#brokers reviews

[marygusmans]

HeroFX, an online trading platform established in 2021, offers a variety of trading instruments, including forex, indices, shares, futures, crypto, metals, and energies. However, several significant concerns arise due to HeroFX's lack of regulation and legal compliance. The platform is not licensed by any reputable financial authority, which compromises trader security and credibility.

Regulatory Concerns

HeroFX operates without major regulatory oversight, posing significant risks for traders. The absence of licenses from recognized financial authorities means there is no guarantee of fund safety or fair trading practices. This lack of regulation should be a major red flag for any potential user.

User Feedback

A considerable number of negative reviews highlight issues such as difficulties in withdrawing funds, security breaches, and allegations of fraudulent activities. These complaints underscore the potential risks of trading with HeroFX. Problems with fund withdrawals and poor customer support are common themes in user feedback.

Minimum Deposit and Trading Conditions

HeroFX advertises a low minimum deposit of $20 and high leverage of up to 1:500. However, users report unexpected fees and unclear terms. The platform's reliance on cryptocurrency payments raises additional concerns about transaction transparency and security.

Platform Reliability

While HeroFX offers the MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platform, which is popular among traders, technical issues and platform downtimes have been reported. The broker’s lack of regulation further undermines the reliability and security of these trading platforms.

Conclusion

HeroFX’s lack of regulatory oversight, numerous user complaints, and unclear trading conditions make it a high-risk choice for traders. For a detailed analysis and to understand the full scope of potential issues with HeroFX, visit ForexJudge's comprehensive HeroFX review.

In summary, traders are advised to exercise extreme caution with HeroFX and consider regulated alternatives for a safer trading experience. For more in-depth information, read the full review on ForexJudge.

[lifehackerwhy]

HeroFX: Key Concerns and Issues

HeroFX is an online trading platform established in 2021, offering various trading instruments like forex, indices, shares, futures, crypto, metals, and energies. However, several serious concerns make it a risky choice for traders.

🚨 Regulatory Concerns

No Regulation: HeroFX is not licensed by any major financial authority.

High Risk: Without regulation, there's no guarantee of fund safety or fair trading practices.

📉 User Feedback

Withdrawal Issues: Many users report problems withdrawing their funds.

Security Breaches: There are reports of security issues and possible fraud.

Poor Support: Customer support is often unhelpful and slow to respond.

💵 Minimum Deposit and Trading Conditions

Low Deposit: HeroFX advertises a low minimum deposit of $20.

High Leverage: Leverage up to 1:500.

Hidden Fees: Users report unexpected fees and unclear terms.

Crypto Payments: Reliance on cryptocurrency payments raises transparency and security concerns.

🖥️ Platform Reliability

MT5 Platform: HeroFX uses the popular MetaTrader 5 platform.

Technical Issues: Users report frequent technical problems and platform downtimes.

Unreliable: Lack of regulation undermines trust in the platform’s reliability and security.

🛑 Conclusion

HeroFX's lack of regulation, numerous user complaints, and unclear trading conditions make it a high-risk choice for traders. It's advised to be extremely cautious with HeroFX and consider safer, regulated alternatives.

If you would like a thorough analysis, please visit the full review on ForexJudge.

[cessautomation]

Certainly! Here's the article with bullet emojis and a visually appealing style:

HeroFX: A Critical Review

HeroFX, an online trading platform established in 2021, claims to offer various trading instruments such as forex, indices, shares, futures, crypto, metals, and energies. Despite these offerings, significant concerns arise due to HeroFX's lack of regulation and legal compliance. The platform is not licensed by any reputable financial authority, which compromises trader security and credibility.

🔹 Regulatory Concerns

HeroFX operates without any major regulatory oversight, posing significant risks for traders. The absence of licenses from recognized financial authorities means there is no guarantee of fund safety or fair trading practices. This lack of regulation should be a major red flag for any potential user.

🔹 User Feedback

A considerable number of negative reviews highlight issues such as difficulties in withdrawing funds, security breaches, and allegations of fraudulent activities. These complaints underscore the potential risks of trading with HeroFX. Problems with fund withdrawals and poor customer support are common themes in user feedback.

🔹 Minimum Deposit and Trading Conditions

HeroFX advertises a low minimum deposit of $20 and high leverage of up to 1:500. However, users report unexpected fees and unclear terms. The platform's reliance on cryptocurrency payments raises additional concerns about transaction transparency and security.

🔹 Platform Reliability

While HeroFX offers the MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platform, which is popular among traders, technical issues and platform downtimes have been reported. The broker’s lack of regulation further undermines the reliability and security of these trading platforms.

