What would you do if the whole equation of cause and effect was eliminated from this world, if whatever you did, did not affect anything, and every day you woke up, was a new day, a new beginning? Nothing you did ever happened in reality, and things just went back to what they were even after you messed with them? Confused? Interested? Fascinated? So was I by the plot of this movie.
The plot goes something like this, Phil (Bill Murray) is a weatherman and a news anchor, and is tired of his job and his routine and generally cursing everything and anything around him for his life's condition. Then he is sent on an assignment to a certain town to cover what is known as the 'Groundhog day' for the fourth consecutive year. He covers it with an over-the-top sarcastic streak and just can't wait to get out of the town. And surprise surprise, he finds himself stuck in the day. That is every morning that he wakes up, its Groundhog day, the time has stopped and he gets to live these 24 hours over and over again. Now begins the interesting part, for as he realises this, he starts experimenting with his days, he is free to do what he wants, to seduce women, rob banks, be good, be bad, cos nothing matters any longer. He then tries to seduce his co-worker Lita (Andie MacDowell), everyday but always messes up in the end and has to start all over again. In the process, he actually falls in love with her, and finally tired of not being able to win her, he tries ending his life, again failing, coming back to life the next morning always.
The climax is what makes this movie a winner. How does he break this cycle? What is the point of this plot? The message is extremely subtle and masterfully delivered. All it takes to make life meaningful is make an effort and constantly endeavour to make a positive change around you. Complaining about the negatives, being sarcastic (its fun, I know) doesn't really change anything.
The performances are natural. Bill Murray is a very competent actor and delivers one of his best performances. The plot of the movie is the real star. The concept new and amazing, though the movie is of the year 1993. All in all, a must watch this weekend.
I give this a rating of 7 out of 10.
Loved the movie!!!
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