What program/film/documentary are you watching now?

[rommel222]

Greetings to All,
Stuck at home so lot of time to see tv & internet movies
Watched the BBC/PBS 6 part series Baptiste on Masterpiece Mystery: (quite good & related to the BBC/Startz The Missing series 1 & 2)
https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/shows/baptiste/#

Also watching Russian war films on their Afghanistan and Chechen conflicts along with Russian TV series on them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clruL5PwdiE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXo0ILf ... MI&index=4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDu3-ig ... MI&index=3

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0lWUpcQO24



Watched some war movies on the Iran-Iraq war made by each side.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FK1PUutdwCQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11pf588Rqbw

Found some interesting Turkish made war movies on their modern day anti-terrorist operations.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTFWmDGm9QM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRihK_MHRhQ

[shunwick]

ORIGINAL: loki100

ORIGINAL: warspite1


...

As said, I enjoyed the series and felt at the end it was worth watching. However a few things wrankled. The two leads appeared to be really likeable characters at the outset, but I wonder just how likeable Connell actually was - or maybe I just didn't understand his motivations....

I don't think they made clear enough (or I am a bit slow) that it was entirely his decision to conduct the relationship in secret. I think more should have been made of that. It would make Marianne's hurt over the prom more understandable. But perhaps the biggest gripe I have is about the break up after they get back together at Uni. Why did he not want to stay with her that summer? What was that all about? He soon latched on to someone new too. His actions didn't ring true for someone who is supposedly so in love with Marianne. I mean he effectively just said - out of the blue - I'm off.... really? Why? I didn't really get that.

I think he ended up acknowledging some of that - a few times in the end he was clear that he added himself to the list of people who had hurt her?

The scene towards the end of episode 3 (the school prom) was telling, he'd asked out someone who was popular in his group (Marianne really not being so) and all of a sudden he's back in the centre of his peer group, so he traded what he knew was the right thing to (& his mum was brutally explicit about this) for social popularity?

I saw their breakup at the end of Year 1 at Uni as what I'd call hedgehog mating. They were both so scared of being hurt (& of hurting) that neither of them was being clear. So he didn't tell her that he actually needed somewhere to stay and if not with her then he'd have to go back to Carrickfergus for the summer - on the other hand she wouldn't do the obvious (to everyone else) thing and just ask him.

Ok. First off, let me say that I am not a big fan of Mills and Boon romances. Quite like the occasional ROM COM but remove the COM, even if you replace it with T&B, no not a fan.

Having said that, the cast were excellent despite two somewhat unsympathetic lead characters, and the cinematography was stylish albeit a tad self-indulgent.

The story was a bog-standard boy meets girl, boy screws up, girl goes stands in a field, boy and girl get together again and live happily till the end of book/film/tv series. It is the only main plot available. Nothing wrong with this. Mills and Boon have created an entire industry using the same plot endlessly recycled. Only the detailed variations in each step gives readers/watchers a semblance of a new story.

And there was nothing new in the story. We had Monica and Chandler, Racheal and Ross, Beavis and .... well perhaps not that one.

The main flaw of Normal People is the DeepAndMeaningfulization of the series. DeepAndMeaningfulization was responsible for turning Death Takes a Holiday into Meet Joe Black. And note, Meet Joe Black was a three plus hour film. When directors go for deep and meaningful, the running time always suffers.

And we were left in no doubt that Normal People was deep and meaningful. We had a deep and meaningful cup of tea, deep and meaningful brushing of teeth, and a deep and meaningful extension of a six part story told in twelve episodes. With no humour. Nothing the lighten the mood. Twelve episodes of non-stop, relentless, deep and meaningful. It desperately needed a lighter touch.

Thank God the aliens attack in series four. Not that I shall be watching.

I have mixed feelings about the series. Did I dislike it or hate it with a passion?

As I said, not a fan of romances.

Best wishes,
Steve

[Kuokkanen]

Been watching Angry Video Game Nerd. A must see for anyone who thinks old games are better than new ones.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ut3n8-9 ... sPvLcEwOSS

[warspite1]

Started re-watching Game of Thrones. Still remains a quality piece of TV (although I haven't got to Series 8 yet)...[:)]

Just starting on Series 3 and Lord Bolton's B****** son has just made his presence known.... this I recall, is going to be harrowing.



Psycho from hell or just mis-understood?

[bomccarthy]

ORIGINAL: warspite1

Started re-watching Game of Thrones. Still remains a quality piece of TV (although I haven't got to Series 8 yet)...[:)]

Just starting on Series 3 and Lord Bolton's B****** son has just made his presence known.... this I recall, is going to be harrowing.



Psycho from hell or just mis-understood?

Probably the most memorable line from a tv show or film in the past 20 years: "If you think this has a happy ending, you haven't been paying attention."

