How far are you willing to go for your dream?

This is actually a review of a movie. The second one back to back. I just wanted to pick out one of the best scenes from another great movie "Gattaca". There is a scene in it that I have watched over and over again. The scene contains the theme and the heart of this really good flick.

How far would you be willing to go to achieve you dreams? How much of yourself are you willing to loose?

Movie is set in a future of designer babies. Every child is an offspring of what is best in each of his parents. Genetically transmitted diseases such as heart problems, diabetes etc are non-existent. Further, the state is able to use the genetic information to decide who would be better sportsman, a scientist or an astronaut. Into this mix is our hero Vincent, who is not genetically designed and is born with a weak heart. His dream is to go to space. But this is impossible. The state would not allow him to enter into the space program with his weak heart. His brother, correct in every genetic sense makes it to be a policeman. Vincent runs away from home to fulfill his dream. He gets help from another would be astronaut, who is confined to his wheel chair as a result of an accident. Together, they pull an impersonation so that Vincent can enter the space program. Story continues, the deadline for the launch approaches. There is a murder at the space center. The brother comes to investigate and catches the murderer. But there is one person, he has not been able to interview throughout his investigation, who has avoided him - Vincent.

The brothers meet. The policeman understands the fraud that Vincent is pulling. The two argue. Vincent tells him that he is no less of a man because of his genetic makeup. Vincent reminds his brother of the day when he had to rescue him during a swimming contest. The dare was to see who can swim out the farthest before turning back. Vincent had always lost, except for that last time. He won and also had to rescue his brother. It was after this incident that Vincent left home.

The two decide on a rematch. Once more they swim way out to the sea. Vincent is not stopping and keeps going further. His brother is exhausted and unable to swim more.

"Vincent, Vincent, where is the shore? We are too far out"

"You want to quit?"

"We are too far out!!"

"You want to quit?"

"No!!"

.....

"Vincent. How are you doing this? How have you done any of this?!"

"You want to know how I am doing it? This is how I did it. I never saved anything for the swim back!!"

Apocalypto

Another Mel Gibson directed movie. And again, he courted controversy with some groups over his portrayal of ancient Mayans. It is pretty good movie. I wont say great. Great movies are those you watch again and again. I wont be watching this anytime soon. Well except for the scenes with Dalia Hernández (pictured above). There is much violence in this movie. If you can stomach it, you got yourself a decent movie about a different time, set in a primitive and alien culture. In a broad sense it is a story about love, courage and resilience. But there is much happening in the background, you tend to miss out on the storyline till movie ends.

I was told that there is a lot of action in this movie. I did not find much in terms of action. I found more of violence. I know it sounds strange. For example I found "Last of the Mohicans" to be more action packed and contain less violence. I guess what I am saying is there is less in terms of synchronized fighting with an accompanying background score, which would had us in the groove. With movies like Transporter series or Wesley Snipes' or Jackie Chan's, you come out of the theatre feeling you can throw a punch. You don't feel the same with all the beheading and pulling out of hearts from live men.

BJP's answer to the terror attacks

They have lot of ideas these guys. They must have. They are the poster child for all domestic and international terror groups. They demolished the Babri Masjid. They maimed and killed in Gujarat. This is what every terror recruiting agent uses to motivate and send out its men.

Before the Mumbai attacks, they went on and on about protecting motorcycle riding and bat wielding "Sadhvi". That lost them the election in 3 states and voter allegiance. In his speech in Parliament, Advani said - "it is our loss not the congress's win". He got that right.

You cannot play save the Hindu terrorist card during elections. That is hitting too close to home for any Hindu. Babri Masjid - Ram Janmbhumi combine, Hindu marginalisation, yeah, it got them the votes in the outset. Public view is - Yes to Ram Temple, yes to our traditions. Oh the demolition? That was not us. That was bad politicians or hoodlums. Not us. "Ali Bhai, don't look at me like that. I have been your neighbour for years. It was not me." Asking the public to support "Sadhvi" led terrorists? No!! That is definitely not us. For a party that has built itself on the basis on Hindu revivalist ideology, they seem to lack understanding of the basic philosophy which has kept Hinduism alive despite its million plus gods!! This philosophy is written into our history, our upbringing and our blood. It is the acceptance that life is about finding our way to god. And that includes all paths.

Nothing can break and destroy this country more than home grown terror like that which is led by BJP's ideology or regionalism like Raj Thackerays or that idiot Bhukari out at Jama Masjid etc. Let the government fight Pakistan to prevent attacks from across the border. We need to tell our terrorists "enough is enough" and make sure they get the picture in words or bricks.