Put Your Soul on Hold and Walk

Sepideh Farsi wanted to cover the war from Gaza, but was blocked from doing so.  She was able  with the help of refugees in Cairo to hook on internet with Fatima Hassouna, a photo journalist who spoke English.  

Fatima was almost always speaking with the same sort of smile seen in the poster.  She talks casually about bombing, drones and helicopters killing people, including many she knew.  Another concern was starvation and water contamination.

There were many discussions.  Fatima did not like new Hamas leader, but felt it was important to stand up for their rights.  Also talk of Iran's history with the Shah gaining power and then being replaced by fundamentalist was not an improvement.

Fatima was able to take photos of destruction.  The title comes from a comment she said when asked about going outside;  "Put your soul on hold and walk."  A couple of times she had to evacuate, but kept her camera.

The last conversation took place April 15, 2025 when she was informed that the film had been nominated for a Cannes Film Festival and she would be invited to attend.  The very next day she and her family were killed by a targeted missile.  Research suggested it was targeted with the rationale that they were Hamas. Likely she was identified as a journalist, getting out some truth.  Israel has been accused of killing over 200 journalists, 28 of them women over Gaza, Lebanon and Israel.

There were news clips from CNN, Aljazeera and France 24.  We saw the slaughter denounced by the Hague and defended by Benjamin Netanyahu

A few key people made this documentary a must see.

Sepideh Farsi was director, writer, producer, editor, cinematographer and and one of the two main actors.  She had been born in Iran.  In 1981 two years after the Revolution, she was 16.  Although films were banned a mentor used a blackboard to explain classic films directed her toward a career ambition.  She was considered a rebel and spent a year in prison and afterwards escaped.  She ended up in France and started making films.  She has 13 credits as a director, 9 as a writer and 6 as an editor.

 Fatima Hassouna, the photojournalist, born in Gaza had earned a degree in multimedia from University College of Applied Science in Gaza.  She was a producer for "Israel and Gaza Into the Abyss" (2025).

 The conflict in Palestine continues to draw attention.  For many, who used to see the Israeli Jews as besieged have begun to appreciate the Palestinians as the ones being besieged.  It is very complex, but boils down to two emotions:  Fear and Hate.

Zionism is based on the thought that there is no safe place for Jews.  The Palestinians for over a millennium have felt this was their land.  Going back to World War I in which some Arabs did help the British defeat the Turks they had been led to believe they would get their own country.  

The Jews really do have reason to fear the Palestinians and many of their Muslim neighbors.  They feel words written in the Bible, centuries ago proclaim Israel and Palestine have been chosen by God for them.  To justify their obstinacy they may also look down upon the Palestinians as backward and provocative.

The Palestinians hate those they feel have stolen their land and humiliated them.  Further aggravated by Israel moving Jewish settlers building in the West Bank and discussing doing so in southern Lebanon.

One long term strategy for Palestinians would be to lessen the fear felt by the Jews.  Easier said than done. Since recent months Palestinians fear Israelis (and Americans) and that is not likely to change.

"Put Your Soul on Hold and Walk" is news, but more personal--not just numbers.  Such films may help to give better balance to the conflict.  Students who have rallied to the Palestinian cause are tainted with anti-Semitism which undoubtedly has some truth and there is the danger of increasing it.  Here might be one opportunity to alleviate the tension.  Older generations have difficulty seeing a new perspective among the young.  The core of the present situation seems to be anti-Zionism, not anti Semitism. but the two are too easily linked. 

The world should condemn Israeli settlements in the West Bank.  They have been denounced by international authorities, but even now, they continue.  They seem to prove that might is right.

I watched it on a Blu-ray disc.  The language is overwhelmingly English with occasional Arabic, mainly a poem written by Fatima.

More than Blue: the Series

"More than Blue:  the Series" (2021) is a sad story, but also inspiring about the strength of love.  Another great series from Taiwan.  It is a story within a story.

Near the beginning we see a young woman pummeling a young man for no discernible reason.  We learn eventually that the boy's father had killed her parents in an accident and she, soon known as Cream wanted revenge.  Soon she learns the boy's father has leukemia and dies.  The boy to be known as K has his mother also die.  Cream realizes they both lack a family and she ironically, perhaps moves in with him, as a family.  Neither wants to admit it, but they end up loving each other.  K. learns he has leukemia like his father and gradually deteriorates.  His concern is to find a good man for Cream.

