#that cannes yacht story

[annieqattheperipheral]

Cannes yacht drunk nate lore for the ones asking

bonus: sid's rapper name💀

tw: biznasty + spittin chiclets

[justforbooks]

Alain Delon

One of the most popular male stars of French cinema who often played tough guys and calculated killers

The actor Alain Delon, with his finely chiselled features and glacial gaze, was known as the “ice cold angel”. As a young man, his handsome, impassive face was a blank page on which apparently any emotion could be written. This served to cover the passion or perversity beneath, a trait used effectively by such directors as Luchino Visconti, Louis Malle, Joseph Losey, Jean-Pierre Melville and Michelangelo Antonioni.

Delon’s best work was done in the 1960s and 70s, the first two decades of a career spanning half a century. After this exciting initial period, he settled down, with occasional exceptions, to consolidating his tough-guy persona, becoming one of the most popular male stars in French cinema.

In the light of his unpromising background, Delon, who has died aged 88, deserved the success he achieved. Born in Sceaux, a large suburb in the south of Paris, he was the son of Edith (nee Arnold) and Fabien Delon. They divorced when Alain was four, and he was brought up by foster parents until they died in a car accident. He then moved back to live with his mother and her new husband, Paul Boulogne, a butcher, to whom Delon was unhappily apprenticed when he was 14.

This was soon after he completed his sporadic education, having been expelled from several schools for bad behaviour. At 17, he joined the French navy, serving in Indochina as a parachutist during the siege of Dien Bien Phu.

Out of his four years in the military, Delon spent 11 months in prison for being “undisciplined”. In 1956, after being dishonourably discharged, he returned to civilian life, working as a porter, a waiter and a salesman. During this time he became friends with the actors Brigitte Auber and Jean-Claude Brialy, and went with them to the 1957 Cannes film festival.

There, his looks attracted attention, especially from a talent scout for the producer David O Selznick, who offered him a Hollywood contract, provided that he learned English. But after Auber persuaded the director Yves Allégret to cast the young would-be actor in Quand la Femme s’en Mêle (When a Woman Meddles, 1957), Delon decided to start acting in France.

Surrounded by such veterans as Edwige Feuillère, Jean Servais and Bernard Blier, Delon, looking much younger than 22, made an impression as a hitman, the sort of role he perfected in later films. Despite being touted as France’s answer to James Dean, Delon was closer to the young Alan Ladd.

In Sois Belle Et Tais-Toi (Be Beautiful But Shut Up, 1958), directed by Marc Allégret, Yves’s older brother, Delon was cast as a petty crook, partnered by Jean-Paul Belmondo, who was to equal Delon in popularity in the 60s and 70s. They were later to appear together again in Borsalino (1970), Borsalino and Co (1974) and as sexagenarian action heroes in Une Chance sur Deux (Half a Chance, 1998).

Christine (1958), a love story set in Vienna at the turn of the century, gave Delon his first major role as a romantic lead, opposite Romy Schneider. During the shooting of the film – a remake of Max Ophüls’ Liebelei (1932) – the couple fell in love and became engaged soon afterwards. The romance lasted four years, and Delon and Schneider remained close until her death in 1982. They appeared together on stage in 1961 in a Parisian production of ’Tis Pity She’s a Whore, directed by Visconti, as well as in the films La Piscine (The Swimming Pool, 1969) and Losey’s The Assassination of Trotsky (1972).

It was in 1960 that Delon became an international star with his portrayal of Patricia Highsmith’s Tom Ripley in René Clément’s Plein Soleil (Purple Noon). With his pretty-boy looks, Delon perfectly reflected the calculated charm, indolence and coldness of the ambiguous character, who schemes to take his friend’s clothes, yacht, girlfriend and life.

In contrast, in the same year, Visconti cast him as a “wise fool” in Rocco and His Brothers, an epic three-hour neorealist drama. To save his poverty-stricken family, who have immigrated to Milan from southern Italy, Rocco (Delon) takes up boxing, a sport he detests. Dubbed into Italian, Delon does his best to convince as a saintly character, though it is doubtful whether any boxer could be so gentle and yet so successful.

Dubbed again into Italian, Delon was superb as an arrogant and materialistic stockbroker who has an affair with a translator (Monica Vitti) in L’Eclisse (Eclipse, 1962), the third in Antonioni’s trilogy of alienation. Delon’s third notable Italian film was Visconti’s The Leopard (1963), in which he played the dashing and cynical young revolutionary Tancredi. As a hotheaded opportunist who represents the future of Italy, Delon’s performance is in sharp contrast to Burt Lancaster’s contemplative one as his aristocratic uncle, who represents the past.

Back in France, Delon began to take on less challenging roles, mostly in swashbucklers and thrillers. The main interest of the conventional heist movie, Mélodie en Sous-Sol (Any Number Can Win, 1963), was the coming together of the biggest French star of the 30s, Jean Gabin, and the rising star of the 60s. As interesting was his pairing with Simone Signoret, 14 years his senior, in The Widow Couderc (1971).

Delon also appeared in several English-language films at the time, including The Yellow Rolls-Royce (1964), in which he was an Italian photographer cum gigolo making a play for a gangster’s moll (Shirley MacLaine), and a Spanish aristocrat in the comedy-western Texas Across the River (1966). At the time, Delon could claim to be an equal in fame to any movie star in large-budget films such as Once a Thief (1965), opposite Ann-Margret and Jack Palance; Lost Command (1966), a war film with Anthony Quinn and George Segal; and Red Sun (1971) with Charles Bronson and Toshiro Mifune, cashing in on Delon’s huge popularity in Japan.

In the artily erotic The Girl on a Motorcycle (1968), directed and photographed by Jack Cardiff, Delon played Marianne Faithfull’s lover, unzipping her leather gear with his teeth and murmuring: “Your toes are like tombstones.”

In 1964 Delon married Nathalie Barthélémy, who made her screen acting debut opposite him in Melville’s Le Samouraï (1967), the first of three ritualistic and atmospheric crime thrillers directed by Melville and starring Delon. In Le Samouraï, he was an expressionless hired killer; in Le Cercle Rouge (1970), he was a cool ex-con; and in Un Flic (Dirty Money, 1972), Melville’s final film, he was equally effective as a bitter cop.

Delon’s standing as a screen tough guy was enhanced when, in 1968, he and his wife, whom he was about to divorce, were implicated in a sensational political scandal. The discovery of the corpse of his bodyguard Stevan Marković in a rubbish dump – he had been shot in the head – led to revelations of drug and sex orgies involving a host of personalities from the world of politics and show business, including the wife of the president, Georges Pompidou.

Delon’s friend, the Corsican gangster François Marcantoni, was charged as an accessory to murder but was later released due to lack of evidence. Both Alain and Nathalie were held for questioning, but were not accused. What had alerted police was a letter Marković sent to his brother in which he wrote: “If I get killed, it’s 100% the fault of Alain Delon and his godfather François Marcantoni.”

In the same year, Delon began a 15-year relationship with the actor Mireille Darc, with whom he co-starred in Jeff (1969), the first film made by his own company, Adel, and a few other pictures.

During the same period, under Malle’s direction, he portrayed William Wilson, an Austrian officer and gambler, who murders his doppelganger, in one of three segments based on Edgar Allan Poe stories in Spirits of the Dead (1968).

Another of his outstanding performances was the title role of Losey’s Mr Klein (1976), as a French-Catholic art dealer who is mistaken for a Jew of the same name during the occupation in 1942. Unable to convince the Gestapo of the mistaken identity, he is deported.

Many years later, Delon claimed to be a supporter of the far-right leader Jean-Marie Le Pen. “He is dangerous for the political set because he’s the only one who’s sincere,” Delon declared. “He says out loud what many people think, and what the politicians refrain from saying because they are either too demagogic or too chicken. Le Pen, with all his faults and qualities, is probably the only one who thinks about the interests of France before his own.”

In the 80s, Delon, already a producer of a dozen movies, tried his hand at directing. His two films, Pour la Peau d’un Flic (For a Cop’s Hide, 1981) and Le Battant (The Fighter, 1983), were pale imitations of Melville. But, in 1984, Delon was given two of his last chances to display his acting talents. In Bertrand Blier’s Notre Histoire (Our Story), he was a morose alcoholic, and, in one of the most surprising casting decisions, he played the decadent gay dandy Baron de Charlus in Volker Schlöndorff’s Swann in Love, based on the first volume of Marcel Proust’s novel.

Following his dual role in Jean-Luc Godard’s Nouvelle Vague (1990), and a number of poorly received films, Delon announced his decision to retire from acting in 1997, although he did star in a television cop series, Frank Riva (2003-04), and made an unexpected appearance as Julius Caesar in Asterix at the Olympic Games (2008). A final TV role came in the drama Une Journée Ordinaire (2011), and he appeared as himself in S Novym Godom, Mamy! (2012), the story of a Russian New Year’s Eve, and Disclaimer (2019), as a talkshow guest.

An honorary Palme d’Or in 2019 provoked complaints against Delon’s history of misogynistic comments and support for the far right. The Cannes festival responded that its concern lay with achievement in cinema: “We’re not going to give (him) the Nobel peace prize.” Also that year came the video release of the song, Paroles, Paroles, that had given the singer Dalida and him a hit in 1973.

Delon, who became a Swiss citizen after many years’ residence in Geneva, with a second home in Douchy, south of Paris, spent most of his later years as president of a company that produced a variety of products such as perfume, wristwatches, clothing and sunglasses, all with the label AD.

The Velvet Underground singer Nico said that Delon was the father of her son Ari, though he denied it – the boy was adopted by Delon’s mother and stepfather, and took their surname, Boulogne; he died in 2023. Delon is survived by his son, Anthony, from his first marriage, and his children, Anouchka and Alain-Fabien, from his second marriage, to Rosalie van Breemen, which ended in divorce in 2002.