[Jason96]

Recently finished the Military History: The Definitive Visual Guide to the Objects of Warfare
I'm a big fan of military history, and this funny book, also a visual guide and military museum, helps those military guys to have a fully understand of the history of weapons, from the siege towers and catapults used by ancient invaders, to the unmanned drones, nuclear submarines, ships, tanks employed by nowadays military force. Besides, it comes with a large collection of detailed photos of armor weapons, uniforms, vehicles, medals, and so on.
The mastering of superior technology has always played a dominant role in determining the defeat and success of an army.So if you happen to be one of those military gear lovers, or weapon history fans, this book may take you on an adventure through warfare of all times.

[nicwb]

An account and analysis of the Battle of Arras on youtube given by the director of the Tank museum. A bit light on details of the battle but gives a lot of interesting info about how ill-prepared for war Germany was in 1939, how the allies reacted, why Arras was important despite it being a tactical defeat and how the Germans talked themselves into making it a something of a strategic loss.

[warspite1]

ORIGINAL: bomccarthy

ORIGINAL: warspite1

Started re-watching Game of Thrones. Still remains a quality piece of TV (although I haven't got to Series 8 yet)...[:)]

Just starting on Series 3 and Lord Bolton's B****** son has just made his presence known.... this I recall, is going to be harrowing.



Psycho from hell or just mis-understood?

Probably the most memorable line from a tv show or film in the past 20 years: "If you think this has a happy ending, you haven't been paying attention."

warspite1

Can you imagine being in a hostage/captured type situation and being told that.....[X(]

[johnsmith101]

The quips between the 2 central characters makes this very entertaining!

[bomccarthy]

Classic early 60s parenting

"If the clothes from that dry cleaning bag are on the floor of my closet, you’re going to be a very sorry young lady!"

[warspite1]

Mary, Queen of Scots

Not a bad film at all

[nicwb]

I suppose I'm best off asking an Englishman -Warspite has England had any other sovereign than Elizabeth I ? As far as I can tell not according to Hollywood film makers ? Not that I begrudge either actor mentioned above but surely someone could put together a movie about some other English sovereign?

[warspite1]

Well I'm not a film buff and I don't really know what would be considered 'Hollywood' as opposed to a.n.other but yes, there have been quite a few films about British monarchs other than Elizabeth I - although I'd have to say the film in question was more about Mary than Elizabeth.

There was a recent Oscar winner - The Favourite - about Queen Anne
There was The Madness of King George - King George III
There was a couple of Cate Blanchett films about Elizabeth I
The Kings Speech was about George VI
A Man for All Seasons was about Henry VIII (well probably Thomas More - but Henry figured heavily) There must be others with Henry VIII too - although usually centred on Anne Boleyn.
Then there is Elizabeth II in The Queen
Numerous Victoria films such as The Young Victoria, Mrs Brown etc
Didn't Kenneth Brannnaarrrggghhh do something about Henry V?
Then there is The Lost Prince which features George V and Mary (although is more about their son).

So I think, just off the top of my head, there have been a few. Probably not enough - what wonderful stories there are to be told - Charles I seems to be a glaring omission. But then if we wanted more such films its up to the British movie industry to get their fingers out of their behinds isn't it?

[nicwb]

Well I'm not a film buff and I don't really know what would be considered 'Hollywood' as opposed to a.n.other but yes, there have been quite a few films about British monarchs other than Elizabeth I - although I'd have to say the film in question was more about Mary than Elizabeth.

There was a recent Oscar winner - The Favourite - about Queen Anne
There was The Madness of King George - King George III
There was a couple of Cate Blanchett films about Elizabeth I
The Kings Speech was about George VI
A Man for All Seasons was about Henry VIII (well probably Thomas More - but Henry figured heavily) There must be others with Henry VIII too - although usually centred on Anne Boleyn.
Then there is Elizabeth II in The Queen
Numerous Victoria films such as The Young Victoria, Mrs Brown etc
Didn't Kenneth Brannnaarrrggghhh do something about Henry V?
Then there is The Lost Prince which features George V and Mary (although is more about their son).

So I think, just off the top of my head, there have been a few. Probably not enough - what wonderful stories there are to be told - Charles I seems to be a glaring omission. But then if we wanted more such films its up to the British movie industry to get their fingers out of their behinds isn't it?

Yes I know- I guess that's my gripe - in a comparison that "highly reliable source", Wikipedia lists some 21 films and TV series either about Elizabeth I or with her as a major character. But it seems like the producers seem to get fixated (maybe its cheaper just to rebuy unused Tudors sets and costumes?) After reading your list as I was reminded of The Lion in Winter -Henry II.

