A Brother and 7 Siblings

Netflix has helped me discover Indonesia as a film powerhouse.  It takes years to develop expertise and of course money plays a role.  Caught off guard I would like to recommend still another one, "A Brother and 7 Siblings."

A young man, Moko is living with his sister and her husband.  He seems destined to graduate soon and become an architect.  His girlfriend Meuron is set to also graduate and form a partnership with him.  His life changes when his sister who was pregnant and her husband die within a short time of one another.

He takes on the responsibility of taking over care of the four children, including the new baby.  He drops his education and his very supportive girlfriend and wears himself out working and caregiving.  When he has to go out of town (for a job arranged by his ex girl friend) a brother in law takes over child care, but proves to be a con man.  Struggling never seems to end, but Moko does wise up. 

I suspect there is not really 7 siblings, but the original title is 7 Ponakan.  In addition to the actual 4 siblings is added the daughter of an old music teacher (expected to be temporary) and Moko's sister and her husband.  The 7 Ponakan are all treated as family.

The film got a very high rating so I have already given out too many plot details.  Here are some of the contributors to its success.

Yandy Laurens was the director and writer.  He started with commercials and musical videos.  He has 13 credits as a writer, 14 for directing and 1 for script and continuation including "Cemara's Family (2019).    see http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2022/01/cemaras-family.html

Arswendo Atmowilata wrote the original tv. series.  He was a journalist and short story writer.  In 1990 he was imprisoned for subversion and released in 1993.  Arswendo took a writing course at the University of Iowa.  He has 7 writing credits, 2 for acting an 1 for directing including "Cemera's Family" (2019).

Olef Obaja Setiawan composed the music.  He has 26 credits for composing and 2 for the music department.

Dimas Bagus Triatma Yoga was the cinematographer with 20 cinematography credits.

Hendra Adhi Susanto was the editor.   He has 22 editor credits and 4 editorial department including"13 Bombs" (20243) and "Heatbreak Motel" (2024).  See   http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/12/two-year-end-film-reviews.html

Nandi Giri was the casting director.  She has 20 casting director credits, 5 for the casting department and 2 for acting including "Photocopier" (2021). 

Chicco Kurniawan played Moko.  He was an advertising model and was a film extra.  He has 30 acting credits and one soundtrack including "Photocopier" (2021) and "13 Bombs" (2023).

Amanda Rawles played Maurin, the girl friend.  Her father was Australian and she received some of her education there.  She has 31 acting credits.

Freyanashifa Jayawardana played Nina, the older niece.  She is well known as a singer and dancer and part of JKT48 musical group.  She has 5 acting credits, 1 for the music department and 1 for soundtrack.

Ringgo Agus Rahman played Eka, the brother in law.  He has 52 acting credits including "Cemara's Family" (2019). 

Maudy Koesnaedi played Agnes, the older sister to Moko.  She has 30 acting credits including "Cemara's Family" (2019) and  "Losmen Bu Broto:  The Series" (2025).

Available on Newflix subtitled.

As usual I have bolded the first mention of films I have seen.

The Sirens' Call

 

 An early quote from William James demonstrates the importance of attention; "My experience is what I agree to attend to."  As technology advances everyone gains access to more information with more competing for our attention.  What you agree to, shapes your life.

 Our attention is gathered in three ways.  First we voluntarily focus on something of interest to us.  Second we are abruptly distracted by something like a siren. Third you react to something of personal interest such as your name even if barely heard. 

We would like the time and context to focus on things of value or at least of interest, but literally millions of others would like to grab your attention.  People have developed some defenses.  The Walkman head phone at first was seen as anti-social, but is more acceptable today.  There is infinite information and finite attention.  Many look for summaries and others how to sort out what really matters.  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2013/05/the-signal-and-noise.html

Attention has been commoditfied.  Newspaper circulation has been a basis for advertising rates for many years.  Television has ratings in great detail.  The claims can be difficult to verify as for example one study showed that 2/3 of television viewers reach for their phone during a commercial break.  Others take a bathroom break or do some household chore.  

Google has developed a more sophisticated system:  when you click on any link you help them develop a profile identifying what interests you.  Advertisers can bid for links to likely profiles and the advertiser only has to pay when the consumer clicks on their links.   

One advantage others seeking your attention have is that humans dread boredom.  Many humans feel alienated and without a sense of purpose.  Mihaly Csiksentmihalyi is known for the concept of flow that many of us strive for.  One is happiest when one is engaged in an activity where they are so engaged they lose concept of time.  One example was riding horses where some are so engaged that is what they think of most of the time.

A model for communicating ideas was in 1858 Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas had a series of historical debates.  They would each be given an 60 minutes opening statement a 90 minute response and finally a 30 minute rebuttal.  There would be a series of debates with each man given opportunity to make their points and refute the other's points.  Today with lots of commercial pressures, political debates are more narrowly restricted.  Chris points out to understand the issues in depth we have lost.  Neil Postman in 1985 thought these debates illustrated how we have lost our ability to pay attention;  see http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2018/05/amusing-ourselves-to-death.html

Along side he points out that in society we have taught children to wait their turn and wait for a sign for them to talk.  Nowadays interruptions and time restrictions have set different standards.

Chris Hayes has a unique position being a cable newscasters as he has to contend with what news gets covered.  To stay in business and keep his job he has to find news that gets attention.  Too often he has to deal with mass shootings.  At first a lot of attention was given to the perpetrator, but realized that a key motive was to draw attention.  Shifted the coverage more to the victims.  It is still news.

Donald Trump has the biggest megaphone in the world.  He seeks recognition but achieves attention.  He has learned how to be provocative.   Almost every day Trump creates attention that is difficult to ignore despite the fact that it is nonsensical it still seems to benefit him (or his ego).

One issue that doesn't get enough attention is climate change.  A flood, fire or drought is news and does get some coverage, but usually not much for long.  Logically the issue deserves much more attention.  You cannot actually see the climate changing and while some activists are creative, they are up against well financed fossil fuel advocates.

Multi tasking has been developing with the increased access to information (and entertainment), but it obviously results in divided attention which ultimately means each focus is diluted.  Along with Chris this is a bad habit and I am conscious that something is lost in the effort, but the fear of missing something drives me on.  How about you?

Chris pointed out that each of us have a desire for recognition.  As a newscaster he has found fame among strangers.  He found himself checking ratings and his social media responses.  Personally I check blog stats and Facebook responses.  Social media encourages such behavior.

Jonathan Haidt wrote about how smart phones and social media have quickly gained the attention of our youth.  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/06/the-anxious-generation.html

Chris admits that technology increases all the time, but there have been some interesting rebellions.  One was vinyl records that provide cover art and sound better.  Most people read news online, but he has discovered that print newspaper offer something different.

There is a lot of meat in "The Sirens' Call "and it is not too practical for my summary to give an in depth understanding.  Hopefully my description has drawn your attention and if you want a more in depth understanding you need to read the book.

Uproar: How one prejudice protest can trigger another prejudice protest

 "Uproar" (2023) is from New Zealand and takes place during a time of racial protests in the memory of one writer who felt some of the same emotional elements of the lead charatcer.  The protests spurred others to realize they have been the victims of prejudice, the native Maoris.  The film debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival.

We are introduced to Josh a half Maori student at a private school.  He is not particularly interested in sports, but has a brother who had been a local rugby hero and finds himself pulled in that direction.  A teacher sees something else in him and encourages him to check out acting.  The school principle is against protests ruining the rugby tour.

The Springboks rugby team from South Africa had agreed to a tour of New Zealand in 1981.  This aroused an anti -apartheid protest among some European descendants.  In turn some Maori activists decided that they had been discriminated enough and thought to piggy back on the protests.  Josh felt pulled in two directions and did not want to get involved in protests.

