In Morocco, a widely-accepted account fills the air, about three local fishermen who drowned at sea - allegedly after attaining visions of a mysterious woman who beckoned them to their deaths. As director Hakim Belabbes's feature Why, O Sea? opens, this chain of events seems poised to repeat itself in the life of a similar fisherman, Said. Day after day, he journeys into the sea, with his friends, to retrieve his daily catch. For better or worse, Said and his pals are seemingly bound to their occupation for life and enmeshed in crude, centuries-old techniques for plying their trades. When Said - like the unfortunate predecessors - also begins spotting a female presence who appears everywhere, calling ceaselessly to him, his mother grows sick at the thought that this may be a maritime apparition determined to lure him to a watery grave.
To say Hollywood has had a troubled past is the understatement of the century. In Ryan Murphy’s (American Horror Story) new Netflix series, Hollywood, that past is confronted and even rewritten.
Looking for some Afro-centric entertainment? Check out these movies and immerse yourself in Black culture.
Overall, Cruella stands above the other Disney retellings. Its dark and bold, and that is exactly what these retellings should be. Emma Stone continues to prove she's one of the finest young actresses working today, and Emma Thompson gives one of the best villain performances in the last decade. The fashion is stunning, the dogs are adorable, and the story is wildly vibrant and original. It's classic movie fun, and it shouldn't be overlooked.
In Spike Lee’s She’s Gotta Have It (1986), we follow the love life of powerful female protagonist Nola Darling (Tracy Camilla Johns) and explore the relationship dynamics she has with her partners. She sees three men simultaneously: Greer Childs, (John Canada Terrell) Mars Blackmon (Spike Lee), and Jamie Overstreet (Tommy Redmond Hicks). Though an 80’s film, She’s Gotta Have It is surprisingly progressive with its themes of female sexuality, although at some points in the film it is handled clumsily. Overall Nola is an incredibly compelling character especially for modern women, as we as a society acknowledge female sensuality more and more without the negative stigma.
This film is a splendid mix of mediums, but its strength lies in its simplicity and beautiful message of closeness.
The 1950s lesbian romance is stunning, emotional, restrained, and, simply put, one of the best movies I’ve ever seen depicting a woman-loving-woman (WLW) relationship.
