Review of 'The Great Dictator'

Year of release: 1940 Cast: Charlie Chaplin, Paulette Goddard Director: Charlie Chaplin \he film is based in Nazi Germany and basically condemns the Nazi rule, Hitler in particular. There are many elements of the film that are quite notable. It is the first talkie made by Charlie Chaplin. It is a satirical film that starts off slowly but picks up and becomes interesting as it goes. The initial comedy is a little weak but the Chaplin’s brilliance keeps it alive. The first half an hour or so is merely bearable but the second half of the film is filled with life and makes it a great film. It is a well made move with a brilliant theme and a wonderful concept. The comedy wasn’t too bad as a whole but could’ve been better. The message it carries though is spelt out loud and clear. The speech at the end is quite a lifting experience and perfectly summarizes the entire film. I would rate it as a 7 on 10, though it would only lose points for the beginning few minutes. It is however a must watch in my book.

Bekal Fort

Bekal Fort is the biggest fort in Kerala, spreading over 40 acres (160,000 m²). The important features of this fort are the tank with its flight of steps, the tunnel opening towards the south, the magazine for keeping ammunition and the broad and wide steps leading to the Observation Tower which is a rarity. From there one has ample view of towns in the vicinity like Kanhangad, Pallikare, Bekal, Kottikkulam, Uduma etc. This observation centre had strategic significance in finding out even the smallest movements of the enemy and ascertaining safety of the Fort.

The Fort appears to have been built up from the sea since almost three fourth of its exteriors is drenched and the waves stroke the citadel. The Mukhyaprana Temple of Hanuman and the ancient Muslim Mosque nearby hold testimony to the age-old religious harmony that prevailed in the area. The zigzag entrance and the trenches around the fort show the defense strategy connected with the fort.

Unlike most other Indian Forts, Bekal fort was not a center of administration for no remains of a palace are found within the fort. Arguably the fort was built exclusively for fulfilling the defense requirements. The holes on the outer walls of the fort are specially designed to defend the fort effectively. The holes at top are meant for aiming at the farthest points; the holes below are meant for hitting when the enemy is nearer and the holes underneath facilitate attacking when the enemy is very near to the fort. This is a remarkable evidence of medieval technology in defense strategy.