The story adds a complication.  He picks his dentist, Yang Yu-hsien as the ideal candidate, but he already has a fiancee, Cindy, a photographer.  K persuades Cindy to break up the engagement and then maneuvers Cream to get closer to Yu-hsien.  K manipulates her to marry which she does only to please him.  A frame over this is that K is a song writer who is poor on lyrics.  Cream laughs at his attempt to put words to an admittedly good melody and comes up with a much better song.  It appeals to the record boss, but the copyright is elusive.  K dies and she disappears after arranging his funeral.

Another frame is three years later when Wang Po han, a manager wants to include the song in an upcoming album.  Chasing the copyright he gets involved with  An Yi-chi, an employee and a single mom.  Her son, An Ke-le, has been told to call his mother his sister.  Ke-le has a heart condition and is conscious of his mortality and his mother's vulnerability.  Po han wants to help, but she is resistant and he develops a relationship with Ke-le.

Cindy is still involved.  Two singers are also involved and chasing the copyright is a challenge.  For many of you, you will shed tears, but you will also feel good about love.

As usual in such good films there are a lot of people responsible.  Here are only a few. 

Pei-Ju Hsieh was the director.  He has 8 writing credits, 7 for directing and 4 for assistant director.

Francis Sun was one of the composers.  Although raised in Taiwan he resides in Los Angeles.  He was inspired by an album by Yo Yo Ma of film music by Ennio Morricone  (in my music collection).  Francis  has 113  composing credits, 3 for the music department and 2 for the production department.

Tomm Matthews was the second listed composer.  He  resides in Auckland.  Tomm has 11 composing credits and 9 for the music department.

Randy Che was the cinematographer.  He has 47 cinematographer credits, 58 for the camera and electrical department and 2 for directing.

Yi-Ning Chiang was the editor.  He has 13 credits as editor, 6 for the editorial department and 1 for cinematography.

Fandy Fan played K.  He has 19 acting credits.

Gingle Wang played Cream.   She has 19 acting credits including "The Falls" ((2021), "Light the Night" (2021) and "Wave Makers" (2023).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2023/08/taiwan.html

Po-Chieh Wang played Wang Po han.  He has 47 acting credits including "Life of Pi" (2023) and "Forget You Not" (2025), one of my top series,.  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/06/forget-you-not-something-from-taiwan.html   

Yu-wei Shao played An Yi-chi.  She has 32 acting credits and 1 for soundtrack.  

 Eleven Yao played Cindy.  She has 39 acting credits.

Figaro Tseng played the dentist.  He performed in a boy band, Comic Boyz for a few years.  Figaro has 34 acting credits and 1 for production design.

Bai Run-yin played Ke-le.  His mother was a translator from Japan and his father was a Taiwanese photographer and an agent for his two children.  Run-yin did his first tv commercial at age 5 after the producer had seen a photo from the father.  He also has done music videos.  When he started doing films he was praised for psychological sensitive roles.  He has also done a Japanese film perhaps because he had been active in martial arts.  In "More Than Blue:  The Series" he won a supporting actor award.

It is available subtitled on Netflix.  It is a tear jerker for sure, but a strong love story.

As usual I have bolded the first mention of films I have seen.  They are not necessarily a recommendation, but generally I found them pretty good.  Check out the links to get a fuller idea of what those films offer.

Hello Bachhon

"Hello Bachhon" (2026) is unusual as it focuses on teaching.  With emphasis on a scary subject, physics.  

India has been the source of many mathematical and scientific success stories.  The problem is intense competition to get into the top schools.  Some capable students lose out because they can't afford top coaching.  A few are desperate and some of them commit suicide because of the pressure.

Alakh Pandey enters the fray with a different approach.  Coming from a poor background he never made it to the IIT, but was able to garner support from someone who did.  Rather than focusing on entry to limited positions at IIT, he felt physics was a basis for love of science and the discipline needed for other aims.  The big coaching schools were big business and they resisted his efforts at every turn.

The series focuses on his efforts to raise funds and recruit more support for his idea.  Simultaneously we follow some youngsters who feel the pressure to qualify for the necessary education.  One girl is temporarily sidelined by her parents arranging a marriage.  Another gifted youngster is sidelined by a simple mistake and attempts to kill himself.  Constantly Alakh tells youngsters the discipline they learn can lead to other career paths than to IIT.  

Eventually he does succeed and helps to change physics education and make it more accessible to more youngsters.  The school offers online and off line options.

The cast and crew help make this a compelling story.  Here are a few of the contributors.

Pratish Mehta was the director.  He has 9 acting credits, 4 for directing and 1 for assistant directing.