🔹 Conclusion

HeroFX’s lack of regulatory oversight, numerous user complaints, and unclear trading conditions make it a high-risk choice for traders. For a detailed analysis and to understand the full scope of potential issues with HeroFX, visit ForexJudge's comprehensive HeroFX review.

In summary, traders are advised to exercise extreme caution with HeroFX and consider regulated alternatives for a safer trading experience. For more in-depth information, read the full review on ForexJudge.

This format provides a clear, structured, and visually engaging presentation of the article.

Visit for more information:

[afrikagora-blog]

HeroFX is a controversial online trading platform established in 2021, with its operations purportedly registered in St. Lucia. Despite offering a range of trading instruments, including forex, indices, shares, futures, crypto, metals, and energies, HeroFX has garnered significant attention for its lack of regulation and legal compliance. The absence of a valid license from reputable financial authorities raises serious concerns about the platform’s credibility and the safety of traders’ funds. Numerous customer complaints and negative reviews have highlighted issues such as difficulties in withdrawing funds, security breaches, and suspected fraudulent activities. Given these red flags, traders are advised to exercise caution and thoroughly evaluate the risks before engaging with HeroFX.

HeroFX Review 2024

[forextradingreviews247]

Decentralized and unbiased forex trading reviews assisting traders globally in finding the right broker and delivering expert market analysis

[warriorforumwso]

ForexJudge.com is a comprehensive platform that provides reviews and comparisons of forex brokers. Here’s a detailed point-by-point review:

1. Website Design and Usability

User Interface: ForexJudge.com boasts a user-friendly interface, making navigation easy even for beginners. The site layout is intuitive, with well-organized sections and quick access to key information.

Mobile Compatibility: The website is fully responsive, offering a seamless experience on both desktop and mobile devices.

2. Content Quality

In-Depth Reviews: ForexJudge.com offers detailed reviews of various forex brokers, covering aspects like fees, platforms, customer service, and regulatory compliance. The reviews are thorough, well-researched, and provide valuable insights.

Comparison Tools: The site features robust comparison tools that allow users to evaluate brokers side by side based on multiple criteria, helping traders make informed decisions.

Educational Resources: There is a rich library of educational materials, including articles, tutorials, and glossaries, which are beneficial for both novice and experienced traders

3. Expert Analysis

Professional Reviews: The reviews are crafted by seasoned forex professionals, ensuring knowledgeable and insightful evaluations. This expert input adds credibility and reliability to the content.

Regular Updates: ForexJudge.com frequently updates its content to reflect the latest trends and changes in the forex market, keeping users informed with the most current information.

4. Broker Coverage

Comprehensive Listings: The platform covers a wide range of brokers globally, offering a broad perspective on the forex market. This extensive coverage includes well-known brokers as well as emerging ones, providing options for different trading needs.

Unbiased Reviews: The reviews are presented in an unbiased manner, focusing on both the strengths and weaknesses of each broker. This balanced approach helps traders choose brokers that best match their requirements【12†source】.

5. Community and Support

Engagement: ForexJudge.com fosters a community of traders who rely on its reviews and insights. The platform encourages user feedback and interaction, enhancing the overall user experience.

Customer Support: The website offers excellent customer support, ensuring users can get assistance when needed. This includes answering queries and providing additional information upon request.

6. Trust and Reliability

Transparency: ForexJudge.com maintains high transparency in its operations, including how reviews are conducted and how they make money. This builds trust among users.

Industry Recognition: The platform is recognized in the forex trading community for its comprehensive and reliable reviews. Its reputation is built on years of consistent and accurate information delivery【14†source】.

7. Additional Features

Market Insights: The website provides market insights and analysis, helping traders stay updated with market movements and trends.

Broker Awards: ForexJudge.com hosts annual awards, recognizing top-performing brokers in various categories. These awards are based on rigorous criteria and extensive research.

Overall, ForexJudge.com is a valuable resource for anyone involved in forex trading, offering detailed broker reviews, educational content, and tools to aid in making informed trading decisions.

[forexjudge]

HeroFX Review HeroFX, an online trading platform established in 2021, claims to offer various trading instruments such as forex, indices, shares, futures, crypto, metals, and energies. Despite these offerings, significant concerns arise due to HeroFX's lack of regulation and legal compliance. The platform is not licensed by any reputable financial authority, which compromises trader security and credibility.

Regulatory Concerns HeroFX operates without any major regulatory oversight, posing significant risks for traders. The absence of licenses from recognized financial authorities means there is no guarantee of fund safety or fair trading practices. This lack of regulation should be a major red flag for any potential user.

User Feedback A considerable number of negative reviews highlight issues such as difficulties in withdrawing funds, security breaches, and allegations of fraudulent activities. These complaints underscore the potential risks of trading with HeroFX. Problems with fund withdrawals and poor customer support are common themes in user feedback.

