#this drama is surviving on visuals alone

[heymeowmao]

they add a new cp in the last few eps- for what??

is that plot point abt dfyc giving tushan a divine flame that they can summon any time they want going to come back, or?

[ohcorny]

i need to be a hater on main about scavenger's reign or i will explode. i cannot be alone in this.

now that it's being moved to netflix and people are talking about it again, all i'm seeing is glowing praise and absolutely no criticism of the writing. i will gladly agree with anyone that it's visually stunning. like, a+ in that regard no argument. great looking show, and the worldbuilding of the planet vesta is super cool and clearly considered. i like those parts! but that seems to be all anybody is responding to when they praise it.

the character writing is fucking ridiculous. i could point at any of them individually and go "what the fuck is this" but it's been months since i watched it and i don't like arguing a point i can't clearly remember. but it was the most egregious around ursula so i'm going to focus on her. her character seems to exist just to cause problems for no reason, to the point where she's also the only character we get no backstory on. we never see her in flashbacks on the ship, never learn what she did for it or why she was there, nothing about her at all. she is the only one.

and she is the #1 source of shattering my suspension of disbelief. you cannot tell me that she and sam were surviving together for a month on this incredibly hostile planet, working together every day to call the ship down, to figure out how the world worked and what was dangerous and what they could use.... and then tell me she would turn around and treat him the way she does.

spoilers below the cut

she is so hostile toward him all the time for no reason. she wanders off to go look at a weird plant in the middle of a bramble that crushes you if you don't get out the right way, leaving sam alone on the outside with no idea what she's doing or where she is or if she's alive. and when she comes out and he is VERY REASONABLY upset that she did that and isn't interested in hearing about the thing she saw, SHE gets mad at him and says she doesn't need him.

YOU DONT NEED HIM? THE GUY WHO HELPED YOU SURVIVE THIS ENTIRE TIME? THE ONLY OTHER LIVING HUMAN ON THE PLANET AS FAR AS YOU KNOW, WHO IS THE ONE WHO KNOWS WHERE YOU ARE GOING, AND HAS THE CREDENTIALS TO GET YOU INTO THE SHIP? you have been alone with him for a MONTH, he is your ONLY HUMAN COMPANION, and you think you DON'T NEED HIM?? BECAUSE HE WAS WORRIED ABOUT YOU IN A LOUD WAY?

this could be explainable if there was any real tension between them, or if we're given any reason to believe she actually could survive without him, but there isn't! she fucks up with the spores in the very first episode and would absolutely die if she was alone. sam is never anything but a good leader to her and keeps trying to look out for her, and any time he's "wrong" it's because he showed reasonable caution about the fuckplanet. he gets hurt by the egg parasite because he didn't want to climb into a giant animal's egg sac. reasonable thing to not want to do! when he and ursula get into that argument about her disappearing on him, he gets hauled off by the weird emu for the dramatic irony. because he was upset his only companion in the world disappeared. he never does anything wrong. it's never his actual character flaws that he gets punished for, it's only ursula's ~trusting your instincts~ shit that ever gets him hurt. she is ultimately responsible for his death but the show never acts like it.

so much of the show seemed to be drama for drama's sake. do not get me fucking started on kamen's creature. what was that thing's fucking problem. what was kris' fucking problem?

if i have to ask 'what is their PROBLEM' at every other character's choices, your writing is not good.

[bestworstcase]

…a thought occurs to me.

the most significant gap in the general thrust of my theories regarding what went down between summer and raven that night is the question of raven’s status as the spring maiden being unknown to salem—if summer and raven fought and the spring maiden was mortally wounded in the crossfire, and summer then fled and joined salem, one presumes that raven would be high on the list of possibilities even if summer didn’t stay long enough to confirm spring had died.

and if it were unclear whether the last spring maiden had died or not, it surely wouldn’t be surprising for the spring maiden to stay with her mentor after this incident, thus the branwens should have at the top of salem’s list of places to look.

there is a simple solution (summer flees knowing that spring is too badly wounded to possibly survive, but before she dies, and raven manages to hide it well enough that a few years’ distant observation satisfy salem that the magic must not have gone to her), but… rwby does like its curveballs

and if raven’s primary allusion is indeed the morrígan and ‘all things must die’ is indeed about summer then at least in theory – in this context that makes summer cú chulainn.

(WHICH IS HYSTERICAL GIVEN. THE HOUND.)

so in that case we have some – again, strictly theoretical but interesting narrative beats; the insult cú chulainn gives to the morrígan, their foretelling of how she will try to sabotage him while he fights in single combat and the wounds he’ll give her in retaliation, and the way she tricks him into healing those wounds later.

from what little we know about that night, it seems like the plan was for summer to confront salem alone. and the somewhat acrimonious back-and-forth between them prior at least loosely suggests the hostile prelude. (very loosely, but within bounds for how rwby utilizes character allusion.)

which leaves open the interference, woundings, healing and the element of duplicity in the last; you told me once you would never heal me/had i known it was you, i would not have. before they leave patch raven is tangibly uneasy about this plan ("and… you’re just going to leave them?" + "let’s get this over with," not exactly votes of confidence).

and raven has that one save rule. the general expectation is for that "rule" to come into play as raven’s justification for abandoning summer to die, but – the rule isn’t real, it’s empty posturing. how does summer react if raven gets scared and tries to pull summer out before summer feels it’s necessary? they’ve only got one chance to take salem by surprise. and what happens if summer insists on trying again anyway?

it just seems, now that i’m thinking about it, like an interesting mythological narrative to mine for the summer-raven drama. the recurring pattern of the morrígan appearing to cú chulainn in disguise, culminating in a deception which tricks him into healing injuries he inflicted upon her himself… raven using vernal as a decoy in the present… hm. a reverse situation of raven being the decoy-maiden back feels a little implausible; raven having pushed her shape-changing magic further than anyone realizes, less so. both conceptually interesting. with or without magic, raven’s skilled at misdirection.

i’ve just been circling on “if i’d known it was you, i wouldn’t have” coming into play, somehow, in the last spring maiden dying and raven inheriting the magic without summer or salem becoming aware of the latter. ironwood knows right away that winter received the magic, and it looks very dramatic when cinder gets the second half of the fall maiden… but cinder doesn’t notice penny’s become the maiden until snowflakes start drifting around, so it’s not… that far of a stretch to think the visual ‘tell’ is really just the magic itself manifesting, and raven (being a shapeshifter) already had experience with magic – maybe enough to suppress any visible sign.

[doiefy]

mad city // nct series

GENRE: sci fi, biopunk, dystopian, thriller PAIRINGS: features both x reader and mxm fics MEMBERS: johnny, doyoung, jaehyun, jungwoo, mark, possibly more to come!

note: if this series looks somewhat familiar, it's because it is! this is a massive rework of my old 'fight or flight' fic for doyoung, which I posted almost two years ago (pls don't read it, like 69% of it isn't canon anymore and I kinda hate it anyways). it's been a real struggle turning it into something I actually want to write for again (which involved changing the original plotline from x reader to dojae, for which I am VERY unapologetic, don't fucking touch me), but after a year or so of on-and-off planning, here it is. I can't guarantee that I’ll get these fics out super speedily, as I also want them to be very visual and will be spending a shit ton of time on graphics; but if you're interested in a tag list for any of these fics, let me know!

WHAT PEOPLE HAVE REFERRED TO AS THE SPLIT: the fracturing of life as it once was, the steady decline of the natural world, all perpetuating political tensions and rampant crime in two rival cities. 

To the north lies Iameh, an urban paradise of impressive art and culture, resulting from centuries of mining and exploitation—a pristine exterior built upon the hardship of their southern neighbours. In one of their forgotten limestone quarries lies Siacia: Iameh’s shadow, their forsaken history, but a thriving metropolis nonetheless. 

