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danasmonster · 5 years ago

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Comparing the SKAM Remakes: SANA (Part I)

Sana (SKAM original)

Sana is constantly having to defend and explain herself to others - her friends, her family, strangers. We see this with Vilde when she says Sana can’t have sex, and Sana clarifies that by explaining that she can have sex, she just chooses not to. There is also the assumption that Sana isn’t interested in boys or that she can’t participate in russefeiring “because she’s not ‘allowed’ to drink alcohol.” We see it with her parents when she has to explain to her mom that not all aspects of Islam fit her, and with her brother when she references him discouraging her from wearing a hijab in order to fit in more and avoid stigma. And finally, she explains during her season that she has experienced watching her brother being spit on, being asked racist questions, and other rude or hateful acts because she and her family are Muslim.

The struggle to be both Norwegian and Muslim turns into a competition she gets lost in, and she ends up doing some very non-Muslim things like bully the Pepsi Max squad and lie in order to procure a russ bus. She also develops feelings for former Muslim and current atheist Yusef, which opens up an internal debate about the “Muslims only marry Muslims” rule.

With all of her bitchiness, her prickliness, her rudeness and her mistakes, I still absolutely adore Sana. She is strong, outspoken, and takes absolutely no shit from anyone. Her story is so incredibly relevant to the world as a whole because of the way a lot of people view Islam or other “restrictive” aspects/sects of Christianity or other religions. It is a reminder that ultimately we should strive to love and understand each other, whether you are a theist or an atheist, a Muslim or a Norwegian. All is love.

Everything I Love:

The opening scene with the contrast between Sana’s view from the bus with terrorist attacks and None of Dem by Robyn & Royksopp is so fun, & the look Sana gives the woman giving her a look over on the bus is pure Sana perfection

The scene when Elias called Sana a slave woman and all of his friends gave him a verbal beatdown

When we heard that Eskild was redecorating Noora’s room without her permission

The Hot in Here scene with all the Balloon Squad working out while the girl squad ogles them, and the way Sana visibly snaps herself out of her trance. Also the shot of them coming up the street with a bunch of balloons to meet the girls is iconic

The way Yousef comes over to talk to Sana while she is over in the corner being a grump on the bus - I knew there was a reason she and Isak became friends. They’re both grumpy pants.

When Sana catches Yousef dancing in her living room

The happy little look on her face when Yousef sends her a friend request on Facebook. She always smiles so freaking bright when she’s having fun with him

When Yousef showed off his carrot peeling skills

The way the Pepsi Max squad always has Pepsi

When Yousef took the rap for the vodka left out at Sana’s party, then Sana was hit with a metaphorical brick when Yousef told her he isn’t Muslim. You could see the shock on her face, and now she is conflicted because “Muslims only marry Muslims” and she clearly has already developed feelings for Yousef

When Sana and Noora drink coffee and bask in their solidarity that Vilde and Magnus are gross

When Sana and Yousef play basketball together and we see her smile - we have NEVER seen her smile like that. And then they have a heart to heart about their individual religious beliefs and it is PURE GOLD

“I just feel like Islam, or religion in general, creates a lot of anxiety in people . . . I personally feel like I’ve taken the best out of the religion and thrown away the rest. It’s like, compassion towards others, being grateful for what’s best, having compassion. That’s it. Don’t you think I can remember to be a good person without praying?” - Yousef

“For me, everything can be total chaos during the day, but the moment I start to pray, everything turns quiet and clear. Because even though there’s all this chaos, you’ll remember what really matters. It’s fine because everything has a bigger context and a meaning. Because every little part of the universe is so complex. Imagine that! Even the brain of a cockroach has greater meaning on earth. I just can’t believe all of that is a coincidence,” - Sana

Her chat with Elias was also fantastic

“What’s more important, saying you believe in Allah or behaving as though you believe in Allah?” - Elias

Watching everyone join in during “Imagine” definitely almost had me tearing up - another song added to my playlist. Honestly this scene was so sweet and touching and then everything just came crashing down. It was intense. And Sana’s face just looked freaking broken. Then when she overheard that her suspicions about being pushed out of the group because she’s Muslim were correct it was like an extra stab through the heart

The scene where she’s walking through the schoolyard was excellent - very reminiscent of Isak’s similar scene, and another way in which the two of them parallel one another

And this line is so, so true from Sana to Isak regarding why she never told Isak she knew Even before he met Isak

“I think Even should get to choose for himself how much he wants to share about his past. I mean, you might not want to share every thing about your past.”

When Sana and Jamilla have the conversation about all the different ways people fast, and Jamilla references her friend who won’t even swallow her own spit. So this friend goes around spitting all the time while she’s fasting. “She’s really confident about it, too.”

Both Sana’s expression of how she thinks the world views her and Isak’s response are very powerful

Sana: “Do you know what people think when they see me, when they see my hijab, which is the first thing they see? They think I’m wearing it because I’m forced to, not because I want to. And if I say it’s because I want to, then I’m just oppressed because I can’t have my own opinion. We talk about freedom of religion and all kinds of freedoms here in Norway, but being allowed to wear an extra piece of clothing, that’s wrong? Do you know what people do when they see Elias and I walking down the street? They spit at him because they think he’s oppressing me! He doesn’t even want me to wear the hijab because he doesn’t want me to get hate. Do you know how fucking tiring it is to walk out the door everyday knowing it’s yet another day where you have to prove to a whole country that you’re not oppressed . . . I’ve received so many dumb, racist questions in my life.”