Minimum Deposit and Trading Conditions HeroFX advertises a low minimum deposit of $20 and high leverage of up to 1:500. However, users report unexpected fees and unclear terms. The platform's reliance on cryptocurrency payments raises additional concerns about transaction transparency and security.

Platform Reliability While HeroFX offers the MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platform, which is popular among traders, technical issues and platform downtimes have been reported. The broker’s lack of regulation further undermines the reliability and security of these trading platforms.

Conclusion HeroFX’s lack of regulatory oversight, numerous user complaints, and unclear trading conditions make it a high-risk choice for traders. For a detailed analysis and to understand the full scope of potential issues with HeroFX, visit ForexJudge's comprehensive HeroFX review.

In summary, traders are advised to exercise extreme caution with HeroFX and consider regulated alternatives for a safer trading experience. For more in-depth information, read the full review on ForexJudge.

[aadamkempfitness]

HeroFX Review: A Comprehensive Look at the Alleged Forex Scam

In the vast and often volatile world of forex trading, the presence of unscrupulous brokers is a constant threat to both novice and seasoned traders. HeroFX, a broker that has recently come under scrutiny, is the subject of many discussions and concerns. This review delves into the various aspects of HeroFX to determine whether it is a legitimate broker or a potential scam.

Background and Overview

HeroFX claims to offer a comprehensive trading platform with a wide range of assets, including forex, commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies. Promising competitive spreads, high leverage, and a user-friendly interface, HeroFX aims to attract traders looking for a reliable trading experience.

Regulation and Licensing

One of the primary red flags for any forex broker is the lack of proper regulation and licensing. HeroFX is reportedly not registered with any reputable financial regulatory authority. This absence of regulation means that traders are not protected by any governing body, increasing the risk of fraudulent activities and loss of funds.

Trading Platform and Tools

HeroFX offers its own proprietary trading platform, which is marketed as intuitive and feature-rich. While the platform appears to be functional, there have been numerous complaints about its reliability and execution speed. Some users have reported significant delays in order execution, leading to potential losses.

The broker also provides various tools and resources for traders, such as educational materials, market analysis, and trading signals. However, the quality and accuracy of these resources are questionable, with many users alleging that the information provided is often outdated or misleading.

Customer Support

Effective customer support is crucial for any forex broker, especially when dealing with complex financial transactions. HeroFX has received mixed reviews in this area. While some traders have reported satisfactory interactions with the support team, many others have experienced long wait times, unhelpful responses, and unresolved issues. This inconsistency in customer service further undermines the broker's credibility.

Withdrawal and Deposit Issues

One of the most significant concerns surrounding HeroFX is the difficulty many traders face when trying to withdraw their funds. Numerous complaints highlight delayed withdrawals, with some users claiming they never received their money. This pattern of behavior is often indicative of a scam broker, as legitimate brokers prioritize transparent and efficient fund transfers.

Additionally, the deposit process has also raised suspicions. HeroFX allegedly encourages large initial deposits and offers enticing bonuses that come with restrictive terms and conditions, making it challenging for traders to access their funds.

User Reviews and Complaints

A cursory glance at various online forums and review sites reveals a plethora of negative feedback from traders who have used HeroFX. Common grievances include:

Unresponsive or hostile customer service.

Manipulated trading conditions leading to unexpected losses.

Inability to withdraw funds.

Suspiciously positive reviews that appear fabricated.

These recurring themes paint a concerning picture of HeroFX and suggest a pattern of unethical practices.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while HeroFX presents itself as a reputable forex broker with attractive features, the overwhelming evidence points to the contrary. The lack of regulation, persistent withdrawal issues, and numerous negative user reviews all indicate that HeroFX may not be a trustworthy broker. Traders are advised to exercise extreme caution and conduct thorough research before engaging with this broker. In the unpredictable world of forex trading, it is always better to err on the side of caution and choose a broker with a proven track record of reliability and transparency.

For more check out this article: Herofx-review

[coolreallifes]

How to Choose the Best Broker for Stock, Forex, and Crypto Trading in 2024?

Navigating the world of trading can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to selecting the right broker to meet your trading requirements. Whether you’re interested in stocks, forex, or cryptocurrencies, the choice of broker can significantly impact your trading experience and success. In this post, we’ll explore the key factors to consider when choosing a broker and introduce you to ForexJudge.com, a reliable resource that offers comprehensive reviews and detailed analysis of the world’s best brokers.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Broker

Regulation and Security:

Ensure the broker is regulated by a reputable financial authority. Regulation provides a level of security and oversight, protecting you from fraudulent activities.

Look for brokers that offer robust security measures, including encryption and two-factor authentication, to safeguard your funds and personal information.