Josh's older brother had been a star rugby player before an injury ended that, but he was wanted as a coach.   His mother, born in England was reluctant but made a deal that if they wanted her older son to coach they would have to accept her younger less athletic son for the team and it was agreed.  She felt awkward in New Zealand, but her Maori husband had felt unwanted in England and she felt unwanted by Maoris.

Josh really felt out of place, but one of his friends, Grace wanted him to take part in the protests and Mr. Slane was vehemently against the protests.  He had helped his brother to recover from his serious injury.  

The movie is mostly from Josh's perspective struggling to please others and assert his own identity.

History provided the material, but the cast and crew have given life to the story.  Here are some contributors.  

Paul Middleditch was a director, writer and executive producer.  He had lived as a young boy during the Springbok tournament.  He is well known for tv. commercials in Australia.  Paul has 10 directors credits and 3 for writing and 1 for editing.

Hamish Bennett was the other director and one of the writers.  He was a full time primary school teacher.  He has 6 writing credits and 5 for directing.

Sonia Whiteman was another writer.  She has 5 writing credits, 4 for directing and 1 for producing.

Mario Gaoa was another writer.  He was part of the Naked Samoan Comedy Group.  He has 12 acting credits, 8 for writing and 3 for producing including "What We Do in The Shadows" (2014) and "We are Still Here" (2022).  see http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/10/indigenous-perspective-illustrated-with.html

Rachel House was still another writer.  She got experience directing in theatre and went to study directing at the Prague Film School in the Czech Republic.  She has also been an acting coach.  Rachel has 62 acting credits, 7 for additional crew and 2 as director including.  "Whale Rider" (2002), "Eagle vs. Shark" (2007), "Moana" (2012), "Hunt for the Wilder People" (2016) and "Thor: Ragnarok" (2017).

Karl Solve Steven was the music composer.  He has 64 composer credits, 18 for the music department and 6 for soundtrack including "800 Words" (2015) and "The Sounds" (2020).  For a section on "800 words see http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2019/12/tv-series-from-down-under.html

Maria Ines Manchego was the cinematographer.  Known for music videos and tv. commercials.  She has 22 cinematography credits.

Carly Turner was the editor.  She has 25 editor credits, 17 for the editorial department and 4 for the sound department including "Hacksaw Ridge" (2016), "Adrift" (2018) and "The Legend of Baron To'a" (2020).

Julian Dennison played Josh and was quite a contrast to what we saw in "Hunt for the Wilder People" (2016) where he played a rambunctious youngster.  After two previous films he was offered that role without an audition.  He has attracted attention from Australian and American film makers.  Julian has 16 acting credits and 1 for soundtrack. 

James Rolleston played Josh's older brother.  In July of 2016 he was in a very serious car accident that resulted in brain and lower body damage that required extensive rehabilitation to talk and walk.  He has 14  acting credits including "Boy" (2010), "The Dead Lands" (2014) and "The Dark Horse" (2014).

Minne Driver played Shirley, Josh's mother.  She has been a successful singer with 3 solo albums and written songs.  She has 98 acting credits, 2 for producing and 18 for soundtrack including "Good Will Hunting" (1988 in which she was nominated for an Oscar),"Big Night" (1991), "Owning Mahowny" (2003), "Barney's Version" (2010), "Return to Zero" (2014), "Beyond the Light" (2014) and "The Red Tent" (2014).

Rhys Darby played Madigan, the teacher trying to steer Josh to acting.  He has been a standup comedian and performed as such in the United Kingdom along with radio and film.  He has been a climate ambassador for Greenpeace and once took part with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern with a tourism video.  Rhys has 114 acting credits, 10 for writing and 1 for directing including "What We Do in The Shadows" (2024) and "Hunt for The Wilder People" (2016).

Mark Mitchinson played Mr. Slane, the principle.  He acted in one of the Hobbitt films shot in New Zealand.  He has 90 acting credits including "Tracker" (2010).

Jada Fa'atui played Grace.  She had done a few podcasts, but this was her first film.

I caught the film by PVR.

As usual I have bolded the first mention of films I have seen.  Some of them are among my favorite films.  If you follow the links you should be able to determine if any film is worth following up.

Sisyphus

Science Fiction is a tool.  It can point the way to a future and/or deal with moral dilemmas.  Good ones do a little of both.  One criticism of this film brought to my attention was that the explanations for time travel were inconsistent.  To me belief in time travel is ridiculous, but it is still very useful as a tool, that is illustrated with "Sisyphus:  The Myth" (2021).

From Greek myth Sisyphus was punished by rolling a stone up hill until it reverses and the process begins again, symbolizing unending labor

The key problem is a nuclear war that will kill everyone.  From the future  Seo-Hae is sent to disrupt an invention that would precipitate such a civilization ending event.  The key scientist Tae Sul is arrogant, very smart and loose with women.  Seo-Hae, exceptionally beautiful, but focused convinces him to take action.  Her father had strongly advised her to avoid him, but she needed to talk to persuade him.  They are attracted to each other and others try to take advantage of that.  At one point he seems forced to make a decision between her and the war.  There are endless complications where several characters act in different futures.  

Of course this provides a great platform for action.  Explosions, gunfire and martial arts.

The creative team voice some thoughts about the future.   At one point the hero, Tae-sul asks Seo-Hae why she seems so slick fighting, but can't drive a car and speculates because cars in the future are all self-driven.

With many ups and downs fighting and some romancing we arrive at the ending, but you really should sit through all 16 episodes to really appreciate it.  

 A lot of people have a a rosy or lackadaisical view of the future, while many others have great fear.  The creative behind this series can foresee great danger.  Technology is churning out innovations, but some of them might not be totally beneficial. A strong belief of many science fiction lovers is that there are many other civilizations in the universe, but Carl Sagan concluded the reason we have no contacts is that any civilization that advances to a high enough technology to communicate with other planets blows themselves up.  Check :http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2012/10/carl-sagan-and-our-future.html

A lot of talented people make this worth viewing.  Listed below are some.

 Jin Hyuk was the director with 12 directing credits.

Lee Je-in and Jeon Chan-Ho are listed as script writers, but neither has any other credits.  They obviously exhibit professionalism that sooner or later will be revealed.

Chung Yeakyoung wrote the music.  At age 11 she won a national song contest that has remained popular.  She has 8 composing credits and 8 for the music department including "Chocolate" (2019).

Cho Seung-woo played Tae Sul.  He has been a top musical theatre star which surprises me as he doesn't get to sing in any films I have seen.  He has 24 film acting credits and one for soundtrack including "Chunhyang" (200), "Tazza:  The High Rollers" (2006), "Stranger" (2017) and "Divorce Attorney Shin" (2023).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2023/04/divorce-attorney-shin.html

Park Shin-hye plays Seo Hae.  She is gifted in Tae Kwon Do, performing her fight scenes in this series.  She has also been a backup singer in Korean films.  She is popular in Japan, China, Taiwon and other Asian countries.  She has been a generous philantrophist and has done volunteer work in Korea, Nepal and Ghans.  Shin-hye has 31 acting credits including "The Beauty Inside" (2015), "My Annoying Brother" (2016), "Memories of the Alhambra" (2018) and "Doctor Slump" (2024).  See  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/03/doctor-slump.html

 Kim Jong-Tae plays Seo-Hae's father.  He has 38 acting credits including "Something in the Rain" (2018) and "Daily Dose of Sunshine" (2023).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2023/11/daily-dose-of-sunshine.html

 Sung Dong-il played Mr. Park, sort of a villain, but sometime ally.  He started in the theatre and now has 86 film acting credit including "200 Pounds Beauty" (2006) and "Miss Granny" (2014).   See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2014/04/a-slice-of-korean-cinema.html

 Kim Byung-chul played Sigma, a definite villain.  He has 26 acting credits including "Doctor Cha" (2023).   See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2023/06/doctor-cha.html

 Jeon Gook-hwan played an early investor with Tae-sul.  He has 55 acting credits including "My Mister" (2018) and the very popular "Crash Landing on You" (2019).   See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2020/02/crash-landing-on-you-very-addicting.html

Available on Netflix subtitled or dubbed.

