Martin Cid's Blog: Martin Cid Magazine, page 130

“Drawing Closer” – A Netflix Film: A Tragic Tale of Love, Beauty and Death in the Japanese Key

“Drawing Closer” is a Japanese movie directed by Takahiro Miki starring Ren Nagase and Natsuki Deguchi.

A beautiful and beguiling romantic movie starting from an utterly tragic and paradoxical premise: a boy and a girl fall in love, they share nearly everything in common, but both are suffering from an illness that leaves them with only a few months to live. “Drawing Closer” is one of those films that strikes straight to the heart, stirring the deepest human emotions as it explores the great themes of life: love, living, and death, and in between, the beauty that pervades all around us.

Even though a flower is doomed to disappear, it leaves behind a fleeting moment of intense, profound and genuine beauty. A film that is profoundly alive and profoundly beautiful. If you’re looking for a movie that connects you with profound and inner truths, “Drawing Closer” will indeed cater to your taste.

About “Drawing Closer”

A Japanese production that doesn’t aim to revolutionize cinematic narrative; instead, it narrates something that transcends cinema: the sad yet powerfully beautiful reality that everything is ephemeral. “Drawing Closer” draws on a universal metaphor of flowers and art. Can art be immortal, portraying, precisely, the fleetingness of time? This universal paradox encapsulates intense beauty and truth which has beckoned humans for centuries. Now, this transcendence is captured in two teenage characters, both 17 years old, both with a full life ahead of them, yet forced to live their entire lives within a few months.

“Drawing Closer” is profoundly Japanese in its composed style and photographic tone, also in a certain Buddhist sense of understanding the world and its relationship with nature. How can we come to accept death when we have an entire life ahead of us, and also find our destined soul mate? Prepare to shed tears because the premise of “Drawing Closer” runs so deep and transcendental that it leaves no other conclusion.

Our opinion

“Drawing Closer” is not a film to watch, but a film to feel the characters and rejoice in the joy of being alive, appreciating the profound beauty of this wonderful, fleeting life that withers and lives each second. Enjoy it to the hilt.

Where to Watch “Drawing Closer”

Netflix

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“Supacell”: A New Wave of Superhero Realism on Netflix

Netflix’s latest venture into the realm of science fiction is a gripping superhero series titled “Supacell”. Crafted by the brilliant Andrew Onwubolu, and featuring the talents of Michael Salami, Eddie Marsan, and Adelayo Adedayo, “Supacell” shakes off the dust from traditional superhero narratives, introducing a fresh, realistic perspective.

Plot Overview

Set against the backdrop of an all-too-familiar London, ordinary lives are upended when five Black individuals suddenly find themselves endowed with superhuman abilities. As one of them foresees the death of his fiancée, a desperate race against time and fate ensues, turning these everyday individuals into unlikely superheroes.

A Closer Look at the Series

“Supacell” interweaves elements of realism and social commentary, standing in stark contrast to the larger-than-life, spectacle-driven narratives found in Marvel’s universe. It paints a picture of a world not unlike ours, filled with social disparities, injustice, selfishness, loneliness, and despair.

This new breed of superheroes deals with actual, relatable issues, grounding the fantastical in a harsh reality. “Supacell” appears to reject the farfetched narratives of Hollywood, aiming instead for stories that are both personally resonant and realistically portrayed.

Does “Supacell” hit its mark? By and large, it does, creating a distinction between its demographic and that of Marvel. While both form part of the superhero genre, they cater to vastly different audiences. Though the series lacks the grandiose spectacle characteristic of superhero narratives, it compensates with a profoundly nuanced script and compelling characters.

Despite its promise, “Supacell” does not completely overhaul the genre. Instead, it confirms an emerging trend within the audience – a desire for more intricate, realistic, and mature narratives as opposed to traditional productions.

Can the two narratives coexist? It’s likely that as long as there’s a demand, both styles will continue to thrive.