Isak: “The dumb questions are so fucking important. People can’t stop asking the dumb questions because when they stop asking the dumb questions they start making up their own answers. And that’s dangerous. You just have to stop looking for racism in dumb questions. Even if they feel racist, it’s so fucking important to answer them.”

The Los Losers bus definitely had me tearing up

When Linn admitted to sending a used tampon to someone who flirted with the boy she liked

When we see Eskild picking up his guru mantle once more and he compares The Bible to Beyoncé . . . “The Bible says ‘The greatest of these is love’ or as Beyoncé would say ‘Love on top,’” while giving Sana advice

Noora’s face both when she saw William getting out of his car and when she got out of his after a four day sex and talk marathon

The conversation between Sana and her mom about why it is important for her to eventually marry someone who understands her beliefs and reminds her of them, not because she should be Muslim but because she chooses to be Muslim and she “would be very lonely if she were the only one in the relationship who believes.” So, whether or not she marries a nonbeliever or a non-Muslim is Sana’s choice, but there would be essential parts of Sana’s own wellbeing that would effected if she chose to go that route because her faith is an essential part of who she is.

The conversation with Noora was equally important. They may not necessarily be fated to be together, but there is a reason this person (Yousef) came into Sana’s life and avoiding him would be ignoring this sign from fate that this person is supposed to be a part of her life right now. Life is now.

When Yousef and Sana have yet another philosophical/religious discussion and Yousef proposes: “Maybe that’s why society needs religion. Democracy isn’t based on the idea that all people are different. It’s based on the idea that all people have equal worth. And that idea doesn’t exactly come from science. But I don’t think it helps to pretend there aren’t prejudices. What you have to do instead is show what Islam is.”

And The Finale!!!

When Vilde was putting on her makeup and listening to Pretty Hurts by Beyoncé, and everything else about her segment. I loved getting that glimpse into some of her life and mind for a little while. I’m still disappointed she never got to tell us her story during the original SKAM.

When Eva reminds Chris that he’s a fuckboy so they can never be together. Sure he’s momentarily disappointed and probably felt sad for a little bit, but he was really quick to move on to Emma - proving Eva was smarter than him and knew him better than he knew himself. Seriously though the scene where Penetrator Chris and Emma first see each other is fucking awesome

I LOVE LOVE LOVE that the school nurse has a big white dildo on the desk next to her while she has her chat with Chris

When we see Even stressing over making Isak’s birthday perfect

The interaction between Eskild and Linn when Eskild tells Linn she has to wear a hijab to Sana’s party because Sana is Muslim was hilarious. And then he told her they are always going to be there for each other and it got me right in the feels

And then when Eskild was proposing he, Noor, and Linn could share everything together if William moved in . . . shampoo, and William, and dish soap . . .

Then Vilde to Chris; “You know why you’re my best friend? Because no matter how hard my day is, you always find a way to make me laugh. Sometimes it makes you feel better to pretend that you’re fine.”

And the final speech!!!!

“Dear Sana, This speech is for you. And you’re getting it because what you’re inviting us to today overthrows American presidents tomorrow. We live in a chaotic world where it is difficult to understand the rules. Because why are some people poor and other people rich? Why do some people have to be refugees while others are safe? And why is it that sometimes even though you try to do something good it’s still met with hate?

It’s not weird that people give up, that they stop believing the good. But thank you so much for not giving up, Sana. Because even though it sometimes feels like it no one is ever alone. Each and everyone of us is part of the big chaos. And what you do today has an effect tomorrow.

it can be hard to say exactly what kind of effect, and usually you can’t see how everything fits together. But the effects of your actions are always there, somewhere in the chaos. In 100 years we may have machines that can predict effects of every action but until then we can trust this: Fear spreads But… But, fortunately love does too.”

I’m going to go cry now.

#skam #sanaxyousef #sana #Muslim #islam #religion #atheism #islamophobia #russ

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danasmonster · 5 years ago

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Comparing the SKAM Remakes: ISAK (Part VI)/CHRIS B. (Part I)

Cris (SKAM Espana/SKAM Spain)

The Differences:

Here we find that Isak has been dissolved into two other characters, Chris B. and Eskild, with Chris B. being the one who undergoes Isak’s main plot points.

Cris is much more light hearted than Isak and is always joking around. She seems to do a good job of turning uncomfortable questions around and making them into something funny. She’s also a much better liar, and her brother makes references to her having a life-long habit of avoiding things she doesn’t like, lying, and letting other people fight her battles for her. There is definitely a vibe that Cris is seen as the “baby” of the family.

There is a queer character as part of the boy squad, Lucas (Eskild/Isak), he’s just already out and is not undergoing our Isak storyline.

The opening scene which usually features Emma going into the bathroom to pee while the boys smoke weed in the bathtub instead shows us Cris going in to a stall to pee while the boys do their thing

Instead of the cops coming, Cris accidentally steals a drug dealers ecstasy - she thought it was her brother’s - which causes a much bigger issue than in the original

Unlike Isak, Cris still lives with her family. She is witness to her father using homophobic slurs against other people and her mother displaying some Islamophobia against her friend Amira. However neither of her parents has a mental illness and they are not divorced.

