Cinema
Barbie movie: Their life in plastic looks fantastic
For someone who's 11.5 inches tall and weighs under 8 ounces, poor Barbie's had to carry an awfully heavy load over the years on that slender, plastic back of hers.
Welcomed as a trailblazer in 1959 — An adult doll! With actual breasts! — she was nonetheless branded an anti-feminist a decade later when women's rights marchers chanted "I Am Not a Barbie Doll," referring to her unrealistic body type (and perhaps ignoring the fact that she was single, a homeowner and a career woman).
As years went by, Barbie had her hits (adopting a more inclusive body type, running for president) and misses (exclaiming "Math class is TOUGH!" — ouch). Through it all, this lightning rod in tiny pink heels remained uniquely talented at reinventing herself.
Also read: Why is the Barbie movie banned in Vietnam?
Which is why it makes sense that now, writer-director Greta Gerwig takes Barbie in more than one direction – in every direction, really – in her brash, clever, idea-packed (if ultimately TOO packed) and most of all, eye-poppingly lovely "Barbie," the brand's first live action movie.
Is it a celebratory homage to Barbie and her history? Yes. Also a cutting critique, and biting satire? Yes, too. The film is co-produced by Mattel, and they must have felt skittish about some elements — perhaps not Will Ferrell's reliably buffoonish Mattel CEO, but a far more serious scene where a young girl accuses Barbie of making girls feel bad about themselves. The movie's also about gender dynamics, mothers and daughters, insidious sexism ... and more.
But the neatest trick is how "Barbie," starring a pitch-perfect Margot Robbie — and after a minute you'll never be able to imagine anyone else doing it — can simultaneously and smoothly both mock and admire its source material. Gerwig deftly threads that needle, even if the film sags in its second half under the weight of its many ideas and some less-than-developed character arcs.
Also read: Barbie goes glam rock to honor David Bowie's Ziggy Stardust
In any case, boy — or should we say, girl — life in plastic looks fantastic.
A head-spinning opening credits sequence begins with a Barbie history lesson, narrated by Helen Mirren. Then it's off to Barbie Land, where Barbie lives in her flamingo-pink Dreamhouse, surrounded by other Barbies in theirs.
Other Barbies? Well, we know how many Barbie versions exist on store shelves, and Gerwig and her writing (and life) partner Noah Baumbach take this one step further: If they're all Barbies, that means "Barbie" is all of THEM. There's no one Barbie — although Robbie, who plays Stereotypical Barbie (and also produced the film), is the focal point.
And every day's perfect for Stereotypical Barbie, who wakes in her heart-shaped bed, waves to neighbor Barbies, and heads to the shower, which is dry (there's no actual water, wind, sun or gravity in Barbie Land.) Her day's outfit awaits, perhaps a Chanel number, protected by shiny plastic as in a Barbie box. Then she swoops down her hot pink slide to the pool-with-no-water. The sky above is painted blue, the mountains purple. Gerwig was inspired by old soundstage musicals. Architectural Digest even did a piece on the house.
Equally stunning is "Beach" — a place, and also the name of Ken's career. (Sorry Ken, we should have mentioned you before the 11th paragraph, but we had so much to say about Barbie). The beach is also apparently where Ken lives, because, have you ever heard of Ken's house? In any case, a very blond Ryan Gosling gleefully chews the scenery — or, inhales it — and is never better than when conveying Ken's forced enthusiasm with an edge of desperation plus a sprinkle of menace. Also, when dancing.
Also read: Margot Robbie to play Barbie in live-action film
Speaking of dancing, one night at Barbie's "giant blowout party," she suddenly starts thinking about … death. The next morning she has bad breath, and OMG, her famously arched feet go flat! Also gravity happens, so she falls off her house.
After consulting with Weird Barbie (Kate McKinnon — who else?) Barbie heads to LA to solve a tear in the boundary between Real World and Barbie Land, singing the Indigo Girls' "Closer to Fine," her signature road song. (The film's high-powered soundtrack features Dua Lipa, Nicki Minaj, HAIM, Lizzo, Billie Eilish, and many others.) There, she and Ken encounter a world with a wrinkle: Men have the upper hand. No all-female Supreme Court here! Hmm, thinks Ken.