Another Korean science fiction:   http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/02/when-stars-gossip.html

As usual I have bolded the first mention of films I have seen.  Some of them are among my favorite Korean films and a big part of my Korean obsession.  If you follow the links you should be able to determine if any film is worth following up.

Fredrik Backman comes up with another worthy read

Fredrik Backman is a favorite author and I go for his books even when the description does not fit my normal reading.  He has proved to be worth the effort.  As the last words of his acknowledgements "Telling stories is the only time I really feel like myself.  Thanks for following along."

This story seems to begin when a 17 year old independent girl comes across an apparently homeless man who is about to die.  Another man approaches  and assures the man he got the painting.  In the short time Louisa is known she makes such a strong impression that his last request is to give the painting to her.  There is a little back story of Louisa and lot about the painting and four friends.

There were four 14 year old friends that enjoyed each other so much despite some differences.  They offer the view of some youngsters who mostly do not know what they want out of life.

 There is a lot of humor, but also references to dying and the dead.  The dialogue is clever.  The plot is about a lot of back stories plus the adventures of the painting and Louisa.  There are interesting views on the art world and subtleties. 

There are lots of interesting thoughts, but I picked out three quotes that had some meaning for me. 

"Surely taking life for granted is the whole point of being here."

"My friend, all opera, all about love."  Reminded me how I came to love opera.  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2011/06/why-i-love-opera-wayne-gretzky.html

"It's art that helps me cope.  Because art is a fragile magic, like love, and that's humanity's only defense against death."

Fredrik Backman hails from Sweden, but his books are found in over 40 countries.  He writes about a variety of topics and setups.  Highly recommend all his books.

 Here are some previous posts, but the first one is of a movie he inspired.

http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2017/07/a-man-called-ove.html 

 http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2020/06/beartown.html

http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2021/04/anxious-people-by-fredrik-backman.html 

http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2022/11/the-winners.html 

http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2023/08/us-against-you.html 

Our Unwritten Seoul

Another Korean romance.  If you are in to them they are among the best.  In "Our Unwritten Seoul" as a tool they use identical twins so similar their mother can't tell the difference.  In addition another tool for romances is the misunderstandings that here are compounded by identical twins.  First reaction might be to expect a comedy, but it is more dramatic.

Looking at the photo to the left all the apparent differences are cosmetic--they are the same actress.

The two women, Mi-Ji and Mi-Rae are in different circumstances and have different personalities.  Mi-rae is in a big corporation in Seoul and feels uncomfortable with corruption.  Mi-ji is more at loose ends, but staying with her mother so she could help her grandmother.  Getting together they both cook up a scheme to switch roles.  They do have only a rough outline of the other's situation.  They cover it up, but leave a little wondering doubt.

The romance comes from their new job situations.  Mi-ji working in the corporate environment deals with an old acquaintance, Ho-su, a company lawyer she went to high school with.  Ironically he had a fixation on Mi-ji, but pretending to be the sister she is truly surprised.  They both are upset with a move to push out small businesses for a new shopping mall.  One lady resists and she at first is suspicious of both of them and all feel caught in the middle.  This dilemma has more complications and a few twists.  

Mi-Rae moves back home and her mother thinks she is strange, but still accepts her as Mi-ji.  The grandmother is the one not fooled, but keeps it quiet.  Mi-rae takes a job at a strawberry farm.  Eventually we learn that the owner, Se Jin had once been a financier, but gave it up because he was upset about corruption.  They rub each other the wrong way.  When he reveals his background he is surprised she even recognizes his name and she has to lie to not reveal how she knows it.

Both men are lied to, but gradually the truth comes out.  Most romance followers can anticipate sparks, but there really is more to the story.  The two sisters are quite different, although at times the viewer will be confused.  

The quality of the series is top notch.  Here are some of the contributors.

Park Shin-woo is the director.  He has 10 directing credits including "It's Okay Not To Be Okay" (2020) and "When The Stars Gossip" (2025).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2021/03/its-okay-not-to-be-okay.html and  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/02/when-stars-gossip.html

Lee Kang was the writer.  She has 5 writing credits.

Nam Hye-Seung was the music director.  She is noted as a multi instrumentalist.  In the early days she was involved with children's programs, but was careful to not to copy Disney that was common at the time.  She has 20 composing credits and 49 for the Music Department including "Crash Landing on You" (2019), "It's Okay Not to be Okay" (2020), "Queen of Tears" (2024) and "When the Stars Gossip" (2025). see http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/05/queen-of-tears.html and  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2020/02/crash-landing-on-you-very-addicting.html

A quote that perhaps other composers would also feel and illustrates her dedication to music in films: "All scenes deserves a touch up or entirely new music because different scene might need more detailed music work. Audiences might not catch it all the time but it is needed to deliver the message to their heart as close as I can do because I know the importance and how much minor things can do to the whole picture." 

Park Bo-young had the difficult role of playing identical twins Mi-ji and Mi-rae.  While in middle school she was in a short film.  At high school she had done a tv. commercial.  She has 25 acting credit including "A Werewolf Boy" (2012) and "Daily Dose of Sunshine" (2023).     See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2023/11/daily-dose-of-sunshine.html

Park Jin-young played the lawyer Ho-Su.  An early interest was dancing and later was part of a boy group.  Jin-Young came to this role after his army release.  He has 62 acting credits and 2 for soundtrack.  

 Kim Sun-young played Ho-su's step mother who had stepped in despite contrary advice when her husband killed in auto accident that also seriously injured Ho-soo.  She has had an extensive career in theatre.  She has 47 acting credits including "When The Camellia Blooms" (2019),  "Crash Landing on You" (2019), "Broker" (2022) and "Queenmaker" (2023).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2023/05/queenmaker.html

Jang Young-nam played the mother of the twins.  She has a strong background in theatre that includes the solo role in "Vagina Monologues" (2006).  She has 85 film acting credits including "A Werewolf Boy" (2012), "It's Okay Not To Be Okay" (2020) and "Love Next Door" (2024).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/10/love-next-door.html

Im Chul-so played a handicapped and corrupt lawyer.  He has 19 acting credits including "Signal" (2016) "Crash Landing on You" (2019), "Vincenzo" (2021), "Queen of Tears" (2024) and "When the Phone Rings" (2024).   See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/01/when-phone-rings.html

Ryu Kyung-soo played the former fund manager turned to strawberry farmer.  He has 19 acting credits including "Itaewon Class" (2020) and "Broker" (2022).  See  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2023/07/broker-japanese-korean-collaboration.html  

Kim Mi-kyung played the elderly restaurant owner.  she has 80 acting credits including "Secret Sunshine" (2007), "Glove" (2011), "It's Okay not to be Okay" (2021), "Trolley" (2022- 2023), "Doctor Cha" (2023) and "Agency" (2023),  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2023/06/agency.html 

"Our Unwritten Seoul" is available on Netflix subtitled and dubbed.  A brilliant series.

