The Film Club #4

The Film Club #4

Victoria

It's been a while since I've seen a film that has left me thinking about it for days, even weeks and also leaving me a little emotionally exhausted afterwards. The single-take German film set in the urban streets of Berlin takes you on an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish. Victoria, a young Spanish woman, who has recently moved to Berlin finds her flirtation with a local guy but their night out with his group of friends takes a turn for the worst. Victoria has you constantly on the edge of your seat - feeling like you are experiencing this one night in Berlin with them. Laia Costa gives such a realistic performance, you forget she is even acting. The film left such an impression on me and I just want to watch it again and again!

Her

Her tells the tale of Theodore, a lonely man, separated from, yet still attached to his past with his former lover. He develops an unlikely relationship with his newly bought OS, that's designed to meet his every need. Her explores Theodore facing feelings of solitude, doubt, attachment and joy with his new found relationship and how relationships can form in the weirdest of ways and how unpredictable they can be at times. Her is both mind boggling and visually stunning, set in the futuristic cityscape of Los Angeles. As hard it is to get your head around the idea of a character falling in love with a computer, you actually get drawn into the concept, beginning to imagine this OS as a real person. Her teaches an important lesson for us all about people and how we are forming these synthetic "relationships" with and an attachment to things.

Casino

When I was considered "old enough", I went through my dad's DVD collection and watched every single 18 movie there was - the extent of my rebelling phase... anyway, one of the DVD's that has stuck in my mind was Casino. This Martin Scorsese classic explores the dark under belly of Las Vegas that lies beneath it's glamorous face. Behind the scenes in Tangiers casino we see the mob involvement of the 1970's and 80's through the eyes of Ace Rothstein and Nicky Santoro, who move to Las Vegas to live and work in the complex world of casinos, gambling, drugs and violence. Ace falls in love with Ginger and Nicky falls deeper into a spiral of drug abuse and violence - their weaknesses leading them to destruction. It's so interesting to see what goes on behind closed doors beneath the glittery and glamorous surface of Las Vegas - if you like any other Scorsese movie then you will love this too!

Dead Poets Society

It's the start of a new term at Welton Academy where the painfully shy Todd begins his senior year and is introduced to the bright and popular, Neil - who soon form a close friendship. Both, along with other friends, meet Professor Keating (played by the wonderful Robin Williams), their new English teacher - however, he is nothing like any other traditional teacher. Keating is enthusiastic and passionate, and encourages the boys to go against the status quo, to seize the day and teaches them the beauty and importance of art and poetry. He shows them how to think differently, be confident and creative and how to use their imagination to its fullest. Each boy in the class is changed for life by Keating's way of teaching and are all left inspired by his words. He tells them of the Dead Poets Society which unites the boys as a close group of friends and encourages them to go for their dreams - basically, every teacher should watch this and TAKE. NOTE. We need more teachers like Keating in the world, preach!

Amy - The Documentary

Whether you were a fan of Amy Winehouse or not - there is no denying the flawless talent she had in both singing and songwriting. The documentary tells the story of Amy's journey of her career success followed by her self destruction that eventually lead to her death. It explores Amy's relationships with her family and boyfriends and how they influenced her music. It faces subjects of self-harm, bulimia, the controversial attention from the media and her eventual downfall from her drug and alcohol addiction. The documentary makes you realise that despite her problems, she was a naturally talented, down to earth girl with a sharp sense of humour and not a bad bone in her body - it's such a moving and sad story but so worth the watch. The documentary shows you that there was a lot more to Amy than just her classic beehive do and drug addiction.

The Film Club #3

The Film Club #3

Here's some films I've been loving lately, a recent release and other golden oldies...

The Lady In The Van

It's always good to go out for your comfort zone with movies - whether that be a different genre from your usual favourite, by a different director or with different actors, maybe some whom you've never heard of before. It's not like I was super excited to see this film, but I'd heard about it's several award nominations, and the fact it stars the iconic Maggie Smith - said to me, it would be worth the watch. The Lady In The Van tells the true story of Mary Sheperd, an elderly woman who lived in a van on Alan Bennett's driveway in London for 15 years. The film is an enjoyable watch, funny and quirky, showing the importance in being kind to strangers. It was not my favourite film of all, but nevertheless, Maggie Smith played her character so well and there was something new and refreshing in the film.

Léon the professional

I picked up this film on DVD at a car boot sale (bargain hunter, hello) and it has become a major favourite in my collection that I watch again and again. There are so many things to love in this film - the dialogue, the actors, the story, the cinematography and the setting in NYC's little Italy. Léon is about Mathilda, a 12 year old girl, played by an 11 year old Natalie Portman who is reluctantly taken in by Léon, a professional assassin, after her whole family is murdered, which she merely escapes. The thing so special about this film is the unusual yet loving relationship between Léon and Mathilda, as she becomes his protégée and learns the tricks of the assassin's trade. Despite the heavy violence throughout the film, seeing the relationship grow between Mathilda and her only guardian is deeply moving, and leaves me with a wee tear in my eye every time. Not to mention how impressive it is that Portman was at this level of acting at only 11! Also kudos to her style too, choker necklaces and black bobs = yass.

