Jennifer A
In his directorial debut, Sourabh Shukla explores what happens during the Demonetization era in India, seen through the eyes of three ordinary guys. With the very notable guerilla style filmmaking, the film captures the harsh societal situation on the street, complete with its gritty realism.
Against the backdrop of demonetization – a controversial 2016 decision by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ban certain rupee bills in an attempt to eradicate “black” money – 1888 begins when a bag of such cash is left on the street and later found by three men. The three then go on a rollercoaster journey with the money, encountering multiple characters with different motivations as well as unexpected setbacks. Their misadventures gradually morph into a high octane thriller peppered with some urgent social issues prevalent in the society.
The filming style, all shaky cam and shoddy natural lighting, is definitely the right choice for this type of film. It underscores its down to earth approach, putting audiences right alongside the characters as they undergo their ordeals. The main cast seems quite green, which at times can be quite trying to watch, but at other times make you feel like watching real people, not actors. Minus for immersion, points for realism.
The plot takes its time to flourish, with the beginning especially feeling quite slow paced. Things pick up in the second half, ramping things up with a series of colorful characters and plot twists to keep you on the edge of your seat. Given that the film involves a lot of financial jargons, the filmmaker helpfully includes pointers so general audiences can follow along.
As far as a directorial feature goes, the film presents a strong premise and well executed elements. There are some rough spots, but in general, it captures the subject matter very vividly and interestingly.
Rated 4.5/5 Stars •
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
09/26/24
Full Review
Ella M
1888 is a fascinating thriller set during India's historic Demonetization era, and it marks Sourabh Shukla's directorial debut. The film follows three odd people in their pursuit of a significant quantity of money, but what begins as a straightforward trade quickly develops into a high-stakes game of survival, complete with turns that keep the audience guessing. What distinguishes 1888 is Shukla's guerrilla filmmaking style. The director defies traditional cinematic conventions by using handheld cameras and shooting on location in real-world settings such as shady backstreets, abandoned warehouses, and poorly lit cyber cafés. This raw, unfiltered reality imbues the film with physical energy; the camera appears to shake as if afraid of being caught up in the action. This immersive method blurs the distinction between fantasy and reality, drawing spectators deeper into the turmoil.
The film's ensemble cast, a mix of amateurs and seasoned pros, breathes life into this grim world. The actors really immerse themselves in their characters, adding to the film's realism. The interactions between the characters become more intense as the storyline thickens, with shifting alliances, growing betrayals, and unexpected disclosures adding layers of complexity to the story. Shukla's directing demonstrates his keen sense for tension and suspense, creating a story that is both exhilarating and thought-provoking. The guerilla-style production heightens the unpredictability, resulting in a film that feels as volatile as the Demonetization era it represents. Finally, 1888 is a riveting, edge-of-your-seat thriller that reimagines independent filmmaking in India. Sourabh Shukla's debut movie is a must-see, mixing a fresh, unconventional style with a gripping plot that keeps you wondering till the very end.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
09/21/24
Full Review
Cynical C
1888 is a well researched and a decently made film. After realising that its made by a very small team and on a shoestring budget i would say it's really well made.
Look out for the deepweb intro scene in the 2nd half and the TV interview scene just after the interval.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
09/01/24
Full Review
Rob S
The second half was so different from the first half. the movie starts slow but the way the story builds up till the climax is amazing. Interesting twists and the unpredictable screenplay are a treat. Do watch this thriller. Are they sure this was shot Guerrilla style ? unbelievable if it was.
Rated 4.5/5 Stars •
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
07/17/24
Full Review
Audience Member
This is an absolute must watch. A slow burner that will keep you confused but enthralled till the end. Looks like there could be a sequel as well. Probably titled IB88. Fingers crossed.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
07/13/24
Full Review
1888 M
Completely shot in Guerrilla style, what you see in screen is not something easy to pull off especially for a skeleton team of debutantes and that too under a shoestring budget.
A must watch.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
07/13/24
Full Review
Read all reviews
>
