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| Source: personal collection |
Hello fellow readers! Even though I only managed to finish two mangas, I
watched a lot of films. I had a trip to the United Kingdom for two weeks so my
April was eventful. Here's the books I read in April.
Books read in April
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Ito Junji Compilation Vol. 7 Headless Sculpture - Junji Ito (★★★) |
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This manga collection contains 12 Junji Ito stories. Some are already
included in the other collection, which I have read also. Some have
been adapted into anime episodes. In fact, I first encountered the
titular story through the anime adaptation. Most of the stories here
rely on body horror which ick me the most. They give me unpleasant
feeling because you can sort of imagine if it's happening to yourself.
While the one story that leaves deep impression on me is the one
titled Written Will. The story itself is a typical revenge haunting
story but the visual though; white woman covered in blood flying
around the house scares me. Overall, I've read so many Junji Ito's
collections I'm not sure which one I've read and which one I haven't
but I don't mind that. If you're a fan of Junji Ito though, you might
want to try picking this one up.
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Shiver - Ito Junji's Selected Collection - Junji Ito (★★★) |
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Shiver collects 10 stories selected by Junji Ito himself. Though
there's no specific theme to it, each story is followed by a
commentary on how he got inspiration and the concept behind the
stories. As with the previous collection that I read, some already
appeared in other collections. There's a story about Tomie, an
enigmatic beautiful girl (or whatever she is) who has weird effect on
people. What's more fun though, reading the commentary. This man has a
twisted mind. I'm glad he channels that through his manga. The one
titled Hanging Balloons haunts me. I've read it in another collection
but it still manages to creep me out. If you've read all of Junji
Ito's previous collection, I don't think this one is a must read.
However, if you're interested in his thought process, you could pick
this one up.
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April Favorites
Series
Black Mirror: Season 7
The series I've been waiting for. This season has six episodes, one of which
is the continuation of an episode from previous season (season four to be
exact). Of all six, my favorite one definitely the first episode, titled
Common People. The episode criticizes the subscription tier model on
technology services. In this case, a service which allows the user to keep
their brain function. This subscription model is common nowadays, it's so
capitalist and annoying. What do you mean I have to pay more just to get
additional basic service? Now imagine that model applied to a critical
function in our lives. It's a heartbreaking episode but the concept is what we
experience nowadays. If you feel like don't want to watch the series, at least
Common People is the one that I highly recommend to watch.
Film
The Substance
I should have watched it when it first came out. I didn't because many people
on social media said that it's too gory that they couldn't eat after watching
this film. Apparently, it's not that bad. It's not something I can't handle. I
love the idea of this film. It highlights the harsh beauty standards that our
society gives to women. I think it's relevant. I highly recommend watching
this film and don't be put off by it's gore please.
Killers of the Flower Moon
It's an epic historical film about the murder of Osage people fueled by greed
for oil. It's directed by Martin Scorsese so beware, it's a long ride. Still,
it doesn't feel that long because the plot is tight. Leonardo DiCaprio and
Robert De Niro are a great combo. This film left a bad taste in my mouth
especially because it's based on true events. It's a good film though.
Inside Out 2
This film has been on my list since it first came out. I decided to finally
watch it because I was stuck on an eight-hour flight. It was a good decision
to watch it, but a bad one to watch it on a plane. I almost sobbed when I was
watching the film. What Riley experienced is something that I can relate to. I
feel seen. I think this film does a good job of portraying the mechanism of
anxiety. I'm glad I finally watch it.
Miscellaneous
UK Trip
Honestly, UK has never been on my places-I-want-to-go list. Last year, my work
friend who's also my travel buddy, started her master degree there and she
suggested for us to go on a trip there. So we did. We went to several cities,
such as London, Cambridge, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Manchester, York, and
Edinburgh. It was fun. London is nice, it's a huge city so a lot of things to
do. The city is Muslim friendly. I think London is easy to get around. The
minus is everything is expensive and the wind, so-so-so cold. Unexpectedly,
York is also one of my favorite places to visit. It's such a charming little
town. Apparently it's dubbed the haunted town. We didn't get to join the ghost
tour though. Edinburgh is also a nice city with many historical buildings.
What I love most about my trip is the fact that it's spring and flowers are
blooming everywhere. There are many parks in London and sometimes we could
just walk, visit the park and stay there for a while, enjoying the view and
the weather. I love that part of the trip because I can't get that in
Indonesia which sucks big time. I'm genuinely surprised at how I love the trip
and the country, I don't mind visiting again.
That's all for my April Wrap-Up. My April mostly spent travelling and watching
a lot of films. I feel like April was the peak of my sabbatical leave. Let's
see what May bring. Hopefully even better than April.
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