NingNarrative

Ne Zha 2, 2025 - ★★★★½

Ne Zha 2 will undoubtedly be one of the best animated films of the year, and it will be fascinating to see how it fares in terms of visual awards, as I don't believe anything released this year could surpass this masterpiece. This movie stands as one of the most ambitious projects, achieving …

Novocaine, 2025 - ★★★½

Novocaine is a movie with a fascinating concept for comedy. It's an action comedy where the protagonist goes through terrible, gruesome scenes, but he doesn't feel any pain. So while all these horrible things happen to his body, he remains unfazed, yet we, the audience, internally scream for him. …

Mickey 17, 2025 - ★★★★

I love the Bong Joon ho's decision to have fun following his major success with this story. He clearly wanted to see Robert Pattinson showcase his unhinged acting abilities, and who could blame him? I mean, is there any role this actor cannot play? Who would have predicted that a performer from …

The Commission 00010-The Zuiker Chronicles Branding

The logo of The Zuiker Chronicles Anton Zuiker approached me for a commission, after a referral from Pratik, my former client (Thanks for the shout-out!). He provided a comprehensive brief with references, which I greatly appreciated. The Brief The brief was straightforward: he wanted a logo for …

The 2025 #Oscars had me nodding in agreement with most of the winners, but then they chose “El Mal” for Best Song and “Anora” for Best Picture. Did they momentarily forget the names of more deserving nominees?

Before #Oscars2025 announcement, I invite you to read My Own Oscar Award for last year, where I discussed my favorite #movies. My picks were quite different from the official ones, and I believe this year’s choices will be even more distinct.

A Complete Unknown, 2024 - ★★★★

"A Complete Unknown" is about a journey for authenticity and artistic expression, highlighting the struggle of forging one's own identity. It explores the balance between staying true to oneself and conforming to external expectations. Growth is something personal, and it's challenging to make …

I'm Still Here, 2024 - ★★★★½

I love this movie. The story is so powerful, for its message and its narrative. I believe it's best to enter this movie without any prior knowledge. Allow the characters and the narrative to guide you, enabling you to experience their confusion and pain more vividly. You just need to know that this …

The Girl with the Needle, 2024 - ★★★★

I had no idea what the movie was about; I didn’t even read the synopsis. However, nothing could prepare me for the horror in this film. The fact that it is inspired by real events sent chills down my spine. The film explores how societal pressures and economic hardship can alienate individuals, …

Nickel Boys, 2024 - ★★★★

I was eager to love this film. Its innovative use of a first-person point of view in the cinematography intrigued me. The story also seemed to provoke many conversations and emotions, depicting the shared bond between two boys in an inhumane reform school. However, the movie disappointed me in its …

Conclave, 2024 - ★★★★½

In times of change, we are gifted with the perfect opportunity to reflect on our faith and the course of our lives. The quote from Conclave, “Faith is a living thing,” prompted me to contemplate the nature of faith. If faith truly is a living thing, it requires our nurturing, for its potential for …

Nosferatu, 2024 - ★★★★½

Nosferatu is a remarkable film, an adaptation based on Dracula, crafted by true masters of filmmaking. The directing, cinematography, sound, music, editing, and performances all come together to create something truly extraordinary. Particularly, the cinematography stands out. The clever use of …

Legends of the Condor Heroes: The Gallants, 2025 - ★★★½

The movie, *Legends of the Condor Heroes: The Gallants* (known as *มังกรหยก* in Thai), is a story that has been told countless times, with numerous remakes over the years. Despite this, this version stands out for its stunning visuals. The team clearly knows how to create impressive scenes and …

The Substance, 2024 - ★★★★

The Substance is a wild ride and so over the top—like, how could you ever forget this movie, especially those last 30 minutes? It’s one of the most bizarre and grotesque experiences on screen. I love the style of this film; it has a unique taste in terms of cinematography, musical score, and all the …

September 5, 2024 - ★★★½

I have always been intrigued by stories that reveal the behind-the-scenes aspects of any production. So, it's no surprise that I thoroughly enjoyed September 5. At first glance, it appears to be a typical sports TV production—a narrative about people working in television during the 70s. However, it …

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, 2025 - ★★★½

Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy is a charming addition to the beloved series that pleasantly surprised me—it exceeded my expectations. There were many great dialogues throughout, and I adored how these characters interacted with each other. They are filled with humor and affectionate moments, …

Captain America: Brave New World, 2025 - ★★★½

"Captain America: Brave New World" feels like an extended episode of "The Falcon and The Winter Soldier," lacking the reintroduction and depth needed for Sam Wilson as Captain America, or even as a person. The story maintains the same beats and tone that align with the TV series. To make matters …

Flat Girls, 2025 - ★★★★

While *Flat Girls* has an undertone of girls' love, its primary focus is on social class and how it affects our interactions with people and the world. The movie seeks to illustrate the various dimensions of gaps in relationships: love, power, interests, and even survival. Each relationship has many …

Flow, 2024 - ★★★★

"Flow" is a visually stunning animated film that captures the compassion, relationships, and the interconnectedness of all beings amidst a natural disaster. I think that’s truly beautiful how the movie portray how we share a universal language of kindness, even among different species. Each …

The Apprentice, 2024 - ★★★½

The Apprentice movie offers a unique perspective on Donald Trump, highlighting the influence of Roy Cohn. The movie’s release timing is interesting, providing a glimpse into how Trump became the person he is today. What stands out in The Apprentice is the remarkable acting. While many might focus on …

📝 My Stoic Journal Week 4: Take Another’s Perspective—Nobody Wants to Do Wrong on Purpose

Last week, I have practiced taking an outside view of my own struggles, as guided by “A Handbook for New Stoics.” This week, the practice shifts its focus to taking an inside view of other people’s actions. By doing so, we aim to gain perspective, cultivate compassion and understanding within …

A Real Pain, 2024 - ★★★★

Pain takes on many forms, and we can grieve over various things, expressing our emotions in many ways. Yet, we can sense the pain of those around us if we are willing to see it. Because pain and suffering are inherently rooted in every being—a part of life itself—making pain a shared experience for …

This Readwise update is incredible! Similar Highlights and Chat With Your Highlights features are like having a citation on steroids. After years of collecting thousands of quotes within the service, the payoff is finally here.

Companion, 2025 - ★★★★

I can’t say much about the story without giving away spoilers. If you’re interested in watching this film, I recommend going in blind—avoid trailers or any other information about it. What I truly appreciate is the metaphorical exploration of relationship dynamic and modern technology presented in …

🎥 My Own Oscar Awards 2024 (Movies from 2023)

Welcome to my personal analysis of my favorite movies from 2023, which I like to call My Own Oscar Awards. After watching most of the nominations and beyond, I couldn’t help but compare these films to each other. My personal picks focused not on the names, prestige, or past work of the filmmakers, …