🔔 Alain Fabien Maurice Marcel Delon, actor and producer, born 8 November 1935; died 18 August 2024

Daily inspiration. Discover more photos at Just for Books…?

[empiredesimparte]

Napoléon V: It's strange to be back in Paris Charlotte: Really? Napoléon V: As Emperor, yes.

Napoléon V: I understand better why my ancestor, Louis XIV, settled at Versailles Charlotte: We can stay at Versailles, I suppose. I'd be curious to live there for a while Napoléon V : Father was very fond of Versailles

Marie-Joséphine: So Your Majesty and Mademoiselle, how was the Croisette? I'm so happy to see you again.

Napoléon V: So am I, Mother, everything went well. I'll take you next time Marie-Joséphine: With pleasure

Manon (Charlotte's mother): This edition was very charming, and the weather was very nice Casimir (Charlotte's father): We'll be delighted to have you with us next year, Madame Mère

Charlotte: And how was the visit to Scotland? Hortense: Fantastic

Charlotte: I've never been there, but your uncle told me a couple of stories about his travels Hortense: Really? Charlotte: It looks pretty wild, really, so it's all the better if you enjoy it Hortense: The rest of the world can't be like Paris, Charlotte

Napoléon V: Le Duc and his family will dine with us this evening. Marie-Joséphine: It's a pleasure to dine with you this evening, dear Duc.

Casimir : A pleasure too, chère amie, it's an honour to be in the Tuileries this evening

Manon: What generosity, Your Majesty Napoléon V: You are like my family, Duchesse

Henri: Everything went well, Hortense, don't worry. I'll tell you all the gossip Hortense: Thank you uncle! I would have loved to have attended the Cannes Festival

⚜ Le Cabinet Noir | Yacht impérial l'Aigle, 9 Prairial An 230

Beginning ▬ Previous ▬ Next

⚜ Traduction française

Napoléon V : C'est étrange de revenir à Paris Charlotte : Vraiment ? Napoléon V : En tant qu'Empereur, oui

Napoléon V : Je comprends mieux pourquoi mon ancêtre, Louis XIV, s'est installé à Versailles Charlotte : Nous pourrons séjourner à Versailles, je suppose. Je serais curieuse d'y vivre un temps Napoléon V : Père aimait beaucoup Versailles

Marie-Joséphine : Alors Votre Majesté, comment était-ce la Croisette ? Je suis si heureuse de vous revoir.

Napoléon V : Moi aussi Mère, tout s'est bien passé. Je vous emmènerai la prochaine fois Marie-Joséphine : Avec plaisir

Manon (la mère de Charlotte) : Cette édition était fort charmante, et il a fait très beau Casimir (le père de Charlotte) : Nous serons ravis de vous avoir avec nous l'an prochain, Madame Mère

Charlotte : Et comment était la visite en Ecosse ? Hortense : Fantastique

Charlotte : Je n'y ai jamais été, mais ton oncle m'a raconté deux trois anecdotes de ses voyages là-bas Hortense : Ah oui ? Charlotte : Cela a l'air assez sauvage, en vérité, tant mieux si tu y trouves ton compte Hortense : Le reste du monde ne peut être comme Paris, Charlotte

Napoléon V : Le duc et sa famille dîneront avec nous ce soir Marie-Joséphine : C'est un plaisir de dîner avec vous ce soir, cher duc

Casimir : Heureux pareillement, chère amie, c'est un honneur d'être aux Tuileries ce soir

Manon : Quelle générosité, Votre Majesté Napoléon V : Vous êtes comme ma famille, Duchesse

Henri : Tout s'est bien passé Hortense, ne t'en fais pas. Je te raconterai tous les ragots Hortense : Merci mon oncle! J'aurais aimé assister au Festival de Cannes

[silvyysthings]

Film updates on Twitter just posted timmy and the Jenner girl at beyonces concert looking cozy while he’s smoking. Their together and nothing about this has ever been one sided. After months of his fans saying she’s a stalker , this is all Kris orchestrated and his name was supposedly being dragged with a huge loss of thousands of followers per day on his IG which mysteriously are put back the next day? All the stories were from both teams not just hers. All the PR games, the orchestrated driveway photos, Cannes rumor, taco dates, soccer games, airplane hangars, Italy, birthday yacht, big foot photos, private jets, hickey gate etc he doesn’t care and is doubling down and all in. What a joke. All the dmoix leaks were from both teams. So dmoix source was right and he was with her on her birthday in Dominican Republic or Antigua during the SAG strike which he remains silent on and is yet to support? Also PR person on Reddit said word is his team removed the Vogue article not hers. There is no gun to his head. This is him. His choice. Good luck dude. Fucking Circus. He has shit to sell and her new season starts Sep 28th. Say hello to Timmy 2.0. Mr I don’t give a fuck what the fans think and will date whoever I want and do staged sponsored pap walks as long as the cheque clears. No thanks. Cue the mountain of excuses fans are about to make about how this nearly 28 year old multi millionaire intellectual with his six star lifestyle, private jets and projects coming out of everywhere is being forced against his will to do this charade by Sleazy Homophobic Hollywood and the big bad media loving over exposed kardashians in 3…2..1. Maybe look at the video closer. Does he look stressed? He’s laughing and knows the fans will all fall back in line after they vent angrily after a day or two as always. Excuses. Excuses. Don’t worry obviously the Chanel movie is about to drop to distract everyone with his hotness. Isn’t that the pattern? Right after her new Acne Campaign this weekend. Coordinated as usual. True love. Let the excuses begin.

I understand your anger, believe me but for me there is a basic problem in thinking that he should behave or live as the fans want for him, I don't like the people he goes out with, I don't know them (and for what I know I DON'T LIKE THEM to clarify )but in general and I'm not just referring to Tim to think that the actor we love has to necessarily follow the guidelines of how the fans would like him seems crazy to me

[dadvans]

Would Love to know what SidNateAndy content you have cooking!! I feel insane about the fic you’ve already shared with us and I wasn’t aware more was coming 👀 (also need to know about cumming of age lmao)

(For the WIP Meme) (Asks Open)

SidNateAndy

I'm so excited people want more SidNateAndy! The SidNateAndy doc is 3 smaller fics + 1 large fic that are all sequels set to Say When. The contents are:

Nate letting Andy fuck him for the first time

Sid blowing Nate on a yacht in Cannes

Nate, Andy, and Sid getting together For Real at Sid's 2017 Cup Party

The big one, which I think I've mentioned, is a fic that takes place in what was once the future and is now an alternate universe where Nate hasn't won the Cup. It's the first year after Sid's retired, and Sid is Eat Pray Loving it up around the world to ignore his own problems, Andy moves to Denver to join the Avalanche, and Nate is dealing with pressure to become Captain after Gabe retires. I've been fiddling with this one again more recently and am just one ending away from finishing the blowjob ficlet at the very least.

Cumming of Age

AKA BDSM Summer Camp (sidnate with some gabe/tyson thrown in there). Worldbuilding is set up that at approximately 18 years of age you come into your secondary gender (dom/sub/switch). In the past 50 years, most places require 18 year olds to spend a summer away where they learn how to have a healthy relationship with their subgender, kinks, and the basics of safe/sane/consensual.

Sometimes a subgender isn't immediately obvious, which is how, on arrival, Nate finds out he's submissive. Despite initially rejecting this about himself, Dom Camp Counselor Sid literally shows him the ropes (and then some).

The hardest part about this story is so far Tyson is kind of this run away character and it's hard not to make it entirely about him, but he's so much fun to write.

Excerpt:

It always sounded kind of like some kind of cult bullshit: puberty summer camp? Okay. Both of Nate’s parents and his sister were Switches. Everyone always sat at the table for family meals, and they all fought over the remote on weekday evenings after homework. When Sarah came home from Camp before she started college, she treated Nate like glass for at least a week, but she was back to normal before she left again. She even told Nate about the people she had connected with at Camp, and how the Switch bunks were on the right side of the lake to catch the sunrise and none of the drama. She never gave away details, but she came back seeming happier, free in a way Nate wouldn’t have known to look for, at the end of the summer.  The thing was: Nate always knew he wasn’t a Switch. He wasn’t going to share his parents’ or sister’s designation.  He was self-aware enough to know at a young age he’d be different. Everything he learned in Secondary Sex Ed through high school indicated he would present as a Dom: his desire for control, the way his friends said sometimes he was a little too demanding, too pushy; his need to win at everything, an actual drive for dominance. If forced to think about it, he would say he was allergic to vulnerability. Humiliation was not his fucking bag.

[kmp78]

« She's absolutely loving that wifey role. 🥰 »

So cute.

I have a few questions.

JL and VK separated in 2021, is that it ? So VK found a new boyfriend and got engaged in 2 years ? It's fast. How does she met him ?

Who put an end to history? JL or VK

The timeline goes like this:

April/May 2021: VK and break up. 💔

June-July-August: both spend the summer moping around in NYC and Miami 😣

End of August: VK leaves the US for the 1st time in 1.5 years (due to Covid obvs) and moves in with her sis in Cannes/St. Tropez.

Their reunion after 2 years apart was quite emotional... 😭🤗

September-October: VK continues bunking with Yan and Olivier, and vacays/works all over Europe. 🇪🇺

Olivier as we know is a pro-equestrian, and VK spends some time with horsies as well. 🐴

And this is the part where the story gets a little bit murkier: we don't know exactly where and when VK and Dims' paths crossed, but best guesses are either at these horsey circles (since Dims is/was a keen horseman as well), or at one of the high society shindigs these folks attend in Paris etc. 🤷🏼‍♀️

In any case, the 1st sign of Dims on VK's socials came when they were caught snuggling in Miami in November 2021. 😏

Then of course they spent that following New Years yachting and canoodling in the Caribbean with their new group (while JL was also in the neighborhood having a real good time with his cheap replacements... 🫣).

