#edwin you are my gay icon

[minyooon3012]

Kinda crazy when crystal said “guys who make gay jokes are actually the biggest pu$$ies” cause that was literally her defending edwin and I think it’s a very underrated scene

[bellsmess]

Whenever someone calls Charles Rowland straight, an angel dies.

What straight guy tells his best friend who just confessed to him that there's no one else – no one – he would go to Hell for. And that they have forever to figure out what that means. You don’t get his repressed bisexuality like I do!

Even modern bisexuals (I may or may not be speaking from personal experience) are oblivious to the fact they're bi because heteronormative roles are so engraved in our minds. When you're attracted to other genders, it's easy to miss a same-sex crush, only then to realise that oh, it wasn’t just admiration, it was attraction.

Charles, having grown up at the height of the AIDS crisis, with an abusive and probably homophobic father, killed by racist bullies? That would make anyone repress any gay feelings. Especially if you experience crushes on people with a different sex to you.

Charles sees Crystal and takes his chance. He's enamoured with this smart, strong-willed, pretty girl who can see him not only in a physical sense, but pays attention to him. He longs to be loved. Then he says the infamous "That sounds alot like you, doesn't it? Maybe that's why I like her so much" line. What an icon. And he compares himself and his best friend to the greatest love story of all time, Orpheus and Euridyce's.

When Edwin confesses to him, he doesn't rule out the possibility of returning these feelings. He knows they're already devoted to each other. They've already had 30 years of companionship and solving cases together.

"As long as I have my best mate and a case to solve, I'm good."

Being with Edwin is simple. They solve cases, help others, run away from Death. It's a simple existance. Charles gave up eternity to be with Edwin, because he was kind to him when he was dying. Charles finds him fun, wants to protect him, knows that Edwin is a kind and good person. One that Charles wants to be.

"Bad guys don't worry about being bad guys. And you, Charles Rowland, are the best person I know."

Crystal's role is very important in changing the dynamic between Edwin and Charles. Not only because Charles falls for her, but because she opens them up. She digs out their repressed feelings and trauma. Charles finally deals with his dad's abuse, his happy-go-lucky mask falls. She points it out to Edwin. Charles kept it up so well because Edwin didn't press it, but Crystal does. And Charles finally lets himself process what happened to him, and how that affects his relationships.

Charles never saw genuine love between his parents, and that affects how he views relationships. It impacts how he forms them, too. But he's a loverboy, he longs to be loved, he falls easily. Why wouldn’t he fall for someone who stuck to his side for 30 years?

Crystal and Monty's roles mirror each other – they help the boys figure out their feelings and desires. Crystal makes Edwin jealous that there's someone else Charles cares about in the same sense he cares for Edwin. The Cat King helps Edwin discover desire, Monty – genuine love. As Charles' and Crystal's relationship kickstarts (albeit ends as quickly) and Monty persues Edwin, he discovers the depth of his feelings.

"These complicated feelings that you have? They're for Charles."

I would love to see their wants explored more in the future season(s, hopefully multiple). Charles giving into desire with Desire of the Endless' guidance? Yes please.

I simply cannot believe that anyone would doubt Painland/Payneland endgame. They're everything to each other. They're a constant presence, reassurance, and love. Platonic, romantic, it doesn't matter. Their bond is so deep and genuine that immortal beings see it and leave them be, in the afterlife they chose for each other. Their love is so deep it transcends planes: from mortal plane to Hell, it leads Charles to Edwin. Charles is not Orpheus, when he turns around to hear Edwin out on the staircase from Hell, he manages to get him out. And they have literally forever for each other.

[gays-in-space]

the first time i watched dead boy detectives, i was in shock pretty much the whole time.

like, i got the vibes from the trailer that it was gonna be a lil gay, but honestly i was expecting to be proven wrong. BUT THEN!! at the very beginning of episode 2 we have the Cat King scene, which is so iconic. like i wasn’t expecting the queerness to be apparent so soon, and for it to be so explicit. normally we just get some little hints, but no! not this time.

and then, turns out that edwin discovering that he’s gay is one of the main plot lines of the show!! and edwin is in love with charles! and then jenny’s gay too!!!! and fucking monty!!!!!!!!!!! and by this point there are so many queer characters that i can’t keep up and im pretty much near sobbing because. omg. it is so rare to have so many lgbtq+ characters in one show, and to have such a range of identities explored. it really feels special.

so thank you, dead boy detectives, for healing my soul.

[mrnightingale]

I know I should do the work myself but-

Does anyone knows any good Catwin fanfic? I mean. I'd like to be able to ship them. They have great chemistry. I do actually think the Cat King is a good first experience for Edwin. He's one of my favourites characters, I love seeing him on-screen, he's absolutely iconic and sassy and fashionable.

And I still can't stop seeing the Cat King as a creepy pushy dumbass who enjoys making Edwin uncomfortable bc he's having a gay panic and can't focus on what's happening, not as he usually would.

So, yep. I need fanfiction. Where tck is a silly dumbass in a good way. Or he acts as a mature supernatural being. Or they bond based in their loneliness and blablabla. Or anything, just, idk.

Thank you very much.

[that-trans-autistic-guy]

DBD as Iconic Vines

Jenny: Hey, I'm a lesbian Edwin: I thought you were American

Charles: Road work ahead? Uh, yeah, I sure hope it does

Crystal in Port Townsend: crying I don't have enough money for chicken nuggets

Esther: I said whoever threw that paper, your mom's a hoe!

Music: Bring the Beat In! Niko: Anything for you, Beyonce!

Niko, looking at Edwin and Charles: And they were roommates Crystal: My god they were roommates

Charles, high on protective rage and anxiety: DON'T FUCK WITH ME! I HAVE THE POWER OF GOD AND ANIME ON MY SIDE!

Crystal, to Charles frequently: What the fuck Richard?

Everyone watching Edwin and Charles: Two bros, chilling in a hot tub, five feet apart cuz they're not gay!