On the run from Mattel, Barbie encounters Gloria (America Ferrera), mother of tween Sasha, who has mixed feelings about Barbie, not to mention Mom. In her spare time, Gloria sketches ideas for new Barbies — as in Thoughts of Impending Death Barbie (not to be confused with Depression Barbie.) Gloria helps rescue Barbie and also proves of crucial help when they later discover that Ken and the other Kens — Simu Liu, Kingsley Ben-Adir and others — are up to no good.
There's so much more, and we're over our word limit — which may just be the feeling Gerwig had when trying to fit her ideas under two hours. And all her actors: It would've been great to see more Issa Rae as President Barbie, Emerald Fennell as pregnant, discontinued Midge, and Michael Cera as Allan-who-can-wear-Ken's-clothes. In any case, the snappy pace starts to lag.
Not to discount Ferrera's eloquent monologue, in which Gloria educates newly conscious Barbie about the landmines women face trying to navigate social rules that don't seem to apply to men, like how to be a mom and also a professional, the need to be "thin" but call it "healthy," and other things.
And if, Gloria concludes, all this is true for a doll just trying to represent a woman ... what does that mean for the rest of us? Which is, perhaps, the essential Barbie dilemma — she's always been judged by rather impossible standards.
Nevertheless, she persists. All 11.5 inches of her. And now she's Movie Star Barbie.
"Barbie," a Warner Bros. Pictures release, has been rated PG-13 "for suggestive references and brief language." Running time: 114 minutes. Three stars out of four.
Three national award-winning actors coming together in Puja telefilm
Dhaka, Jul 18 (UNB) - As the Puja seasons are coming closer, the entertainment industry is gearing up to showcase multiple television and OTT content - among which, an upcoming telefilm will feature three national award-winning actors sharing the screen together.
The telefilm, titled "Protima Bisarjan," directed and written by Liton Karim, features the talented trio of Shatabdi Wadud, Jayraj, and journalist-actor Ahmed Sabbir Romeo.
Also read: Dhallywood eyes a festive Eid as movies make a comeback
Shatabdi Wadud received a national award in 2011 for his outstanding performance in the film "Guerilla," while Jayraj was honored with a national award in 2022 for his role in "Lal Moroger Jhuti," and Ahmed Sabbir Romeo secured the top position as a child artist in the 1980s for his remarkable acting skills at the national level.
The plot of the drama revolves around the story of the village known as Kumar Para. In this village, almost everyone earns their livelihood by crafting clay products. Naren resides there with his two children, Nitai and Nimai (played by Jayraj and Akam Hassan), who have gained a reputation as skilled artisans in their community.
Also read: 10 Most Hyped Bangladeshi Movies Releasing on Eid-ul-Azha 2023
Although Dayaram Babu, the former landlord of the area, no longer holds his zamindari, he is still respected by the locals. Dayaram Babu, portrayed by Shatabdi Wadud, has a daughter named Chandramukhi (Setu). Nimai, Naren's son, secretly harbors feelings for Chandramukhi but is unable to express them due to his disadvantaged background.
The story takes an intriguing turn when Dayaram Babu decides to organize the Lakshmi Puja at his house for the first time after his wife's passing. It has been several years since the puja was last celebrated in their household. Nimai, known for his exceptional idol-making skills, is entrusted with the responsibility of crafting the idol of Goddess Lakshmi.
Also read: 12 Most Anticipated South Indian Movies Coming in June 2023
However, Nimai unintentionally creates a statue of Chandramukhi instead of the intended deity. This incident triggers chaos within the village, leading to a series of events.
The shooting of the drama has recently concluded in Rajbari Pangsha Kumarpara, according to the makers of the telefilms.
END/UNB/MIH/ssk
"Mission: Impossible" sequel tops North American box office
"Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One" topped the North American box office, bringing in 56.2 million U.S. dollars in its opening weekend and 80 million dollars in five days, data from the measurement firm Comscore showed on Sunday.
Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, the seventh of Paramount and Skydance's spy action film franchise carries a hefty 290-million-dollar price tag.
Why is the Barbie movie banned in Vietnam?
