There have been so many movies over the course of the years that tackle slackers, their lack of motivation and the subsequent turn around they make in their lives resulting in them finding themselves, so the subject matter isn't new. What is nice though is Ayan Mukerji's treatment of an old theme and Ranbir's flawless execution of Sid's character.
Sid, an underachiever by any definition, is the standard "live off your parents and party like there's no consequences" type. He's probably like 90% of college students out there today where living in the moment surpasses any plans for tomorrow. But, like anything else, all good things must come to an end, and his moment of reckoning begins when he learns he has failed college. What follows is a completely realistic journey of self-discovery where Sid has to learn how to cultivate relationships, how to look after himself and how to grow from a boy into a man.
A quick note on the performances. Ranbir Kapoor is someone who left me feeling cold after seeing him in Saawariya, and then only marginally raised the bar in Bachna ae Haseeno. However, his role as Sid is so natural and believable that I couldn't help but fall a little bit for his charms. I've only seen Koko in one other movie (Luck By Chance), but I really like her. It's easy to imagine her as the woman she portrays: strong, independent, so sure of herself and what she wants. It's because of this that she also comes across as so femininely human when she begins to question everything she thought she knew about herself. After all, it is a woman's prerogative to change her mind, isn't it? Plus, there's something about her that defies the stereotypical idea of beauty and I find her more interesting to look at than say someone like Aishwarya. I am really looking forward to seeing much more of her work.
On a personal front, while I think back on the film and what it's message is, I can't help relate on a very personal level. At what point do you actually find yourself? I know more often then not I feel lost, especially lately. I’m never sure if the decisions I've made are the right ones, and if the life I’m leading is exactly what I want it to be. And it doesn't get any easier as you get older. In fact, I think it gets harder. Maybe I can take a page from Sid's book, find that one thing I'm passionate about and just go for it. Now I just need to find someone to share a flat with that has connections! In the mean time I think I'll have to settle for some decorating inspiration.
At any rate, Wake Up, Sid is a fantastic movie, chalk full of great moments and a fantastic soundtrack, which is not available on iTunes Canada. *insert image of me shaking my fist in frustrated anger here*. Excuse me now while I visit nehaflix.com...
January 21, 2010 at 4:11 PM
Glad you liked WUS - it is indeed a very good movie and both Ranbir and Konkona have done a great job.
Watch Konkona in "Mr & Mrs Iyer", "Amu", Laga Chunri Mein Daag (although Rani is the main heroine K's role was good), "15 Park Avenue", "Page 3' and Traffic Signal
January 21, 2010 at 6:24 PM
YAY. So glad you liked this one, too! Right now I'm going through a period of 'what do I want to do'... again. I thought I just went through this a few years ago, and then again a year ago, and then again last summer. >< It's really annoying. And I'm starting to get really scared. That's where I didn't identify with Sid. He didn't know what he wanted to do and just... didn't care. Not knowing scares the crap out of me.
I'd only seen Ranbir in Saawariya apart from this, but I really need to see more of him. And I have soooooo much Koko to catch up on! I've seen her in this, Luck By Chance, Aaja Nachle (which was a sweet film, despite the reviews), and Laaga Chunari Mein Daag. ...Actually, the only parts I saw in Laaga Chunari Mein Daag was Koko & Kunal Kapoor's parts. xD I'd liked them so much in Aaja Nachle (both as a pair and separate), that I just fast-forwarded to all of their parts. :P
Isn't the soundtrack awesome? You're the only other person I've come across that doesn't think it's 'meh' or so/so.
January 21, 2010 at 6:58 PM
Filmbuff - Thanks for the recommendations for Kokona. I actually have a few of them, so I guess it's time to put them on.
rhilex - I think maybe people are put off by the contemporary sound of the soundtrack? Just a guess. I love the songs.
Also, whatever you decide to do, really search what you want, otherwise you end up a 35 year old wife and mother, doing a job you can't stand saddled with a huge monkey of "what if's" on your shoulder wondering how you are going to get out of the rut you've dug yourself into. Pursue what you love even if no one supports you. Life's too hard to live with regrets. How's that for deep?
