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89th Academy Awards: My Analysis and Picks (Part 2)

Continuing from my last post on Oscars 2017, let's look at other best film nominees:

D) Hidden Figures: For a better understanding of this film and history of 'space race' b/w Russia and USA back in 1960s-1980s, I shall strongly recommend you to watch 'The Right Stuff'. It's an epic film of 80s, quintessentially American and exquisitely narrated. Hidden Figures borrows heavily from The Right Stuff's coverage of America's space mission of Project Mercury and make it it's narrative backdrop. And it tells us the story of three Black American women mathematicians who did all the intensive computing and mathematical calculations that propelled John Glenn and his fellow astronauts into Space. Dubbed as the Feel Good film of the year, it's strongly acted by Taraji P. Henson and Octavia Spencer. While Academy notoriously snubbed Taraji for a best actress Oscars, Octavia has won a nomination for the best supporting actress award. You will definitely feel glad and proud of the achievements of this film.

E) Hackshaw Ridge: Hackshaw Ridge is an Epic WW || drama that tells us the story of an American Military Private Desmond Doss, a seventh day Adventist Christian and the first conscientious objector to be awarded Medal of Honor for services rendered beyond the call of duty in the battle of Okinawa. It's helmed behind the camera by Mel Gibson who has made a triumphant return to motion pictures and in doing so, reminded Hollywood of his exceptional filmmaking skills. But you will be guilty of a treason if you ignore the headlining performance of Andrew Garfield here. An absolutely fearless and moving performance that might win him a best actor Oscars. And since Hollywood would never forgive Mel for his anti-Semite remarks and is definitely an institution run by Jews, don't be surprised if Hackshaw Ridge and Mel don't win the awards in Best Film and Best Director's category. For me, it's one of the finest World War 2 films coming from Hollywood after Spielberg's Saving Private Ryan.

F) Manchester by the Sea: I watched this film in the space of three days and when I got to see it's conclusion, I sincerely regretted this utter foolishness. Casey Affleck's just blew me with his towering performance of a man in transition. He is disconsolate after a heart wrenching tragedy and thus has decided to mind his own business and cut his worldly ties. He is surrounded by well-wishers and underneath he is definitely one of the nice fellas but he doesn't ever want to go back to all the usual proceedings. Ably supported by Michelle Griffiths who herself is up for a best supporting actress Oscars, this film is a winner in all categories through and through. See it to believe it and although I have already explicitly shown my support to both Denzel and Garfield for best Actor Oscars, I would still hold the academy in high esteem if it awards it to Casey. After a lifetime of one great performance after another, this guy DESERVES it. Kenneth Lonergan, it's director, is also a very strong contender in his Oscar's category.

G) La La Land: Directed by Damien Chazelle who would be my pick for Best Director Oscars and acted by Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, this film would enter the Oscars as overwhelming favorite of both audiences and critics. It's a musical and an exquisite one and Academy loves these type of uplifting films. I enjoyed it and so would you. In fact, everyone enjoyed it and on basis of the most basic purpose of filmmaking I.e. Entertaining Everyone, this film deserves a Best Film Oscars until and unless Academy decides to crash it's party which I'm almost sure of. Watch out!!!

H) Hell or High Water: It's a western film and an excellent one. It's been a long, long time since I last saw a good western film and it delivers fantastically well. Moreover, it's the Dude, America's most favorite who headlines it. Yes, I'm talking about Jeff Bridges who plays an American Police Officer on the brink of his retirement here and is going to solve his last case which happens to be a series of small time robberies. The robbers are two brothers: Ben Foster and Chris Pine. You can always expect a fine, vintage performance from Jeff Bridges. The guy is a legend but it's Foster and Pine's acting skills that left me confounded. Foster plays a maniac here and is an actor with full of potentials and what to say about Pine? After his performance in Unstoppable with Denzel, this is the first time I witnessed him in such a maturing role. Circumstances of these two brothers' lives would force you to question the rights and wrongs of life and for that reason alone, Hell or High Water needs to be seen. A memorable experience.

I) Lion: Lion is headlined by Nicole Kidman and Dev Patel and based in India. It's based on a memoir of an Adopted Indian guy. Many critics in USA are hopeful of its chances based on their experiences with Slumdog Millionaire for it too tells the story of a poverty-stricken Indian but what I have been told (I haven't seen this one), the film is a very faithful screen adaptation of its source material and Academy is not a fool to give a best picture nomination to any rags to riches story filmed in English speaking world. Moreover, both Nicole and Dev have given one of their best performances in this film and who knows, it might be the sensation of this year Oscars.

So here I conclude my arguments and analysis of all the best picture nominees of Oscars 2017. I am very much sure all the popular awards are gonna come out of these films alone. I am still taken aback by Academy's decision to not include Martin Scorsese's Silence in the race of best picture Oscars. It's certainly one of Scorsese's most personal films and definitely an Epic lesson in filmmaking. Both the film and it's master deserved a nomination.

I shall be glad if you share your thoughts with me on these two write-ups. Thanks!!!

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