My 2023

(4th? 5th?) Watch

2nd Watch? 28/01/2023 (17:00-20:00)

Wholesome as always- must admit that the theme of escaping one's own inner prison, and, in doing so, broadening one's horizon is of timeless appeal in media - just not realistic in a chronological sense hh.

2nd Watch- 06/02/2023 (probs 5.5). Definitely not as good as the prequel, had some wholesome family moments. However, resolution of conflict wasn't completely solidified in my opinion (a lot less realism in conversation). I beg, please stop perpetuating daughters as being ones that can't decide what they want for themselves, and was lovely to see that Eep and Guy never actually talked about their future prospects at all (all that happened was them making flame and kissing). Chunky's definitely the best part hh

1st Watch- 06/02/2023 (finished 22:20)


To be brutally honest, the only reason I would recommend someone to watch this is for nostalgia- literally nothing else. It gives me the same sort of feeling as the end part of a YuGiOh series (esp. w ones like Arc-V), where variegated characters come together for a final showdown.

Beside that though, this film, and my sentiments regarding it, are riddled with evident critiques. Even if one was to ignore an entire swathe of unnecessary writing, illogical plots that are easily questioned, and the flashbacks that only serve to heighten the sense of nostalgia(and give nothing more), the fact that it was decided Scott would pine after Allison for fifteen more years is by far the most despicable thing that this film did. I realise that this film was made to attract fans of the series, and thus has to meet some desires, but this film has really altered my perception of most of the main characters (and not in a satisfied manner).


Do NOT get me started on a certain piece of cannon fodder that certainly maintained my neutrality- that was really poorly done- I did appreciated the cyclical nature of the arc though.

1st Watch: 06/02/2023-07/02/2023 (only saw ep. 4 the day before (about half an hour until midnight).

Definitely something I recommend watching- while I certainly wouldn't advise this series being one's primary source of information for stats, and while it must be maintained that this series is obviously hinged on and around Cara's lives, experiences, and mindset, there were definitely significant discourses to be had in this surrounding sex, gender, sexuality, beauty, relationships, and how the human race can be more inclusive.

Everyone is beautiful- don't let anyone tell you otherwise ))

1st Watch- 07/02/2023 (finished at 18:13)

Never again. Unless you wish to see some more of Anne Reid's and Daniel Craig's acting- I would not recommend (even then). Intrigued me to see Anna Wilson-Jones here though, both she and Reid have been in period dramas that I've seen.

Apart from the fact that there was some Lewis Carroll here, and that I definitely experienced portraying an older lady who wishes for a more active life, nothing else here struck a chord within me.

I really despaired at the writing, and that the plot only seemed to sensationalise banal arguments, abuse, gaslighting, inconsistency in attitudes, and very unrealistic portrayals of family relationship, when it wasn't decidedly dramatic and spiritless of course.

What got me most of all though is the fact that the influence of the patriarchy (and the strict conformity of society that comes with it) and preponderance of misogyny is so interwoven throughout this film, and undoubtedly much of the crew that created it, that I couldn't help but be abhorred

2nd Watch: 10/02/2023 (21:56-23:59)

As potent as it has always been (the cyclical flowers and the lachrymose father) - kudos as always for Fontanille for creating a story of historical certainties, to represent all those persecuted and murdered, solely for being gay, as well as providing substantiation for the assertion that seemingly insignificant quickfire decisions can uncontrollably spiral into dire situations.

What i love best about period media is that they are representative of the amount of progress that has been made in the overall human standing towards sex, sexuality and religion, a never-ending fight for equality in the human mind.

May Sara, Jean and Philippe be together again x

19/02/2023 (23:20) - 20/02/2023 (00:20) (ep.3)

Such a sublime ep. to watch- Istanbul has gone through so much diversity.

20/02/2023 (00:20-00:24) (ep.1)

Beautiful presenting in the short amount I've already seen.

S2 Ep 3 (On Cyprus) [20:00-21:00]

Love how Bettany presents in her documentaries. Tragedy of Koύριov suffering from an earthquake in 300CE- beautiful finds- esp. of mosaics on plate fragments (only other place in which this has also appeared is Egypt)- Cyprus really had a rich history in Ancient/ Classical times.

Next is more of an integration in Byzantine churches (wall paintings dating from 7th to 15th centuries). Crescent moon used to be a symbol of Constantinople (a particular painting having been painted at the time of the Crusades). Much emphasis of how much writing on churches can tell us.