Our Opinion

“Supacell” offers great potential for storytelling and concept exploration. As much as it invites inevitable comparisons, it showcases a new way to comprehend the fantastical and stands proudly as a testament to this evolution within the genre. Enjoy the show.

Where to Watch “Supacell”

Netflix

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A Transit of Mercury Happens Nov. 11

The sky will put on a show Nov. 11 when Mercury journeys across the Sun. The event, known as a transit, occurs when Mercury passes directly between Earth and the Sun. From our perspective on Earth, Mercury will look like a tiny black dot gliding across the Sun’s face. This only happens about 13 times a century, so it’s a rare event that skywatchers won’t want to miss! Mercury’s last transit was in 2016.  The next won’t happen again until 2032!

“Viewing transits and eclipses provide opportunities to engage the public, to encourage one and all to experience the wonders of the universe and to appreciate how precisely science and mathematics can predict celestial events,” said Mitzi Adams, a solar scientist in the Heliophysics and Planetary Science Branch at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. “Of course, safely viewing the Sun is one of my favorite things to do.”

This year’s transit will be widely visible from most of Earth, including the Americas, the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, New Zealand, Europe, Africa, and western Asia. It starts at about 6:35 a.m. CST, but viewers in some areas, such as the West Coast, will have to wait until the Sun rises at their location to see the transit already in progress. Thankfully, this transit will last almost six hours, so there will be plenty of time to catch the show. At about 9:20 a.m. CST, Mercury’s center will be as close as it is going to get to the Sun’s.

Mercury’s tiny disk, jet black and perfectly round, covers a tiny fraction of the Sun’s blinding surface — only 1/283 of the Sun’s apparent diameter. So you’ll need the magnification of a telescope (minimum of 50x) with a solar filter to view the transit. Never look at the Sun directly or through a telescope without proper protection. It can lead to serious and permanent vision damage. Always use a safe Sun filter to protect your eyes!

Scientists have been using transits for hundreds of years to study the way planets and stars move in space. Edmund Halley used a transit of Venus in 1761 and 1769 to determine the absolute distance to the Sun. Another use of transits is the dimming of Sun or star light as a planet crosses in front of it. This technique is one way planets circling other stars can be found. Scientists can measure brightness dips from these other stars (or from the Sun) to calculate sizes of planets, how far away the planets are from their stars, and even get hints of what they’re made of.

Source: NASA

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Chilling Fear on Netflix: The Compelling Power of ‘Worst Roommate Ever’

“Worst Roommate Ever” is a documentary series by Blumhouse Television.

Prepare yourself for an absorbing journey into the world of “Worst Roommate Ever”, a fascinating documentary series directed by the esteemed Domini Hofmann. Produced by the renowned Blumhouse Productions, known for their mastery in the art of horror film crafting, this series marks their foray into true crime documentaries, and needless to say, they’ve carried over their specialty with aplomb.

“Worst Roommate Ever” serves as the perfect blend of horror and reality, bringing you four truly horrifying tales of individuals sharing their abode with psychopaths. Each episode is in essence a terrifying horror story with an ending that will leave you astounded and perhaps, sleepless.

Tales of Mind-Numbing Terror

The series delivers four stories that will glue you to your seat – a woman fighting a custody battle; a chilling recorded murder; a murderous and poisoning mother; and to top it off, mutilated corpses discovered in suitcases on the coast. These riveting real-life horror tales are presented with a cinematic flair that will leave you breathless.

Blumhouse’s Terror Brought to Documentary

“Worst Roommate Ever” has no room for pretense. We are presented with four terrifying true stories. The documentary features firsthand accounts from the victims of these heinous crimes. Every episode is expertly crafted, filled with spine-chilling sound effects, unnerving music, rapid and violent shots that will keep every viewer on their toes. Pushing the boundaries of true crime, Blumhouse once again proves its expertise in delivering what the audience wants.

In addition to the firsthand accounts, the series employs animations to dramatize certain moments. The documentary also features testimonials from investigators and victims’ families.