Siacia is all the blinding colours and deafening sound that Iameh is not, boasting citizens with supernatural powers and the most sinister advancements in biotech. From their empty mineshafts and grotesque lifeforms in the quarry lake arises Burner: the Siacians’ fuel, their weaponry, and their only chance against the genetic mutations that plagued them for generations.

But like all things that come out of the ground, Burner is exploited. It is quickly monopolized, used as a drug, turned into a bargaining chip by the Assembly, a loose organization of businessmen and mutants claiming to be Siacia’s ruling government. Those on the streets of the Quarry and its four cardinal faces know very well: what the Assembly demands from them must be given, lest they face their wrath. 

So the fissure spreads and opens wider between the two cities, between all people—only a matter of time before one finds themselves dangling off the edge. 

VOLUME 1: FIGHT OR FLIGHT

pairing: doyoung x jaehyun dark comedy with a side of angst, gay shenanigans and way too many dirty jokes.

KIM DOYOUNG HAS SPENT THE LAST THREE YEARS surviving the Quarry streets alone: hunting bounties for the Coffee Cow (a ruthless contract killing agency despite their name), making poor decisions at drinking establishments, and searching for his missing brother. 

It’s on one trip to the bar that he runs into Jay: a charming, well-mannered businessman from the East Lanes, with a dimpled smile and particular taste for aged whiskey. One occasion turns into two into multiple—the two seeing each other more frequently with slowly-changing intentions, until the truth comes out. Jay, Jung Jaehyun to his close colleagues, is one of the Assembly’s founding members. Which, unfortunately, means he might have something to do with Doyoung’s missing brother, and makes him one hell of an enticing target.

The resultant cat-and-mouse chase across the city is as frustrating as it is exhilarating. But in a shocking turn of events, it reveals a destructive force beyond the both of them, one that needs their immediate attention and collaboration—regardless of who they are to each other. 

anticipated release: summer/fall 2024

VOLUME 2: VIOLET CRAZY

pairing: kim jungwoo x f!reader, johnny seo x reader angst wrapped in drama, tumultuous relationships, a slow but sure descent into madness.

In the aftermath of Johnny Seo’s return, the city of Siacia is not as it once was. Tensions with Iameh are on a steady incline, Assembly politics remain a treacherous game, all while a new strain of Burner spreads through the streets like wildfire. You and Kim Jungwoo are most apathetic to the recent chaos—the two of you like two sides of the same coin, both endlessly spiteful, now embroiled in a feud of your own. For as long as you could remember, your relationship with Jungwoo was one purely of grudge and petty revenge. 

But when Johnny begins his reign of terror, perhaps the two of you are in no position to be idle bystanders. Tragedy strikes Jungwoo’s family, and he has a reluctant change of heart. On the other hand, you remain by Johnny’s side, simply watching his flames burn hotter and rise higher. Merely overnight, your long-standing rivalry with Jungwoo has turned into a struggle for the future of the undercity. The inevitable resurfacing of your past, your forgotten history with Jungwoo, and Johnny’s inexplicable grip on you—it won’t be long before it all reaches a boiling point in the crucible. 

And certainly not long before you’re forced to face the repercussions. 

anticipated release: summer 2025

VOLUME 3: RIDE OR DIE

pairing: mark lee x gn!reader from meet-cute to heated romance. ride or die. madly in love to the bittersweet end.

Breakfast tea with magazines and tabloids. Clay-stained aprons and paint-smeared jeans. Afternoon tea with so-and-so, then back to the kiln and canvases. Dinner party with your fellow curators, handling flawless plates and dainty dessert spoons and immaculate champagne glasses—rinse and repeat, again and again, the routine of an Iamehan artist and socialite. 

Quickly growing tired of all the glitter and glamour of topside, you take a trip back to your roots: the north faces of Siacia, where you can shed all the silk and cashmere in exchange for the nightlife you grew up with. Dancing wildly to rediscover yourself and inspire your art, that’s when you find your muse: Mark Lee, a VIP at the Obelisk Nightclub, blue-haired and bright-eyed, immersed in the stories you tell him. 

You could stay with him forever, seeking thrills and adventure until you reach the ends of the earth. And yet, there is still much more awaiting: the unpleasant and the unideal, and the thwarting of your course by the stars above. 

anticipated release: TBD

VOLUME 4: WHEN THE SUN SETS

pairing: johnny seo x gn!reader psychological horror turned body horror. toxic romance and a tragic end. (!!) mature content, including manipulative, toxic relationships and darker themes some readers may find disturbing.

Johnny Seo is a reasonable man. A patient man, certainly, never reckless, never cruel. Johnny is loving, the perfect lover. Devoted, and devoted wholeheartedly to you. 

In the days and months after the Assembly’s establishment, he keeps you with him at every turn of the road: arm around your waist, head in the crook of your neck, always whispering and promising you better days. A sovereign Siacia is coming, he says. She will be free from the clutches of your northern neighbours, free to do as she pleases. You believe him—until one night, when he comes home bloody and beat-up, furious and unrecognizable. 

Johnny Seo is a meticulous man. A calculated mastermind, certainly, never reckless until he’s perfectly sure, never cruel unless he has to be. Johnny is cunning, the perfect trickster. Obsessive, and obsessed with keeping your memory alive. Obsessed with keeping you with him, an eternal part of him.

anticipated release: TBD

[alipeeps]

Episode 31

The race to be the first to sacrifice yourself for Wen Xiao... on your marks, get set... GO!

How is it? Well... that's never a good expression on a doctor's face...

Oh my fucking heart....

I was right, Baby Bro didn't die. Just dematerialised for a bit.

It's interesting how since the confirmation that his demonic power is gone, Zhao Yuanzhou has started dressing in much lighter colours... lots of white. Which ngl is a little worrying given that white is the colour of mourning in Chinese culture... (oooh or is it that he's wearing white/combinations with white because Ying Lei died?)

Fucking called it.

Of course there had to be some kind of threat to drive the plot for the last 4 episodes.

A plague again? What d'you want to bet it's to do with Wen Zongyu's experiments?

Wait up, Wen Xiao's foster dad is missing?!

Ah shit and Bai Jiu's dad is ill with the plague.

Without his demonic power... is Zhao Yuanzhou susceptible to the plague?

A demon blood sachet?

So someone has deliberately used a sachet containing Fei's blood to spread plague. And who a) was aware of/had contact with Fei, and b) would pull some shit like that?

Answer: fucking Chongwu Camp.

(But if it's the same plague caused by Fei that they encountered previously, can't the same cure that Bai Jiu developed be used?)

Are they sealing off the city?

BECAUSE IT'S FUCKING CHONGWU CAMP!!

Oh what the fuck Fei is not dead?!! How is that possible?! We SAW him die!!

Zhou Dage once again performing his primary duty in the polycule of bringing food to people when they are locked in the library frantically researching....

Oh my fucking heart...

Oh damn. He has been estranged from his dad this whole time cos he thought he'd killed his mum. And he's afraid his dad's gonna die before they can clear the misunderstandings between them...

What the FUCK Zhou Yichen?!!

I have never - fucking NEVER - suffered through a drama that has so explicitly verbalised ALL the found family feels... apparently with the express intent of causing me PAIN!!! 😭😭😭

How did he survive? Wen Xiao.

And now he wants to repay that by saving her...

Because she loves Zhao Yuanzhou

(At least, that's all the show is allowed to say. We know better. Polycule supremacy!!)

Ugh, god, verbalising that love is not just wanting to have something for yourself, but rather wanting to care for it and see it thrive... even if not by your side...

Zhao Yuanzhou continuing to make it his life's mission to make sure Wen Xiao is warmly-dressed...

WTF Zhao Yuanzhou was that a fucking marriage proposal?!!!

Oh god, all the imaginations of them living a happy life together that he held onto to keep his inner demon core at bay... 😭😭😭

"Return to the wilderness"? Yeah that feels like you changed your mind at the last minute there as to what you were going to say... probably because you remembered you're going to sacrifice yourself to save her, right?