The Breakfast Club

The Breakfast Club is the ultimate feel good 80's movie. In The Breakfast Club we meet five high school students from five different walks of life who have to endure a Saturday detention under the supervision of the nasty principal. All five students, including a rebel, a princess, an outcast, a geek and a jock, have to spend the whole Saturday together, which initially is a huge burden for them all, however, they finally have the chance to tell their story, changing the way they all think of each other, and dismantling the clichés and stereotypes they used to label each other with. Even though I never went to a high school in the US, the whole clique thing is definitely relatable. This film is so refreshing, seeing these 5 kids bond with each other by talking about their home life and problems. The Breakfast Club is my all time favourite movie - the 80's soundtrack and fashion are a bonus too.

Cléo de 5 à 7

It can be rare I study a film at university, and actually enjoy it...I always think how nice it would be if I could choose the film's I study, but as I said earlier, it's always good to watch films out of your comfort zone and Cléo was just that! Cléo de 5 à 7, by Agnès Varda, tells the story of the selfish pop singer Cléo, who has 2 hours until the results of her biopsy come back. Cléo is a self absorbed, fearful and anxious character who we see develop into a new woman towards the end of the film. We follow her during these two hours in Paris, starting with an ominous tarot card reading, then visiting friends who fail to give her the emotional support she needs by finally meeting a soldier who helps to put her at peace with her worries, and see her problem in a different perspective. The more we've analyzed this film in lectures, and the more I've researched it, the more I actually love the film - it's so interesting to analyse characters in movies and their intricate personalities - you'll love this if you're a fan of Jean Luc Godard or François Truffaut!

A 24hr winter city guide to Liverpool

A 24hr winter city guide to Liverpool

The lovely people over at Eventbrite gave me the challenge of putting together a 24hr winter city guide for my hometown and of course, I accepted! I've been living and studying in Liverpool now for two years and feel like I can say I know the city very well, and I know some great places to go, too! So sit back and enjoy my city guide, and of course use it for reference when you come on over to the land of Scouse and enjoy what this brilliant city has to offer!

LEAF - 65-67 Bold Street

There's no better way to start off a chilly Winter's day than with some tasty food right?! I've been to Leaf countless times so it's safe to say, this place has got my heart. It always has a buzzing atmosphere no matter what day it is. They serve everything from breakfast to brunch to lunch including homemade soup, sandwiches, cake and of course TEA - their mantra being "where there's tea, there's hope"! We got avocado on toast with poached eggs and tomatoes and the American style pancakes (berry compote and syrup omg) for brunch which were both friggin' deliiiiicious (plenty of options for veggie's and vegans fyi). They always deliver excellent service every single time hence why I keep going back. The interior's are so homely and comfy, you'll want to stay for hours!

FACT: Foundation for Art and Creative Technology - 88 Wood Street

Just a stone's throw away from Leaf is probably one of my favourite places in Liverpool. FACT is, as the name describes, a foundation for art and creative technology including exhibitions and several cinemas. You can while away a few hours here seeing a movie, whether that be a current release or a cult classic like Psycho by Mr. Hitchcock. They're currently exhibiting Japanese artist's Ryoichi Kurokawa work until the 12th of June which would be an ideal way to spend your morning out of the chilly cold and immersing yourself in some culture. Downstairs you'll find The Garden at FACT (provided by the same people who brought you Leaf) where you can grab a quick coffee before or after a movie and enjoy the vibrant vibes of the café. Upstairs there is also a bar/lounge area to sit and have a little bevvie as well!

Pictured above is 'The Box', a cozy cinema room with sofas making you feel even more at home. I'd take going to the FACT over the Odeon or any other cinema any day, it's my favourite - you will love the FACT! I promise ya.

Soho's & Dig Vinyl - 80 Bold Street

We're back on Bold Street again! Luckily, Liverpool isn't too big a city, everything is pretty much in walking distance from each other. Anyway, whether you're a lover of vintage clothing, records...or both - then you will love Soho's! Filled with loads of vintage goodies from dresses, to coats to shoes and bags - the shop is head to toe of things to look through and there's also a men's clothing section upstairs with fancy sneakers too. 

Pop down to the basement and you'll discover Dig Vinyl where you'll find every genre of music you can imagine. You can flick through the records discovering new and old favourites - a favourite section of mine being the £1 singles. You can sit and sample a record before buying it and hopefully grab yourself a bargain. After trying out the George McCrae 'Rock Your Baby' album on the record player, I nabbed it straight away for a cheeky £4. A great souvenir to take home and the perfect shop to recommend to vinyl lovers alike!

