"All the lives we don't experience are just fictions for us."
This theme invites contemplation on the diverse human experiences that exist beyond our own, highlighting the fictional nature of lives we haven't lived.
This film puts life into perspective. It may not be high-brow art but the true story is very disturbing to our psyche.
Several GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council, a political and economic alliance of six countries in the Middle East) countries, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain, banned the movie. The UAE (United Arab Emirates) was the only GCC country that did not ban the film.
The film is based on a Malayalam novel of the same name by author Benyamin. The novel is a fictionalized account inspired by the true story of an Indian Malayali migrant worker, Najeeb, who faced extreme hardships in Saudi Arabia in the Gulf.
It is a tale of survival: depicts the harrowing ordeal of Najeeb, who is forced into slavery and spends years herding goats in the harsh desert conditions of Saudi Arabia.
Actor Prithviraj Sukumaran underwent a dramatic physical transformation to portray the emaciated and battered Najeeb.
The movie is visually stunning, capturing the vastness and harshness of the desert landscape.
Prithviraj Sukumaran delivers a powerful and moving performance as Najeeb, showcasing his dedication and acting prowess.
The film explores themes of human endurance, resilience, and the will to survive against all odds.
It had a controversial release as the film faced controversy and was banned in the said GCC countries due to its sensitive subject matter and portrayal of the harsh realities of migrant workers.
Yet, still, "Aadujeevitham: The Goat Life" is a powerful and thought-provoking film that highlights the plight of migrant workers and the human spirit's ability to endure suffering.
It has a bittersweet ending which left me emotionally shaken for days after I watched it.
The movie won several awards at the 54th Kerala State Film Awards. The major awards it won are Best Actor (Prithviraj Sukumaran); Best Director (Blessy); Best Film with Popular Appeal and Aesthetic Value; Best Screenplay; Best Cinematography; Best Makeup Artist; Best Screenplay (Adaptation); Best Sound Mixing; and Special Jury Mention.
Thank u for this review. I am definitely watching this
ReplyDeleteYou are most welcome :)
DeleteSounds like worth watching the movie
ReplyDeleteIf you watch it as low-brow art, you may enjoy it (I think). The film-making techniques are good but the factor that made me appreciate this movie more is because it's a disturbing true story.
DeleteThanks. Looks like a must watch
ReplyDeleteI now depend on the story however poorly executed the techniques are because there are things we can enjoy even if we don't know film theory and movie-making techniques. For example, music, photography, etc., are both professional and subjective. So, for instance, if you like the desert scenes from "The English Patient", you might like the desert scenes in "Aadujeevitham: The Goat Life" too even if you don't know what is professional photography according to its rules and theories.
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