Bottom Line

If you’re a fan of true crime documentaries, “Worst Roommate Ever” takes the genre to the next level. It magnifies the lurid, grim, morbid, and wicked elements of four horrifying crimes and narrates them in a truly chilling manner. The series features the actual protagonists without shying away from the gritty details. Catering perfectly to the demands of thousands of true crime documentary fans, “Worst Roommate Ever” presents an intensified experience with all the narrative resources of a horror film.

Where to Watch “Worst Roommate Ever”

Netflix

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“Kaulitz & Kaulitz” – An Intimate Look into the Lives of Rock Stars in a New Netflix Documentary

“Kaulitz & Kaulitz” is a documentary series about the twin brothers and superstars Tom and Bill Kaulitz. It is directed by Michael Schmitt.

“Kaulitz & Kaulitz”, a Netflix original documentary, offers an up-close and personal look into the lives and careers of Tom and Bill Kaulitz, the charismatic twins behind the critically acclaimed rock band, Tokio Hotel. Over the course of a year, viewers are given exclusive access to these rock superstars, providing them a chance to understand the personalities behind the music.

The Kaulitz twins are unique in their bond and their differences: Tom is heterosexual, while Bill is openly gay. It’s this unique dynamic that has contributed to their global success, and captivated thousands of fans around the world. “Kaulitz & Kaulitz” highlights how these differing styles come together beautifully, creating a powerful and entertaining combination.

The documentary is intimate and engaging, with the stars appearing affable and lively. Besides presenting a chance to meet their mother, Charlotte, viewers are also invited into the eccentric, yet fascinating parties and events hosted by the duo.

One of the key features of “Kaulitz & Kaulitz” is the active involvement of its main characters. The Kaulitz twins open their lives to the camera, showing their love for fame and their excitement to share their story with the world. Coupled with excellent cinematic editing and elaborate rhythmic sequencing, the crew has managed to provide a seamless, year-long access into their private parties and events.

“Kaulitz & Kaulitz” is a compelling documentary series, with its eight episodes filled with the rockstars speaking candidly about their lives. The focus, naturally, is on the differences and similarities between the twins, most notably their sexual orientations. Whether eight hours with the Tokio Hotel twins seems too much or not, this documentary is undeniably entertaining.

Where to Watch “Kaulitz & Kaulitz”

Netflix

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Stage Set for ‘My Mother’s Funeral: The Show’ – A Raw and Powerful Journey Through Love, Loss, and Art

The final cast and crew lineup for the highly anticipated play ‘My Mother’s Funeral: The Show’, written by acclaimed playwright Kelly Jones, has been unveiled. The co-production by Paines Plough, Mercury Theatre, Belgrade Theatre, Landmark Theatres, and Royal & Derngate Northampton is set to leave audiences moved and pensive about the complexities around death.

Under the ingenious direction of Paines Plough’s Joint Artistic Director, Charlotte Bennett, talented actors Samuel Armfield, Debra Baker, and Nicole Sawyerr will bring the compelling narrative to life. The show begins its journey at Belgrade Theatre in Coventry for a preview before embarking on a full run at Roundabout @ Summerhall as part of the anointed Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Thereafter, the production will tour several UK cities including Plymouth, Bristol, and Newcastle.

‘My Mother’s Funeral: The Show’ explores the character of Abigail, who is grappling with the financial burdens of her mother’s death. In her quest to afford a dignified funeral for her mother, she is compelled to portray her grief through her playwriting – a twist that questions the high cost of death and the painful process of turning personal grief into art.

Playwright Kelly Jones, inspired by personal experiences, dissects the myth of death being the ultimate leveller, pointing out the stark inequality that persists even in death, with dignity carrying a high price tag that is often unfairly levied on those less fortunate.

The production team boasts an impressive roster of talent, including Set and Costume Design by Rhys Jarman, Lighting Design by Joshua Gadsby, Sound Design by Asaf Zohar, Movement Direction by Rachael Nanyonjo, and Dramaturgy by Lauren Mooney. The Assistant Director is Phillippe Cato, with Nadine Rennie CDG spearheading the casting, Harry Armytage managing the production for The Production Office, and Roni Neale as the Company Stage Manager.

