Search
Search results
James Koppert (2698 KP) rated Spirited Away (2001) in Movies
Oct 29, 2019
The greatest animation made
If you haven't seen this just stop. Stop reading this and watch it. It is absolute perfection. It is the only film I watched and then watched it again straight after. No wonder it won an Oscar it is a masterpiece.
Based on Japanese folklore, Spirited Away doesn't treat it's audience dumb like Disney often does. It doesn't limit its imagination, it continues to push it's imagination and concepts to the ones from dreams and becomes hypnotic and beautiful. Go and watch it.
Based on Japanese folklore, Spirited Away doesn't treat it's audience dumb like Disney often does. It doesn't limit its imagination, it continues to push it's imagination and concepts to the ones from dreams and becomes hypnotic and beautiful. Go and watch it.
Guillermo Del Toro recommended 鬼婆 [Onibaba] (1964) in Movies (curated)
Guillermo Del Toro recommended Kuroneko (1968) in Movies (curated)
James Dean Bradfield recommended Steeltown by Big Country in Music (curated)
Story times!
Lore narrated by Aaron Mahnke is awesome. With a book series, an Amazon video series and this podcast Aaron has a voice that adds an extra creep factor to the scary stories based in true life he tells. At times, I get goosebumps listening to the history and folklore surrounding places and things of the past. A must hear episode is episode 15: Unboxed. The story of Robert the Doll, who inspired the Chucky series and his original owner of the same name, is one of the creepiest. This story of inspired me to drag three other unknowing adults through a museum in Key West. Be sure no pictures exist of this venture.
Robert Eggers recommended Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors (1965) in Movies (curated)
Book number 10 in Orlando Sanchez's 'Montage and Strong' series, and - much like Simon Strong - I'm beginning to feel lost with just what is going on.
According to Wikipedia:
"A golem is an animated anthropomorphic being in Jewish folklore that is created entirely from inanimate matter (usually clay or mud) ... The most famous golem narrative involves Judah Loew ben Bezalel, the late-16th-century rabbi of Prague"
Modern readers might be more familiar with them from their inclusion in the later entries in Terry Pratchett's superlative Discworld series.
In this one, a Golem has been created and is terrorizing select parts of New York, with Montague and Strong called in to deal - reluctantly - with the threat it represents.
According to Wikipedia:
"A golem is an animated anthropomorphic being in Jewish folklore that is created entirely from inanimate matter (usually clay or mud) ... The most famous golem narrative involves Judah Loew ben Bezalel, the late-16th-century rabbi of Prague"
Modern readers might be more familiar with them from their inclusion in the later entries in Terry Pratchett's superlative Discworld series.
In this one, a Golem has been created and is terrorizing select parts of New York, with Montague and Strong called in to deal - reluctantly - with the threat it represents.
Sophia (Bookwyrming Thoughts) (530 KP) rated Through the White Wood in Books
Jan 23, 2020
<b><i>I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.</i></b>
<h2><em><strong>Through the White Wood</strong></em><strong> was interesting to read.</strong></h2>
Although there were some things I didn't like about this one, I enjoyed many aspects of Jessica Leake's latest novel. <em>Through the White Wood</em> is the companion novel to <em>Beyond a Darkened Shore</em>, following Katya as she journeys to the palace of Kiev after losing control of her powers. But as she enters palace life, she learns the country she calls home is threatened by outside forces.
We learn from the beginning Katya is feared since childhood due to her ability to freeze anything she touches. Throughout the book, Katya is constantly struggling with the question, "am I a monster?"
<h2><strong>Elements of History and Folklore.</strong></h2>
Although Leake mentions in the author's note she took liberties with certain elements, I loved seeing how they would come together in <em>Through the White Wood</em>. There's a good blend of history, folklore and fantasy that nothing seems out of place and sparks a curiosity to do my own research outside of the book.
<h2><strong>I wanted more from <em>Through the White Wood</em>.</strong></h2>
I enjoyed going back into the Byzantine Empire and seeing some of the Slavic folklore coming to life. However, I really felt there's something missing from the novel. As I got further into the story, I found myself somewhat disappointed with a few aspects:
~ Katya - I wanted more from her. Sometimes I feel she is going through actions because she feels she has to and eventually it morphs into wanting.
~ Prince Sasha - I also wanted more from him, particularly his backstory and the rumors surrounding him before Katya meets him. Also, Prince Sasha's real name is Vladimir, which kind of struck me as odd? The novel mentions Sasha is a childhood name, but I don't recall going into the particulars of <em>why</em>.
~ The romance - it just felt out of place and a little rushed. I found the world far more interesting.
Most of the novel dives into this struggle as Katya learns about her history and power, and she struggles with accepting her ability as part of who she is. There is little action up until the final battle, where everything feels a little rushed to get to victory. (Little action may just be me - at a certain time of day, lots of telling exhausts me and my goal is to stay awake.)
