One day (2024) David Nicholls netflix series
One day follows the lives of two people who met at graduation, the narrative unfolds of the course of 20 years, revisiting the character’s lives on the same day each yet. The story documents their up and downs successes and failures as well as the passage of time.
It was around midnight, I was up from being sick for the last few days, I couldn’t sleep, and I hadn’t taken my medication in almost a week. My head was flooded with thoughts going around in circles and I was feeling emotional. After endless scrolling through things to watch I decided on one day. I’d seen the film and read the book and I wondered how they’d managed to stretch the film out into a series. It didn’t disappoint.
As I settled in, I found myself immediately drawn in by the evocative soundtrack. The familiar tunes from my teenage and early twenties years flooded back, instantly transporting me to a different time and place. The music stirred up nostalgic feelings and set the tone for the emotional journey ahead.
The inclusion of an Asian main character in this adaptation not only distinguishes it from the original but also enriches the narrative by offering a more diverse representation.
The close-up shots of Dexter's face echoed the nostalgic style of old Kodak model photos, deepening the viewer's connection with the story and creating a sense of desire. What resonated with me most was their sense of disillusionment. The movie opens with a scene where the characters are talking about their future in a hopeful and upbeat manner. However, as the plot develops, you start to feel their dissatisfaction and disillusionment for where they thought they would be and how they should be feeling.
In particular, Dexter's storyline resonated with me in a profound way. His battle with addiction mirrored my own struggles, and I found myself completely invested in his journey towards recovery.
Throughout the series, there were many scenes that struck a chord with me on a personal level. The raw emotion and authenticity of these moments reminded me of my own experiences, both the highs and the lows. As I watched, I couldn't help but reflect on my own journey and the obstacles I've overcome along the way.
Overall, "One Day" was more than just a series to me—it was a powerful reminder of the universality of human experience. The combination of compelling storytelling, captivating visuals, and a poignant soundtrack made it an unforgettable viewing experience that left a lasting impression on me.
Past Lives (2024)
In "Past Lives," childhood friends Nora and Hae Sung are separated when Nora's family moves away from South Korea. Decades later, they reunite for a pivotal week, facing destiny, love, and the decisions that shape their lives. As they navigate their reconnection, they confront the complexities of their past and the possibilities of their future, delving into themes of friendship, love, and the passage of time.
Tonight, I settled in to watch a film called "Past Lives," hoping for a relaxing evening before bed. It was late, and I wasn't in the mood to concentrate too hard. As the movie began, I quickly realized that it wasn't going to be as easy-going as I'd hoped. The pacing felt slow, and I struggled to connect with the story. The film was subtitled and set in both Korea and New York, which added an extra layer of complexity. While "Past Lives" had received high ratings, I found myself unable to empathise with the main characters. The cultural differences made it difficult to fully grasp the nuances of the storyline.
As the movie progressed, I realized that the subtitles were hindering my ability to fully immerse myself in the film. Without understanding the language spoken by the characters, I felt disconnected from their experiences. It was frustrating not being able to pick up on the subtleties of their interactions. Despite my initial hopes, I ultimately made the decision to switch off the movie halfway through. "Past Lives" simply didn't hold my attention or draw me in the way I had hoped. Perhaps on another night, with a different mindset, I might have appreciated it more. But for now, it just didn't feel compelling or gripping enough to keep me engaged.
All quiet on the western front (2022)
"All Quiet on the Western Front" tells the story of a war drama involving a group of German schoolboys who join the army during World War I, filled with idealistic beliefs about the glory of battle. Yet, their idealised views of war are crushed when they confront the harsh truth of combat, encountering fear, grief, and psychological wounds on the battlefield. The movie portrays the futility and devastation of war, emphasising the impact it has on the young soldiers both physically and emotionally. During their challenging journey, the characters face the brutal truths of war and strive to hold onto their humanity in the midst of the chaos and destruction of the trenches.
I settled in to watch "All Quiet on the Western Front" when I wasn't feeling well, hoping it would provide a distraction. While the film was undeniably gripping, I found it difficult to fully immerse myself as my illness kept distracting me. Nonetheless, it prompted some deep reflection on my own life experiences. Watching the characters grapple with fear, loss, and trauma made me realize how fortunate I am to have never experienced the horrors of war firsthand. Despite my attempts to engage, my anhedonia dampened my emotional response to the film. Its lengthy runtime and graphic scenes made it challenging to stay focused, Nevertheless, the film's powerful portrayal of emotion and drama left a lasting impression.
The Old Oak, Ken Loach (2024)
Today, I had the opportunity to watch "The Old Oak," a film directed by Ken Loach that left a lasting impression on me. The story revolves around a Syrian girl fleeing from her war-torn village and a man working at a local pub, but it delves much deeper into the complexities of human relationships and societal issues. One aspect that particularly struck me was how the film addressed racism within small white communities. Through the interactions between the characters, especially the Syrian girl and the locals, the film shed light on the prejudices and discrimination faced by immigrants in such environments. It depicted the harsh reality of racism, showing how it can manifest in subtle yet impactful ways, affecting individuals' sense of belonging and self-worth. However, amidst the darkness, there were moments of hope and resilience, as the characters forged unlikely bonds and challenged the status quo. Overall, "The Old Oak" served as a poignant reminder of the pervasive nature of racism and the importance of standing up against prejudice and discrimination in all its forms. While the film had good intentions in portraying the struggles of immigrants and creating a sense of community, I found some aspects to be a bit far-fetched and cheesy at times. The narrative, focusing on the interactions between a Syrian girl and a man working at a local pub, aimed to shed light on racism within small white communities. The film's attempt to create a sense of camaraderie and solidarity among its characters sometimes came across as contrived, diminishing the impact of its message. Nevertheless, "The Old Oak" succeeded in highlighting important issues surrounding racism and discrimination, prompting viewers to reflect on the complexities of societal prejudices. I appreciate Ken Loach's work as he skilfully delves into the dark side of reality in rough and impoverished areas, capturing the rawness and authenticity of human struggles.
