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Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated The Accusation: Forbidden Stories from Inside North Korea in Books
Nov 15, 2017 (Updated Nov 15, 2017)
Unflinching tales from North Korea
The Accusation shines a light on the dark half of the Korean peninsula with stories that are as readable as they are important. Written by a North Korean dissident still living in the country, the book is extremely unique - the manuscript having been smuggled out of the country by a fleeing relative.
Bandi, (not his real name) focuses on the period between 1989 and 1995 when Kim il-Sung and Kim Jong-il were in power. Seven short stories, each pointing an accusing finger at the ruling regime, shine a light on North Korea's truly fathomless darkness. While most of the stories are fictional, they are based on real events, but names have been changed to protect identities. It is almost Orwellian in nature, it's unbelievable that there is a place in the world where 1984 is a reality.
The seven stories aptly convey the hardships and constant trauma that people face in a country cut off from the rest of the world. Written with deep emotion and elegance. A sensational read.
Bandi, (not his real name) focuses on the period between 1989 and 1995 when Kim il-Sung and Kim Jong-il were in power. Seven short stories, each pointing an accusing finger at the ruling regime, shine a light on North Korea's truly fathomless darkness. While most of the stories are fictional, they are based on real events, but names have been changed to protect identities. It is almost Orwellian in nature, it's unbelievable that there is a place in the world where 1984 is a reality.
The seven stories aptly convey the hardships and constant trauma that people face in a country cut off from the rest of the world. Written with deep emotion and elegance. A sensational read.
Shaun Collins (3 KP) rated Fight Club 2 in Books
Jan 11, 2018
I am Jack's emerging sense of Nerd Rage...
Firstly, WHY? Why on earth would you even think about writing a sequel to one of the best books ever written that spawned one of the best cult classic movies ever made?
Secondly, WHAT? I mean, I read it and all, but...
Thirdly, OH WOW.
This book will be polarizing for fans. You will either love it or hate it. Period. I doubt there will be any middle ground here. Some fans will argue that Palahniuk is spent creatively, or that this was a giant FU to the Tyler Durden fan club, or that it was just ill conceived all they way around.
Others will think it's the most beautiful messed up thing they've ever read.
At the moment, I fall very much into the later category, but I just finished this set, and the resonance of the final pages have left me a little shell shocked. I need to discuss this with friends, like NOW.
More to come as it unravels for me...
Firstly, WHY? Why on earth would you even think about writing a sequel to one of the best books ever written that spawned one of the best cult classic movies ever made?
Secondly, WHAT? I mean, I read it and all, but...
Thirdly, OH WOW.
This book will be polarizing for fans. You will either love it or hate it. Period. I doubt there will be any middle ground here. Some fans will argue that Palahniuk is spent creatively, or that this was a giant FU to the Tyler Durden fan club, or that it was just ill conceived all they way around.
Others will think it's the most beautiful messed up thing they've ever read.
At the moment, I fall very much into the later category, but I just finished this set, and the resonance of the final pages have left me a little shell shocked. I need to discuss this with friends, like NOW.
More to come as it unravels for me...
[Empire of Sin]by [Gary Krist] was an interesting account of the downfall of what I would have thought as the golden age of New Orleans. New Orleans was the last bastion of sin in the South during the Gilded Age in America. This was a time period when people were trying to live by Victorian standards and New Orleans went against them all. This was a war between cultures and depending who won, New Orleans was bound to be changed.
The book was well written. It started out really strong and the characters in the book were very colorful, more so knowing they were real people. This was a character driven non fiction which makes sense for New Orleans which had more than it's share. My only complaint was towards the end of the book [Krist] seemed to be quickly wrapping up some stories not giving the details that were present in the beginning.
I have recommended this book to quite a few people though. It was a much needed non-fiction fix.
The book was well written. It started out really strong and the characters in the book were very colorful, more so knowing they were real people. This was a character driven non fiction which makes sense for New Orleans which had more than it's share. My only complaint was towards the end of the book [Krist] seemed to be quickly wrapping up some stories not giving the details that were present in the beginning.
I have recommended this book to quite a few people though. It was a much needed non-fiction fix.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Witchfinder General (1968) in Movies
May 10, 2018
Famously nasty cult horror movie looks a bit like another Poe-Corman-Price adaptation (and was marketed as such in the States) but is really the work of a much darker sensibility. No actual supernatural elements, just people being sadistic to each other in the middle of a vicious civil war.