Abhishek Yadav was the creator and a script writer.  He got a start with advertising commercials.  Abhishek has 14 writing credits, 11 for producing and 3 for directing.

Anand Bajpai was the composer.  He sings and writes lyrics.  He has been involved with over 2,000 tv. commercials.  Anand has 6 composing credits.

Amogh Deshpande was the cinematographer.  He studied at the Prague Film School.  Amogh has 13 cinematography credits, 4 for the camera and electrical department and 1 for assistant directing.

Akash Bundhoo was the editor.  He has 20 editor credits.

Vineet Kumar Singh played Alakh Pandey.  He was a boxer and also reached national level basketball. Winning a Superstar Talent Hunt helped start his film career.  Vineet has 48 acting credits, 2 for assistant directing and 1 for writing including "Gangs of Wassepur" (2012), "Bombay Talkies" (2013), "Gold" (2018), "Gunjan Saxena" (2020) and "Chhaava" (2025).

Vikram Kochhar played, Prateek a key supporter.  He has 75 acting credits including "Matru Ki Biljlee Ka Mandola" (2013), "Ghanchakkar" (2013), "Sacred Games" (2018-19) and "Dunki" (2023).

Girja Oak played Alakh's sister.   She has a degree in biotechnology.  Girja has 38 acting credits including "Like Stars on Earth" (2007), "Shor in the City" (2010), "Qala" (2022) and "Jawan" (2023).

"Manoj Joshi" played a potential investor.  He started in the Marathi theatre and also Gujarati.  While acting in "Devdas" (2002) he suffered a stroke and was bedridden for a year and a half.  He has been the vice president of the Bombay Art Society.  Manoj has 211 acting credits including "Sarfarosh" (1999),  "Vivah" (2006), "Guru" (2007), "Bhool Bhulaiyaa" (2007),"Billu" (2009), "Khatta Meetha" (2010),   "Hasee Toh Phasee" (2014), "Jaadugar" (2022) and "Shastry Viruddh Shastry" (2023).  see http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2022/07/jaadugar.html

"Hello Bachhon" is available on Netflix, subtitled and dubbed.  If you wondered how so many Indians rise to the top of mathematics, engineering and the internet this will provide a few clues.

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

"Alef" An Engaging Turkish Police drama

 This wasn't planned, but when "Alef"(2025) appeared on my library arrivals I felt obligated to watch. In fact I binged.  Hence this blog.

This is my second engaging Turkish police drama in the past year.   Check out http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/08/graveyard.html

"Alef" is set in Istanbul and captures a lot of it around the Bosphorus.  You may have heard about "whirling dervishes" that were attached to the Sufi religion, a sect of Islam.  Apparently there were divisions and in modern times thought to be very rare, but we learn a bit about it as it is a key part of a series of grisly murders. 

Alef is the first letter in the Hebrew alphabet and was found as a sort of signature on a few dead bodies.  Lots of Qu'ran references.  

Most series revolve around a team of police officers and this has an interesting pair.  Settar is a veteran of the traditional type who tends to beat out answers.  Kemal had been born in Turkey, but was raised in England and rose in police ranks to a Scotland Yard division.  He is more ethical and studious.  Each has a sad background which is revealed over episodes.

Kemal seeks out more information about the early history (going back to the 1500's) and finds a university professor, Yasar who not only provides useful information, but becomes a romantic interest.  There are intriguing clues that a combination of modern technology and traditional methods uncover that lead us to a surprising conclusion.

Whirling dervishes may seem like an odd form of entertainment, but to a serious practitioner it seems to put them into a sort of hypnotic trance that makes them feel part of the infinite wisdom.  One thought expressed was "Everything is one and one is everything." 

A few issues referred to include transsexuality, human trafficking and Afro-Turks.

I found this a very engaging series and was struck with the professionalism displayed.  Below are a few of those who made this worth watching.

Gokhan Tiryaki was a director.  He has  42 credits for cinematography, 5 for camera and electrical department and 5 for directing including "Once Upon a Time in Anatolia" (2011), "Winter Sleep" (2014) and "The Wild Pear Tree" (2018).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2021/10/winter-sleep-turkish-masterpiece.html

Emre Kayis was the creator and key scriptwriter.  He is a graduate from the London Film School with a MA.  Emre has 5 writing credits, 5 for directing and 4 for cinematography.