God the visuals of each of them alone, contemplating... and we know exactly what the two men are contemplating...

He's carving a monkey - sorry, a white ape! For her? To... remind her of him?

Fuck me that is a fucking badass move.

Ahhhh I have missed Xiao Bai's voice-breaking shrieking!

God I love this show. The humour is just...

Oh holy shit, I am dying. it got better and better and better. Fuck my "no gifs for these summaries" rule, I have to gif the whole fucking thing!

Oh goody, it's occurred to them to look into what the fuck Chongwu Camp are up to.

I swear, if it turns out they pulled a fake-out on us and Wen Zongyu also isn't dead, I will cut a bitch...

Uhhh where did Wen Xiao's foster dad go to? He was in the same prison cell with Fei.

Oh shit, I hope they haven't turned him into a demon hybrid?

Oh fuuuuck what's going on with Fei? That... that looks kinda like the ever-burning fire in his eyes?

Uhoh, Mr Fan is not chained up anymore. I'm guessing he's controlled/hybridised?

GOD FUCKING DAMMIT!! 🔪🔪🔪

He didn't die AND he's got the ever-burning wood and it's let him succeed in his demon experiments!!

Shit... was the Wen Zongyu we saw burn up actually his demon-hybrid with shapechanging powers?

Phoenix?

Oh fuck.

So he has also demonised himself?

So... he needed the ever burning wood precisely because he needed it to burn himself up and be reborn as the phoenix?

Ohhh shit and doesn't the phoenix have the power of rebirth? So... it's part of his plan to bring his wife back to life?

(I hope he succeeds in bringing her back to life and she is horrified at what he has done/become and immediately kills herself)

WHAT THE FUCK?!! How did the medicine they made contain demon cores?!!!

I thought his grand plan was to get rid of all demons? How does turning everyone - including himself - into a demonised hybrid achieve that?!!

You fucker!!

BROTHER?!!

Was Wen Xiao's dad his BROTHER?!

He's Wen Xiao's fucking UNCLE?!!!!

Oooh nice, was it all a plan? They snatched Wen Zongyu!!

What's going on?

Oooft what a reversal, Zhuo Yichen stepping forward to protect Zhao Yuanzhou.

Freeze that fiery fucker Zhuo Yichen!!

Ooof he's transferring the knowledge straight to him.

And now he can form ice out of thin air - just as the phoenix can create fire out of thin air - rather than having to freeze water.

Uhhh I don't like the look of that smoke...

What the fuck? Is this a dream?

Baize goddess and Li Lun? Is it... a memory then?

YING LEI!!

This is freaky....

God the fondness in his expression...

It's a trap. That's what the poison does? Traps you in a dream world where everyone is alive and happy so you don't want to leave...

Zhuo Yichen knows what's up.

Oh damn. He knows full well it's not real. But he just wanted to pretend... for a little bit...

But wait... what if THIS is the trap? What if it's baiting you into killing yourself to try and escape the dream?

FUCK, I was right... the poison was making them act out in real life what they were doing in the dream. They would have killed each other/themselves trying to escape.

Damn, thank goodness for Bai Jiu.

He would if he could, you fucker, and he's every right to. You manipulated and used him against his friends, sacrificed him to be possessed by a demon, poisoned him, and then used him to poison the entire town! Fuck you!!

So wait up, was Zhao Yuanzhou's loss of all his demonic power just temporary then? As Bai Yan had said, it will not be quick to recover? So has he got at least some back now? Cos he sure seems to be using his power in this episode!

Ah yeah, he's got some back. But nowhere near enough.

Okaaay so now they need Wen Xiao to see where his demon core is so they can remove it. Game on!

[buck1eys]

one little thing that i love about our flag means death is the role of art for the characters.

it's very obvious with stede and lucius, whose roles as the literate members of the ship parallels their ability to be emotionally open and talk about their (and other people's) feelings. but then the show almost instantly subverts this idea of 'civility' by showing that all the crew are artistic and can bond over doing art. whether it's sewing, drawing, singing or storytelling, creative pursuits bring the characters together and allow them to talk about their feelings. it also becomes a powerful weapon. blackbeard literally calls it the art of fuckery but it's drama! they scare the dutch crew with devised drama, they ward off the spanish with physical theatre and olu and franchie con the aristocrats by playing parts. music, visual art and costume allow the characters to transcend their circumstances (being rubbish pirates, but also the racism and classism they contend with on a daily basis) and imagine different realities for themselves, which then come true, such is the power of art.

and then this ties in so nicely with the slower burn narrative that is going on, that these are all real people trapped in the narrative of history. by the end of s1 lucius is more valued for his skills as an artist than as a writer, and mary, too, is liberated from the sexist narrative assigned to her through her skills as a visual artist. in fact, literary/historical (i.e. written down) narratives - the mythology of blackbeard and stede's romanticised ideas of piracy - become at odds with the crew's true wants and desires. only by imagining something different, i.e. by using creative arts, can they keep themselves safe, alive and free to be who they are away from the toxic masculinity that our dominant cultural narratives push on to them. blackbeard reverting to the mythology of himself as the kraken is the opposite of this. he's allowing the narrative to rule him.

also, you know who never does any art in the whole show. and who never engages with his own feelings. and who is so invested in surviving the narrative that has been set up that he won't let anybody else challenge it, let alone himself... izzy. which is why he is both a comedy cartoon antagonist and kind of a tragic (in the shakespearian sense) figure.

[shadowgast-recs-weekly]

Alternative Timelines and Echoes: A Shadowgast Rec List

Hey everyone! This week we have nine incredible fics that are all about Alternative Timelines and Echoes. Recs under the cut, and as always, remember to comment or kudos if you liked them!

I always figured that I'd be the one to die alone by thesweetpianowritingdownmylife (6443,Teen) Reccer's Content Notes: Choose Not to Warn

Written pre-episode 97, Essek is travelling with the Nein and Caleb summons an echo of himself for watch. The echo version of Caleb is from a world where Essek died.

Reccer says: It's sweet and a little sad

the better version of our past by KmacKatie (kmackatie) (5840,Explicit) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

While casting the time spell with Caleb, Essek has a moment of glimpsing a number of different futures

Reccer says: I liked it!

Time Relentless Takes No Sides by PryingBlackbird, sociallychallengednerd, toneofjoy (15260,Teen) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

A device discovered in Aeor upends everything. Caleb is trapped in an endless swirl of alternate timelines, and there seems to be no way out.

Reccer says: It's very gripping, and the exploration of all of the different Calebs and Brens is fascinating!

The Refraction of Verisimilitude by marsastronomica (16537,Explicit) Reccer's Content Notes: Choose Not to Warn

The second in a scourger AU series, Bren attempts to keep the upper hand as Essek's world is rocked by the presence of the Nein

Reccer says: It's very engaging and textured, with Essek and Bren being matched opponents - plus there is a very good scene involving Essek showing Bren what exactly an echo might be used for

small works of cosmic scale by mousecookie (2547,General) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Essek has a breakthrough he wants to share with Caleb. A breakthrough that apparently includes a snail.

Reccer says: I liked it!

In all worlds, nothing is immutable by CherryMilkshake (22265,Teen) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Essek tries to travel through time, but instead finds himself in a world where he is happily involved with Caleb

Reccer says: I liked it!

Hang the Hourglass by Luckyowlsfoot (5723,Teen) Reccer's Content Notes: Major Character Death, Graphic Depictions of Violence

An alternate timeline's Essek has to step in to help in Aeor and Cognoza. he can't stay, however.

Reccer says: It hurts in just the right ways

And two fics each for:

reflections and other illusions of control (series) by atlasarcana (84220,Explicit) Reccer's Content Notes: Choose Not to Warn, Graphic Depictions of Violence, Dubcon/Consensual Non Consent

Essek and Caleb have bedroom issues and summon an echo. The Echo is from a timeline where Bren remained a Volstrucker. Soap opera relationship drama and cross-timeline espionage ensues.