‘My Mother’s Funeral: The Show’ promises to be a compelling and poignant exploration of death, love, and art, brought to the stage by some of the best talents in the industry. It’s a show that resonates with our times, promising to offer audiences a profound theatrical experience, full of raw emotion, insights, and reflections. For those fortunate enough to witness it, ‘My Mother’s Funeral: The Show’ is an artistic exploration you won’t forget.

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Movie Review: “Summer of Violence”, A Poetic Journey Amidst Harsh Realities

“Summer of Violence” sets the stage for an enchanting initiation journey of a young girl named Noemi, who is filled with dreams and must also come to grips with the harsh realities of life. This film beautifully encapsulates Noemi’s voyage towards maturity which is stripped of her dreams and her struggle to harmoniously merge her fantasies with the rugged reality she faces.

In essence, “Summer of Violence” brilliantly portrays a journey into adulthood set in the backdrop of a memorable summer in the 90s, teeming with adventure.

The film, “Summer of Violence” is directed by the talented Nicki Micheaux, who marks her directorial debut. Despite being a novice director, her long-standing acting career reflects in her directorial style, skillfully allowing the characters to take center stage. Nicki Micheaux has crafted a character-driven film with a stirring screenplay, while keenly focusing on every aspect.

Summer of Violence

Taking the limelight in every frame is the young and effervescent Kasey Inez, who seizes this opportunity to construct a character who valiantly strives to preserve her innocence amidst the senseless violence that encapsulates that summer. Kasey Inez has showcased her exceptional acting prowess, promising a bright future in the industry. Her portrayal as the protagonist in her third film is sure to pave the way for many more opportunities.

A special mention goes out to Damon Gupton who brilliantly played Noemi’s father, a challenging role where he aims to preserve tradition in his daughter and strives to protect her from the world. He too must grow and adapt to these hard-hitting circumstances. Madhulika Krishnan, portraying Noemi’s friend who harbors more than just friendship for her, adds more depth to the script through her compelling performance.

“Summer of Violence” weaves together a poignant story filled with the innocence of poetry and the struggle for beauty. Noemi’s dreams of writing poetry in a world engrossed with true crime stories are beautifully juxtaposed. The hand-held camera scenes and sequences filmed for high realism beautifully blend with the romantic elements, creating a visually stunning film.

“Summer of Violence” artfully contrasts dreams and realities into a realistic, dramatic, and precise portrait that will transport you to an unforgettable summer in the life of a young girl.

“Summer of Violence” is a film designed to be felt more than analyzed, encouraging viewers to perceive it through a different lens and, in a way, revert to the times in our lives when we were much more naive. Enjoy the journey!

“Summer of Violence”: Cast and producers

The lead cast includes Kasey Inez, Jahking Guillory, Madhulika Krishnan, Pedro Correa, and Damon Gupton. Micheaux produced with Efuru Flowers, Maureen P. Motley, Sean Riggs, Stelio Savante and Brian Mitchell.  The Executive Producers are Nicki Micheaux, Johnny Wimbrey, Brian Mitchell, Nicki Micheaux, Sonya Marchand, Crystal Wimbrey, Psalms Wimbrey and Hannah Wimbrey

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Critically-acclaimed Singapore Symphony Orchestra will make its Australian debut in February 2025

Sydney – Monday 24 June 2024. The critically-acclaimed Singapore Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Music Director and renowned Austrian conductor Hans Graf, will make its Australian debut in February 2025 with a three-city east coast tour.

The Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) has earned an international reputation for its virtuosity, having garnered sterling reviews for its overseas tours and more than 50 recordings. The SSO was awarded third place in the prestigious Gramophone Orchestra of the Year Award 2021 and named one of the 23 best orchestras in the world by BBC Music Magazine in 2022.

Mr Kenneth Kwok, Chief Executive Officer of the Singapore Symphony Group, says the concerts will be a highlight of the 2024/2025 season, marking the Orchestra’s first international multi-city tour since 2016.