When Cris tells her mother she is dating a girl, her mother didn’t take her seriously and later asked her if she was dating any boys. The only person in her family she successfully comes out to is her brother. He seems really supportive of her and gives her advice about her attitude during the show, and they are clearly good at covering each other’s backs when it comes to their parents

You’re my sister and that’s it. I love you.

Cris is best friends from the beginning with Amira (Sana), who plays both the Sana and Jonas to Cris’ Isak. Unlike Jonas, who take’s Isak’s actions as purely something going on with Isak, Amira suspects Cris is acting the way she is because she no longer wants a Muslim friend. Their conversation about religion and queerness is mixed with Cris’ coming out to her friend, and the argument about evolution vs religion never happens.

Our Emma character, Ruben, starts things with Cris instead of the other way around. They also have this dynamic where she feels indebted to him because he gets her out of trouble with the drug dealer from who she stole the E.

Cris and Joana’s almost first kiss happens in episode one in Cris’ bedroom while they are working on a school project instead of at a party, and is interrupted by Cris’ mom calling to her from elsewhere in the apartment.

Cris tries to avoid Joana multiple times both as a result of wanting to kiss her and when she found out Joana has a boyfriend. First, she tries to switch partners for the shared assignment. She skips class, she tries to get out of seeing Joana outside of school, etc. She seems more determined to avoid her feeling about Joana specifically than in the orig

The “kissing other people while staring at each other” scene was a bit different. They were definitely obviously teasing each other/daring each other every time one of them went for it, which provided for a different vibe than in the orig

The scene where Cris displays verbal intolerance for lesbians is a bit different. Instead of being with her whole squad, she is with Eva and Lucas. This scene is a lot more heated than in the orig, with Lucas getting very upset and raising his voice to challenge Cris on what her actions are saying about her beliefs and LGBT rights, with Eva playing the peacekeeper.

Cris and Joana run out on paying their bill at a bar instead of on their significant others, and the bike scene is a running scene instead.

Joana initially staying with her boyfriend Elio isn’t triggered by anything Cris says regarding mental illness - her motivations here are purely internal. Unlike Isak, Cris doesn’t lash out at the world around her or her friends because of it either.

Like in wtFOCK, we see homophobic violence. This time it is directed toward Lucas (Eskild/Isak) with the boy and girl squads are together out in public.

Joana’s mother is the one Joana accuses of trying to control her instead of Elio. She and Elio aren’t nearly as serious as Even and Sonja were.

The Even running naked through the streets scene is absent, but Joana does end up in a mental health facility due to crisis. Because they’ve already discussed Joana’s BPD by the time this happens, Chris is able to be with her as soon as she finds out what happened

The person who tells Cris that Joana’s feelings for her come from BPD is Joana herself

Favorite Scenes:

The scene when Eva and Cris take the E is adorable

I love that Joana references Blue is the Warmest Color (even though it’s a really sad fucking movie and the second half shouldn’t exist, but I digress) in lieu of the original dick touching reference lol. Joanna’s very sub textual “are you gay” questions are freaking great.

Every scene where one looks at the other while the other isn’t looking or they catch each other looking and both look away is SO ADORABLE

The look on Cris’ face when Joanna complemented her “frog eyes” and said she wanted to draw her

The way Cris falls apart after having sex with Ruben was very sad

I loved the parallel between what Cris wrote for her school assignment and her own deceptiveness

“At the end, everyone loses. When the Marquis takes off her makeup and wig she doesn’t have the master-manipulator disguise anymore. She’s left alone and vulnerable.”

The kiss in the pool scene is probably the most aesthetically pleasing one so far. It was absolutely gorgeous.

Lucas’ post of his bruised face on IG after being punched for being gay does a really good job of providing a real life, up close and personal example of what Eskild told Isak about out and proud people being brave

Sometimes punches make you wake up. And I had been asleep for a long time already, not daring to speak. But no one is going to keep me quiet anymore. I am how I am and it doesn’t matter how many times I get hit, I’m never going to change.

The rooftop scene was super sweet. I loved how they were kissing each other’s faces. And then when Cris didn’t say “I love you” back to Joana, Joana’s face looked so defeated it broke my heart a little

I really liked that Joana was the one to explain her mental illness to Cris instead of it coming from a third party, and I also liked that Cris’ doubts about being involved with Joana came from her own understandings and misunderstanding of BPD instead of just from Joana’s ex. It was really nice every time we got to see the two of them discuss things openly.

The whole bipolar conversation with the girl squad was excellent.

“If you don’t see yourself with the strength, you don’t have to force yourself to keep going. Think what is best for you” - Nora

I love that we get to see some of Viri’s backbone during this conversation, too.

“What’s up, Eva? You’ve never been sick? You’ve never had some pills for, I don’t know, a toothache? Fuck it’s the same as when someone with depression takes theirs. I think Joana wants to be better, just like any other sick person,” - Viri

The scene where Joana and Cris are laying together at the mental health facility and Cris’ brother sees them and smiles a little is beautiful

I liked that we got to see the way Cris feels inferior to the task of being what Joana needs because she’s not serious enough or reliable enough, and the way her friends reminded that she is perfectly capable of being in a relationship that has it’s difficulties, but that the question is whether or not she wants to be

Things I Missed:

I definitely missed Isak being roommates with Noora, Eskild, and Linn.

