Fantastic series, very glad I watched. It's an emotional rollercoaster ride through Indonesian history as told through the lives of two families. The acting is superb, I fell in love with Arum. I haven't seen a show like this since the Time imIn Between that swept me up into the history and the lived of the characters. This is a really great period piece, so much detail put into the costumes and settings to evoke 1960s Indonesia. I especially loved how the series showcases the country's rich batik tradition. Although very rooted in Indonesian culture and history, this show speaks to the profound experiences of loss, grief, pain and forgiveness that we all experience. The male characters especially are flawed but sympathetic, the two lead female characters, Dasiyah and Arum, are complex, strong and brilliant. A very rich and well told human story.
Reviews
54 Reviews
Dune
(2021)
As good as they come
28 October 2023
The cinematography, the ascetic. This was my second time watching Dune, it's an amazing film. At times, the music is over the top, but otherwise, it's flawless. I love the minimalist feel
In combination with the vastness and the scale of the landscape. Perhaps having visited a desert recently helps?
The acting, except perhaps Duncan Idaho (where did Frank Herbert get this name from?) is steller, and I love the visual richness. The poison needles, hunter-seekers, ornithopters, the mouth of the sandworm. All conveying rich detail and the effort put into this production.
The film has every element of a good story: betrayal, loyalty, suspense. The one thing this film is utterly lacking is humor. Definitely one of the most serious movies around.
The acting, except perhaps Duncan Idaho (where did Frank Herbert get this name from?) is steller, and I love the visual richness. The poison needles, hunter-seekers, ornithopters, the mouth of the sandworm. All conveying rich detail and the effort put into this production.
The film has every element of a good story: betrayal, loyalty, suspense. The one thing this film is utterly lacking is humor. Definitely one of the most serious movies around.
Jury Duty
(2023– )
Hilarious
23 August 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This is the funniest show I've seen in a long time. I watched it twice in the course of a couple of weeks. At first, I did not believe the premise of the show - I've watched Fargo too much to believe anything that creators say about their show. But my sister convinced me otherwise, and I gained a new appreciation for the genius of this show, the improvisational acting.
The show made a major risk by casting Kirk Fox - anyone who has watched Reservation Dogs would clearly recognize him as Kenny Boy! Perhaps they used that as part of the screening. I just thought that was funny, since he's a recognizable face.
This show is pure genius - it's the kind of comedy I like most. Absurd characters, deadpan humor, ridiculous situations (the jorf shirt???, chair pants, the whole Jaqui character). Thank you to whoever created this, we need more shows like Jury Duty.
The show made a major risk by casting Kirk Fox - anyone who has watched Reservation Dogs would clearly recognize him as Kenny Boy! Perhaps they used that as part of the screening. I just thought that was funny, since he's a recognizable face.
This show is pure genius - it's the kind of comedy I like most. Absurd characters, deadpan humor, ridiculous situations (the jorf shirt???, chair pants, the whole Jaqui character). Thank you to whoever created this, we need more shows like Jury Duty.
The Wheel of Time
(2021– )
Good not great
27 July 2023
I haven't read the books but I enjoyed this series. It makes a great distraction, is definitely binge watchable and entertaining. I like a good fantasy epic and this one delivered the goods. I enjoyed the sweeping landscapes, the plot twists, the action. Did find it a bit of a LOTR knockoff-Trollocs were a lot like Orcs.
I also found inconsistencies and too many of unexplained elements. Perhaps they left a lot out for season 2. Overall, the acting held it together and I look forward to checking out season two in a few weeks. Will be interesting what surprises are in store for the viewer. Ok enough characters.
I also found inconsistencies and too many of unexplained elements. Perhaps they left a lot out for season 2. Overall, the acting held it together and I look forward to checking out season two in a few weeks. Will be interesting what surprises are in store for the viewer. Ok enough characters.
Muster Dogs
(2022– )
Fantastic Show
12 July 2023
I really loved this show: the different landscapes of Australia, the rugged reality of raising livestock, but most of all the bond between working dogs and their handlers. Each person and their dog have such a unique chemistry, I loved seeing their bonds develop across the four episodes. Wish there had been 8.
