James and Alice

Heard mixed reviews about the movie ,but was totally taken aback when I actually had a chance to watch it,James and Alice is a beautiful and touching movie on marriage and relationships ,neatly presented well acted special mention should be made about Vedhika ,considering she is not a Malayali her performance was spot on and to be frank the performance and the bag round score are the highlight no doubt Prithivraj just lives the role,great cast and direction,maybe the only drawback was the movie felt a wee bit long,could have been pruned here and there ,but all said and done go for it,my rating 8 on 10,we need to see more movies in malayalm from this director Sujith Vasudevan,who has given us a wonderful message

James is an orphan and an artist without a steady job. Alice belongs to a wealthy family and whose father objected to his daughter getting married to a person without, what society considers as, stability. They decide to get married anyway and the marriage ends up compromising both of them as James have to settle for directing low grade commercials while being not all that happy with his life overall. The film begins in the present with them having a kid aged 6 years and their marriage in crisis. The backstory is told through flashbacks during the first half.

Sujith Vasudev is the latest in following the Malayalam cinema trend of cinematographers becoming directors. Usually they follow a visual way of telling a story and gives less importance to script. James and Alice is not such a case as, even though the visuals are striking, the story is largely told through the spoken language. Film deals with a subject and is presented in a style that is quite hard normally to pull off but it manages to do so quite effectively. There is enough clues in the trailer to suggest that an accident is involved as a pivotal point and it happens just before the interval. This is where Sujith Vasudev, the cinematographer, shows off his skills. The second half of the film takes a turn which is quite familiar for Malayalees now after the success of Renjith's 'Pranchiyettan & the Saint'. It is then a look back at their life and how things could have been.

The best thing about the film is that you don't get a binary portrayal of the chief protagonists like in most Malayalam/Indian films. The first half is done in such a style that audience will find both James and Alice to be quite culpable for the state their marriage is in. Since it is told largely from the perspective of James, we might feel that he is quite hard done by Alice. But this works well in the second half as it is kind of told from the other side even though we still see it through James' eyes albeit with the intervention of a third person. The accident takes place while they are on the verge of a divorce and even during the divorce proceedings it is as if James is willing it to happen even though it is Alice who is taking the initiative.

Overall it is a very good watch which deals with a subject matter that is very less dealt with well by Malayalam films. There is enough complexity to it characters to make them appear three- dimensional. The second half of the film could have very well turned out to be very preachy but there is enough cynicism from James to make it appear as if it is not. At close to 165 minutes, it is quite longer than it should be by about 20 minutes. The first two or three songs in it were helpful in moving the story forward but the ones that follow are quite problematic during the second half as we start to feel the length of the film. The background music is also quite overbearing at times but the theme music used in the trailer is quite good. The performances from all concerned are surprisingly excellent even though Prithviraj is still playing his normal smug mode in the first half. It will be box office success if the family audience takes to it which they should do, ideally.

The movie was expected to be a romantic flick but it was more about the sacrifices and adjustments to be made in married life. There is something about that Nandhu actress that strikes and tells that she is going to have a future ahead. Coming to the movie the college type romance was reduced to a small flashback and emphasis was more on how James fails to maintain his married life together due to work pressures. There are two scenarios one is the school and the other is the death of the father in law. The situations are taken to give a message on how good communication,making sacrifices and giving up egos could make any marriage work. Its the song Mazhaye Mazhaye mashallah. The song's tune is the bgm for most of the scenes and it just gives this beautiful feel. In fact the bgm saved the movie to a great extent. Can't say the movie was bad though because I have to admit walking out of that theatre i felt like I gained something. The movie has no comedy, action, wow intros or anything that makes you jump from your seats. Its about relationship so the movie is not an everybody's cup of tea.

James and Alice is a wonderful and moving film that everyone should see. Situations from everyday life are used to convey a message about how effective communication, making sacrifices, and letting go of egos can help any marriage succeed.

"James and Alice" is a 2016 Indian Malayalam-language drama film that explores the complexities of life and relationships. From a life perspective, the movie delves into various aspects that affect individuals and their connections with others. Here's a review of "James and Alice" from that perspective:

"James and Alice" delves into the intricacies of human relationships, highlighting the challenges and struggles people face in their personal lives. The film focuses on James (played by Prithviraj Sukumaran) and Alice (played by Vedhika), a married couple who find themselves drifting apart due to the pressures and demands of their individual lives.

From a life perspective, the movie sheds light on the importance of communication and understanding in a relationship. James and Alice's inability to effectively communicate their feelings and aspirations leads to misunderstandings and emotional distance. This aspect resonates with real-life situations, reminding viewers of the significance of open dialogue and empathy in maintaining healthy relationships.

The film also explores the concept of personal fulfillment and the pursuit of dreams. Both James and Alice struggle with their own desires and ambitions, which often clash with societal expectations and responsibilities. Their individual journeys reflect the internal conflicts many individuals face when trying to balance personal fulfillment with societal obligations. This exploration encourages viewers to introspect and evaluate their own aspirations and the compromises they may have made in their lives.

Another aspect the movie touches upon is the impact of past experiences on present relationships. James and Alice are haunted by their pasts, which play a significant role in shaping their current state of mind and affecting their marriage. This theme prompts viewers to reflect on the importance of addressing unresolved issues and healing emotional wounds to foster healthier connections.

Furthermore, "James and Alice" portrays the significance of self-discovery and personal growth. The characters go through transformative experiences, learning more about themselves and their desires along the way. This narrative emphasizes the idea that life is a continuous journey of self-exploration and evolution, and it encourages viewers to embrace change and embrace opportunities for personal development.

Overall, "James and Alice" offers a thought-provoking perspective on life and relationships. It explores themes of communication, personal fulfillment, past baggage, and self-discovery, allowing viewers to reflect on their own lives and the dynamics of their relationships. While the movie may have its flaws, its examination of these fundamental aspects of life contributes to its appeal and provides valuable insights into the complexities of human existence.