Charles: Back at it again at Krispy Kreme knocks sign down Patrons, wondering why the fuck the sign randomly fell: 0-0

Edwin: So I am confusion, why is this one Kansas, but this one is not Arkansas. AMERICA EXPLAIN!!! EXPLAIN, WHAT DO YOU MEAN IT 'ARKASAW'

Esther: Two shots of vodka empties entire bottle

Niko, sadly: I don't even know which way the Quiznos is

Edwin + Charles classmates: Oh hi, thanks for checking in, I'm still a piece of garbage

Edwin: That is NOT correct, because according to the encyclopedia of unintelligible language

Night Nurse: I'm a bad bitch, you can't kill me

Edwin: Is there anything better than pussy? Yes, a really good book

Charles to Edwin: I love you bitch, I ain't never gonna stop loving you bitchhhh

[birdbrainedboy]

I’m obsessed with this show and fear a hyperfixation anyways here are my thoughts on every character in the show

Edwin Paine: forever my favorite, even back before the show when I read the comics! I think it’s funny that basically every man in the show wants him? I’m intrigued by his character arc throughout the story regarding his sexuality as despite dying in 1916, he seems to have had time to slowly become more accepting of gay people (I’m guessing in part due to Charles, who is pansexual), to the point where there’s only mild internalized homophobia if at all, which just exhibits itself in him denying any possible feelings for Monty. I love how face-value and logical he is while still being a sweetheart

Charles Rowland: he has a pan flag pin on his jacket which confuses me bc can ghosts only wear clothes they would’ve worn when they were alive, or how do ghost clothes work? Because he died in 1989 and I’m near positive he didn’t wear that pin back there. Anyways I do love him but I wonder about some design choices, like the one earring (not sure why it just kinda annoys me). That was more a rant abt his design than his character, which I have nothing notable to say abt since I LOVE HIM he’s so real

Crystal Palace: sometimes she was a bit annoying the way she was trying way too hard to pry into everyone’s lives, but honestly that was just momentary annoyance since nothing could make me hate her. I love how her past was slowly revealed (as someone who already knew it from the comics) and how she came to terms with the person she used to be vs the person she is now. She’s so cool!

David the demon: honestly kind of caught me off guard at first bc the person I’m dating is named David but I actually enjoyed his character. LOVED when Crystal dealt with him in the end. He was very interesting

Niko Sasaki: I love Niko, but I have some problems with her character. First of all, I feel like ditsy anime-loving cutesy Asian girl with dyed hair is a weirdly common trope? But whatever my main issue is that it feels like characters who normalize the fetishization of gay men are so common. Like if Niko had been a guy obsessed with lesbian manga evb would be weirded out, so why is it different? If we ignore all of this tho I absolutely adore her and I’m actually praying she’s in the next season bc she was one of my favorites (esp her relationship w Edwin)

Jenny: She is so hot and cool and funny I’m in love with her

Esther: oh my god words cannot come close to describing how much I love her character. She felt powerless and weak in the past and now she’s become obsessed with making sure nobody has that power over her ever again. She was so fun and I loved her attitude! I’m sure she won’t show up next season, as she was the main antagonist of s1, and while I love her, I kind of hope she doesn’t since I think her arc was finished.

Monty: His personality was like 2020 “soft boy” who acts nice and dumb but is lowkey a manipulator. So obviously this kind of made me like ☠️ bc why is he acting like that… but I still love him to bits because he’s just a crow guys he didn’t ask to be human,, Anyways yeah his personality annoys me but also I love him so much so? It’s confusing. ITS COMPLICATED. I will cry if he’s not in s2

Kingham and Litty: I honestly thought they were annoying but I can’t lie they were so fucking funny. Every time they were on screen I laughed.

Cat King: oh my god. He is so camp. I love him. There’s honestly not much to say he is simply iconic. Love how he’s afraid to be alone so chases after other people, he’s so real AGHH I love him

Night Nurse: Ruth Connell the woman you are… 😍 she reminds me of Muriel from Good Omens, in a way, and I love her! I really hope we get to see more of her in relation to the guy in the fish, and see her get to better understand human emotions and why they choose to cling onto the human world rather than pass on!

[sammansonn]

my thoughts on dead boy detectives episode 3

- okay charles isn’t Really flirting with crystal right ? like they’re just Bros, right? right??

- okay they talked about it they’re bros they’re bros i’m chill now

- love niko now but also I know what happens to her which is upsetting

- is esther’s twink crow gonna seduce edwin??? why are animals constantly seducing edwin???

- niko matchmaker fr

- “BOYS CAN LIKE LIKE OTHER BOYS” darling baby edwin how have you not gotten there yet like I get not wanting to accept that you’re in love with your best friend but just being gay?? easy peasy shit

- I don’t want Any of this romantic shit between charles and crystal I wanted Broooooooos don’t get it on!!!

- I’m sorry but charles is far too sensitive for it being 30 years since he’d died srry bout it

- shows like this need more than 8 episodes I need to see slower progression in relationships and characterizations

- a crow and a cat are fighting for edwin’s love and affection what an icon

- this episode was def better than ep 2

[eldritchanarchist]

We moved to live episode feeds friends and fiends. Aka my reactions and responses written down for your entertainment and enjoyment. We begin with episode three: (spoiler alert it’s long)

The screaming crying ghost? Real. A mood tbh.

The eye roll. Edwin is so sassy.

The side eye glare! Shade. Thrown. Source: crystal

Not the jar of coins!!

Niko also clocking Edwin my guy is fooling NO ONE!

Charles? Doable? And you know this how?

Hey crystal has clocked Edwin too!

Poor Jenny just wants to run her shop and exist in peace

I love Niko. She and Edwin have a lovely friendship

Edwin is out here getting clocked by EVERYONE and EVERYTHING

Lesbians??

“Back in the 1990s when people could afford homes” - Jenny

Not Esther! So iconic and yet so easily despisable

Monty! My love please don’t be super evil. Ha! I wanna know who clocked Edwin so Monty decided to flirt with him

The way he visibly counts. Those cats are suspicious why show him counting them now?

Ha! Niko slays at playing matchmaker. I lover her so much. “You do know two boys can like like each other right? I have a lot of manga about it. It’s really sweet and explicit” me too Niko me too

I was right friendship goals. Gay and lesbian solidarity fr.

I thought Miss cat hair was a pain apparently all of death’s employees are like that. Nvm miss cat hair is just a bitch

Called it the cats are significant!

Poor poor Charles and his poor poor obvious unresolved family trauma

Oof talk about second hand trauma

Charles I look into your eyes and all I see is trauma

“Hold my hand litty I don’t like sweaters.”

I’m like half way through but I’m gonna end here. This was a good amount of effort I stick to smaller dramatic reactions for now. But if yk people like it maybe I’ll do another in the future.

