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Reflections

K-Pop, K-Dramas, Demon Hunters, and More: How Hallyu is Rocking the World

The year is 2025, and there’s one particular frequency that is – undeniably, unquestionably – dominating the dial of pop culture: Korean media. Now, this isn’t exactly new news. The world has been seeing the swell of Hallyu (Korean Wave) for almost fifteen years. You may recall the impact of PSY’s “Gangnam Style” in 2012, which for many Westerners was their first exposure to K-Pop. But within the last few years, the momentum behind Korean media and culture that has rocked international sensibilities has felt more like a supernova than a wave, shattering Western media borders and shining its light in…

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Movies

“Black Bag”: A Spy Thriller That Keeps It Smart and Intimate

When you think of modern spy movies, you probably picture big-budget action, impossible stunts, and a CGI-enhanced world of espionage. But “Black Bag” does something rare: it keeps things grounded, proving you don’t need explosions to make a spy film gripping. Steven Soderbergh’s latest thriller is a masterclass in slow-burn tension, with sharp dialogue, powerhouse performances, and a focus that’s less on government secrets and more on the secrets between two people in a marriage. A Marriage Disguised as a Spy Story At its core, “Black Bag” is really about trust, and not just in the professional, intelligence-agency sense. The…

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Movies

“Woman of the Hour”: Gender Norms and Hidden Horrors

The gripping psychological drama Woman of the Hour delves into a chilling intersection of societal gender dynamics and true crime horror. Directed with acute precision, the film presents a nuanced narrative that goes beyond the surface-level terror of its central serial killer plot. The true horror lies not just in the heinous acts of violence but in the persistent undercurrent of systemic dismissal and mistreatment of women—particularly how their desires and autonomy are continuously undermined. The film follows Sheryl, a young woman navigating the turbulent 1970s backdrop of societal expectations and gender norms, as she becomes unwittingly entangled in the…

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Reflections

LGBTQIA+ in Media: A History of Struggle & Progress

Throughout history, literature and film have served as mirrors to society, reflecting the complexities of human identity, love, and struggle. Within this vast cultural landscape, LGBTQIA+ voices have long fought for visibility, often facing censorship, discrimination, or erasure. Yet, these voices persist, shaping narratives that challenge norms, inspire activism, and provide a sense of belonging for countless individuals. LGBTQIA+ in Cultural History LGBTQIA+ representation in literature can be traced back centuries, albeit often hidden in subtext or coded language due to societal restrictions. Writers like Oscar Wilde, whose novel The Picture of Dorian Gray subtly addressed themes of queerness, and…

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Reflections

Oscars’ Glow Fading? Why the Academy Awards Might Be Overdue for an Exit

Another Oscar Sunday has come and gone and year after year, I sit with the same questions. We’ve all been there, sitting through the glitzy, high-pressure spectacle of the Academy Awards (the Oscars), eagerly awaiting the results, trying to predict who will take home the golden statue. For years, the Oscars have been the ultimate measure of success in film, a night where everyone gets dolled up, takes their turn on the red carpet, and for some, their one shining moment in the spotlight. But lately, it’s feeling like we might be watching a relic in slow decline. So, what’s going on?…

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Movies

Beyond the Rom-Com: Unexpected Valentine’s Day Movie Picks

Ah, Valentine’s Day—the annual festival of roses, overpriced chocolates, and an endless barrage of romantic comedies. While there’s nothing wrong with a classic love story (I even wrote a recommendation of my favourite period dramas for Valentine’s Day one year), maybe this year, it’s time to shake things up. Instead of another predictable “boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy stands in the rain declaring his love” scenario, why not try something… different? Love stories don’t always follow a traditional formula, and sometimes, they are even better when they defy expectations. Here are some unconventional Valentine’s Day movie picks for…

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