During 2022 VK and Dims continued to date, until in October (on what I strongly suspect to have been their 1st year anniversary!) Dims whisked her off to Italy and popped The Question. 💍

JL in the meantime was... well, feeling it. 😐

So no, it wasn't fast at all. It was a perfectly normal development of a relationship. 🤷🏼‍♀️

VK spent several months reeling after the breakup from April/May to Sept/Oct, and I don't see anything weird in how and when she found a new (and better) man. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[ear-worthy]

iHeartMedia and Paris Hilton’s 11:11 Media Announce “The History of the World’s Greatest Nightclubs” Podcast

A first impression might be that nightclubs embody all that is silly, feckless, and puerile about society. But please reconsider. Nightclubs often serve as the vanguard for new music and novel fashion trends. More important, nightclubs have been a refuge for those oppressed, abandoned, or ridiculed. Lifestyles ignored by mainstream society can flourish under the febrile and cloaked atmosphere of a nightclub. That's why I was interested when iHeartMedia and London Audio, the podcast division of Paris Hilton’s next-gen media company 11:11 Media, announced The History of the World’s Greatest Nightclubs. This latest show marks London Audio and Hilton’s third podcast in the slate, joining I am Paris and Trapped in Treatment, which are available now for listeners. 11:11 Media is an entertainment company founded by Paris Hilton and entertainment industry veteran Bruce Gersh in 2021. London Audio was founded in 2020, and is part of 11:11 Media, formed also by Bruce Gersh and Paris Hilton. The first two episodes of the company’s newest podcast will debut July 13, with new episodes released weekly on Thursdays. You can listen to the official podcast trailer here. The History of the World’s Greatest Nightclubs is a 12-part, globe-trotting sonic journey that will transport listeners through time and dive into the history of nightlife. Hosted by dance club music legend Ultra Naté, the show is a poignant reminder and celebration of the impact nightlife has had and continues to have on our lives and society. From New York to Ibiza, Manchester to Berlin, Tokyo to Lagos and Detroit to London, the clubs featured in season one evoke memories of euphoria and belonging that will feel familiar to listeners across generations. "Documenting the influence that music, nightlife, and nightclubs have had on our society, The History of the World’s Greatest Nightclubs podcast immerses listeners in the pulsing beats and unforgettable moments that have shaped this global culture," says Paris Hilton, CEO of 11:11 Media. "Remembering instances of true liberation and everlasting energy, I’m excited to celebrate the extraordinary stories behind The World's Greatest Nightclubs, and recognize the impact they’ve had on our past, present, and future.” “Paris Hilton is one of the most innovative storytellers at work today, giving us a glimpse into her fascinating world of culture and business every week on her podcast – and this takes that a step further, as we get to trek across the globe through stories about some of the world’s most legendary nightclubs,” said Conal Byrne, CEO of the iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group. “We’re excited to join 11:11 Media’s London Audio and the iconic Ultra Naté on a journey that will surely transport listeners back to their own club scene days and paint the vibrant picture of nightlife history like you’ve never heard it before.” The podcast will debut the podcast in the south of France for the annual Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Hilton will DJ an official after party and podcast launch party aboard the iHeart Yacht tonight, spinning songs from her own curated playlist of music which will be featured throughout The History of the World’s Greatest Nightclubs. I'm dusting off my old disco platform shoes. Unbuttoning the first four buttons on my silk shirt, I also wrap my neck with heavy gold chains and prepare for the Donna Summer music. You can listen to the official podcast trailer HERE while I just crash the dance floor. Here I go.... Can somebody please call for an ambulance.

[hamsfly]

14 Best Places to Travel South of France

Best places to travel South of France is a dream destination. It offers stunning landscapes and rich culture. Imagine exploring charming villages, sun-kissed beaches, and historic cities. The South of France, known for its beauty and elegance, is a traveler’s paradise. From the lavender fields of Provence to the glamorous French Riviera, there's something for everyone. You can stroll through medieval towns, taste world-class wine, or relax by the azure Mediterranean Sea. This region is perfect for those seeking a mix of relaxation and adventure. Whether you're an art lover, a foodie, or a nature enthusiast, the South of France has it all. Ready to discover the best places to visit? Let's dive in and explore the wonders of this enchanting region.

Coastal Towns

 Best places to travel South of France is known for its stunning coastal towns. Coastal towns are enchanting destinations that offer a harmonious blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. These seaside havens are dotted with golden beaches, rugged cliffs, and gentle waves, creating an idyllic setting for relaxation and exploration. The rhythmic sound of the ocean and the salty sea breeze invite visitors to unwind and immerse themselves in the calming surroundings. Beyond their scenic charm, coastal towns are often steeped in history and tradition. Many feature vibrant harbors, historic lighthouses, and quaint streets lined with local shops and cafes. They tell stories of maritime adventures, fishing heritage, and a way of life deeply connected to the sea. 

Nice

Nice, located on the French Riviera, is a vibrant city known for its stunning coastline, sunny weather, and warm Mediterranean charm. The iconic Promenade des Anglais stretches along the turquoise sea, offering breathtaking views and a perfect spot for leisurely walks or cycling. The heart of Nice is its Old Town, or "Vieux Nice," with winding streets, pastel-colored buildings, and bustling markets. Here, you can explore local boutiques, savor fresh gelato, and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of this historic district. Nice is also a cultural hub, home to world-class museums like the Matisse Museum and the Chagall Museum.

Cannes

Cannes, situated on the stunning French Riviera, is a city synonymous with elegance and luxury. Best known for the world-famous Cannes Film Festival, this coastal gem offers visitors a chance to experience its glitzy atmosphere and breathtaking Mediterranean views. The city's charm lies in its blend of glamour and history. La Croisette, the iconic seaside promenade, is lined with upscale boutiques, luxury hotels, and pristine beaches. Strolling along it provides a perfect mix of relaxation and people-watching. For a taste of Cannes’ rich history, visit Le Suquet, the old quarter perched on a hill. Its cobbled streets and panoramic views of the harbor take you back in time, offering a quieter contrast to the city’s vibrant energy.

Saint-Tropez

Saint-Tropez, nestled along the French Riviera, is a picturesque town famous for its golden beaches, luxurious yachts, and vibrant nightlife. Once a humble fishing village, it has transformed into a global hotspot for the rich and famous, while still retaining its quaint charm. The Old Port is the heart of Saint-Tropez, where colorful fishing boats sit alongside sleek yachts. Lively cafes and restaurants line the waterfront, offering perfect spots to relax and soak in the lively atmosphere. Wander into the historic La Ponche neighborhood to explore narrow cobblestone streets, charming boutiques, and historic landmarks like the 16th-century Citadel. This area showcases the town’s rich heritage and stunning views of the Mediterranean. For beach lovers, Pampelonne Beach is the star attraction, with its soft sand and crystal-clear waters. 

Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence, often called the “City of a Thousand Fountains,” is a charming destination known for its elegant architecture, vibrant culture, and sun-drenched landscapes. Nestled in southern France, it embodies the timeless beauty and relaxed charm of Provence. The city’s main boulevard, Cours Mirabeau, is lined with leafy plane trees, historic mansions, and lively cafes. It’s the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or to sip coffee while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of this picturesque town. Aix-en-Provence is also a cultural hub, celebrated for its connection to the famous painter Paul Cézanne. Visitors can explore his studio and follow the “Cézanne Trail” to see the landscapes that inspired his masterpieces. 

Marseille

Marseille, located on France’s southern coast, is a dynamic city known for its stunning Mediterranean views, diverse culture, and historic charm. As France’s oldest city, it blends ancient traditions with modern energy, offering something for every traveler. The Old Port (Vieux-Port) is the heart of Marseille, where fishing boats and yachts sway against a backdrop of lively cafes and restaurants. It’s an ideal spot to enjoy fresh seafood or simply admire the bustling waterfront. A visit to Marseille wouldn’t be complete without exploring the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, perched high above the city. This iconic landmark offers panoramic views of the sea and surrounding hills, making it a must-see attraction.

Avignon

Avignon, located in the heart of Provence, is a city steeped in history and beauty. Famous for its stunning medieval architecture, it is best known for the impressive Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes), a symbol of the city’s role as the seat of the papacy during the 14th century. The city’s charming Old Town is a maze of narrow streets, picturesque squares, and ancient bridges. A stroll along the Pont Saint-Bénézet, the bridge made famous by the song "Sur le Pont d’Avignon," offers picturesque views of the Rhône River and surrounding landscapes. Avignon is also a cultural hub, hosting the renowned Festival d'Avignon each summer, which draws theater lovers from around the world.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne, a stunning fortified city in the Occitanie region of southern France, is like stepping back in time. Its impressive double walls and towering turrets make it one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. As you approach, the sight of the fortified citadel, La Cité, surrounded by lush landscapes, is nothing short of magical. Walking through the cobblestone streets of La Cité feels like a journey through history. The narrow alleys are lined with charming shops, cafes, and restaurants offering local delicacies. You can explore the imposing Château Comtal and its ramparts, which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Beyond the walls of the citadel, the modern town of Carcassonne offers a more relaxed atmosphere with its vibrant markets, cozy squares, and welcoming locals.

Monaco

The iconic Monte Carlo Casino offers opulent interiors and high-stakes gaming. Designer boutiques, luxury hotels, and superyachts showcase Monaco's extravagant lifestyle. Perched on the Mediterranean coast, Monaco offers breathtaking vistas of the sea and surrounding cliffs. Explore Le Rocher (Old Town) with its winding streets and visit the Prince’s Palace, home to the royal family. The Monaco Cathedral is where Princess Grace and Prince Rainier III were married. The Monaco Grand Prix is a highlight for Formula 1 fans. The Monte Carlo Ballet and Monaco Yacht Show attract cultural and maritime enthusiasts. 

