Check Out This Week's Recommendations! (23/04)

Dead poet society (Movie)

This film tells the story of an English teacher who encourages his students to think for themselves instead of following textbooks in a conservative boarding school. We follow a group of students taking this professor’s class and their lives inside and outside of school. We see their developments as they find an interest in poetry and try to confront the expectations others had of them, applying the concept of “carpe diem” that the teacher always mentioned.

This movie encourages viewers to be creative, to think outside the box, and to follow one's dreams to live a fulfilled life. It is a truly moving story that can make you smile and laugh but can also break your heart.

The Trial of the Chicago 7 (Movie)

This film is based on the 1969 trial of seven men (Abbie Hoffman, Jerry Rubin, Bobby Seale, John Froines, Tom Hayden, Lee Weiner, and David Dellinger) charged by the federal government with conspiracy to incite a riot and more because of the protests in Chicago. These anti-war protests of the Democratic National Convention which intended to be peaceful ended up in a violent confrontation with the local authorities which is what led to their arrest.

This is an extremely entertaining film that will definitely make you laugh out loud and shout with anger without losing the seriousness of the situation. It traps you immediately and keeps you hooked till the very end. It is definitely one of the best films out there, so you are guaranteed a great time.

Minari (Movie)

Minari follows a Korean-American family as they move to a small Arkansas farm in search of fulfilling their own American dream. The family home dynamic completely changes with the arrival of the cunning, peculiar but incredibly loving grandmother.

This oscar-nominated movie is led by the impressive performances of talented actors who tell an intimate story during 1980s America. This heartbreaking tale has been praised by audiences and critics alike after enjoying the beautiful mix of comedy and drama.

Minari is a must-watch film with incredibly well-written characters telling a story shared by many American immigrants. Prepare to see a realistic narrative that will definitely have an impact on you.

Hamilton (Play)

Hamilton is an American historical fiction musical film comprising a live stage recording of the 2015 Broadway musical. The film is mostly sung and rapped all the way through, with almost no dialogue between songs. The continuity of the soundtrack makes it a unique and fluid experience.

The musical is centered around the life and career of Alexander Hamilton, an American founding father who immigrated from the Caribbean island of Nevis. The first act mainly covers Hamilton's arrival in New York and his work during the American Revolution under the command of George Washington. The second act focuses on Hamilton's post-war career as well as the problems in his family life.

The film captures perfectly the musical's contagious energy and emotion, proving that this story shines just as bright outside of Broadway. You should definitely take a look at Lin-Manuel Miranda's approach to American history with talented actors and an extraordinary soundtrack.

I am Malala: The Story of the Girl Who Stood Up for Education and was Shot by the Taliban (Book)

This is an autobiographical book by Malala Yousafzai. The book follows her since her early years through the many highs and lows in her life including the assassination attempt made against her and when she won the Nobel peace prize. It describes in detail her activism for female education.

I am Malala is a very inspiring as well as a heartbreaking story that makes an impact on every person that reads it. It shows the reality of other countries and cultures and the discrimination women face because of this. It provides a nice balance between history and personal experience which makes for a very interesting read.

It is a book that will definitely open your eyes and let you know how lucky you are because not everyone has the things you take for granted. If you are even a little bit interested in women’s rights, history, or memoir, then this is a book for you.

The Catcher in the Rye (Book)

This book is set in the mid 20th century and follows Holden Caulfield, a “troubled” teenager, through his experiences after getting kicked out of boarding school. He goes to wander around New York City, where he gets a taste of the “phony” world of adults.

J.D Salinger's classic novel deals with teenage angst and rebellion as the main character discovers himself and the world he lives in. It has consistently been listed as one of the best novels of the twentieth century and has been praised for its realistic portrayal of adolescence.

The novel is a great work that explores themes of growing up, finding oneself, and appearance vs. reality, among others. People all around the world have connected with Sallinger's work and related with Holden's coming-of-age experience.

Bibliography

Amazon Prime Video (2020) Minari [Photograph] Retrieved from: https://www.amazon.com/Minari-4K-UHD-Steven-Yeun/dp/B08WLYDH11

Amazon (2013) I am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Short by the Taliban [Photograph] Retrieved from: https://www.amazon.com/Am-Malala-Stood-Education-Taliban/dp/0316322407

Imbd (2020) Hamilton [Photograph] Retrieved from: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8503618/

Imdb (2020) The Trial of the Chicago 7 [Photograph] Retrieved from: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1070874/

Rotten Tomatoes (n.d.) Dead Poets Society [Photograph] Retrieved from: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/dead_poets_society

Target (n.d.) The Catcher in the Rye [Photograph] Retrieved from: https://www.target.com/p/the-catcher-in-the-rye-by-j-d-salinger-paperback/-/A-11456106