew the history of war. And I made friends of foreigners, my life became rich by talking with them. Thanks a lot of happiness, Team Rangoon, I will never forget your amazing work and two Hamlet's chemistry!
