11/12/20 - Man Who Doesn’t Feel Pain (2019) - 5+/10

Sure, this is a “superhero fantasy”, but so much of this film makes NO. SENSE. The style is fun and perhaps even the idea of the story, but there are these huge leaps in logic, storytelling, and character. It’s such a bizarre fantasy, but it expresses itself in its style, no matter how little sense any of it makes. Unfortunately, it takes so long to get anywhere or to develop anything. It is too long and too disconnected, but I appreciated the concept of it and the ride it provides. It has Bollywood sensibilities while being a love letter to many of its western influences (Avengers, Quentin Tarantino, Bruce Lee, etc.) which makes for leg-breaking lark.

Ok. I have to get this out of my system. His genetic inability to feel pain would have had some kind of dire consequences beyond his father’s imposed social distancing. It is impossible that he would be in his pristine physical condition. They never explain his constant need for hydration, which I assume is part of his genetic condition, but due to its plot importance needs to be HAMMERED home. He also lives in a fantasy world and teaches himself martial arts, but one must question his ability to use it in a real situation. *sigh* 

WHEW. Now that that is out, I can talk to you about how bonkers and carefree most of the film is. Sure, its tone can be wildly variable, it rarely tries to connect to logic or reason, and any of the characters’ motivations are ambiguous to loony at best, but it doesn't care about that and wants you not to either. It is trying to be outrageous, jovial, and a little left of center; succeeding at all three. This is a martial arts superhero-type adventure, via Indian sensibilities and culture smashed with a flamboyant American aesthetic. It is just jolly fisticuffs and its embracing of that pulls it through.

All said, it is such an odd little film. I can see that the filmmakers were having fun, but their effort would have been better placed in plot coherence rather than slow motion choreography. That said, as odd as it is, it isn’t altogether un-fun. It wears its heart on its sleeve and it is a big, messy, wild, and goofy heart. The martial arts is there, which is what you signed up for, sensible or not.