Martin Cid's Blog: Martin Cid Magazine, page 191

‘The Abyss’ (2024) – A Swedish film on Netflix with a message: the overexploitation of a mine and its disasters

The Abyss is a film written and directed by Richard Holm. It stars Tuva Novotny, Kardo Razzazi, Peter Franzén and Felicia Truedsson.

Sweden’s biggest rock burst, the world’s largest mine, causes hundreds of earthquakes every year. The surrounding communities have to keep moving due to the tremors, which destroy houses.

“The Abyss” is a Swedish film, dramatic and with a touch of ecological sustainability, about an overexploited mine that threatens to destroy a city. It is a small production that knows what it wants to achieve, how to do it, and above all, what resources it has and who its target audience is.

Thus, “The Abyss” is a television production that does not aim to reach the Hollywood disaster movie level and, by making good decisions (especially due to its budget), knows how to focus more on the characters and their development rather than the mine disaster itself.

Plot

A woman has a new boyfriend, a husband she has not yet divorced, and a rebellious daughter. Everything would be more or less bearable if it weren’t for the fact that she is one of the people responsible for the exploitation of a mine that revolves around the life of a town.

And guess what? Yes, the mine has just caused a collapse and the town begins to crumble.

About the film

“The Abyss” is primarily a made-for-television production that knows how to make things clear, with well-defined characters, and knows how to play with the new roles within the family, always aware of its modest production and its aesthetic possibilities. There is no budget here to create a disaster of cosmic proportions, and the intrigue revolves around the characters and their development, without focusing on action scenes or creating grandiose shots.

It has good photography, but not magnificent at any moment, and it is a film that focuses more on the script, the performances, and, above all, on presenting a situation as realistically as possible and, at the same time, raising awareness among the audience.

A film that centers its aspirations on its vision of the environment and the consequences of poor exploitation rather than on aesthetics or visuals.

It is not a bad film, but the abundance of Hollywood movies about natural disasters makes us expect a more spectacular film than the one we are watching.

However, without being completely original, the approach is completely appropriate.

Our Opinion

More interesting for its theme than its resolution. It does not shine in terms of cinematography, and the characters are designed to justify a message at all times.

Where to Watch “The Abyss”

Netflix

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‘The Sympathizer’ Series on MAX on April 14

The seven-episode HBO Original limited series THE SYMPATHIZER debuts SUNDAY, APRIL 14 (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT) on HBO and will be available to stream on Max. Park Chan-wook and Don McKellar co-showrun and executive produce. The series stars Hoa Xuande, Fred Nguyen Khan, Toan Le, Phanxine, Vy Le, Ky Duyen, Kieu Chinh, Duy Nguyen, Alan Trong, Emmy® winner Sandra Oh and Academy Award® nominee Robert Downey Jr., who plays multiple roles.

Logline: Based on Viet Thanh Nguyen’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name, THE SYMPATHIZER is an espionage thriller and cross-culture satire about the struggles of a half-French, half-Vietnamese communist spy during the final days of the Vietnam War and his new life as a refugee in Los Angeles, where he learns that his spying days aren’t over.

Credits: Co-showrunner, executive producer, writer, and director (episodes 1-3), Park Chan-wook; co-showrunner, executive producer, and writer, Don McKellar; executive producer, A24; executive producer and star, Robert Downey Jr., executive producer, Susan Downey, executive producer, Amanda Burrell for Team Downey; executive producer, Niv Fichman for Rhombus Media; executive producer, Kim Ly; executive producer, Ron Schmidt; executive producer and author of book, Viet Thanh Nguyen; executive producer, Jisun Back for Moho Film. Directors: Fernando Meirelles (episode 4), Marc Munden (episodes 5-7). Writers: Mark Richard, Naomi Iizuka, Maegan Houang, Anchuli Felicia King, Tea Ho. THE SYMPATHIZER is a Co-Production between HBO, A24, and Rhombus Media, produced in association with Moho Film and Cinetic Media.