Reccer 1 says: I like that it explores the idea of Bren vs. Caleb as different possible outcomes to the same childhood, and Essek vs. Shadowhand-Essek as different possible outcomes to the same adulthood with/without the Mighty Nein. Reccer 2 says: This fic series has everything. It's a wonderful character study through the means of kinky exploration between three (or...four?) people with incredibly tangled relationships with violence, shame and desire. Bren's characterizations is such a delight.

multitudinous echoes awoke and died in the distance by mousecookie (10003,Teen) Reccer's Content Notes: brief suicidal ideation

Caleb and Essek are summoned to an alternate timeline as Resonant Echoes of their evil selves, and fight to survive and get back.

Reccer 1 says: Cool concept and good emotional moments Reccer 2 says: It’s imaginative, fast-paced, and intense. The atmosphere is tense, and the visuals are really quite good.

Aeor is for Lovers is an 18+ Shadowgast Discord server. The above fanfic recommendations were pulled from our community for this weekly event. All fics, unless otherwise specified, will primarily feature Shadowgast. Have any questions about what this is? Check out the FAQ! Next week's theme is Babygast, so get ready for some cute kids!

[blueberryjam1201]

The Moon movie

Director: Kim Yong-Hwa

Producer: Choi Ji-Sun

Release Date: August 2, 2023

Runtime: 129 min.

Distributor: CJ Entertainment

Country: South Korea

Cast: Doh KyungSoo, Sol KyungGu, Hong SeungHee, Kim HeeAe

Finally, I was able to watch this breathtaking movie and I wish to share a couple of words.

All under the cut together with few snaps🍪🍪🍪

If you still haven’t watched, please take note this review consists of many spoilers!

Enjoy!❤️

First couple of minutes we learned about past events, which was a great idea because we would not waste time later with explanations.

Woori - the lunar spaceship is heading for the moon together with three astronauts. However, an unfortunate accident occurs, and two of them lose their lives, leaving SunWoo - the main character alone in space, fighting for life.

Accidents are happening one after another. An eventful two-hour movie run is holding us at the end of our seats almost all the time! SunWoo is receiving indescribable help and thanks to that he survives.

Now, I'll write my personal opinion which is both Yes and Nay nay.

The positive part:

Firstly, I am in love with this movie's visuals and animation. I could make a screenshot for most of the views and places, print it on a canvas and hang it on the wall all over my home!

Smart choice of music used.

Actors are a heaven. I am KyungSoo biased, but they all had a big impact on the script.

If we're talking about THE acting that made us forget how to breathe, then it will definitely be KyungSoo, Kyunggu and HeeAe! All three were fabulous and carried this movie on their back.

If we are speaking about the comedy side, yes we had it! Special thanks to Jo HanChul who made sure to make us smile every time he is on the screen.

...and! Hong SeungHee, this girl! She made me laugh a lot, but her character was a crucial part of the main plot. Her ideas were like a breath of fresh air. And even if she every time made us laugh, thanks to her SunWoo was able to be heard by the world. Recording his voice and streaming it on YouTube. Funny but at the same time the most effective.

I hope she and KyungSoo will have a drama together in the near future.

The Nay nay:

As I mentioned before, this is my personal. I didn't like the way SangWon died. He was badly injured so should be e.g. floating powerlessly and speaking with SunWoo by communicator, but he just stood next to the widow, which was weird. And the way they talked was a little comical, I laughed inside...

I didn't like the timing of the scene when SunWoo was upset with ex-director, blaming his father's death on him and acting like a spoiled brat. I get it! But, just a few seconds ago he was crying, fighting for life and survived thanks to this man! Maybe it's just me but this doesn't seem in place.

That's not a bad point, just a side note - don't expect a thirsty, cold-blooded, heartbreaking thriller.

This movie was made for everyone and I was totally happy with this. Take your son, mother, grandmother, husband, or whoever you wish to!

Summary:

The scene where SunWoo is landing on a near side of the moon will make everyone tear up, I guarantee! I have many favourite scenes but the last 20 minutes including the post-credit scene I can count as one long favourite.

If you are looking for this kind of drama which will take you for a long space journey, with an eventful plot and no filler scenes, top notch actors, and gold jokes then I recommend this movie for you!

It will stay for a long time on my favorite list.

Meanwhile, thanks for reading.

If you made it to the end, please check the caps below and leave a heart ❤️

Thanks!

[kibikikou]

Fuck it. Detroit: Become Human TMA fear entity alignments. I've been rotating them in my head for so long and need to get them out now

Connor: Eye/Web. Yeah he's officially known as the deviant 'hunter' but to me he seems to pursue knowledge about the deviants above hunting them. After going deviant himself he gets even a whiff of the fears? He'd absolutely fall deep into chasing after any scrap of knowledge he can learn about them to his own detriment. But also that first interrogation scene?? Pure Web manipulation baby. I see him falling in with the Eye and pursuit of knowledge more, but he could easily go Web if he leans into those manipulation tactics too hard

RK900/Nines: Hunt. Okay so we don't know too much about Nines except that he's more military geared and better than Connor in every way. But while I see Connor leaning away from combat in his alignment, I see Nines leaning into it. But not in a bloodthirsty Slaughter way, but in a 'I will do anything to accomplish my mission' way that could easily slip into an enjoyment of the thrill of the chase just before mission complete once deviated, allowing the Hunt to slip on and take over

Bonus: RK80060: Web. In the 'Sixty survives' AUs, I feel Connor would lean into his Eye tendencies, and Sixty would be the one to go Web. Manipulating Hank into going with him by pretending to be his Connor? That's Web shit right there. Plus the monologuing? We all know Web avatars live for the drama just look at Anabelle

Markus: Desolation. Okay so this alignment comes from the violence routes of the game. Nuking the city? Desolation. I mean, he can set himself on fire for his cause in one of his bad endings, that's pure Desolation material right there nothing more needed.

Bonus: Markus: Buried. So this one is more of a stretch, but I feel Markus could wind up either a victim of or aligned with the Buried in some of his pacifist 'bad' endings. Specifically if all his companions, maybe excluding North, die and he's left to be the leader of the revolution nearly alone. Remember, the Buried isn't just claustrophobia, it's also fearing being crushed by debt, expectations of others, anything that can contribute to that 'I'm drowning/being crushed by the circumstances of my life' which would fit very well in those specific endings.

North: Slaughter. Was there any question about this? Yeah her violent tendencies are quashed in the pacifist route, but the violent route? It would be so easy for the Slaughter to come in and take over through her anger and violence. In these routes Markus would be taken by the Desolation, and his choices aligning with that would only fuel the Slaughter in her more. We stan a trigger happy queen

Ralph: Corruption. I waffled between Corruption and Stranger for him, but Corruption won. He lives in an abandoned, presumably moldy house, and he tried to serve Alice a rat to eat. I could see him easily falling for the same song of family and home that Prentiss fell for in the podcast. The damaged parts of him could become filled with mold, holding him together and visually signifying his alignment the way the worm holes did for Prentiss.