Mercan Dede was the composer.  He was chosen for his experience with Sufi electronic fusion which had been used in a German documentary.  He had won a scholarship to the University of Saskatchewan and has lived in Montreal.  Mercan has 13 composing credits pus 6 for the music department including "Head-on" (2004).

Serkan Gulguler was the cinematographer.  He has 34 camera and electrical department credits and 14 for cinematography including "Winter Sleep" (2014) and "The Wild Pear Tree" (2018).  

 Ozcan Varder was an editor.  Born in Turkey, but based in Germany as a free lancer he has edited films in other countries including Netherlands.  He has 31 editor credits, 4 for the editorial department and 1 for cinematography.

Harika Uygur was involved with casting.  She trained at the Seattle Broadway Hall and set up an acting studio where she coaches performers.  Harika is also a certified yoga instructor.  She has 99 casting director credits, 17 for the casting department and 1 as assistant director including "Head-on" (2004) and "Mustang" (2015).

Kenan Mirzalioglu played Kemal, the studious police detective.  He has a university degree in mathematics.  In 1997 he represented Turkey at the World Best Model of the Year and won.  He has also been a tv. host.  Kenan has 16 acting credits.

Ahmet Mumtaz Taylan played the rougher detective.  He had a career in the theater including in Germany.  He was the General Secretary for the State Theater Artist's Association and won a directing award for a play.  Ahmet has 90 acting credits, 1 for composing and 1 for soundtrack including "Once Upon a Time in Anatolia" (2011).

Melisa Sozen played Yasar, the doctor of Islamic history.  She has done television commercials.  Melisa has 45 acting credits including "Winter Sleep" (2014).

There are some grisly scenes in the first episode, but if you can get by that it is a riveting police drama.  I watched it on  a DVD from my local library.  Subtitled.  

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

We desperately need another Nelson Mandela

This blog may seem rambling, because it is.  My belief is that everything is connected.  Unfortunately the weaknesses of mankind has a strangling influence.  Some of those in power cling to it with little regard to long term consequences.  Power has been centralized.  The rich get richer and the poor get poorer.  If something is not done (and soon) mankind seems destined for disaster.

Power is like a magnet for some individuals.  They visualize what they can accomplish with it.  Bigger house, nicer car, better clothes, more sexual choice.  Some enjoy obedience from everyone, even creating the fear of disobeying a whim.  Others fancy getting important things done ranging from lowering taxes to reducing crime to purifying the air.   Being important is a goal in itself.  Being above the law is intoxicating.  Controlling others allows one to indulge in fantasies.  To get power it is necessary to take advantage of prejudice and ignorance   http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2019/06/dying-of-whiteness.html

The Epstein Files, such as we know them, reveal that the very rich can indulge in sexual fantasies.  For some that means having sex with younger females or inflicting pain.  One man seems willing to use hurtful diversions to maintain his innocence.

Nelson Mandela, after suffering unfair imprisonment was so courageous and principled that he was eventually given power.  He was admired by enough people that he gained even more power.  He could easily have sought revenge or sought to enjoy all sorts of luxuries that he had been denied until he was almost too old to enjoy them.   He wanted the white South Africans to stay and developed the concept of truth and reconciliation and attracting the World Rugby Championship.  After his death I wrote a blog about Nelson Mandela.http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2013/12/nelson-mandela.html    A decade later I realized it took two men to change South Africa.   http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/09/we-need-another-nelson-mandela-and-fw.html

 There are still a lot of capable individuals who are honest and caring.  Unfortunately most of them lack sufficient power.  The people below are some examples of leaders who have demonstrated leadership.

Barrack Obama used Abraham Lincoln as a sort of model.  Both men prefer a team of advisors that would challenge them.  Doris Kearns Goodwin noted that Abraham Lincoln deliberately developed a team of rivals.   http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2011/11/team-of-rivals-has-lessons-for-today.html

It was pretty nervy for Pete Buttigieg, a small town mayor who was openly gay to run in a presidential leadership contest.  Somehow he proved to be well tempered, remaining calm while using logic to determine root causes and options.  He strikes me as a logical choice to make decisions on a global scale, but is handicapped by prejudice and ignorance.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a comic actor whose politics was expressed in satire, struck a nerve.  His election surprised many, even more so when Russians invaded he did not flee.  He displayed courage and organizing.  His first language is Russian and at some point he may be able to demonstrate forgiveness.   http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2022/06/servant-of-people-final-episodes.html

A woman who crossed my path is Chrystia Freeland.  She has a long run view and understands the lure of power.  She played second fiddle to the Prime Minister and made a bold move that forced him out. http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2013/01/plutocrats-by-chrystia-freeland.html