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Important Polenov Painting Leads Bonhams 19th Century And British Impressionist Art Sale

London – An important oil on canvas painting by the Russian artist, Vasilii Dmitrievich Polenov (1844-1927) which forms part of a series of paintings entitled The Life of Christ leads Bonhams 19th century and British Impressionist Art Sale on 20 March at New Bond Street. The work, ‘And she went and told them that she had been with Him as they mourned and wept’  has an estimate of £400,000-600,000. A painting from the same series, ‘There were also women looking from afar off’, achieved more than £1.5 million when it was sold at Bonhams last year.

The “Knight of Beauty”

Polenov was known to his contemporaries as the “Knight of Beauty” as his work embodied both European and Russian traditions of painting.  ‘And she went and told them that she had been with Him as they mourned and wept’ was part of a series of paintings entitled The Life of Christ, completed by Polenov in the late 1890s and early 1900s. The paintings were exhibited in 1909, first in St Petersburg and then Moscow to great acclaim.

In 1908 Polenov published an album with photographs of the series. He sent one of them to the Russian writer, Leo Tolstoy, who wrote in response: “Your album made a strong impression on me. I imagine how the exhibition itself would have appeared, and I deeply, deeply regret that I cannot see it…Not to mention the beauty of the paintings and your wholly sympathetic attitude to the subject, the monumental work which you have put into this series evokes deep respect for the artist.”

Daria Khristova, Bonhams Specialist, commented: “Polenov’s work possesses an amazing realist quality that entices the observer. He considered The Life of Christ series to be his life’s work. We are delighted to offer ‘And she went and told them that she had been with Him as they mourned and wept’ in this sale. It is particularly pertinent as we sold another of Polenov’s paintings from the same series last year.  ‘There were also women looking from afar off’ achieved more than three times its estimate – testimony that his work continues to captivate collectors.”

James Tissot’s celebrated scene of 18th century flirtation to star in the sale  

James Jacques Joseph Tissot (French, 1836-1902), Un dejeuner. Estimate: £200,000-300,000.

A celebrated work by James Tissot, the French painter (1836-1902), will also feature in the sale. The painting, Un dejeuner, depicting a scene of 18th century flirtation, demonstrates a marked change in subject matter by Tissot. First exhibited in Paris at the Salon of 1868, Un dejeuner is replete with storytelling detail and hidden meaning. Set in the Dutch port city of Rotterdam with its characteristic tall merchant houses lining a quayside, a man and a woman sit at a table of a café seemingly deserted apart from two men at a table behind them. The woman’s lapdog stares impressively out to the viewer. The frivolous scene is filled with ambiguous clues that can be interpreted in a myriad of ways. The work has an estimate of £200,00-300,000.

Other highlights include:

Alphonse-Étienne Dinet (French,1861-1929), Jeu de fillettes dans la palmeraie, oil on canvas. Estimate: £150,000-250,000.Gaetano Chierici (Italian, 1838-1920), First Steps, oil on canvas. Estimate: £70,000-100,000.Sir George Clausen (British, 1852-1944), The little orchard. Estimate: £25,000-35,000.Sir Walter Westley Russell, RA (British, 1867-1949), A day on the beach. Estimate: £20,000-30,000.Sir George Clausen (British, 1852-1944), The little orchard. Estimate: £25,000-35,000Sir Walter Westley Russell, RA (British, 1867-1949), A day on the beach. Estimate: £20,000 – 30,000.

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Sotheby’s Presents Limited Edition of 60 Blankets by Artist Jeffrey Gibson in Support of Opening Event for The U.S. Pavilion at La Biennale di Venezia

Sotheby’s is proud to partner with the commissioning institutions of the U.S. Pavilion, the Portland Art Museum, Oregon, and SITE Santa Fe, New Mexico, to create and present a special edition of 60 cashmere blankets made to support one of the opening events celebrating the U.S. Pavilion for La Biennale di Venezia, the 60th International Art Exhibition. The blanket edition, titled I Feel Real When You Hold Me , was created by renowned contemporary artist Jeffrey Gibson and published by Sharon Coplan Hurowitz for Sotheby’s. The blankets are available now on sothebys.com.

Gibson, who is a member of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and of Cherokee descent, will be the first Indigenous artist to represent the U.S. at the Biennale Arte with a solo exhibition.

All proceeds from the limited-edition blanket will support one of the opening events honoring Gibson and his exhibition for the U.S. Pavilion at this year’s Venice Biennale.