As usual I have bolded the first mention of films I have seen.  Some of them are among my favorite Korean films and a big part of my Korean obsession.  If you follow the links you should be able to determine if any film is worth following up.

Pintu-Pintu Surga stretching my vision of the world

"Pintu-Pintu Surga" (2025) is another example of what you learn when you watch foreign movies--something that is different and something familiar.  The different is that three consenting adults can agree to a marriage with two wives.  The back story is one of frustrated love and concern for children with western society having lots of variations to handle these difficulties.  

We are introduced first to Latifah who loves her husband and is soon left behind when he dies.  He left his son from a previous marriage, money and the top position at an educational institute.  A year or so later she is visited by two men from a co-operating institute and quickly we learn one of the two men had been a boyfriend some ten years before.  Gradually he feels compelled to help with her autistic son Gandhi.  After that we learn that he is married with a daughter he loves.  

Things cool down for awhile, but he realizes he still loves her and has become fond of her son.  He discusses his feelings with his mother who remembers Latifah and does not approve of continuing the relationship.  Partly because of gossip Latifah is resistant and after he finally tells his wife Widya she is furious and even takes off with her daughter for awhile.  Aman does not want a divorce, but he wants to take care of Latifah and Gandhi.  He persuades his wife to talk with Latifah with both women feeling awkward and just as the conversation is winding down Latifah gets a phone call about her son having a fit.  Aman insists he drive her and Widya decides to come along, stays in the vehicle, but is soon aware of yelling and investigates.  Gandhi, upset about his mother and "uncle" Aman is difficult to control.  We then learn Widya had a similar mentally challenged brother and feels guilty she did not help and eventually her father and brother died in an accident she blames herself for.

The key thing is that the three adults all agree to this second marriage and their two children are also part of the decision.  That is more plot than I usually want to reveal, but there is a little detail left out.

The story moves along smoothly and the three adults are all very likeable.  The two children are cute.

One producer was Arya Saloka with his first producing credit.  He plays Aman, one of the leading characters.  He has 11 acting credits including "Cigarette Girl" (2023).  See  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2023/11/cigarette-girl.html

Adis Kayl Yurahmah was the director  with this being her one directing credit.

Dewi Fita was a writer with 3 writing credits.

Tya Subiakto Satrio was the music director.  She has 11 credits for composing and 11 for the music  department.

Gunung Nusa Pelita was the cinematographer with 30 cinematography 2 credits for directing.

Susan Sameh plays Latifah.  She has 15 acting credits and1 each for the music department and soundtrack.

Agla Artalidia plays Widya.  Before getting into films she was a flight attendant for Singapore Airlines.  She has 12 acting credits including "2nd Miracle in Cell No. 7" (2024).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/04/2nd-miracle-in-cell-no-7.html

Unique Priscilla played Aman's mother.  She  had graduated from the University of Kansas with a journalism degree.  She got into modelling and that led to 48 acting credits.

It is already highly rated on Netflix where it can seen subtitled.  An insight to another way of looking at life and love.

I had previously seen two films from Indonesia that got my attention with a man marrying two women, but there was no three way discussion.  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2022/01/surga-yang-tak-dirindukan-heaven-none.htm

As usual I have bolded the first mention of films I have seen.  They are not necessarily a recommendation, but generally I found them worthy of my time.  If you follow the links you might be able to determine if a particular film is worth following up.

The Anxious Generation

Today's youth is undergoing a dramatic change that has future repercussions. for all of us.   Jonathan Haidt, a psychologist pinpoints 2012 as a critical time, but the challenge had been building up from the 1970's.  We have gone from a play-based childhood to a phone-based childhood.  Everyone is affected by rapid technology changes, but Generation Z, born after 1995 is the first generation to go through puberty when the tech companies greatly expanded. 

There is a technical aspect, but a critical role was society's attitude toward children had already been changing.  Parents became more protective for their children, restricting their unsupervised activities.  

 Technology has been moving forward for centuries, but in recent decades innovations have accelerated.  Gradually people had gotten used to computers as they became more user friendly.  Laptops increased accessibility.  Smart phone started about 2007 and soon allowed one to take photos of themselves.  All in a pocket (even more mobile and can be hidden).

Starting in 2012 there was an increase in depression measured for teenagers, well before Covid.  Stats appeared similar in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and the Nordic countries.  Anxiety appeared differently for girls who tend to internalize it while boys tended to externalize it.  Suicide increased for both sexes, but boys at a higher rate.

Pornography is very common and distorts reality.  Some boys have become afraid of asking a girl out on a date that used to be a normal risk of growing up.  Over decades service jobs have taken over from factory jobs and as a result females have done better in the new job market.  They are also getting better educated than males. 

Video games can become very addictive.  One boy commented "I wish I had gotten to know my grandfather better before he died, instead of always playing video games when he visited."

Sleep deprivation was aggravated by smart phones linked to anxiety.  Humans cannot really multi-task, instead shift attention back and forth resulting in fragmented attention.  

Before the age of 2 it is best to minimize screen time as it will over stimulate.

What can be done?  Haidt has many thoughts and suggestions that cannot be done full justice is this blog. First he thinks we need to give our children less restrictions and trust them more.  I remember on family outings the four of us would pack into our car, but it seemed my young son was always the last one.  I was annoyed and had to go back to check if the door was locked.  He complained about that lack of trust and finally I trusted him.  

It is natural to think of ways to minimize the use of smart phones in many situations such as school.  We need to co-operate with teachers and as importantly with other parents.  Children complain all their friends have easy access to social media and not wanting them to be ostracized we give them what they want. 

Nature offers a chance to recharge.  On one successful effort Haidt mentions students being allowed to groom horses.  From that brief mention here is a more expanded version of how horses might help.  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2016/05/the-power-of-horses-to-heal-riding-home.html

In this busy world one helpful tradition would be for the whole family to eat a meal together--without a smart phone.

 The whole world is trying to adjust to the takeover by smart phones and we are still learning.  Haidt has much more to say and suggest than I have been able to convey.  "The Anxious Generation" is well worth reading.

 Here are two other posts regarding ideas of Jonathan Haidt that really opened up my mind.

http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2013/02/the-righteous-mind.html 

http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2017/10/are-you-interested-in-happiness.html

2025 NBA Playoffs

Most years after my home team, the Toronto Raptors ended their season I didn't bother watching the playoffs.  This year there was a special incentive.  Shai Gilgeous-Alexander from my home base of Hamilton, Ontario was already the top scorer and whose team had the best record was a focus of attention.

In general a lot of Canadians were key players.  Foreign players are drawing attention, but Canada supplies the most foreign players.

 The Indiana Pacers were not the favorite in any of their playoff series, but they knocked off more established teams including Boston Celtics and New York Knicks.  A lot of the games were come from behind.  Tyrese Haliburton was outstanding, particularly at the end of games when he shot the winning basket.  One upsetting time for me was when the Oklahoma City team led pretty much for the entire game and even built up substantial margins, but Tyrese kept his cool and shot the winning basket with only 0.3 seconds left.  Unfortunately with the 7th game Tyrese had a severe ankle problem and was lost for the second half.  Another outstanding Pacer was Pascal Siamkim who had been a key player for the Toronto Raptors.  Caitlin Clark was a fan at Indiana home games and they won each one.  Indiana had the top Raptor fan who cheered Pascal.

In the finals it was pointed out a Montreal connection, but split between the two teams.  One story showed the two mothers had become friends watching their sons play in high school.  Lou Dort came from Haiti and took to basketball.  He was a starter for the Oklahoma City Thunder noted for his defense, but also came through with a number of unexpected 3 point plays.  Indiana had Benedict Malthurin who developed his talent in Montreal and in one finals game was the leading scorer.  Another Canadian was Andrew Nembhard from Aurora, Ontario.  He was a starter and often used to keep Shai, a fellow National team member under check.  