Arles

Arles, nestled in the heart of the Camargue region in southern France, is a city known for its rich history, stunning Roman architecture, and vibrant art scene. With its picturesque streets, ancient monuments, and charming atmosphere, Arles offers visitors a captivating blend of the old and the new. One of Arles' most iconic attractions is the Roman Arena, a massive amphitheater that once hosted gladiatorial games and chariot races. Today, it stands as a testament to the city’s Roman heritage and hosts events such as bullfights and concerts. The city is also famous for its connection to the painter Vincent van Gogh. During his time in Arles, he created some of his most famous works, and you can visit the places that inspired him, including the beautiful Place du Forum and the café where he painted “Café Terrace at Night.

Toulouse

Toulouse, often called "La Ville Rose" or "The Pink City" because of its distinctive terracotta buildings, is a vibrant and charming destination in southwestern France. With a rich history, lively atmosphere, and a mix of modern innovation and tradition, Toulouse offers something for everyone. The city is known for its stunning architecture, especially the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, one of the best-preserved Romanesque churches in Europe. The Capitole de Toulouse, a grand town hall, is another architectural gem, where visitors can admire its beautiful square and historic facade. Toulouse is also the heart of France's aerospace industry, with attractions like the Cité de l'Espace, an interactive space museum, where you can learn about the city’s contributions to space exploration.

Gordes

Gordes, a stunning hilltop village in the heart of Provence, is known for its stone buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, and breathtaking views of the surrounding lavender fields and vineyards. Perched on a rocky outcrop, this charming village offers a glimpse into the timeless beauty of rural France. The village is a maze of narrow alleyways, quaint squares, and historic homes, all made from the local limestone that gives Gordes its distinctive golden hue. Its 12th-century castle, now a museum, adds to the village's historical charm, while the Abbey of Sénanque, nearby, is a peaceful retreat surrounded by lavender fields.

Antibes

Antibes, located on the stunning French Riviera, is a charming town that combines beautiful beaches, historic sites, and a vibrant atmosphere. Known for its Mediterranean allure, Antibes offers visitors a perfect mix of relaxation and exploration. The town is home to the impressive Fort Carré, a 16th-century fortress offering panoramic views of the sea and surrounding landscapes. Wander through the old town, where narrow streets are lined with colorful buildings, quaint shops, and lively cafés that capture the essence of the French Riviera. Antibes is also famous for its beautiful beaches, such as Plage de la Salis, where you can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and seaside dining. 

Lourmarin

Lourmarin, a picturesque village nestled in the heart of Provence, is known for its stunning beauty, tranquil atmosphere, and rich history. Surrounded by lush vineyards and rolling hills, this charming destination captures the essence of rural France. The village is home to a beautifully preserved Renaissance château, which once belonged to the local nobility. Visitors can explore its grand rooms and beautiful gardens, which offer a glimpse into the region’s past. The narrow cobblestone streets of Lourmarin are lined with stone houses, art galleries, cafés, and boutiques, making it a delight to wander through. Lourmarin also boasts a lively market where local produce, cheeses, and wines can be found, offering a taste of authentic Provençal life. The surrounding countryside, with its olive groves and vineyards, invites visitors to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

Traveling to the South of France offers unique and stunning experiences. From beautiful beaches to charming villages, there's something for everyone. Enjoy the rich culture, delicious cuisine, and warm weather. Each destination has its own special charm. Whether you love history, nature, or relaxation, you'll find it here. Plan your trip now and discover these amazing places. The South of France awaits you with open arms. Read More

[newsarticle4u]

Vijay Mallya Houses: "King of Good Times" Million-Dollar Homes

Introduction

Vijay Mallya, the erstwhile king of Indian liquor and a prominent figure in the world of business and sports, is known for his extravagant lifestyle and substantial real estate holdings. Despite his current legal troubles, Mallya's real estate portfolio remains a topic of fascination. This article delves into the details of Vijay Mallya Houses, his properties, their costs, and the impact of his real estate investments.

Vijay Mallya Mansion: Kingfisher towers, Banglore

Vijay Mallya owns an exceptional 40,000 sq ft penthouse atop a skyscraper in Bangalore. Notably, this penthouse is unique as it is the only mansion situated on the top of a 34-story building.

Resembling the iconic White House, Mallya’s Bangalore residence epitomizes luxury, featuring an infinity pool and a helipad. The penthouse offers panoramic 360-degree views of the city. With an estimated investment exceeding Rs 66 crore, the Skyhouse stands as a symbol of opulence. However, despite its grandeur, the property remains incomplete, making it unlikely that Vijay Mallya resides there.

Sausalito Mansion, California:

Vijay Mallya’s home in Sausalito, California, is regarded as one of the town’s most notable residences, boasting views that extend from Belvedere to the Bay Bridge and San Francisco, according to a 2003 report by SFGate.

Mallya purchased this expansive Mediterranean-style mansion for $1.2 million (Approx 10 Cr). The luxurious home includes seven bedrooms and 12 bathrooms and is the largest single-family home in Sausalito. After defaulting on the property, it is now listed for sale at $16.8 million (Approx 140 Cr). described in listings as an "elegant European palace," stands as the largest single-family home in Sausalito nearly 11,000-square-foot estate

Also read: Inside Antilia: Mukesh Ambani House price, Networth, Address

Vijay Mallya House: London house:

Built in 1823, this historic property is now the residence of Vijay Mallya and his family. Mallya acquired this magnificent estate for a significant amount. A comparable six-bedroom, seven-bathroom house on Cornwall Terrace is currently listed for £25 million ($31 million), providing an insight into the luxurious interiors of Mallya's home.

Mabula Game Lodge

Mabula Game Lodge, celebrated as one of South Africa’s premier private game reserves, encompasses 12,000 hectares of stunning wilderness. Vijay Mallya owns a 99.5% stake in this expansive 25,000-acre estate, having acquired it for $6 million.

Le Grand Jaardin house in France

Vijay Mallya acquired a distinctive luxury estate on the Island of Sainte-Marguerite, the largest among the four Lérins islands, situated about half a mile from the French Riviera town of Cannes. This estate, famously known as Le Grand Jardin or The Grand Garden, stands out as the sole piece of private property in the center of the island. Mallya reportedly purchased this exclusive estate for an impressive $60 million.

Vijay Mallya's Giga - Yacht:

Vijay Mallya was well-known for his lavish gatherings aboard his grand yacht, the Indian Empress. At 95 meters in length, the Indian Empress is the 33rd largest private yacht in the world.

The yacht was first launched in 2000 by Dutch shipyard OCEANCO as Al Mirqab for its original owners, the Qatari Royal Family. Mallya later purchased this luxurious vessel for $93 million.

Also read: Gautam Adani House: Networth, Business and more

Vijay Mallya Houses: Trump Plaza Apartment

In September 2010, Vijay Mallya acquired a penthouse in Trump Plaza for $2.4 million, making it one of the most costly penthouses in New York at the time.

Additionally, Mallya expanded his real estate portfolio by purchasing three separate apartments in Trump Plaza, Manhattan, within a span of just seven months.

Vijay Mallya Houses: Ladywalk Mansion, London

Located in the village of Tewin, Hertfordshire, the Ladywalk mansion was acquired by Vijay Mallya from its previous owner, Anthony Hamilton. In 2015, while owning Formula 1’s Force India, Mallya purchased the property for €11.5 million. The estate is equipped with comprehensive security, including guards and CCTV cameras. It is widely believed that Vijay Mallya currently resides at Ladywalk mansion.

source: loveproperty

Vijay Mallya Houses list: Overview

Property Name

Location

Cost

Kingfisher Towers

Bangalore, India

₹66 Crore (~$8.8 Million)

Sausalito Mansion

Sausalito, California

$1.2 Million (~₹10 Crore)

London House

Cornwall Terrace, London

260 crores (~$31 Million)

Mabula Game Lodge

South Africa

$6 Million

Le Grand Jardin

Sainte-Marguerite, France

$60 Million (Approx 500 Cr)

Indian Empress

Yacht (Details Not Location-Specific)

$100 Million(Apprx 800 cr)

Trump Plaza Apartment

New York, USA

$2.4 Million (20 Cr)

Ladywalk Mansion

Tewin, Hertfordshire, UK

100 Cr (~$12.5 Million)

Frequently Asked Questions:

1: What is the Kingfisher Towers?

A1: Kingfisher Towers is a 40,000 sq ft penthouse located in Bangalore, India. It is perched atop a 34-story building and features an infinity pool and helipad. The property is valued at approximately ₹66 Crore (~$8.8 Million)

2. Where is Le Grand Jardin located and how much did it cost?

A2: Le Grand Jardin is a luxury estate on the Island of Sainte-Marguerite in France, near Cannes. Mallya purchased this unique property for $60 Million.

3. What is the Indian Empress? .

A3: The Indian Empress is a 95-meter yacht, one of the largest private yachts globally. Vijay Mallya bought it for $93 Million

4. What is the Ladywalk Mansion?

A4: Ladywalk Mansion is a property in Tewin, Hertfordshire, UK. Mallya purchased it in 2015 for €11.5 Million (~$12.5 Million). The mansion is heavily secured and is believed to be Mallya’s current residence.

5. What can you tell me about Mabula Game Lodge?

A5: Mabula Game Lodge is a 25,000-acre game reserve in South Africa. Vijay Mallya owns a 99.5% stake in the reserve, which he acquired for $6 Million

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Gautam Adani House: Networth, Business and more

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Inside Antilia: Mukesh Ambani House price, Networth, Address

[trentlife]

Personally I think she’s the one calling the paps cos she’s always posting pap pics of herself on her story (she also called the paps when she was in Cannes a few days ago giving the same pose).

Trent and his brothers/friends look awkward they either didn’t know or had to agree and didn’t know how to act cos they’re not used to it.

It's like they didn't know what to say to her like Jacob from example going up onto the yacht

[steelbluehome]

"At first, Stan’s performance feels surprisingly toned down: Though young Trump is certainly full of himself, he seems more abashed in Cohn’s outsize presence. But as Trump gets hooked on success (and speedlike diet pills), Stan transforms into the man we know today, who leads with bluster and arrogance. “The Apprentice” suggests he’s little more than a MAGA magpie, stealing his famous “Make America Great Again” phrase from a Reagan operative and even modeling his orange complexion on Cohn, who liked to tan himself to a radioactive umber."

