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Kabir Khan lives a middle-class lifestyle along with his widowed mom in Delhi, India, and is the Captain of the Indian men’s hockey team. He fails to score at the last tournament resulting in Pakistan winning the World Cup amidst allegations that he was more inclined toward his opponents due to his religion. Kabir and his mom move away and virtually disappear for seven years. Thereafter Kabir surfaces to be a Coach for the women’s hockey team, consisting of 16 players from all over India, some of who do not communicate well. Kabir’s disciplinarian style ends up offending the players, lead by the militant Bindia Naik, who decide not to participate unless he resigns amidst allegations that he is having an affair with soon to-be married Vidya Sharma, who he appoints as the new Captain. Things change after a brawl with eve-teasers at the local McDonald’s, the girls accept Kabir, however, the Chair of the Indian Women Hockey Association, Tripathi, decides to pull out of the World Cup but decides to give them a shot after Kabir challenges the men’s team. The women lose by a goal but their performance compels the Association to revise their decision and dispatch them to Melbourne, Australia. In the very first match against six-time winning team of Australia, the Indian team lose 7-0 to, but manage to struggle back to the semi-finals after defeating Great Britain, Argentina, and Korea. On the eve of the final match Kabir will meet secretly with two rival players, Preety Sabharwal (who is engaged to be married to Cricket Team Captain, Abhimanyu Singh), and Komal Chautala, and during this meeting he will tell them that two of his hockey players will be playing for the Australians. Watch what impact this has on both Preety and Komal.
Duration: 153 min
Released: 2007
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10 (31,085 Votes)
Genre: Drama, Family, Hindi Movies, Sport
Stars: Shah Rukh Khan, Chitrashi Rawat, Tanya Abrol, Vidya Malvade
Directors: Shimit Amin
Writers: Jaideep Sahni
Year: 2007
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Martyrs (2008): A Haunting Exploration of Trauma and Revenge
Introduction
"Martyrs," released in 2008, is a French horror film that has left an indelible mark on the genre with its intense storytelling and unflinching examination of trauma, suffering, and the human quest for meaning amidst extreme cruelty. Directed by Pascal Laugier and starring Morjana Alaoui and Mylène Jampanoï, the film delves deep into the darkest aspects of human experience, blending elements of psychological horror with a grim, philosophical undertone.
Plot Overview
The story centers around Lucie Jurin (Morjana Alaoui), a young woman who escapes captivity after suffering horrific abuse as a child. She and her childhood friend, Anna Assaoui (Mylène Jampanoï), embark on a trail of revenge against those who tortured Lucie.
What begins as a tale of vengeance gradually transforms into a much more complex exploration of pain, belief, and martyrdom. The narrative exposes a clandestine organization conducting inhumane experiments on young women to explore the boundaries between life, death, and the afterlife. The film’s brutal sequences are uncompromising in their intensity, forcing viewers to confront unsettling ethical questions about suffering, survival, and transcendence.
Main Cast and Performances
Both actresses deliver compelling performances that drive the emotional core of the film, making the horrific events feel personal and profoundly disturbing.
Direction and Writing
Pascal Laugier wears multiple hats in this project as both the director and the writer of "Martyrs." His vision is unapologetically brutal yet thought-provoking, pushing the boundaries of traditional horror storytelling. Laugier's writing explores controversial themes such as existentialism and martyrdom, blending French New Extremity influences with a unique narrative structure that challenges the audience's expectations.
The direction is meticulous, with stark cinematography and modular pacing that build an oppressive atmosphere of dread and anticipation. Laugier’s approach does not seek to merely shock but to provoke reflection on human cruelty and resilience.
Genre and Style
While the film is primarily categorized under horror, it encompasses a blend of drama and psychological thriller elements. Its style is unrelenting and raw, characterized by graphic violence and disturbing imagery that has made it a cult classic among fans of extreme horror.
Reception and Legacy
Upon release, "Martyrs" polarized audiences and critics alike. Some praised it for its bold narrative and philosophical depth, while others were disturbed by its graphic content and bleak outlook. Despite this, or perhaps because of it, the film has garnered a devoted following and has become a significant work in French horror cinema.
Its legacy extends beyond entertainment—it’s studied for its themes concerning trauma, the nature of suffering, and the human condition, making it a uniquely challenging film experience.
Conclusion
"Martyrs" (2008) is more than just a horror film; it is a disturbing yet intellectually engaging exploration of human endurance and existential suffering. Thanks to the powerful performances by Morjana Alaoui and Mylène Jampanoï, combined with Pascal Laugier's visionary direction and writing, the film stands out as a thought-provoking and intensely emotional journey. If you are a fan of horror that pushes the limits and invites deep reflection, "Martyrs" is a must-watch.
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