The show really does justice to the beauty of a muster dog shepherding a herd of stock. It's a beautiful sight to watch. The last episode was an emotional one, but the result not surprising. Wonderful to see people and their love for working dogs, livestock and the land. Recommended for anyone who loves animals.
The show really does justice to the beauty of a muster dog shepherding a herd of stock. It's a beautiful sight to watch. The last episode was an emotional one, but the result not surprising. Wonderful to see people and their love for working dogs, livestock and the land. Recommended for anyone who loves animals.
Flamin' Hot
(2023)
Entertaining and Heartwarming
10 June 2023
The entertaining, heartwarming story of a Southern California Mexican-American janitor who created hot cheetos. Back in the mid 2000s I taught nutrition education at a mostly Latino elementary school in the East Bay in Northern California. The kids were obsessed with flaming hot cheetos much to my chagrin. But I also came to understand the hot cheetos as a cultural phenomenon and so I enjoyed this story. Sure, there's a lot to critique here about big business selling junk foods to the Latino community, but mostly I enjoyed this for the entertainment value: the solid acting, the inclusion of Chicano slang, the portrayal of working class Latino California that rang true with my own experience, and the relationship between Ricardo and Judy. This was the real flame of this movie. So watch it and enjoy, wish I'd picked up some flamin hot cheetos to eat.
Engaging Fantasy Series
3 June 2023
Warning: Spoilers
After reading all the negative reviews, almost didn't watch this series, but I am glad I did. I let go of comparisons with the LOTR trilogy and I am not an expert on Tolkiens world. Overall, the series had enough going on to hold my attention, it's the kind of show that lends itself to binge watching. Sure, the bit with the Harfoots gets annoying at time, as with the accents, but it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the Rings of Power. The visuals are stunning, in keeping with the trilogy, and it's a good mix of character and plot development alongside action. Not as many battles as the trilogy, but good in its own right. Glad I watched it, will be looking forward to the next seasons.
Insightful
25 May 2023
Warning: Spoilers
The last episode was a bit of a letdown-isn't that always the case after returning from a trip. The jumping off point-happiness surveys and polls-is a bit gimmicky but overall this is a fantastic show. Rainn is an excellent interviewer, he managed to find very insightful, wise people to speak with during his travels and that's the highlight of the show.
Apart from that, this show was just a pleasure to watch, a great mix of humor, adventure and, vulnerability. The apex of the show was the Thai monk in his saffron robes, smoking a cone shaped cigarette surrounded by a motley assortment of rescued street dogs. If that isn't happiness (apart from the cigarette) then what is? The world can be an awesome place and humans can be amazing. Nice to see that in a real, non-sugarcoated way. Thanks Rainn for making this fantastic show. I will certainly rewatch some of these episodes down the road when I'm feeling too far on the darker, heavier side of life.
Apart from that, this show was just a pleasure to watch, a great mix of humor, adventure and, vulnerability. The apex of the show was the Thai monk in his saffron robes, smoking a cone shaped cigarette surrounded by a motley assortment of rescued street dogs. If that isn't happiness (apart from the cigarette) then what is? The world can be an awesome place and humans can be amazing. Nice to see that in a real, non-sugarcoated way. Thanks Rainn for making this fantastic show. I will certainly rewatch some of these episodes down the road when I'm feeling too far on the darker, heavier side of life.
From good to great
7 May 2023
This is is a good show that becomes great as it progresses. The acting is solid, the storyline is engaging and full of twists and turns. It's an epic series that covers over 30 tumultuous years of Spanish history, beginning at the end of the civil war and ending with the fall of the Franco dictatorship. Each of these periods could have been its own shorter series as there was so much going on.
This is a thought-provoking show, as it brings to light a lot of history I was not familiar with, centering on the 'ratlines' that allowed Nazi war criminals to escape via Spain to Argentina, with the support of the Catholic church. Although Germany lost the war, fascism and hate didn't, as some of the escaped Nazis later became officials in Argentinas military regime in the 1970s, which the CIA supported. This show touches on the timeless theme of how to live meaningful, dignified lives amidst all the hate, violence and oppression in the world. An epic series definitely worth watching especially if you speak Spanish.
