In the world of cinema, controversy is often a marker of bold narratives that challenge societal norms, ignite discussions, and sometimes stir public outcry or call for a ban, making them must-watches for those interested in cinema that provokes. Movies like Padmaavat, Aarakshan, Firaaq, Joker, and The Da Vinci Code, among several others, are perfect examples of movies that have made headlines and ignited conversations. Today, let’s take a look at some of the most fascinating controversial movies available on Amazon Prime Video that keep you hooked to the screen for hours.
1. Pushpa: The Rise
Headlined by Allu Arjun, this Indian Telugu-language action drama garnered attention for its gritty portrayal of red sandalwood smuggling in the Seshachalam Hills of Andhra Pradesh. The story follows Pushpa Raj, a coolie who rises in the ranks of the smuggling syndicate, facing numerous challenges from both his own peers and law enforcement. Arjun garnered critical acclaim for his intense performance and the movie was praised for its raw and rustic narrative style. However, the movie ran into troubled waters over its depiction of violence and raised concerns over the glorification of illegal activities, which might negatively influence younger audiences. The movie was also criticised for the stereotypical portrayal of tribal communities and the representation of female characters. The makers were accused of plagiarism by author Vempalli Gangadhar. He said that the movie was based on a short, Coolie, he wrote for a newspaper. The popular song, Oo Antava, was dragged to the court for its suggestive lyrics that showed men as casanovas. Despite controversies, the movie was a huge success and spawned a sequel Pushpa 2: The Rule, which is set to release in August 2024.
2. Joker
This psychological thriller is the origin story of one of the most iconic villains, Joker, in DC comic book history and the Batman mythos. The movie stars Joaquin Phoenix in his career-defining performance as Arthur Fleck, a struggling comedian in Gotham City who gradually descends into madness, ultimately becoming the Joker. The movie provides a gritty, character-driven exploration of Arthur’s mental breakdown, set against the backdrop of a city plagued by social and economic inequality. The explicit depiction of violence and Arthur’s mental health issues raised debates. Some felt the movie was glorifying or justifying violent behaviour, especially at a time when several countries are battling internal conflicts, mass shootings, etc. Many theatres received extra security during its release. Another controversial movie available on Amazon Prime Video that you can enjoy this weekend.
3. Lolita (1962)
Lolita, a controversial novel written by Vladimir Nabokov, that has been adapted into several films, with the most notable being the 1962 version directed by Stanley Kubrick. The story is narrated by a middle-aged literature professor named Humbert Humbert, who becomes infatuated with a 12-year-old girl named Dolores Haze, whom he nicknames Lolita. Humbert becomes her stepfather after marrying her mother, Charlotte, and the novel explores his obsessive and disturbing relationship with Lolita as they travel across the United States. The movie features James Mason as Humbert, Sue Lyon as Lolita, and Shelley Winters as Charlotte. Kubrick’s film was notable for its stylised approach and for portraying taboo themes like taboo themes such as paedophilia and hebephilia within the constraints of the Production Code of the time. The movie faced several censorship issues and Kubrick had to make changes to certain scenes, like the one where Lolita seduces Humbert.
4. Bandit Queen
The movie is based on the life of Phoolan Devi, an infamous Indian bandit-turned-politician, who gained notoriety in the 1980s. It chronicles Phoolan Devi’s life from her childhood, where she is married off at a young age and subjected to abuse, to her transformation into a bandit leader seeking revenge against her oppressors. It portrays her experiences of violence, rape, and exploitation, as well as her rise to power and eventual surrender to the authorities. The movie was highly controversial upon its release due to its explicit depiction of sexual violence and its portrayal of caste-based discrimination in rural India. Phoolan Devi, however, expressed her displeasure at the inaccuracies in her life story and sought a ban on the movie. Seema Biswas, who portrayed Phoolan Devi, received widespread praise for her performance with the movie garnering a cult status over the years. Another movie available on Amazon Prime Video that deserves a spot on your watchlist.
5. Natural Born Killers
The movie stars Woody Harrelson and Juliette Lewis as Mickey and Mallory Knox, a young couple who embark on a killing spree across the American Southwest. The movie is notable for its stylistic approach, which includes rapid editing, multiple film stocks, and a variety of visual effects. It incorporates elements of satire and black comedy to critique media sensationalism, celebrity culture, and the glorification of violence in American society. But, the graphic violence and its portrayal of the media’s role in sensationalising crime landed the movie in trouble.
6. Schindler’s List
Directed by Steven Spielberg, the movie is based on the novel of the same name by Thomas Keneally. The movie tells the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved the lives of more than a thousand Polish-Jewish refugees during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories. It stars Liam Neeson as Oskar Schindler, with Ben Kingsley portraying his accountant, Itzhak Stern, and Ralph Fiennes as Amon Goeth, a Nazi officer who oversees the Plaszów concentration camp. The movie was tangled in controversy over historical accuracy. The depiction of violence and trauma, and the graphic nature of certain scenes, particularly those set in the concentration camps, were seen as sensationalistic.
7. The Interview
James Franco and Seth Rogen star as Dave Skylark and Aaron Rapoport, respectively, two journalists who are recruited by the CIA to assassinate North Korean leader Kim Jong-un after securing an interview with him. The movie sparked controversy before its release due to its depiction of Kim Jong-un and portrayal of North Korea. The North Korean government labelling it as an “act of war”. This led to a cyberattack on Sony Pictures, the studio behind the movie, which resulted in leaked emails, personal information, and unreleased movies being made public. Due to the controversy and threats, Sony cancelled the release of the movie but later reversed its decision and released it in select theatres and through video-on-demand services. Some scenes and costumes were also altered to appease viewers.
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