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Awix (3310 KP) rated Zama (2017) in Movies

Jun 5, 2018

Zama (2017)

2017 | Drama, International

6.0

(1 Ratings)

Movie Rating

Very art-housey Argentinian movie which has managed to acquire some kind of profile due to the involvement as producers of Pedro Almodavar and Danny Glover. Mildly stressed functionary Zama finds himself posted to a backwater South American outpost of the Spanish empire, some time in the 17th century, desperately tries to get himself transferred elsewhere, has very little success with this. In the end it all goes a little bit Apocalypse Now/Aguirre the Wrath of God.

Beautiful to look at, but one of those films where the fact that not very much happens is kind of the point. Implicitly highly critical of colonialism and slavery, of course - the Spanish overlords and the trappings of their civilisation are shabby and squalid compared to the local people - but more a character study of someone who finds himself becalmed in life (nice central performance). As I say, not very much happens until quite near the end, but it doesn't happen very beautifully.

Kudos

Rebecca Billcliff (2409 KP) rated His Majesty's Dragon in Books

Nov 13, 2019

His Majesty's Dragon

Naomi Novik | 2006 | Science Fiction/Fantasy

8.8

(4 Ratings)

Book Rating

The start of a good, long series (0 more)

A Magisterial Read

This first book came free when I pre ordered another book, and at first, I paid it no attention. One day, I found it, and I have not looked back.
The series gives something different in each book, and the first gives all the info to the world, without playing the excessive exposition game.
This universe is set in the Nepolionic war, but in this reality, alongside the Marines and Navy, there is also the Arial Corp, where the men fight from the back of massive dragons!
They have a hyerachy on bord, with captains bonded strongly with their dragons, who are themselves, strong characters.
There is a rich mythology within this series, and includes topics like political strife, religion, slavery and historical events, adapted to include it's scaly new additions.
Both a great read for fantasy and history lovers alike, give this book a go, and see if you read all 9.