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Pretty Good

Perfect cast and a good story

Although I seem to have had higher expectations than I thought, the movie is super entertaining.

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

The Left Elbow Index considers film in terms of seven variables--acting, plot, production sets, dialogue, character development, continuity, and artistry--on a scale from a high of 10 to a low of 1. The acting seems generally weak, basically on par with the typical adventure film with a lot of screaming and running, augmented by a prolonged chase scene, thereby rating a 4. The Plot is fairly uncomplicated, since an escape movie is an escape movie. There are patriotic issues in the film, yet the disclaimer indicates the this story is not based on a real incident or real people. The plot rates 5, mostly from the inclusion of seemingly unrelated subplots and distractions, like POWs dancing the Bhangra. The production sets are judged relatively strong, and a 6 seems a logical rating. This includes the POW camp, the small towns, and the costumes-or uniforms, in the case. Dialogue is average and functional , resulting in a rating of 5. Some of the dialogue seems strange: "This is not a movie scene" and "You have not seen a movie in a long time" appear somewhat puzzling. The characters are stock and stereotypical, a 3 since there appears to be little development beyond their introduction. Continuity seems challenged, mostly because of the episodic nature of the production, therefore a 4. There seems to be little artistry beyond standard special effects. At times the background music can be annoying, and the repeated strains from from the beginning of the "Col. Bogey March" seem strangely imperial. Artistry therefore rates a 2. The composite ranking for this film according to the Left Elbow Index is a 4. If you like escape movies, you'll like this one. If you like patriotic films, so too. Films do not have to be technically correct to be entertaining. Abbott and Costello movies were continually panned by the critics, yet audiences loved them. In addition, the continuing conflict between Pakistan and India tends to raise support for this film. Abbott and Costello movies have stood the test of time. It will be interesting to see how 1971 does.

Amrit Sagar has crafted 1971 straight from the heart. It is the story of about 50 POWs captured by Pakistan and never released despite a prisoner exchange after the 1971 war. The tale is told from the perspective of the POWs and is a story of the escape attempt made by 6 of them so that the truth can be revealed to India and to the world. The events shown in the film may never have happened, but the question of these unaccounted for soldiers persists and is sufficient motivation for this rousing tale.Manoj Bajpai plays Major Suraj Singh of the Rajputana rifles in a role that was tailor made for his excellent histrionic abilities. He has a loyal cohort of soldiers who will lay their life down for him. Upon discovering that they have been moved from prison to a new camp to escape detection by a Red Cross delegation, the gang plans a daring escape. The events that unfold will keep you on the edge of your seat. Bravery, self-sacrifice, extreme bravado and even foolhardiness come into play as the small band tries to escape through the countryside and high altitude snow-covered passes. This part of the tale stirs up the blood but the expected ending (the fate of these soldiers is still unknown in real life) is a bit of a downer. The Pakistani military is also realistically shown to be a mix of the usual rabid, pragmatic, patriotic and intelligent soldiers. Deepak Dobriyal shines as one of the soldiers but no one turns in a bad performance and the film is of very high quality.In my opinion the best war film ever is still Chetan Anand's Haqeekat, but 1971 comes close in realism, quality, and the ability to tug at emotions. A must watch.

The best patriotic movie ever, that is moving, taken to heart and which enhances the feeling of courage, determination and patriotism. A must see film for every Indian, that has brought out the hidden truth behind the aftermath of 1971 war. One of the few films which deserves a standing ovation and salute to the heroes who have given their lives for their country and heroes who survived a disaster but could not make it back to their motherland. All the actors have done an excellent job by bringing alive the stories of soldiers of the war. Manoj Bajpai's acting skills are to the fullest (as usual) and his character is very inspiring. Background score is amazing and the two songs, one by Shibani Kashyap-Sehlenge hum and the other, a Sufi ghazal have added to the melody of the music given by Akash Sagar. The movie reveals a plan by 6 of the many Indian prisoners of war(pow), captured after the 1971 battle and kept in hiding for years without nobody being made aware of their presence in Pakistan to escape from Pakistan showing off their zeal and strong desire to be back home but out of the six, no one makes it back to the homeland. The one person Major Suraj Singh who gets on the verge of crossing the loc is shot dead. Film ends with a beautiful scene not to be told but must be seen.No help was extended to the pows even by the Red Cross in spite of them knowing about the presence of Indian soldiers in Pakistan. On the whole this film would stand as an all-time classics of Indian cinema.

The movie is about Indian soldiers held as war-prisoners in Pakistan since 1971. The plot is of 1978 when they plan a final escape. The protagonist is one of the soldiers. With Manoj Bajpai in the leading role, the movie is very meticulously made. No 'gadar' like stuff and thank-god no amitabh bacchan as army major (he is there is every freaking movie i watch). No songs in the wrong place (infact there r only 2 songs...wow !) The action and direction is awesome. I liked the story, the plot...the way they plan for an escape. The idea/message that the director might have wanted to put across, the story of POW in Pakistan, has been put across. The end of the movie is sad and quite unexpected. I would strongly suggest to watch this movie.