Review of Magnolia (1999) by Rameshwar N — 05 Aug 2011

I don't know if I like this movie or not. The point of picking the most depressing moments in 5 lives coinciding them in a single day and try to relate them in some way doesn't sound too appealing.

The story makes it's point in the first hour itself, from then on it's just pounding you with sadness scene after scene. Normally I wouldn't continue in such scenario, but the confidence of the narration pulled me back strengthened with extraordinary performances from each and every member of the cast.

To see one old man in his death bed is depressing enough, to see two of them in one feature film is a bit too much. It could have done a lot better by adding some light moments without deviating from the mood it created.

Every moment it tries hard to jerk a tear, affect, feel sad and pity for all the characters. For me, this film is a bit too uninspiring though it had great story telling and editing prowess and well thought out stories.

I would suggest watch Requiem for a dream instead.