The Jerrys: Stranger. The way they're all the same and almost operate as a hivemind along with being androids just screams Stranger. They look human, but they're behavior is just off enough to raise warnings in humans. And when more of them start appearing? That's a tasty fear snack right there

Zlatko's creations: Spiral. While at first I was tempted to classify them as Stranger, they're too inhuman to be so. Stranger avatars have always been to the left of human, activating the feeling of the uncanny valley. The creations are straight up inhuman looking, and if they choose to lean into that, they could go from 'weird inhuman looking androids' to 'wtf am I looking at someone help me please I don't understand' would be pure Spiral baby

Amanda: Web. Sure she's just an ai handler for Connor, but the way she uses praise and disappointment to get Connor to do what Cyberlife wants? That's all Web manipulation

Hank: Lonely. Moving away from the androids, we've got poor lonely Hank. He has no one truly left in his life, his family gone, his coworkers think he's a joke at best, or despise him at worst. The people at the bar and food truck probably just tolerate him for his money. Sumo is the only one that cares for him and that he cares about. Until Connor comes along, but if Connor goes the machine route and does a bunch in the process? Well that's got to fuck Hank up even more and only serve to drive him deeper into his loneliness, until it's the only thing left in him

Gavin- realistic: Hunt/slaughter. All we see of Gavin's character is a hot headed bully who does anything to get what he wants. Based on his incredibly shallow character, and the fact he's a cop, he'd either fall in with the Hunt or Slaughter, depending on if he follows the chase after criminals, and then more, or follows his more violent tendencies. But you want to know what my mind has conjured up for him? The Vast. I don't really have any justification, other than I think he'd have so much fun throwing people off buildings into an endless sky. But if I had to give something, he's worked hard and stepped on so many toes to get where he's at, he'd be afraid to fall off the career ladder, so to speak. But he still wants to climb higher and higher. So rather than it being a literal ladder over an endless void, it's a metaphorical one. But mostly my brain has gotten stuck on Vast for Gavin for some reason and won't let it go, despite it not fitting his canon character very well.

That's all I have. If a character isn't listed here, it's because the game didn't show enough negative character traits for them for me to make a judgement on the alignment. The only exception is Kamski, who I want to tentatively place as Web, but can't be certain on that

[newslime]

Prithviraj’s Aadujeevitham Hits Rs 100 Cr Worldwide: Actor Celebrates Massive Success

Join the celebration as Prithviraj Sukumaran's latest blockbuster, Aadujeevitham (The Goat Life), crosses the Rs 100 crore mark at the global box office in just nine days. Directed by Blessy, this survival drama has captivated audiences worldwide, earning Rs 50 crore in India alone. Despite competition from other releases like Crew, Tillu Square, and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, Aadujeevitham continues to soar.

Prithviraj took to social media to express his gratitude, tweeting, "100 Cr and counting at the Global Box Office! Thank you for this unprecedented success!"

Director Blessy commended the hard work of the cast and crew, emphasizing the film's journey from conception to realization over sixteen years. Aadujeevitham, based on Benyamin's bestselling novel, portrays the gripping tale of Najeeb's struggle for survival in the Saudi desert.

With accolades pouring in, Aadujeevitham aims to surpass the records set by Malayalam hits like 2018 and Manjummel Boys, with its powerful narrative resonating globally.

Produced by Visual Romance, Aadujeevitham features a stellar cast including Jimmy Jean-Louis, Amala Paul, and KR Gokul, supported by talented Arab actors. With music by AR Rahman and sound design by Resul Pookutty, this cinematic masterpiece continues to make waves worldwide.

[nyasialiveshere]

love and eros may have actually been the best jdrama ever

my lovelorn for lost underapreciated japanese media may stick with me til the end of time I'm afraid. It's how unknown it is that really makes me love it even more. I actually don't know how I feel about the best art getting so little attention and being lost to time. On one hand I like it but then again I wish the people involved would have been able to get recognition. But the again it's possible the Japanese purposely didn't want their precious gems to be given to the west because it would have been changed and altered to fit a wider audience and then it would no longer be art. It would just be a product for mass consumption. I kind of want to write a whole series of my favorite J ent pieces. It's so interesting that Japan actually went out of their way many times to make sure their works wouldn't be spread to those who don't appreciate it. Anime was...as hayao miyazaki would say A MISTAKE. It's the only piece of Japanese media that became heavily focused on reaching a global audience and making a ton of money from it. It's their K-pop. Though with Anime it's just cartoon pictures being objectified and commodified but with K-pop it's people. Still both had a great effect on the economy and a terrible influence on the culture as a whole. The otaku's in Japan and the fan culture in Korea both swirled out of control and ended up having a hand in lowering the birth rate. So art truly is a powerful thing.

This work was one I actually stumbled on when I was on a j ent binge, this and a few other japanese 90s dramas really fascinated me. This one was intriguing and memorable because it was the first time I was aware that whatever Korea had continued with using idols in drama's to boost the rating Japan had most defintely started.

Nagase Tomoya was a hearthrob no doubt and it is also hard to even find someone comparable to him in the current era. In japan being an idol is just a stepping stone and everyone knows this. There aren't really leaders like in kpop. In fact it's usually the visuals that are just in charge or speak for the group. They are the front men or women and it's normal for them to be the face and do interviews alone in the group's stead. No one is ever super emotional when these visuals become actors nor is there an uproar that they are betraying the group. It's natural and they usually are asked to get into different projects because this will eventually get the group more attention in the end. Japanese groups in some cases have EXTREME longevity. Some groups lasting decades. It isn't always the case but the most popular groups it's moreso a question of dang when are they going to disband. This is because the attitude towards idols in japan is different. There are some cases where idols from fanservice heavy groups do get in trouble from dating but its' important to know in Japan it's more of a hierarchy of groups because idol culture has been around for so long. There are some groups that are more dependent on heavy fanservice to survive and there theme is catering to there fans whereas some groups are more..free. It's clear to see these differences when you see some groups that are very free and others that are very not. In korea although I see that all groups are treated like how fanservice heavy groups are in japan. No matter what age it is weird and not acceptable for them to act in romantic drama's or date. The companies and contracts pretty much all around reflect the mindset of the public towards idols. Where in recent years traditional idol culture in japan is kind of slowly dying and because of that celebs dating is seen moreso how american celebs dating. In korea strangely enough it's like things are regressing. The fanservice is becoming even more intense even though kpop is gaining global fame. More money is being made but it's being made by going super jhorror virtual boyfriend/girlfriend parasocial paralysis demon. It's quite concerning. It could be that in Japan they stopped focusing on real people who eventually would date or get married and leave idol life behind to focus on more vulnerable animated or fictional characters who really couldn't speak or fight back.

I still find it interesting to look at the cultural remains of Japan's idol industry.

I don't even want to get into the tradgedy of Johhnny's boys and what happens when young children are commodified off their looks and sex appeal from a super young age because..it speaks for itself. It was terrible what happened and I do feel that overall it's definitely what is happening in kpop but because of the current hype and popularity honestly nobody cares. Similar to how nobody cared about what was happening in america with the many disney stars who would years later open up about how the trauma they experienced being a childstar would later cause them to become drug addicts or commit self harm. People may feel sorry for them now but the truth is at the time when it was happening nobody cared and that is what made them feel so alone. It doesn't help to pity them after the fact when they have healed and gone to therapy.

Although I think it was rather unfortunate what many of child stars go through I do think the art they leave behind should be treasured even more so because of it. Tomoya was a fabulous actor and I see in him many of the current idols of today that are treasured.

I believe he was extremely lucky given that he was able to stay in a band that spanned decades and have a very successful acting career. When I watched this show not only was I interested in the plot but I also was wondering why were so many idols barred from also having similar opportunities. Some like him were able to act in various projects playing different characters but others were stuck in a box because their fans weren't interested in seeing them any differently. I believe he was such a compelling performer that it allowed him to be accepted by the public as an actor.

but I can't lie Johnny kitigawa's connectiong probably helped as well..also his face plus the fact that he aged well probably helped. Many idols get copius amounts of plastic surgery that does not age well at all

but there are still other decent looking idols that never kept up with the changing tides of the ent industry. On an old translated forum some people were arguing why he wasn't as famous as Takuya Kimura

but I think it's because the japanese love androgyny like over everything Tomoya was just a tad bit too masculine.

In this show though and others like it he starred in he was a silent brooding type so it worked. I don't want to spoil it and this isn't a review basically it's a comparasion of different types of love. Which is ..kind of genius. His character is in a eros or romantic type of love with a woman engaged to his brother. Who has a much more friendly type of love with her. It's probably a metaphor for something but..hmmh oh and it has the iconic Hosho mai

her role isn't that big she is toted as mostly just the tagalong girlfriend but really as the show progresses you start to like her more than the main love interest.

anywayz its a good show very deep if you watch it closely.