Yuval Noah Harari  has caught my attention for his understanding of human nature, where we came from and where we are headed.  He explains AI.  Does not subscribe to the idea of Jews being God's chosen people.  He is also openly gay and lives in Israel which may be a bonus, or a deterrent. http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/10/nexus.html

Mark Carney has recently come to global recognition.  Handling Trump is a real test, but Carney has done a fair balancing act.  He has drawn a few lines and diversified trade and defense

Of course others could have been mentioned, and there is no perfect choice.  Is the final decision maker the only leader?  Part of Trump's downfall will be attributed to his choice of advisors selected for loyalty, not expertise or level headedness.  That should have been a clue before the election.

In pre history leaders were chosen informally by followers recognizing competence first hand.    Expertise was acknowledged and different group members would lead different tasks.  Then we got civilized.  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2014/07/selected.html

Since recorded history we have endured many monarchs or dictators and have developed concepts of democracy, but in general powerful people were able to use money, connections and sophistication to manipulate.  As my regular readers know I advocate proportional representation, but even that only works with educated voters (but PR generally is more conducive to education).   http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2023/10/your-vote-neednt-be-wasted.html

There have been many dominant powers, but they all eventually are diminished. Fareed Zakaria refers to the British Empire whose power was global didn't collapse from outside attack, but did get spread too thin to manage.

At some future date it seems possible that mankind could galvanize over climate change.  At the moment it seems not enough powerful people are suffering, but it seems likely the suffering will steadily increase. The Iran war is steering more nations and people to seek alternatives to fossil fuel.  We are still headed for climate disaster, but sufficient people do not yet realize that.

To survive the world needs more long term thinking and more respect for science.  And above all we need to co-operate for everyone's best interest.  Hate hurts everyone and has all too often been used as a tool to benefit a small number of people.

Nelson Mandela presented what we need.  A collaborator with a vision.

Thank you Fabrice for getting me on this track. 

Madonna in a Fur Coat

 I really should read more fiction as it has been told that it helps you become more empathetic, an area I feel weak in.  Charity Norman, a New Zealand novelist suggested "Madonna in a Fur Coat" was a reading she strongly enjoyed.  

In the introduction by David Selim Sayers we were told about the author, Sabahattin Ali.  What I got out of it was that all his other books had a political theme.  It was also suggested that "Madonna in a Fur Coat" was semi-autobiographical.  My belief is that every novel has something personal about it--perhaps we will never figure it out.  Picasso had said that  "Art is the lie that shows us the truth."

In real life as well as the story, a male lead travels from Turkey to Berlin for a business venture.

 To start this story, the narrator encounters Raif Effendi working as a translator in Turkey, who talks with others as little as possible.  Gradually a relationship is developed partly because Raif is ill from time to time and the narrator is required to pass on requests for translation.  At one point Raif is so ill they decided to move his office supplies to his home.  By accident the narrator picks up an unknown notebook and although very curious, does not read the content.  When he hands the notebook to Raif,  the translator becomes very flustered and says he should burn it.  The narrator encourages him not to destroy it just yet.   Raif wrote a personal story just to get it on paper, but now thought he wanted someone he trusted to perhaps understand.  The narrator is to take it back to his home and return it the next day. The notebook contained the essence of the book.

In "Madonna in a Fur Coat" Raif is sent to Berlin, Germany to learn something about the soap trade.  Wandering around on his own he enters an art gallery and  is soon mesmerized by a self portrait, "Madonna in a Fur Coat"  His steadfast interest over several days draws the attention of the artist, Maria Puder.  She later admits that she initiated a conversation to mock him.  She finds him honest and open unlike any others.  We learn she is a poor artist who lives with her mother from Prague and is also a nightclub entertainer.

They find each other easy to talk with.  She does say they are just friends and he accepts that.  Over time they spend more time with each other.  Their relationship is a bit ambiguous to us readers, but apparently they are very engrossed with one another.  All good things end and in this case Raif is notified that his father has died and he must leave.  They pledge love, not friendship, to one another and to keep in contact.

The story is not quite over, but he does end up marrying and having children.  Some of the gap is filled in when an acquaintance visits from Germany.  You, my blogger reader have been given a summary of the story, but you have to read it to get the real essence of it.

Sabahattin wrote this, his only romance in 1943.  Turkey and Germany had been allies in the First World War, but Turkey avoided an alliance in the Second World War.  The author strikes me as being anti-Fascist.

