Claudia Bailey

Very tired of every journalist having to compare every period show to Game of Thrones, even when this is set in Japan. This is nothing like GOT, which let's be honest, the 1st season was just a breast and sex show and looked cheap. This show has depth; the violence isn't just a shock device. Being just old enough to remember the 80s version, I was interested to know what this would bring. 5 minutes in, I was hooked. It looks amazing, and the attention to detail is fantastic. I love the fact that they had the characters speak in Japanese and used subtitles to keep it authentic. Seriously, I don't know what people are moaning about; having the whole cast speak in English just wouldn't fit. It is very clever that make sure the subtitles and not take anything away from the image. I have never read the books, and I just remember it as a Kid. The cast is stellar here, shouts out to the Japanese cast, especially Anna Sawai and the always amazing Hiroyuki Sanada. This is TV at its best; it has depth, and the story is unfolding in a way that I am ready for episode 3. I will be doing a re-watch over the weekend of the first 2 episodes.

I have really enjoyed this show. I have just started book 1. I am not a nerd of the books so therefore can enjoy it for what it is. Which it seems the hyper fans just can do. As they spend many hours being toxic on YouTube and social media in general. The standout characters for me are Wisdom and Moraine and I loved Mat's character (I have been reading they replaced the character) Some of the special effects have been great others have been okay. But it's the people and the journey that I love. I am also adding to the review for season 2 which has been a step up in every area and I have totally loved it. whilst the book reads like something for young children and not half of the intelligence of the Lord of the Rings books, from which this borrows heavily. Season 2 has been an amazing journey. Season 3: Season 3 of this show has been spectacular in every sense of the word the step up is Hugh from season 2 From the banner that is episode 1 and the brilliant episode 4 and the excellent episodes 7 & 8 it is clear that this season is firing on all cylinders. Everything has taken a leap forward in this show. Rand the character is taking a leap forward and his character is really coming into his own. Can’t praise the show enough it has been a favourite watch for me so far in 2025

As a fan of Pushpa 1. This story lived up to first and some loved and laughed at this movie especially the interactions between Pushpa and Srivali

This is kind of billed as a turbulent romance, whatever as it clearly is not. Save you mind and time and pass on this filth

I have bought and watched Dune let's call it Part 1 several times. It looks stunning and the visuals are a treat for the eyes. But I just can't get excited about it the storyline is OK but after that is not that exciting.

There are flights of fancy and there is the series Hollywood and my gosh. There is nothing in this is grounded or real. The only worth in this is to see how bad it gets as it goes on. It just seems like it’s part puff piece for the LGBTQ community and revisionist history so BPOC community doesn’t feel left out. You can’t change history no matter how you try and wish. Instead of trying to rewrite history why don’t people just do great stories for today.

I found this movie moving to be honest. A girl from a wealthy family keeps telling her what would be best for her without considering any of her feelings at all. Just as long as she marries into a good family to a nice boy. The irony is when she has this experience they think she should be grateful that the boy still wants her. I am aware that this isn't my culture but still. The film unfolds into something surprising the main character finds freedom for the first time in her life by being kidnapped and the kidnappers look after her protect and befriend her more than her parents did when it came to a friend of the family who abused her. whilst it is a heavy subject there is joy that is find in this movie. Veera disarms the main kidnapper and he reverts to thinking of his childhood and how he has disappointed his mother. he starts as harsh and rough but there is something in Veera that just breaks that down. It stands out for being about a love that isn't lustful or based on looks but a form of mutual understanding. The acting is excellent from both the leads and the direction coupled with the rolling views of the country just adds to the movie. This is a story that is well thought out and whilst it does not have fast paced action has a depth that seems to be missing at the moment from a lot of modern Indian movies that I have watched. I know I am putting in a late review here but I loved this movie.

I have tried my hardest to get into this but, I don't care enough. Major John Egan is all go while Major Gale just spends ages not talking and looking off into the distance but at the time being very skilled. For a program that is about the American air force, there is a ton of British actors in this, which is weird. We watch them go on a mission and do the same thing lose some men whilst others survive. They also fight with the British who tell them that flying in the day is madness but they continue anyway. I am not sure about Austin Butler's character and he often listens to his friend talking and then almost gives him a dismissive ok. Most of all I am watching and wondering why I should care about another war TV show from a period let's face it that has been covered a million times before. it looks great and the quarter of a million shows on screen but I simply don't care enough to call this show a masterpiece it's dull.

What the snobs of animation haven't realized is that animation is a niche market people aren't running in their droves to cinemas across the land to watch it apart from the occasional Disney animation. Which I am guessing is an insult to people who love this genre. I generally have no interest in watching animation not even Disney. So how did Netflix get me to watch this? I have no idea but I watched the first episode I thought I would give it a try because it was recommended and then I just couldn't stop watching. It had me hooked and the greatest compliment or insult I can give is that I stopped remembering that I was watching animation I was just engrossed in the story. I fell in love with Ringo who brings sweetness to the show with his loyalty and at times tells it how it is. Mizu is one-way traffic and focused on one single goal kill the men who are responsible for her miserable life. But Ringo comes in and at times makes her think when she would rather not. we get these beautiful flashbacks to the sadness of her life and the foundation for who she is now. There is love and deep pain in every sword thrust and cut of her blade. her rejection when she thought she found someone who would let her be her is so painful and that sad excuse for a mother figure only adds to the pain and who she is now. I would also like to address the complaints of 1. That the show is promoting Trans - generally when something is promoted it is usually Positive and I and not a supporter of the trans movement. But Mizu character is set in Japan where choices from her childhood were made for her. Her mother/guardian told her that it would be better if she had the appearance of a boy so that she could survive. everything about her has always been hidden since she was born. till the point of adulthood, she has never experienced anything else. it is doubtful with her looks and dress as a woman if she would have survived especially when they noticed her eyes. The scene where she bounds her chest does not appear to be a labor of love but a necessity somehow to suggest that this is giving a thumbs up to chest bounding and changing your dress in male attire is a happy choice for her does not come across. when she does appear on screen as herself a woman seems to be happier times. 2. She is not a Samurai you are right she is not a Samurai and she has even said that herself a few times in the program. 3. This show hates Men This is not true at all. Mizu is not men hating she got married even though she didn't want to. To appease her mother it's the first time on screen that we see her laugh and feel she can be more herself when she feels she is being loved. The only men she hates are the ones that she thinks could be her father and killed her mother. In fact, in the series, we see her in conflict with her emotions regarding Taigen who comes across as a complete ass. But they both develop a warm spot for each other. Let's be honest in that period women generally got married to people that they didn't want to and had to change themselves to appease. somehow stating a fact of history now comes across as hatred. 4. where did she get her Samurai Skills it is clear that we still have yet to find out things about the main character and there is a lot we don't know. which I believe will be saved for the future episodes it's beautiful to look at but also heart-breaking at points and I loved it. what an excellent show.

I can't agree the whiteness issue to be honest. Just because I am black does mean that I need representation in every movie that comes out. And spoiler alert there are black people in this. In fact George is the better singer that the leads. This film has ruined every hit Christian music I remember of the 90's and is just bad I had to keep watching to see how bad it could get. When the lead actor said Jesus Freak I prayed and said please don't let them cover that gem