[e-s-willswriting]

WIP TITLE TAG

Thank you for the tag @palebdot <3

RULES: Post the names of all the files in your WIP folder, regardless of how non-descriptive or ridiculous. Let people send you an ask with the title that most intrigues them, and then post a little snippet or tell them something about it! Then tag as many people as you have WIPs.

My short story WIPS are a little scattered, so I'll mainly note down the long-form WIPS I've made documents of.

The CRYPT Archives

“It was incidental I ended up working with criminals. I’d help everyone, if I could. Because I think there’s one thing that’s truly terrifying.” “And that is?” “Feeling alone. Feeling like nobody gets it, or that nobody is there to help you at your lowest. I want to be there for people going through that.” “So you could be in front of a mass murderer, or anything along those lines, but if they’re going through a crisis of mental health, you would help?” “I’d help them. They’re people too."

Crypt is my main project (Contemporary Urban-Fantasy/Horror) about a therapist working with monsters.

Idol Project: (Comedy choice-based visual novel) about a girl who joins an Idol group made up of everything but idols.

            Mae: And it’s luck of the draw out there. But I’m sure something will come through for you. I mean, you’ve got naturally pink hair!             Mirai: It’s a birth defect.

The Degenerate: (Contemporary Horror/Thriller) Nothing written on the document, though I have the idea for the title and generally what I'd want to do with this one. Though it's major trigger warnings and will take a lot of care to write well. Triggering themes include: Porn addiction, sexual content, murder, misogyny.

Loving Arcadia: Again, nothing written, though I have ideas. (Romance/Drama/Contemporary) Set in the UK, a group of students start making a band. The head of their band is a trans man, but his mother is a leading online figure in the Gender Critical sphere. Yeah, again, touchy areas I have to write with a lot of care.

Lighthouse

This letter shook me. For a moment I had believed the blood to have been my own, since my clothes were stained after the scrapes I took scrambling to the lighthouse. But if this letter were true, if the blood was not my own, I had before me the words of an insane, dying man. A man who had committed suicide. ‘I would never do something like that! God forbid.’ My first thoughts other than survival. A clue to who I was. I am Cecil Best, and I would not resort to suicide. God wouldn’t forgive that. And another- I am a religious man. To write God Bless or God Forbid- those phrases inspire a tightness in my chest. The very name inspires deep feelings within me. God guides me in the right direction. Those are the only two things I know.

(Gothic Horror) Set in the 1800's, a man wakes up on a tiny, rocky island in the middle of a storm. The only other thing is a colossal Lighthouse that touches the sky. Will also have triggering content.

Untitled FIlmmaker Romance Concept

It’s not that I’ve not had ideas. Far from it, actually. What’s stopping me from writing is that I have one specific idea that won’t leave my head. I want to write it desperately. I want to film it and I want to make it a great film. I know the exact people who can help me realise this too. I can see the whole thing in my head, and almost feel the leather of the seat and smell the warm sweet popcorn as I watch it in the cinema. It’s a perfect idea. The problem is that it’s not my idea. It’s C. Daniels’ idea.

(Contemporary Romance) About a filmmaker who gets the rights to adapt a short film from a writer, but she requests to be directly involved in the scripting process. They bond not only as creatives but potential romantic partners, though something is holding her back.

(I'm weird about romance because it's basically that I hate seeing so much toxicity in novel relationships and I just want to write the things that I wish I could see more, but it's not my go-to genre either)

@littleshipofwords

@alnaperera

@stanrendipity

@fictionalbullshitter

@wmlittlemoreauthor

@ryns-ramblings

[linuxgamenews]

Get Ready for Date Z Visual Novel: High School Drama, Romance, and Zombie Outbreak

Date Z visual novel game mixes in action and mystery with a release date for Linux, Mac, and Windows PC. Thanks to the brilliant minds at Mass Creation. Due to make its way onto Steam soon. We Dig Games is stoked to announce that Date Z visual novel is releasing soon, and it’s going to be a wild ride. This visual novel mixes up high school drama, romance, mystery, and a ton of action—all set against the chaos of a zombie outbreak. Made by the talented folks at Mass Creation, "Date Z" will be out on August 30, 2024, hitting Steam. But you can still try the Linux Demo. So, what’s the Date Z visual novel all about? You’ll be stepping into the shoes of a senior transfer student, just trying to survive the first week at a new school. Sounds like a typical high school story, right? Not quite. Things take a wild turn when a zombie outbreak hits the small town, turning your average school days into a fight for survival. Your job? Uncover the school’s dark secrets and, oh yeah, find a date by Friday if you want to stay alive. No pressure.

Date Z visual novel reveal trailer

Date Z isn’t just about fighting off zombies; it’s a visual novel about making decisions that matter. Every choice you make changes the story, leading you down different paths with unique outcomes. Will you bond with your classmates, or will you go it alone? Will you discover who’s behind the outbreak, or will you just focus on getting through the day? It’s all up to you.

Let’s talk about what makes it stand out:

Dynamic Story: Your choices really count. Every decision you make can change how things turn out, so you’ll want to think carefully about what you do.

Character Connections: In this visual novel, get to know a diverse cast of Date Z characters, each with their own stories and secrets. How you interact with them could make or break your chances of survival.

Stunning Visuals: The game’s high-quality art and animations really pull you into the story, making it feel like you’re right there in the action.

Survival Challenges: Balancing school life with a zombie apocalypse isn’t easy. You’ll need to strategize and think on your feet if you want to make it through.

Date Z is shaping up to be a must-play visual novel for anyone who like a good story mixed with some heart-pounding action. Whether you’re here for the romance, the mystery, or just to see how you’d handle a zombie outbreak, this game’s got something for you. So, get ready to dive in and make those tough decisions—your survival depends on it. Coming to Steam on Linux, Mac, and Windows PC.

[ulkaralakbarova]

A band of soldiers is dispatched to war games deep in the woods. When they stumble across a rival team slaughtered in camp, they realize they’re not alone. Credits: TheMovieDb. Film Cast: Sgt. Harry G. Wells: Sean Pertwee Pvt. Cooper: Kevin McKidd Megan: Emma Cleasby Capt. Ryan: Liam Cunningham Cpl. Bruce Campbell: Thomas Lockyer ‘Spoon’ Witherspoon: Darren Morfitt Pvt. Joe Kirkley: Chris Robson Pvt. Terry Milburn: Leslie Simpson Camper: Tina Landini Camper: Craig Conway Sam the Dog: Villrikke’s Acer Werewolf: Bryn Walters Werewolf: Ben Wright Werewolf: Brian Claxton Payne Film Crew: Casting: Jeremy Zimmermann Director of Photography: Sam McCurdy Director: Neil Marshall Producer: Tom Reeve Executive Producer: Romain Schroeder Original Music Composer: Mark Thomas Producer: David E. Allen Executive Producer: Vic Bateman Executive Producer: Harmon Kaslow Production Design: Simon Bowles Art Direction: Christina Schaffer Producer: Christopher Figg Set Decoration: Sonja Klaus Assistant Art Director: Stephanie Rass Steadicam Operator: Paul Alexander Costume Design: Uli Simon Stunt Coordinator: Harry Wiesenhaan Gaffer: Mick Durlacher Script Supervisor: Sheila McNaught Makeup Effects: Justin Pitkethly Location Manager: Pascal Charlier Makeup Effects: Lisa Crawley Visual Effects Supervisor: Bob Keen Production Manager: Laurent Dumas Sound Editor: James Boyle Makeup Artist: René Jordan Still Photographer: Etienne Braun Makeup Effects: Peter Hawkins Camera Operator: Carlo Thiel Casting: Andrea Clark Assistant Art Director: Claudio Campana Dolby Consultant: James Seddon Foley: Peter Burgis Supervising Sound Editor: Paul Conway Sound Editor: James Harrison Foley: Andie Derrick Special Effects Makeup Artist: Matthew O’Toole Movie Reviews: flabob257: Come on you guys. This is great. Werewolf,drama, comedy, etc. CinemaSerf: I will admit to being somewhat sceptical when I sat down to watch this, but within about twenty minutes the auditorium was chuckling to the witty banter of Sean Pertwee and his squad of soldiers who find themselves stuck on an exercise in a remote Scottish forest when they’d sooner be in the wardroom sinking a few beers while watching Germany beat England at football. When their fireside banter is ruined by a missile shaped like a dead cow; things start to liven up and what ensues is a race against time for their very survival – there are more dangerous creatures in the forest than red squirrels! Kevin McKidd keeps the troop focussed at they face their foes with grim determination and their black humour prevails pretty much throughout their ordeal. The special effects are a little bit “Dr. Who” but Neil Marshall ensures the lighting and sound folks do their level best to keep the suspense going for a long as possible and at no stage does it hang about: it’s end to end action with a tinge – a soupçon – of horror as the story builds to an enjoyable denouement! On the big screen again now in late 2020 – not sure why – but if you get chance, and you like your horror unsophisticated and funny, then this is definitely for you.

