12th Fail (2023)
And you thought your life was hard.
Presentation:
Shot on Red Raptor and Zeiss Supremes, the image quality is quite high for this film. It’s very digital looking with painterly highlights that made me want to check mid film whether it was shot on blackmagic. The visuals are deliciously modern with mostly sodium vapor lighting and a yellow green grade. The locations are also quite beautifully chosen, however something about the direction feels very Netflix-like with emphasis on visual flair over framing. But I still like how it looks and it’s all forgiven because of a top notch story. If you have any experience living in Asia, this education system should immediately feel close to home. But even if you haven’t, the plot is still approachable from a western perspective as everyone loves an underdog story, especially a true one.
Conclusion:
A critically acclaimed film from Bollywood, this is definitely one of the best Hindi films I’ve seen. But how does it compare to similarly deep dramas from the west like Slumdog Millionaire? Though it may not offer anything new as it is biographical in nature, I think it is one of the best biographies I’ve watched in memory. It’s hard to say because there’s a stereotype that Bollywood is a tier below Hollywood and i was questioning whether my reception was reflecting such a handicap. After consideration, I think this film is not just a great Hindi film, but stands alone as an incredible drama of modern cinema. It avoids a lot of the melodramatic flamboyance of most Indian films while retaining its roots. The poverty and stakes feel real, and you really do sympathize and connect with his mission. The script is never a bore perfectly balancing drama, entertainment and realism. I never felt one side of the argument was overplayed and when it did have the potential to be cheesy, it was countered by a fair reality check voiced with precise cynicism. You have to root for him, because if he wins, we all win. Bollywood deserves to be taken seriously again.
Recommendations
Every frame a painting.