surrinderella Reviews

Expats (2023–2024)

A bit different...

[7/10 · 3 April 2024]

I really enjoyed this. Saw it advertised and put it on my watch list. Just the combination of ex pats and starring Nicole Kidman was enough to peak my interest.

This isn't a normal film, it's a bit special and because it's a bit special, not everyone is going to get it or appreciate the effort. The first episode was extremely slow but once you get used to the pace you can enjoy the cinematography, which not only highlighting Hong Kong but the intensity of shots and angles, many of which are subtle, clever and thought-provoking.

The cast were all brilliant. I really enjoyed the historical accuracy of the protests and also the lives of maids - this could be a spin-off drama! I loved the different cultures and languages.

The drama itself is about relationships, family trauma, tragedy, despair, love, redemption and hope. Without adding any spoilers the main storyline is very sad but beautifully made.

My only criticism, the scenes of a sexual nature and nudity really were unnecessary, I don't believe they added anything extra to the drama.

One Day (2024)

Heartbreakingly beautiful.

[8/10 · 17 February 2024]

It's a romcom about a girl and boy who meet on their graduation night... and then you see where their lives are on the same day each year for the next twenty years. It's an ode to (unrequited) love, deep friendship and it's crushingly sentimental. It will take you back to 80s, 90s fashion, hairstyles and of course life without mobile phones.

The plan wasn't to binge all 14 episodes in one sitting but I quite literally couldn't stop myself from watching. The two leads were brilliant and perfect and despite knowing this story, I was invested from that first glimpse at grad ball.

It's very witty but it's also a complete tear jerker so be prepared to resonate on 101 levels and cry your heart out for Em & Dex but also for your younger self.

I loved Emma's line when she tells Dexter that she doesn't want to be a footnote in his life... how many of us wish we had had the balls to say that way back when.

It's just all so heartbreakingly beautiful. Loved it!

Wonka (2023)

Come with me, and you'll be, in a world of pure imagination...

[10/10 · 10 December 2023]

The book was a part of my childhood and I absolutely adored the film, watching whenever it was on TV... so it was very excited when I heard this was being made.

I personally think Timothée Chalamet is a brilliant actor so my expectations were high and then my friend mentioned it was a musical and honestly my heart sank. The original works because it's old and of that time and as a child you feel differently about musicals. Now, I just find them a bit annoying and most have songs for songs sake. So as the first song started, I was more than ready to roll my eyes .... but it didn't happen. The songs were sweet, in-keeping with the story and they didn't feel over the top.

Timothée absolutely shone as a yong Willy Wonka with his hat full of magic and hhis heart full of hopes and dreams. I felt his characterisation was perfect, confident but his belief in his craft spoke for itself... in the reaction from those tasting them. I honestly wanted to eat those Hoverchocs myself - A cherry and salted caramel marshmallow chocolate containing a microscopic hover-fly, the descriptions reminded me of the Roald Dahl book.

I thought all the supporting actors were brilliant but I particularly loved Hugh Grant as the Oompa Loompa, a character I immediately connected to and it felt nostalgic to understand how Wonka first became acquainted with them.

It's got everything you'd want from a feel good movie from a little injustice, the wonderfully awful villains, the hero and the help. I think this is going to be a huge success and a film I know I'll watch again and again.

Beautiful Boy (I) (2018)

Superb acting.

[7/10 · 24 August 2023]

Imagine if this was shown in year 7 for children in secondary school. If they could see the consequences of a quick high and how that life can spiral. If it stopped even a few, wouldn't it be worth it?

Beautiful film, you really feel the emotion of the parents; their hopes and dreams for their boy and their unconditional love and desire to fix the problem.

You feel the parents pain and frustration through the trials of recovery and relapse and final realisation that you can not cure this disease. The acting by all is superb and you get to see each character's experience, Timothée Chalamet, as Nic is excellent as is Steve Carell as his Dad.

Marriage Contract (2016)

My first Korean drama!

[7/10 · 9 May 2023]

I loved this drama but it was also very frustrating as someone who is not familiar with Korean culture. Lots of deep pauses and politeness and nobody really responded to questions put to them out of politeness/ respect. Imagine the difference if people just communicated directly. I'm not convinced the subtitles were 100% accurate either, which probably didn't help- some of the lines seemed callous but I wasn't sure if this is Korean humour to use insults to deflect their emotions or bad translation.

Despite the frustrations, got absolutely hooked and very attached to the characters especially the little girl, who deserves all the awards possible. In fact all the actors were brilliant and their roles were very genuine. Was expecting more from the ending, it kind of just finished.

Baby Dolls (2019)

I liked it but...

[6/10 · 21 April 2023]

I liked the film but like most punjabi/ Hindi comedies, it perpetuates colourism. Throughout the film there were references to dark and ugly boys and fair girls. I find this infuriating and I get this is all said in jest but the joke is on anyone a darker shade of milk. Films have so much power to decolonise Indian standards of beauty but instead they choose to humiliate their own people. Also, I found the idea of a western girl heading to a village in punjab to visit her very traditional family showing off her midriff a little unrealistic especially during the wedding celebrations, it suggests western girls have no respect. Maybe times have changed but it seemed strange. Generally the film was good but the above are just some of the things that irked me.

Shantaram (2022)

Love it!

[8/10 · 13 December 2022]

Read the book many years ago, it was so farfetched but so different to anything I'd read before. I became immersed into Lin's life in the slums. I remember a time when Johnny Depp was associated with the film but wasn't sure anyone could do the book justice. So I have been pleasantly surprised so far (I'm on e11/12). Charlie has really grown on me and he is now Lin. It's natural to read a book and imagine what the characters look like but I think this series has done a really good job of creating a striking visual with interesting narrative of life in India. It's also really thought provoking; the contrast between rich and poor, high and low classes and how power and responsibility in the hands of the corrupt do not allow for real growth and progress for all. Anyway enough politics, great show looking forward to the finale.

Blinded by the Light (2019)

Lovely heartwarming film.

[7/10 · 30 July 2019]

I'm not familiar with Springsteen's music but @BBTLmovie was about family, aspirations, identity, personal power & the reality of 80s Britain for Asian families. Shed some tears when Javid read his final speech. Such a lovely really heartwarming film.