PremiumLa La Land, The Terminal and more - Movies to end 2023 on an emotional note, before they leave Netflix India
These endearing Hollywood films are about to be purged from the Netflix India database - so, you might as well give them one final viewing to see off 2023 on an emotional note
Last Updated: 05.39 PM, Dec 18, 2023
Nothing compares to watching a light, mushy and equally emotional film from the comfort of our homes, especially when the festive season is upon us. So, just as Netflix India performs its routine of purging some of its titles, we have put together a "reminder list", of sorts, to inform you about the top movies that are about to leave the platform. This list comes as the 'Emotional Special', if you will, and consists of five films that will tug at your heartstrings while you take a break from work and all your other preoccupations to welcome 2024. Here we go:
La La Land (2016)
If you love musicals then Damien Chazelle's landmark film is just the fix you need. Ryan Gosling plays a jazz pianist Seb Wilder, who wishes to open his own club one day, mainly so that he can save the amazing music genre from fading away. Emma Stone plays Mia Dolan, an aspiring actress in Hollywood who has a lot of passion and talent for her craft but isn't somehow able to crack it. When the two meet serendipitously (multiple times, in fact), the chemistry is palpable, but can they make things against the weight of their respective dreams?
Damien Chazelle's film is an ode to classic era of musicals including films like Jacques Demy's 'The Umbrellas of Cherbourg', Gene Kelly's 'Singin' in the Rain' and Vincente Minnelli's 'An American in Paris', and boasts a most marvellous soundtrack composed by Justin Hurwitz. You will likely conclude watching the film with a tear or two rolling down your cheeks while the City of Stars tune etches itself permanently on your mind.
'La La Land' is leaving Netflix India on December 31
The Terminal (2004)
Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks' collaborations are always special but there's something intimate and warm about 'The Terminal' that sets it apart from the rest. Hanks plays Viktor Navorski, a traveller who arrives at New York City's John F. Kennedy International Airport from a fictional country named Krakozhia. Unbeknownst to him, there's a military coup back home meaning that the United States doesn't yet recognize the new Krakozhia government, nor can Viktor return home because his passport is invalid at the moment. Oh wait - he cannot step outside the airport and enter the United States either.
Stranded inside the airport and having no access to his friends and family back home, Viktor Navorski is forced to combat reality with his optimism and insatiable energy. It also helps that he slowly makes new acquaintances and even finds a dash of romance within the small world that resides inside JFK Airport.
'The Terminal' is leaving Netflix India on January 14, 2024
Marley & Me (2008)
At the outset, 'Marley & Me' is the perfect family movie. It has an exciting star cast starring Jennifer Aniston, Owen Wilson, the late Alan Arkin and others but more importantly, it has the presence of an adorable Labrador retriever named 'Marley'. Watch how the handsome yet incorrigible dog moves in with the Grogans and brings about a pleasant change in their lives in his own little ways.
'Marley & Me' is leaving Netflix India on December 31
Marry Me (2022)
Owen Wilson appears on this list again but he has the eternal diva and pop icon Jennifer Lopez in company. Lopez plays superstar Kat Valdez who, having found out at her on-stage live wedding that her soon-to-be husband is cheating on her, decides to marry someone from the crowd. It so happens that Charlie Gilbert, a simple Math teacher, has held up a 'Marry Me' sign and has caught Kat Valdez's eye in that vulnerable moment.
Valdez and Gilbert then forge a unique relationship that starts off for the sake of media appearances but then slowly transitions into genuine love and respect between the two. Can the two poles apart individuals break the mould and be with one another? Or does it all seem too good to be true anyway?
'Marry Me' is leaving Netflix India on December 31
Victoria & Abdul (2017)
Stephen Frears drew a compelling portrait of a real-life story that's as fascinating as endearing it is. When Abdul Karim, a prison clerk from British India, travels to Britain to present Queen Victoria with a mohur or a gold coin, little does he know that he will end up striking an unlikely friendship with her. Their bond transcends class, language and even physical divides and it's the unique exploration of human connection in Victoria & Abdul that makes the film a must-watch.
Queen Victoria and Abdul's friendship then faces the resentment of the royal household and is made to go through a tremendous ordeal to survive, but the story is so powerful that it has endured the test of time. Watch the film for Judi Dench's measured and empathetic performance as The Queen and Ali Fazal's charismatic and charming portrayal of Abdul Karim.
'Victoria & Abdul' is leaving Netflix India on December 31