The film presently enjoys positive reception from the audience, according to ratings on Rotten Tomatoes and poll results from CinemaScore, a market research firm.
Overseas, the film took in additional 155 million dollars from nearly 70 international markets for a total of 235 million dollars worldwide, including around 26 million dollars from the Chinese mainland.
Flash actor Ezra Miller 'grateful' after harassment order lifted
‘Female 3’ shatters records with unprecedented viewership
Following the immense success of the previous instalments, "Female" and "Female 2," Director Kajal Arefin Ome has crafted "Female 3" to coincide with the Eid-Ul-Adha festival."Female 3" premiered on the Bongo YouTube channel on the 4th day of Eid. The drama earned 5 million views within 24 hours setting a new record as no other production on the YouTube channel has ever achieved such a viewership in such a short span of time, said a press release.Similar to its predecessors, "Female 3" showcases the exceptional acting skills of popular actors such as Mishu Sabbir, Ziaul Hoque Polash, Marzuk Russel, Chashi Alam, Sharaf Ahmed Jibon, Saidur Rahman Pavel, Musafire Syed Bacchu, Schumonn Patwary, Lamima Lam, Shimul Sharma, Arfan Mridha Shiblu, and many others, the release reads.Kajal Arefin Ome's debut web series, "Hotel Relax," was released on Bongo during Eid-Ul-Fitr and garnered significant popularity, breaking the record for the highest number of subscriptions on the platform. Recently, "Hotel Relax" achieved yet another impressive milestone by accumulating 5 crore paid minute views.
‘Surongo’ to hit theatres in Saudi Arabia
Amidst the success of Bangladeshi films in theatres across the country on the festive occasion of Eid-ul-Azha, makers of Afran Nisho’s debut feature film ‘Surongo’ have said that the film is all set to make its global release across different continents.
However, a particular country being on that list sparked interest among film enthusiasts, as this is reportedly the first time a Bangladeshi film will hit theatres in Saudi Arabia.
On Monday (July 03, 2023), the film’s lead actors Afran Nisho and Tama Mirza, director Raihan Rafi, Chorki CEO Redoan Rony and Alpha-i Managing Director Shahriar Shakil addressed several issues regarding the film, including the global release details, to journalists during a press briefing at Star Cineplex in SKS Tower, Mohakhali, Dhaka.
Why is the Barbie movie banned in Vietnam?
Addressing the media, Shahriar Shakil said, “As part of our global release, ‘Surongo’ will be released in seven countries in the Middle East in phases. This is most probably the first Bangladeshi movie to be released in Saudi Arabia, a country which has a great fanbase of Nisho among the expat Bangladeshi community.”
“We have also finalised Surongo's release in the United States, Canada, and Australia as well. It will be released on July 7 in six cities, including Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney, and Darwin in Australia, and then on July 21 in New York, USA, and Canada. Then will be released in other states across the US from July 28,” Shakil added.
At the press briefing, the makers of ‘Surongo’ informed that the film is slated to be released by India's Shree Venkatesh Films (SVF) under import-export policy.
Dhallywood eyes a festive Eid as movies become the talk of the town again
SVF is one of the film conglomerates in India, and Surongo has already been sent to the Indian censor board for approval. If the film gets approved, it will be released across India on a large scale, makers of the film said.
In the Middle East, ‘Surongo’ is scheduled to be released with Arabic subtitles, they added.
Released on the day of Eid-ul-Azha, ‘Surongo’ has been successfully running at multiplexes and single-screen movie theatres across the country.
10 Most Hyped Bangladeshi Movies Releasing on Eid-ul-Azha 2023
Flash actor Ezra Miller 'grateful' after harassment order lifted
Actor Ezra Miller says they are "grateful" that a temporary harassment order filed by the mother of a 12-year-old has been lifted.
Last year, the “Flash” actor was issued a harassment prevention order after the woman accused him of inappropriate behaviour, reports BBC.
Also read: 10 Netflix Originals Coming in April 2023
Although Miller “made mistakes” at times, these were “false allegations,” according to the actor's lawyer.
It was an “egregious misuse of the protective order system,” Miller said.