[prince-simon]

AIGHT I thought DBD was gonna be a fun lil show. You have: two dead boys with AMAZING chemistry (I LOVE their different accents/slangs/outfits to reflect the times they're from), two living girls with AMAZING chemistry (deadass thought Crystal saw the lights around Niko because maybe she liked herrrrr and the lights were psychic related instead of LITERAL SPRITE INFESTATION), two wildly horny demons who I believe need to get it on and leave Crystal and Edwin alone please and thank you (David and the Cat King), TALKING CATS, a witch cosplaying as Cruella de Ville (I thought she was MURDERING her poor bird Monty!!!!), the cutest adorable most precious little astrology nerd I've EVER SEEN (the aforementioned Monty who wasn't a victim of animal abuse after all), a cursed walrus (still salty Edwin interrupted Tragic Mike's story of how he was cursed, I was INVESTED) OH AND A SUPERHOT BUTCHER LADY!!

ANYWAY this show was supposed to be fun. I watch Supernatural and yeah there were scary episodes but I can't think of anything as traumatic as the Devlin House episode! 😭 Just... watching the dad murder his poor family over and over was awful, seeing how affected Charles was broke my heart, the dad having a secret room to spy on his family was creepy and disturbing and OH MY FUCKING GOD?!?! THAT MISERY WRAITH?!?! I ALMOST THREW UP!! I NEARLY DIED!!! ABSOLUTELY AWFUL TERRIFYING 0/10 WOULD NOT RECOMMEND I NEVER WANT TO SEE IT AGAIN!!!!!

I can't wait to watch more DBD tonight!

PS sorry for the essay

okay okay first of all. i'm so excited about this ask. don't apologise haha i've got things to say!!! (i hopeee i'm not spoilering you for anything with this longgg reply lol)

the chemistry between all of them is soooo insane i'm so happy about it!! and yeah lol i think the entire fandom thought it was gay lights for crystal and niko lmao (and you know what? just bc it was parasitic lights who's to say it's not ALSO gay!! sksk i was spoilered about this particular thing before i watched the show and when i saw that scene i STILL thought it was gay lol

sksk thank you for clarifying that by demons you mean david and the cat king bc i was like ??? david and edwin's demon??? interesting take but sure. let's go with it slfjsldfj but yeah calling the cat king a demon works too lmaooo i just love how pathetic the cat king is kssksk

the talking cats are sooo iconic hahaha

omg i totally thought esther was killing monty too. when i first watched it i did a bit of a live reaction with friends and i literally was like noooo not monty!!! he doesn't deserve it!!! i was FLOORED when he turned human skjdflsj in general esther is such a good villain. like i fucking hate her so so so much but man. i LOVE to hate her she just steals every scene she's in ("ouch my ghost skin" lives rent free in my head tbh)

SUPERHOT BUTCHER LADY yesss i love jenny so much. her "oh my fuck" cracks me up every time. fun fact before i watched the show and only saw stuff on tumblr i thought she was gonna be the bad guy sksksk

the show is so camp one second and then soooo devastating the next!!! the devlin house absolutely broke me!! fun fact- or actually not fun at all, idk if you noticed but when the camera is on charles when they're watching the murder happen, you can hear him begging his father to stop hurting him in the background. also another not so fun fact i was listening to jayden revri's charles playlist and the song that's playing in that episode is on there and when it came on i literally had to skip it after a couple seconds bc it triggered me sooo much lmfao but yeah omg don't get me started on the misery wraith!!! the first time i watched it, i was binging and i'd started pretty late already so when i got to that episode it was already dark and i was supposed to go to bed soon and i literally had to cover my screen bc i usually can't do horror at all!! so i was like nopenopenope this isn't happening nope

enjoy the rest of your watch and you're always welcome in my inbox for more yelling!!

[edwin-paynes-bowtie]

My first reaction to Dead Boy Detectives episode one:

1) Now, let’s talk about Edwin and Jayden. You’re telling me they’ve been best mates for 30 years, they box together so intimately, yet they’ve never kissed? I’m completely baffled. The tension between them is insane.

2) i absolutely love the dynamic between Edwin and Jayden. Edwin is the quintessential Victorian gentleman—stoic, composed, and old-world, while Jayden is this vibrant ’80s London lad, full of energy and edge. The contrast in their personalities is just perfect. Jayden encourages Edwin to dream big, be bolder, and embrace a sense of humour, while Edwin grounds Jayden and pushes him to be more serious when needed. The back-and-forth banter between them is hilarious. I can see why they’re best friends, and I can’t wait to learn more about their origin story. I’ve read the Dead Boy Detectives comics, so I know their background, but this show feels like a fresh take on the material. The spirit of the comics is still there, but the tone of the show is different. It’s giving me Stranger Things meets Sherlock meets The Last Hours (even though that’s not a show). It’s such a fun mix, and I’m really enjoying it so far.

I also think Jayden really humanises Edwin, which adds depth to their dynamic. It’s not just about the banter; their relationship is built on mutual understanding and growth, which makes it so engaging.

3) As for the new psychic introduced into the mix—she is so much fun! I really like her; she’s lively and adds a great energy to the group. It seems like her presence could be a catalyst for Edwin to confront how possessive he is over Jayden. It’s clear he doesn’t want her in the mix, and I love how Edwin sasses her out. His one-liners, clapbacks, and razor-sharp wit are just brilliant. Edwin is quickly becoming one of my favourite characters because of how iconic he is.

4) Now, one thing that took me out of the episode a little bit (and this is minor, but still worth mentioning) is the setting. For some reason, I didn’t expect the show to be set in London, even though that makes perfect sense. I think I assumed it was going to be an American show, and only Edwin would be British, but no—everything’s based in London, and Jayden is also British. He’s honestly the most London kid ever, and it’s so endearing. I love it.

5) This leads me to another point—Edwin gives off strong gay vibes, and I think Jayden gives off bi or pansexual vibes. Those are just my interpretations of their characters. I really like the idea of them having that kind of dynamic, but I’m not sure if it’s confirmed or not. You can hit me with a RAFO if that’s the case. It’s not a huge deal, but I thought I’d mention it.

6) Anyway, back to London. The show is so canonically accurate when it comes to depicting London, especially with Jayden’s accent—it’s very London, and I love it. Edwin’s posh, Tory accent is equally perfect. But then, when they get on the Tube, I was immediately taken out of the experience. The Tube isn’t tubing properly! I couldn’t understand why they weren’t on the London Underground. I’m pretty sure they were heading to King’s Cross, which would require the Northern or Central Line, but it didn’t look right. I got so hyper-fixated on this detail, wondering if they were on an American metro system instead. I even considered whether they might have travelled to America, given that one of the characters was American. It was such a small thing, but it did make me pause the episode and think, “Wait, what’s going on with this Tube?” It’s not a big deal in the grand scheme of things, but it did pull me out of the experience for a moment.

Those are my thoughts so far on episode one. Now, I’m going to transcribe my thoughts on the second half of the episode 1.

