Watch Last Film Show
- 2021
- 1 hr 50 min
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7.4 (4,542)
Last Film Show is a touching and poignant drama movie that depicts the end of the celluloid era, highlighting the emotional connection that people have with films. The film is set in the 1980s, in a small village in Gujarat - India. The main character, a 9-year-old boy named Samay, is a movie enthusiast and spends most of his time at the local cinema theatre. He eagerly waits for the new films to release and even collects posters of his favourite movies. His love for films is shared by his father, who works as a projectionist at the same theatre.
However, the arrival of cable television in the village creates a significant impact on the cinema theatre's business, as people start staying at home to watch TV instead of going out to watch films. The theatre's owner decides to convert the theatre hall into a wedding hall, which initiates the end of the celluloid era, leaving Samay dejected and heartbroken.
Samay's father decides to give him one last film experience by screening the legendary film âMughal-e-Azamâ for him and a few of his friends, along with his father's colleagues. The limited audience is shown the film on a reel projector, giving them a genuine cinematic experience.
As the movie progresses, Samay becomes more engrossed in the story, while his father takes every opportunity to teach him about the art of cinema projection. Samay's joy and enthusiasm about the movie are infectious, which inspires the other members of the audience to relive their movie-watching memories.
The movie captures the essence of the times when cinema theatre was a social gathering place and people used to gather to watch films in a community-like environment. It also brilliantly portrays the impact of the changing times on the Indian cinema industry, as many single-screen theatres have shut down in recent years due to the emergence of multiplexes and OTT.
The movie's director, Pan Nalin, effectively captures the joy and magic of cinema, through the mesmerizing visuals of the 35mm film. The scenes of the characters getting lost in the reels of the film, the whirring sounds of the projector, and the beam of light emanating from the projector lens are incredibly nostalgic and give the audience a sense of longing for those bygone times.
The performances of the cast are natural and authentic. Bhavin Rabari, who plays the role of Samay, delivers an exceptional performance, portraying the innocence and enthusiasm of a child who doesn't want to let go of the magic of cinema. Richa Meena, who plays the role of his mother, is a standout performer, depicting the conflict between her duty as a housewife and her son's passion for cinema. Bhavesh Shrimali, who plays the role of Samay's father, is stoic and reserved, but his love for his son and for cinema shines through in his expressions.
The cinematography of the film is excellent, capturing the beauty of the village and the emotions of the characters. The music of the film is soul-stirring and perfectly complements the mood of the scenes.
In conclusion, Last Film Show is a masterpiece of a movie that celebrates the glory and beauty of the celluloid era. It is an ode to the lost art of projection and the nostalgia of a bygone era. It also highlights the importance of preserving cinema as a form of art and culture, in this changing world. A must-watch film for all cinema lovers!
Last Film Show is a 2021 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.