This movie is truly what blockbusters are made of, Bahubali: The Beginning, is a visually stunning and gripping first part of a two-part series, which is India's most expensive production to date, released worldwide on 10 July 2015, and recieving positive reviews from critics, this movie is also the highest-grossing opening for an Indian film at the box-office. 'Bahubali' which translates into English as 'strong arms' is an epic historical, action, adventure, directed by S. S. Rajamouli, and tells the tale of a clash for the control of a kingdom. In the opening scene the movie wastes no time in keeping you on the egde of your seat with suspense as it leads to the epic scene of the hand reaching out the rushing river whiles cradling a baby. The singing and dancing that Bollywood is known for is kept to a minimum in this movie, in order to keep it more serious no doubt, because lets be honest, it would'nt be practical to break into a song and dance during a battle, which this movie is essentially about, but they did make the singing and dancing work well in the more sensual scenes without over doing it, which brings me to mentioning that the use of slow motion in this movie was also well thought out, during the sensual scenes to the battle sequenses, which are also magnificent. The second part of the two-part series, Bahubali: The Conclusion will be released in 2016.
Synopsis and trailer
After king 'Amarendra Bahubali', of a kingdom known as Mahishmati is slayed and his queen 'Devasena' is thrown into captivitity, his son is helped to escape a terrible fate. Saved from the brink of death as a baby, the prince was named by his adoptive parents as 'Shivadu' and grows up amongst a tribe on a hill, not knowing of his royal bloodline. On deciding to help his beautiful love interest and rebel fighter 'Avanthika' on a rescue mission, he discovers that he's heir to the throne.
CAST
PRABHAS as SHIVUDU & BAHUBALI RANA DAGGUBATI as BHALLALADEVA ANUSHKA SHETTY as DEVASENA TAMANNAAH BHATIA as AVANTHIKA with RAMYA KRISHNAN as SIVAGAMI
Avanthika, lead female role and love interest
of Bahubali.
Directed by: S. S. Rajamouli Produced by: Prasad Devineni Shobu Yarlagadda
Screenplay by: S. S. Rajamouli Story by: V. Vijayendra Prasad Music by: M. M. Keeravani Cinematography: K. K. Senthil Kumar Edited by: Kotagiri Venkateswara RaoProduction company: Arka Media Work
Njinga, Rainha de Angola (Nzinga, Queen of Angola) is the 2013 movie about the true story of a leader, warrior and queen, who fought against the Portuguese and their expanding slave trade in Central Africa. This movie was very well directed with a good cast, custumes and breathtaking scenes that pulls the viewer into the moment. Directed by the portuguese director Sergio Graciano, and starring Miss Angola 2008 (Lesliana Pereira) in lead role, who by the way does a excellent job in bringing the character to life, in which lead to her role being nominated for a best actress award in 2015. The story of Queen Njinga alone makes this a worthwhile watch as a part of African history, something that the people of African descent can be proud of rather than the American slave movies that we so often see and i personally grew tired of. This movie is a captivating adventure of epic proportion that everybody, not just Africans should watch.
Synopsis and trailer
In 17th century Angola, a woman leads her kingdom in a 40-year struggle for freedom and independence. Her name is Njinga. She will be known as Queen Njinga. Born into a patriarchal society, Njinga defied tradition to become queen at the age of 50 with the aim of ensuring her people were kept safe from the Portuguese slave traders. A true story of unrivalled determination, Njinga stands today as a symbol of resistance, fully embodying the motto: “those who fight, fight to win”.
Lesliana Pereira
The lead role was played by Lesliana Pereira the Angolan beauty queen who represented Angola in Miss Universe 2008. Lesliana is also a model, T.V presenter and fashionista.
Lesliana in character as Queen Njinga
More on the story of Queen Njinga
Queen Njinga (1583-1663) Also known as Ana de Sousa Njinga Mbande was a 17th
century queen of the Ndongo and Matamba Kingdoms of
the Mbundu people in Angola, South West Africa. As ruler of Matamba, She was a military leader who waged war against the Portuguese,European invaders and inspired other African leaders to join in the resistance. Njinga was born to Ngola (ruler) Kiluanji and Kangela in 1583. According to tradition, she was named Njinga because her umbilical cord was wrapped around her neck (the Kimbundu verb kujinga means to twist or turn). It was said to be an indication that the person who had this characteristic would be proud and haughty. According to her recollections later in life, she was greatly favored by her father, who allowed her to witness as he governed his kingdom, and who carried her with him to war. She also had a brother, Ngola Mbandi and two sisters Kifunji and Mukambu. She lived during a period when the Atlantic slave trade and the consolidation of power by the Portuguese in the region were growing rapidly. Njinga first appears in the historical record as the envoy of her brother, the Ngola (the ruler), Ngola Mbande, at a peace conference with the Portuguese governor João Correia de Sousa in Luanda in 1622.
