American Girl (2021)

Story of my life. All the emotions that our little family experienced were so precariously intertwined with one another that the tension was palpable in so many scenes. Fen's desperation for things to stay the same as it once was slowly chips away throughout the movie, until she finally confronts her greatest fears at the end. The small details in how everyone outside of the family - Huay's colleague, Lily's friend - found it hard to talk about death and illness felt very familiar. My own Chinese family struggles with confrontation, with vulnerability. And we see this when Huay and Lily break down into tears countless times alone, isolated by the taboo of their circumstances.

Emotions that are held in eventually explode. But it's only human to fear.

Dìdi (2024)

I would watch this film over and over again. I love the omnipresence of the internet when watching films and shows (the Connection Lost episode from Modern Family, anyone?). Movies that reflect on how our parents are humans with dreams really hit the hardest, I think. My favourite - and most painful - scenes, were where he and Chungsing (mother herself, Joan Chen) interact and reconcile; when Chris was talking to the SmarterChild chatbot; and the endless times where he reinvents himself, only for others to alienate him for his insincerity.

As much as Chris hurts the people around him, the film shows us how much he is hurt by the world he is in and still trying to navigate. It is a very empathetic film. I feel as though Chris has been painted as though he cannot do anything right in the eyes of other people; whenever he meets people, they have expectations of what he'll do and pressure him into conformity, only to wrinkle their noses at the consequences that follow when he caves in, or who he really is. Perhaps it is his own perception of himself and his self-worth.

Whisper of the Heart (1995)

I get what people mean when they say the romance is trite and corny, but it really doesn't feel so until the end, where I really get hit the realisation that they're middle schoolers ("Will you marry me?"). The overall themes of pursuing your dreams, whether they be in love, creative pursuits, adulting, and further studies really ring through this movie. Intellectual and creative pursuits are incredibly beautiful to see in human beings, and I think it's so beautiful to see people support each other in the pursuit of their dreams: Shizuka and Seiji; Shiho helping around the house as her mother pursues her masters degree; and how Shizuka sets up Yuuko with Sugimura. I also find it funny that the cat was named Moon - even got the dogs barking and whatnot (I get that it's wolves, but they're close enough relatives).

Grave of the Fireflies (1988)

Bloody devastating. Normally, I wouldn't put a film that made me so uncomfortable and empty after watching it on here, but I needed to feel this discomfort. And so should everyone. I don't know if I could rewatch this, but it is a masterpiece in allusion and allegory.

Despite the discomfort (which is a sign of the film's success), it is a beautiful film that captures human nature - the worst parts of it, and the love that sustains us when life doesn't look up. The subtle (and not so subtle) symbols throughout the film were just stunning to watch unfold. Those who are removed from life's worst hardships keep themselves at a sympathetic distance, but this film forces you to swallow what humanity gone really wrong looks like, and the innocent people left in the firing line.

Boyhood (2014)

I think it's incredible that this was filmed over 12 years. Linklater portrays the small things that mould the person we grow into very well. Haunting, is the word that I would use to describe this film. The constant turbulance in Mason Jr's life denied him the space that he needed to grow into his person, a sentiment I am well aquainted with.

Delicious in Dungeon (2024)

So far, so delicious. I've always been an adventurous eater, and I'd be lying if I said that I wouldn't be game to try monsters too.

Laios, Marcille, Chilchuck, and Senshi will always be the quartet dear to my heart - Senshi's unwavering commitment to eating well and passion for sustainable dungeon ecosystems, Laios' unapologetic love for monsters and social aloofness, Marcille's booksmart yet clueless nature that makes me feel seen, and Chilchuck's sensibility that could only belong to someone with a wife and kids.

Seeing people connect and bond over wholesome food, shared adversity, and healing wounds from childhood trauma made me feel very fuzzy inside.