I’ll give you those once I’ve finished organising them into more legible thoughts.

🤓❤️🤓

I'm glad you're enjoying it! I also adore the balance of Edwin and Charles's personalities. They're really different in a lot of ways, but they're also the same in the ways that matter - they're fundamentally Good, have gone through unimaginable trauma and remained Good, and want to help people. Also, the similarities in their deaths HURTS.

The one thing I don't agree on is Charles humanizing Edwin - for what it's worth (and I'll get to the other ask you kind of asked about later), I also hate the "you keep me human, Tom" line in TLH. I don't think Edwin (or Alastair) need to be humanized. They've just both been through absolutely horrific things (as have Charles and Thomas) and are coping with it in Ways. Actually, Edwin's SUPER nice all things considered. If I'd been in Hell for 73 years with [redacted specific torture] happening, I would be INCREDIBLY salty and nasty. He's just bitchy in a funny way.

(Will talk about London in the ask where you talk about it. I'm sad they weren't in London for much of the show, too - George has also talked about how he wanted season 2 to be more in London, but hey.)

[droughtofapathy]

The Gilded Age's Broadway Divas: Caroline "Lina" Schermerhorn Astor (Donna Murphy)

A queen among her people, Mrs. Astor rules over New York high society, and spends the show being challenged by New Money Bertha Russell at every turn.

Two-time Tony winner Donna Murphy is one of Broadway's greatest Divas. Though most recognize her as the voice of Disney's Mother Gothel in Rapunzel, her voice is better known to me personally as one of my earliest gay awakenings for her audiobook performance of Ruby Holler, but that's a separate story. One of Sondheim's most beloved interpreters, Donna has such an expansive repertoire that limiting myself proved damn near impossible. Her Tonys for Best Actress in a Musical were in 1994 (Passion) and 1996 (The King and I) and I will forgive her for the later despite my documented hatred of that musical.

Other sumptuous performances include: The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Ensemble, later Drood), Wonderful Town (Ruth), Hello Dolly! (Bette Midler's Tuesday night alternative and superior performer in every way), and Encores! Dear World (my #1 theatre experience of 2023). With the later two, Donna is well on her way to achieving the Jerry Herman trifecta. Someone mount a production of Mame starring Donna Murphy as Mame.

#1: "Could I Leave You?" Follies - The Stephen Sondheim 80th Birthday Concert (2010)

Many a Diva has taken on this song, but no one can come close to the rapturous performance Donna Murphy gives during the iconic Ladies in Red segment of the Sondheim 80th birthday concert. This video right here is the reason I am the Sondheim woman that I am. There have been many women who have played Phyllis over the years, and I've fallen a little in love with all of them (Jan Maxwell, my beloved), but Donna is everything.

Surrounded by five other iconic Divas dressed in red, Donna shows that her acting choices whilst singing remain unmatched. The controlled start, the rapid devolution, the rage in that final word. And the strands of hair that will not stay out of her face. I am obsessed. The reactions of the other women (note Patti LuPone's glee and Marin Mazzie, dear friend and Passion co-star's bursting pride) say it all. The entire concert is one marvel after another. Do yourself a favor and watch it.

I consider this song one of Sondheim's greatest works (Send in the Clowns, eat your heart out...but also...Donna did that at the 90th birthday concert, so there's that too).

#2: "Hit Me With a Hot Note," a benefit for Fran Liebergall (2015) and What About Joan (2001)

I couldn't decide which version to post, so you get both. Congratulations. This song showcases Mrs. Astor's wild side as Donna delves into growls, shimmies, shakes, and belts. "Hit Me with a Hot Note" is a Duke Ellington song that appeared on Broadway in Jelly's Last Jam (which will receive an Encores! production this spring). I never thought a white woman could scat, but I'm not mad about it.

The first video is a concert benefit for Fran Liebergall in 2015. The second is from a short-lived tv series in the early 2000s where Donna plays Ruby Stern, a smart and staid doctor who has a dream of appearing on Broadway. Apparently, the producers of the show were totally unaware that two-time Tony winner for Leading Actress in a Musical Donna Murphy could sing. I'm just as shocked by that as you are.

#3: "Surabaya Johnny," LoveMusik (2007)

Mrs. Astor is one of many real-life historical figures on Donna Murphy's acting resume. Another real-life figure is that of Lotte Lenya, an Austrian-American actress and singer best known for her work/marriage with Kurt Weill. LoveMusik explores that relationship. Lotte Lenya had a distinctive voice, and here Donna transforms her own signature voice to match Lenya's.

LoveMusik received mixed reviews, but garnered four Tony nominations for Best Musical, and Best Leading Actors for Donna and for leading man Michael Cerveris, The Gilded Age's Mr. Watson.

Donna has truly perfected the way to break down during a song.

#4: "The Story of Lucy and Jessie," Follies (2007)

Prior to the Sondheim 80th, Donna played Phyllis Rogers Stone in the 2007 Encores! production of Follies (alongside Christine Baranski). This was considered her triumphant return to the New York stage following an unsteady attendance record in the early 2000s owing to a long battle with vocal hemorrhaging (running concurrently with multiple miscarriages). Her turn as the jaded former Follies girl was nothing short of sublime. In those days, Encores! concerts weren't remotely the fully choreographed shows they are now. Donna, who describes herself as a "singer who moves well," proves that in spades.

To my everlasting devastation, this clip omits the opening verse, but I think her legs more than make up for it. The little glove removal moment is a nod to an alternate number that has been used in place of this one depending on the production. For singers who are not as dance-capable, "Ah, But Underneath" offers up a sensational strip tease, and I, for one, would have liked to see that too, even if Lucy and Jessie is a better number.

#5: "Loving You," Passion (1994)

Though her riveting portrayal of a chronical ill woman who seduces a soldier in mid-19th century Italy earned Donna her first Tony, it was not a well-received show. Audiences disgusted by the obsessive and unattractive Fosca would cheer when she collapsed onstage every night. They couldn't fathom how Giorgio (Jere Shea) would leave his affair with the beautiful Clara (Marin Mazzie, who appears totally nude for the opening number) for a sicky woman like Fosca. Since then, like most Sondheim shows, we have come to appreciate the brilliance of the story, the score, and the actors with time.

Donna's immersion into this role is the stuff of Broadway legend. This song in particular, though simple in melody and lyrics, carries such deep emotion, and the way she sings as if every note pains her just ruins me. Her dramatic range cannot be praised enough. The entire proshot can be found HERE, and I cannot recommend it enough.

Story time: a few years ago I bid on the original lobby board that hung inside the theater, and I am now a proud owner of a piece of history. It stands in my living room and is nearly as tall as I am. It is my most treasured possession.