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander developed his talent in Hamilton at Sir Allan MacNab High School.  This season he was the highest scorer which lead to the MVP for the season and from there he went on to be the MVP in each of the playoff series including the finals.  Indiana really ganged up on him, but he scored big and just as important worked with team mates to win. 

One change that has been developing has been a greater emphasis on defense.  From my high school days hands on was not allowed, but it is normal in the NBA.  The referees have a lot of discretion in deciding how much contact was allowed and it was frequently stated that if there was no wind-up the defense action was acceptable or at least not considered fragrant.  Bill Russell once described basketball was a "contact sport" and admitting hat football was a "collision sport."

The playoffs were as dramatic as any sports. It probably surprised fans that it was two small market teams made it to the finals, but good for the game.  I am glad I allowed Shai to lure me into watching the playoffs.

http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2019/06/my-60-year-love-affair-with-basketball.html

Who is Government?

 Michael Lewis has become a favorite author.  He likes to take a complicated story and start with what his readers might assume is irrelevant.  Then he shifts to another apparently irrelevant story and eventually connects them all.  He also points out unexpected consequences.   Life is complicated, but underneath it all, we are all connected and Lewis is a master of reminding us.

"Who is Government?" (2025) is another example.  He has contacted a number of writers he admires and asked them to tell stories demonstrating contributions made by government employees that are not much noted by the general public.  Voters see government as faceless and more of a problem than having much relevance to them.

Too many of us take the government for granted.  Some assume employees are lazy and not able to get a real job.  Still others feel they are "the problem."  But Michael Lewis points out they are human and do in fact make life better for all of us.  In an earlier book he described how the Trump administration did not understand the important role played by government.  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2019/01/the-fifth-risk-latest-from-michael-lewis.html   A key point is that after his 2016 victory, the Trump administration dismissed and discarded work that had been done to explain how the American government was set up so they could more easily make the countless decisions that had to be made.

The examples given in this book are American, but bear a resemblance to other countries.  The government is responsible for the well being of all citizens.

One chapter was devoted to the National Cemetery Administration that was set up by Abraham Lincoln concerned about all the soldiers that had died in the Civil War and most likely forgotten.  Since then  government employees have set up a system so no one has to be forgotten.  Lots of details overlooked by the public.  There are a few covered in the book.

Another chapter is devoted to measuring national finances, specifically a Consumer Price Index.  The arrival of a number is very complicated and potentially misleading, but necessary to have some measure of what the economy is doing.  Prices vary depending on location.  The items chosen for the calculations are not necessarily used everyday or by everybody.  They are broken down in different categories, but the main one publicized is subject to public criticism and is supposed to indicate the rate of inflation.  Some people are able to downscale their expenditures in response.  

A story to demonstrate how measuring the wrong thing can have a negative effect.  Going back to wartime it was noted how many bullet holes were in planes returning from battle.  Initially it was thought necessary to reinforce the wings and fuselage as that is where most of the bullet holes were found.  Someone realized it was more important to realize that although there were apparently no bullet holes found by the engine, that indicated the bullet holes that made it to that part of the plane were the fatal ones and the engine area had a greater need for reinforcement.

The Internal Revenue Services is often criticized for harassing hard working people.  One might recall that police forces were not able to imprison the gangster, Al Capone, but he was taken out by income tax evasion.  Of course modern day crooks are aware of that and try to stymie any efforts to prove their guilt.  A modern day concern is crypto currency which for some people is one way of avoiding the law.   In 2014 it was ruled that profits from crypto transactions would be considered as capital gains and taxed as such.  Undercover work investigating gangsters revealed that terrorists, drug dealers and sex traffickers were hiding behind crypto, but were dealt with the legal and prison systems.

The National Archives are accessible to the public (except confidential ones), but has to have been updated and made more accessible.  A lot of documents are very old and modern users would find cursive writing almost impossible to read.  They have used volunteers to digitize while still making the original documents available  The 2022 election was the first where Maine and Vermont were splitting their electoral votes.  To make the records more accessible  they work with Wikipedia, Family Search and Ancestry among other outside sources.

You might remember Trump literally took a lot of records including some that were classified as confidential that have been mostly retrieved, but the case was never settled.  Records are important and must be cared for.

W. Kamau Bell wrote the chapter on anti trust legislation.  Resented by some, but in fact their decisions affect everyone.  Corporations that get too large reduce competition and innovation as well increasing prices.   An illuminating example occurs after the assassination of President James Garfield in 1881 by a man upset unable to get a job with the government.  The realization led to a revamping of hiring practices from essentially the spoils system to one more based on merit.  see a blog inspired by W. Kamau Bell.   http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2021/05/should-we-defund-police-what-does-that.html

An excellent quote comes from one of W. Kamau Bells' sources,  Oliva Rynberg-Going;  "I think the American dream shouldn't impede on other people's dream."

Michael Lewis handles the last chapter that deals  with the Food and Drug Administration department, but it does so in a round about way.   The connecting focus was on a very rare disease.  A disease that would not be of interest to large pharmaceutical corporate laboratories.  But the disease reached the attention of a government employee who was interested and was able to use her resources to fix the fatal disease that also helped save a marriage.  The study of such rare diseases seems wasteful to some, however it was pointed out that American soldiers are sometimes stationed in tropical areas where such rare diseases are more apt to occur.  Besides the information gained from rare diseases research can lead to good well from countries who cannot afford such research.   

Generally government jobs, especially entry level jobs pay less than for profit business and naturally a lot of graduates go for the big money.  That is not 100% true as there are graduates who have other motives, such as wanting to be of service.  An increasing concern is student loans which can be a burden that forces many to change their course.  The government needs talented people and perhaps this debt load might present an opportunity.  The military will give free education in return for a commitment.  Another angle might deal with loan forgiveness or tax rebates.  The Biden government ran into resistance for their plans for debt forgiveness, but at some point the general public (that is voters) need to realize they are losing when the government cannot attract motivated top graduates.      

 Unfortunately politics (really, big business) forces society in certain directions.  Part of the population realizes big business is only interested in money and not humanity.  Hopefully "Who Is Government?" will make more people realize the importance of government and the need to attract competent people.  First we have to rid of Trump and his supporters.

This was read as an ebook from my local library.

Two other blogs covering books of Michael Lewis that you might find relevant

http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2021/11/the-premonition-is-more-relevant-than.html

http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2011/12/boomerang-by-michael-lewis.html

A Two Spirit Journey

The Canada Reads contest has interested me for several years.  There are great books, but even more the discussions that are part of the contest are very engaging. This past year the five contestants were known ahead of time and I was able to reserve all five of them at my local library.  I read four of them, but "A Two Spirit Journey" (2016), subtitled "The Autobiography Of A Lesbian Ojibwa-Cree Elder" the actual winner, was not available in time and in fact I only got a copy recently, well after the contest had been decided.

Ma-nee Chacaby is a very interesting person and this story is one of the most honest told by an indigenous woman.  Born of ambiguous parentage in remote northern Ontario she was abused and sexually abused.  She was surrounded by alcoholism and started drinking at an early age.  She and her near age friends indulged in sniffing exhaust fumes.  She was forced to move several times and until she was about 20 did not speak much English, relying on Ojibwa and Cree.

Her story includes being raped, beaten and getting drunk.  On the positive side she learned survival skills such as hunting, trapping and tanning animal hides.   Her step father wanted her to realize that hunting is not bad and is needed for survival.  At a very young age she was able to sell fur to the Hudson's Bay Company who set up an account for her that she let build up until at an older age she used it for a building project.