This is a thought-provoking show, as it brings to light a lot of history I was not familiar with, centering on the 'ratlines' that allowed Nazi war criminals to escape via Spain to Argentina, with the support of the Catholic church. Although Germany lost the war, fascism and hate didn't, as some of the escaped Nazis later became officials in Argentinas military regime in the 1970s, which the CIA supported. This show touches on the timeless theme of how to live meaningful, dignified lives amidst all the hate, violence and oppression in the world. An epic series definitely worth watching especially if you speak Spanish.
Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam
(2022)
Beautiful, intriguing film
25 March 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This is a visually stunning film. The lush green landscapes, the blue walls of the village homes, the textures of the tile roofs, the bittermelons hanging from the trellis. I loved the details, like the milk getting poured into the gutter, which is a metaphor for this film: how one thing (the gutter) can, for a time, become something completely different.
James falls asleep on a bus returning to Kerala from a pilgrimage to a Catholic basilica on the coast of Tamil Nadu. He leaves the bus, and wanders into a village as Sundaram, who had disappeared two years ago, adopting Sundaram's personality and speaking in Tamil. Sundaram is quite a character, he speaks in an animated manner, and gradually becomes more and more confused as his fellow villagers fail to recognize him.
Eventually, the confusion is sorted out, but Sundaram's dog still chases after the bus. One of the films many small details that stuck with me.
I loved the slow pace, the dreamlike sequences, old cinematic music, and the general lack of anxiety and violence that seems to pervade so much of what I encounter on TV.
James falls asleep on a bus returning to Kerala from a pilgrimage to a Catholic basilica on the coast of Tamil Nadu. He leaves the bus, and wanders into a village as Sundaram, who had disappeared two years ago, adopting Sundaram's personality and speaking in Tamil. Sundaram is quite a character, he speaks in an animated manner, and gradually becomes more and more confused as his fellow villagers fail to recognize him.
Eventually, the confusion is sorted out, but Sundaram's dog still chases after the bus. One of the films many small details that stuck with me.
I loved the slow pace, the dreamlike sequences, old cinematic music, and the general lack of anxiety and violence that seems to pervade so much of what I encounter on TV.
The Substitute
(2022)
Decent Movie
5 March 2023
Warning: Spoilers
A bit predictable, a bit cliched at times, but overall a decent movie, worth watching. I've been a fan on Juan Minujin since the first seasons of El Marginal, he is a great actor.
In this film, Minujin returns to teach at a high school in the working class barrio where he grew up. His ailing father is working to open a soup kitchen. Both father and son find themselves caught up in a conflict between political candidates, the mayor and his opponent, a local drug dealer. In the midst of this, teacher and students must work to preserve their lives and their humanity. The film has lots of footage from the gritty neighborhood.
In this film, Minujin returns to teach at a high school in the working class barrio where he grew up. His ailing father is working to open a soup kitchen. Both father and son find themselves caught up in a conflict between political candidates, the mayor and his opponent, a local drug dealer. In the midst of this, teacher and students must work to preserve their lives and their humanity. The film has lots of footage from the gritty neighborhood.
African Queens: Njinga
(2023– )
Great History
4 March 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Unlike the Woman King, this is an actual documentary, with professors and other experts speaking interspersed with re-enactment. The acting is not the greatest, which is why I don't give this one more stars, but the series is well thought out, and thought-provoking. What do you do as the ruler of a small country during the beginning of colonization?
I like the idea of this series, there is so much about African History that I don't know, stories that need to get told. I am glad the creators of the series chose to bring this one to viewers.
I need more characters so I wrote this sentence yayaya.
I like the idea of this series, there is so much about African History that I don't know, stories that need to get told. I am glad the creators of the series chose to bring this one to viewers.
I need more characters so I wrote this sentence yayaya.