Eskild’s presence throughout the show, and his flamboyance. The Isak/Eskild meld was definitely a lot more toned down

The yellow curtains conversation between Isak and Even

#lesbian #lgbt #queer #gay #bisexual #bipolar #mental illness #internalized homophobia #skam #skam espana #skam spain #Crisxjoana #isakxeven #demisexual

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danasmonster · 5 years ago

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Comparing the SKAM Remakes: ISAK (Part V)

Robbe (wtFOCK/SKAM Belgium)

The Differences:

OK let me start off by saying this is the most turbulent Isak/Even relationship yet. They lie to each other (Sander & Robbe), they yell at each other (Robbe), and they call each other homophobic slurs (Robbe). They also say “I love you” a lot more . . .

Instead of pawning the weed off on someone else, Robbe had the weed pawned off on him

Unlike Isak, Robbe is still going through the process of finding a place to live. His mom has just been hospitalized and his dad lives really far away from his school, plus they don’t get along.

Also, instead of Zoe (the Noora character) being in London, it’s Lisa (Linn) who is studying abroad, thus making the room available. It was a bit like the writers thought “meh, this character is just window dressing” and replaced her with Zoe, and it was nice to see more of Zoe's interactions with all the characters since she is more central to the series. Honestly both Zoe and Milan seem to really look after and take care of Robbe, more so than the other incarnations of Eskild and Noora.

Milan is way more in your face about making out with men in front of Robbe than Eskild was.

Both Robbe and Sander are in relationships with girls when they meet, however neither has been long term. Sander’s relationship with Britt has only been going on for six months, as opposed to four years with Even and Sonja. I think this is pretty significant because you could feel a lot of history between Even and Sonja and that is missing here with Sander and Britt.

Robbe never lied to his friends in order to spend time with Sander, which was nice

But then he also totally freaked the fuck out after they kissed in the pool and went on the offensive with Sander, calling him a faggot and pushing him away . . . yeeek. I liked that Isak never took the hate for himself out on Even, never pushed him away. That Robbe did it here was understandable yes but I think I still prefer the orig. I mean Sanders face goddamn

Robbe broke up with Noor in person instead of just avoiding her/generally treating her like shit until they just fell apart

I also liked that while yes the boys were creeping on the dancing girls like in the orig, in wtFOCK they were actually invited to be there as part of an actual audience. It didn’t feel as gross here.

Robbe and Sander didn’t just ditch the girls before the bike/pool scene - the girls went off on their own earlier and requested to be alone. It felt a little less dickish this way.

And OH MY GOD THE VIOLENCE! There is very explicit homophobia in the form of slurs and an actual physical attack on Robbe and Sander. No other incarnation has experienced such blatant hatred from other people.

And what the fuck, Sander??? Sander flat out lied to Robbe when he told him he had broken up with Britt.

There is also definitely some homophobia on the part of Moyo/Madhi and Aaron/Magnus. I mean, they actually call being bisexual gross and say they would be creeped out to be around a gay guy because he “might be into them.” That’s more than just ignorance, it’s intolerance, something that wasn’t present in Madhi and Magnus. Moyo in particular is way more of a dick.

The scene where Sander has a bipolar episode is a little different because Robbe never tries to contact Britt, but somehow she is still there? Also her opinions on whether or not Sander’s feeling for Robbe are real hold a lot less weight considering they were only together six months as opposed to four years. Then instead of Sander’s friends and family taking care of him, he admits himself to a mental health facility. Then Jana/Eva encourages Robbe to just give up on Sander. Eeesh.

Instead of Aaron/Magnus having a bipolar mother helping Sander understand it better, it’s Moyo/Madhi. Moyo also gives the minute by minute advice to him instead of Britt/Sonja.

My Favorite Parts:

I love the street art/graffiti subplot. I’ve always loved this type of art (when it is art). That first scene where Noor took Robbe to spray paint was so atmospheric, another song added to my playlist (

Fall

by The Bugg & Ina Copeland)Honestly any scene with Zoe and Milan was fantastic I liked when Milan readily admitted to going through everyone’s stuff when they weren’t home. I love the way Zoe is taking care of Robbe by making him food and just generally making him feel welcome when he moves in to the apartment with her and Milan. She was also really sweet when she made sure his wounds were disinfected after he was beaten up and making sure they were bandaged. Milan snuggling up to a sleeping Senna was great. I also really enjoyed the little taste of couple life from Zoe when she complained about Senna’s snoring. Zoe’s line was definitely on point. I don’t know how her relationship will end for her but this ideology is paramount to having a healthy relationship, period.

“We’re a couple now but we also have our own lives”

It was really great and amusing foreshadowing when Noor replied to the boy’s saying all the chicks that go to the art school are hot with “

You haven’t seen the boys yet.

” Enter Sander.

When Robbe meets Sander and they go around the store riding the grocery cart. It’s so carefree and happy and while I miss the pure absurdity of watching Even take all of the paper towels this scene was absolutely wonderful

The Halloween party was fucking epic.

Trick R Treat

by Josh A and Iamjakehill, added to playlistThe conversation between Milan and Robbe about Milan’s gaydar was really good, with the beginning of his response definitely tailored toward Robbe, and the look he gives him is so telling it’s uncomfortable. He was basically like, “I know you’re gay, bro.” Milan describes his gaydar as picking up on subtle signals,

A certain look in their eyes. Or . . . It’s a bit like there is something in them that is desperately trying to get out.

