Film & TV

[Spoiler Alert] All the light we cannot see – if today was the last day of life…

The drama series All the light we cannot see was launched on Netflix on November 2. The condensed four-episode theatrical version is adapted from the original novel by Anthony Doerr. This Pulitzer Prize-winning historical novel set during World War II became the New York Times bestseller in literature. Although the characters in the play are purely fictional, author Doerr uses the historical context of the 1944 siege and battle for control of Saint-Malo in Brittany, France. “It was really important to me to try to make sure that every detail of Saint-Malo was correct so that people who lived through the siege would believe in the authenticity of the project,” Doerr said. Although the series was rewritten. Part of the plot and ending of the original novel, but whether it is the novel o...

If They Had More Time: Stories of Secondary

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fh6WuUOeJT4 Pink October, a colour traditionally associated with romance and tenderness, also symbolises Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Late in September, Breast Cancer Now, a UK-based charity and research organisation, launched a poignant campaign called “If I Had More Time”. The initiative features interviews with nine women from diverse backgrounds, all of whom are battling Secondary Breast Cancer*. They open up about life after their diagnosis and explore what the concept of “more time” means to each of them. As Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close, the organisation released a five-minute documentary, Stories of Secondary, which includes previously unseen interview footage. The film captures intimate conversations with these wom...

“The Marvels” Pioneers the Way : The First African-American Female Director in MCU History and the First Female Superhero Film

A decade has been dedicated to building the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), marking a legendary era in the making. However, after ten years, one must question how long the superhero film craze can sustain itself. Box office numbers don't lie, and over the past year, the development of superhero films has fallen short of expectations. It appears that the public is experiencing a phenomenon known as "superhero fatigue." Amidst the saturated landscape of superhero films, a glimmer of hope emerges with the arrival of the first African-American female director in the MCU, Nia DaCosta. She is responsible for crafting the first-ever female superhero film in MCU history, "The Marvels," set to release this November. Nia DaCosta, a remarkably young and talented emerging filmmaker at ...

The Potent Punch in a Silent World : Small, Slow but Steady

“Isn't it (being deaf) a major disadvantage in boxing?” “Keiko has excellent eyesight. While she might not be extraordinarily gifted, I must admit, she possesses remarkable courage.” Premiering at the end of July, Small, Slow but Steady is an adaptation of the life of a deaf Japanese professional female boxer Keiko Ogasawara. The film delves into how boxing transformed her once tumultuous life. Despite her small stature, slow punch speed, and inherent physical limitations, Keiko (portrayed by Yukino Kishii), a determined deaf female boxer, hones her willpower through her unyielding gaze. With her unique rhythm, she throws every punch in the journey of her life. It's important to approach Small, Slow but Steady without preconceived notions of a typical sports or inspirational ...

Unveiling Saoirse Ronan: The Authentic Essence of an Actress

Acting is kind of like child’s play,as a child can transform themselves into someone else. Saoirse Ronan Is there a link between an actor's authentic personality and the characters they bring to life on screen? The “Instinctive Actor”, a distinct category of performers renowned for their adaptability. These actors gravitate towards roles that align with their own personalities, effortlessly embodying characters whose traits resonate with their innate qualities. With an uncanny ability to seamlessly blend their true selves into their performances, their portrayals exude a natural, unvarnished charm. Saoirse Ronan may fit this profile. When you think of Saoirse Ronan, moments of her confidently holding hands with Timothée Chalamet on stage or humorously teaching Margot Robb...

Women Voice in Film – The Bechdel Test

On a lazy Sunday afternoon, lounging around at home with nothing to do, you decide to give your good friend Liz a call. “Let's go watch a movie!” you suggest. “Which one?” Liz's voice sounds sluggish, as if she's also feeling restless. “Anything will do, just to pass the time,” you reply. “That won't do. I have three specific criteria for watching a movie,” Liz suddenly becomes serious. You thought she would mention genres or actors, but instead, she presents three peculiar requirements: (1) There have to be at least 2 named female characters(2) They have to talk to each other(3) The conversation needs to be about something other than a man As Liz's criteria sank in, , your mind raced through the recent lineup of films, The Flash, Transformers, Spider-Man, Fast & ...

Happy Father’s Day, Mrs. Mak

When it comes to the most iconic local pig character, "McDull" is probably the name that comes to mind for both you and me—it's a nostalgic figure for an entire generation. Whenever we think of this naive and simple-minded little piggie, we also recall the voice of Sandra Ng and the character she voiced, "Mrs. Mak." Mrs. Mak, the slightly nagging and fierce  Hong Kong-style housewife, is a familiar character to all. However, what many may not realise is that her full name is "Tam Yuk-Lin". She is also known as Mak Tam Yuk-Lin She was once a "factory girl" in her younger days, who would entertain the crowd with her seductive leg dances at Dai Tat Dei. It was there that she unexpectedly crossed paths with a man named Mak Bing. With his scruffy beard and a perennially troub...

CameraWomen: Films by Women Cinematographers

Cinematography speaks to everything that women do inherently well: It's multitasking, it's empathy, and it's channelling visuals into human emotion. Rachel Morrison In a groundbreaking moment at the 2018 Oscars, Rachel Morrison became the first female cinematographer to receive a Best Cinematography nomination in the history of film. While the question of gender-specific qualities in cinematography is subjective, it is worth noting the objective findings of renowned British film industry scholar Stephen Fellows. His research reveals a striking reality: female cinematographers have been notably underrepresented in the film industry, with less than 10% representation as recently as 2016. Instead, women have often found their roles gravitating towards areas such as costume designer, ...