Trading Platform:

A good trading platform should be user-friendly, reliable, and equipped with essential tools for analysis and trading.

Consider whether the platform offers mobile compatibility if you plan to trade on-the-go.

Fees and Commissions:

Compare the fees and commissions charged by different brokers. Lower fees can significantly enhance your profitability, especially if you trade frequently.

Be aware of hidden fees, such as withdrawal charges, inactivity fees, or charges for additional services.

Range of Assets:

Ensure the broker offers the range of assets you’re interested in trading. If you plan to diversify your portfolio, choose a broker that provides access to stocks, forex, and cryptocurrencies.

Some brokers specialize in specific asset classes, so make sure your chosen broker aligns with your trading preferences.

Customer Support:

Reliable customer support is crucial, especially if you encounter issues with your account or trading platform. Look for brokers that offer multiple support channels, including live chat, phone, and email.

Check reviews to gauge the quality and responsiveness of the broker’s customer service.

Education and Resources:

Many brokers offer educational resources such as tutorials, webinars, and market analysis. These resources can be invaluable, especially for beginners.

A broker that provides regular market updates and trading insights can help you stay informed and make better trading decisions.

How ForexJudge.com Can Help

With so many brokers available, making an informed choice can be challenging. This is where ForexJudge.com comes in. ForexJudge is a trusted platform that has compiled detailed reviews and analysis of the world’s best brokers. By providing comprehensive information and user feedback, ForexJudge helps traders make well-informed decisions.

Detailed Broker Reviews

ForexJudge offers in-depth reviews of brokers across various asset classes, including stocks, forex, and cryptocurrencies. Each review covers critical aspects such as regulation, fees, trading platforms, and customer support. By reading these reviews, you can gain valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of different brokers, helping you choose the one that best meets your needs.

User Feedback and Ratings

In addition to expert reviews, ForexJudge features user feedback and ratings. This community-driven aspect allows traders to share their experiences and provide honest assessments of brokers. This real-world feedback can offer a clearer picture of what to expect and help you avoid potential pitfalls.

Regular Updates and Alerts

The trading world is dynamic, with brokers frequently updating their services, fees, and policies. ForexJudge keeps you informed with regular updates and alerts, ensuring you have the latest information at your fingertips. This proactive approach helps you stay ahead of the curve and make timely decisions.

Making the Final Decision

When choosing a broker, it’s essential to consider your trading goals, risk tolerance, and preferred asset classes. By leveraging the resources available on ForexJudge, you can make a well-informed decision that aligns with your trading strategy.

Steps to Follow:

Identify Your Needs:

Determine what you want to trade (stocks, forex, crypto) and what features are most important to you (low fees, robust platform, educational resources).

Research and Compare:

Use ForexJudge’s detailed reviews and user feedback to compare different brokers. Pay close attention to factors such as regulation, fees, and customer support.

Test the Platform:

Many brokers offer demo accounts. Use these to test the trading platform and ensure it meets your needs before committing real funds.

Start Small:

When you choose a broker, start with a small investment to test the waters. As you gain confidence and experience, you can increase your trading capital.

Conclusion

Choosing the right broker is a crucial step in your trading journey. By considering factors such as regulation, fees, trading platforms, and customer support, you can make an informed choice that enhances your trading experience.

For a reliable resource in your broker selection process, turn to ForexJudge.com. With its comprehensive reviews, user feedback, and regular updates, ForexJudge provides the insights you need to make the best decision for your trading needs.

Happy trading, and may your investments be fruitful!

[herofxr]

ForexJudge.com is a comprehensive platform dedicated to providing detailed reviews of forex brokers, expert market analysis, and the latest forex scam alerts. The site offers various tools including real-time charts, financial calendars, and several forex calculators. It supports a community-driven forum where traders can share experiences and discuss brokers. ForexJudge also assists victims of forex, crypto, and binary fraud in recovering funds and bringing scammers to justice. They maintain a strict policy of unbiased reviews and transparency in broker partnerships.

For more information, visit ForexJudge.

[mirageofadesert]

So I watched most of Luo Yunxi's (allegedly) mediocre filmography ... here are some thoughts.

⭕️Ashes of Love (dropped it, will come back for it later) ❤️ ✔️Princess Silver ❤️❤️ ✔️ And the Winner is Love ❤️ ✔️ Love is Sweet ❤️❤️❤️ ✔️ Broker ❤️❤️ ✔️Lie to Love ❤️ ✔️Light Chaser Rescue ❤️(❤️) ✔️Till the end of the moon ❤️❤️❤️ ❌ Immortality 🤡🤡🤡

First off, the words (allegedly) mediocre and "TTEOTM" or "Love is Sweet" are not allowed in the same sentence. That's why I wont discuss them here. These dramas are talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show stopping, spectacular, never the same, totally unique ... next question.