At least there's Bollywood! lol
January 21, 2010 at 7:17 PM
I agree with Rhilex - the bits with Konkona and Kunal Kapoor are good in LCMd. I forgot to add "Aaja Nachle" in the list of Konkona movies - although was good in this movie, i think the director has made her a bit OTT!I liked Akshay Khanna very much in Aaja Nachle and felt sad that he had a small role
January 21, 2010 at 8:00 PM
Oh great review! I loved this film - I just watched it the other day and reviewed it over on my little blog, and I think it's going to be one of my all time favourites. Ranbir's best role to date, I reckon, but Konkona is just fantastic, I'm gonna heed all the recommendations people have been giving you above re: her other movies :)
January 22, 2010 at 7:39 AM
I enjoyed reading this, very personal and neat, my bollywood buddies walked out of this in the cinema claiming it was too boring ever since then i've been in no hurry to watch it, I did like Ranbir in Bachan ae haseeno but found him way too loud in Ajab prem at some point i'll give this a try + i do love Konkona but i totally hated Page 3
On the question on when do you find yourself, i don't think there's ever a point, you keep adjusting and learning and growing all through life till we die i believe
January 22, 2010 at 9:35 AM
Filmbuff - I will have to definitely find Laaga Chunari Mein Daag for sure, esp if it has Kunal in it. Can't wait to look for all the suggestions.
Ness - Namaskar Ness and welcome to my blog. I agree this is Ranbir's best so far (even above Ajab Prem Ki Ghuzab Kahani which I started to watch the same night and had a hard time getting into. I took a quick visit to your blog, btw, and will have to go back and do some visiting soon. Love having another SRK fanatic out there to relate with!
bollywooddeewana - thanks yaar! I think you are probably right about never really being done discovering who you are, but sometimes the thought of "there's got to be more" is so overwhelming it's hard to remember everything to have done and accomplished.
I would really give this one a try. I tried Ajab Prem as well and wasn't loving him in it, but he's really good in this one. As for the boring part, I didn't find it boring at all. It's not full of melodrama nor is it a typical song and dance style movie, but it's got a solid story and good acting.
January 22, 2010 at 3:56 PM
Me too, on loving this film! Its light-hearted, cute, and basically never takes a wrong step. Koko's character was the best part of the film - a strong and independent woman whose independence is actually lauded! But I was a bit disappointed in her acting - especially in the last scene where I thought she was a bit stiff and unconvincing. Ranbir though, was awesome, and he is even better in Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year! (Ajab... was just BAD though I'll give him points for trying.)
January 22, 2010 at 5:19 PM
I thought I heard Rocket Singh was terrible. Might have to try it after all. I totally agree about the last scene with them though. Very stiff. But I can forgive that for the rest of the movie which was great.
January 24, 2010 at 9:39 PM
Koko is outstanding girl indeed. Your view is aboslutely correct about her beauty. Way more interesting than any other woman in industry. You should check her earlier movies : Mr.& Mrs.Iyer for example [for which she won her first National Award]. Amu and Omkara. Or a commercial potboiler - Life In a Metro.
What I liked most about the movie is its treatment. Such a soothing background score and lovely visuals. Just loved the way Koko and Ranbir decorates their house. Lovely.
If you have no option - u can download songs from pirated sites. *sigh* but i had to suggest this. can send u links.
January 24, 2010 at 9:42 PM
oh and you must check out Rocket Singh. Ranbir shines. Its in top 5 of my list for 2009.
January 24, 2010 at 10:10 PM
I have Omkara - am going to have to watch it soon I think. Trying to find the right time for a deep and serious film.
I LOVE the bit where they decorate her place. Makes me want to redo my house and get rid of all the bland and boring brown walls for some color!
I don't like to download music without paying for it, but it's frustrating when I can't find the new stuff. I think I'm going to have to purchase entire albums online to get the music I can't get from iTunes. Though I think you can purchase music from Saavn.com legally. Might have to check them out.
I haven't heard very many good things about Rocket Singh, but I will try in on your recommendation. It seems I can take or leave Ranbir, but I thought the promo for this looked good, and I always seem to like stuff that the masses don't.
January 26, 2010 at 8:44 PM
Konkona and Irfan Khan's stories are the best parts of Life in a Metro.
Konkona was good in Omkara too but it was out and out Saif's movie - he really did a good job. I guess you already know that it is a desi version of Shakespeare's Othello but very well adapted to the hindi heartland's politics . For a change even Kareena did a good jo
January 26, 2010 at 10:09 PM
For a change even Kareena did a good job
lol. That's often how I use to feel about her work. She's growing on me though.
Haven't seen Othello, but I can probably bet that I'd like Omkara more anyway.