Review - 'EMILIA PÉREZ'

(NOTE: This is a movie review contributed by Ali who earlier submitted a ‘Note to JJ’ entry.)

by Ali

The battle for the Best Picture Oscar next year could be between 'Emilia Pérez' and 'Anora'. Both are so damn good. It could also turn out that 'Emilia Pérez' may win the non-English feature Oscar and ‘Anora’ winning the main category best picture.

'Emilia Pérez' presents a complex and controversial character, a notorious cartel boss seeking to transition and live as a woman. Perhaps, the Academy may want to award a movie based on transgenderism. 

This unconventional premise of 'Emilia Pérez' offers both intriguing possibilities and significant challenges, thus attracting mixed reviews.

On the positive side, it’s unique and thought-provoking. The film tackles the rarely explored intersection of organized crime and transgender identity, prompting viewers to confront uncomfortable questions about gender, violence, and societal expectations.

'Emilia Pérez' has potential for social commentary in that it could serve as a platform to discuss the struggles faced by transgender individuals, particularly within marginalized communities, and the complexities of reconciling personal identity with past actions.

With regards to character depth, the character of Emilia Pérez, with her conflicting desires for power and self-expression, presents a rich opportunity for nuanced exploration of human psychology.

On the negative side, there’s the risk of exploitation: there's a potential for this musical dark comedy film to exploit or sensationalize transgender issues for entertainment value, rather than offering a respectful and nuanced portrayal.

Then there’s ethical considerations such as depicting a violent criminal character seeking gender transition; it could be seen as insensitive or exploitative, potentially reinforcing harmful stereotypes.

With regard to balancing conflicting themes, the film must carefully navigate the potentially conflicting themes of violence, crime, and transgender identity, ensuring that none are overshadowed or trivialized.

Ultimately, the success of 'Emilia Pérez' hinges on its ability to handle these complex themes with sensitivity, respect, and a commitment to exploring the human condition in all its multifaceted dimensions.

Review - 'ANORA'

Review by a Maldivian "ex-gay" journalist and blogger. READ HIS REVIEW HERE

3 men say in lawsuits that Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs drugged and sexually assaulted them

Three men sued Sean “Diddy” Combs in New York on Thursday, claiming the hip-hop mogul drugged and raped them. READ MORE

Quote of the day

That's what you have to do with writers sometimes: shut them up. They get so caught up in language and stories and rules that they can't see the simplest facts. Or all the beautiful warm curves that cash buys. But the lauda feels, it knows. You have to give the lauda a chance.

- Vikram Chandra, 'SACRED GAMES'

Can men wear thongs?

WATCH UNCENSORED: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnxupLltn5I

 

 

Review - 'FUNNY BOY' by Shyam Selvadurai

(NOTE: This is a book review contributed by Richard who earlier submitted a ‘Note to JJ’ entry.)

by Richard

'Funny Boy' is a powerful semi-autobiographical novel that explores the complexities of sexual identity, family dynamics, and the devastating impact of ethnic violence. 

Author Shyam Selvadurai, now 59 years of age, is Sri Lankan; he was born in the capital Colombo and emigrated to Canada with his family in 1983.

‘Funny Boy’ is Selvadurai's first novel. It was published in 1994 and quickly gained critical acclaim. It won the Books in Canada First Novel Award and the Lambda Literary Award for Gay Fiction. It was also shortlisted for the Giller Prize and named a Notable Book by the American Library Association (ALA).

The novel is a coming-of-age story that follows Arjie Chelvaratnam, a young Tamil boy in Sri Lanka, as he navigates his childhood and adolescence, grappling with his own homosexuality in a society that doesn't tolerate it.   

The novel follows Arjie from childhood to adolescence. He is around 7 years old at the beginning of the story and likely reaches his teenage years by the end. The story traces the life of Arjie’s growing up in Sri Lanka during the 1970s and 1980s. The novel focuses exploration of themes of sexual identity, family, and the Sri Lankan Civil War. 

‘Funny Boy’ is a historical fiction novel. To be exact, it follows the story of Arjie from the ages of 7–14, from 1976 to 1983. The novel ends with the Black July riots in 1983, which marked the beginning of the Sri Lankan Civil War.

Exploring sexual identity, the novel delves into the challenges and joys of discovering one's sexuality, particularly in a conservative and often hostile environment. Arjie's experiences offer a nuanced and moving portrayal of queer identity as a gay man.   

Selvadurai offers social and political commentary as the novel is set against the backdrop of the escalating ethnic conflict between the Buddhist Sinhalese majority community and Hindu Tamil minority community in Sri Lanka. Deeply moving, the story depicts the devastating impact of violence and displacement on individuals and families.   

The novel explores the complexities of family relationships, including love, betrayal, and the weight of cultural expectations. Arjie's relationships with his parents, siblings, and extended family are central to the narrative.   

The novel examines the interplay between individual identity and cultural identity. Arjie's Tamil heritage is an important part of his identity, but it also creates challenges for him as he grapples with his sexuality.

'Funny Boy' is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant novel that has resonated with readers worldwide. It is a powerful exploration of identity, loss, and resilience in the face of adversity.  

Selvadurai's prose is characterized by its lyrical beauty, sensitivity, and evocative power.

The novel is brimming with poetic and sensory language: Selvadurai employs rich imagery and sensory details to create a vivid and immersive world. He paints pictures with words, appealing to the reader's senses of sight, sound, smell, and touch.

Addressing the aspects of the novel’s emotional depth and nuance, ‘Funny Boy’ delves into complex emotions with great sensitivity and nuance. Selvadurai captures the intricate feelings of joy, sorrow, confusion, and longing that shape Arjie's coming-of-age experience.