As for the rest... I have some thoughts and I'm willing to share them:

First of all, I enjoyed all of them and that came as a surprise. I had seen fans joke about his filmography with one smiling and one crying eye, voicing that they hope he would soon be a position to pick better scripts. However, on paper I think the scripts weren't bad per se, but the execution is a bit questionable.

The kind of roles he picks ...

... are actually really great. He seem to gravitate towards deeply conflicted and complex characters, that allow emotional and nuanced portrayals. Non of them are perfect, but they try. Sometimes, the script or directing doesn't allow the characters to be as convincing, as they could be. In other cases, the actors he share a scene with, are utterly unconvincing in their performances.

I appreciate that all his chosen dramas have actual plot besides the romantic story and I didn't have to sit through something as boring as a pure romance without any substance (looking at you, Hidden Love). I also would guess, that he chooses his show based on the roles he plays, because those are often considerably better than the script overall.

Trapped by lackluster writing ...

... is a serious problem, especially when it involves cringey lines as well as wattpad level backstories. I think "Lie to Love" had the weakest script, "Broker" had some really over the top and cringe backstories, while "Lightchaser Rescue"'s biggest problem lies with the directing and production. "Princess Silver" was great overall and I wish he played a bigger role. I'm still not sure what went wrong with "And the winner is love", but I guess it's a combination of everything. Kudos to the actors, that pull off these bad or cringe lines with the same level of dedication and passion... I'm sorry, that I had to skip them anyway.

Acting circles around other actors...

... it's not a regular thing, but it tend to happens with some of his FL. It's not even that they are bad actresses per se, but often written with so little character, that there isn't much anyone can bounce off of. Su Xieyi (Cheng Xiao in "Lie to Love") and Chong Xuezhi (Yukee Chen/Chen Yuqi in "And the Winner is Love") are particularly guilty of this. It's also not something that can be blamed on lacking chemistry between the lead actors, as those two did not convey any chemistry with anyone in their perspective shows. A lot of the female characters in cdramas are hard to watch - and it's the main reason I have not been able to watch Ashes of Love yet.

I recently read a reddit post, that pointed out that Luo Yunxi always has good chemistry with his FL, but that those don't necessary give back the same energy. This leads to his characters always seeming more in love with their romantic partners. Luo Yunxi sells every love story... I really wish he would be paired up with more emotive actresses portraying well written characters.

His strengths ...

... lies in costume dramas for sure. He just looks like he came right out of a painting. This is also where his dance background shines the most. His wire and fight scenes are always excellent. However, I do understand that those are strenuous to shoot, particularly in the summer. In addition he excels in portraying suffering and a storm of conflicting emotions. He is a great actor, with exceptional facial expression and good voice acting. As an audience, you can feel his commitment to all of his roles. This becomes even more obvious, once you find out how often he was injured on set and still pulled through. I wont forget that one leaked clip of him doing wire stunts with his wheel chair waiting on the side ...

What I want to see him play in the future....

... is a more comedic costume drama. "Love is Sweet" but with long hair and fight scenes! I also would love to see him as a villain (again), but I guess he has outgrown these roles - at least in dramas. I also need another show similar to TTEOTM, that is more mature than most dramas of this genre and doesn't focus on the romance. Lastly, a 3rd drama with Bai Lu would be great!

What I learned from this going forward ...

... is to give less popular shows a try. So far, some rather popular or loved dramas (Hidden Love, Ashes of Love, Immortal Samsara etc) failed to impress me. I also learned that I need at least one character to latch onto, while starting a show or I will not get into it. A lot of shows sadly lack these convincing and obsession-worthy characters.

[filmsfromreel]

7 Great Films Snubbed at the 95th Academy Awards

This year’s Academy Awards was a controversy-free celebration. Many of the awards handed out went to deserved winners, there were feel-good moments as Ke Huy Quan and Brendan Fraser accepted their awards after years away from the spotlight and there was no doubt that Everything Everywhere All At Once’s historic 7 wins were warranted. But, like all years at the Oscars, there are some omissions that deserved to be included. While we think this year’s winners were a wonderful collection of films, it would be remiss of us if we didn’t talk about some of the great films that were barely included. 

1. Decision to Leave

Director: Park Chan-wook | Crime, Drama | Language: Korean

Arguably one of the best film’s from 2022, Chan-wook’s unique Crime Drama solidifies why he’s one of the most distinct Directors working today. The zippy pace and attention to detail are what hook you to Decision to Leave but the Director’s approach to storytelling is wholly unique – even when compared to the films nominated at this year’s Oscars. 

