Tag: Meryl Streep

Ironing.

My daughter in love and son are in the process of simplifying their lives and in the process discovered one of my long forgotten travel accessories.
This was perfect for a fussy character like me who could not afford to pay pressing charges in hotels during overseas tours due to severe restrictions on foreign exchange allowed to us those days. Drip dry shirts and polyester blend suits made it easy for washing and ironing one’s own clothes.

Much before that, during my school days, I had got into the habit of ironing my clothes and that habit has continues till today. I still iron my  clothes and enjoy wearing crisply ironed ones every time I go out. I of course use a proper steam iron and an ironing board like this.

I however do not do too many items at a time as I find it difficult to stand for long. Just the two pieces that I will need for the day.

The discovery of the portable iron led me to reminisce about my travelling days as well as my obsession with ironed clothes AND another very impressive quote from a favourite actress.

I don’t think that I am spoiled. What do you think?

The Post.

I often wonder at how fortunate I am with so many good things happening to me. This is another instance of such good fortune that I was able to see The Post on its last showing in our cinemas today.

I would have normally seen it on Tuesday but was unable to as Ranjan and Manjiree were away on vacation and I was Chutki sitting and playing watchman. They came back yesterday enabling me to go today and I am more than delighted that they came back in time.

I had been wanting to see it from the time I read reviews about it some time ago. Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks were more than enough inducement but there was a bonus in the form of direction by Steven Spielberg.

I was old enough in the sixties and interested enough in the Vietnam war and its repercussions in the USA during the late sixties and the early seventies of the last century. I distinctly remember the Nixon years and the name of Robert McNamara was as well known here in India as it was in the USA. For me therefore seeing something on the screen showing events of those days was a mind blowing experience.

Steven Spielberg, Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks, did not disappoint and for those who have not seen the film and are worried about the freedom of the press as we are in India today, this movie is a must see one.

The Bridges Of Madison County.

Bridges

The more I experience such films, the more I appreciate modern technology that enables me to see old films and catch up with a period of not seeing films at all.  It is really a blessing and those who know me closely also suggest that this new found hobby keeps me out of mischief too!

Here is another instance of one review leading to my seeing another movie recommended by a friend. On reading my review of Mystic River, my friend Jayant had commented on its link in Facebook as follows: “Had loved ‘The Bridges of Madison County”, and I had responded with, “Sending for a DVD. Your recommendation is good enough. If it does not satisfy me, I can always claim a refund from you.” The DVD came and I saw it on Saturday evening, and Jayant, you don’t have to worry about sending me a refund.

It has been a long time since a love story has had such an impact on me. The last one that affected me as deeply as this one was Love Story. That film’s unforgettable opening line of “What can you say about a 25-year-old girl who died?” kept coming back to my mind as this story unfolded.  What can you say about a fantastic performance by Meryl Streep?

The Bridges of Madison County is a flashback story of an Italian war bride coming to Iowa to a dull farming life, losing her dreams of America only to find illicit love in middle age which sees her through to her end. A beautiful story powerfully portrayed by Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood providing a remarkably sensitive support.  Once again the latter impressing me with his directorial and acting skills.

There is no point in rating this film.  This is a film that I will cherish as much as I do Love Story.