[kanokporn-flower]

-

A Poster design and Art Direction for ‘Pink, Black & Blue Exhibition' 

A Solo Photographic Exhibition By Manit Sriwanichpoom Curated by Akkara Naktamna . We used to decipher colour more deeply: green with envy, pink with pleasure, red with shame. We are bruised black and blue. . Colour divides us even as it unites – into us and them; black and white, red and blue, red and yellow. Such artificially-induced divisions to conquer have left many people too mentally exhausted to maintain any degree of awareness or even to care about human survival, let alone art. It’s become easy to forget that colour in its pure vibrational form, unburdened by preconception and man-made context, is energy, with the power to heal and free us from obscure emotional conflict through a sort of pleasurable catharsis. Colour is instant drama, beyond words and shapes, beyond touch, colour saturates the brain and clarifies the heart. . The worldwide imprisonment of the pandemic lockdown gave photo-artist Manit Sriwanichpoom the quiet time he needed to complete the long-overdue compilation of his iconic Pink Man series, as well as two other books of previously unseen work of extraordinary intensity: the transcendental ‘I Saw A Blue Wing’ and the dark joy of ‘When I Was Twenty’. . A rare visual feast, ‘Pink, Black & Blue’ is an exhibition comprising works from all three collections. . 11 FEBRUARY - 9 APRIL 2023 Opening Reception 11 February 2023, 5.00 PM HOP PHOTO GALLERY 3rd floor, MUNx2, Seacon Square Srinakarin.

[cinemapremi]

Top Hindi Movies of 2023: Stories That Touched Hearts

Explore the top Hindi movies of 2023. In 2023, Hindi movies gave us a bunch of really good films. There were exciting thrillers and touching dramas that people all over the country loved. We've picked out the best ones for you. Join us on a journey through the top-rated Hindi movies of 2023. Get ready for captivating stories, amazing acting, and movies that make you think. It's going to be a cinematic adventure you won't forget! 15 Must Watch Movies of 2023: Top Rated Movies! Top 10 Inspiring Hindi Movies!

Table of Contents

S.No.MovieDescription1.Joram: A Gripping TaleDiscover the intense and exciting story of 'Joram' with amazing acting that will stay with you.2.12th Fail: Impressive DramaGet inspired by '12th Fail,' a drama that impresses and leaves a mark with every scene.3.Dhak Dhak: Wholesome AdventureJoin a wholesome adventure in 'Dhak Dhak' that will make you want to go on a journey, whether on the road or in your heart.4.Khufiya: Engaging Spy StoryDive into the spy world with 'Khufiya,' a story inspired by true events that mixes intrigue and personal loss.5.Gold Fish: Emotional Caregiver's JourneyExperience the emotional journey of caregivers in 'Gold Fish' as they make sacrifices for their loved ones.6.Ghoomer: Abhishek Bachchan's TriumphWitness triumph in 'Ghoomer' as Abhishek Bachchan shines in a sports-survival drama.7.Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai: Unmissable DramaDon't miss the exceptional drama of 'Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai,' especially with Manoj Bajpayee's outstanding performance.8.Shiv Shastri Balboa: Family EntertainerEnjoy a complete family entertainer with 'Shiv Shastri Balboa,' despite a few subplots and a legal battle towards the end.9.Daman: Simple and Uplifting TaleFind beauty in simplicity with 'Daman,' a heartwarming movie that gives hope in challenging situations.10.Farrey: Compelling Watch with SurprisesDespite some loose ends, 'Farrey' is a compelling watch with energetic performances, and Alizeh Agnihotri's impressive debut. Top Hindi Movies of 2023 with Details and Review

1. Joram: A Gripping Tale

"Joram" is a gripping Hindi-language thriller film released in 2023. The screenplay and direction are credited to Devashish Makhija, and the film is produced by Zee Studios in collaboration with Makhijafilm. The stellar cast includes Manoj Bajpayee, Tannishtha Chatterjee, and Smita Tambe. Joram stands out as a gripping thriller with a powerful socio-political message. The intense storytelling and stellar performances make it a must-watch, leaving you thinking about our impact on Mother Nature. Release: 1 February 2023 Director: Devashish Makhija Language: Hindi https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOCbjto_DFk "The movie is fast-paced, with great music and cinematography, capturing the local language and culture well. The actors, especially Mohd Zeeshan Aiyub and Medha Mathur, deliver impressive performances. The film uses symbols and visuals to tell its story, addressing issues like displacement, corporate politics, and the exploitation of tribal areas. It's a refreshing watch, offering a break from the usual grind, similar to the impact of the film "Animal." Plus, Manoj Bajpayee's acting is a highlight, making "Joram" a must-watch for that alone."

2. 12th Fail: Impressive Drama

Manoj Kumar Sharma, an IPS officer, courageously decides to restart his academic journey and take charge of his destiny. He chooses to pursue his education in a place where millions of students strive to conquer the world's most challenging competitive exam: UPSC. 12th Fail is a top-class drama that impresses and inspires. Director Chopra brings out the best in each character, creating a memorable cinematic experience. Release date: 27 October 2023 (India) Director: Vidhu Vinod Chopra Based on: 12th Fail; by Anurag Pathak https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeMJo701mvQ "Vidhu Vinod Chopra's 'The 12th Fail' is a gripping tale of resilience and success. Vikrant Massey shines as Manoj Kumar Sharma, a 12th-grade dropout turned IPS officer. The film, raw and emotional, explores Manoj's journey from struggles to aspirations. Medha Shankar and the supporting cast deliver outstanding performances. Chopra's direction is exceptional, portraying a realistic narrative. The movie's brilliance lies in its relatable storytelling, heartfelt moments, and a climax that is both tearful and inspiring. A must-watch on Disney Plus Hotstar, this 2023 gem stands out with its engaging execution and powerful message of honesty and perseverance."

3. Dhak Dhak: Wholesome Adventure

Four women are taking the journey of a lifetime, riding motorcycles from New Delhi to the highest mountain pass in Ladakh, India. Dhak Dhak takes you on a wholesome adventure with four riders on the storm. It's a tale that inspires you to embark on your own journey, whether on the road or following your heart. Release: 13 October 2023 Director: Tarun Dudeja Producers: Taapsee Pannu, Pranjal Khandhdiya, Aayush Maheshwari, Ajit Andhare Music by: Jasmine Sandlas; Rishi Dutta; Osho Jain; Mohan Kannan; Anurag Saikia; Raghav–Arjun https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhBrQWWCV7g "Attention travelers! Check out 'Dhak Dhak'—a film for adventure lovers. It's about four diverse women embarking on a bike trip to Khardungla from New Delhi, addressing the challenges and freedom they experience. The movie beautifully captures the essence of self-discovery, emotions, and female empowerment. Filmed in Himachal Pradesh, it showcases the stunning landscapes and challenges faced by travelers. Notably, 'Dhak Dhak' also highlights the positive role men play in supporting women during their journeys. After watching, you'll be inspired to pack your bags for a getaway."