As she aged she tried to stop drinking, but usually failed until she got involved with Alcoholics Anonymous in Thunder Bay and even then struggled for awhile.  Towards the end of the book she boasts that she had not drunk any alcohol for over 30 years.

She goes through some relationships giving birth to 3 children and fostering children.   She helps counsel others not to drink and delivered several babies, including for strangers.  She got involved with translating information from English to Ojibwa and Cree, but as her vision deteriorated she had to give that up.

Through Alcoholics Anonymous she attended a segment for lesbians that awakened her interest.  She did not understand her attraction to women and kept it secret.  Eventually she broke through her hesitation lived with at least three women and got involved with Pride promotions.  At one time she dressed up as Elvis Presley for an event. 

She wanted to tell her story not only for herself, but for her children, grandchildren and other relatives.  She had met Mary Louise Plummer, a social scientist and writer.  As it happened circumstances conspired  to free Mary Louise and she agreed.  At the time she was in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.  They connected through the internet and conducted over a hundred hours of interviews sorting many details.  Other writers of indigenous stories failed to credit the actual person, but Mary Louise felt that Ma-nee was unusually open about her history and as a natural story teller was given primary credit.

Shayla Stonechild was the champion for "A Two-Spirit Journey" was very well prepared and articulate.  She is an indigenous model, actress and health advocate.  If not for her ability I might have been tempted to not bother as I had already read the other four books and had already written a blog on them.  I am glad I listened to her and got to read a very interesting book.

There are many decisions to make when selecting a book you hope to immerse yourself with and one tool for me has been the Canada Reads contest.  Not only are good books involved, but with a champion for each book over four episodes you get insight.  If you are interested the CBC holds this contest once a year around March and can be seen on television or the internet.  This particular book is well worth an effort, but the contest will suggest others.

This first link is to the 2025 Canada Reads with the four other contenders.

http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/03/canada-reads.html

There were a lot of books from this contest over the years that I enjoyed reading and watching the contest.   For me it has been mind opening.

http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2017/09/indian-horse-by-richard-wagamese.html 

http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2018/10/canada-reads.html

http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2020/09/the-book-of-negroes.html 

http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2023/09/ducks-my-first-graphic-novel.html 

http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/09/hotline-canada-reads-nomination.html 

A propos d'Antoine (About Antoine) returns

A most unusual series apparently based on reality has returned.  Although I had done a blog on the first season there is a confusion with English information. 

It is unusual in a number of ways.  The focus is on Antoine, a young boy who cannot walk, cannot talk, is autistic and has periodic epilepsy incidents.  The father, Marc and mother, Justine each blamed the other without verbalizing it and divorced after which Marc met another woman, Julie married her and surprisingly the current and previous wives liked each other and took part in taking care of Antoine.  Despite such a serious matter the story will often make you laugh in fact essentially this is a feel-good film.  For me at least it is pleasant to see a film in a favorite city, Quebec City.

The second season starts out with a serious doctor talking to the three adults trying to explain what had happened to Antoine.  It turns out that Antoine was the victim of some random cellular action and that nobody should be blamed.  A new set of dynamics with Julie feeling she should give Justine and   a chance to reconcile. 

Georges, the brother is not ignored and is concerned about Antoine.  He has been give some good lines.

Another character, Kaya seems thrown in for effect, but she, a trans female does not only add color, but does in fact contribute to the action. 

Julie's ex boyfriend, Leandre plays a role in both seasons.

The Cast and crew are critical to its success.  Here are some key personnel.

Claude Desrosiers was the director.  He has one listing as a comedian which many of cast and crew share, Claude has 23 directing credits and 3 for acting.

Cathleen Rouleau was a writer and the leading actor, Julie.  She has done many tv. commercials for the Quebec market.   Cathleen graduated from the Ecole National de l'Humour.  She has performed comedy at festivals n Quebec, Switzerland and Belgium.  Cathleen has 4 credits as an actor and 3 as a writer.

Sylvain Parent-Bedard is the producer and matches many of the details of the leading male, Marc.  He created the Festival Grand Rire de Quebec.  He has produced shows for Madonna and Celine Dion.  He has 28 credits as a producer.  Also noteworthy, he is a big supporter of charities for epilepsy and autism.  

Shawn Pavlin was one of he cinematographers.  He has 33 credits for cinematography, 21 for the Camera and Electrical Department and 5 for the Editorial Department including "Mommy" (2014).  The other cinematographer was Vincent Biron who has 63 cinematographer credits, 9 as director and 7 as writer.

Claude Legault played Marc, the festival owner.  He has 65 acting credits and 10 as a writer.

 Antoine Parent-Bedard plays the focal character.  Despite his multiple handicaps he always has a smile.

 Fanny Mallette plays Justine, Marc's ex wife who is still considered and acts like a member of the family.  She won a gold medal in 1989 at Canadian junior judo championships.  She has 56 acting credits, 1 for directing and 1 for producing including "The Barbarian Invasion"(2003).

Micheline Bernard played Margot, Marc's mother who lives next door.  She has 50 acting credit including "It's Not Me, I Swear!" (2008) and "Matthias and Maxime" (2018).

Sylvain Marcel plays Patrick, a brother and business partner with Marc.  He has been successful in television commercials. He has 53 acting credits including "Good Cop, Bon Cop" (2006).

Edward B. Laroque plays Georges, younger brother to Antoine.  He got his first acting role at 6 years old.  He has 9 acting credits. 

Iannick n'Doua-Legare played Leandre, the ex boyfriend (they remain friends).  He has 48 acting credits including "Starbucks" (2011) and "Three Pines" (2022).

Christen Marlot plays Kaya a trans female who helps Julie.  Does fashion modeling.  She has 2 acting credits.

I do want to repeat, this is basically a feel good series, although the condition of Antoine is serious.  It is available subtitled and dubbed on Netflix, under "About Antoine", but if you care to check on IMDB or Wikipeida you will need to specify "a propos d'Antoine."

for the first season check http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/07/a-propos-dantoine-or-in-english-about.html

D.E.I. Diversity Equity & Inclusion

Trump is upset about D.E.I. (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion), maintaining that it is unfair.  Some of us feel the MAGA followers really want to take advantage of privilege.  The goal is supposed to be the best person for each position gets hired.

The original signers of the U.S. Constitution were landowning white males of a certain age.  Their rights to own slaves were respected.  Voting rights were determined by the states.

Over the years voting rights were extended to blacks (mostly former slaves), women, younger people, indigenous and even poor people.  Prejudice and legal tools were used to limit actual voting by minorities. 

It takes many years including generations for prejudices to lessen in society.  It involves heroes and martyrs like Martin Luther King Jr. or Harvey Milk.  Forced to work with minorities some whites came to appreciate the "other" was not evil or incompetent.  Adjusting to having women as bosses was hard for men, but some got used to it.  Making judgments when confronted by hijabs, turbans, skullcaps or even baseball caps is still normal for most of us.  Handicapped people are often ignored, although they are generally reliable employees.  Society too often takes its time to mature, but more of us are making the effort.

All of humanity is not equal, but generally complement one another.  Opportunity is also not equal and in effect means we do not always get the best mix.  The offspring of wealthy successful parents are not necessarily as talented or even as ambitious.  

In the meantime society controlled by those with power is able to protect their position against outsiders.  Here are a few areas that make a difference to who gets opportunities or real choices.

Home ownership is actually the basis for many family fortunes, but denied to many blacks as they could not get affordable credit.  Minorities are discouraged from the better neighborhoods.