Park Chan-wook’s storytelling is akin to that of Paul Thomas Anderson, while they are both dramatically different in style both filmmakers often tell their stories with an enigmatic quality that, although you’re not sure how or why, you are left completely in awe of the talent on show. Decision to Leave may not be as groundbreaking as Oldboy or as pitch-perfect as The Handmaiden, but it still stands head and shoulders above a lot of films released in the same year and while it’s been nominated numerous times over the award season, it feels like a shame not to see it honoured on the big night. 

2. The Northman

Director: Robert Eggers | Action, Drama

The only logical reason that Robert Egger’s Viking epic could have been snubbed entirely for this year’s Academy Awards is that it was released so early in the year that it slipped everyone’s minds come voting season. Whether it was the striking score, beautifully constructed sets shot with stunning cinematography, captivating performances not only from the lead Alexander Skarsgard but Nicole Kidman, Anya Taylor-Joy, Ethan Hawke and Willem Dafoe, to the bold and inventive directing, there’s so much worthy of high praise.

Arguably the only aspect lacking compared to Egger’s previous outings is a uniqueness that something like The Lighthouse held – but it’s no excuse for excluding one of the best films of the year from the Oscars, especially when there is so much across the film’s production to celebrate.

3. Nope

Director: Jordan Peele | Horror, Sci-Fi

It’s difficult to pinpoint where exactly Jordan Peele’s newest film fits into the Oscars, potentially for its enigmatic screenplay, wonderful creature design or even for the scene stealing performance by Keke Palmer. But, regardless of where it fits, it seems a shame not to honour such a unique film.

The natural response to seeing one of his films is to compare it to Get Out, the film that won Peele his Oscar and became one of the most important films of the 21st Century. While Nope doesn’t feel as instant in its quality there is good reason to believe that in a few years, audiences will relish Nope for its singularity and also for Peele’s aptitude for storytelling. This is a wonderfully complex, funny and incredibly tense film that despite being snubbed for a lot of awards, will hopefully gather an audience for years to come.

4. The Woman King

Director: Gina Prince-Bythewood | Action, Drama, History | Languages: English, Portuguese

Gina Prince-Bythewood’s historical tale got two nominations at the BAFTAs, one for star Viola Davis’ powerhouse performance and also a nod for the Director herself, leaving to wonder just why it was left out at the Oscars. Davis’ performance, while commanding, was up against a number of fantastic Leading Actress performances this year. But, Bythewood’s lack of nomination seems to be a misstep from the Academy. 

There is an argument that structurally The Woman King isn’t much different from a number of action films we’ve seen but what’s more important is the representation and celebration it’s giving to it’s story. In recent years the world has been imploring Hollywood to create more diverse and dynamic roles instead of changing old ones and The Woman King does exactly that. It’s just a shame the Academy wouldn’t celebrate the film as much as we did.

5. Broker

Director: Hirokazu Kore-eda | Comedy, Drama, Crime | Languages: Korean

Many people have compared Hirokazu Kore-eda’s latest film to his 2018 drama Shoplifters. In some ways it’s a spiritual successor (Kore-eda himself calling it a companion piece), skirting some of the same themes of class structure and social standings, as well as the functionalities of family and what makes a ‘traditional’ family. Broker manages to talk about these same issues as well as infusing discussions of parental responsibility whilst keeping the mood light and fun – no easy feat.

Alongside this, Kore-eda somehow manages to make you sympathise with human traffickers – not the most malicious or intelligent, but pursued by the police for their crimes nonetheless. It might not be the home run Shoplifters was, but Broker still manages to inject some incredibly human and joyous moments in a strange tale of selling a child, all in his non-native language of Korean, not missing a step in cultural references either. Whether it was for Best International Film, Original Screenplay, or even an argument can be made for Best Director, the Academy missed a gem of a film this year.

6. Aftersun

Director: Charlotte Wells | Drama

Charlotte Wells’ nostalgic drama is less of a snub due to Paul Mescal’s touching performance getting a nomination, but the film’s quality lies in much more than its performances. At the BAFTAs the director accepted the award for Outstanding Debut and described the film as a eulogy to her Father – something that she achieves with a visceral and subtle reflection of watching someone you love suffer in silence.

As a distinctly British product it’s understandable that this film didn’t shake the Academy voters as much as the BAFTAs, but the film’s gorgeously told story is one of the best of the year. Many films that tell a ‘personal’ story rarely achieve the emotional connection that Aftersun achieves, and while it was a shame not to see more limelight shed on the film as a whole, there is no doubt that everyone will be eagerly awaiting what Wells does next.