The conversation between Jens and Robbe about how sex isn’t everything was a prime example of how to be a good bro and healthy masculinity and I fucking loved it

The conversation between Milan and Robbe where Robbe admits to having feelings for another boy was super sweet. I feel like Milan was kind of taking on an Eskild/school nurse hybrid role here because he was mostly just encouraging Robbe not to keep everything inside and to be himself. His relationship with Robbe seems a bit more paternal and I love it for this version.

The scene where Robbe is actually open and honest with Sander about his conflicting emotions about his sexuality was much appreciated

The scene when Milan was describing a very butch guy on the bus becoming all soft like when he looked at him was great. Everyone melts for you, Milan 💋

Have I said how much I love Zoe and Milan??? Also I can’t wait to see Zoe and Senna’s story when I go through all the Nooras, Senna definitely seems like the best William so far. I know they break up in the last episode of Robbe’s season but I have hopes they will get back together.

It was absolutely amazing to watch Milan put Mojo in his place

The scene where Zoe and Robbe go Christmas shopping is terrific. I just love watching their friendship

The scene of everyone opening their Christmas presents together was also adorable

Things I Missed:

The funny, quirky little moments like the metal leg conversation between Even and Isak right before their almost first kiss or the absurdity of the paper towel scene when they first meet

The scene where the whole boy squad is together and giving Isak relationship advice. In this one is was just Jens and I felt let down that Aaron and Moyo couldn’t be there as well.

And a shout out for Noor, who gets my vote for best Emma

Noor (Emma) kissed Robbe after he complimented her, not after he insulted her.

Robbe also seems to have more of an actual relationship with Noor than Isak had with Emma.

Noor is definitely the coolest version of Emma so far, both in personality and appearance. I mean not only does she look fucking great but she was so sweet about how Robbe couldn’t get it up when they tried to have sex.

I really love the development of their relationship in this and how much more complex it is than in the original.

I also love that she and Robbe seem to have repaired their relationship and can be friends by the end of Robbe’s story

GO NOOR!!

#wtfock #skam belgium #skam #robbexsander #isakxeven #gay #lgbt #homophobia #hate crimes #internalized homophobia #violence #bipolar #mental health

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danasmonster · 5 years ago

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Comparing the SKAM remakes: ISAK (Part IV)

Matteo (DRUCK)

Some of the Differences:

OK first off, Matteo is way more depressed than any other incarnation so far. The very first scene of his season begins with him sitting by himself while everyone else seems to be having a great time at the party then sharing a very lackluster kiss with his girlfriend. He definitely gives off more an “I want to be alone” vibe than the other incarnations, even in regard to his friends.

Instead of hiding weed in someone’s house to hide it from the cops, he hides it on A PERSON (wtf) who just happens to be this incarnation of Sana, Amira.

Also, Matteo has a girlfriend?! Yep, instead of David (Even) being taken at the beginning of the season, it’s Matteo who is who has a girlfriend - Sara. It also seems like he still has some feelings for Jonas at the beginning of the season, something I also saw in SKAM Italia.

It seems like Matteo is a little more in control of the interaction between him and David than Isak was in OG. Towards the beginning of their relationship it seemed like Even was the one to initiate most things, maybe because he was older. In this one they are the same age.

It was nice that Matteo is an actual roommate with Mia, Hans, and Linn - he even has his own room throughout the whole series lol. In the original it felt like Isak was just thrown in there as a temporary replacement for Noora.

We see Jonas hooking up throughout this season was a nice switch from low key seeing Eva/Hanna and Chris/Samuel

Matteo is just outright harsh/dismissive with his GF sometimes and then does an about face (like an asshole, hello Isaak) which I think provides a different dynamic between Matteo and his GF than Isak and Emma. This relationship seems more like a hybrid of the Isak/Emma dynamic and the Even/Sonja dynamic

David pulling away from Matteo wasn't a direct result of anything Matteo did, but because of David's own fears which was a nice change. Also he flat out said "I'm not into you" instead of just ghosting him.

Amira is so much sweeter in the German version, and her relationship with Matteo feels warmer, easier, and softer because of it. She seems more like she's actively trying to help Matteo by encouraging him to be brave and take care of himself.

“The fear inside you is only strength trying to get out."

The scene where David is being stared at by everyone at school after being outted as trans was an interesting inversion to the scene where Isak is being stared at after being outted as gay. I feel like the original was more powerful than this one, probably because it is being shown from Matteo's perspective instead of David's.

Favorite Scenes:

I liked the way Matteo was the one to initiate a conversation with David, as opposed to the original where (let’s face it) Isak didn’t know what to think about being in the same room alone with Even.

It made me laugh out loud to watch David was talking nonsense to save Matteo from being busted for getting on the bus without a ticket

The way they giggled at one another before taking bites from their disgusting sandwiches was adorable

The scene in the kitchen after the party at Matteo's was super sweet. It was so cute that David stayed after to help clean up on his own in a strange apartment, I suspect to boost his chances of seeing Matteo

When Mia is super sassy and says to Matteo after he disses her boyfriend "yes he was never your type."

The conversation between Matteo and Hans where he asks for advice on David is quite different because of the different dynamic between Matteo and David. I liked Hans’ line

“Either give him time, or move on”

The scene when David comes out to Matteo is wonderful, and it means more to me because it's coming from a transman.