Bonus: For a more comprehensive of all things Donna Murphy, please enjoy this playlist curated by @princesspufferr. And if anyone wants a bootleg of Dear World, I've got you covered.

LINK TO MASTERPOST

[minyooon3012]

I’m new to dead boy detectives but damn Edwin’s got a lot of bitches huh

[stormblessed95]

Thanks for answering my ask.....if you don't mind me asking (again), who are your favorite romantic relationship's couples in books/ manga/ anime/movies/tv series (can be canon or non-canon)? Why do you love them? Sorry if you've answered this question before......Thanks....

Hi! Thanks for another fun ask! I actually have one post up about some of my favorite OTPs from books from a little while ago. All are canon couples from book series. But you can find that here in this post:

But why would I NOT take the chance to share more OTPs that I love, especially if I can dip into some of my favorite non canon ships too and now ive got some new ones and from other media as well. 🤣 the limitations of only 10 though is always hard. Here are another 10 of my current favorite ships I obsess over. I won't include any from the post above though even though I'm still in love with ALL of them too. Some of my favorite couples, 10 of them, in no particular order:

Victuuri (Yuri On Ice, Anime)

I watched this anime and fell in love with it and their chaotic but adorable and sweet relationship SO HARD. And the relationship is right there in canon which is SO NICE to see in anime where it's just another small portion of their lives. The way they are both obsessed with each other too 😍

Edwin and Royai (FMAB, Anime)

Both canon. Royai is canon, argue with the wall! Lol I guess Royai is like half canon, but whatever. Explicit confirmation is not needed to know those 2 are married. Ed and Winry are the peak childhood friends to lovers arc in the most adorable. Plus she is a badass mechanic. HIS badass mechanic. The way their love grew organically is adorable and so sweet. They take such good care of each other. And Royai are the epitome of a married couple. They also are both so equally badass and have such infinite and complete trust in each other?? It's AMAZING. The way they literally trust each other with their lives and their mental well being. The way Roy literally trusts her to be his eyes when needed also? He literally calls her his queen. I love them so much

Clexa (The 100, TV Show)

CANON yet they did us dirty with the bury your gays trope. But like the "I'm only soft for you" bullshit they had going on. UGH I ate it up so hard. Lol they are both such extreme badasses, morally Grey anti heroes. OF COURSE THEIR RELATIONSHIP WAS INTENSELY PERFECT TOO! I love the bellarke ship with the best of them too, but out of all Clarke's relationships, the best and my favorite will always be with Lexa. She loved her SO MUCH and the way Lexa always protected her 😭

SasuNaru (Naruto, Anime)

Not canon, I know, but I'm obsessed with the ship anyway because it SHOULDVE BEEN CANON. I could write whole essays over how painfully gay and queer coded these 2 are. Canonically soulmates and everything. Lol their characters and their relationship was the most flushed out in the show and therefore, them being shipped together just makes sense. Especially with how homoromantic and angsty half the shit they did was.

Shakadolin (Stormlight Archive, Book)

Not canon, but the author said it would've been in a different timeline and that even in the current on, Adolin and Shallan (the Canon couple) probably would've been willing to go for it. Lol you can't convince me otherwise thay they aren't both lowkey in love with Kaladin. They invite him to be their bodygaurd on all their dates for a reason! 😂

HuaLian (TGCF, Donghua)

I've read these books for the first time recently and now these 2 live rent free. Like honestly, the OBSESSION with each other. The adorableness. The respectfulness of boundaries. The ICONIC one liners dropped. The do anything cross any line be wherever you need devotion. The way one of them is the sweetest human alive and the other embodies the "I hate everyone but you" trope. Lol the awkwardness of the positions they find themselves in. The jealousy of each other that they make up themselves. Lol the slow burn is painful!! It's been literally 800 years just tell each other you love each other and get married!!!!

So many ATLA ships lol but I love a good Zukka, Sukka, Zutara, Kataang, Korrasami, Rangshi, Suzukki as my ot3 love too lol (TV Show)

There is a good mix of canon and non canon ships here lol what can I say, I'm easy to please! But I will say that it speaks to my Sapphic soul in the best way that the wlw ships are CANON! Thank you ATLA universe for that blessing. And they are canon in the most amazing of ways. Korrasami will always be my favorite. The bi icons those girls are and they way they are EVERYTHING and are so freaking sweet and cute and BADASS.

Solangelo (PJO, Book)

Loves of my life, this relationship is grumpy x sunshine trope personified. They are so sweet, so cute, so perfect for each other it hurts. I clearly have a dynamic I love here. Lol because they are also both insanely badass. Plus the ghost king who controls death and his medic doctor boyfriend? Yes please. Literally made for each other and the way they help each other heal and be happy 🥺

The Iron Triangle, aka Yizhi, Shimin, and Zetian (Iron Widow, Book)

Love triangles done correctly and ended perfectly, aka bisexually. Lol to quote the author, "Iron Widow is just 400 pages of Zetian and Shimin suffering nonstop while Yizhi has the most bisexual time of his life." Lmfao. They are the morally Grey anti heros and lowkey villains in love badass scifi/fantasy cast of characters who ALL fall in love with each other and are only stronger for it. And it's a true triangle, where all 3 are in love and feel more complete for it. There is no choosing.

Darrow & Virigina, and Sevro & Victra (Red Rising, Book)

Unhinged characters falling in love. What could be better. They both match energies so well, bring out the best in each other and fight so hard for each other or sometimes fight each other too. These books are so good, but so brutal. Lol the relationships follow suit. But I freaking LOVE them. I cried so much reading it all and yet I'm obsessed and have been since I first read them. It'll probably never stop.

[divinum-pacis]

Divinum Pacis’s  Reference Guide- UPDATED 2021

Let’s face it, schooling is expensive, and you can’t cram everything you want to know into 4+ years. It takes a lifetime (and then some). So if you’re like me and want to learn more, here’s an organized list of some books I find particularly insightful and enjoyable. NEW ADDITIONS are listed first under their respective sections. If you have any recommendations, send them in!