Talked of Richard the Lionheart taking Cyprus as his own (from 1121 when he took it from Isaac who forged a signature to rule- and took Richard's fiancée and sister- and was imprisoned in shackles of silver- not iron that he begged not to be shackled in). (the year following Richard sold Cyprus to France.

Displaced Greek aristocracy poured their love and faith into the churches on the mountains of Cyprus- churches portraying sorrow and suffering for the Cypriots at the time. Over time, the Cypriots and the Lusignans became more integrated.

Commandaria κουμανδαρία/ Coumadarka κουμανταρκά (Cypriot Greek) wine- named after the leader of the Knight's Templar (had next to a church with a Father whilst waiting for the snow to let off).
(became to be named the King's wine- had by Richard the Lionheart etc.).

Venetians, Ottomans and the British having desired Nicosia. Parts of Nicosia barricaded off since 1974, keeping the peace between the two sides of Nicosia (Greek speaking southern Cyprus- Turkish speaking Northern Cyprus) (no-one except the UN can enter the buffer zone normally).

Cyprus finally got independence in 1916 Bettany found a newspaper from 22/01/1973 in the buffer zone (steeped in cultural and personal memory), new cars ready to be sold, a neo-classical primary school riddled in holes. City walls date to the time of Venetian control. 'Humans all have different faces, but we all share human hearts' (Wordsworth). Talk of Annie who refused to leave the buffer zone until her death in 1991- her funeral was the first communal gathering of Greek and Turkish Cypriots (UN soldiers had to walk her out for her shopping).

The buffer zone being discussed as a sanctuary for nature (Mouflon existing around the buffer zone).

This is an island that is in the power of whichever overlord is the overlord of the region (Arab scholar of the 11th century).

2nd Watch: 04/03 (@00:08)-12/03 (@21:25)

'Sonny With A Chance' (SWaC) is, simply put, your average noughties Disney Channel series, with all of the quirk and mannerisms that come with them.

Needless to say, despite the obvious nostalgia that one may feel watching the work, and the delightfully comedic, yet intimate, nature of the relationships amongst the main cast, there are certainly subjects of critique.

Not to burden by detailing everything that the show makes seem comedic that I picked up, most critiques are centred around treatment and consideration of humans in society: emphasises shame over not having ever been in a relationship with a girl specifically, as well as a preponderance of deprecation towards Grady when he's constantly told potential love interests are 'way out of his league' just because of how he looks (not the banal slim, lean body essentially), and that one has to exercise to be attractive ; solidifies a sense of objectification of girls as something to be had/ possessed, only needing to be cute, to the extent that she's adamant at getting a face lift when she's thirty (which scriptwriters get Tawni to say to herself in direct reference to her intelligence),and commented on with regards to their bodies; maintains the idea that boys have to be hypermasculine (discouraged from screaming, not having a lot of muscle etc.) or be prepared to get harangued or ridiculed; pertains to the fact that any guy in the show saying he liks/ admires a guy is immediately confirmed as having been yet another joke.

Added on to this, on a more niche note, there are inconsistencies in the show, such as in the skinny jeans episode when Sonny gets ill last because somehow she didn't realise she was wearing the jeans she knew made everyone else ill- these sort of additions don't batter down one's perceiving of the show though, as it is logical that there'd be a lot of filler scenes in a comedy series, an effortless syllogism can be made when taking into account the 'summary episodes', which SWaC didn't have many of thankfully.

Despite the nit-picking though, SWaC is something easy to listen to and watch, revelling in the comedic and intimate aspects of relationships,, whether they be platonic or romantic, the characters have with one another. Wish there could've been more content as there was obviously a staccato ending, am glad there were quite a few musical numbers before that though (ensembles and solos were worth it).

3rd Watch: 12/03 (@01:21-02:57) (6.5)

To start it all off, I must mention that Jarman is definitely a visual artist, incorporating an atmosphere evocative on the numerous eclectic works based around Saint Sebastiane. However, with this artistic intent for the work, character development, plot, character development, psychological speculation etc. are all lacking. Thus, though one is exposed to majestically bucolic scenes in Sardinia through ingeniously shot scenes, especially so considering the budget of the film, the descent into boredom was not slight at times.

Although the greater part of the work (with regard to the lives of particulars) is fictitious, one can certainly see the amount of effort the ensemble have put together into making it as authentic as they can- poignantly demonstrated through the use of Vulgar Latin in the century when it began to prosper; the emphasis on hypermasculinity and mannerisms accustomed to having been reared in a militaristic society; the lyrical dances (conscious anachronisms); the sensibilisation towards the blatant persecution of the contemporary Christian minority.