Jeffrey Gibson and Sotheby’s Limited Edition Blanket. Image courtesy of Sotheby’s

“We are thrilled to support the United States Pavilion for the 60th Biennale Arte and Jeffrey Gibson with this exclusive collaboration, which we know our clients will love. Jeffrey’s visionary approach to art promises to ignite profound conversations and inspire audiences globally and this partnership reinforces our commitment to supporting the leading artists of our time on this momentous occasion.”

Brooke Lampley, Sotheby’s Chairman and Worldwide Head of Sales for Global Fine Art

“The blanket design actually grew out of a flag that I designed for a performance in 2021, commissioned by the Aspen Art Museum. I’ve made flags before; the earliest one I can remember goes back to around 2010. Flags, for me, represent the idea of taking up space, in the model of nationhood. Different kinds of subcultures have created their own flags as ways of identifying themselves.

And then the text reads: ‘I feel real when you hold me.’ It is in my handwriting, and I decided to layer it on top of the flag. It’s just my thinking about blankets and wrapping things, but also my relationship both to people and objects. Many North American collections contain objects that have been removed from their communities. The most important thing that people do when they are reunited with these objects is to hold them.”

Jeffrey Gibson

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Einstein and the Bomb (2024) – Docudrama on Netflix

Einstein and the Bomb is a docudrama directed by Anthony Philipson.

After escaping from Nazi Germany, what transpired in the life of Einstein? Through the use of historical recordings and his personal accounts, this dramatized documentary delves into the thoughts of a tormented mastermind.

Release date

February 16, 2024

Where to Watch “Einstein and the Bomb”

Netflix

Albert EinsteinAbout Albert Einstein

Albert Einstein, a name that immediately evokes images of genius and scientific breakthroughs, is undeniably one of the greatest minds in the field of physics. Born on March 14, 1879, in Ulm, Germany, Einstein’s contributions to the world of science have forever altered our understanding of the universe. Read more

The CastAidan McArdleHelena WestermanAndrew HavillLeo Ashizawa

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“AlRawabi School for Girls” Season 2: A High School Series on Netflix

AlRawabi School for Girls is a Jordanian series directed by Tima Shomali and starring Andria Tayeh.

The genre of teenage comedies has a long tradition in American film and television. However, this time, we are transported to Jordan in another almost identical series, this time in a girls’ high school with its rivalries and conflicts, but with the same youthful spirit of the teenage comedy genre.

However, this time, we miss the comedy.

About the series:

The second season of “AlRawabi School for Girls” takes us back to high school, this time in a new school year, but with the same two best friends who are not exactly the most popular (a classic of the genre).

The story revolves around female rivalries and how to navigate the school year, with not much else to add.

It’s just another series in the genre, but with the uniqueness of coming from Jordan.

However, this uniqueness doesn’t seem to have brought anything new, as all the characters seem to be obsessed with TikTok and videos, which ultimately doesn’t make this series stand out or catch our attention.

Enjoy it!

Where to Watch “AlRawabi School for Girls”

Netflix

The CastAndria TayehNoor TaherRakeen SaadYara Mustafa

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Ready, Set, Love (2024): A hilarious comedy about finding a boyfriend

Ready, Set, Love is a series starring Pongtiwat Tangwancharoen, Kemisara Paladesh, Man Trisanu Soranun and Apichaya Thongkham.

From Thailand comes this absurd comedy full of stereotypes, easy situations, and with absolutely no connection to social gender equality.

A silly and senseless series that only aims to entertain.

A reality show within a series that relies on eccentricity, cheap jokes, and foolish situations.

We didn’t mind adding a dose of stupidity to our lives.

Plot

After a hormonal imbalance, women started giving birth only to girls, making the few remaining men a valuable commodity.

Once a year, with the sponsorship of a milk brand, a reality show randomly selects five bachelors from the chosen ones.

About the series

Did you like “Barbie” (2023)? “Ready, Set, Love” is something similar in terms of aesthetics, full of pastel colors; somewhat similar in its philosophical approach (nonsense everywhere); but without the activist tone and without any message at all. It is probably an outdated series that has nothing to do with modern roles and that, precisely, is its main virtue: it goes almost completely against modernity and, by internally mocking it, manages to be an interesting comedy that knows how to be just a comedy.