“We are thrilled to be making our Australia debut in 2025 and showcasing the incredible virtuosity of the SSO alongside award-winning 17-year-old Singaporean violin sensation Chloe Chua and Sydney-born Principal Cellist, Ng Pei-Sian,” says Kwok.

“The 2025 tour is a key component of our ongoing relationships with our Australian partners and audiences, and we look forward to sharing our wonderful orchestra with audiences in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.” 

“The orchestra and I are looking forward with great excitement to our debut tour in Australia,” says Graf. “The program epitomises our commitment to bridging the musical traditions of East and West and we are proud to present a beautiful piece from Singaporean composer Koh Cheng Jin along with works from European masters Brahms and Tchaikovsky.”

Along with Brahms’ final orchestral work, the 1887 Double Concerto for Violin and Cello (in A minor, Op. 102), the concerts will feature the award-winning Luciola singapura by Singaporean composer Koh Cheng Jin, a shimmering evocation of the Singapore firefly; and Tchaikovsky’s tremendous Fifth Symphony (E minor, Op. 64), a towering masterpiece with its heart fully on its sleeve.

Sydney Opera House CEO Louise Herron AM said, “As the symbol of modern Australia, the Sydney Opera House is a fitting first stop for the Singapore Symphony Orchestra on its inaugural Australian tour. This is a long overdue visit from one of our closest neighbours, and I’m excited to hear these sublime musicians – especially the violin virtuoso Chloe Chua – in our newly transformed Concert Hall.” 

MSO Managing Director Sophie Galaise said, “The MSO has had a wonderful relationship with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra since we first signed an international exchange agreement in 2018. In August 2024 we will visit Singapore to perform a highly anticipated collaboration at the SSO Gala to be held at the Esplanade Concert Hall in Singapore on 22 and 23 August. We look forward to welcoming the SSO to Australia in 2025 for their debut tour and to continue our partnership to promote people to people exchange, develop co-commissions, digital collaborations and touring opportunities.”

QPAC Chief Executive John Kotzas AM said, “We consistently bring the world’s best to QPAC stages for our audiences, so we are delighted to be welcoming the Singapore Symphony Orchestra to Brisbane. With a remarkable program of music from Koh Cheng Jin, Brahms, and Tchaikovsky under the baton of Maestro Graf, we know that Queensland audiences will welcome this announcement. Our patrons are classical music devotees and great supporters of young emerging musical talent like Chloe Chua, so the combination of an international orchestra alongside an acclaimed young artist couldn’t be more perfect for QPAC.”

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“The Lightning Thief”: Mythical Adventure Musical Explodes into The Other Palace for its London Premiere

Bill Kenwright Ltd and Paul Taylor-Mills present the London Premiere of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical adapted from Rick Riordan’s 2005 best-selling book series at The Other Palace this Autumn.

Based on the much-loved best-selling book series (with over 180 million copies sold worldwide), that has also been adapted into both films and a major hit TV series for Disney+ which has just been renewed for a second season, the rock musical first premiered off-Broadway in 2014 to rave reviews and went on to have two US tours, an additional off-Broadway run in 2017 and a 16-week limited run on Broadway in 2019.

Crafted by an exceptional creative team, who transport the beloved adventures to the stage, immersing audiences in a world of magic and myth, inviting you to be transported into a world like no other. Now, London audiences will get to experience this magical musical for the first time.

When New York City teenager Percy Jackson discovers that he is the half-blood son of the Greek god, Poseidon, his life takes a dramatic turn as he is plunged into a world much bigger than he could possibly have imagined.

With newly discovered powers he is unable to control, an unwanted destiny and a whole textbook’s worth of mythical monsters on his trail, Percy must learn what it means to be a hero.

The future of the world hangs in the balance as Percy and his friends embark on an epic adventure that will have you on the edge of your seat.