"Some boys are simply boys. And girls, too. But sometimes it's just different. I was born in the body of a girl. But I'm a boy, I…. I'm transgender. I'm a boy, I just have to try a little harder."

The dynamic between someone who has just started to come to terms with their sexuality beginning a relationship with a transperson is just so complex, I loved seeing it represented here. The issue of" Am I still gay/straight /whatever if my partner doesn't fit the typical role of who I should be attracted to" is addressed, and I feel like that's a really relevant topic right now given the increased visibility of alternate gender identities and transpeople currently.

Matteo's face when Hans held out a giant bottle of lube and said

"Lube is the key to happiness"

The scene when Matteo tells David that he will be right there with him when he's being discriminated against because he loves him

Also when David asked Matteo if it changed things if he didn't get bottom surgery and Matteo said "no, you're fine the way you are" was really touching

The conversation in the last ep when everyone is giving relationship advice was both funny and adorable.

The boys squad and girls squad coming together to show solidarity with David while he met with the transphobic PE teacher

When Sana never gave Matteo his weed back and Sam smoked it all

Things I Missed:

The conversation with Emma’s character about "not all gays"

The staring at each other while kissing other people

#skam #druck #skam germany #web series #isak #matteo #matteoxdavid #isakxeven #gay #queer #transman #transgender #trans #lgbt #trans character #trans actor

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danasmonster · 5 years ago

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Comparing the SKAM remakes: ISAK (Part I)

Isak (SKAM original)

OK let’s get one thing straight. Isak isn’t perfect. His internalized homophobia and disregard for most other people’s feelings makes him kind of an asshole. The way he treats Emma and how he threw Eva under the bus by hiding weed in her house when the police crashed her party are prime examples. He also flat out lies to his friends and is rude about anyone who follows any gay stereotypes like Eskild and the dance instructor. There is a reason this show is called Shame, and Isaac has a lot of character growth to overcome his.

Honestly if I could just put Isak’s entire story on here I would. I love it, I love how quirky it is, I love how much character growth happens, and I absolutely appreciate the depiction of what it’s like to love someone with a mental illness. I will try to manage my need to shout from the rooftops how much I love every single detail in order to make this post consumable.

Everything I Love:

The opening scene cutting between the members of the girl’s squad and the dance floor where we can so clearly see where everyone is at emotionally through facial expression and body language alone

When the girl just drops trou and takes a piss with four strange boys in the bathroom with her

The way Linn and Eskild just barge into his room and cuddle up with him so he can say hi to Noora on the phone even though he’s a total grumpy pants

When Jonas tells his friends that it’s perfectly normal to go down on girls

Vilde’s face when she asks the boy squad if they would rather join her kose group or spend the year being nobodies

The random close-up of the teacher’s nipples that seem to have mesmerized Isak . . . We never see this woman’s face, btw. She is just a braless chest and hard nipples. That’s it.

When Sana is a total gangster and extorts 10% of Isak’s weed and demands he and his friends attend the Kose group meeting in exchange for returning his weed to him

When Even uses a completely unnecessary amount of paper towels while Isak waits to get one after washing his hands, leaving Isak to use his leftovers as Even used every single paper towel

The way Isak is completely distracted from Vilde’s argument as he watches slo-mo Even walking across the school yard to Radiohead’s Talk Show Host (another song added to my SKAM playlist, although TBH I could listen to OG Skam’s entire playlist 24/7)

The whole scene with him bonding with Even in Even’s apartment

Seeing everyone in the boy squad completely captivated by the dancing girls and then seeing a close up of Isak’s face

Magnus’ growing preoccupation with Vilde and his dominatrix sex dream about her. Gotta admit though France’s version of the Vilde/Magnus dynamic is my favorite so far.

Even calling Emma out on saying she loves gay people because they are all funny

The scene when Isak is dancing with Emma and making eye contact with Even while doing so. I love everythinga bout this scene - the glow in the dark face paint, the blue overtone, Robyn’s Call Your Girlfriend (another song added to my playlist). Their look is just so intense it actually feel heavy to me.

When they recreate the scene from Even’s favorite movie (Romeo and Juliet by Baz Lurmann) for their first kiss and then are caught trespassing by a little girl

When Isak and even are cuddling and smoking weed and having philosophical discussions about yellow curtains and infinite realities where there are an infinite amount of themselves doing the same thing but the curtains are a different color

As painful as it is to watch, the scene where Even visually withdraws from Isak when Isak confides that he doesn’t need crazy people in his life in reference to his delusional mother is a favorite of mine

Isak and Eskild’s conversation about how Isak thinks flamboyantly gay people perpetuate a stereotype

When Emma tells Isak it’s 2016 and no one cares that he’s gay, and that she’s mad at him because he lead her on like an asshole

The scene where Isak is crossing the school yard and you absolutely get a sense of the amount of aloneness and sadness he’s feeling both from the way the scene is shot and the look on his face to Hate Me Now by Nas & Diddy ft. Puff Daddy. Another song on my SKAM playlist.