Education is supposedly the tool for poor people to rise and it can work.  However the quality is not the same in all neighborhoods.  Not every student comes to class equally rested and nourished.  

Jobs are not only a measure of talent, but also a mark of status.  Discrimination based on race, gender  religion or class ensure there is not true competition.  Income affects the whole family.

Health is vital.  Statistics have pointed out that blacks die more frequently than whites at childbirth and have a shorter life span.  They receive poorer quality care from doctors.  

These factors are going in the right direction, but still have a way to go.  Despite the listed obstacles many black and other minorities have succeeded, but that seems to alarm many whites.  Population trends point that racial minorities will be the majority within only a few decades. 

Undoubtedly some deserving whites lose out and in a sense we all lose when that happens.  Competition often is used a a decider.  Being privileged means a lot is taken for granted.  Over time the ideal should be to find the best fit for every human.  Fairness is another ideal which means that society should not judge merely by outside features, but examine more closely the talents and merits of individuals. 

A legitimate concern is that we hire the most suitable.  At the same time those in power make the rules that suit them.  Donald Trump has appealed not only to bigots, but to other aggrieved groups such as Evangelicals, gun owners, fossil fuel investors, etc.

D.E.I.has served America well, in fact better than privileged decision makers of the past.  In the future it will be less and less necessary, that is if allowed to further prove its worth. 

A bit on how Trump got to be Trump

 Trump is a very powerful man.  What he has done with his power is noted everyday.  How he got to be powerful was not in a vacuum.  "The Apprentice" (2024) attempts to cover a key part of his life.

The details are disputed by Trump and his legal team, but seem roughly aligned with the current perspective.

The film is introduced by a speech from Richard Nixon, proclaiming he is not a crook.

Trump meets Roy Cohn who disposes of a legal problem by blackmailing.  He imparts 3 rules:  1.Attack ,  2.never admit wrong doing, and 3 claim victory.  He brags about his connection to Richard Nixon

Trump uses Cohn as a mentor and with moral support builds Trump Tower behind his father's back.

He meets Ivana and after an arduous courtship marries her.  She is well liked and there seems a dose of jealousy from her husband.  We do not get to his divorce, but a rape is reenacted (dependent on court records, but her version is modified afterwards).  We are also made aware that he is unfaithful.

Against Cohn's advice Trump gets involved with Atlantic City gambling casinos.  It seems to go well, but we hear of bankruptcy charges.  I think it likely that Russians were enablers for his recovery, but this is not hinted at.

We are aware of personal dynamics.  His brother Fred is insulted by his father and sinks to alcoholism.  We watch Trump try to take advantage of his father's dementia to increase his share of inheritance. 

He has medical work done on his scalp and he has surgery to lessen his abdomen.

Roy Cohn is a constant advisor, but deteriorates and acquires Aids.  Trump avoids him as much as possible, but holds a dinner in his honor.

 A lot of the dialogue and actions have to be improvised, but looking at the consequences and Trump's own words it is very believable. 

Much was filmed in Canada including Toronto and Hamilton.  As a Hamiltonian I have long watched in awe the Scottish Rite building where some scenes were filmed.

Scottish Rite Building in Hamilton, Ontario.

 Distribution was hindered by Trump's legal team; the film has a limited release in the U.S. on October 11, 2024   Trump wins in November.  Despite adoration of the public Trump is heavily dependent on lawyers

It takes a ton of talent to make such a film.  Here are a few of the people.

Ali Abbasi was the director and a producer.  He was born in Tehran and has made one film highlighting female discrimination in Iran.  As a young man he went to Sweden to study architecture.  He next went  to study at the National Film School of Denmark.  He lives in Copenhagen.  He has 8 directing credits, 5 for writing and 2 for producing.

Gabriel Sherman was one of the writers.  He wrote the biography of Roger Ailes, "The Loudest Voice" which was the basis for the movie in 2019.  He has 3 credits as producer and 2 for writing.  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2020/11/the-loudest-voice.html

David Holmes wrote music.  He was a DJ in Belfast, Northern Ireland and was involved in the music scene.  He has 62 composing credits, 16 for the Music Department and 5 for producing including "Ocean's Eleven" (2001), "Ocean's Thirteen" (2007) and "The Fall" (2013).

Kasper Tuxen was the cinematographer.   Lives in Copenhagen.  He has 63 cinematography credits, 26 for the camera and electrical department and 2 for additional crew including "Beginners" (2010), "Hateship. Loveship" (2013) and "The Worst Person in The World" (2021).

Olivier Bugge Coutte was the editor.  He has 57 credits for editing, 1 for producing and 1 for directing including "Reprise" (2006), "Oslo, August 31st" (2011) and "The Worst Person in the World" (2021).

Sebastian Stan played Donald Trump.  He was born in Romania and once spoke that language in a film.  He has 57 acting credits, 2 for producing and 1 for soundtrack including "I, Tonya" (2017) and "Sharper" (2023).

Jeremy Strong played Roy Cohn.  He attended Yale where he acted in their theatre.  He has won a Tony Award and one Prime Time Emmy.  He lives in Copenhagen.  Jeremy has 30 acting credits and 7 for additional crew including "Robot & Frank" (2012), "Zero Dark Thirty" (2012), "Parkland" (2013), "The Judge" (2014), "Detroit" (2017). "Molly's Game" (2017), "Serenity" (2019), "Succession" (2018-2019) and "The Trial of the Chicago 7" (2020).

Martin Donovan played Trump's father, Fred.  He has 123 acting credits, 1 for directing and 1 for writing including "Insomnia" (2002) "Indian Horse" (2017) and"Tenet" (2020).  See about the book "Indian Horse" which was the basis for the film...http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2017/09/indian-horse-by-richard-wagamese.html

Maria Bakalova played Ivana Trump.  Born in Bulgaria she has performed in that language.  She had an interest in music, being part of a touring choir as a youngster and also playing the flute at the university level.  Maria has 26 acting credits and 3 producing including "Borat Subsequent MovieFilm" (2020).

Mark Rendall played Roger Stone.  A Canadian, at age 10 with no acting experience he auditioned and won a role with a touring "Oliver" company.  He has 65 acting credits including "The Exploding Girl" (2009), "Victoria Day" (2009), "Transplant" (2019-2022) and "Departure" (2019-1022).   

Available on Crave.

Do I recommend this film?  Yes, but only so you might better understand how such a powerful person developed.  

As usual I have bolded the first mention of films I have seen.  They are not necessarily a recommendation, but generally I found them worthy of my time.  If you follow the links you might be able to determine if a particular film is worth following up.

Mad Unicorn, Exciting Series from Thailand

Thailand is upping its international presence, partly due to Netflix.  

"Mad Unicorn" is based on a true story, a rags to riches tale based on a local hero.  Jira Maligool, the executive producer interviewed Kamsan Saleen who started poorly and built a delivery express business that became very huge.  From there the story was developed by a team.

In the series Santi starts off as a worker in a sand pit, but is able to negotiate money for a bigger opportunity in Bangkok.  Working for a touring company he helps a wealthy Chinese man have sex with a Thai woman by translating each to the other.  He gets invited to Shanghai where he gets embroiled in a drinking challenge.  There he meets up with an older mentor, Kanin and is given an opportunity.  He also meets up with a Chinese Thai woman, Xiao who seems very sophisticated.  You sense a romance, but it doesn't end the way you would hope.

Between Kanin and Xiao he does get started on an Express company, but soon finds himself betrayed and up against formidable obstacles.  The focus on the series is how he innovates and steels himself.  Constantly looking for investors with the major ones being Chinese.  Tension mounts, but he is a tough cookie.