The New York Times

Cannes Meets Trump: ‘The Apprentice’ Sells a Controversial Origin Story

The film covers Donald J. Trump’s relationships with the fixer Roy Cohn and his first wife, Ivana, and tries to explain the future president, at least as a young man.

Kyle Buchanan

Reporting from Cannes

May 20, 2024

Would Donald J. Trump enjoy Cannes? It’s possible, since the extravagant displays of wealth here — all the yachts and glamour — are typically his thing.

But would Cannes enjoy Donald J. Trump?

You might be tempted to say no, since the Cannes Film Festival draws the sort of liberal-leaning artists that reliably vote against the former president and his allies. But that clash of sensibilities lent a frisson to Monday’s premiere of “The Apprentice,” starring Sebastian Stan as a young Trump.

Directed by Ali Abbasi (“Border,” “Holy Spider”) and written by the author Gabriel Sherman, this origin story of sorts begins with Trump in his late 20s as he aspires to greatness but mostly putters around collecting overdue rent for his father’s real estate company. (One angry tenant responds by hurling a pot of boiling water at him.) Trump is a man in need of a mentor, and he finds it in the lawyer Roy Cohn (Jeremy Strong), who takes an immediate liking to this young striver. And why wouldn’t they spark to each other? On one visit, Trump hops out of a car emblazoned with the license plate “DJT” and sees that Cohn’s own plate reads “RMC.” Game recognizes game.

The closeted Cohn character has complicated reasons for keeping Trump close: There’s a one-sided attraction there, and when giving Trump an expensive suit, he tells the younger man, “If you look like a million bucks, I look like a million bucks.” But mostly, he sees Trump as an appreciative vessel for his lessons in venality. Cohn teaches him how to use dirty tricks to succeed in business and imparts three rules that will become Trump’s modus operandi: Always be on the attack, deny everything and never admit defeat.

But in its own way, theirs is a “Star Is Born” dynamic: As Trump rises, Cohn falls on harder times, and the protégé who was once so easily impressed now seems sickened to spend time with someone no longer on his level. By the time we reach the 1980s, Trump has married his first wife, Ivana (Maria Bakalova), and broken ground on his crowning real estate achievement, Trump Tower. Still, Cohn won’t be dispatched from his high-flying life quite so easily.

Is the movie sympathetic to Trump? Not exactly, though it labors to at least explain him. At first, Stan’s performance feels surprisingly toned down: Though young Trump is certainly full of himself, he seems more abashed in Cohn’s outsize presence. But as Trump gets hooked on success (and speedlike diet pills), Stan transforms into the man we know today, who leads with bluster and arrogance. “The Apprentice” suggests he’s little more than a MAGA magpie, stealing his famous “Make America Great Again” phrase from a Reagan operative and even modeling his orange complexion on Cohn, who liked to tan himself to a radioactive umber.

After its Cannes premiere, critics gave “The Apprentice” mostly favorable notices, with Deadline calling it “smart, sharp and surprising” and The Hollywood Reporter praising Stan and Strong as “superb.” But will audiences want to watch a movie about Trump in a year when the former president’s re-election bid and multiple trials continue to dominate headlines?

I spoke with buyers who worried that the film could end up in a sort of no man’s land where liberal audiences aren’t inclined to see it and conservative moviegoers will rail against its depiction of Trump. Already, one of the film’s financiers has allegedly tried to thwart the release of “The Apprentice”: Variety reported that the former Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder, a friend of Trump’s, was incensed after watching an early cut of the film that he perceived to be unflattering to the former president. (Kinematics, one of the companies backing the film, denied that Snyder was involved.)

A scene in which Trump sexually assaults Ivana was said to be a sticking point for Snyder, and will surely be one of the film’s most talked-about moments. In it, Trump rebuffs his wife when she tries to seduce him and bluntly confesses that he’s no longer attracted to her. But when she begins to disparage his looks in return, Trump angrily throws her to the ground and assaults her. (Though Ivana accused Trump of rape during their divorce deposition, she walked back the claim in 1993; she died in 2022.)

At press time, “The Apprentice” had not yet found a distributor, but a gutsy studio could run an attention-getting awards campaign for Stan and Strong. That could mitigate some of the potential audience apathy, though it does pose an awards-season conundrum: For once, can Hollywood’s liberal left be encouraged to vote for Trump?]

[1001framesofmind]

Not even a trace!

he Adventure (1960) follows the story of a group of wealthy friends who embark on a yachting trip around the Aeolian Islands in the Mediterranean Sea. When one of the women, Anna, mysteriously disappears during a stop on a remote island, the group becomes consumed by the search for her.

As the search for Anna continues, the film explores themes of alienation, ennui, and the breakdown of relationships among the characters. The film is known for its slow pace, long takes, and stunning cinematography that captures the beauty of the Italian landscapes.

This film has long been recognized as a classic of world cinema and a landmark in the development of modernist filmmaking. It won the Grand Prix at the 1960 Cannes Film Festival and has influenced many filmmakers with its innovative approach to storytelling and visual style.

🎞film: The Adventure (1960) 🎬director: Michelangelo Antonioni 🟣🟣🟣🟣⚪️

[sweetsmellosuccess]

TIFF 2022: Day 1

Films: 3 Best Film Of The Day: Triangle of Sadness

Triangle of Sadness: Ruben Ostlund has what appears to be a direct pipeline into the psyche of his often wealthy and exceedingly vain characters. More than anything, it seems, money has the ability to help them hide their frail neediness and vanities from the outside world, a disguise the devilishly funny Swedish director delights in exposing in vibrant colors. This film, which won the Palme d’Or at Cannes back in May, might be his most acerbic takedown yet. It’s divided into three sections, the first of which focuses on the trials and tribulations of a pair of stunning models, Carl (Harris Dickinson), and Yaya (the late Charlby Dean, who died of apparent septicemia on the eve of the fest), as they cavort around, and argue about money ( “It’s such a hard thing to talk about,” Carl says, after an altercation at a fancy restaurant). The second section finds the now-happy couple aboard a $250 million luxury yacht for a cruise  —  paid for by her IG sponsors  — amidst a throng of older, richer, and generally less happy other patrons. Even here, however, the icy grip of reality is close at hand: The ship is “led”  by a boozed-up Marxist captain (Woody Harrelson), who goes MIA for much of the proceedings, and then gets wildly drunk with a Russian fertilizer oligarch (Zlatko Buric), during the night of a pounding gale, that leaves many of the guests violently ill in a multi-orifice serenade of bodily secretions and despair  —  and that’s before the pirates show up. The final act, which, after the whippet-fast first two drags a bit by comparison, finds the group of survivors washed up on a proverbial desert (tropical) island, desperate for someone to take command of their sorry state, and finding an unlikely  —  and ruthless  —  leader in Abigail (Dolly De Leon), the former “head of toilets” on the ship, who creates a new hierarchy that ultimately leads us right back into violent chaos. As is his usual manner, Ostlund mostly dispenses with subtlety in favor of a raucous sort of precision (the sounds of buzzing insects inform one scene, in another the whining rub of a windshield wiper; one shot of a seriously sick wealthy woman sliding helplessly back and forth on the slick floor in her bathroom is hilarious in its abject cruelty), setting up his gilded pins for the inevitable bowling ball hurtling at them. One imagines it won the top prize at Cannes for its raw audaciousness as much as anything else. 

Decision to Leave: If Oldboy proved Park Chan-wook could handle twisty crime dramas, and The Handmaiden showcased his ability to capture sinewy sensuality, this film manages to combine elements of both as a rumination on love via the misty vagaries of human emotion. Hae-jun (Park Hae-il) is a meticulous Busan-based detective, married to a sweet woman (Jung Yi-seo), who lives and works in a smaller city some distance away. While working on a case involving a wealthy rock-climber who fell to his death in either a suicide or a murder, Hae-jun becomes mixed up with the dead man’s striking Chinese wife, Seo-rae (Tang Wei), a caregiver for the elderly that herself has something of a suspicious past. As the detective becomes more and more entranced by her, he starts to reject any notion of her being the culprit, despite various bits of evidence that might suggest otherwise. It might sound like a hard-boiled procedural, but the ever-dexterous Park is after something far more elusive and beguiling: The dissection of a love story through the prism of a murder investigation. Time and again, Hae-jun recreates various moments and scenes in his mind, placing him directly next to Seo-rae, and, later on, she with him, making observations based on their loving insight into one another, even as it turns increasingly complicated. Being a native Chinese speaker, Seo-rae’s hesitant Korean is often translated back and forth between them (and us), so even the act of basic communication comes via a filtered source. As their relationship gets more hazy, the lines blurred between roles, it’s very much as if they lose themselves completely to each other, helpless to avoid catastrophe, even as they attempt to stave it off. It’s a slower-moving film than some of Park’s more high-octane stuff, but its determined deliberateness eventually yields up some third-act treasures that seem very much worth it. Park’s sense of texture  —  both emotional, and visceral  —  is such that you can never quite turn away or stop paying attention. Much like the pair of doomed lovers themselves, we’re bound to stick around until the bitter end. 