(Both Branagh and Olivier did Henry V. Charles I got a major part in Cromwell as I recall -Alec Guiness)

[warspite1]

ORIGINAL: nicwb

Well I'm not a film buff and I don't really know what would be considered 'Hollywood' as opposed to a.n.other but yes, there have been quite a few films about British monarchs other than Elizabeth I - although I'd have to say the film in question was more about Mary than Elizabeth.

There was a recent Oscar winner - The Favourite - about Queen Anne
There was The Madness of King George - King George III
There was a couple of Cate Blanchett films about Elizabeth I
The Kings Speech was about George VI
A Man for All Seasons was about Henry VIII (well probably Thomas More - but Henry figured heavily) There must be others with Henry VIII too - although usually centred on Anne Boleyn.
Then there is Elizabeth II in The Queen
Numerous Victoria films such as The Young Victoria, Mrs Brown etc
Didn't Kenneth Brannnaarrrggghhh do something about Henry V?
Then there is The Lost Prince which features George V and Mary (although is more about their son).

So I think, just off the top of my head, there have been a few. Probably not enough - what wonderful stories there are to be told - Charles I seems to be a glaring omission. But then if we wanted more such films its up to the British movie industry to get their fingers out of their behinds isn't it?

Yes I know- I guess that's my gripe - in a comparison that "highly reliable source", Wikipedia lists some 21 films and TV series either about Elizabeth I or with her as a major character. But it seems like the producers seem to get fixated (maybe its cheaper just to rebuy unused Tudors sets and costumes?) After reading your list as I was reminded of The Lion in Winter -Henry II.

(Both Branagh and Olivier did Henry V. Charles I got a major part in Cromwell as I recall -Alec Guiness)

warspite1

Please spell Kenneth Brannaaarrggghhhh's name correctly [;)]

Its a real shame there has not been a decent Civil War film made. I wonder why that it is? Maybe that the guy who should have the audiences sympathy was arguably not a particularly sympathetic character and the winner that overcame him is equally not looked at with huge affection.

[bomccarthy]

ORIGINAL: warspite1

Mary, Queen of Scots

Not a bad film at all

I guess you could say that she has quite a range as an actor

[warspite1]

She does indeed have a great range as an actress

[Zorch]

ORIGINAL: warspite1

She does indeed have a great range as an actress

She's very, very good at playing beautiful women. [:D]

[nicwb]

quote:

ORIGINAL: nicwb

quote:

Well I'm not a film buff and I don't really know what would be considered 'Hollywood' as opposed to a.n.other but yes, there have been quite a few films about British monarchs other than Elizabeth I - although I'd have to say the film in question was more about Mary than Elizabeth.

There was a recent Oscar winner - The Favourite - about Queen Anne
There was The Madness of King George - King George III
There was a couple of Cate Blanchett films about Elizabeth I
The Kings Speech was about George VI
A Man for All Seasons was about Henry VIII (well probably Thomas More - but Henry figured heavily) There must be others with Henry VIII too - although usually centred on Anne Boleyn.
Then there is Elizabeth II in The Queen
Numerous Victoria films such as The Young Victoria, Mrs Brown etc
Didn't Kenneth Brannnaarrrggghhh do something about Henry V?
Then there is The Lost Prince which features George V and Mary (although is more about their son).

So I think, just off the top of my head, there have been a few. Probably not enough - what wonderful stories there are to be told - Charles I seems to be a glaring omission. But then if we wanted more such films its up to the British movie industry to get their fingers out of their behinds isn't it?


Yes I know- I guess that's my gripe - in a comparison that "highly reliable source", Wikipedia lists some 21 films and TV series either about Elizabeth I or with her as a major character. But it seems like the producers seem to get fixated (maybe its cheaper just to rebuy unused Tudors sets and costumes?) After reading your list as I was reminded of The Lion in Winter -Henry II.

(Both Branagh and Olivier did Henry V. Charles I got a major part in Cromwell as I recall -Alec Guiness)
warspite1

Please spell Kenneth Brannaaarrggghhhh's name correctly

Its a real shame there has not been a decent Civil War film made. I wonder why that it is? Maybe that the guy who should have the audiences sympathy was arguably not a particularly sympathetic character and the winner that overcame him is equally not looked at with huge affection.

"Brannnaarrrggghhh" ? is some local pronunciation I'm unaware of like Cholmondeley or St John ?

But there is a dearth of English Civil War films. Cromwell was a complex character alright. As for sympathy ? - um whatever you do don't mention him in Ireland. I saw a documentary where it was suggested some sort of rehabilitation of his name was out forward by a historian only to be told "It was too soon!"

Back in the 80's there was a TV serial with the Civil War as a backdrop -"By the Sword Divided" but apart from "Cromwell" -nothing much else.

[Zorch]

Kenneth Branagh's name is pronounced the same way as Sean Bean's is. With great emphasis. [:D]