<h2><strong>Overall</strong></h2>
I enjoyed <em>Through the White Wood</em>! I liked seeing Katya's constant struggle of whether or not she's a monster and her journey to discover who she is. The world is interesting enough for me to continue reading Katya's story, and I liked seeing the various elemental powers being a part of it. Jessica Leake's latest novel is a solid story for those who enjoy a slower-paced book with historical and folklore elements woven together.
<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/through-the-white-wood-by-jessica-leake/" target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
<h2><em><strong>Through the White Wood</strong></em><strong> was interesting to read.</strong></h2>
Although there were some things I didn't like about this one, I enjoyed many aspects of Jessica Leake's latest novel. <em>Through the White Wood</em> is the companion novel to <em>Beyond a Darkened Shore</em>, following Katya as she journeys to the palace of Kiev after losing control of her powers. But as she enters palace life, she learns the country she calls home is threatened by outside forces.
We learn from the beginning Katya is feared since childhood due to her ability to freeze anything she touches. Throughout the book, Katya is constantly struggling with the question, "am I a monster?"
<h2><strong>Elements of History and Folklore.</strong></h2>
Although Leake mentions in the author's note she took liberties with certain elements, I loved seeing how they would come together in <em>Through the White Wood</em>. There's a good blend of history, folklore and fantasy that nothing seems out of place and sparks a curiosity to do my own research outside of the book.
<h2><strong>I wanted more from <em>Through the White Wood</em>.</strong></h2>
I enjoyed going back into the Byzantine Empire and seeing some of the Slavic folklore coming to life. However, I really felt there's something missing from the novel. As I got further into the story, I found myself somewhat disappointed with a few aspects:
~ Katya - I wanted more from her. Sometimes I feel she is going through actions because she feels she has to and eventually it morphs into wanting.
~ Prince Sasha - I also wanted more from him, particularly his backstory and the rumors surrounding him before Katya meets him. Also, Prince Sasha's real name is Vladimir, which kind of struck me as odd? The novel mentions Sasha is a childhood name, but I don't recall going into the particulars of <em>why</em>.
~ The romance - it just felt out of place and a little rushed. I found the world far more interesting.
Most of the novel dives into this struggle as Katya learns about her history and power, and she struggles with accepting her ability as part of who she is. There is little action up until the final battle, where everything feels a little rushed to get to victory. (Little action may just be me - at a certain time of day, lots of telling exhausts me and my goal is to stay awake.)
<h2><strong>Overall</strong></h2>
I enjoyed <em>Through the White Wood</em>! I liked seeing Katya's constant struggle of whether or not she's a monster and her journey to discover who she is. The world is interesting enough for me to continue reading Katya's story, and I liked seeing the various elemental powers being a part of it. Jessica Leake's latest novel is a solid story for those who enjoy a slower-paced book with historical and folklore elements woven together.
<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/through-the-white-wood-by-jessica-leake/" target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
Kaysee Hood (83 KP) rated The Language Of Thorns in Books
Nov 6, 2017
Folklore for Grishaverse (1 more)
Possible Darkling mention?
The Language of Thorns: Midnight Tales and Dangerous Magic is a welcomed piece to the Grishaverse and the best part is there is no need to TGT or SOC.
The tales are lore from across the country of stores our beloved characters had more than likely been told as children to be wise enough to know when enough is enough, to be brave enough to realize it is okay to be different, and to be careful for what you wish for as sometimes wanting is not always your needs. There are Grisha and mermaids. There are kings and wicked beasts. There are clever foxes and unexpected evils. There are moments to make you laugh and lessons to be learned.
I will be adding this to my collection.
The tales are lore from across the country of stores our beloved characters had more than likely been told as children to be wise enough to know when enough is enough, to be brave enough to realize it is okay to be different, and to be careful for what you wish for as sometimes wanting is not always your needs. There are Grisha and mermaids. There are kings and wicked beasts. There are clever foxes and unexpected evils. There are moments to make you laugh and lessons to be learned.
I will be adding this to my collection.
David McK (3358 KP) rated Hellboy (2019) in Movies
Jan 18, 2020
Hmmm … roughly 15 years after the Guillermo del Torro directed 'Hellboy' and 11 years after 'Hellboy 2: The Golden Army' (both starring Ron Perlman as Big Red), we have - essentially - a reboot of sorts, this time with David Harbour (whoever he is. From Stranger Things - I've yet to watch that - apparently) taking on the lead role, with support from Ian McShane and - this time - with Milla Jovovich taking on the role of the 'big bad' Nimue.
Yes, that Nimue, from Arthurian folklore.
Which should tell you pretty much all you need to know: a mish-mash hodge-podge of sorts, with some leaden dialogue and a migraine-inducing thumping soundtrack, that borrows more liberally from the source comic than I remember the previous films doing, while also being a fair bit bloodier!
Yes, that Nimue, from Arthurian folklore.
Which should tell you pretty much all you need to know: a mish-mash hodge-podge of sorts, with some leaden dialogue and a migraine-inducing thumping soundtrack, that borrows more liberally from the source comic than I remember the previous films doing, while also being a fair bit bloodier!