Category: Blog Series

Blog Series Cinematic Narrative Uncategorized

Timeless Elegance Unveiled: A Spellbinding Journey Through ‘Downton Abbey’

By RotaractArts 0

Several years ago, amidst the not-so-remarkable movie racks at the British Council library, my attention was captured by a disc pack featuring the unmistakable face of Maggie Smith. Faced with limited alternatives and intrigued by Smith's familiarity from her role in Harry Potter, I decided to borrow the first season of "Downton Abbey." Back at home, in a moment of sheer boredom, I nonchalantly inserted the disc into my laptop, unknowingly opening the doors to an aristocratic world teeming with romance, scandal, and drama. Despite my initial, less-than-soaring excitement, this seemingly casual decision to explore "Downton Abbey" unexpectedly transported me into a captivating realm of aristocratic intrigue and historical richness. Before too long, I found myself irresistibly drawn into the…

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Blog Series Cinematic Narrative

“I am not a monster.”

By RotaractArts 0

“If only some people can have it, that’s not happiness. That’s just nonsense. Happiness is something anyone can have.” This gut-wrenching quote is extracted from one of the most emotional roller coaster rides of 2023, and that is the renowned Japanese director Kore-eda Hirokazu's masterpiece, ‘Monster’. One with a faint heart is guaranteed to be left in a pool of tears and an aftermath of angry perceptions of the community we address as "society" after watching this award-winning creation. ‘Monster’ went on to win the Best Screenplay award and the Queer Palm award in the Cannes Film Festival of 2023, after winning the Audience Award of the Vancouver International Film Festival of 2023. This masterwork was also nominated for the…

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Blog Series Cinematic Narrative

Jojo Rabbit: A Review

By RotaractArts 0

Jojo rabbit is a war comedy written and directed by Taika Waititi. It is also adapted from Christine Leunen's famous book, " Caging Skies". This movie contains dark humour and deep symbolism woven around the harsh realities faced by the youth during the Nazi period in the city of Falkenheim, Germany. I recently stumbled upon this movie and thought this is a review worthy piece due to its unique approach in unfolding the tragedy of Nazi youth under the rule of Adolf Hitler. The story is told through the perspective of a 10 year old boy, Johannes Betzler (Roman Griffin Davis) who idolises Hitler and imagines the ruthless dictator as his imaginary best friend. The story wraps around his point…

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Blog Series Cinematic Narrative

Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood: A Review

By RotaractArts 1

If you're ever asked about the "big three" anime series, don't forget that Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood is an absolute must-watch classic. Its captivating storytelling, well-developed characters, and stunning animation make it a masterpiece that's truly worth your time. The story pivots around two brothers who are searching for a philosopher’s stone to restore their bodies after they had committed the taboo of trying to revive their mother which goes as bad as one might expect on trying to revive a dead person. The story is set in a fictional universe where alchemy is a widely practised science. The form of matter an alchemist can manipulate differentiates according to the character, for example, some can manipulate fire particles whilst others can…

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Blog Series Cinematic Narrative Uncategorized

Bungou Stray Dogs – A Review

By RotaractArts 1

Original title: Bungou Stray Dogs Release date: April 7, 2016 Genre: Action/ Comedy/ Drama I was first introduced to Bungou Stray Dogs through a friend of mine in my early days of watching anime. Having watched Black Butler and Jujutsu Kaisen prior to that (both of them having no similarity other than being supernatural), I was a bit hesitant to try any other anime fearing they would, to put it in a rather blatant manner, “ruin my taste." Finally, however, when I decided to watch, it immediately became my favourite. And to my luck, the 4th and 5th seasons of the anime franchise were soon released in the following year. I ended up binge-watching the entire story several times and…

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Blog Series Cinematic Narrative

Wonka (2023): A Sweet Treat Indeed!

By RotaractArts 1

Bringing a quite different outlook to the weird Willy Wonka we know from Roald Dahl,Paul King brings us an interesting story of the young Wonka creating a visual andauditory spectacle. This musical imagining gives us a refreshing origin story of theyoung chocolatier, transporting us through a melodic adventure. Timothée Chalamet’s performance as young Willy Wonka captures innocence and radiatespositivity. It is also noteworthy that Calah Lane’s performance as Noodle addedmuch warmth and enhanced the overall charm of the film, creating an endearingstory. The film is filled with several adventurous turnovers that are entertaining andengaging to the audience (though you might want to watch yourself confrontingDeath by Chocolate because it is not your usual cake from Barista!).  The narrative unfolds, reminding…

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Blog Series Uncategorized

The Fool & the Priest

By RotaractArts 2

Once upon a time,lived a fool and a priest.Fool, who desire crime,with a heart of a beast. The Priest save him no prayer,but some wine & crumbs of bread.For his heart so heavy with desire,flames ignite the skin while he bled. Once upon a time,the Priest loved the Fool.Oneday,he forgot his church rhymes,and that was a change of rule. The Fool said,"My dear, dear FedyaI please to kill."And everybody could swear,it was wet in red down the hill Rtr. Chamodi Peduruarachchi

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Blog Series The Love Gazette

For My Mother

By RotaractArts 0

You are my everything Mom, You are the infinite sky of my life. You are the deep sea in my life. And you are the rainbow in my life. If you were not my mom, my life would have been in thick darkness. If you were not my mom, I would have lost the spirit of my life. Mom, You are my everything... -Rtr. Rebeka Hewavitharana

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Blog Series The Love Gazette

About Love

By RotaractArts 1

Love is diverse. If we think from the beginning, our lives start with our mother's love. We are bound first by the love of our parents and siblings. I am not about to talk about that love, but that doesn't mean it is not worth it. This is about the love that can create a heart illusion at the first sight of someone you have never met before. My effort is to tell you how to love someone the way I feel. Love knows no bounds, whether it is owned or not. But the love of those who love without trying to gain it is amazing. Simply put, before saying I love you, you must have an idea of the…

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