#asun

It’s been a year since I have posted on my blog. After coming out of a toxic eight year relationship, moving four times, ending up in a Covid Camp and losing my father to cancer, I can honestly say this has been the most stressful year of my life.

What has helped me through? I have to say that it is films.

They can be beautiful, they can offer escapism but also realism. At the same time, they provide hope and a connection.

Since most of the world is in lockdown, I thought that I would make a list of films that are my favourite that can also help you through these tough times. I hope that you watch them and they offer the same kind of journey they have given me.

1. Lost In Translation

“Let’s never come here again because it will never be as much fun.”

My all time favourite film. No sex, no swearing, no violence...just pure beauty throughout. Directed by Sofia Coppola (The Virgin Suicides), this is a film about loneliness and questioning life during the early stages and older stages of adulthood. It follows Charlotte, a wife of a famous photographer and Bob who is a famous actor, during their time in Tokyo. They find a connection with each other as they question the path they are on, realising that they are both stuck. It offers humour and beauty, with a stunning soundtrack and an ending that you will think about for days after.

2. A Sun

“He visited me too.”

This Taiwanese film, made for Netflix, is directed by Chung Mong-hong. A film about regret and forgiveness, as it shows two life changing decisions made by a father’s two sons. Outstanding performances and breathtaking cinematography, this will take you on a journey about family dynamics with an unexpected twist.

3. Us And Them

“We have everything in the end, just not each other.”

A Chinese film directed Taiwanese singer-actress, Rene Liu. The story provides a journey into China’s coffin housing. The film follows a couples timeline of their relationship whilst facing economic doom. Filmed in black and white but also colour scenes, the film paces between past and present. You will need tissues for this film because it is a frustrating watch as the story shows their struggle for trying to make their love last through the strains of poverty.

4. Burning

“The morality of nature is like simultaneous nature...” If you have ever experienced social class anxiety or wish to understand how it feels, then this is the film for you. A psychological thriller with an unexpected, yet shocking ending. Directed by Lee Chang-song, the film tells the story of Jong-soo who runs his father’s farm. Jong-soo runs into an old school friend, Hae-mi and they start a relationship. Hae-mi takes a trip to Africa and returns with a male friend, Ben, who is confident and successful but has an unusual hobby. Only the hobby is actually a metaphor much darker than you could imagine. You can view Jong-soo’s lack of confidence and his inability to interact amongst the high earners, showing the isolation that most people these days experience. The North Korean radio shows fragmented youth, living on the edge of possible conflict and being unsure of the future. During the film Hae-mi goes missing and Jong-soo becomes suspicious and starts to investigate her whereabouts. The film although slow paced but slowly builds up, offers stunning cinematography which will have you gripped without giving too much away to its audience.

5. Imperial Dreams

“In the hood you carry truth in your heart while reality stays stashed outside...”. John Boyega gives an outstanding performance in this hard hitting Netflix film of a gangster that wants to change his path in life. With the system against him and being in debt to the state, it gives you the insight of how difficult it is for African-Americans that want to break away crime and life in the projects when everything you do is a constant struggle as the local police are always around the corner, waiting to arrest you. This beautiful and emotionally story offers hope and honesty as Bambi (John Boyega), continues to do everything the “right way”, even though everything is against him.

"What do you think is the fairest thing in the world?""Is it a living thing?""He said it's the sun."

“LEEEES BALAAAAFREUUUUUUH FONT LES GENS BEAUUUUUUUUUX FONT LES GENS FOOOOOORTS !...

- Vous êtes *burps* un chic type, Capitaine !