One Fine Morning: If French cinema is meant to be taken literally, doing a disservice to its own people, it’s to suggest a peculiar harmony of traits and impulses: Younger women adore older men; everyone has affairs on everyone else; and parents eschew their children in favor of such romantic adornments. It that sense, Mia Hansen-Love’s film, about a widow, Sandra (Lea Seydoux), with a young daughter in tow, who becomes involved with Clement (Melvil Poupaud) the married friend of her late husband, manages to hit nearly every key trope. Sandra is also having to contend with the continuing dissolution of her elderly father (Pascal Greggory), a former professor of philosophy, whose mind is going on him as his vision gets worse. As Clement comes and goes from her life  —  caught, it would seem between feeling hopelessly in love, and deeply guilty  —  Sandra has to adjust to her pain and loneliness over and over again, even as her papa clamors only for his “companion” friend of several years, who comes to visit him sporadically at the various nursing homes they are forced to place him in. It does have strong performances  —  Seydoux, in particular, is a powerhouse  —  which help anchor it down some from wisping in the air like so much steam. Hansen-Love invests heavily in her characters, but somehow we rarely get beyond a sort of surface level, despite their continual presence. For one thing, the narrative is chopped into small, bite-sized pieces, which work mostly to transition us from one plot point to another. We get the sense of the dramatic chaos Sandra’s love causes her, but not so much why she would continually put herself in such a position in the first place. By the end, with a resolution that only feels partially earned, we’re left wondering if that’s all the director really had in mind when she started. 

TIFF: One Last Time, wherein the author contemplates this year’s offerings and the past decade of covering this fabulous film festival, as he’s poised to embark on a new career path that will more than likely involve him standing up in front of a group of sullen teens, espousing the glories of the Russian masters, rather than taking in a beatific week of international cinema in the early days of September. 

[ewh111]

2022 Annual List of Favorite Film & TV Experiences

Happy new year!  

2022 brought back some semblance of normalcy. Highlights include: virtual Sundance Film Festival seeing 16 films in 4 days in January, my first in-person Super Bowl and seeing the LA Rams win in February, return after three year absence of my special fundraiser dinners that I cook (back-to-back nights of a 16 course dinner focused on Shanghai & Sichuan cuisine) in April, attending my 35th college reunion in May, helping to celebrate the life of dear friend and colleague Ted Walch at the end of summer, and in November, going on my first global travel since the pandemic on a work trip (postponed from March 2020) that took me to Sydney, Singapore, Jakarta, Tokyo, and Kyoto. And on the family front, we continued our weekly Sunday family Zooms which began at the outset of the pandemic, still going strong at 146 weeks and counting.

Hope you have had a safe and healthy holiday season and all the best for a fabulous 2023!

Cheers, Ed

And greetings from my girls Freddy and Maxie, aged 10 and 9 respectively.

Now on to this year's compilation of my favorite film and other streaming experiences. I’m still limiting my visits to the movie theater with off-peak visits, so my most of my film intake is still via streaming. Please let me know your thoughts!

Best of the Year

Everything Everywhere All At Once

One of the trippiest film experiences ever! My first question after my initial viewing was "What drugs were the Daniels (as the directors are collectively known) on when they wrote this film? And what kind of pitch did they make to get it made? One of the most original, absurdly outlandish, and description-defying films in recent memory. What seemingly starts as a Chinese immigrant family drama centered around harried traditional mother (Michelle Yeoh), rebellious lesbian daughter, and sweet, endearing father (Ke Huy Quan of Goonies and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom) quickly turns into a bonkers, multiverse journey to save the world. Along the way, laundromat owner Yeoh’s embattled audit brings her face-to-face with a delightfully droll Jamie Lee Curtis as meticulous IRS bureaucrat with hilarious interludes involving googly eyes, hot dog fingers, dildoes, butt plugs, and everything bagels. For those of you thoroughly confused, EEAAO does boil down to a story of redemption and reconciliation between mother and daughter and finding joy and meaning in the things that matter in our hectic, fractured daily lives…told in an absurdly funny and crazy way and gets even better after multiple viewings. Trailer: https://youtu.be/wxN1T1uxQ2g

Black Comedies Set on Islands…With Donkeys

Triangle of Sadness

This Cannes Palm d’Or winner intrigued me with its trailer which evoked a luxury yacht-based White Lotus-esque send up of the wealthy, but this dark dramedy threw a completely unexpected curveball, desert-island third-act that stuck with me long after I left the theater. There’s very sharp writing and performances—the verbal jousting over a dinner check, Woody Harrelson’s hilarious Marxist captain trading drunken barbs with a manure-selling Russian capitalist guest, and the ship’s Filipina toilet manager portrayed by a commanding Dolly De Leon who is largely responsible for the memorable third act. The film continues to grow on me with repeated viewing. FYI, this film is not safe for the emetophobic, as there is an overlong scene with projectile vomiting, the likes of which have not been seen since Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life. Oh, and be warned that there is also a donkey-beating. Trailer: https://youtu.be/VDvfFIZQIuQ

The Banshees of Inisherin

Great to see the In Bruges duo of Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson back together, this time as best friends whose friendship is abruptly cut short by one party which results in ever-increasing, devastating consequences in this bleak but humorous and deeply affecting black comedy from writer-director Martin McDonough. Oh, and Jenny the donkey deserved better. Trailer: https://youtu.be/uRu3zLOJN2c

N.B. It seems to be quite the year for donkeys. I am excited but have yet to see EO, Poland’s Academy Award entry, about the adventures of a donkey named EO.

Pretentious Rich People Getting Their Comeuppance…On An Island

The Menu

As a fan of food, I really enjoyed this comically dark film with Ralph Fiennes playing to perfection the mad genius chef of the Hawthorn, a fictional restaurant on a remote Pacific Northwest island. With a fine ensemble cast directed by Mark Mylod (Succession) and with helping hands from the creator of Chef’s Table as well as the Michelin-starred chef Dominque Crenn, an exclusive $1,250 a head night at the Hawthorn turns into a twisted horror/satire of elevated food experiences and those who partake. Trailer: https://youtu.be/C_uTkUGcHv4

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery

If you liked Knives Out, you'll thoroughly enjoy Glass Onion, which gleefully brings back Daniel Craig as dandy Southern super-sleuth Benoit Blanc, this time for a murder mystery party on an island presided over by tech billionaire played by Edward Norton with his friendly band of disruptors including Janelle Monae, Leslie Odom Jr, Dave Bautista, Kathryn Hahn, and Kate Hudson. Trailer: https://youtu.be/gj5ibYSz8C0

Films About Musical Royalty

Tár

While I thought this might go down the road of a #metoo or #cancelculture themed movie, this is actually a towering, slow-burn character study with an intense and sensational Cate Blanchett as the fictional Lydia Tár, the EGOT-winning, brilliant and demanding world-class conductor of the Berlin Symphony whose trail of manipulation, abusive behavior, and hubris eventually catches up with her and the resulting finale is…well, I’ll just leave that for you to watch and react. All the accolades for her tremendous performance are well deserved. Trailer: https://youtu.be/Na6gA1RehsU

Elvis

A sensational Austin Butler brings the King back to life on the big screen. Butler truly embodies Elvis in his heartfelt performance. Baz Luhrmann’s film is not so much traditional biopic as it is a musical that captures the spectacle and cultural phenomenon of Elvis, bringing America out of the innocence of the 1950s, as seen through the eyes of Elvis’s notorious manager Col. Tom Parker (Tom Hanks)—and Luhrmann does it in the grand, dazzling style that only he can do. Perhaps a bit garish and bombastic for some, as an unabashed Luhrmann fan, I loved it. Trailer: https://youtu.be/wBDLRvjHVOY

Action Epics Based on Real Life Rebels

RRR

Wow. I was not expecting to be totally enthralled by S.S. Rajamouli’s Tollywood (Telugu language) film. Hands down, RRR (which stands for Rise Roar Revolt) will be the most glorious, hyperbolic, action-bromance-musical political epic spectacle you'll see all year. The laws of physics-defying action scenes are reminiscent of the operatic violence and stylized fight scenes of 300 and John Woo films. Taking place in 1920s British colonial India, the story centers on two men (loosely based on real life rebels), one a tribal warrior and the other an Indian policeman working for the British forces, who become friends, then enemies, and then eventually friends again and team up as Indian revolutionaries against the British Empire in action sequences that are just bonkers. And to top it all off, there are the exuberant Indians vs. Brits dance-off scene and the joyful credits dance number celebrating Indian freedom fighters (check out the extra links below). Don't miss it. Trailer: https://youtu.be/NgBoMJy386M

Naatu Naatu Dance Sequence: https://youtu.be/OsU0CGZoV8E

Solay Credits Sequence: https://youtu.be/2cyzCReoNgU

The Woman King

Based on the true story of a fierce all-woman warrior unit in the West African kingdom of Dahomey in the 19th century, Viola Davis’s powerful performance and Gina Prince-Bythewood’s confident directing elevates this to a full-blown epic with warmth and inspiration. Trailer: https://youtu.be/3RDaPV_rJ1Y

Nope, Not Your Typical Horror Films

Nope

Yup. Jordan Peele has done it again, this time with a UFO pic that raises questions about our society’s fascination with spectacle, as well as obsession in the pursuit of the perfect shot. With stunning visuals (much of the film was shot on IMAX to create a totally immersive feel) and tingly suspense, Peele has created a film whose meaning you can debate all day—Erasure of Black and marginalized people from history? Dangers of taming nature or exploiting trauma for profit? But at the end of the day, Peele has created yet another impressive and indelible piece of work. Trailer: https://youtu.be/In8fuzj3gck

Bones and All

A film about cannibalism? Yup. I was intrigued with where the appeal in this would be. But seen as a metaphor for queerness and addiction, Luca Guadagnino has actually created a tasteful (pun intended) and surprisingly tender romantic cannibal road pic—a flesh-eating Bonnie and Clyde-like trek across Reagan-era middle America. Guadagnino superbly depicts outcasts living on the edge of society, searching for identity and place. Not for the faint of heart, as it does not shy from the gruesomeness of their addiction. Strong performances from Taylor Russell, Timothée Chalamet, and Mark Rylance with memorable cameos by Chloë Sevigny and an almost unrecognizable Michael Stuhlbarg. Trailer: https://youtu.be/0Nu7Z9AxGNg

