Movie Review: Jodhaa Akbar

I first came across this movie as part of a recommendation list on my Netflix account. It captured my attention but I was never overly inclined to see it. Now, however, after immersing myself in Alex Rutherford's spellbinding historical fiction series Empire of the Moghul, I finally decided to try this movie, and I was completely blown away.

The film showcases the early reign of Akbar the Great, the third emperor of the 16th century Moghul Dynasty of India. Descended from a Muslim tribal clan in Central Asia, Akbar was famous for promoting religious tolerance within the boundaries of his empire, and this shines through in the film. This inclusionist policy earns him friends and enemies, both in neighboring provinces and within his oun court and family.

The other leading face in the film is Jodhaa, princess of the Indian region of Rajasthan, played by Bollywood legend Aishwarya Rai. Although promised to Akbar in marriage to gain an alliance, the vivacious and headstrong Hindu proves more than a match for the Muslim emperor, and in time their marriage blossoms into a true romance.

Although some features do deviate from the historical record (based on my own knowledge and reviews posted by other Netflix viewers), a powerful love story set against a background of political intrigue and family drama, coupled with some classic Bollywood song-and-dance routines, combine to create perhaps to most moving and dramatic foreign film I have ever seen.

The John Lennon Project

This year I did a project on Legendary Beatle and Quarrymen leader John Lennon. He was not only a musician but he was also a activist. It was amazing doing a project. This year I collected his dvd's along with his songs and pictures. My friends and I even went to Strawberry Fields and The Dakota. It was great to learn about him I am sure that he is always watching us everywhere we go rather it's by day or by night.

by Justin Stenzler

The Last of the Pharaohs: Fact vs Fiction

Cleopatra. Few names are charged with as much mystique and legend as that of Ancient Egypt's last ruling queen. Whether you imagine profile portraits on ancient artifacts or Elizabeth Taylor's 1963 blockbuster performance, this last vestige of the age of the Pharaohs has left her permanent mark on history. But is that mark the truth?

Recently I saw two television documentaries examining Cleopatra's life, the world she lived in, and the centuries of lore and myth surrounding her reign. The first one, produced by the National Geographic channel as part of their Egypt Unwrapped series examined the standard Cleopatra story with a fresh insight as to what the events of her life actually signify. Case in point, one thing Cleopatra is famous for (or infamous, depending on your point of view) is seducing Julius Ceasar and Mark Antony, and bearing children to both of them.

This has led Cleopatra to be cast as a temptress, but according to the opinions of experts interviewed for the program, what she was actually doing was forming political alliances with the Roman Empire in order to protect the interests of Egypt. The children that she bore could have a legitimate claim to the thrones of both nations, thereby helping Cleopatra to remain secure in her powers.

The other documentary, presented by the Science Channel as part of their Unearthing Ancient Secrets series take an even more dramatic stance on the validity of the Cleopatra story. The last pharaoh's death by suicide, usually by the bite of a poisonous snake, is one of the most iconic scenes in her story. But is it fact or fiction?

Puzzled by the many inconsistencies and supposed "red flags" in ancient accounts, Pat Brown, an experienced criminal profiler, applies modern forensics technology and enlists the help of respected experts to prove her ultimate theory: that Cleopatra did not commit suicide, but rather was murdered after the Roman Empire took control of Egypt, possibly on the orders of her victorious rival Ocatvian. Ms. Brown investigates the case very thoroughly and finds surprisingly concrete evidence to back up her claims.

For anyone interested in these and other fine programing please visit:
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/ and http://science.discovery.com/