Technically, it is not bad at all, with a good pace and editing. Adequate character development in line with the plot (don’t expect much in this aspect) and an intrigue around the contest that adds some spice to everything.

We cannot praise it too much, due to the fear of censorship from the majority opinion groups, but the series was entertaining, attractive, and knew how to bring out the best of itself with a stupid idea that turns widespread stupidity into its greatest virtue.

Our Opinion

Silly, stupid, senseless, and one of those series that doesn’t make us better human beings.

But I confess that I had a great time watching it.

Where to Watch “Ready, Set, Love”

Netflix

The CastPongtiwat TangwancharoenNichapalak ThongkhamKemisara PaladeshNatthaweeranuch Thongmee

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Little Nicholas: Life of a Scoundrel – Documentary series on Netflix: The tale of a charming rogue (and a former police commissioner)

Little Nicholas: Life of a Scoundrel is a Netflix documentary series about Francisco Nicolás Gómez Iglesias, a young teen known as “Little Nicholas”.

As everyone knows, where there is power, there is corruption. This is the story of a teenager named Nicolás who lived an espionage film and managed to infiltrate the power, only to have the full machinery of power fall upon him afterwards.

“The Little Nicolás” managed to attend a coronation, infiltrate societies, and mingle with politicians, businessmen, and finally, build a network of favors at the highest level thanks to several things: his ability to empathize, his ambition, and unique acting skills that made him believe in his role to the extreme.

A story that, because of its absurdity, captured the attention of the Spanish press and is now coming to Netflix narrated by Francisco Nicolás himself and former police commissioner José Manuel Villarejo.

The attraction of Netflix is truly incredible, and no one can resist appearing in one of their documentaries.

About the documentary

A fun, extravagant documentary that leaves us with many doubts, but is highly entertaining and has a great protagonist: the young lead, who does not hesitate to sing, make jokes, and show himself as he is, a captivating figure full of virtues who turned Spanish cunning into an art.

A figure that caused fascination and astonishment, and was ultimately sentenced to more than 12 years in prison for various crimes. But, as described by the protagonist and the former commissioner, nothing is clear, because it is a case full of doubts worthy of a spy series: legal investigations, alleged calls from high-ranking officials of the Spanish government, and events that, although strange, are there.

The documentary features valuable testimonies, both from a journalistic perspective and on a personal level: investigators, journalists, involved parties, and even the protagonist’s own mother, who speaks affectionately of Nicolás and his feat.

Unfortunately, we do not see the members of the political party involved.

“Little Nicholas: Life of a Scoundrel” is an opportunity to relive this case with new testimonies, but above all, it is a special occasion to reunite with this charming rogue who, no matter what they tell us, we still like because, deep down, he knew how to make fun of everyone.

Our Opinion

A character that deserves a documentary on Netflix. He is charming, friendly, and laughing at everything. True to his role until the end.

I’ll say it in Spanish: un puto genio.

Where to Watch “Little Nicholas: Life of a Scoundrel”

Netflix

Who is Francisco Nicolás Gómez Iglesias also known as “Little Nicholas”?Little Nicholas_ Life of a Scoundrel – Netflix

In the annals of Spanish history, few individuals have captured the public’s attention quite like Francisco Nicolás Gómez Iglesias. Known colloquially as “El pequeño Nicolás” or “Little Nicolas,” Gómez Iglesias rose to infamy in 2014 when details of his elaborate web of deception and fraud came to light. Read more

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The Vince Staples Show (2024): Vince Staples stars in a unique series that blends realism and surreal humor

The Vince Staples Show is a new Netflix series starring Vince Staples.

Are you in the mood for a comedy series that will make you laugh uncontrollably? “The Vince Staples Show” is a show featuring Vince Staples where it is made clear that any similarities to real life are purely coincidental. Though the actor and rapper plays himself in a series of whimsical adventures, filled with realism and completely inconceivable situations. Our protagonist will go through jail, a bank robbery, a family dinner, and will have to deal with his eccentric mother while the world seemingly falls apart in witty dialogues, original concepts, and extravagant scenarios. This is definitely a recommended, different show with the brilliant Vince Staples, the creator and absolute star of this Netflix series that we highly recommend.