According to the Daily Beast, the order was issued after Miller yelled at the child's adult family members and neighbours, as well as other behaviour that made the child uncomfortable, such as paying them undue attention.
Also read: English Originals Coming to Netflix in July 2023
Miller's lawyer said during a court hearing on Friday, the actor was “never alone with the child and never interacted with the child outside of two brief encounters which occurred in the presence of several other adults.”
It was one of several claims and legal troubles that the actor has encountered in the last 18 months. Miller, who uses the pronouns they/them, began treatment for “complex mental health issues” in August of last year, the report also said.
The actor’s lawyer also said, “Ezra does not deny that in the midst of their struggle that they have made mistakes and behaved at times in ways they wish they could take back.
Also read: Top 10 Netflix Originals Shows, Movies Coming in March 2023
“That, however, does not make every allegation, rumour, or false accusation true. There are real world consequences when claims like these are heedlessly amplified, without any regard for the facts or the truth.
“These false allegations, fanned by unscrupulous media, have threatened Ezra's recovery, and done terrible damage to their reputation and career.”
In a statement on Instagram, Miller wrote: “I'm encouraged by today's outcome and very grateful at this moment to everyone who has stood beside me and sought to ensure that this egregious misuse of the protective order system was halted.”
“On a personal note, I want everyone to know that I am continuing to do my best to preserve my own wellness and what I can to reverse the collateral damage this ordeal has brought upon me and those close to me.”
Miller starred in the DC Comics superhero film “The Flash,” which was released recently. Its North American box office take of less than $100 million in three weeks is usually viewed as a failure, the report concluded.
Why is the Barbie movie banned in Vietnam?
Vietnam has banned Warner Bros' “Barbie” film from domestic release.
The ban is due to a sequence containing a map depicting China's unilaterally claimed area in the South China Sea.
Also read: 5 Best Movies of Hollywood Superstar Brad PittOn Chinese maps, the U-shaped "nine-dash line" is used to show China's claims to broad sections of the South China Sea, including swaths of what Vietnam deems their continental shelf, where oil concessions have been granted, reports The Guardian.Barbie is the latest film to be banned in Vietnam for representing China's nine-dash line.
Also read: Greatest Hollywood Detective Movies of All TimesThe Vietnamese government banned DreamWorks' cartoon feature “Abominable” in 2019 and Sony's action blockbuster “Uncharted” last year for the same reason.According to the state-run Tuoi Tre newspaper, “Barbie”, starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, was initially scheduled to release in Vietnam on July 21, the same day as in the United States.
Greatest Hollywood Gangster Movies of All Time
Vietnam and China have long had competing territorial claims in the South China Sea, which might be rich in energy resources.
Dhallywood eyes a festive Eid as movies become the talk of the town again
On festive occasions, such as the two Eids in the country, movies were the only premium medium of mass entertainment in Bangladesh. Sadly the situation suffered a drastic change ever since Dhallyood — mainstream Dhaka film industry— took a turn for the worse, courtesy of periods marked by obscenity and substandard films.
Especially when it comes to Eid, television dramas conquered more media space and grabbed public discourse than Bangladeshi movies — at least that has been the scenario for a while.
Thanks to the latter’s recent resurrection with meaningful stories, melodious songs and increasing fandom among urban crowds, Bangladeshi movies are being discussed on Eid once again, even with lasting aftermaths.
10 Most Hyped Bangladeshi Movies Releasing on Eid-ul-Azha 2023
It can be said that the Dhallywood film industry is returning to a new horizon in terms of business. After suffering the wrath of COVID-19 pandemic for two years, the industry bounced back with films like 'Poran' and 'Din - the Day' on last year's Eid-ul-Azha, followed by the massively successful 'Hawa'.
Until a few years ago, actor Shakib Khan was considered the only strong pillar in the entire industry. Although he still is, a handful of young and talented actors and brilliant filmmakers have changed the face of Dhallywood including Mezbaur Rahman Sumon, Raihan Rafi, Topu Khan and others.
Shortage of talented young filmmakers has been in the industry for a long time. Along with this, audience demand for quality Bangla cinema also increased during the Eid festivals.