Additionally, this film, and those involved in its creation, must be applauded for their inclusion of naked men outside of pornography, homoerotic and homosexual scenes, especially regarding the apolitical nature of it at the time, while subtly suggesting the potential to be politicised. 'Sebastiane' provides us with a preponderance of instances of same-sex love and desire here, no less so than in Adrian and Anthony's intimate relationship, which was acted so sublimely. The audience is confronted with contrasts to their love through the love triangle of unrequitedness, that of Sebastian, Justin and Severus (square if you count God hh); Sebastiane through his unrelenting spirituality, further strengthened in his convictions through the inherent sadomasochism in martyrdom; Justin through his unwavering desire to keep Sebastian from the nocent nature of persecution, with a focus on romance and philia, whilst also indulging in part in the spiritualities for Sebastiane(heavily supported by the atmosphere of the film); Severus through his hopeless mania, compelling Sebastiane further on the path of spiritual realisation.

Stellar job by Brain Eno, through his synth-heavy sounds adding that bit more potent an atmosphere in which to revel in, accentuating spirituality, desire and strife.

Though the homosexual nature of Sebastiane is definitely unsubstantiated, Jarman has done well by illuminating Sebastiane as the advertisement for homosexual desire, portrayed through his strong, shirtless physique, the symbolism of the arrows penetrating his body, and the countenance of rapturous pain that have intrigued artists for centuries. It is Sebastiane's spiritual resilience when confronted by adversity, coalescing with erotic elements of his suffering (and likening to a prototypical closet case) that resonate particularly with the spiritual queer community, enhancing the film's potence. The fact that Sebastiane was one of the few males to have been sexualised in art was utilised incredibly effectively throughout this work of art, not least through the ardent nature of his torment, and omnipresent permeation of desire amalgamated with spirituality and strife.

Sebastiane does not succumb to furor and hatred. He takes this injustice in stride for his faith implores him to show compassion towards those with such blatant flaws. O what torments must one experience for the object of one's desire?

1st Watch: 12/03 (@23:33)-16/03 (22:56)

As evident from my rating (which was rounded up hhh), this is certainly not something I would recommend. Undoubtedly, this should have never come to pass- everything should have ended with SWaC, too many non sequiturs otherwise -_

I only kept on watching this to see more of the dynamic that the cast meme hers have with one another, and their immense resolve to act out all of the diabolically repetitive things that they had to.

This had the potential to be entertaining, especially considering quite a few of SWaC’s sketches were, but it definitely feel short.

The only reason this wasn’t cancelled halfway through the season is likely because of the guest stars- when you’ve got multiple Disney Channel stars guest starring as artists, publicity will be elevated.

Just don’t bother with it, unless you just want something to listen to in your peripheries- literally every sketch was spiritlessly banal, and the fact that, on a sketch show, scenes were replicated to complement the editing of multiple episodes, thus exacerbating the evident sense of indolence.Many praises to the cast for surviving this ordeal.

17/03/2023 (17:32-21:53).

This film tells the story, supplemented by hitherto unpublished contemporary testimonies, of the 'White Rose', a resistance group in Nazi Germany whose members were all beheaded in quick succession, after having experienced the insurmountably corrupt Nazi justice system.

Recognition must be consigned to the cast and crew for magnificent performances, especially with regards to Sophie Scholl as a character (so many potent scenes- whether it be regarding moments of intense emotion, through the distribution of the leaflets, or in interrogation). Sublime directing, especially concerning placement of cameras, lighting and general cinematography- the music really was the cherry on top. Prepare for lachrymary sequences <3

Well-worth it, to display a concealed resistance, illuminated over time, of the German desire for freedom against the Nazis. Herein lies the film's significance, which everyone involved participated in magnificently (do not get too hung up on some of the inaccuracies and sensationalisations that come with cinematic works).

18/03/2023 (01:27-03:28)

A visceral adaptation of such a significant story that is eternally relevant, as humans continue to discriminate and persecute their own.

Mesmerising acting from all, ingeniously amplified by the evocative musical score that accompanies the Annexe's (most of) last breath of liberty.

It was rather surprising to me that Anne didn't call the Diary Kitty once though, and an inclusion of more aspects of Margot's life would have been splendid (esp. since Anne talks about Margot taking a Latin course in Bep's name (who wasn't seen all that much in this adaptation either).

This is thus a didactic work for all, dramatised so as to encourage younger viewers too. Do be prepared for the tears though (the 'contact' scene really made me go all out!).

