There are many movies which tries to explore psyche of patients suffering from uncommon disease. Some movies are successful in touches your heart(like TZP), some does just okay(Paa) and some fails(MNIK).
I watched couple of interviews of Hrithik when this movie came out and was impressed with his positive attitude, philosophy etc.(He just had baggage of Kites then). He gave all credits to this movie for his changed attitude.
I consider Black as one of the best movies I’ve seen in my life(I don’t care if it’s inspired from Miracle worker, I haven’t seen it anyway). Ayesha Kapoor and Amitabh(my favorite Amitabh movie along with Agneepath and Sharabi) were too good in that movie. Agreed, Sawariya was a dud but there is no doubt SLB is one of the most talented filmmakers of today’s generation. So, I decided that someday I’ll watch this movie and I thank myself for that decision.
Disclaimer: This movie is not a regular masala hindi film. It has no entertainment value. So, if you’re among those who watches movie to get relaxed, to get entertained; please don’t read further.
Story: Ethan, the magician is suffering with paralysis. He can’t sense anything below his neck. He is in such state for 14 years now. All these years, he lived with dignity, has his own radio show and has emerged as a fighter and good role model. However, He wants to end his life with dignity and file a petition for Euthanasia aka Mercy Killing which is not allowed by Indian constitution. And his battle to claim his right on his death begins.
Minuses:
SLB is a great technician but unfortunately, he is not a great storyteller. Every frame in the movie is like a giant painting but screenplay is not fluid. This subject had great potential to reach the highest level in emotional drama but faulty script failed to tap it.
Magic tricks are not adding much to the movie. Due to film’s subject, I did compare it with Nolan’s "The Prestige" and this movie failed to add drama with the help of magic tricks.
After the court-room sequence, movies started downward journey instead of climbing higher. Movie picks up again but overall impact is not that much.
Btw this movie should not be called Hindi movie, it’s a Hinglish movie.
Pluses:
I remember watching Denzel Washington in "the Bone Collector" portraying the similar role. I was surprised with that role. Hrithik is even better. First "fly on the nose" scene sets his character. They say him Greek God, I would say he is Christ of the cinema.
Aishwarya does a nice job too. As Ethan’s nurse and his support system, she looks perfect. I think camera just loves this pair.
All the supporting cast does a commendable job. Suhel Seth, Nafisa Ali, Rajit Kapoor were good. But Shernaz Patel and Aditya Roy Kapoor stand out and shine. I hope Shernaz gets more roles, very talented actress.
Direction was another plus point. Every frame with minute details, color combinations, background, lighting etc add to overall experience. Music and Background score match the mood perfectly. I wish SLB the technician had better script from SLB the writer.
Movie shows Goan culture quite nicely.
My View
While watching this movie, I was thinking how Ethan would have survived without that sense of humor. Sense of humor is necessary to live life easily. Ethan’s wacky sense of humor teaches how we can laugh off our problems with little humor. If you feel, life is tragedy; if you think, life is comedy.
This movie also reminds us how lucky we are. Show gratitude to almighty, near and dear ones. Express your feelings to make them realize what they mean to you. Don’t loose them, ultimately they would be the ones who complete you .
As I said earlier, this movie has zero Entertainment quotient. But, it has very high Emotional quotient. When Ethan’s mother speaks in court or when Ethan is expressing his gratitude; these two sequences are worth of entire movie. But you have to keep lot of patience to reach those summits.
This movie can easily converted into Broadway. Even while watching the movie, I felt Broadway format would be more effective to represent this story.
Don’t compare this movie with Prestige. Nolan’s movies are way faster, much more complicated and multi-layered. You can easily view them multiple times but can’t say the same for SLB movies.
Life is very short but is long enough if we live with all our heart. May you live your life fully and wisely.
God Bless.
Quotes:
Break the rules. Forgive quickly. Kiss slowly. Love deeply. Laugh uncontrollably. And never regret anything that made you smile.