To learn about the interesting author, Charity Norman who recommended this book check http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/04/remember-me-by-charity-norman.html

You and Everything Else

Korean romance series are among my favorites.  "You and Everything Else" (2025) has been described as a romance, but is a little different.  The main characters are two women, Ryu Eun-jung and Cheon Sang-Yeo and admittedly there is a man, Kim Sang-hak that both wanted.  The women had been close as youngsters and both joined a photo club, as well as Sang-hak and his friend. 

As a romance, it is more of a tear jerker for sure.  Not because a woman and man separated for one reason or another, but because two women wasted much of their lives hurting each other and being jealous.  Having said that, it is very beautifully done.

Sang-hak was close friends with a man who killed himself.  The reason, a few episodes in was that he was gay.  Sang-hak felt he needed to help his friend's mother and sister, Sang-Yeo.

Later all three get involved with film scripts.  For awhile their inevitable contact is awkward.  One can see how film writers can find some drama in their work relations. The film covers a bit of their careers that had many challenges and required compromises and ego clashes.  We are treated to a lot of minutia about how ideas are put together.  A lot of discussion about a lot of details such as locations, cinematography, writing, directing and producing.

After a few years after what seems like a permanent break Sang-Yeo comes back to ask a big favor of Eun-jung.  She has terminal cancer and wants to be forgiven.  Why would she go back to someone she split with that she had been bitter about?  Some think it was for revenge, but maybe she remembers the confidences they shared.  Ultimately she wants to go to Switzerland for an assisted suicide. 

This is a very well done series.  Some of those responsible are noted.

Jo Yeong-Min was the director.  He has 3 directing credits and 1 for writing.

Hye-jin Song was the writer.  He has 7 writing credits.

Jay Kim was the composer.  He has 54 composing credits and 13 for the music department.

I had no access for other crew members except for some names.   Bae Sun-hye& Woo Jung-min (producers), Uhm Sung-tak& Shin Jae-hyun& Yoo Jae-hyun (cinematographers),  Lee Sang-rok& Yeo Tae-hyun (editors) and a Swiss director Sebastian Krahenbuhl.

Kim Go-eun played Ryo Eun-jung.  As a youngster she spent 10 years in Beijing, China and learned fluent Mandarin.  She has 23 acting credits, including "Little Women" (2022).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/06/little-women-korean-version.html

Park Ji-hyun played Cheon Sang-yeon.  She has 21 acting credits and 1 for the camera and electrical department.

Kim Gun-woo played Kim Sang-hak, an objectforf both women.  He has 10 acting credits and 1 for soundtrack including "The Glory" (2022-23).

Jang Hye-jin played Jang Soon-yeon, mother to Eun-jung.  She has 35 acting credits including "Secret Sunshine" (2007), "Poetry" ((2010), Oscar winner "Parasite" (2019), "Crash Landing on You" (2019-20), "Doctor Slump" (2024) and "When Life Gives You Tangerines" (2025).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2020/09/parasite-breaks-oscar-tradition.html and http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2020/02/crash-landing-on-you-very-addicting.html

Seo Jeong-yeon played Sang-yeon;s mother.  She has 77 acting credits including "Live Up to Your Name" (2017), "Something in the Rain" (2018), "The Trolley" (2022-23) and "Castaway Diva" ((2023).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2023/02/the-trolley.html

This is an emotional series.  A quote from a Reddit review "Hurt People Hurt People."  You can watch it on Netflix subtitled or dubbed.

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.

Diversion by a dictator

 Trump is acting like a dictator.  We hear a few Republican congressmen dislike some of his policies, but somehow they let him do what he wants.  His chosen advisers are selected for their loyalty and are quite adamant what a great person he is--proof of their loyalty.

Some voters like much of what he has done.  They fear immigrants and are stirred by talks of eating dogs, murdering innocent people, etc. etc. although the facts are, immigrants actually have less violent crime and are hard working tax payers.  They hate racial minorities and homosexuals.  They think taxes are always too high although they don't seem to notice that inequality is widening and the national debt is a contributor to inflation.

Some of them are willing to overlook his sexual escapades and his gender bias.  But he realizes that part of his base is Christian evangelists who normally frown upon sex outside marriage.  Many others also are disgusted with what has been suggested by the Epstein Files.  He has already announced that he has been completely exonerated.

That is hard to digest.  Pam Bondi years ago gave Jeffrey Epstein preferential legal treatment and seems to be delaying more information.  Melania Trump apparently was introduced to Trump by Epstein and it seems she had some sort of relationship before hooking up with Trump.  Admittedly there is a lot of gossip, but it appears truth has been blocked.

