14 days ago
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I have always been fond of war films based on true stories. It combines realistic and intense battle scenes with complex themes like the human condition, camaraderie, and the psychological toll of conflict. Apart from that, these movies serve as a historical window on the past, attempting to visualize historical events and conditions or act as a mirror to reflect the attitude and climate of opinion of the time in which they were made. And 120 Bahadur is another war movie that I have been waiting for a long time. It recounts the true story of the Battle of Rezang La, which took place during the 1962 Sino-Indian War. I was eagerly waiting for the movie to release, and I was lucky to get the opportunity to watch it on the first day, first show.
The Plot
The movie revolves around a significant last stand in modern military history where the Indian soldiers, predominantly from the Ahir community, fought to the end against a large force, causing substantial Chinese casualties. 114 out of the 120 Indian soldiers were dead in the battles. The movie has truly depicted a commendable scene of heroic stand of the soldiers that, despite being outnumbered and facing harsh, sub-zero conditions, they fought with incredible bravery until they ran out of ammunition. At last, only six soldiers survived, and the story is considered one of the most heroic engagements in Indian military history, noted for the soldiers' discipline and unity.
The Performance
It is a war story, so definitely there is nothing much for actors to showcase the different shades of their acting, but I would really praise the acting of Farhaan Akhtar, who has done a heartfelt and emotionally engaging role of Major Shaitan Singh, which really touched my heart and felt like seeing the real Shaitan Singh on the screen. Apart from him, Sparsh Walia as radio operator, Ram Chander Yadav, Raashi Khanna as Major Shaitan Singhs wife, and the supportive cast, including Vivan Bhatena, Ajinkya Deo, and Eijaz Khan, have done a great job in making the movie worth watching. They all have acted in a way that you wont feel it's a movie; you will feel theyre only the real heroes who have created history.
Positive Points
Powerful True Story
The movie is a tribute to the truly unforgettable chapter of military history, which is truly inspiring and worth watching for those unfamiliar with it.
High Emotional Impact
Although the whole movie is great, the second half and climax are truly inspiring, raw, and genuinely emotional. Conveying the sacrifices of the soldiers and invoking a strong sense of patriotism.
Strong Cinematography
I highly appreciate the cinematography, which is a major strength, as it beautifully captures the harsh, icy terrains of Ladakh, which is really remarkable.
Authenticity in Depiction
The movie was filmed in the real location and avoids excessive melodrama, aiming for a grounded and dignified narrative, which makes the movie more impressive.
Negative Points
Uneven Pacing and Screenplay
Although the second half is great, the first half appears slow, repetitive, and disjointed, with scenes that feel stretched out and do not effectively build the characters bond.
Weak Music
Although the movie's story is true and inspiring, the music felt slow to me. The composer should have put extra effort into making them more emotional and patriotic, unlike other classic war films.
Verdict
120 Bhadur is truly a great war movie that is a must-watch, especially for fans of patriotic stories and war dramas like myself. It brings to light the incredible and largely untold story of 120 Indian soldiers of the 13 Kumaon Regiments Charlie Company who fought against approximately 3000 Chinese soldiers during the 1962 battle. The movie has successfully evoked a strong sense of pride and emotion, particularly in the second half and climax, which really touched my heart with gratitude to the soldiers who fought with bravery. Earlier, I was familiar with the story of this war to some extent, but not in depth, which I know completely after watching the movie. I really enjoyed it and surely suggest to every true Indian to watch and see the sacrifice of our brave Indian soldiers.
