So you wanna watch something…
Turning Point: 9/11 and the War on Terror: Directed by Brian Knappenberger, this five-part docuseries gives a comprehensive overview of 9/11 and its fallout—including the wars in Iraq and all the way up to the exit from Afghanistan. The Independent says it’s not meant for someone who has “read detailed tomes about 9/11, its context, and its aftermath.” But offers an insightful and timely history lesson for someone who has “struggled to make sense of the picture’s many moving parts.” Streaming on Netflix.
Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings: This action-adventure driven fantasy, unveils Marvel’s first east Asian lead. It is the origin story of young martial arts master Shang-Chi, tracing his complex relationship with his dysfunctional family and his journey from Shaun—a valet parking attendant in San Francisco—to Shang-Chi. This new movie has all the Marvel-ness qualities you may want—from exquisite action scenes to quirky comedy, making it a perfect weekend watch. But what many liked most about it—including Cnet and NPR—are its un-Marvel like qualities. That said, Vulture isn’t impressed with Simu Liu who plays the lead—but raves about the rest of the cast which includes superstars Tony Leung and Michelle Yeoh. Releasing in theatres today.
Cinderella: This reimagination of the fairytale comes with a modern twist. The ambitious Ella—played by Camila Cabello—dreams of making it big in the fashion world with the help of a queer fairy god parent played by Billy Porter. And we get James Corden playing Ella’s mouse friend-turned-footman. While Variety called it a mediocre musical, the Guardian dubs it a “a good-natured and easygoing revival.” Buzzfeed News calls it a “refreshing take” on the classic. Streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Happier Than Ever: A Love Letter to LA: Love Billie Eilish? Then you will love this unique concert film named after her critically-acclaimed sophomore album. Described as a “cinematic concert experience,” it features the breakout star performing every song from the album—along with special guests, most notably, the Los Angeles Philharmonic. New York Times appreciates the retro feel of the concert and its music. Streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.
A list of good reads
- First, Gene Weingarten got Indian food all wrong in the Washington Post—spurring Padma Lakshmi to pen a stinging corrective. Now Jahnabee Borah is here in Mint to tell you what Padma Lakshmi got wrong about Bengali food. Does it ever end?
- CNN has a wonderful profile of Dr Sudha Mahalingam—the 70-year old who has visited 66 countries in the last 25 years.
- Two good reads on the rise of anti-Muslim sentiment and violence in India. One: Al Jazeera on how the Taliban’s rise to power has offered fodder for the hate campaign to demonise Muslims. Two: This powerful piece by Geetha Pandey in BBC News on how mob attacks on ordinary Muslims—demonised for being Muslim—have become routine.
- GQ has an excellent essay on the crisis in men’s tennis—and the search for the next wunder-kid like Andy Roddick.
- Speaking of tennis: The Atlantic has an excellent profile of Novak Djokovic—and his struggle to be liked.
- Also in The Atlantic, a fantastic piece on cancel culture titled ‘The New Puritans’. A must read even if you don’t agree with Anne Applebaum.
- New York Times via Economic Times reports on the lesser-known side of Facebook’s nasty content problem—the company whose workers have to clean it all up: Accenture.
- Vox has a very insightful take on TV culture and the perils of season 2 expectations in its analysis on the backlash against ‘Ted Lasso’.
- BuzzFeed News offers a powerful report on UN peacekeepers in Haiti—who sexually exploited vulnerable women, and abandoned them and the children they fathered.
- Outlook Magazine has an important read on the slow demise of the Kashmiri shawl and carpet industry.
- BBC News looks at how Gen Z is re-interpreting the traditional sari.
- Scroll follows paralympic athlete Devendra Jhajharia’s journey from Athens to Tokyo.
- The Hindu offers a moving report on the loneliness of Indians in old age homes.
- Simon Sarris asks an intriguing and never-asked question: Do children today have useful childhoods? (h/t founding member Varsha Adusumili)