African Religions  🌍

African Myths & Tales: Epic Tales by Dr. Kwadwo Osei-Nyame Jnr

The Ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead: Prayers, Incantations, and Other Texts from the Book of the Dead by E.A. Wallis Budge

Prayer in the Religious Traditions of Africa by Aylward Shorter (a bit dated but sentimental)

The Holy Piby: The Black Man’s Bible by Shepherd Robert Athlyi Rogers

The Altar of My Soul: The Living Traditions of Santeria by Marta Moreno Vega (autobiography of an Afro-Puerto Rican Santeria priestess)

African Religions: A Very Short Introduction by Jacob K. Olupona

Buddhism ☸

The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching: Transforming Suffering into Peace, Joy, and Liberation by Thich Nhat Hanh

The Dhammapada by Eknath Easwaran (collection of Buddha’s sayings)

Liquid Life: Abortion and Buddhism in Japan by William R. LaFleur 

The Tibetan Book of the Dead by John Baldock (the texts explained and illustrated)

Teachings of the Buddha by Jack Kornfield (lovely selection of Buddhist verses and stories)

Understanding Buddhism by Perry Schmidt-Leukel (great introductory text)

Essential Tibetan Buddhism by Robert Thurman (collection of select chants, prayers, and rituals in Tibetan traditions)

Christianity ✝️

The Story of Christianity Volume 1: The Early Church to the Dawn of the Reformation by Justo L. Gonzales

The Story of Christianity Volume 2: The Reformation to Present Day by Justo L. Gonzales

By Heart: Conversations with Martin Luther's Small Catechism by R. Guy Erwin, etc.

Introducing the New Testament by Mark Allen Powell

Who’s Who in the Bible by Jean-Pierre Isbouts (really cool book, thick with history, both Biblical and otherwise)

Synopsis of the Four Gospels (RSV) by Kurt Aland (shows the four NT gospels side by side, verse by verse for easy textual comparison)

Behold Your Mother by Tim Staples (Catholic approach to the Virgin Mary)

Mother of God: A History of the Virgin Mary by Miri Rubin (anthropological and historical text)

Systematic Theology by Thomas P. Rausch

Orthodox Dogmatic Theology by Fr. Michael Romazansky (Eastern Orthodox Christianity)

Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska (very spiritual)

The Names of God by George W. Knight (goes through every name and reference to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in the Bible)

Icons and Saints of the Eastern Orthodox Church by Alfredo Tradigo (for those who like art history AND religion)

The Orthodox Veneration of the Mother of God by St. John Maximovitch (the Orthodox approach to the Virgin Mary)

East Asian Religions  ☯️

Shinto: A History by Helen Hardacre

Tao Te Ching by Chad Hansen (a beautiful, illustrated translation)

The Analects by Confucius

Tao Te Ching by Stephen Mitchell

Shinto: The Kami Way by Sokyo Ono (introductory text)

Understanding Chinese Religions by Joachim Gentz (discusses the history and development of Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism in China)

Taoism: An Essential Guide by Eva Wong (pretty much everything you need to know on Taoism)

European (various)

Iliad & Odyssey by Homer, Samuel Butler, et al.

Tales of King Arthur & The Knights of the Round Table by Thomas Malory, Aubrey Beardsley, et al.

Early Irish Myths and Sagas by Jeffrey Gantz

The Prose Edda: Norse Mythology by Snorri Sturluson and Jesse L. Byock

Mythology by Edith Hamilton (covers Greek, Roman, & Norse mythology)

The Nature of the Gods by Cicero

Dictionary of Mythology by Bergen Evans

Gnosticism, Mysticism, & Esotericism

The Gnostic Gospels: Including the Gospel of Thomas, the Gospel of Mary Magdalene (Sacred Texts) by Alan Jacobs and Vrej Nersessian

The Kybalion by the Three Initiates (Hermeticism)

The Freemasons: The Ancient Brotherhood Revealed by Michael Johnstone 

Alchemy & Mysticism by Alexander Roob (Art and symbolism in Hermeticism)

The Gnostics: Myth, Ritual, and Diversity in Early Christianity by David Brakke

What Is Gnosticism? Revised Edition by Karen L. King

The Essence of the Gnostics by Bernard Simon

The Essential Mystics: Selections from the World’s Great Wisdom Traditions by Andrew Harvey (covers Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Greek, Hindu, Buddhist, and Taoist traditions)

The Secret Teachings of All Ages by Manly P. Hall (huge book on esoteric and occult religions)

Freemasonry for Dummies by Christopher Hodapp

Hinduism 🕉

The Ramayana by R.K. Narayan

7 Secrets of Vishnu by Devdutt Pattanaik (all about Vishnu’s various avatars)

7 Secrets of the Goddess by Devdutt Pattanaik (all about Hindu goddesses, myths and symbolism)

Hinduism by Klaus K. Klostermaier (good introductory text)

Bhagavad Gita As It Is by Srila Prabhupada (trans. from a religious standpoint)

The Mahabharata, parts 1 & 2 by Ramesh Menon (super long but incredibly comprehensive)

The Upanishads by Juan Mascaro (an excellent introductory translation)

In Praise of the Goddess by Devadatta Kali (the Devi Mahatmya with English & Sanskrit texts/explanations of texts)

Beyond Birth and Death by Srila Prabhupada (on death & reincarnation)

The Science of Self-Realization by Srila Prabhupada

Krishna: The Beautiful Legend of God (Srimad Bhagavatam) by Edwin F. Bryant (totally gorgeous translation)

The Perfection of Yoga by Srila Prabhupada (about “actual” yoga)

Islam  ☪️

The Handy Islam Answer Book by John Renard (a comprehensive guide to all your questions)

The Illustrated Rumi by Philip Dunn, Manuela Dunn Mascetti, & R.A. Nicholson (Sufi poetry)

Islam and the Muslim World by Mir Zohair Husain (general history of Islam)

The Quran: A Contemporary Understanding by Safi Kaskas (Quran with Biblical references in the footnotes for comparison)

Essential Sufism by Fadiman & Frager (select Sufi texts)

Psychological Foundation of the Quran, parts 1, 2, & 3 by Muhammad Shoaib Shahid

Hadith by Jonathan A.C. Brown (the history of Hadith and Islam)

The Story of the Quran, 2nd ed. by Ingrid Mattson (history and development of the Quran)

The Book of Hadith by Charles Le Gai Eaton (a small selection of Hadith)

The Holy Quran by Maulana Muhammad Ali (Arabic to English translation, the only translation I’ve read cover-to-cover)

Mary and Jesus in the Quran by Abdullah Yusuf’Ali

Blessed Names and Attributes of Allah by A.R. Kidwai (small, lovely book)

Jainism & Sikhi

Understanding Jainism by Lawrence A. Babb

The Jains (The Library of Religious Beliefs and Practices) by Paul Dundas

The Forest of Thieves and the Magic Garden: An Anthology of Medieval Jain Stories by Phyllis Granoff

A History of the Sikhs, Volume 1: 1469-1839 (Oxford India Collection) by Khushwant Singh

Sikhism: A Very Short Introduction by Eleanor Nesbitt

Judaism  ✡

Hebrew-English Tanakh by the Jewish Publication Society

Essential Judaism by George Robinson (this is THE book if you’re looking to learn about Judaism)

The Talmud: A Selection by Norman Solomon

Judaism by Dan & Lavinia Cohn-Sherbok (introductory text)

The Jewish Study Bible, 2nd edition by the Jewish Publication Society (great explanations of passages)

The Hebrew Goddess by Raphael Patai

Native American

God is Red: A Native View of Religion, 30th Anniversary Edition by Vine Deloria Jr. , Leslie Silko, et al. 