The novel is reflective in that the narrative is often introspective, allowing readers to delve into Arjie's inner thoughts and feelings. This introspection provides a deeper understanding of his struggles with identity and the societal pressures he faces.

There’s the factor of cultural sensitivity too: Selvadurai's writing is deeply rooted in Sri Lankan culture, incorporating Tamil traditions, language, and social norms into the narrative. This cultural richness adds depth and authenticity to the story.

Selvadurai's prose in ‘Funny Boy’ is both lyrical and powerful, making it a captivating and emotionally resonant read. His ability to weave together personal experiences, cultural context, and universal themes of identity and belonging makes the novel a timeless and enduring work of literature.

Ukrainian men face sexual torture in Russian detention centres: UN

In September, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, which was established by the UN Human Rights Council in March 2022, revealed the systematic use of sexual violence as a method of torture, often targeting men, in detention centres by Russian authorities.

The UNFPA told Al Jazeera that although the vast majority of victims of this crime were women and girls, this kind of violence was also commonly used against men, boys and people of diverse gender identities. READ MORE

The Maldives recorded its highest yearly number of HIV/AIDS cases in 2024

The Maldives, which has a population of 382,000, identified its first AIDS patient 33 years ago, in 1991. Since then, 49 cases have been reported — 43 men and 7 women. READ MORE

Drew Starkey & Daniel Craig discuss "Queer" and this "incredibly emotional" scene

WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FljAlRwrU_c

Less than a year since Challengers grasped audiences, filmmaker Luca Guadagnino is releasing his next feature, Queer, with A24. The movie is an adaptation of the William S. Burroughs novella that stars Daniel Craig as William Lee, a man observing life pass in 1950s Mexico City. For Lee, many things come easily — romantic trysts, addictions, obsession — but human connection is a struggle until he meets Eugene Allerton, played by Drew Starkey.

In an interview with Collider's Steve Weintraub, Craig and Starkey recall moments from set, like what it was like to film with Guadagnino in Rome and bringing to life the novella that first inspired the director when he was 21 years old. They discuss why that beautiful Sicilian beach scene was more challenging than it looks, their preparation process before stepping on set, and which scenes from the movie have lingered well after wrapping.

‘I hope this haunts you’: Kate Winslet says Titanic-era body-shamers were ‘absolutely appalling’

The star of new Lee Miller biopic reveals that though she never publicly called out critics for what was an everyday occurrence at the time, in private she ‘let them have it’. READ MORE

Can’t work, sing, travel, study: All the ways the Taliban are restricting lives of women in Afghanistan

Afghan women cannot be heard in public, even if it is to offer prayers, and have been banned from schools, workplaces, salons, gyms and national parks under the current Taliban rule. READ MORE

Homosexuality is illegal in Morocco

As part of a career tribute, the Marrakech Film Festival is screening four of Penn’s films this week in Morocco’s tourism capital. Local media in Morocco reported several audience members exiting a screening of “Milk” during a scene that depicted two men in bed. Homosexuality is illegal under Morocco’s penal code, although cases are not frequently prosecuted. READ MORE

Jumah sermon reminds Maldives women that they cannot seek divorce without a legitimate reason

Any woman who asks her husband for divorce without valid reason the scent of paradise will be forbidden to her, says nationwide weekly sermon. READ MORE

Man dubbed ‘one of Australia’s worst paedophiles’ sentenced to life in prison

Judge says scale and nature of crimes were ‘depraved’ and ‘horrendous’. READ MORE

Review - 'MOONLIGHT'

by JJ

That unforgettable moment from 'Moonlight' still lingers in my mind…

In a world filled with loneliness, brotherly affection can sometimes evolve into romantic love. Sexuality, after all, is a fluid and complex experience—at least, that's my personal perspective, though I might be wrong.

Even now, I get choked up remembering the scene where Chiron finally confesses to Kevin that Kevin is the only man he has ever truly loved.

Chiron's words to Kevin:

"You’re the only man that’s ever touched me. You’re the only one. I haven’t really touched anyone since."

Adding to the emotional weight is the haunting school scene where Kevin stands by as Chiron is brutally assaulted—a chilling and unforgettable moment in cinema.

These moments, coupled with Chiron's heart-wrenching confession, are more than enough to justify 'Moonlight' winning the Best Picture Oscar.

Review - 'CALL ME BY YOUR NAME'

by Samuel

Elio’s family was supportive of their relationship, so the question arises: why not try to build a functional relationship? Oliver clearly had feelings for Elio, and as the older party, he was in a position to make things work once Elio turned 18.

As someone from (South) Asia and the Third World, I find it difficult to understand why some Westerners don’t follow their hearts even when circumstances allow it. Am I wrong to assume that they lack the resources to balance both a career and a romantic relationship? Is maintaining stable relationships no longer a priority for the middle-class in the First World?

Is life so demanding that the effort required to secure a livelihood leaves little room for nurturing a romantic connection? Perhaps I’ll never fully grasp it. 

Elio’s long and tearful expression of heartbreak during the credits was devastating to witness. No one has the right to shatter another person’s heart. If you’re unsure whether you can commit to love, you have no justification for leading someone on or giving them false hope. Love is a deeply serious matter, and breaking someone’s heart can leave them in emotional turmoil for a lifetime. Sometimes, the passage of time isn’t enough to heal such wounds.

Review - 'SHELTER'

by Leandro

A charming film that celebrates the warmth of family and the joy of being embraced for who you are. 

I've watched this uplifting movie so many times, I've lost track.