Basically it is a business story with lots of crookery and determination to overcome it.  A little more physical action than might be typical.  Santi is a very likeable as is Xiao, but Kanin is evil.  It is engaging--one of the most intense bingeing adventures for me.

The cast and crew are key to its success.  Here are a few contributors.

Jira Maligool, was the executive producer who started the ball rolling.  He has 40 producer credits, 4 for directing and 8 for script and continuity including "How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies" (2024).  See  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/04/how-to-make-millions-before-grandma-dies.html

Nottapon Boonprakob was the director and one of the writers.  He studied Social Documentary Film in New York.  He has 4 directing credits, 5 for writing and 3 for the camera and electrical department.

Tanida Hantaweewatana was a key writer.  She has 7 writing credits including "Bad Genius" (2017).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2018/06/bad-genius-out-of-thailand.html  

 Vichaya Vatanasapt was the music composer.  He got a degree in architecture, but had joined a band and  soon helped form a music producing company.  He has 30 composing credits and 3 for the music department including "Bad Genius" (2017).

Phalao Jiraungkookun was the cinematographer.  He has 7 cinematography credits including one of my favorites, "Bad Genius" (2017).

Natara Nopparatayapon played Santi.  He studied Mandarin for two months and was able to master a two page monologue in that language.  He has 8 acting credits including "Delete" (2023).

Jane Methika Jiranorraphat played Xiao.  She was once a runner up for Miss Teen Thailand.  She joined a girl band and has been involved with singing.  Methika  was part Taiwanese and didn't have to learn Mandarin.  She has 23 acting credits.

Thaneth Warakulnukroh played Kanin, a ruthless business man.  He was a singer and also record producer.  Thaneth has 10 acting credits including "Pop Aye" (2017), "Bad Genius" (2017) and "Thai Cave Rescue" (2022).

Thailand has produced a number of memorable movies and is developing the necessary multitude of skills. "Mad Unicorn" is available on Netflix, subtitled or dubbed.

As usual I have bolded the first mention of films I have seen.  They are not necessarily a recommendation, but generally I found them worthy of my time and if you follow the links you should be able to determine if any film is worth following up.

Forget You Not--something from Taiwan not to be forgotten

Standup comedians are not people that attract my attention.  I saw the trailer for "Forget You Not" several times before making the decision to actually watch.  It wasn't what was expected, but left a strong impression.

It is not until the second episode that we learn how she got into being a standup comedian.  Prior to that we watched her wedding that took place after her comedy career had started. 

There is laughter, but a lot of sadness.  We learned about her mother abandoning her when Le-Le was only 8.  She learned English to look for her (she thought in the U.S.) and ended up a tour guide, but that career did not work out.  Her father seems forgetful, but gradually descended into dementia.

Ultimately the story is about the relationship of a father and daughter.  We follow right through his decline into dementia.  She has other relationships notably with two female friends and a husband.  Her husband was a successful lawyer from a wealthy family and although he tried to be understanding their marriage didn't last.

To create such an interesting film takes a number of talented people.  Here are some of the key ones.

Rene Liu was the director and one of the writers.  She graduated from California State University with a degree in music and went on to sing  on 20 music albums.  She has 35 acting credits, 2 for directing and 4 for writing. including "Us and Them" (2018).  

Shing-Ming Ho was another writer.  He graduated from Boston University.  Recently he was involved writing a mini series in main land China.  Shing-Ming has 8 writing credits, 1 for directing and 3 for the Sound Department including "Us and Them" (2018).

Ju-Feng Yeh was one of the producers.  She has 46 producing credits, 3 for additional crew and 2 for Production Manager including "A Sun" (2019).

George Chen is credited with music.  Not able to learn much about him except he has been a prolific music album producer and that much of the music in this film is enjoyable.  I am trying to track the song played during the closing titles.

Ying-Hsun Hsieh plays Cheng Le-Le,  the main character.  She has 35 acting credits including "Dear Ex" (2018), "Little Big Women" (2020) and "Wave Makers" (2023).  A favorite actress.

Chin Han plays the father, Cheng Kuang-chi.  He has 115 acting credits, 1 as a director and 1 as a writer.  

Esther Liu plays a close friend Huang Su Fei.  She also has been a prominent singer.  She has 34 acting credits including "Light the Night" (2021-2022).  

Wallace Huo plays her husband, Chang Kai.  He has 35 acting credits, 1 for producing and 4 for soundtrack including a cameo in "Light the Night" (2021-2022).   

Bo-Chieh Wang played the younger Cheng Kuang-Chi.  He has 43 acting credits including "Life of Pi" (2012) and "Light the Night" (2021-2022).

Chen Yiven plays Mark, the manager who hired  Le-Le for a stand up comedy platform and encouraged her telling personal stories, but not to the point of deflating the audience.  He has 42 acting credits, 5 directing and 3 for writing including "A Sun" (2019) and "The Falls" (2021)

Some of the listed Taiwanese films are covered in a previous blog:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2023/08/taiwan.html

You can watch "Forget You Not" subtitled or dubbed on Netflix.  I highly recommend it, but you might need a strong stomach.  At the same time you will find many moments very touching

As usual I have bolded the first mention of films I have seen.  They are not necessarily a recommendation, but generally I found them worthy of my time.  If you follow the link you might be able to determine if a particular film is worth following up.

As usual I have bolded the first mention of films I have seen.  They are not necessarily a recommendation, but generally I found them worthy of my time.  If you follow the link you might be able to determine if a particular film is worth following up. 

Abundance

Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson describes themselves as liberals, but in examining the future realize that liberals have gotten mired in regulations trying to make everything fair and environmentally friendly.  They don't spare conservatives very much either. 

The future has its share of problems caused in part by how we have muddled this far.  The title "Abundance" is meant to contrast with Scarcity.  Problems might be solved by restricting or expanding.  This post deals with a few issues, but there are many others discussed and more in depth how to approach them.

Home ownership as an investment depends on scarcity.  Zoning laws have been designed to exclude.   Home owners are careful about who and what they allow in their neighborhood.   These factors have contributed to an increase in homelessness in developed countries.    see http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/02/excluded.html

Although manufacturing productivity has dramatically increased construction has not.  Many construction projects not only end up costing more, but many of them are not completed.  The reason is for the increase is regulations and procedures.  Important adjustments will have to be made, but many of them will be very difficult if we aren't able to cut through a lot of red tape.  "There will be billions of equipment and appliances that will have to be replaced with renewables."

Science research is mired in bureaucracy, yet it has been fundamental to the economy.  Immigrant scientists have been an important part of American progress.  The book was published after the 2024 election and since then Donald Trump has made a big point of cutting a wide range of programs including for science research and attacked universities including foreign students.  Scientists and science students are starting to look elsewhere.

Operation Warp Speed illustrates contrasting perspectives.  It was one of the most successful national projects that saved countless lives, but Republicans who could take much of the credit for implementing it do not want to credit government with managing anything that important and it also ran into a segment of their supporters who were against vaccines.  Democrats do not like to credit Trump with anything good. 

The over riding reason that it worked was that key decision makers realized the Covid Pandemic was a real emergency and were able to cut through a lot of procedures.  

Republicans have been criticizing government- as "the problem"  and not a desirable place to work.  This contrasts with a very progressive Singapore where there is heavy competition for government jobs

Some new pathways to solve our current issues are discussed and I hope that more people become aware of the choices to be made.  We will need more than a few intelligent decision makers.

Both authors have attracted my attention and brought up worthy ideas for blogging.

Another post on Ezra Klein:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2023/05/why-were-polarized.html

Another post of Derek Thompson:   http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2018/02/hit-makers.html