Once Again - Netflix Movie Recommendation

Often these smaller budget films are lost, and never reach audiences in small town USA where I live.  However I am so grateful it was recommended by a fb friend, so I saw it on Netflix instant streaming.

My last movie review post on my blog, was back in 2012, which shows you how inspired I was, after watching this movie.  I was surprised to see a mediocre 2.5/5 or 6.4/10 ratings for the film on popular Movie Review sites.  Here is my attempt to promote it, in the hope that more such movies will be made, and more importantly, be available to worldwide audiences easily. 

The setting and Mumbai scenes make you fall in love with this incredible city all over again!  The juxtaposition of a south Indian menu/chef, in an Iranian cafe style restaurant w/marble top round tables, shopping at the fish market with some local Marathi thrown in...was incredible. 

I totally loved the sounds of the restaurant kitchen chopping, frying, tadka and the Bombay traffic and street background noises which were all silenced for the simple dialogues.  Scenes where Tara marinates fish and cooks in a clay oven, or rubs some herbs in her hand and offers them to Amar so he can smell, or notes about the food and the occasion behind it ...were all highly appreciated.

The actors in "Once Again" have incredible chemistry, they don't really need dialogues to communicate.  Their facial expressions and silences are enough.  I absolutely loved Shefali Shah's colorful cotton sarees, and identified with her completely, in trying to juggle and balance her work, grown children, society expectations and her personal passions.  Amar's character was surprisingly humble and down to earth, not a typical film star profile.  The actor Neeraj Kabi gave it an additional dimension of sensitivity and I for one, will be following and watching his movies in future.

Speaking of grown children, both protagonists had children whose stories were woven into the movie. However, apart from the glimpse at contemporary India with children who have open thoughts, much more relaxed relationships with parents, some millennial generation selfishness and contemporary fashion choices - I believe they were just background.

I hope I have created enough intrigue, but not set really high expectations for the movie.  Watch it and Enjoy!  Let me know what you thought about it - post in comments below.

Bela Vora, REALTOR®,
Coldwell Banker Preferred - Exton Real Estate.
Office: 610 363 6006; Cell: (484) 947 3127
Website  |  Facebook  |  Blog

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel - Netflix Recommendation

A very simple travel log of events in the life of several aging couples, forced by circumstances to migrate to India. The terrific setting, staging, editing and cinematography combined with top shelf acting brings this otherwise plain story to vivid life. 

The hotel in Jaipur was a visual treat, with its arched doorways and traditional motifs painted on walls, beautiful architecture with terraces... yet run down, badly in need of a fresh coat of paint and  basically falling apart.  The wonderful cast of British characters were simply awesome.  Ofcourse I am biased - but the shots of India, the chaotic street life, the buses, the markets, are wonderfully done and quite authentic.  Thoroughly enjoyed the music and the British humor as well.  I loved how the story unfolds little by little. and draws the viewers into the lives of these characters helping us understand their complexities and personalities.

I scrolled through some of the Netflix reviews and saw quite a range of stars for this movie,  A lot of viewers loved it - but then quite a few poor ratings as well.  I give this movie 4.5 stars out of 5.  Let me know how you like it....

Some other Netflix Recommendations - I am a movie buff - feel free to recommend some of your own favorite movies in the comment section below.

Bela Vora, REALTOR®, 
Coldwell Banker Preferred - Exton Real Estate.
Office: 610 363 6006; Cell: (484) 947 3127
Website  |  Facebook  |  Blog  

The Wedding Banquet

As a reviewer put it - this is one of the best cross-cultural, generational, and timeless stories of all time.   Several angles to the story - acceptance of a gay relationship, generational differences, Asian culture and upholding traditions, friendships ....Ang Lee brings a lot of sensitivity to film.  It is interesting how the characters are real and respected for their respective beliefs.  Key is to not get judgemental - recognize and accept each character's compulsion to behave the way they do. 


Definitely put it on your list.

Other Netflix recommendations.

Saving Grace - Netflix recommendation

A delightfully refreshing, feel good movie!  Understated British humor, charming accents, shots of stunning countryside locations and great bunch of characters.  Old fashioned connections in a little town, simple good-hearted people trying to do the right thing.  The end is a little weak compared to the rest of the movie, but overall a movie that entertains and leaves you smiling.

A totally feel good movie - highly recommend of you enjoy British humor...  Let me know if you enjoy it.

Netflix recommendation - Bride Flight

I watched this movie after a hectic work day - wanted to leave real estate behind and enjoy a chick flick.  Well, it was a lot more than your regular chick flick.  An emotional movie with stupendous New Zealand landscapes and no dull moments - some reviews have almost referred to the movie as epic.  


BRIDE FLIGHT takes place in New Zealand in the 1950s and chronicles the lives of three Dutch women who meet on a plane to Auckland, where they all have a fiancé or husband waiting.  I do not want to reveal anymore because you must watch the story unfold - so do not read any of the "spoiler alert" reviews.


I cried at the twists and turns in the life of the women, sighed at the lush NZ landscapes and got an educational glimpse of immigrant life in the 50s.  Let me know if you enjoyed it as much as I did.


Bela Vora, REALTOR®, 
Coldwell Banker Preferred - Exton
Office: 610 363 6006; Cell: (484) 947 3127
Website  |  Facebook  |  Blog  

Shades of Ray

A truly delightful romantic comedy.  I loved the quirky characters and thoroughly identified with the cross cultural references.  It is often available on Netflix instant streaming - a good movie to watch when you are looking for a feel good movie.  I have not seen the main character, Zachary Levi, in any other movie or in his famous TV series Chuck - but would love to see more!  I thought his character and the female lead, Sarah Shahi, had good chemistry and had very endearing roles.  Comic relief, provided by dad and roommate friend, was well woven into the simple storyline.


I highly recommend it - see it without too many expectations and you will enjoy it thoroughly.

See more Netflix recommendations.

Seducing Dr. Lewis

A delightful and charming film about a small village in Quebec.   Has very subtle humor  - more screenplay than dialogue....endearing characters that you end up rooting for!  Very interesting to see cricket in a Canadian film.  Reminded me of "Waking Ned Devine" and just saw some reviews on Netflix - apparently some other folks think so as well.  Of course this isn't seduction in the obvious sense.  It was a total feel-good movie, a pleasure to pick a random movie on instant streaming, having no expectations and loving it to the very end. 

Have you seen this movie?  Please recommend others movies like this in the comments section below.

For more of Bela's Netflix recommendations click here.

Change of Plans

A delightful and engaging french movie!   I loved the development of the characters - the back and forth in the story timeline and a peek into the lives of the upper bourgeois class in France.  Thoroughly enjoyed the Flamenco music & dance and the subtle witty repartee throughout.  Nothing profound, some scenes I feel were not appropriate for children, but the movie entertains from beginning to end.  Just when I was thinking there was nothing interesting on Netflix instant streaming - this movie has erased all doubts about continuing my subscription - atleast for now.

Let me know how you like the movie...

More of my Netflix recommendations.