The story is a pretty standard revenge melodrama, made distinctive by the sheer bleakness of tone throughout the movie. At a time when pretty much every Hammer movie concluded with the defeat of the forces of evil (at least until the next sequel) the sheer amoral nihilism of Witchfinder General is distinctive.
Notable for the closest thing to a completely straight performance you will ever find Vincent Price contributing as the star of a horror movie, and also for the censor-troubling levels of violence and general grisliness. As is standard for British horror films of this period, fun is also to be had spotting youthful appearances by people who went on to have rather distinguished appearances in less extreme material.
The story is a pretty standard revenge melodrama, made distinctive by the sheer bleakness of tone throughout the movie. At a time when pretty much every Hammer movie concluded with the defeat of the forces of evil (at least until the next sequel) the sheer amoral nihilism of Witchfinder General is distinctive.
Notable for the closest thing to a completely straight performance you will ever find Vincent Price contributing as the star of a horror movie, and also for the censor-troubling levels of violence and general grisliness. As is standard for British horror films of this period, fun is also to be had spotting youthful appearances by people who went on to have rather distinguished appearances in less extreme material.
David McK (3587 KP) rated Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018) in Movies
Feb 10, 2019 (Updated May 8, 2021)
It's a Star Wars movie (3 more)
Donald Glover
Woody Harrelson
Alden Ehrenreich gives it his all in playing a younger Han Solo
Alden Ehrenreich is no Harrison Ford (2 more)
Predictable plot
The leader of Crimson Dawn didn't need to be who it is
The second of Disney's 'A Star Wars story' spin-off from the main (numbered) films followimg Rogue One, this one is largely held responsible for Disney's decision to slow down on releasing this spins offs (originally intended to be one every other year, in between the main ones) when it underperformed at the box office.
Personally, I feel a large reason for that underperformance is that, of all the characters in the original saga, Han is probably one of those least in the need to get an origin/prologue movie and that this was released during the summer months instead of the more traditional festive release period for a Star Wars movie.
Whereas Rogue One was, largely, a war movie, this one takes a different approach: more of a heist (complete with double and triple crossing) Western movie, if anything.
Personally, I feel a large reason for that underperformance is that, of all the characters in the original saga, Han is probably one of those least in the need to get an origin/prologue movie and that this was released during the summer months instead of the more traditional festive release period for a Star Wars movie.
Whereas Rogue One was, largely, a war movie, this one takes a different approach: more of a heist (complete with double and triple crossing) Western movie, if anything.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Men O'War (1929) in Movies
Feb 21, 2019
Early L&H sound film finds Stan and Ollie not quite yet in their imperial phase of effortless brilliance, but looking good. They play sailors on shore leave doing what sailors on shore leave do (i.e., attempting to pick up girls). There's a misunderstanding about clothing; Stan and Ollie have to buy a round of drinks despite not having enough money; they cause an impressive pile-up on a boating lake.
You can tell that the formula's not quite there yet, for there is much less emphasis on gleeful property damage and Ollie ending up the victim of Stan's various mishaps than you tend to find in their later films. Instead, there's more reliance on verbal comedy and elements of farce - the first part of the film revolves around a (for 1929) slightly saucy gag about a woman losing her underwear. Suffers a bit from the technical limitations of the period (the lengthy boat sequence at the end is filmed entirely in long shot) but still an ambitious and very funny film.
You can tell that the formula's not quite there yet, for there is much less emphasis on gleeful property damage and Ollie ending up the victim of Stan's various mishaps than you tend to find in their later films. Instead, there's more reliance on verbal comedy and elements of farce - the first part of the film revolves around a (for 1929) slightly saucy gag about a woman losing her underwear. Suffers a bit from the technical limitations of the period (the lengthy boat sequence at the end is filmed entirely in long shot) but still an ambitious and very funny film.
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated My Heart Belongs in Castle Gate, Utah: Leanna's Choice in Books
Feb 27, 2019
I enjoyed Ms. Dicken's work with this newest installment in the My Heart Belongs series. She is a superbly talented author and really swept me away with her coal mining setting and her beautifully chiseled characters. As a granddaughter of a miner, I really loved reading this time period.
Alex and Leanna's characters were perfect! I was instantly captivated by them both and loved watching them grow in their feelings for each other. And, the sweet children! Oh how I adored them and was glad that they were in the story.
This is definitely a 4 star addition to the series. If you are longing for a book that will take you away to a richly detailed historical setting, to a world where the characters become like family, and a book that is filled with beautiful messages of longing, hope and forgiveness, then grab this one up! Ms. Dicken has a new fan in me.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher/CelebrateLit Blog Tours and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Alex and Leanna's characters were perfect! I was instantly captivated by them both and loved watching them grow in their feelings for each other. And, the sweet children! Oh how I adored them and was glad that they were in the story.