Mi Vida - 28 Bold Street

A slightly recent addition to the ever expanding shopping/eating district of Bold Street is Mi Vida, a beautiful wee gift shop. This was the first time I've been and I can hand on heart say it's great! There are so many beautiful things to look at, and think "ooh that would look good in my bedroom/kitchen/*insert type of room here*. It's a lovely light and airy shop with wall to wall filled with pretty lettered mugs, greeting cards, home decorations and so on. They also have a great collection of books from Paris street style to Christian Dior and more...great to pick up a souvenir or gift for a loved one!

Liverpool One, Peter's Lane - 1 Peter's Lane

It goes without saying that Liverpool is all about shopping and fashion so for shopaholics, maybe warn your bank if you're planning to make a visit. Peter's Lane has all the high end brands like Ted Baker, Michael Kors, Hugo Boss and more with a big Beauty Bazaar at the end for make up-aholics (aka. me). Onto Wall Street and you will find even more shops in the outdoor shopping center with Zara, Mango, American Apparel, Urban Outfitters, John Lewis and loads more, look on their website for full details here. Liverpool One spans over a very large area of the town center and the town take pride in keeping it looking on top form all the time. You can also wine and dine yourself at Bill's, Pizza Express or Wagamamas - there is literally so much choice, your head may or may not explode with excitement. And my mum wonder's where all my money goes when I live in a place like Liverpool...

The Albert Docks

It wouldn't be a proper visit to Liverpool without a trip to the Albert Docks now would it! No matter what the weather, it's always the most beautiful place to see in Liverpool. You can walk along the riverside and enjoy the laaavely views of the Mersey! Try and make sure the seagulls don't steal your chips though.

The TATE - The Albert Docks

I have to pinch myself (well, not really) to realise how lucky I am to live in a city that has a Tate gallery in it! There are always great things going on here and of course, plenty to see. If it's a little bit miserable outside, the Tate is the perfect place to while away a few hours getting lost in some weird and wonderful art. The majority of the exhibitions are all completely free, apart from when there are special exhibitions.  

They currently have a Matisse exhibition running till the 2nd of May as well as an Art Gym till the 31st of March. Me and my friend went to explore the Art Gym out of curiosity, initially a little worried we may be a bit too old for that kind of thing, but we were told it was for anyone of all ages. I felt like a kid again whilst making origami and exploring all the fun activities they had organised. They have classes and events running everyday till the end of the program including how to make a pinhole camera and zine making. They have a cinema as well as a cafe all on the same floor and loads of fun things to mess around with and get your creative juices flowing, and bring out the inner kid in you. Give it a go!

Ziferblat - Unit 7, The Colonnades, Albert Dock

After all that kidding around, we needed to recharge our batteries and just like fate, we stumbled across Ziferblat - a unique, pay per minute coffee house! It may seem a little bizarre, but a totally great concept right?! On arrival everything's explained and it's all quite simple. You're charged 8p per minute but you can eat as many cakes, biscuits, cereal, toast etc. as you want and drink as many cups of coffee, tea and juice as you want and use the free wifi - my kinda place! Of course, I got a liiiittle carried away, not gonna lie, one of my famous mantra's being "get my money's worth", so of course grabbed as many biscuits as my plate would hold. It felt like being in someone's giant living room and helping yourself to their food, books, board games and piano and it was such a cool experience, I would highly recommend!

The Freij Wheel, The Wheel of Liverpool - Keel Wharf

We thought a great way to end the day would be by getting the best view over Liverpool that there is on offer - on Liverpool's very own London Eye! It cost £7.50 for us students and we were taken round a total of 4 times. It's stopped once to give you a bit more time to take in the stunning views, a little nerve wracking but I think even my mum would be able to do it, and she doesn't like heights, fyi. At this point, the sun was just setting over the Mersey (ohhh how romantic) so the views were pretty breathtaking! You can see as far as the Metropolitan and Liverpool cathedral, see the tops of the Liver buildings poking out the top alongside the baby skyscrapers and see the Albert Docks from a birds eye view.

(Fantastic) photos by the fantastic, Xie Qin Gru!

No doubt you'll be hungry at the end of this day of exploring - luckily there are bazillions of amazing independent restaurants scattered all over Liverpool so either way, you'll have plenty to choose from. And if after all that you still have energy, maybe pop on down to Heebie Jeebie's for a boogie or grab some cocktails at Chaophraya!

That's a wrap for my 24hr Winter City Guide in Liverpool. This day out planning the guide reminded me again how amazing this city is and how much I love it and how lucky I feel to live here. It's said to be one of the friendliest cities in the world, and I can't argue with that - I definitely feel at home here and in great, welcoming company. I encourage everyone to visit one day and give some of the things I listed a try! You will love it.

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