Minami Yoshimura, a high school senior living in Itoshima City, meets 26-year-old hairstylist Ren Hatae at a small salon by the sea. Instantly smitten by Ren’s striking looks, Minami launches a relentless romantic offensive. However, Ren brushes her off with the calm composure of an adult, telling her, "If you still feel the same way when you turn 20, then we’ll see." Undeterred, Minami’s unwavering devotion eventually pays off, and the two are finally united. But their happy days come to an abrupt end when Minami leaves to study abroad in South Korea. Out of nowhere, Ren breaks up with her without giving a single reason. Years later, Minami is confronted with a truth that is far too harsh, a "cruel twist of fate" that makes one want to resent God himself. Burdened by a secret they can tell no one, the two ultimately choose to embark on a "thorny love."
In Stowaway, director Joe Penna narrates the story of a starship crew (Anna Kendrick as Zoe Levenson; Toni Collette as Marina Barnett; and Daniel Dae Kim as David Kim) struggling with serious technical problems on a two-year mission to Mars. During the trip, they discover aboard the presence of Michael (Shamier Anderson), a stowaway who jeopardizes everyone’s life on board.
As noted in the headline, I didn’t like this movie. Not to say it’s the worst thing ever, but it’s just…meh. Nothing much to it. Very generic. No surprises. At the very least, the cast is diverse so I’ll give it that.
Mahavatar Narsimha (2025) brings the epic tale of Hiranyakashipu to life with stunning animation, intense action, and a bold retelling of this timeless mythological drama.
Christopher Nolan transforms Homer's ancient epic into one of the most breathtaking cinematic spectacles of his career. While its nonlinear storytelling and exposition occasionally hold it back, The Odyssey is a visually stunning, emotionally resonant blockbuster that demands to be seen on the biggest screen possible.
This list was made with the intention of celebrating the craft. I love seeing more women of colour on this list than before and more newcomers on the scene as well!