The Wind is My Mother by Bear Heart (Native American spirituality)

American Indian Myths and Legends by Erdoes & Ortiz

The Sacred Wisdom of the Native Americans by Larry J. Zimmerman 

Paganism, Witchcraft & Wicca

Magic in the Roman World: Pagans, Jews and Christians (Religion in the First Christian Centuries) 1st Edition by Naomi Janowitz

The Greek Magical Papyri in Translation: Including the Demotic Spells: 2nd Edition by Hans Dieter Betz

Wicca for Beginners: Fundamentals of Philosophy & Practice by Thea Sabin

The Path of a Christian Witch by Adelina St. Clair (the author’s personal journey)

Aradia: Gospel of the Witches by C.G. Leland

The Anthropology of Religion, Magic, & Witchcraft, 3rd ed. by Rebecca L. Stein

Paganism: An Introduction to Earth-Centered Religions by Joyce & River Higginbotham

Christopaganism by Joyce & River Higginbotham

Whispers of Stone by Tess Dawson (on Modern Canaanite Paganism)

Social ☮

Tears We Cannot Stop (A Sermon to White America) by Eric Michael Dyson (concerning racism)

Comparative Religious Ethics by Christine E. Gudorf 

Divided by Faith by Michael O. Emerson (on racism and Christianity in America)

Problems of Religious Diversity by Paul J. Griffiths

Not in God’s Name by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks (on religious terrorism)

The Sacred and the Profane by Mircea Eliade (difficult but worthwhile read)

World Religions  🗺

Understanding World Religions by Len Woods (approaches world religions from a Biblical perspective)

Living Religions, 9th ed. by Mary Pat Fisher (introductory textbook)

The Norton Anthology of World Religions: Hinduism, Buddhism & Daoism by Jack Miles, etc.

The Norton Anthology of World Religions: Judaism, Christianity, & Islam by Jack Miles, etc.

Zoroastrians: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices by Mary Boyce

The Baha’i Faith by Moojan Momen (introductory text)

Saints: The Chosen Few by Manuela Dunn-Mascetti (illustrated; covers saints from Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and more)

The Great Transformation by Karen Armstrong (the evolutionary history of some of the world’s greatest religions)

Roman Catholics and Shi’i Muslims: Prayer, Passion, and Politics by James A. Bill (a comparison of the similarities between Catholicism & Shi’a Islam)

God: A Human History by Reza Aslan (discusses the evolution of religion, specifically Abrahamic and ancient Middle Eastern traditions)

A History of God by Karen Armstrong (similar to Aslan’s book but much more extensive)

The Perennial Dictionary of World Religions by Keith Crim

[errgative]

Japanese Literature Essentials

This is a list of five classic Japanese books and short stories that I feel are essential reads for anyone interested in Japan. I’ve chosen these books not only because they are excellent literature in their own right, but because they offer unique insight into Japanese culture and showcase the differences between Japanese and Western literature. Whether or not you are studying Japanese, I think you can gain something valuable by reading them. I know there are many great books I’ve left off this list, but Japanese literature is just too expansive to be summarized in one post - feel free to reblog with your own favorites if I didn’t include them!

Murasaki Shikibu: The Tale of Genji (源氏物語)

Recommended Translation: Royall Tyler

The Tale of Genji is one of the most iconic and foundational works in the history of Japanese literature. Written at the peak of the Heian period, it combined aspects of Chinese literature with traditional forms of Japanese storytelling, resulting in an 1100 page (written almost entirely in kana!!) epic that follows Genji through his adventures and romantic pursuits while giving insight into Heian court life. I feel that Tyler’s translation brings the beautiful Classical Japanese prose to life while preserving the original aesthetics of the tale.

The author, Murasaki Shikibu, was a lady-in-waiting at the Imperial Court. Although women were traditionally not taught Chinese, she was able to study it due to her immense talent. Her mastery of literature is shown in that Genji was greatly praised even at the time of its release, despite her being a woman. 

Soseki Natsume: Kokoro (こころ)

Recommended Translation: Edwin McClellan

Soseki is often regarded as the founder of modern Japanese literature. His works are informed by his life experiences, as well as issues salient to Meiji-era Japan, such as the westernization of Japan and conflicts between modern and traditional culture. 

Kokoro takes place during the transition out of the Meiji era. The central characters are a young student and the man he idolizes, called Sensei. Through the young man’s relationship with his parents and Sensei, Soseki explores the boundaries between urban and rural values, as well as what it means to receive an education. The third and final part is in the form of a letter from Sensei, and deals with themes of guilt, isolation, and the egoism of youth, as the reality behind the student’s idealization of him is revealed. 

In the interest of full disclosure, this is my favorite book on this list and definitely in my top five books of all time - it has only a spare, basic plot, but manages to convey the feeling of an entire nation in a time of transition, while not sacrificing beautiful language or complex, nuanced characters.

Akutagawa Ryunosuke: Hell Screen (地獄変)

Recommended Translation: I actually don’t know who translated the version I’ve read, since it’s a pdf that doesn’t include the title page. Contact me if you want it, or pick a translation that sounds good to you.

Akutagawa was one of the most influential Japanese writers of the twentieth century. Japan’s most prestigious literary award, the Akutagawa Prize, is named after him. He is probably best known outside of Japan for his story Rashomon, which inspired Kurosawa Akira’s film of the same name. Much of his work deals with what he perceives as the corruption and spiritual anxiety of modern life, as well as themes of obsession, isolation, and illusion. 

Hell Screen is a short story set in an ambiguously medieval Japan, potentially the late Heian period. It centers around the painter Yoshihide, who is the finest painter in the land, but hates everything except for his art and his daughter. He is commisioned by a lord to create a screen painted with the Buddhist hell. Through Yoshihide, Akutagawa explores the nature of artistic obsession and the conflict between art and moral behaviour, all while creating a sense of uncertainty around the truth by choosing an unnamed courtier who is devoted to the lord as a narrator. The end result is a wonderfully disturbing story that subtly critiques modern ways of thinking in the guise of a Buddhist parable.