More Global Cinema

Decision To Leave

An engrossing, enigmatic slow-burn noir detective mystery with heavy dose of seductive romance and obsessive longing and tinges of Hitchcock’s Vertigo. Winner of the 2022 Cannes Best Director award, Park Chan-wook steps aside from the violence and sex of his earlier films and masterfully pulls you into this intricate web of intrigue, and just when you think you've figured out the tricky complications between the obsessive married insomniac detective and the wife of an apparent suicide victim he’s investigating, Park takes you in a different direction and ultimately to its devastating end. Trailer: https://youtu.be/9aMHyTqvIvU

All Quiet on the Western Front

An impressive and truly stunning German adaptation of the famous German novel about the horrors of war as idealistic and naive boys get swept up in nationalistic fervor only to find the stark realities of being on the front lines of the Great War. A memorable performance by Felix Kammerer in his screen debut as lead character Paul Bäumer, as he experiences the unending hells of war in intimate and personal ways. WWI’s trench warfare with flamethrowers, hand-to-hand combat, and surging tanks is terrifyingly and vividly experienced by Bäumer and indelibly depicted. This epic rivals Sam Mendes's 1917 in its beautifully shot, immersive portrayal of the bleak and brutal wretchedness of pointless war and perhaps the best war film since Saving Private Ryan. Trailer: https://youtu.be/hf8EYbVxtCY

Bullet Train

Ok, this is not an international film, but it does takes place on a Japanese bullet train. High-octane, fun thrill ride of a comedic crime film with code-named hired guns like Ladybug, Tangerine, and Lemon, each with quirky traits, all crossing paths on a Shinkansen in pursuit of a silver briefcase. The smart-alecky, joyful, and fun cast is led by Brad Pitt, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Brian Tyree Henry, Bad Bunny, and Sandra Bullock. Enjoy the ride. Trailer: https://youtu.be/0IOsk2Vlc4o

AND OTHER ENJOYABLE EXPERIENCES

Top Gun: Maverick, The Fabelmans, Cha Cha Real Smooth; Good Luck to You, Leo Grande; The Batman, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, The Exiles, Downfall: the Case Against Boeing, Wildcat, My Policeman, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent (Nicolas Cage playing himself), Navalny, Turning Red, Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio

IN THE QUEUE

Empire of Light, Women Talking, Till, The Whale, Avatar: The Way of Water. Bardo, She Said, Emancipation

FAVORITE STREAMING EXPERIENCES

Heartstopper—LOVE LOVE LOVE this sweet, charming, and adorable story of first love between two British school boys based on the bestselling YA graphic novels. For those who need a total antidote to Euphoria, this is it. Trailer: https://youtu.be/FrK4xPy4ahg

Young Royals—Take Heartstopper, add a large dose of The Crown, and plunk it down in an elite Swedish boarding school and you get this gripping drama involving a teen prince and his love interest from the other side of the tracks. Teen drama that feels real and natural. Trailer: https://youtu.be/rHmw87EpGIM

The Bear—Superbly intense and stress-inducing drama that I couldn’t stop watching, revolving around a young fine dining chef (Jeremy Allen White) who returns home to run his late brother’s Chicago hot beef sandwich eatery and oversee its colorful cast of employees that comprise a dysfunctional “family.” And if, like me, you’ve worked in a restaurant, The Bear is fully capable of giving you PTSD, especially the one-take episode 7. Trailer: https://youtu.be/y-cqqAJIXhs

The White Lotus—Season 2 in Sicily surpasses the first and brings back Jennifer Coolidge!! Trailer: https://youtu.be/Baflc_0XVfY

1899—From the folks who brought you Dark—this time trippy things happen on a cruise ship at the end of the 19th century.  Trailer: https://youtu.be/ulOOON_KYHs

Slow Horses—If you like Gary Oldman, you’ll love this spy drama where he runs an outfit of MI5 castoffs. Trailer: https://youtu.be/O9ZJChzPn0U

The Old Man—Another spy vs. spy drama, this time it’s in America with the CIA, pitting Jeff Bridges vs. John Lithgow. Trailer: https://youtu.be/xDu1Q9r6HDo

The Righteous Gemstones—I’m not sure how I missed this when it first came out, but this hysterical series is the mega-church version of Succession led by patriarch Eli Gemstone played by John Goodman and two sons played by Danny McBride and Adam Devine. It’s an absurd hoot. Trailer: https://youtu.be/t383UpoLV5k

Abbott Elementary—Top notch mockumentary style workplace sitcom that gets teachers and schools with a great cast. Trailer: https://youtu.be/cO-_7oi-61Y

Euphoria—Not for faint of heart. I thought season one was fine, but season two went to a whole different level. Zendaya is amazing. Some of the most realistic and gritty portrayal of addiction and its ripple effects. Trailer: https://youtu.be/0BG3c1ika48

House of the Dragon—For the GOT crowd. Love the dragons! Trailer: https://youtu.be/DotnJ7tTA34

[kokiafans]

KOKIA in flashback - 2006

The year of 2006 is an exciting one for KOKIA. She has gone abroad to perform before, but now she makes it all the way to Europe for concerts in Paris, France and represents Japan at MIDEM 2006, the World Music Market, in Cannes. Her new album aigakikoeru ('listen for the love') even gets a French/European release in November, ahead of the Japanese release next year and with an exclusive track. It is not her first album this year; she has enough songs to compile her first best of-album, resulting in the release of Pearl and Jewel, collecting her best of songs and promotional videos respectively.

Although KOKIA has been creating music for games and (animated) series and movies since the beginning of her career, the start of 2006 puts the spotlight on her with the single Ai no melody/chouwa oto ('melody of love/sound of harmony'), the opening and ending song for the movie Origin: Spirits of the Past (Giniro no kami no Agito in Japanese). Especially Chouwa oto ~with reflection~ turns into a much-requested hit, with KOKIA still regularly performing this song almost 20 years later. It is a new version of Chouwa, the first song on her album trip trip from 2002, which incorporates KOKIA-go ('KOKIA-language') by reversing the syllables of the Japanese lyrics.

And last but most definitely not least, 2006 is the year KOKIA becomes independent. In May, she decides to start her own private office, anco&co, which she runs to this day, in order to more freely express herself as an artist rather than being tied to the Japanese music scene. Aigakikoeru is her first release after her independence.

She starts her 47 Stories concerts this year, intending to visit all 47 prefectures of Japan, although in the end doesn't manage to get to all 47.

◆ Lives and events ◆

January 5 Giniro no kami no Agito (Origin: Spirits of the past) New Year's special event (Kawasaki, CLUB CITTA)

January 21 KOKIA Live in France: Bonjour Paris Bonjour mon ami! ('Hello Paris, hello my friend!') (Paris, L’espace Saint Martin) ※ First performance in Paris

January 23 MIDEM 2006 JAPAN NIGHT (Cannes, HOTEL MAJESTIC)

【KOKIA album tour 2006 Thank u!】 February 9 - Aichi, Electric Lady Land February 10 - Osaka, BIGCAT February 17 - Tokyo, DUO MUSIC EXCHANGE

February 26 Song for Winter Lovers in FACTORY (Sapporo Factory Atrium)

June 14 KOKIA 2006 keep moving vol.1 (Roppongi STB139 Sweet Basil) ※ 2 performances in 1 day. First live after going independent. Monthly performances spanning half a year.

July 1 at! Music Live (Queen's Square Yokohama)  ※ 2 performances in 1 day

July 14 Enoshima Live Party 2006 (Enoshima Yacht Harbor Terrace)

July 24 KOKIA 2006 keep moving vol.2 ~birthday party~ (Roppongi STB139 Sweet Basil)

July 29 MAKE a day 06 in TIVOLI (Okayama, Kurashiki Tivoli park, Plainen stage)

August 12 First Izumo Legends festival (Shimane prefecture, Izumo city, Hamayama park)   ※ Performed as a surprise guest

August 16 KOKIA 2006 keep moving vol.3 ~my favorite songs~ (Roppongi STB139 Sweet Basil)

August 27 6th Yuukyuu no mori ('forest of eternity') Shirakami festival (Akita, Goshonodai Fureai Park)

September 10 KOKIA concert ~47 stories in Shimane~ (Big Heart Izumo)

September 21 KOKIA 2006 keep moving vol.4 ~chello ni idakarete ♪~ ('embraced by the cello') (Roppongi STB139 Sweet Basil)

September 23 Kunimi mountain base music festival '06 (Nagasaki, Kunimi forest park)

October 14 Barefoot Kugenuma '06 Barefoot Concert (Prefectural Shônan Kaigan park, Surf Village, beach in front of the water plaza (mizu no hiroba)

October 22 KOKIA 2006 keep moving vol.5 ~neoclassic~ (Roppongi STB139 Sweet Basil)

November 27 KOKIA 2006 keep moving vol.6 ~finale~ (Roppongi STB139 Sweet Basil)

December 2 YAMAHA Stadium Mini Live (Shizuoka, Yamaha Stadium) ※ A capella opening live (Amazing Grace) and mini live after the match

December 8 KOKIA 47 stories in concert in Fukui (Mikuni cultural Miraikan)

December 24 KOKIA 2006 Christmas Dinner concert ~1 nenkan no jibun no gohoubi ni~ ('a reward to oneself after a full year') (Tokyo, Hotel Grand Pacific Meridian Palais Royal)

◆ Releases ◆ 

January 1 Release of the single Ai no melody/Chouwa oto ~with reflection~ ('melody of love/sound of harmony') (Victor Entertainment) ※ Both songs were used in the theatrically released animated movie Giniro no kami no Agito (Origin: Spirits of the past) as the ending and opening theme respectively

February 1 Best of album Pearl ~The Best Collection~ (Victor Entertainment) ※ First best of album. First released in France and Spain on January 20 with an European version (Discmedi)

February 1 Release of the DVD jewel ~The Best Video Collection~ (Victor Entertainment) ※ First video release. Collection of best music clips.

November 29 Release of original album aigakikoeru (listen for the love) (Wasabi Records) ※ First album after independence. Release in France ahead of Japanese release.

