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Reflections

Representation in the Mainstream

I have always openly been critical about the lack of representation and visibility of minorities in mainstream media. Be it superhero films, rom-coms, dramas, or period pieces, the Hollywood-dominated world of international media has been one that has sorely lacked in any diversity whatsoever. We still have a long way to go to equally represent people of all races, sexual orientation, gender, religion, creed, and everything in between. However, today’s post focuses on the smashing headway that’s been made for minorities in the mainstream. The positive recognition that has been given to these films and shows reflect the kind of…

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Music

A Heavy Heart Playlist

There is something very simple, yet profoundly huge, about the power of music: it can help us heal. Even amidst the most devastating of heartbreaks, music can be an enigmatically visceral form of therapy. Listening to “break-up” songs (though of course, heartbreak can be the result of so many more things other than break ups) can be incredibly cathartic. As someone who tends to keep their emotions inside too often, listening to music is one of emotional outlets. Whatever you’re going through – romantic plights, issues with family, your job, your life, your friends, your own mental health, anything –…

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Reflections

“Harry Potter” and Each Volume Ranked

Recently, I’ve been on a nostalgia kick with the Harry Potter series. Though I do enjoy the movies, the books are so loaded with information that’s left out in the films that I always crave reading the books. Before I continue, I must warn: heavy spoilers below! If you grew up with the Harry Potter books, you’ll have had this debate with many of your friends: which ones are your favourites? Even though the series is all inherently linked together, the plotlines of each book are so distinctly different that it hearkens many different rankings amongst readers. So today, I…

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Movies

Bohemian Rhapsody

A Review of the “Queen” Biopic Warning: light spoilers of Bohemian Rhapsody below. I have always been skeptical of biopic films. The reason is that there is a lot of biographical content out there that has skewed, glorified, or glamorized its subject. For example, while I loved The Danish Girl (2015), it didn’t take much research to find out that it was a heavily romanticized adaptation of its real life subject matter. Films like The Danish Girl cannot be relied on as historically accurate, but merely loose renderings. I have learned through watching various biographical films that one must always…

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Reflections

February Netflix List

It’s winter time, which means that I look forward to every time Netflix puts out new releases for viewers to enjoy. Here’s a list of some shows and films that are at the top of my list to watch next! Carmen Sandiego (2019) As a kid, I was an avid player of the Carmen Sandiego CD-ROM games. The mystique of the world-renowned, red-suited thief always excited me. So, you can imagine how excited I was to hear the announcement of a Carmen Sandiego animated series – and even more excited to hear that Gina Rodriguez, who plays Jane in Jane…

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Music

Winter Blues Playlist

As temperatures in many places in the world continue to drop, the freezing cold and grey landscapes tend to sap the energy out of us. There’s lethargy from staying inside to avoid the cold; and infinite pain from braving the blistering winds when you do go outside. Let’s face it, winter can be a major downer. Seasonal depression is a very real thing. Remember to keep practicing self care, whether it’s curling up in the warmth for a much needed nap, indulging in some of your favourite foods, spending time with your loved ones, or just spending some quality time…

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