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On the Waterfront (1954)
On the Waterfront (1954)
1954 | Classics, Drama, Romance

"I remember when I saw On the Waterfront for the first time. With that, it was kind of the chemistry between Brando and Eva Marie Saint that was so gorgeous to watch on screen. And that’s a wonderful film to go back to. And actually, in the film I’m just about to do, one of the relationships that I have with another character kind of really reminds me of their relationship. So that’s lovely."

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The Book of Night Women
The Book of Night Women
Marlon James | 2014 | Fiction & Poetry
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Favorite

"More recently celebrated for his masterpiece A Brief History of Seven Killings, James has created in this lesser known book a deeply personal view of Jamaican slavery. Set from a decidedly female perspective, The Book of Night Women takes you into domestic spaces, seduces you into understanding the very real conflicts and emotions behind charged and savage sexual encounters between slaves and masters, and dissects the negotiations of power within those relationships."

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Bruce Beresford recommended Miss Julie (2014) in Movies (curated)

 
Miss Julie (2014)
Miss Julie (2014)
2014 | Drama
(0 Ratings)
Movie Favorite

"For years I regarded Alf Sjöberg as the best director ever on the basis of this film. A stunning adaptation of a short play that is all set in a kitchen. Quite amazing, the way Sjöberg opens out and strengthens all the tensions and relationships in the story. Superb visuals. I’d love to see his Barabbas . . . a film of his I’ve never been able to track down, even when I went to Stockholm."

Source
  
It's. Nice. Outside.
It's. Nice. Outside.
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
If you're looking for a book that is a fun read, but isn't frivolous; or one that investigates relationships in a family with a special-needs child, but isn't too serious; or something with interesting and introspective characters who aren't self-centered (at least, not exclusively); then this may be the book for you. Find out why in my review here. https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2015/11/17/a-well-punctuated-road-trip/
  
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Ali A (80 KP) rated Practice Girl in Books

May 24, 2022  
Practice Girl
Practice Girl
Estelle Laure | 2022 | Young Adult (YA)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Jo always seems to fall fast for boys - boys who, for some reason, don’t fall for her. One night at a party, she hears why - the boys who are on the wrestling team she manages, consider her a girl who’s good enough to hook up with, but not someone to date, aka, a “practice girl”.

After hearing those two words, Jo feels a lot of things - hurt, angry, ashamed, betrayed… but overall, she refuses to let those words define who she is. As she works on herself and her relationships, Jo begins to unpack and find out more uncomfortable truths about herself and her connections with all those around her. And in doing so, helps her understand her real worth.

I loved the authentic voice of Jo. I was a bit worried when I first started the book, not really knowing how a YA novel was going to handle the topic of sex. But, after reading the first few chapters, I was very interested in Jo’s story, and my mind changed.

My father was killed in a work accident when I was 12 (3 days into my 7th grade school year), and in the past, I have wondered what has done towards male relationships for me… This book had what I felt like an authentic take on a high school girl’s insecurities and vulnerabilities involving boys and relationships during that time. High school is hard enough as it is, a death of a parent sure doesn’t make it any easier.

I absolutely loved Jo’s rekindling with Leah and making friends with Jen and Amber. The talk those four had about boys and relationships while sitting around in a circle was exactly what Jo needed and allowed for multiple viewpoints that I don’t feel like are seen or heard about often in YA (like a lot of stuff, it’s getting more and more common though!)

I’m also super proud of Jo for her stance in her relationship with Sam at the end of the book. They both had stuff they needed to figure out and kudos for her to kind of force him to acknowledge that.

Overall, I enjoyed this YA novel about reputation, double standards, relationships, and empowerment. I recommend it to those who like contemporary novels that have a strong female lead, who learns lessons that I believe are important for young girls to hear.

*Thank you Bookish First and Viking Penguin for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
  
TM
Tell Me Again How a Crush Should Feel
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This books does an amazing job or taking us through the complexities of coming out not only to others but to ourselves. The diversity of cultures really hits on what life really is like including the "toxic" people we may come in contact. Farizan does an amazing job capturing the emotions of her characters. Also it is nice not to have an LGBTQ novel that is all about sex but more the complexities of feelings and relationships.
  
Lost In Translation (2003)
Lost In Translation (2003)
2003 | Comedy, Drama, Romance
Two great lead characters (1 more)
Great footage of Tokyo and Japan
Rather slow paced (0 more)
A study in relationships
A film most seem to love or hate. I'm right down the middle. It is a good film, well made and the scenes in and around Tokyo are well shot. It's basically about a friendship between unlikely people in an unlikely place. A bit slow for some, but if you like films about human character and different personalities you will like this.
  
The Wide Circumference of Love: A Novel
The Wide Circumference of Love: A Novel
Marita Golden | 2017 | Contemporary, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Characters (2 more)
Ability to switch perspectives
Family & relationships that feel authentic
Real love story
This was a really well-written book. It's refreshing to see a WOC write about a black family in a way that is so real, authentic and relatable. It's a love story, but not in the traditional sense where there's a magical "happily ever after". It's a love story where people have to sacrifice, learn, and adapt to stay committed to the people they care about.