Some of his policies have upset even some of his MAGA supporters.  ICE has been more intrusive and brutal than anticipated.  His tariffs have aggravated inflation.  What to do?  He cannot admit mistakes, but blames others and exaggerates his merits.  Diversion usually works.

We all detest drug abuse and the gangsters that profit from it.  To prove how determined he is to stop it, he bombs boats that without proof supposedly are drug running.  Then he attacks Venezuela and removes its leader, admittedly a criminal himself.  Not sure how that will work out, but it seems the U.S. has greater control over oil.  They have used that control to strangle Cuba.  As an aside the Cuban Revolution got popular approval by ridding the country of gangsters and exploiters.  

Drugs like everything have a supply and demand dynamic.  There is a lot of complexity over drug abuse, but surely more effort should happen to ease the need for an illegal supply.

Still the Epstein Files are gaining attention and mid-terms are not that far away.  To stay out of prison he needs to be president with legislators he can control.  Lots of efforts to gerry mander and talk of restricting voting to diminish Democrats.  

Iran is something popular to criticize.  A theocracy with fundamentalist views and corruption has been noted.  Their hatred of Israel is frightening.  They strongly support the Palestinian cause which until recently was opposed by Americans and most westerners.  United States does not have clean hands regarding Iran  see http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/09/king-of-kings-iranian-revolution.html Trump does not have clean hands either.  One of his acts once elected was to tear up the Iran nuclear agreement.  He criticized that Obama gave them a large amount of money, not crediting that it was money that had been confiscated plus interest.  Who knows how they might have softened Iranian attitudes if working with them?  He realized Israel feared and hated Iran and Evangelicals sided with Jewish occupation of the Holy Land.  

Yes, Iran is a terrible place where many are abused and free speech is almost criminal in some cases.  But there are other terrible places.  Trump seems to admire Putin and certainly supports his efforts regarding Ukraine.  Does he think the attacks are justified, no big deal or does Putin have some kind of hold on him.  Hopefully Ukraine would get a better deal from a different president.

News coverage has changed.  When Russia attacked Ukraine there was a lot of front page articles and many minutes on tv and radio.  When Hamas attacked Israel the coverage shifted.  Since then some Americans have realized Palestinians have long been poorly treated.  Netanyahu facing serious legal prospects stepped up reprisals hanging on to when Trump might be elected.  They are both in a similar situation and it is easy to speculate that Netanyahu encouraged an invasion of Iran and of course the terrorists supported by Iran.  

Hate can always be exploited.  Trump certainly needs to find excuses to divert attention.  It is too bad that saner minds have so little influence.  For all of us.

I hope that Iran is restored to democracy and becomes a positive influence for the world.  Might happen, but a long war might be beneficial for Trump's status quo.

It feels good to rant, but I hope more can be done to improve our situation.

A blog from Trump's first term regarding Iran:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2019/05/alarm-bells-on-iran.html

Canada near a "Breaking Point"

I had a casual attitude when starting "Breaking Point" (2025), but soon realized that some of my comfortable progressive views might have to be adjusted.  Not only is the world a rough place, but so is Canada itself.  We have problems that can do us in, if we don't make some changes that may hurt.

It is not as if the signs have not been visible, but from a comfortable position they didn't seem as pertinent as problems in the rest of the world.  I own a home, have a reasonable pension, live in Ontario and in many ways I am better off than young males..

One stress is regional, particularly with Alberta and Saskatchewan that feel ignored by the federal government and have discussed separation.  There are still Quebekers who resent being part of Canada.

Another stress is inter generational.  Today's youth is not better off than their parents, in fact too many of them still live with their parents as they cannot afford to go it alone.  Young men often feel that the government treats women better and this causes a lot of social issues.  They are vulnerable to anti-government arguments.

Canada, once admired and feared for our military prowess, now is not living up to their military commitments.  We are not only more threatened over the Arctic, but Americans are mocking, and even threatening us.

Immigration has been a success, but now we have overreached and it is irritating Canadians.  We cannot find housing for everyone and citizens feel foreigners are threatening our jobs and our culture.

One of the causes is that housing is un affordable for too many first time buyers and immigrants.  The authors suggest we need to spread out our suburban areas.  I draw the line at sprawl which they favor.  There is a trade off between population and arable land and it is likely going to be a more difficult balance in the future.  They do speak of bureaucratic paperwork and NIMBY attitudes that if overcome, the resistance to fourplexes and the like will be reduced.         