18/03/2023 (19:20-21:22)

Definitely recommended- the story is taken to a whole different level when a contemporary that was directed involved in the events is retelling what they experienced. There was a lot of info. in this that Miep relayed that I'd never come across before- such a compassionate, resilient person, full of conviction.

Evidently, this is a documentary, thus it it is not meant to have any dramatisations, it is a poignantly valuable testimony. I do so wish that we could've heard Miep's voice without the voiceovers though, subs would've been much preferred.

Thank you for displaying the jubilation that an be found from literary content Miep, even in the most dire of times.

18/03/2023 (22:56)- 19/03/2023 (01:12)

The best of all of the documentaries I have watched on the lives of those in the Secret Annexe.

This work really went into the depth of it all, with testimonies from witnesses to the horrors that affected the many during WWII in the Third Reich- notably from the testimony of Miep Gies on the Frank family, but also from friends of Anne and people that survived with her/ other members of her family in the various different camps (with first-hand accounts to how quite a few of them died).

The intriguing thing about this documentary is the amount of footage provided of all those in the Annexe- the one that really does affect must be the ending moving shot of Anne in the Netherlands a year before hiding, the only film of its kind. Highly recommended documentary, it is rather full-on, as delineated by its length.

19/03/2023 (15:28-16:26)

A documentary that focusses less intricately on the incarceration and persecution of those from the Secret Annexe. Intriguingly, it links together Anne Frank, and her surviving step-sister Eva Schloss.

With commentaries from Schloss herself, an added layer of integrity is ascribed to the work. I recommend one to watch/ listen to Schloss's US Shoah testimony, a perfect accompaniment, with much compassion and respect from Otto.

19/03/2023 (23:42-00:32)

Worthwhile documentary involving those associated with Rutka Laskier relating commentaries and testimonies on their experiences, and those that were relevant regarding Rutka.

Footage used in this documentary is invaluable in realising what Bedzin was like during its Occupation, esp. regarding the the places that were part of Rutka's final journey. It was certainly a fitting touch to have Rutka's half-sister go on this journey to get to know her sister more than she ever had before.

In contemporary versions of this work, there are no subs, thus, with the potent music in the background overshadowing much of the diction, it was trying to gain info at times.

20/03/2023 (15:34-17:43)

Essentially a docu. where Anne's story is told by numerous different people in diverse ways (with scenes beautifully, and expressively, read by Helen Mirren), and the Shoah is explored through a wider lens, by historians relaying general facts, multiple testimonies from living survivors, and descendants, (in Czech, Italian, French and English) to display how similar the horrors were that the many Jewish children went through during the Holocaust.

A part of this that I really liked was how they split up and interspersed all of the stories/ testimonies, including Anne's, and so it facilitated the ease of assuaging a profound connection in the experiences of youth, with a terminating statement of how integral children are, of the potential that the generation of them wiped out under the Nazi regime would've brought. It really was insightful to have a young person (using social media) make the journey to all the places Anne had been to in order to help maintain the relevance of the prevention of discrimination no matter the person.

21/03/2023 (00:10-01:01)

Essentially, this documentary is structured around Bernard Walter's photos of Auschwitz that were salvaged from Mittelbau-Dora concentration camp, how Walter ended up eventually, and tell the tale of Irene Heiss's time in the camps (she believes that one of the pictures shows her before she walked off to the showers), ending on a rather potent message upon the consideration of mankind.

Another invaluable aspect in this film is the sheer amount of footage displayed, to preserve the memory of all those that were murdered top, continuing to push forth the message that mankind must stop discriminating. Worth a watch- esp. with how much depth into the subject is given to us by Stefan Hurdler- it was metaphysics and the concept of an 'Aryan soul' that led to all Jews being murdered.

21/03/2023 (16:12-17:50)

Fair warning, this is a very light introduction into the Holocaust, i.e. one for younger viewers, so if you're looking for a work with more information, I'd recommend a documentary any day.

While the focus of this is evidently Anne Frank's diary, all parts included are not necessarily entirely faithful to the source material (such as Otto and Edith's room being Margot's as soon as they got there), likely because of the fact that time had to be sacrificed between the diary content, the present day content, and the events of Anne's life that weren't included in her diary (ingenious idea not to just focus on the diary content as young watchers's attention spans might not be able to cope with a telling in one sitting).

I love what Folman did with animations, making it more accessible for children, esp. when it came the simplicity of the theme of Good vs Evil (something which anywhere else in Holocaust dialogue would certainly be ill-advised due to the lack of impartiality), the appearances of past and present day Amsterdam, as well as places Anne was at on her way to Bergen-Belsen.