David Gilbery (CEO of the Bill Kenwright Group) said:

“We are thrilled to be bringing this epic and exciting mythical adventure musical to London for the very first time. With the book series capturing the minds of children and adults alike, we very much look forward to welcoming fans into the world of musical theatre. Bill Kenwright Ltd is proud to present The Lightning Thief as part of our 2024 diverse programme in London following Cruel Intentions – The Musical, Boys from the Blackstuff, Heathers the Musical and the Death of England Series of Plays. BKL continues to develop and grow a wide range of productions both in London and on tour across the UK, building on the late Bill Kenwright’s great legacy.”

Paul Taylor-Mills (Artistic Director of The Other Palace):

“I’m delighted we are bringing The Lightning Thief to The Other Palace and continuing to support new writing and rising creative talent, showcasing Lizzi Gee’s Directorial debut! Lizzi was the obvious choice for me to direct this wonderful piece of theatre. I spotted early on she had a creative vision like no other and her energy is captivating. I cannot wait to see her bring this epic story to life on stage”.

This dynamic musical adaptation of Rick Riordan’s bestselling The Lightning Thief has a book by Joe Tracz (Be More Chill), music and lyrics by Rob Rokicki (Monstersongs) and is directed and choreographed by Lizzi Gee (Groundhog Day).

Casting and full creative team to be announced.

The Lightning Thief is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. www.concordtheatricals.co.uk

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“Handling the Undead” Film Review: A zombie movie that doesn’t resemble “Night of the Living Dead”? Anything is possible.

“Handling the Undead” is a horror movie directed by Thea Hvistendahl starring Renate Reinsve, Anders Danielsen Lie, Bahar Pars and Bjørn Sundquist.

“Handling the Undead” is a horror film directed by Thea Hvistendahl and starring Renate Reinsve, Anders Danielsen Lie, Bahar Pars, and Bjørn Sundquist. Life surprises us, and that has happened with the title that concerns us today, “Handling the Undead,” a movie with many virtues that, at the same time, and contradictorily, a great drawback: it doesn’t resemble George A. Romero’s 1968 classic, Night of the Living Dead.

“Handling the Undead” is a talent-packed movie that takes the zombie and horror genre to a more intellectual, almost reflective state, stylized visually, and hitting the horror cinema stuck in clichés of all kinds, various scares, and bloody scenes.

“Handling the Undead” is a film that seeks to go beyond zombies and go beyond horror cinema with a movie without scares, without daunting scenes, with elaborate characters, and an almost pictorial construction of its sequences. Yes, a revolutionary film that owes to its director, Thea Hvistendahl, who did an excellent job on her second film after “Children of Satan” (2019).

Plot

In one night in Norway, the dead begin to come back to life for no apparent reason.

Handling the UndeadAbout the Movie

“Handling the Undead” is above all, a fantastic film looking to turn the archetypes of the horror genre upside down, seeking to make a horror movie through its settings, music, suspense, and the gloominess of its images. It has a slow, calm pace, with more dramatic than horrifying scenes and delves deeper into the existential pain of death than in showing terror sequences. It has excellent photography, and the actors excel in one of those films with characters they enjoy portraying.

However, it is a movie that doesn’t seem to be going to please genre lovers, in a film that varies a genre that otherwise is characterized by the almost religious repetition of the same successful formula, with more or less spectacular variants.

Anyone looking for a zombie movie will be deeply disappointed, as will those looking for a bloody horror film. “Handling the Undead” reminds us by the way it is built – a story by E.T.A. Hoffmann in terms of rhythm and calm of the story, its ambiance, and its reflective theme and the ideas it contains. It also reminds us of the paintings of John Singer Sargent in terms of the stillness and unmovability of its figures and the composition of the shots.

A story filled with sadness, melancholy, and beauty.

Our Opinion

Give it a chance because “Handling the Undead” is undoubtedly worth it. An attempt to give a twist to horror cinema in one of its most recognized sub-genres, that of zombies.

A movie that is elegant in its visual style and revolutionary in its approach to the genre.

A huge success for its young director.

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