With 2011 Oscar nominees just released for the 83rd Academy Awards, films are definitely the talk of the day. Have you seen The King’s Speech, The Black Swan, The Social Network or Incendies as of yet? As for me, my answer is firm – definitely not.
Given the choice I will more often choose music over movies in a heartbeat. In 2010 I went to more concerts than films (see my favourite 2010 concert moments). It’s not that I don’t love a good movie, but as far as I can remember my relationship with films in general is somewhat mixed. This dates back to my childhood watching ET and even the film Ghandi.
In my high school years when given an invitation to go out to the movies, I would sheepishly try to get myself out of going unless the film was absolutely, most definitely emotionless. Any given film can barely reach it’s midpoint and my eyes turn into faucets, my heart races and I become one with the character, feeling all the emotions they’re feeling.
Maybe you’ve heard about the Crying Wife? Is she for real?!
Okay, I’m not that intense, but on my occasional visits to the movie theatre, I would foolishly risk showing my colours whether it was to my date, friends or family. Mascara-less or not, with all those tears I always got found out, even after a trip to the ladies room with a splash of cold water on my face!
So when it comes to films, I much rather love them (especially the ‘corny’ ones) in the comfort of home! And also with a spicy movie night snack.
We started making this Indian spiced popcorn when we ran into our organic CSA farmer Edward Dirse of Nature’s Way Organics promoting his organic passion popcorn a couple of years back. Dug out the retro ’80s popcorn maker and started experimenting with Arvinda’s masalas on popcorn. Arvinda’s Tikka Masala was by far the best, as it has an intense chilli flavour that stands up to the fluffy texture of the popcorn.
Try this Indian Spiced Popcorn for your next movie night at home – just don’t cry your tears in the bowl!
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Indian Spiced Popcorn
Ingredients:
2 tbsp. ghee
2 tsp. Arvinda’s Tikka Masala
½ cup popcorn
sea salt, to garnish
Method: In a large pot, melt ghee on medium heat. Add Arvinda’s Tikka Masala and mix together. Add popcorn kernels and cover with lid. Turn heat to medium-high. Allow popcorn kernels to pop for a few minutes or until most have popped. Serve in a large bowl garnished with sea salt. Enjoy the film!
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Below are a couple of my A-list ‘tearjerker’ films that never fail to leave me full of emotion—my personal barometer for a ‘good’ film in my books. Here’s what I’m watching this cold winter.
Something historical – THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS (1993)
{Semi-spoiler, in case you’re planning on watching!} This film takes us back to a raw and rugged 1757 in North America when the British and French were battling for colonies on new frontier, with the French making allies with the Indians against the British. This Hollywood epic drama is an enduring depiction (not exactly historically concise) of the early days of our North American history contrasting the ‘ways’ of the settlers versus the natives. Wrapped in an emotional story of love between a Hawkeye (Daniel Day-Lewis) and Cora Munroe (Madeleine Stowe) they journey in a sense of adventure on a new frontier that ends in devastation and tragedy. Breathtaking cinematography, gripping intense soundtrack and exceptional cast performance leaves the viewer completely absorbed in the film.
Something magical – THE BLUE UMBRELLA (2005)
Situated in a village in the mountainous, picturesque northern India’s Himachal Pradesh, The Blue Umbrella is a story of a young 11-year old girl, Biniya who entertains and guides tourists in her village. With the arrival of a Japanese tour group, Biniya acquires a beautiful and magical blue umbrella which becomes her pride and joy, soaring her popularity among both locals and tourists as they believe it has great power. One fellow Nandikishore who runs the local tea stall, devilishly becomes infactuated with Biniya’s umbrella. One day the blue umbrella goes missing, meanwhile Nandikishore appears with a new red and white umbrella. In an un-Bollywood fashion highlighting bright hues of the colour blue, Director Vishal Bhardwaj displays this majestic rugged mountainous region of India in a film that shows how life’s vices, namely greed and envy can change and affect a whole community.
Something personal – THE NAMESAKE (2006)
Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Jhumpa Lahiri’s book The Namesake, this film directed by acclaimed Mira Nair (Monsoon Wedding) deeply explores the immigrant experience, sketching an exact picture of the challenges one faces when transplanting to a new country. Newlyweds through an arranged marriage in Calcutta, India, Ashima (Tabu) and Ashok (Ifran Khan) immigrate to America in the glimmer of a better life in the dead of harsh New York City winter. Away from family and friends, this is a tale of an immigrant family The Gangulis, as they adjust to the changes of their newly founded American life but cling to their deeply embedded ties to India. Their children, namely the eldest son Gogol (Kal Penn), find themselves confused between two opposing cultures. Through his own struggles and hardships, Gogol discovers the importance and appreciation of both his family roots and his namesake.
As for the Oscar nominated films I think I’ll postponed my viewings until they come out on DVD!
What films are you watching this winter?
A teaspoon of: The Reindeer Section. Listening to: Cold Water.
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[…] of my ‘movies VS music’ attitude, I can sometimes be a little unfair with films (I’m referring to blockbuster […]
This looks so much more delicious than those popcorn shaker toppings Kernels sells. I love that you used ghee, too.
The Social Network was a surprisingly wonderful film – largely thanks to the Aaron Sorkin screenplay!
Thanks Maria! Good to know The Social Network was good, I’ll have to watch that one!