1971 (2007)

Plot so thin, it passes unnoticed.

Masterful Movie

good back-story, and good acting

All that we are seeing on the screen is happening with real people, real action sequences in the background, forcing the eye to watch as if we were there.

I must say, its one of the best movie of 2007 and one of the best movie made on similar theme. I am not sure why such movie do not get the deserved appreciation. It can bring tears to anyone's eyes such is the story and the acting of the cast. Manoj bajpai does not need an introduction if we talk about acting skills, but here rest of the cast too justified their roles.Does not matter which country you belong to, give it a try and you wont regret.

I saw this the 2nd time yesterday night and it impressed me even more than the 1st time. There's not a single fault I could find with this movie and so I had to give it a 10. Usually I never go beyond 8.Its very hard hitting, engrossing with some very crisp screenplay, direction and super acting from everyone involved. Even the end is so different.One of Manoj Bajpai's best work - Hats off to you, sir Very surprised the director hasn't done anything since then - Where has he disappeared? Take a bow, everyone who is involved with this movie - Its a masterpiece.Do yourself a favour and get a DVD of this movie with some popcorn - You will NOT regret it for a minute

The Left Elbow Index considers film in terms of seven variables--acting, plot, production sets, dialogue, character development, continuity, and artistry--on a scale from a high of 10 to a low of 1. The acting seems generally weak, basically on par with the typical adventure film with a lot of screaming and running, augmented by a prolonged chase scene, thereby rating a 4. The Plot is fairly uncomplicated, since an escape movie is an escape movie. There are patriotic issues in the film, yet the disclaimer indicates the this story is not based on a real incident or real people. The plot rates 5, mostly from the inclusion of seemingly unrelated subplots and distractions, like POWs dancing the Bhangra. The production sets are judged relatively strong, and a 6 seems a logical rating. This includes the POW camp, the small towns, and the costumes-or uniforms, in the case. Dialogue is average and functional , resulting in a rating of 5. Some of the dialogue seems strange: "This is not a movie scene" and "You have not seen a movie in a long time" appear somewhat puzzling. The characters are stock and stereotypical, a 3 since there appears to be little development beyond their introduction. Continuity seems challenged, mostly because of the episodic nature of the production, therefore a 4. There seems to be little artistry beyond standard special effects. At times the background music can be annoying, and the repeated strains from from the beginning of the "Col. Bogey March" seem strangely imperial. Artistry therefore rates a 2. The composite ranking for this film according to the Left Elbow Index is a 4. If you like escape movies, you'll like this one. If you like patriotic films, so too. Films do not have to be technically correct to be entertaining. Abbott and Costello movies were continually panned by the critics, yet audiences loved them. In addition, the continuing conflict between Pakistan and India tends to raise support for this film. Abbott and Costello movies have stood the test of time. It will be interesting to see how 1971 does.

Prologue -54 'Prisoners of War' (POW) have been captured by Pakistan and never returned to India or told to the world. No one knows what happened to them. Till now, till date. The Intelligence Bureau reported that still some of them were alive in 1988. Indian Govt never really 'cared' to find out about their existence. It remains a mystery till date, whether some war prisoners are still hoping to live, waiting to die in the remains of a hapless country which betrayed Red Cross, all international norms of War. This story is a fictitious rendering about 6 such Lts and Commanders who tried to escape. This story is their journey of hope in telling the truth to the world.Will they make it to the border? Will the world come to know about the rest of the POW?Rarely do you see a quality cinema surpassed by it's own excellence in every technical department in a debut making. 1971: Prisoners of War will surprise you, touch you deep within and astonish you with it's film making brilliance. India is awakening and new talent is booming. Ironically the pathway is still led by stars who endorse everything from toothpaste to banks, Big banners which have anything but little to offer in path breaking celluloid. Here comes a movie straight from the heart. With utter honesty weaved with a brilliant execution of screenplay, acting, story telling, characterization, background score, in a thematic foreplay that could raise eyebrows to the world cinema critics.There have been war movies before, many repetitive takes on Indo-Pak relationships, many patriotic themes. This movie does what all other movies never could touch. It touches Patriotism at an international level beyond the boundary of a country. You don't necessarily have to be an Indian to watch. It is like Love, without any barriers. Patriotism has no nationality. It touches a human spirit & emotions behind a facade of war-zone. There is no hatred, animosity. You do not see Slangs starting with M* or B*. There is no bloodshed, no violence, no hatred for each other. Instead, what you see is much more sophisticated Art of War. Strategies, Planning, Contrived Army Politics. All wrapped up in a perfect edge of the seat action and story telling like you've seen in good foreign cinema.Manoj Bajpai is first class, perhaps his best performance till date. Watch out for his scenes towards the end. Every other character is beyond brilliance, you may not have heard their names before but it helps to relate to their characters which has been portrayed brilliantly, each one of them. The young Amrit Sagar, son of the legendary filmmaker "Ramananda Sagar" (maker of Ramayana TV series) makes a debut like no other, from his brief stint in the US; doubling with his 16 year old brother to compose the background score for this movie and his Uncles as producers. This is a family effort who passionately made this movie. For once, you will begin to think, a new sound is born. A new AR rahman has risen. There are 4 songs, all perfectly blended in the bg in this movie (one spellbinding theme music during the end titles sung by Shibani Kashyap). Couple of these songs have been sung without any music but just plates and table. That is a complete retake on filming songs!The Editing is crisp, not a single scene are you taken away from the story. Cinematography is not top notch but commendable with scenic routes of Himachal Pradesh, Kulu with it's semi-sepia tone and slow action steady cams. The Writer Piyush Mishra brings his experience from his previous epic writing - Legend of the Bhagat Singh; does a fantastic job with realism in every character. As a comparison to a feeling of realism & passion you could think of "Hotel Rwanda" or Swades. Inspite of it's shades of inspirations from the theme of "Great Escape", this movie begs to grab your respect.It's rather ironic that at a time when India needs a boost for young talent with an international outlook on film-making, the critics and the audience betray them yet again. It's been a month and I haven't seen a single critical review of a movie or discussion, which I personally think is one of the best Indian crafts I've ever watched. What a shame. This needs a lot better attention. This is the kind of movie you would want to proudly represent at the academy awards.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.****** Songs ***** "Sehlenge Hum" - Sung beautifully, in an absolutely spellbound voice by Shibani Kashyap "Prelude to the show - Instrumental" - You may be think it's John Williams or James Horner who composed this piece. Ironically its a 16 yeard old debutante ..."Saajna" - a great sufi ghazal ...