10 Most Anticipated Bangla Natoks to be Aired during Eid-ul-Azha 2023
What was needed next was regularity. Audience demand for quality films during this year's Eid-ul-Fitr and now, Eid-ul-Azha, are the results of that continuation.
This Eid-ul-Azha, a total of five movies are having their theatrical release on Eid day — 'Priyotoma', 'Surongo', 'Prohelika', 'Lal Shari' and 'Casino'.
Shakib Khan's movies are always ahead in terms of hall bookings, and this Eid-ul-Azha is no exception. His interesting looks for the film 'Priyotoma' already stunned the anticipating audiences, and director Himel Ashraf told UNB that this movie is releasing in 107 halls.
Produced by Arshad Adnan, the film is a romantic action story written by the late Faruk Hossain. Indian actress Edhika Pal is the lead actress opposite Shakib, and the film also has an ensemble cast including Kazi Hayat, Shahiduzzaman Selim, Elina Shammi, Don, Shahid Nabi and others.
Afran Nisho, widely considered as one of the finest actors of the television and OTT industry in the country, is all set to make his big screen debut this Eid-ul-Azha. Directed by Raihan Rafi, the film 'Surongo' is going to be released on Eid and already got about 30 halls across the country which will be increased later, according to Rafi.
Actress Toma Mirza stars in 'Surongo' opposite Nisho, and this movie will be released in Kolkata after Eid, the makers confirmed at a recent press conference.
Another surprise this Eid is the Mahfuz Ahmed starrer film 'Prohelika'. Mahfuz, one of the superstars of the television industry, who has been off the screen for a long time, is returning with the movie alongside Shobnom Bubly, and the duo teamed up with acclaimed director Chayanika Chowdhury for this movie.
The film is produced by Jamal Hossain with the story, dialogues and screenplay by Pantha Shahriar.
Actress Apu Biswas is debuting as a producer this Eid as her movie 'Lal Shari', which received a government grant, is being released.
Apart from the production, Apu Biswas is also acting as the female lead and the film is directed by Bandhan Biswas. Actor Symon Sadiq has teamed up with Apu for the first time in this film.
After the Eid-ul-Fitr, director Saikat Nasir is back with another release on this Eid as well. Popular actors Nirab Hossain and Shobnom Bubly have teamed up in this movie titled 'Casino' alongside Taskin Rahman,m and others.
"There was a time when we suffered due to the shortage of quality films," said Mesbah Uddin Ahmed, Senior Manager, Media and Marketing at Star Cineplex. "Thankfully, the filmmakers are now bringing up such good stories that we have been getting great responses from our audiences on festive occasions like Eid."
10 Most Hyped Bangladeshi Movies Releasing on Eid-ul-Azha 2023
The most hyped Bangladeshi movies releasing on Eid-ul-Azha 2023 promise captivating entertainment. Moviegoers’ eager eyes have started scanning the news feeds on social media. This excitement extends not only to theatre releases but also to the OTT (over-the-top) web films in Bangladesh. With the passionate audience of Bangladeshi cinema in mind, this is a sneak peek at the most anticipated movies set to release in halls and on OTT platforms this Eid. Let's delve into the world of these highly awaited films and discover what makes them truly exciting.
10 Most Anticipated Bangladeshi Movies Coming on Eid-ul-Azha 2023
Priyotoma
Since the release of the first look on May 10, Shakib Khan's fans have been in a frenzy. Shakib's new avatar, sporting long hair and a man bun, quickly went viral on social media. His enigmatic pose left millions of fans captivated.
Read more: Animated film 'Mujib Bhai' premiers at Star Cineplex
Director Himel Ashraf revealed that this spontaneous moment featuring Shakib is a first in the film 'Priyotoma'. Himel Ashraf himself collaborated with Farooq Hossain in crafting the screenplay and dialogues. The movie is a Versatile Media production owned by Arshad Adnan. Kolkata star Idhika Paul is set to appear as the female lead alongside Shakib Khan.
Shurongo
Afran Nisho, a popular face in the realm of television, has become the talk of the town since the release of the teaser for his debut film. 'Shurongo' is a thrilling tale directed by the renowned Raihan Rafi.
