monthly media recap: june 2026
Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones - basically my feelings about The Princess Bride but ×100: the book is so wonderfully clever and witty that the film, while great, unfortunately pales in comparison. Of course, the film plot is more epic, but the book plot charmed me.
Juniper and Thorn by Ava Reid - the style sometimes felt like the author is trying too hard, and the old misconception that losing virginity means like gallons of blood made me raise my eyebrows. But it's gripping, haunting, with a profound sense of unease that's truly Gothic. I also found the romance very moving, two sexual abuse survivors supporting each other without their love magically erasing all their memories of abuse. And I liked that the MC didn't forgive her shitty family in the end. Can't believe people mention that as a flaw of the book.
A Modest Independence by Mimi Matthews - when reading The Siren of Sussex last year, I thought I would love to read a prequel about Tom and Jenny's journey to India, and it turned out it's a book that exists! I mostly enjoyed reading it, but I found the dilemma the characters were facing and its eventual solution so frustrating. I get that a historical m/f romance is probably bound to end in marriage but ugh, these guys would've loved the 21st century, common-law marriage, feminism, and international flights.
A Convenient Fiction by Mimi Matthews - another backstory I was curious about when reading The Belles of London series. This one isn't frustrating, just cute. I liked that Henrietta wasn't written as an unredeemable bitch and she and Laura could actually salvage their friendship.
Red Sonja (2025) - must be the first time I watched a movie because of the composer. Very simple - too simple - but has its moments. Robert Sheehan is pretty great as the villain. Also, I think if you rightfully make fun of chainmail bikini, the "real" armour should look less like it.
Forbidden Fruits (2026) - felt like it tries to be funny so hard it loops back to unfunny, but overall I liked the plot (shoutout to the mid-credits reveal in particular). Learning it's based on a play explains a lot, it does have a theatrical feel to it. All the outfits are 🔥🔥🔥
Porco Rosso (1992) - loved it, I think it really nailed the feel of the interwar period. The scene with dead pilots flying away is phenomenal.
My Neighbor Totoro (1988) - now not having seen this one as a kid is a pity: this one wouldn't have scared me and I would've probably found it more interesting as a kid than as an adult. But it's still so cute, the whole atmosphere is just so nice.
A Limousine the Colour of Midsummer's Eve (Limuzīns Jāņu nakts krāsā, 1981) - *me watching a film that was voted the all-time best Latvian film* why did nobody tell me this is so good
The Foundation of Criminal Excellence (Kriminālās ekselences fonds, 2018) - Guy Ritchie (parody) but make it Latvian. Mostly funny. My favourite part was seeing my neighbourhood #MyNeighbourhood <3