7. Bones and All

Director: Luca Guadagino | Drama, Horror, Romance

The most obvious reason for not including Luca Guadagino’s latest film could be the fact it’s a love story road trip about cannibals – but it’s for that same reason it seems like a missed opportunity to open up the wonderfully weird story to the mainstream. With films like Everything, Everywhere All at Once making waves it seems like the Academy are changing their tone to quirky independent cinema, branching into the originality out there.

Whilst it might not have won many awards the performances from Timothee Chalamet, and more notably Taylor Russell and Mark Rylance, are enticing and exciting, bringing a grounded and relatable edge to a story that could have easily been disconnected and unrelatable. Guadagnino balances David Kajganich’s script with ease and a certain aesthetic beauty that many people first noticed in Call Me by Your Name – despite being in an unusual narrative, comes together in an intoxicating (and sometimes terrifying) coming of age tale.

[forexreviewsbest]

 Equiity Broker Review: Pros and Cons Unveiled - Best Forex Broker for Beginners

Evaluate the Pros and Cons of one of the best online forex trading platforms. This evaluation focuses on Equiity brokers and the services offered by them.

[ahb-writes]

Book Review: 'As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World' #1

As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World #1 by MiraijinA, Jimmy, Tristan K Hill

castle politics

fantasy

isekai

political science

social commentary

My Rating: 5 of 5 stars

Navigating the treacherous course of a territory in turmoil, Ars Louvent is too young to know what he's actually doing. Or, he should be. It's not as if he has much of a choice. His father is ill, his neighbors encroach his borders, and the regional duke's two sons are about to kick off a civil war. Ars is too young to know what he's actually doing. Or is he?

REINCARNATED ARISTOCRAT v1 is a gem. Not because it's exceedingly original and difficult to find, but because this story is nestled comfortably in a niche genre and the author executes its narrative to absolute perfection. This is not a reincarnation story with overpowered heroes, a harem of young hybrid animal ladies, or tales of gruesome death around every corner. This novel is about political gamesmanship, the methodical merging of economic and military interests, and the people-management calculations made in the shadows of increasingly corrupted statecraft.

This novel focuses on the people who manage the land, as well as the personal relationships, economic hardships, and territorial disputes that come with being a minor lord in a much larger chess game. Readers who want their feudal lordship brimming with bloodshed should look elsewhere. Similarly, readers who want their isekai narratives packed with inexplicably outsized magecraft should look elsewhere.

Ars's ability to view people's skills and abilities via an old school RPG status screen forms the foundation of the book's trajectory. He knows when a soldier might fare better as an archer, rather than as a hand-to-hand combatant. He also knows when a political leader is more heavily inclined toward betrayal than facile loyalty. And in the case of his unexpected engagement to a friendly lord's young daughter, Ars also knows when someone is shockingly skilled at political subterfuge.

AS A REINCARNATED ARISTOCRAT, I'LL USE MY APPRAISAL SKILL TO RISE IN THE WORLD v1 is a fun book but can be difficult to follow. The novel wields dozens of place names (territories, counties, countries), people (attendants, lords, dukes), and alliances (mercenary groups, duchy coups), and it pays to have a notepad at the ready. For example, Ars, the acting lord of the Lamberg territory, finds himself thrust into the spotlight, lending needed information and aid to House Pyres, which is guided by Count Lumeire Pyres, governor of the County of Canarre, in his support of Lord Couran Salemakhia, eldest son of the ailing Lord Amador Salemakhia, the Duke of Missian, of the Summerforth Empire. Got all that? The more complex version includes Lord Couran's rival (brother), Count Pyres's rivals (neighboring counties), a plausible assassination attempt, and more. This is not a book one can put down one day, and nonchalantly pick up a week later.

Layered and complicated though the character dynamics may be, the novel is written very loosely. The book is full of clever writing and amicable characters. Ars is overly cautious but more sarcastic than not. He shudders at the thought of using his appraisal skill to climb the political ranks ("Could you imagine just how much of a pain in the ass being an emperor would be?" page 54). Unfortunately, some supporting characters earn more space on the page than others, but there's plenty of room for them to grow.

Ars recruits a skilled mercenary as his personal retainer, locates and hires a marginally intelligent but comically vain mage to lead his army, and strikes a lucrative deal with a crossdressing information broker whose intelligence and combat prowess are second to none. Ars may find it a royal pain to seek out those capable of helping him achieve his or his greater lord's goals, but the deeper he wades into the waters of governance and intrigue, the more he values the hunt for what it is ("I was starting to appreciate that there was always a lot more to a person deep down than what my little power could tell me about them," page 273).