4. Khufiya: Engaging Spy Story

An agent from the Indian intelligence agency R&AW is tasked with uncovering a mole selling defense secrets. Along the way, she wrestles with the challenges of her double life as both a spy and a lover. Khufiya weaves an engaging spy story inspired by true events. Amidst the intrigue, the film also portrays personal loss, creating a captivating experience for the audience. Release: 5 October 2023 Director: Vishal Bhardwaj Distributed by: Netflix https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByojhBwG_-E "Khufiya is a well-written spy thriller by Vishal Bhardwaj. The cast, including Tabu and Ali Fazal, delivers outstanding performances. Wamiqa Gabbi adds charm with her playful yet intense acting. A surprise comes from Navindara Behl as Ali Fazal's mother, excelling in her role. The film's direction is raw and realistic, capturing great locations. While the storyline is simple, lacking major suspense, it's still enjoyable and unpredictable. The slow-burn screenplay may not suit everyone, but for spy thriller fans, Khufiya is a must-watch. The music and songs are beautiful, with a great ending, though the background music could be better."

5. Gold Fish: Emotional Caregiver's Journey

Anamika comes back to her childhood home when her mom, Sadhana, is diagnosed with dementia. With the help of her caring neighbors, Anamika tries to face the memories from her past and mend her relationship with her mother. In Gold Fish, the challenges faced by caregivers take center stage. The film delicately captures the sacrifices made for loved ones, delivering an emotionally charged viewing experience. Initial release: 2022 Director: Pushan Kripalani Producer: Amit Saxena https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aDO8KFaR8Y "Great movie! The acting is excellent and feels very real. The direction is impressive. It's a must-watch film that tackles a sensitive topic. Finally, found some great content in 2023. All the actors did an amazing job. Well-made movie!"

6. Ghoomer: Abhishek Bachchan's Triumph

Young cricket talent Anina loses her right hand right before her first international match. A former unsuccessful cricketer comes into her life, giving her fresh hope. Through unique training, she becomes a bowler for the Indian cricket team, and together, they create a new bowling style. Ghoomer sees Abhishek Bachchan and Saiyami Kher shine in this sports-survival drama. The film blends exceptional storytelling, drama, and powerful dialogues, making it a must-watch. Release: 12 August 2023 Director: R. Balki Producers: Abhishek Bachchan, R. Balki, Gauri Shinde, Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, Ramesh Pulapaka https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5ixGOMTliE "With a stellar history of movies like Cheeni Kum and Paa, expectations were high for R. Balki's Ghoomer, and he doesn't disappoint. The film is an emotional and motivational rollercoaster, capturing the essence of cricket fever surrounding the Asia Cup and ICC World Cup. Shabana Azmi, Abhishek Bachchan, Saiyami Kher, and Angad Bedi deliver outstanding performances. The climax resonates with a powerful message: 'You were born to be a player. You were meant to be here. This moment is yours.' Ghoomer stands out as a must-watch, offering a compelling narrative and brilliant acting for audiences of all ages."

7. Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai: Unmissable Drama

A lawyer, armed with the truth, takes on a case to seek justice for a victim of sexual assault, challenging a powerful and wealthy spiritual leader. Don't miss Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai for its exceptional storytelling, drama, and dialogues. Manoj Bajpayee's extraordinary performance, particularly as Advocate PC Solanki, deserves cheers. Release: 13 May 2023 Director: Apoorv Singh Karki Cinematography: Arjun Kukreti Language: Hindi https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWH7lfZdP-8 "This courtroom drama is a gem, the best Bollywood movie I've seen in ages. Based on real events, it follows small-town lawyer PC Solanki (Manoj Bajpayee) taking on a major case against a powerful godman. Despite threats, he ensures justice prevails. Bajpayee's performance is exceptional, surpassing even his role in Gangs of Wasseypur. The cast, storyline, and Apoorv Singh Karki's direction create an engaging film. After Aspirants, Karki proves his mettle again. The movie ends on a powerful note with a meaningful social message. Don't miss the goosebumps moment! Catch it on ZEE5 for a brilliant watch."

8. Shiv Shastri Balboa: Family Entertainer

Retired Indian, Shiv Shastri, a big fan of the 'Rocky' movies, moves to the United States. He unexpectedly goes on a road trip through the American heartland, discovering that it's never too late to start afresh and reinvent oneself. Despite a subplot overload, Shiv Shastri Balboa is a complete family entertainer. It introduces a legal battle, adding a twist, but manages to keep the audience engaged. Release: 25 September 2022 Director: Ajayan Venugopalan Language: Hindi Produced by: Kishore Varieth https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Acp006qJPQ "Do not judge movie by its name, no big banners, and no famous young actors. Being someone who likes different things in movies and music, I decided to give it a shot for time pass. To my surprise, I found myself smiling throughout the movie. I enjoyed every frame. Kudos to Anupam Kher for his acting. The story and screenplay are nice, a bit emotional and motivational. It felt like reading an amazing book in one go. I recommend everyone to watch it at least once. It's not for action and fiction lovers. Thanks to the 'Shri Shastri Balboa' team. I felt the same way I did when watching 'Rocky Balboa.'"

9. Daman: Simple and Uplifting Tale

DAMaN, short for Durgama Anchalare Malaria Nirakarana, is a 2022 Odia adventure drama film in India. It was written and directed by Vishal Mourya and Debi Prasad Lenka, with Deependra Samal as the producer. Daman excels in simplicity, delivering a tale of a doctor's indomitable spirit. The film's realism and ability to inspire hope in a hopeless scenario make it a winner. Release date: 4 November 2022 (India) Directors: Vishal Mourya, Lenka Debiprasad https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOckS35r8yE

10. Farrey: Compelling Watch with Surprises

After getting a scholarship to a top school, a smart orphan gets caught up in cheating when her wealthy friends persuade her to help them. Farrey is a compelling watch, despite some loose ends. Alizeh Agnihotri's impressive debut adds to the film's resonance, making her someone to watch out for in the future. Initial release: 24 November 2023 Director: Soumendra Padhi Producers: Salman Khan, Alvira Khan Agnihotri, Atul Agnihotri, Naveen Yerneni, Nikhil Namit, Y. Ravi Shankar, Sunir Kheterpal https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUbl1870N7c The year 2023 showcased the diversity and richness of Hindi cinema. These top-rated movies not only entertained but also left a lasting impact on the audience. Whether you're a fan of intense thrillers, heartwarming dramas, or thought-provoking shorts, there's something for everyone in this cinematic journey. So, grab your popcorn and immerse yourself in the magic of these compelling stories from the world of Hindi cinema. 1. What made 'Joram' stand out among the top-rated movies of 2023? Answer: 'Joram' distinguished itself with its gripping narrative, powerful socio-political message, and exceptional performances. It not only entertained but also left viewers pondering over the impact of human actions on Mother Nature. 2. Why is 'Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai' a must-watch? Answer: 'Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai' earns its must-watch status due to exceptional storytelling, powerful drama, and outstanding dialogues. Manoj Bajpayee's extraordinary performance, especially as Advocate PC Solanki, adds to the film's allure. 3. How does 'Daman' differ from other dramas in 2023? Answer: 'Daman' stands out for its simplicity and uplifting tale of a doctor's indomitable spirit. Unlike other dramas, it doesn't rely on unnecessary frills but effectively touches the heart with its realistic portrayal. 4. What surprises can viewers expect from 'Farrey'? Answer: Despite some loose ends, 'Farrey' offers a compelling watch with energetic performances. Alizeh Agnihotri's impressive debut is a standout, providing unexpected surprises throughout the film. Read the full article