And then when Jonas tells Isak he’s ready to listen to Isak talk about whatever is bothering him when he’s ready

When Isak tells Jonas the person he has a crush on isn’t a girl and Jonas doesn’t bat an eyelash

When Eskild is completely flattered that Isak is coming to him for advice

Isak and Sana’s budding bromance, and all their conversation about religion, science, and homosexuality are pure gold

Hate doesn’t derive from religion. It derives from fear - Sana

When the boy squad starts discussing different sexualities when Isak comes out to the rest of them, and then when they are pre-drinking together at home and giving Isak dating advice and they are all so excited when their advice leads to success right before Isak kicks them out

The interaction between Eskild, Noora, Isak, and Even while Even is cooking Isak breakfast is so cute

The way we can see Even’s mania climbing higher and higher from the time he makes everything in the pantry for breakfast to when he won’t stop talking about anything and everything to when he walks naked in the streets of Oslo was incredible. As Even climbed higher and higher we could see Isak going from amused to confused and concerned to absolutely terrified.

And THIS scene comparison

The scene where Isaac decides to be there for Even despite uncertainty and mental illness is absolutely beautiful

And these lines by Sonja that gave birth to the minute by minute scene

You just need to be there for him. And when everything seems hopeless you need to take it one day at a time. And if one day becomes too much, then just take one hour at a time. And if an hour is too much, just take a minute at a time - Sonja

#isak valtersen #isak #isak x even #isakxeven #skam #web series #gay #queer #lgbt #bipolar disorder #bipolar #internalized homophobia #bisexual #coming out

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danasmonster · 5 years ago

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Comparing the SKAM remakes: ISAK Part III

Martino (SKAM Italy)

Some of the differences:

Martino is more passive than Isak, for example in how he deals with Emma in the bathroom scene. It seemed more like the boy squad was creating the situation more than Martino was. Also instead of flat out lying to get out of seeing Emma and spend more time with Niccolo, he just does nothing.

We get to see Martino’s home life with his mom in this incarnation! I always felt like it was a bit random that Isak was suddenly sharing an apartment with Eskild and Linn seemingly out of the blue at the beginning of his season. I liked the way it was presented in the OG because it fit the rest of the series’ vibe, but I definitely enjoyed the different take in the Italian incarnation. The scenes between him and his mom did a great job of showing us a bit of what his life has been like living with a depressed mother.

I love that we get so many more boy squad scenes in this!! I can really feel their bond.

Favorite Scenes

The face Martino makes when he tries the cake during the radio club meeting is precious

I really liked that we got to see Martino and Filippo (Eskild) meeting outside of the gay hangout. This was referenced in OG but wasn’t shown.

When Filippo showed Martino a dick pick and Martino vomited, Filippo followed up with

When Martino and his mother are having a heart to heart on opposite sides of the door about how she still loves him, and also when they decorate the Christmas tree together ❤

Do the super gifted give you this effect?

The “I like all gays” scene between Emma, Martino, and Niccolo. I felt like Niccolo’s response was coming from a more emotional, personal place than in OG, where it felt more ambiguous

OMG the pinky holding scene before their almost first kiss was fucking amazing

The shot of them on the bike was fantastic. I could feel the wind, and the view of Roman streets and buildings in the background was *chef’s kiss*

And THEY ACTUALLY MADE A HEART in bed!

The conversation where Filippo explains to Martino the significance of what he is saying when he dismisses people who are loud about being gay. Compared to the original, I felt like this conversation brought more relevance to what the queer community is doing today to maintain and advance LGBT rights as opposed to being more focused on the hardships the community endured in the past.

“You think of these as frilly choices. The shirts, a colorful tattoo, going to Pride. There is nothing frivolous about risking your own life every time you exit your house, though. And let me tell you . . . the people you despise, they’d rather die than pretend they’re something they’re not. Are you that brave, Martino? I don’t think you are. Not yet, anyway. So you should be careful judging people attending Pride, people fighting for your rights, even if you don’t realize it yet”

When the boy squad is getting dressed together and dancing around, giving each other fashion advice in preparation for a birthday party I was really feeling the friendship vibes. It made it that much more painful when Martino lashed out at them after seeing Niccolo with his ex.

The scene where he comes out to Giovanni was super sweet, maybe even sweeter than in OG

Gotta admit I love this boy squad. The pep talk where the boys gave Martino dating advice was so great, definitely captured the feeling of the scene in the original.

Amira’s scene with Martino when they have a follow up conversation about Islam and homosexuality

Islam says everyone is equal and no one should be judged, belittled, or criticized. And I like that more than everything else - Amira

This line in the final episode where they are having the minute by minute conversation was so relatable it hurt

I don’t want you to see me like this. You’re face gets sad - Niccolo

The unabashed way Filippo checked Niccolo out and gave Martino a thumbs up when he met him in person

The conversation between Martino and Niccolo when Martino explains that he’s been reading about bipolar disorder and they joke about Martino now getting to be in charge of what is good or bad for Niccolo was super sweet

Things I missed:

There are some unresolved feeling that have carried over from season one that had dissipated by the time this particular plot rolled around. Martino seems like he’s still crushing on Giovanni (Jonas) at the start of this season. In addition, Federica (Chris) still hasn’t moved on from her crush on Martino. Perhaps because this is taking place in season 2 instead of season 3, so the characters haven’t had time to move on from their crushes yet?

Niccolo didn’t immediately draw back from Martino when Martino made the comment about wanting to spend the least amount of time with “crazy people” as possible in reference to his depressed mother. I think the visible emotional distancing immediately after this revelation was really powerful and I missed it here.

Luca (Magnus) didn’t get his insightful moment with the guys where he explains bipolar disorder. His character was was just a bit more 2D than in the original and was 100% there for comedic relief.