About the series:

A wild, bizarre show with a humor that oscillates between realism and extravagance. An appealing, unique and fresh mix that makes this series a must-watch for all comedy lovers. It has that stand-up touch with everyday dialogues, portraying characters that seem so natural that it almost feels like they’re not acting, as if they are living their own lives. However, they are enveloped in strange and hilarious situations, without relying on laugh tracks because the writers always manage to pull it off. Cinematically, it is a well-crafted and well-directed series, with a natural pace that mimics everyday life, telling us about the extraordinary and extravagant existence of our protagonist, who takes everything in stride while playing himself.

But the series goes beyond Vince Staples: he is the creator and star, but he allows a whole cast of supporting characters to shine and add all the charm to the show. The dialogues are witty, extravagant and sparkling, interpreted with ease and grace by actors who seem particularly comfortable and inspired in their roles.

Our opinion:

A comedy series that knows how to transmit a tremendous sense of positivity at all times. A different and very fluid series that is easily binge-worthy. Pure entertainment. We love it.

Where to Watch “The Vince Staples Show”

Netflix

About Vince StaplesBy Andy Witchger – Vince Staples – First Avenue – Rap – Minnesota – Def Jam – Big Fish Theory, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index...

Vince Staples, the young and talented American rapper and singer, has been making waves in the music industry with his unique style and thought-provoking lyrics. Born Vincent Jamal Staples on July 2, 1993, in Compton, California, he later moved to North Long Beach to escape the high crime rates of his hometown. Growing up in poverty, Staples found solace in music and sports, ultimately paving the way for his successful career in the entertainment industry. Read more

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House of Ninjas (2024): A traditional and nostalgic series about ninjas on Netflix

House of Ninjas is a Japanese action series directed by Dave Boyle starring Kento Kaku, Yosuke Eguchi, Tae Kimura, and Kengo Kora among others.

They seem like a normal family, but they all have special abilities that they hide to avoid being discovered. In the shadow, and in present-day Tokyo, ninjas still exist (according to the series), living as regular people and working at a distillery where they hide their activities: stealing antiques that they later return; and above all, maintaining the balance of the city in the shadows by fighting threats.

A secret society that follows its own rules and silently maintains balance.

Do you fancy a series from the past, with action, a touch of humor and some intrigue? “House of Ninjas” is an entertaining series that captures the spirit of 80s movies and shows, with a dash of everything, creating a somewhat retro combination that will surely delight nostalgic viewers who are tired of the Generation Z trend.

About the series

Entertaining and very, very classic, especially in terms of pace and handling of sequences. Despite being an action series, it does not seek to create imbalances in editing or strong technical effects. The series knows how to keep the audience engaged with the stories of the family members and is a bit of a thriller that blends well with the action scenes.

It has a lot of 80s vibe, a lot of traditional Japanese spirit, and also a lot of that ninja myth that invaded the pop culture of those years. The series knows its target audience and doesn’t want to betray them by including new elements or updating the genre aesthetically, offering us more of a nostalgic series than a revolution in ninja themes.

Is it surprising? Not really, but it is well balanced and has a good plot with all the elements we expect: a bit of romance, a bit of tradition, and a lot of intrigue between good and evil, between transgressors and defenders of the city.

Our Opinion

In this occasion, Netflix presents us with a period series that knows how to stay true to its time, talking about characters who are also taken from another time, and insist on maintaining their spirit. Mission accomplished, although it doesn’t leave a lasting impact on a series that neither aims to make a cinematic impression nor will probably achieve it despite its good intentions.

Where to Watch “House of Ninjas”

Netflix

Bonus. The Fascinating Origins of Ninjas: From Stealthy Spies to Pop Culture Heroes

Ninjas, the legendary spies of feudal Japan, have captivated the imaginations of people worldwide. These enigmatic figures, with their black-clad attire and mastery of stealth, have become iconic symbols in popular culture. From movies like “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” to the thrilling TV show “American Ninja Warrior,” the influence of ninjas is undeniable. However, the true history of these covert operatives is shrouded in mystery and mythology. In this article, we will explore the origins of ninjas, their role in Japanese society, and their transformation into pop culture heroes. Read more

The CastKento KakuTae KimuraYosuke EguchiKengo Kora

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