This is definitely a 4 star addition to the series. If you are longing for a book that will take you away to a richly detailed historical setting, to a world where the characters become like family, and a book that is filled with beautiful messages of longing, hope and forgiveness, then grab this one up! Ms. Dicken has a new fan in me.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher/CelebrateLit Blog Tours and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Sheridan (209 KP) rated The Highwaymen (2019) in Movies
Apr 24, 2019
Excellent acting (1 more)
Period cars and outfits (love it ?)
A Different Side to Bonnie and Clyde
I really enjoyed this. It was complex and interesting, and the characterisations were fantastic. I will admit it was a little slow to start and there were parts I thought needed more explaination (but then it happens a little later and it fleshes the characters out more). I often find the story of Bonnie and Clyde to be romanticised (which to an extent I suppose it's true) but those versions never really show how truly violent and senseless their crime spree was. This however, shows how callous and truly intelligent they were as a team, it's refreshing to see that, because it truly was the truth of the situation. I've always been a fan of Woody (Zombieland is still one of my favourite movies) and this movie shows a different side of his abilities as an actor so that was pretty cool. Overall, it's a thoughtful and interesting film I enjoyed immensely.
Andy K (10823 KP) rated 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954) in Movies
Apr 29, 2019
One of the first Disney films to be shot in Cinema Scope
I swear Kirk Douglas has the best chin in film I have ever seen.
Another Disney classic I am ashamed I had not seen until today. What a grand epic undersea adventure! Kirk Douglas, Peter Lorre and James Mason as Captain Nemo (my dog really liked the seal, Esmeralda as well).
After some mysterious encounters at sea results in several vessels going down, some survivors of one of the blasts find their way aboard the Nautilus and meet the nefarious captain. After discovering the captain's mission our heroes try and escape and end up sort of joining the crew to bide their time until another opportunity arises.
What about the giant squid?
For the time period, this film looked amazing and the art direction and special effects both won Academy Awards for that year. The design of the Nautilus was also very interesting and it photographed well underwater.
I thoroughly enjoyed embarking on this aquatic journey and had to hold my breath until it was over!
Another Disney classic I am ashamed I had not seen until today. What a grand epic undersea adventure! Kirk Douglas, Peter Lorre and James Mason as Captain Nemo (my dog really liked the seal, Esmeralda as well).
After some mysterious encounters at sea results in several vessels going down, some survivors of one of the blasts find their way aboard the Nautilus and meet the nefarious captain. After discovering the captain's mission our heroes try and escape and end up sort of joining the crew to bide their time until another opportunity arises.
What about the giant squid?
For the time period, this film looked amazing and the art direction and special effects both won Academy Awards for that year. The design of the Nautilus was also very interesting and it photographed well underwater.
I thoroughly enjoyed embarking on this aquatic journey and had to hold my breath until it was over!
Andy K (10823 KP) rated Hostiles (2017) in Movies
Jan 28, 2018
Bring westerns back!
I love Christian Bale and I love westerns, so it is no surprise I found this an immensely entertaining film.
It is hard to believe humanity even survived the relentless, bleak, hostile and morose period in American history when native Americans were hunted down, slaughtered and removed from their land. They became equally brutal in retaliation and defending their property.
When Bale (Capt. Joseph J. Blocker) is ordered to transport a dying Indian Chief and former adversary and his family back to Montana based on his dying wish, Bale reluctantly agrees.
Their journey would be marked with heartache, sacrifice and brutality. Bale and his men come under attack and have to band together to survive.
I have seen few westerns which showcase the brutality of the Old West better than this film. Your heart goes out to the men and women left to survive with very little left in their lives to look forward to. Somehow, they manage to carry on and should be inspiring to the rest of us to do the same.
It is hard to believe humanity even survived the relentless, bleak, hostile and morose period in American history when native Americans were hunted down, slaughtered and removed from their land. They became equally brutal in retaliation and defending their property.
When Bale (Capt. Joseph J. Blocker) is ordered to transport a dying Indian Chief and former adversary and his family back to Montana based on his dying wish, Bale reluctantly agrees.
Their journey would be marked with heartache, sacrifice and brutality. Bale and his men come under attack and have to band together to survive.
I have seen few westerns which showcase the brutality of the Old West better than this film. Your heart goes out to the men and women left to survive with very little left in their lives to look forward to. Somehow, they manage to carry on and should be inspiring to the rest of us to do the same.