The Holdovers (2023)

SO BEAUTIFUL SO GORGEOUS SO PERFECT. Everything is so perfect. I get what people mean when they say it feels like a hug. But it's also melancholy, and damn funny. THE CINEMATOGRAPHY! THE MUSIC! THE DIALOGUE! THE CASTING! The visuals made it feel like it was from the 90s/00s. A guaranteed way to make me like a film. But the characters are what did it for me. I loved them all so much, even the minor roles, even Kountze (so spoilt). I love it when I stumble upon a random film then wonder how I lived before I watched it. Life is good now.

I am so excited to announce that I can finally say that I have a favourite Christmas movie HAHAHA (Little Women still gets partial first place for the Christmas scenes, though). Oh, and Angus Tully is Tumblr's type, by the way. And mine. Heh.

Alias Grace (2017)

Gritty, confronting, and gnarly - what else do you expect from a Margaret Atwood adaptation? By the end of the show, it got me thinking about how many people saw Grace as an anomaly to be scruntised or an object to be desired; it made me deeply uncomfortable. I loved her friendship with Mary, and the support which all the helpers in the Parkinson household had for one another. It was like, the only wholesome part of the show.

This show made me think about memories and their fallibility, gender and double standards, mental health, power dynamics (Dr. Jordan is the reason why professional boundaries exist today), and the church's influence on Western social conventions.

Pantheon (2022-2023)

OHHHHH MYYYY GODDDD THIS SHOW IS SO GOODDDDD PLS PLS PLEASEEEE. I can't believe it took me 2 years after it was initally released in 2022 to discover this gem. I'm really hoping more people watch it since it's been recently added to Netflix - I NEED TO FIND PEOPLE TO TALK TO ABOUT THIS HJHCSKAC. If you watch this PLEASE go in blind. Basically this entire year was just me finding shows that were released years ago on Netflix THEN realising how good they are...

What I thought the show would be like after starting the first episode is NOT how I imagined the show would progress and eventually end; it was like layers were being peeled away each episode, making you question everything. Yes, I'm being vague as hell on purpose but also I still need to process this whole show myself LMAO.

Little Women (2019)

I was either constantly crying or smiling as my heart melting with warmth. It was the perfect film to watch after coming home on a cold, rainy day. I finally understand what people mean when they say that they have a favourite movie. Everything was perfect. Characters, dialogue, cinematography. THE CHANGING COLOUR GRADING OH MY GOD IYKYK.

It made me so happy to feel as though the book had come alive through this movie. Too many quotes to count. I'll have to make a page for it, definitely.

Jo's words on wanting to be loved but also wanting freedom and to lead a feminist life struck a chord in me. Truly, if I were a girl in a book, this would all be so easy.

Tigertail (2020)

The ending was so abrupt - it felt like the movie was cut short straight in the middle. Other than that, I really liked this movie. The retro-style aesthetic coupled with the grainy film appearance made the flashbacks feel like a 20th century Taiwanese film, a vibe I definitely appreciate. The strained father-daughter relationship hit very close to home, and got me a little teary to be honest.

This was also the first time that I watched a movie with dialogue in Hokkien (Taiwanese), and was beautiful to hear the dying language being represented. When Pin-Jui's Ah Ma told him to "diam7 diam7!" (be quiet), it made me chuckle, thinking of the times I used the same word to get others to shut up.

Girl From Nowhere (2018-2021)

What made me want to watch this show again? Perhaps it's because I'm on a bit of a vengeful streak. Nanno is in no way a good person, but it's entertaining to see revenge being served in the context of the corrupt halls of educational institutions.

I really like shows and movies set in schools. I think it's the simplicity of structured routine, studying and the innocent optimism for the future which makes me feel comforted. Nanno's brutesque forms of justice disturb this in a satisfying way, though.

Lady Bird (2017)

First of all, let me start off by declaring that I have a massive girl crush on Saoirse Ronan. Second of all, the mother-daughter dynamic hit wayy too close to home. Like, what do you mean we were arguing one moment and then getting along the next? The dissonance with one's Christian upbringing was also very relatable.

This coming of age film felt really special to me - breaking out of your small town mould, away from overbearing parents, and heralding the liminal moments that our existences are woven from.