What is to be most admired though is the bridging between the past and the present, and of the perpetual similarities that we face (parallels in the overbearing police, refugees, dissenting collective are also easily grasped notions for children). Thus, I do appreciate the inclusion of Kitty as a character who, after having uncovered the story of her friend, was set to live her life as her friend wished, finding her first love, aiding minorities etc. The ending scene holds the same feeling for me as does the vacuous nature of the Anne Frank Museum to be honest, and I am expressly satisfied with the cyclical nature of this- really was an effective way to finish.

However, besides some licence taken regarding the details of the diary, the part where this work was let down was, unequivocally, when the preponderance of lexis regarding treatment of refugees was added in (towards the end). Although I believe it is significant that parallels were made on the subject of refugees in this film, and the activism that entails, it was far too paramount, and far too direct here- could always be realised from the earlier scenes of the refugees to be honest (and that is where talk amongst children and family could be broached regarding the international refugee crisis and entropy of human decision and propensity). The fact that threat was used to get citizenship really was a poor decision, but evidently any children's film needs a happy ending, no matter how unrealistic. xx

22/03/2023 (13:00-16:41)

Bear in mind, this is a fictionalised and dramatised account of Hannah Goslar's WW2 experience- Anne Frank is a secondary character here. It is really intriguing for me to watch an adaptation of a Holocaust survivor's testimony where the person in question is not famous (but I guess this was able to come to pass because Hannah was one of Anne's closest friends). Kudos for adding in parts relating to Anne's precociousness when it came to learning about sex though.

What I liked most about this version was how, even if artistic licence was used, Anne was not portrayed as sanctimonious , and we actually got to see a version of Anne at Bergen-Belsen- something that I certainly haven't seen before in any work (good job to the crew for deciding on this- esp. those involved w the screenplay (Marian Batavier and Paul Ruven)). The consistency of notable parts of Goslar's testimony though, such as her relating when her mother told her 'God knows everything, but Anne knows everything better' (which Goslar also said in 'Anne Frank Remembered') adds further integrity.

With this film's lowest rating being a 12, one cannot expect it to detail a lot of the abhorrent events that occurred throughout Nazi occupied zones, most specifically the concentration camps, documentaries and films like 'Schindler's List' are best for that (the film did still manage to display some though- physical abuse, and mentions of sexual abuse, not any from the Russians upon liberation however).

One thing that must be stated though is that, considering this work was released on Netflix, it really does need consistent subtitles in at least a few main languages as, especially when it came to camo scenes, there weren't a whole lot of subs (and then there's the palaver where Hannah spoke Dutch, not German, with her parents etc.) Additionally, there were multiple uncertainties regarding the aspects of Hannah's story that weren't fictionalised so much, i.e. no blatant confirmation of the fact that they got to stay in the exchange camo because of Palestinian passports (only touched on briefly without the nationality in the film).

This unique perspective is certainly worth the watch though- even if parts are fabricated/ toned down, plenty of the threatening atmosphere remains for this to maintain its didactic. I really do wish that the film could've mentioned in the text at the end that they were part of the 'Lost Train' transport to Theresienstadt, before being liberated by the Germans at a destroyed railway bridge near Trobitz, it is undoubtedly worth the watch though, if only for the chemistry and emotion portrayed by Josephine Arendsen (Hannah) and Aiko Beemsterbier (Anne).

23/03/2023 (11:50-12:45)

A documentary on the life of Dr. Edith Eva Eger that I would, undoubtedly recommend. Her mentality towards life really is awe-inspiring (whether that be whilst incarcerated, or upon realising the injustices in the supposed 'free world' as well). Many blessings ahead of you Edith. xx

23/03;2023 (15:06-19:10)

First and foremost, this is a war documentary whose purpose was to be a form of propaganda that put a veneer on much of what happened at 'Nanking'. Thus, there is a significant amount of information regarding the invasion that the Japanese do not mention.


Despite this, one still gets to see contemporary 1937-38 China, as well as quite a few notable buildings in and around 'Nanking', as well as plenty of preparations for the 1938 New Year Festival. Apart from that though, like many dated films (esp. documentaries), it is rather difficult to be engaged for its entirety hhh.

Must admit though, the songs (esp. that of the anthem) were hauntingly potent to hear- beautiful compositions.

https://apjjf.org/2018/2/Selden.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanking_(1938_film)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi6F1YJ-q64&t=16s