The Woman King
(2022)
Good action movie
27 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This is an epic, well-acted movie filled with bloody, well-choreographed battle scenes. I had little knowledge of the Kingdom of Dahomey before hearing about this movie, and the film prompted me to do a little research. This movie is inspired by history, not a documentary, similar to other series like the Last Kingdom.
This is a very visually stunning film, the focus of on the elite female fighting force and the bonds between them. It's warfare, which is bad no matter where it happens, but whether you like it or not, is a nearly universal part of the human experience. Overall, a good film that is worth watching, please don't confuse it with a documentary because it's not presenting itself as such.
This is a very visually stunning film, the focus of on the elite female fighting force and the bonds between them. It's warfare, which is bad no matter where it happens, but whether you like it or not, is a nearly universal part of the human experience. Overall, a good film that is worth watching, please don't confuse it with a documentary because it's not presenting itself as such.
The Final Score
(2022)
Well made, heartbreaking
19 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
This show is well-made, and the actors do a great job. Video footage from the era is interspersed within the series, sometimes more seamlessly than others. The series covers a violent and tumultuous period in Colombian history.
It's a great sports show because it showcases out the passion for football amongst the players and the people of Colombia. It also delves into the politics that unfortunately, too often tarnish and interfere with the game.
Ultimately it's a tragic story to see the players lives get caught up in the violence and injustice in the world outside the soccer pitch. Can be hard to watch at times, but it's a well made series.
It's a great sports show because it showcases out the passion for football amongst the players and the people of Colombia. It also delves into the politics that unfortunately, too often tarnish and interfere with the game.
Ultimately it's a tragic story to see the players lives get caught up in the violence and injustice in the world outside the soccer pitch. Can be hard to watch at times, but it's a well made series.
I'm No Longer Here
(2019)
Cumbia!
30 October 2022
I love cumbia but was unfamiliar with this subculture in Monterrey that forms the context for this movie. It's a coming of age film about identity, rebellion and how a simple mistake can turn a person's life upside-down. Though it's not an uplifting movie, the humanity that shines through makes it hopeful. The movie might seem slow to American audiences, but it goes at the pace of humanity. Especially memorable are the settings: a working class barrio in the shiny city of Monterrey, Mexico and a gritty neighborhood in Queens, full of immigrants trying to survive in this cruel and uncaring country of ours.
Clusterf**k: Woodstock '99
(2022)
Boomer Greed and Nostalgia killed woodstock
6 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
What an indictment of the Boomer generation. Scher and Lang exemplified Boomer values: that nostalgia for the 60s combined with Reagens credo "greed is good". Woodstock was the result. Along with some over entitled frat boys that took advantage of the disorder to wreak destruction.
I graduated high school in 2000 I didn't go to Woodstock but this series brought back music I had heard in ages. Anyone still listen to Limp Bizkit?
This series builds up to a crescendo then sort of deflates. Best to binge watch it all at once.
I graduated high school in 2000 I didn't go to Woodstock but this series brought back music I had heard in ages. Anyone still listen to Limp Bizkit?
This series builds up to a crescendo then sort of deflates. Best to binge watch it all at once.
Mediocre worth a few laughs
31 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Mediocre entertainment at best, if you are in the mood for inane humor, then you'll enjoy this. I went to high school in the 90s and watched Beavis and Butthead back in the day. I really liked Beavis and Butthead do America when it came out at that time.
The setup for this movie was very contrived, of course, as expected, and takes up more of the movie than I thought. The highlight for me was the duo's visit to a college campus gender studies course.
I probably won't watch the reboot of the series but I hope it's better than this movie.
The setup for this movie was very contrived, of course, as expected, and takes up more of the movie than I thought. The highlight for me was the duo's visit to a college campus gender studies course.
I probably won't watch the reboot of the series but I hope it's better than this movie.
Cuba and the Cameraman
(2017)
Great Footage
23 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I finished reading Ada Ferrer's 'Cuba: An America History " recently and this film is a great companion to that book, in that it centers the Cuban people and their struggle for freedom, self-determination and survival. The three Borrego brothers seemed to embody the campesino spirit of struggle yet love of the land and life. It was hard seeing their indomitable spirits crushed by the societal decay of the special period.