Bee and Puppycat: Lazy in Space (2022)

This is my ultimate comfort show. The drawings, the soundtrack, the droll but endearing sound of Bee's voice - it all lulls me to a calm when I'm feeling low. Puppycat is indeed the cutest (2 cute 2 poot, in fact!), and I love every character to bits. I wish I could immerse myself in this world.

This show is a masterclass in lovable characters for me. There's this undeniable sense of warmth I feel when watching the small yet surreal activities that our pair get up to. AND THE LORE IS AMAZING.

Before Sunrise (1995)

Before Sunrise was basically a long, philosophical discussion between a romantic and a realist. And I DEVOURED it. The picturesque scenes of Vienna solidified the magic of the movie (midnight adventures ftw).

Jesse did come off as a self-righteous American initially, but I liked him more as the film went on. (Also, Saoirse Ronan in Greta Gerwig films is the equivalent of Ethan Hawke in Richard Linklater films). Generally, I suffer from a lack of critical thought and flimsy opinion, but I really did resonate with Celine and her worldviews.

Before Sunset (2004)

The most prominent dialogue which stuck out to me from this film were from Celine regarding her career, and the conversations around purpose and redirection in one's life. As a very lost human being, hearing this was very reassuring and affirming. Basically, I have the entire screenplay of Before Sunrise and Before Sunset annotated because I just love it that much.

Carol and the End of the World (2023)

Carol feels like me. Not necessarily in a good or bad way. Often, I don't understand why people do things blindly and follow the collective, while I remain content with being true to myself in life. It often makes me feel as though I need to change myself to not raise concern among the people around me.

Donna, Luis, and Carol are the perfect friend group man I love them so much. I also loved the eventual thawing of hearts towards the end of the show, such as the Applebee's employee happy hour, and the relationship between Elena and Carol. AND HR LADY.

Anne with an E (2017-2019)

Full of whimsy, Anne Shirley-Cuthbert is! I don't normally watch 19-20th century period dramas, but I've fallen in love with the style in due fashion. I know that the show differs from the book, and I like it for it.

Anne's relationships with the people of Avonlea are heartwarming and full of good intent, sometimes to her disadvantage. I enjoyed seeing her motherly relationship with Marilla, and the playful rivalry (everyone but Anne sees it that way) between her and Gilbert. Cole and Josephine Barry though!! My beloved gay icons (can we PLEASE talk about the party Joesphine Barry hosted?). And God bless Matthew Cuthbert.

Atashin'chi (2002-2024)

Okaasan is so cute and hilarious - I give partial credit to her illustration design (that forehead...hehehfhjs) and voice actor. The minimalist art style and slice of life stories are reminscent to My Neighbours The Yamadas, but there's a certain quirk and humour to this show that I like more.

Arthur (1996-2022)

If I you asked me what my favourite childhood show is, it’s Arthur. Even today, I still re-watch the show occasionally, relishing the characters who were my childhood friends and the Elwood City I know by heart. The complexity of the characters is what made the show so lovable for me. Truth be told, I was a Muffy wannabe as a child…

On a side note, I took an Arthur pop quiz on Sporacle and I am ashamed to say that I forgot that Buster Baxter has a father. Yikes. I NEED to re-educate myself on this show's lore. Who knows, it might be useful for showing off.

The Aoba's Dining Table (2018)

I love unconventional families. I love happy families. Even more so, I love chosen families. A love that is thicker than blood, which is cultivated and nurtured willingly. That is the Aoba household to me. A stand out moment was when Sorao and Kiichi bonded over an obscure author. Truly the definition of finding someone who matches your freak.

Kitchen for Singles (2019)

A delicate portrayal of singlehood and the restorative and grounding effect the good food has on us. The warmly lit abode that Natsuki is “queen” of emanates a homeliness that I aspire to obtain one day. Savouring the small things in life, is what this taught me. The soundtrack is a banger too. My favourites include “Lush Life!” by clammbon, “dreamer” by Spangle call Lilli line, and “Magic Hour” by Special Favorite Music.