Eid Special: Top 5 Remarkable Movies to Watch

It’s that time of the year again! You are done with your fasting. You wake up early for “Eid er namaz”, but you are still hungover… from Ramadan. You might have spent all your budget on shopping, or you are improvising with what you bought last year. You have shown your faces to some relatives in the meantime, with little to no hopes of “salami.” What’s better than ALL of the ways I have mentioned to spend Eid? Watching a movie!

This list is not introvert-specific; in fact, it is not even the opposite. Everyone, not necessarily with others, consumes content in some shape or form, despite their race, religion, sexuality, personality, and taste; why did the latter remind me of food? Iftar is still 7 hours away! No!!!!!!!

Regardless, you are here, hungry or otherwise, for some suggestions. And I am here to make my self-esteem grow. It is, and I would love to misquote FMA: Brotherhood, a matter of “equivalent exchange.” So, here are my 5 movies for you to watch this Eid:

The Gentlemen (2019) – Directed by Guy Ritchie

If you want a fast-paced action comedy with slick dialogue and hilarious moments wrapped all in one, then this film from Guy Ritchie should do it for you. It has a great ensemble cast, including a career-redefining performance from Hugh Grant, who is far away from his rom-com days. Watch out for Colin Farell’s hilarious moments as well. Overall, it’s a fun ride. 

The Raid: Redemption (2011) – Directed by Gareth Evans

What do you mean you only want to see a no-nonsense action flick? Fine, we got you covered. This action-thriller from Gareth Evans is a revolutionary Indonesian film with a straightforward plot and equally complex action sequences. As a viewer, expect yourself to be at the edge of the seat throughout the runtime- for it doesn’t let you stay still that very often. It has set the standards for modern Hollywood action movies like Atomic Blonde and the John Wick franchise. It is nothing short of a masterpiece in the genre. 

The Worst Person in the World (2021) – Directed by Joachim Trier

Now you want to watch something that sits with you long after it’s over? Alright. Joachim Trier’s final film of his Oslo trilogy can fill that void for you, or maybe leave an even bigger one, depending on how you digest the experience. It’s a sharp, funny, raw, somewhat provocative and depressing film; actually, it is hard to subject this film to one specific feeling because it is rich with context. If you want to watch a romantic, coming-of-age film with a modern take and unique storytelling, this should be the one for you.

Dil Chahta Hai (2001) – Directed by Farhan Akhtar

If you want to watch a movie with your friends, this would be my pick for you. It is funny, insightful, serious at the right moments, and isn’t full of itself at any point in time. In fact, it was an innovative film in India when it came out; considered to be one of their bests. It became an instant classic immediately and paved the way for a lot of the modern storytelling tropes there, such as nonlinear narrative, musical score and songs relevant to the storylines.

A new age Indian film telling the old tales of friendship and romance with humour and heart. Why do I sound so formal now? It’s a fun watch! Don’t get scared at the 3-hour runtime. Eid is three days long- if you get your days off.

Pan’s Labyrinth (2006) – Directed by Guillermo Del Tor

The point of movies is to provide a sense of escapism. And Guillermo Del Toro’s dark fantasy provides us with exactly that, along with a sense of realism not seen in the genre. If you want to see a fairy tale, a historical war drama, or a little bit of horror- it’s all wrapped up in this one film; from the comfort of your own room. It does not shy away from showcasing the dark aspects of war, and it isn’t just for shock value either. It is a timeless classic that will hold well for the decades to come.

I hope I have hit the right spots in your movie-viewing taste buds. And with that, I take your leave, as I wish you a fulfilling and comfortable three or so days of Eid.

Eid Mubarak, from my family to yours!

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