The novel's pensive approach to domestic statecraft, as well as its deliberately obsequious view of domestic political relations, includes social commentary on enslaved peoples, arranged marriages, feuds among royalty, the economics of betrayal, the imperatives of nursing a good strategist, and more. REINCARNATED ARISTOCRAT v1 goes deep, intentionally, and the book can feel like a tome packed with entertaining but immaterial lore, but in reality, everything boils down to "medieval territory management," as the author says in the afterword. Still, it's a gem.

❯ ❯ Light-Novel Reviews || ahb writes on Good Reads

[reviewsfromreel]

Broker (2022) - Review

Director: Hirokazu Kore-eda | Runtime: 2h 9mins | Comedy, Drama

After a new mother leaves her unwanted child in a baby box (church-based schemes to stop complete abandonment), two hapless traffickers figure out a way to sell the child to sterile parents.

Switching things up from his previous French film and venturing out into South Korea, director Kore-eda started developing the idea after seeing the similarities between the Japanese and Korean adoption systems through researching Like Father, Like Son in 2013. It might seem a bit strange from the short description of Kore-eda’s newest film that it’s classed as a ‘comedy’ – but you’d be mistaken for thinking the humour is in poor taste.

What they don’t expect is So-young (Lee Ji-eun) to return for her boy, and instead of claiming him for her own, decides to travel with the duo as they road trip around the country interviewing potential parents for the baby. Unknown to any of them, Detective Lee (Lee Joo-young) and Soo-jin (Bae Donna) are part of an investigation into the operation, attempting to get solid proof to arrest everyone involved.

Perhaps the most successful aspect to this road trip caper is the tonal balancing act, making sure the more difficult aspects of parenthood and abandonment aren’t jarring juxtaposed with the light hearted sentimentality. It’s very possible the reason it works is because the so-called traffickers are not exactly masterminds, and more so two friends trying to make a bit of money on the side. Their operation is no more than the two of them meeting potential parents, usually a couple unable to conceive, and deciding if they’re a right fit for the child.

What makes this hit home that bit better is a undertone of sadness from everyone involved; Hang-hyun is constantly trying to repair a relationship with his daughter, Dong-soo relates a little too much with the children he’s ‘rehoming’, So-young is doing everything she can to not mess her son’s life up and Hae-jin’s lack of parental figure is taking its toll. The sense of melancholia against the front of light hearted family fun is a wonderful juxtaposition that is solidified by all round great performances.

It does have its melodramatic moments, and some might find the end a bit a bit contrived or artificially set up, but the previous hour and a half has created a tone and narrative that doesn’t make it feel out of place or forced – it’s not a film isn’t meant to blow you away with a deeply complex narrative, instead a wonderfully engaging character study of four deeply flawed but loveable misfits trying to fit in and find their place within a family.

4/5

[mylifeincinema]

My Week(s) in Reviews: April 16, 2023

Keeping these short because I honestly don’t have much to say about any of these.

John Wick: Chapter 4 (Chad Stahelski, 2023)

An overwhelming display of beautiful violence. The choreography and cinematography here are just stunning... absolutely stunning. Probably not actually the best of the series, but maybe? - 9/10

Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (Jonathan Goldstein & John Francis Daley, 2023)

A lot of fun. It doesn’t take itself seriously, and therefore the more ridiculous stuff actually works. - 8.5/10

Broker (Kore-eda Hirokazu, 2022)

I don’t know what to say about this one. The performances are rich and affecting, and the direction gives them the space to evolve naturally. But the overall product left me a bit cold. I’ll blame the ending, but I think it was more that in addition to the roles of the police in pursuit in general. I don’t know, though. - 6.5/10

Decision to Leave (Park Chan-wook, 2022)

Park Chan-wook’s direction is breathtaking. It builds the mystery and suspense throughout in a manner that keeps your eyes glued to the screen. And the editing throughout only intensifies this. So good. The actual plotting left a bit to be desired, for me, though. The character motivations didn’t always work for me. And while that may have been something getting lost in translation, it was still something that lessened the overall experience. - 8/10

Devotion (J.D. Dillard, 2022)

Likable. I’ve spent my whole life a stone’s throw from Fall River and have barely heard anything about Tom Hudner until now. Dude was a Medal of Honor Recipient yet still all Fall River wants to focus on is Lizzie Borden, the axe-murderer who was absolutely not an axe-murderer. Anyway, Glen Powell is fantastic as always. I love that he’s getting higher profile work. Dude’s a bona fide movie star, and likable as hell, and now I really want to watch Everybody Wants Some!! again. Jonathan Majors is also great; he’s consistently putting out intense, dedicated performances and I really hope his real-life issues don’t completely derail what could be a very interesting career. At the end of the day, though, this one falls a little bit flat by dragging out the climax and draining it of a fair amount of its emotional heft. - 7/10

Enjoy!

-Timothy Patrick Boyer.