The plot revolves around an audacious heist. The movie stars Toma Mirza opposite Nisho, with Mustafa Monowar and Shahiduzzaman Selim also featuring in pivotal roles. 'Shurongo' will be released on the OTT platform Chorki and in local theaters this Qurbani Eid.
Prohelika
Esteemed drama director Chayanika Chowdhury presents her first full-length film. The song 'Megher Nowka' from 'Prohelika' has already garnered significant popularity. Pantha Shahriar weaves together mystery and romance in his story, dialogues, and screenplay, offering viewers a captivating experience.
Veteran actor Mahfuz Ahmed makes a comeback to cinema after a prolonged hiatus, starring opposite the popular screen star Shabnam Bubli. Produced by Jamal Hossain, the film boasts a talented ensemble cast, including Nasir Uddin Khan, Rashed Mamun Apu, and AK Azad Setu.
Read more: New details of ‘Squid Game’ season 2 revealed
Nikosh
Tasnia Farin, who has made a mark in both drama and films, returns with a thrilling surprise. In a captivating promotional stunt, Farin appeared on Facebook live, pleading with the audience to help find her missing sister. Netizens swiftly realized that it was a teaser for 'Nikosh’. The story follows Sultana, who embarks on a search for her suddenly vanished younger sister, Liza.
The screenplay, story, and dialogues were penned by Mejbah Uddin Sumon, while Rubel Hassan directed this web film in the thriller genre. Mahima Sultana portrays the role of the younger sister, and the movie features a diverse cast, including Mir Nawfel Ashrafi, Joy Raj, Rakib Hossain Ivon, Khalekuzzaman, Israt Jahan Hridika, Sabiha Zaman, and many more in various roles.
MR-9
Jazz Multimedia has long contemplated bringing the renowned spy Masud Rana to the big screen. Their aspirations finally materialised with the adaptation of Kazi Anwar Hossain's 1966 novel ‘Dhongsho Pahar’, titled ‘MR-9: Do or Die’. Directed by Asif Akbar and produced under the banner of Jazz Multimedia and Avel Entertainment, the film stars ABM Suman as Masud Rana.
The movie is expected to be released in both Bangla and English languages and will also hit theatres in Kolkata, India. Following its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival this year, Premiere Entertainment is working on a worldwide release for the film. Tariq Anam Khan, Jessia Islam, Irfan Sajjad, Sayeda Tithee Omni, Anisur Rahman Milan, and Shahidul Alam Sacchu are among the talented actors gracing the screen in various roles.
Read more: Shakib Khan’s ‘Priyotoma’ receives uncut censor certificate
Animated film 'Mujib Bhai' premiers at Star Cineplex
Portraying a heartfelt tribute to the charismatic leadership of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, an exclusive animation film titled 'Mujib Bhai' was premiered on Friday at the Star Cineplex, Shimanto Shambhar in the capital.
Proudly presented by the ICT Division, the animation film is based on Oshomapto Attojiboni (The Unfinished Memoirs), the autobiographical book of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and got premiered when Bangladesh Awami League is celebrating its 74th founding anniversary on Friday.
A joint directorial by Chandan K Barman and Sohel Mohammad Rana, with Adnan Adib Khan as the screenwriter, the film was developed through the Skill Development Project on Mobile Games and Applications of the Department of Information and Communication Technology.
Also Read: IAB celebrates World Music Day
The 45-minute film depicts how the beloved 'Khoka' of his parents became 'Mujib Bhai' (brother Mujib) to the oppressed people of Bengal, his life struggle and his victory over the Pakistani oppressors.
Narrating the story of Bangabandhu from the timeline between 1952 to 1969, the film showcases how the great man became a leader while he was a student of Law department of Dhaka University, how he won a place in the hearts of people, how he became politically successful, and shaped Bangladesh, how he became the undisputed 'Mujib Bhai' of the Bengali commoners.
On Friday, ICT minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak inaugurated the exclusive premier of the film with a number of street children at the Star Cineplex. "The animation film is an attempt to beautifully present this chapter of the life of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to the audience of all ages including the young audience of the country," Palak said before the premier.
Also Read: Shakib Khan’s ‘Priyotoma’ receives uncut censor certificate