Kites

[Preston1990]

Kites

Breath-taking dance scenes, drama and danger combine in Rakesh Roshan’s 'Kites', a love story that crosses cultural and language barriers.

In the harsh terrain of the Mexican desert, a mortally wounded man is left for dead in the heat of the desert sun. This is J. Once a street smart, carefree young guy. Now, a wanted man. As death looms, the only thing that keeps him alive is the quest to find the love of his life, Natasha. A woman betrothed to another man, but surely destined for J. A woman who comes into his life like a bolt of lightning and changes it forever.


Starring: Hrithik Roshan, Barbara Mori, Nick Brown, Kabir Bedi, Kangana Ranaut,

Director: Anurag Basu

UK release date: 21st May, 2010

Film Running Time: 122 minutes

Website: http://www.kites-thefilm.com/

Trailer:

[nintendo]

I remember reading that they've made 2 versions of this film, the standard Hindi one, and a 'remix' by Brett Ratner (Rush Hour director), which is in English, shorter and has no songs. Quite a weird idea, but lol, im guessing they can see profits in it

[Preston1990]

I may be wrong, but with the exception of Slumdog Millionaire I don’t think I have ever watched a Bollywood movie before. I’ve never been particularly drawn to the genre, something about all that singing and dancing mixed into a storyline I think.

It was quite a surprise then, that I found myself choosing to see Kites tonight. Admittedly this was mainly because my last remaining Odeon Guest Pass expires tomorrow, and I’d seen pretty much everything else the Odeon had on offer. To be truthfull they did have Space Chimps, Furry Vengeance and Tooth Fairy which I have still yet to see, but these appealed even less.

So reluctantly Kites it was then. Even the Odeon staff member said to me “You do know that’s a Bollywood film don’t you” when I asked for my ticket.

So there I was ensconced in the 246 seater screen 12 at the Metrocentre with another 5 people in total when the film started. No preceding adverts just a short trailer for the A-Team film and a quick “switch your phone off” thing. About another 5 or 6 people arrived about 15 minutes into the film.

I wasn’t really expecting too much from this film but what a pleasant surprise. There was stirring music and songs, a great fast paced action packed storyline and the gorgeous Barbara Mori to look at too. And as if all this wasn’t enough, there were some touching comedy moments and car chases straight out of the Dukes of Hazzard/Smoky and the Bandit. I won’t spoil the ending for you but it was pure Stingray I thought. I was half expecting Daisy Duke, Burt Reynolds and Troy Tempest to make cameo appearances.

I learned a couple of lessons tonight. Firstly, some films still have intermissions – this one had a ten minute one. Secondly, and more importantly, You shouldn’t let your pre-conceived ideas about certain film genres stop you from at least giving them a chance – you may be surprised how much you really like them after all.

8.5 out of 10 from me for this one.

[Ms Thrifty]

I'm really pleased you enjoyed the film and to see your review, Preston 1990, as I've often banged on about loving Bollywood films but have sometimes felt like the proverbial voice crying out in the wilderness, though I know other members have seen some this year. And you've beaten me to it with this one - I was wondering whether to see this or the remix, but from what you say and reviews I've read, the original sounds better.

Bollywood films usually do have an interval because of the length, but sometimes the projectionists just whizz straight on, so when you see the "Intermission" sign on the screen, you can't always rely on it and of course, you don't know when to expect it.

[a_person]

Hmmm I didn't post this as I didn't think anybody would be interested. Its funny you mention it and write a review on it. I'm actually going to watch this tomorrow if I can leave work on time!

I'm not a great fan of Bollywood movies, moreso they are far too long but sometimes there are a fair few that are okay. The music happens way too often for my liking though.

Ahhhh I hate intermissions.

I hope it is as good as you say Preston1990!

[kevinknapman]

I'm not a great fan of Bollywood movies, moreso they are far too long but sometimes there are a fair few that are okay. The music happens way too often for my liking though.

Ahhhh I hate intermissions.

Which version are you going to see? There's the original plus a version called 'Kites Remix' which was recut by Rush Hour director Brett Ratner which is only 90 mins long and has no songs and presumably no intermission.

[a_person]

Which version are you going to see? There's the original plus a version called 'Kites Remix' which was recut by Rush Hour director Brett Ratner which is only 90 mins long and has no songs and presumably no intermission.

The original as the cinema I'm going to doesn't do the remix and the one that does is too far out for me plus I won't get parking (instead will probably have my car towed away). Anyway, I saw a trailer for the remix and it doesn't look so great, it's dubbed and I don't like dubbed films. I'd rather endure the music. I'll treat it as a break and have wash room breaks, go get more sweets etc!

[Preston1990]

Good choice I'd say, a_person. Go for the song and dance version - I thought it worked quite well to be honest.

Shame they didn't do a Bollywood version of Rec2 - a few songs and dances would improve that enormously!!

[a_person]

Lol Bollywood's remake of English films turn out like comedy to me!