Not just a journey….

I remember how I used to wait to journey by train when I was a small child! We do become jaded in our ideas as we grow older, but in truth, there is no other mode of transport that gives so much satisfaction and joy as a train! Trains have existed since time immemorial and are the best ways to take an individual from one destination to another.

Watching the world outside as it moves backward in a trice. The beautiful landscapes to be replaced by newer ones. Ever seen the early morning sun rise while sitting in a train?? It is one of the most beautiful sights.The far away foggy hills acting like a veil to conceal the crimson glow. Birds flying across the amber sky leaving trails of songs and happiness behind. The misty ground vanishing below the wheels of the train. Dewdrops settled over the flowers sparkling as the first beam of sunlight hits them. Lined trees, the sunlight playing hide and seek between the leaves, vast expanse of lush green fields, backwaters. Watching the clear smoke from the engine line up the sky (electric trains are boring) .The smoky patterns which slowly merge with the clouds. Those long river bridges to gaze at our reflection in the clear blue water below. Cuddled away in one of the seats sipping on a cup of hot tea taking the sights in…Sigh!!!

Next, the co-passengers. Well that depends on whether lady luck is smiling at you or not. If she is, you will find yourselves amidst friendly people with whom you can have fun with the entire journey. If not, then well, less to talk about what is in store. Whatever be it you get to meet new kinds of people and you get a chance to widen your social circle. When you reach your destination you are thrilled and eagerly waiting to get started again. A train journey can be called an adventure in itself given to the amount of thrills and excitement it holds.

Our life is also like a train journey which has a start and a destination. At the start, when we do not know what is in store for us, we are filled with anticipation, excitement and enthusiasm. One has to plan out his/her life just like any other journey. One is accosted by so many varied situations and people and from that one can learn quite a lot of. After crossing several obstacles and experiencing joy and grief, when one reaches the destination, the happiness felt is unparalleled.

Angels and Demons – Science or Religion?

That mystic diagram is an ambigram - a calligraphic design that manages to squeeze two different readings into the selfsame set of curves (from Wiki). This forms the baseline for the movie Angels and Demons.

The most awaited sequel(prequel?) to Da Vinci Code hit the theatres a few days ago. In this Ron Howard’s production, Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks), a professor, is in a race against time to discover the true identity of a long lost brotherhood The Illuminati. What he discovers is a deadly vendetta against the Catholic Church which threatens to destroy the credibility of Christianity.

The story begins with a research facility at CERN where a team produces the world’s first anti-matter in substantial quantities. One of the canisters is stolen after killing the head of the team. His daughter Vittoria Vetra (Aylet Zurer) flies to Vatican City where the canister is stashed in a secret place. Langdon is sought by the Vatican after it receives a threat from the brotherhood called Illuminati. In the midst of this, Conclave is going on to choose the next Pope and the Preferiti(Chosen Ones to be the next Pope) disappear. Langdon teams up with Vetra on a wild goose chase. With him are the Swiss guards and the Camerlengo Patrick McKenna (Ewan McGregor), a kindly papal assistant eager to stamp out the Illuminati threat, in his quest to find the illuminati lair and recover the canister.The film also focusses upon the eternal debate between science and religion. As it turns out in every other story there is a man on the inside and the final ‘twist’ in the plot reveals who that is!

If you go to the theatre expecting the movie to be a replica of the book you will find yourself disappointed. Though pruning the story here and there is a pre-requisite for making such a snappy thriller it does not mean the whole plot has to be changed. Many characters are missing and those that are present are not given much elaboration to save time for Langdon’s quest. Such drastic changes do not do well for the movie. The Hassasin who plays one of the pivotal roles in the novel is sadly portrayed here just as a killer and kidnapper. There is absolutely no depth in his character. That was a terrible disappointment in the movie. (He does not even look scary!!!!)

Of course, there are pluses to the movie as well. As the crew was denied permission to shoot in the Vatican, they had to reconstruct the whole of the city. Marvellous work indeed! Hats off to the set designers for having done a splendid job especially in the re- creation of St.Peters square! Though the movie is long it must be accepted that it is fast moving, snappy thriller. Though it doesn’t bring you to the edge of your seats, the air of suspense and thrill has been maintained very well by the director. Tom hanks stands out in his role. With witty dialogues at his hand he easily carries off the role of the atheist professor. Aylet Zurer though not given much room has done a neat job. Also special kudos to the music crew for having chosen the music with great care!

To sum it up, if you can remain oblivious to the fact that this movie is based on a novel, the movie makes a good watch. Else its just worth watching once for the heck of it. I would rate the movie 3 on 5.