Although we have improved our treatment with our indigenous there is still resentment, distrust and waste.  Our history has for the most part fixated on assimilation, often forced.  We have written treaties and then ignored many of them.  Lately we have been going in the right direction, but need to work with them more.  They have been friends of environmentalists while not much sharing in the mineral and oil wealth.  Their education has mostly been inferior and needs to be upgraded.  An early effort to improve their lot came from Paul Martin  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2013/03/paul-martin-under-appreciated.html

Alberta does have legitimate grievances, but with too much of their wealth built around oil; dirty oil at that.  To my way of thinking climate change is the most pressing global issue (some would argue Nuclear war):  see http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/10/intervention-earth.html  They will continue to mostly resist a transition to electrical cars and other environmental engineering.  There is no easy solution, but as a starter I would suggest they be given a nuclear power plant or more that will help provide "clean" electricity.  More federal government offices to provide not only jobs, but greater control.  I know from personal experience that bilingualism is frowned upon and resented for job requirements.

Generational stress has caught some of us baby boomers by surprise, although we are concerned for our own offspring.  The baby boomers in many cases have comfortable lives, but not all their children do.  The authors suggest there ought to be transfers of wealth to the younger generations with taxes eased.  The real cure is education.  It needs to be more affordable and accessible, but also more targeted.  Trades had been looked down upon, but reality points out they are needed and can provide a comfortable standard of living.  At the same time as there is a stronger vocational aspect to education we also need to prepare for more leisure time, meaning physical fitness and appreciation for the arts.

Our military weakness seems to have developed since the 80's.  It was pointed out that Lyndon Johnson admired how the Canadian military handled a crisis in Cyprus and may even have given us favorable  terms with an auto pact.  The Arctic has opened up from global warming and both the Russians and Chinese are taking advantage.  We can build military bases in the north and also support northern urban settlements.  The cost of living is much greater in northern Canada which is a deterrent for immigration to the area.  Also the indigenous could be better supported.

Immigration is vital for our future.  We do not produce enough babies to support the older generations or to generate sufficient economic activity.  We are already relatively selective, but not as supportive as ideal.  Many qualified professionals are blocked by a need for certification.  We should also shift destinations away from the urban magnets of Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto.  For some immigrants a willingness to locate to lesser populated areas could give them preferential opportunities.  

The media has been splintered with a variety of perspectives including extreme views.  Online sources provide information for many people while trained journalists have difficulty getting a job.  It is difficult to find trustworthy information.

Money is definitely needed to change for the future. Taxes are a touchy matter.  Money is easily transferred from one jurisdiction to another with more favorable terms.  By lowering taxes for younger workers trying to form families we all benefit.  We need innovation which often means we need to attract money.  Increased income is an incentive.  The opportunity perhaps lies with the idle rich. They suggest a means criteria should be applied to old age pensions.  How you might define them would be difficult and they would have clever lawyers to defend their interests. 

The authors tell a history of political bungling involving all parties.  They noted that when the conservatives merged with the reform party they gained power and were able to get things done.  They suggest that the progressive parties, Liberals, NDP. and Green should merge and stop splitting their votes. 

I believe a two party system is going backwards.  The voters are not all dumb, they get a mixed package for each party at best.  Many have figured out that unless they vote for the winner, their vote is wasted.  Some adopt a strategic strategy choosing their second choice in order to block a hated rival.  Bottom line, a lot of people do not vote at all and few really study the options. When a party has to co-operate with other parties to have any real power they are careful to avoid antagonism.  Votes are not wasted so in Proportional Representative jurisdictions, more people actually vote thus signifying true values  The authors threw out some examples of proportional voting countries that fail, but in fact there are far more where more people actually vote, more legislation sticks, the results are better for the country as a whole and most critically, scientific surveys suggest the citizens are happier, even though taxes are generally higher.  Honest collaboration is one of the keys.  Andrew Coyne pointed out that the voting system is the base for everything else.  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/09/the-crisis-of-canadian-democracy.html  An earlier blog of mine gives more perspective http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2023/10/your-vote-neednt-be-wasted.html

 Donald Trump has provided more incentive to get our act together.  If we don't want to be American and risk having him as a dictator, we need to change.  Sacrifices that were required in warfare may be necessary.

There are a lot of relevant ideas in the book and blog readers should bear in mind this post is an incomplete summary.  

You can read about another earlier effort of the two authors.  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/12/empty-planet.html