#skam italia #skam italy #skam #isak x even #isak #martino #gay #queer #lgbt #web series #Italian #depression #bipolar disorder #internalized homophobia #coming out #martino x niccolo

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danasmonster · 5 years ago

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Comparing the SKAM remakes: ISAK Part II

Lucas (SKAM France)

Some of the differences:

I love that Lucas seems a bit softer than Isak. For instance, he didn’t panic and hide the weed at the party in the first ep, it fell out of his pocket.

I like that he doesn’t just dismiss the girl squad the way Isak did (excepting Sana).

His scene with the guys watching the girls dance seemed much more awkward and out of character than it did for Isak because he seems like he’s just genuinely a nice person, where Isak’s flaws had a few more sharp edges.

I also really love the entire 6th episode because it explores Lucas’ developing relationship with the members of the Girl Squad, a relationship that was missing from the OG.

There is a little more homophobia in this one than OG. For instance, there is a lot of calling Lucas gay as a joke before he came out and his dad told him not to bring his boyfriend to church because it might upset his mom. Also I really liked that we got to see Lucas have an actual in-person conversation with his mom.

Favorite scenes:

THE FIRST TIME ELIOTT SAW LUCAS! I love when there is foreshadowing like this at the end of the previous seasons!!!

When Lucas is playing the piano for Eliott. This was very Noora/William-esque. I loved it so much I added the melody (I Love You by RIOPY) it to my SKAM playlist on Spotify.

The hardcore staring while making out with their respective dates at the party is always a favorite, and I felt like this one was particuarly intense

https://youtu.be/fw94vyoVxFk

The BRIDGE SCENE was the best! I loved everything about it - the flashlight, the rain . . . la perfection. Another song (Last Dance by Scratch Massive) added to my SKAM playlist.

The quiet conversation they have in bed (pre-yellow curtains convo) after their first night together

ALL THE SCENES about raccoon Eliott and Hedgehog Lucas - I’m glad I’m not the only one to have noticed Lucas’ hair choices

As heartbreaking as it is, the scene where Lucas unwittingly confides to Eliott that he doesn’t speak to his mother because he doesn’t need crazy people in his life is also always a favorite of mine

The scene where Yann calls Lucas out on his bullshit

“I don’t know what’s going on, but it’s not only your parents . . . You’re here, going through phases. You say you have problems, you don’t even wanna talk about it. We’re here, like fools waiting for you to explain to us. But we’re not gonna beg you . . . And stop apologizing. That’s enough. Either you tell us, or you make your things right. We don’t give a fuck about your excuses. We just want you to be better, bro, and stop acting like an idiot. So if you want to talk, we’re here. If you don’t want to, you solve your things and come back to us later. Alright?”

The scene in episode six where he and Manon just cuddle and cry together in the dark

The whole conversation Lucas has with Mickaël (Eskild), Manon (Noora), and Lisa (Linn) on the couch when he is bawling his eyes out and they are telling him everything is going to be OK.

“Lucas, a closet is dark, narrow, and it smells. You have no reason to go back in there, so be at ease with yourself, alright? Live your life. And anyone who has a problem with that, fuck them. Fuck them, alright?” - Mickaël

When Yann apologized to Lucas for having teasingly called him "gay" for years as a joke. I loved that character growth when he realized that his actions had made Lucas feel like he couldn't come out to him and so he apologized for it.

When Lucas and Emma get drunk with Manon after Manon confesses the reason she left London

Lucille’s monologue in the final episode regarding Eliott

You’re not a passing craze. And of course he’s capable of love. I would know about that. But that also means you have responsibilities now. Be patient, first of all. Because you won’t understand everything, or get it right on the first try. And it will be okay. Be understanding, get information, read. Ask him questions, too, when he’s in the mood to answer them. Try not to rush him. If he wants to sleep, let him sleep. If he doesn’t want to talk, don’t make him. There will be moments where all you’ll be able to do is just look at him, and you’ll feel powerless. But that’s the way it is. Watch out for signs, too. When he’s not doing well, or when he’s doing too well. You won’t be able to do much about it, but at least you’ll be ready. Finally, just be there for him. But only when he wants it or needs you to be. And when he doesn’t want it or need it, wait for him. Because he’ll always come back to you. And most importantly, Lucas . . . enjoy the good moments. There will be good moments. Plenty of them, even. And those moments will make the other ones worth it. You’ll see, - Lucille

Things I missed:

Yonas’ easy acceptance of his best friend’s coming out. Honestly Yann dropped a boatload of points for creating the unnecessary drama. “I need some time.” WTF.

The scene with the boy squad sitting around the table when they all gave Isak dating advice. France tried to recreate it with the scene in the common room but it didn’t quite hit the same way.

Girl’s Squad Highlights

When they convince Chris' boyfriend that all periods that occur while on the pill are fake, and that they use fake blood from the pharmacy

A Shout Out for Basile & Daphne (Magnus & Vilde)

Ah, Basile. I am both annoyed by and enamored with the way he is totally, grossly, inappropriately (but in an adorably puppy like way) crushing on Daphne. The scene where he sniffs her hair is adorable. He would totally let her put him on a leash. He thinks she’s absolutely perfect even when she is being completely imperfect and I love it.

#skam france #eliott x lucas #eliottxlucas #lucas #gayqueer #lgbt #bipolar disorder #french #web series #bisexual #isak #isak x even #internalized homophobia #coming out

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