◆ Other releases ◆

January 7 Release of Giniro no kami no Agito (Origin: Spirits of the past) original soundtrack (Victor Entertainment) ※ Recorded the opening theme chouwa oto ~with reflection~ ('sound of harmony') and the end theme Ai no melody ('melody of love')

January 18 Release of the Yuki Ootake album Nemuru Kujaku ('Sleeping peacock') (King Records) ※ Composed the song Tokai no hitsuji (‘sheep of the city’) 

March 24 Release of the Shirakami mountain region image song collection Shirakami no shi ('Poems of Shirakami') ※ Recorded and sang Yuukyuu no mori ('Forest of eternity')

April 19 Release of Iruka wan no koibito (‘lovers of the dolphin bay’) original soundtrack (Rock Records) ※ Japanese version of the soundtrack of the popular Taiwanese drama. The songs I catch a cold and shiroi yuki ('white snow') were used as background music in the drama. (Taiwanese version released on January 1, 2003.)

June 7 Release of compilation album THANK YOU!! (Victor Entertainment) ※ Victor version of the compilation album of the 39 (sankyuu ('thank you')) project by Fuji TV's Mezamashi TV ('wake-up TV'). Performed Kawaranai koto ~since 1976~ ('things that won't change')

June 7 Release of compilation album Arigatou THANK YOU (Ponyo Canyon) ※Ponyo Canyon version of the compilation album of the 39 (sankyuu ('thank you')) project by Fuji TV's Mezamashi TV ('wake-up TV'). Performed Arigatou... ('thank you...')

◆ Books ◆

August 30 Release of the piano score Arigatou... ('thank you...') (anco&co)

◆ Other ◆

April Sang the commercial song for KOMATSU Ltd.

May 21 Started the company anco (independent)

July 14~ Sang the song Tatta hitotsu no hada e hen ('just one collection for your skin') for the POLA cosmetics APEX-i commercial

August Shiawase no hanataba ('bouquet of happiness') is used as image song for the Red Feather Central Community Chest of Japan

October 2 Start of her internet radio program KOKIAyakkyoku ('musical medicine') (until March 20, 2012) ※ Live internet radio program held every first and third Tuesday of the month

[dxfiedfxte-a]

@more-than-a-princess || Thread Continuation || Taken from here 🦋

♕ - Sonia

"Thank you, Minato-Kun," She told him warmly, "I'm sure I'll have no trouble with the sun this way! But you are right, I imagine it must be troublesome to reach the entirety of your back, especially when you are quite tall. Please, go ahead and lay down now and I shall see to your back." After all, Minato Arisato had given her zero inclination that, beneath the slim fitting of his clothes, he possessed shoulders that had seen their fair share of manual labor, and triceps that, as he laid down, Sonia could tell followed suit. He wasn't the type to spend hours in a gym, so she supposed that it must have come from his work and the loads of heavy equipment he and his co-worker schlepped from place to place, in pursuit of ghosts and other paranormal happenings.

Swallowing her anxiety and, hopefully, the last of those thoughts, she had to thank the supernatural world for giving Minato a reason to haul such heavy equipment to do his job effectively. The thought made her chuckle softly as she exhaled, humbled by her own nerves, and began to rub the sunscreen into his back. She needed to talk to him, to carry on some conversation so her mind wouldn't wander the way it had when she'd been on the receiving end.

"It's so lively here, much more than the beaches in Europe," She finally spoke. It wasn't exactly the pinnacle of intellectual conversation, but it was what Sonia could manage right then, as her hands skimmed over his shoulder blades before moving further south. "There, there's often a noise ordinance and far more sunbathing instead of sports. Those are usually assigned to separate beaches, so they don't disrupt the sunbathers. Or the yachts, I assume: an Earl from my country had a rather infamous public tantrum when a fellow tourist on holiday in Cannes rode a jet ski right into the side of his boat last year. And seemed to retell the story over and over, all the way until the New Year's Eve party at Novoselic Castle. But here in America...everyone just enjoys the weather and the sea together. I find that nice. And terribly enticing to run into the waves as soon as we're finished!" If not a cold drink, then dunking herself right into the ocean should be enough to cool her off. At least, that was her logic.

When it came to beaches, Minato did enjoy them, there had been several countries with beaches he'd traveled to for work, but because of his schedule and all he had to do upon arriving, he never had the time to check out any famous beaches, even on days off where there was no work because when there was no work to do, there were other things to do, usually, things involving fan-fair: interviews, guest appearances on some form of media, online, on television as well as the radio. Other things too, like public signings, Q&A's, and meet and greets, there was never a dull moment for Minato Arisato whenever he was on the road for a work-related trip, almost every day would find something for Minato to do, preventing him from being able to enjoy any free time that might come his way whenever he was in another country for his work.

To be able to actually enjoy a beach for once, felt nice, Sonia's company, was the icing on the cake that made this trip stand out compared to the others. The Paranormal Investigator had seen several parts of the world and visited many different countries and while eighty percent of these trips were work-related, each trip had its own memories that made it unique and special. The current trip would never be able to top the others and easily took his place on the best trip this year.

Minato's career, despite it being a profession that rarely saw this amount of success for most, was still very busy and was not by any means perfect, as it did come with its own share of ups and downs -- pros and cons like everything else, and it wasn't always involving things with the investigation either.

Not catching any evidence during an investigation was one thing, but that was just one of many things that played a factor in it, there had been other occasions of video editing mistakes or equipment malfunctioning, and there had been a few cases of those this year which was nothing but a bundle of stress for the trio at PQ, so a little vacation like this, was much needed, not just for Minato, but he was sure his other two investigators could also appreciate the little break from the laptop and computer screens that the three would stare at for hours in end.

[{ 🦋 }] - "Happy to help Sonia-Chan. Yeah, you got that right. Believe it or not, I used to be a bit shorter in high school. It took some time adjusting to my increase in height after I got to college, and reaching my back, is still a bit of an issue." A soft chuckle after his modesty.

He never thought he'd get this much of an increase in height, though he assumed that had something to do with his late father since he had been pretty tall, though it wasn't too surprising since his dad was a foreigner who moved to Japan after meeting his mother.

Already on his knees, Minato gave a nod before leaning forward, lowering himself to lay his stomach down on the towel as he prepared to brace himself for Sonia's touch, now it was his turn to try and keep his thoughts in the realm of decency, and try he would -- though this feat would prove a bit difficult, just how long had it been since he had someone -- let alone a lover, touch him like this as he felt Sonia's soft gentle hands begin to slather parts of his back in sunscreen.

Sure, it was the simple act of applying sunblock which was something completely normal at a beach, but even that could become a lot more tedious when you factor in several years of not being in a relationship - such was the case for Minato. Needless to say, this would probably be the most difficult seven to twelve minutes of Minato's life in recent years.

As he began to fight the urge to react vocally to the movements of Sonia's hands as he felt her gradually shift her touch from his upper and lower back and eventually to his sides, Minato's thoughts began to race a mile a minute as she continued to apply the sunblock, despite his initial struggle of keeping his mind out of the gutter, Minato could appreciate her willingness to make sure didn't miss a single part of exposed skin on his back and the surrounding region.

The bluenette was just about to start a conversation in an attempt to better assist himself in keeping his head in the right place, as he could easily let it wander onto more suggestive thoughts. It seemed Sonia was thinking the same thing as she chimed in before he could speak, a gesture that he was completely fine with considering that any sort of conversation would help keep him focused on her, and away from the more risque subject matter that threatened to distract his thoughts.

[{ 🦋 }] - "I know right? It's pretty crazy how much different some beaches in Europe are compared to here in America. You'd think all beaches would be at least a little similar, but when you look at American beaches compared to beaches in Europe, it's like they are polar opposites in terms of public rules. Kind of reminds me of something I heard online last week. In recent news, I heard that the island of Lipari in the Aeolian archipelago off the coast of Sicily, and Tropea in Calabria, announced that they would be enforcing fines for people who wear swimsuits when not on the beach, among a host of other new rules. Supposedly, they say it's to try and curb loutish behavior from tourists, which I can understand to a point. Not all tourists are the most respectful and courteous."

It was fascinating how different some beach locations in Europe were when it came to rules and guidelines, while some were very adamant about enforcing them, some were a little bit lighter with things and more strict on other things, so it all probably depended on the type of people as some tourists weren't exactly the nicest of people.

Minato nodded in agreement, while he could understand the reasoning behind some extremely strict rules, at least America was a bit more easy-going in terms of spending time on the beach, there was just something so great about American beaches that let you enjoy the beach as freely as one wanted, it made sense coming from a country that claimed to be a free country.

[{ 🦋 }] - "I agree. The beaches in America are welcome to anyone, there are no major rules or regulations, nothing but open fun on a public beach. My dad was a westerner, he was born in America, he would always tell me stories about his home country, and how he wanted to take me there someday. So, I guess he's one of the reasons why I like America so much." He says, his tone slightly somber as he took a moment to reflect back to his late father and all his stories about the west.

[{ 🦋 }] - "I know what you mean. In that case, once we're done here, let's not waste any time getting into the water." The conversation seemed to have worked, the couple had managed to keep certain thoughts at bay long enough for her to finish, and the moment he feels her stop, Minato puts his palms on the towel and pushed himself back up to his feet. As Sonia put away the sunscreen tube, Minato offered up his hand to help her to her feet, keeping hold of her hand after pulling her up, he kicked their beach ball a bit forward so it lands just on the shore before the body of water.

[{ 🦋 }] - "Thank you. Now that we're all blocked up, I can hear the ocean calling us, so how about we jump right in Sonia-Chan?"

Not waiting long enough to get her full answer, he leads their way into the water but doesn't go too fast so Sonia could keep up with his pace as the couple could feel their feet touch the water before eventually becoming submerged at their ankles and further up as they fully transitioned into the water with a light splash of gentle waves caused from their lower halves as they hit the water, the cool temperature of the water immediately putting them at ease from the heatwave.