My main complaint is I wish they had done the whole film in Spanish and used subtitles, the language transitions are jarring and sometimes hard to follow.
I've never been to Cuba so I was glad I was able to see pieces of the island through the lens of the cameraman. Nice work.
My main complaint is I wish they had done the whole film in Spanish and used subtitles, the language transitions are jarring and sometimes hard to follow.
I've never been to Cuba so I was glad I was able to see pieces of the island through the lens of the cameraman. Nice work.
Excelente
18 June 2022
I am not very knowledgeable about soccer and had actually never heard of Carlos Tevez before I watched the series, but really enjoyed it. Portrays Telez' struggle to survive and succeed amidst the poverty, drugs and violence in the Fuerte Apache district of Buenos Aires. As someone familiar with Mexican Spanish, the language used in this series was full of colorful idioms and difficult to understand, but it fit the characters and setting. Great biographical story of family and community and soccer, although not that much soccer. One thing I didn't like: they kept repeating the same pan-shot of the Fuerte Apache about ten times each episode. Otherwise, yes this series has flaws but still highly recommend it.
Nicky Jam: El Ganador
(2018– )
Solid show
29 May 2022
I have been a reggaeton fan since the mid 2000s. Review based on the first three episodes. This is a good show, it's hard for me to stop watching, would be easy to binge watch it. Acting is solid, I appreciate the Puerto Rican slang, I'm used to Mexican Spanish so it's very different. This series is worth watching especially if you're a reggaeton fan, it's a well-told story.
Under the Banner of Heaven
(2022)
Excellent show
22 May 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Based on the five episodes I've watched, I give this show high marks. Well done, good acting, gripping story. I read the Krakauer book so long ago I don't remember much from it, but I think the series doesn't follow it closely.
The portrayal of modern Mormonism I take with a grain of salt. I get that Mormons don't drink alcohol or coffee, but why all the lemonade? On a more serious note, I like how this show weaves in different time periods, from Mormon history to more recent events with the Lafferty's.
Overall, great story, thought provoking content, always look forward to the next episode.
The portrayal of modern Mormonism I take with a grain of salt. I get that Mormons don't drink alcohol or coffee, but why all the lemonade? On a more serious note, I like how this show weaves in different time periods, from Mormon history to more recent events with the Lafferty's.
Overall, great story, thought provoking content, always look forward to the next episode.
Wow
30 April 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I thought this was a great episode. A little slow, but part of it really made me laugh despite the sad overtone. 'Light Pepper' and the white giy at the funeral who reminded me of collie budz. Glad they didn't make it to the wake cause seeing the food would've made me too hungry.
Not the best of the season
27 April 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Overall this is an excellent season but this episode wasn't the best. As a previous review noted, it's a bit preachy and obvious. The Naija food thread with Darius was the highlight - but I was confused, he wanted Jollof but ended up ordering Moin-Moin? Acting is always on-par in the show. It's a bit cynical, this episode.
Thought provoking
9 April 2022
Whether you liked this episode or not, the creators succeeded in creating a very thought provoking piece of television. It's telling that many people got so caught up in their own reactions to what the show was presenting that many seemed to miss the humor. Sure, I missed seeing the four characters I've come to love as an Atlanta fan, but appreciate the creators of show always pushing the boundaries and creating some of the most creative and thoughtful content out there today. So feel the feelings whether they be anger, guilt, frustration or whatever else... knowing that the show's creators succeeded in creating something powerful.
Against the Ice
(2022)
Excellent Movie
23 March 2022
Warning: Spoilers
This is a harrowing story of survival in a brutal landscape. The film conveys the sense of isolation and despair and its toll on the human psyche, as well as the will to endure against all odds. At times this was hard to watch, especially as a dog lover, but that's the cruel reality of polar expeditions. Stepping back from the story, this was ultimately all about the willingness to put oneself in a horrible situation for the sake of adventure and nationalism. I'm glad the two men survived and lived long lives.
Tell Your Friends