Warning for implied rape.

Mishima Yukio: Forbidden Colors (禁色)

Recommended Translation: Alfred H. Marks

One of the most well-known postwar Japanese authors, Mishima wrote about themes such as beauty, gender, sexual desire, and patriotism, and his work has been equally praised and criticized for its long, flowing descriptions and decadent prose. Today, Mishima is known almost as much for his gruesome death by ritual suicide as for his literary accomplishments.

Some of you might wonder why I chose to include Forbidden Colors on this list rather than the better known and less disturbing Confessions of a Mask. While it’s true that both of them feature gay protagonists and involve similar themes, I feel that the viscerally disgusting nature of Forbidden Colors makes it a much more powerful read. It is by no means enjoyable, essentially being 400 pages of nothing but hatred and vitriol. Both the protagonist, Yuichi, and his ‘mentor,’ Shunsuke, are amoral, manipulative, and hopelessly misogynistic. The plot is based around Shunsuke’s quest to get revenge on the entire female population by using Yuichi’s good looks as his weapon. Yuichi starts out as somewhat naïve and afraid, thinking he’s the only man to ever be gay, but begins to become more and more like Shunsuke, adopting his misogynistic habits and using his experiences in Tokyo’s gay scene to learn how to weaponize his beauty. The horrifying story of what Yuichi does and experiences provides a harsh, angry critique of Japanese society without any moments of hope or levity.

While I do highly recommend this book, please know that it is highly disturbing and if you cannot read books that contain rape/dubious consent, graphic violence, extreme misogyny, or homophobia, it might be a good idea to skip it. 

Enchi Fumiko: Masks (女面)

Recommended Translation: Juliet Carpenter

Enchi is probably the most well-known female Japanese writer from the Showa period. She drew attention to the plight of women in an increasingly militaristic and patriarchal Japan, and achieved success after World War II despite the male-dominated Japanese literary establishment. Her works explore gender and the nature of power.

I had a hard time deciding whether to include Masks or The Waiting Years; both are powerful explorations of female forms of power, and both are quintessentially Japanese in nature. Ultimately Masks won out because of its direct ties to The Tale of Genji, which opened this list. Masks draws on countless layers of Japanese culture, from Genji to traditional shamanistic practices to Noh theatre and art. The story is told from the perspective of men, but as the novel goes on, it becomes clear that the men are being manipulated by the crafty Mieko, whose schemes quickly ensnare the narrators. Central to the story is an essay Mieko wrote on the role of the Rokujo Lady in Genji. Ultimately, Masks is about power, how it can be subverted, and the results of those subversions, while simultaneously exploring the nature of gender, revenge, and legacy. It’s hard to summarize the genius of this book - the way Enchi weaves together differing sources and plot threads into a cohesive, indictive whole - in one paragraph, but I hope you all will read it. 

Once again, I’m including warnings, this time for graphic sex, dubious consent (in that one party does not know who the other is), graphic descriptions of blood, and death.

More Recommendations:

Soseki Natsume: I am a Cat; Botchan

Akutagawa Ryunosuke: Spinning Gears; Kappa

Oe Kenzaburo: The Silent Cry; Hiroshima Notes

Enchi Fumiko: The Waiting Years

Tanizaki Junichiro: Naomi

Kawabata Yasunari: The Old Capital; Thousand Cranes

Mishima Yukio: Death in Midsummer - Onnagata, Patriotism

Murakami Ryu: Almost Transparent Blue

Abe Kobo: The Woman in the Dunes

Yoshimoto Banana: Kitchen

[bluescails]

My Favourite Films of July 2018

These are the films, I enjoyed watching this month! They aren’t exclusively films that came out this month but the films I enjoyed watching this month. 

(There may be light spoilers but nothing major)

Number 5- ‘The Usual Suspects’ (1995)

This film has one of the best endings in film history! It’s truly amazing! It’s hard to really divulge about the film because the ending is what makes the film so good. The ending is amazing, it’s up there with ‘Fight Club’  and ‘Snatch’. The performance from Kevin Spacey was truly brilliant! He plays a character called, ‘Roger ‘Verbal’ Kint’, a disabled fraudster. Kevin Spacey definitely has the best performance of the film. You need to watch this film! The ending is truly amazing. 

Number 4- Dallas Buyers Club (2013)

This film is a lot to take in. I went into this film thinking it was a film about a criminal. It’s really a film about FDA corruption, the stigma against people diagnosed with HIV & AIDS. The film is about a man named ‘Ron Woodruff’, who gets diagnosed with HIV and is given 30 days to live. During these 30 days he searches for different treatments to HIV. This leads him to a makeshift hospital in Mexico. The doctor there tells him about different HIV treatments. This gives our main character an idea to create a business where he sells non-approved FDA drugs to people suffering from HIV and AIDS.  During all of this we see him lose his friends due to them thinking he was a homosexual.  

There are two stand out performances in this film. One from Matthew McConaughey and the other from Jared Leto. Matthew McConaughey lost a lot of weight for this role, at some points looking like he really was ill. His performance in the movie was outstanding, he played the role of ‘Ron Woodruff’, the main character. Jared Leto’s performance was also amazing. Jared Leto played Ron’s friend and business partner, ‘Rayon’. Both men had a great chemistry with each other. This film was great and I recommend you watch it.  This film also has one of the most jaw-dropping scenes ever! Ron enters a room full of butterflies, the scene is jaw-dropping.

Number 3- Airplane! (1980)

This film is just insane. It was weird and hilarious! There were so many scenes that made me giggle. There are so many scenes where weird stuff happens and it just makes you laugh. From watermelons falling from ceilings to hilarious Spanish translations. One of my favorite running jokes is that the main character can’t drink properly so he pours every drink he has in his eye. It’s really ridiculous humor but that’s what makes it so good. It’s a bunch of nonsensical, silly moments stitched together to create an acid trip of a film. I love it! 

My favorite character has to be the autopilot, Otto. Yes, the autopilot is a character in this film. He is an inflatable pilot and just makes me laugh, I don’t know what it is about it him but I just crack up whenever I see him. I also liked the pilot, he said one of my favorite lines from the film, “ Joey, have you ever been in a... in a Turkish prison? “. He says that to a little kid! This film is hilarious! I can’t wait to watch ‘Airplane 2: The Sequel’.

Number 2- Birdman or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance (2014)

Birdman is amazing! Most things about this film are amazing: the soundtrack, the acting, the themes and the cinematography.  Birdman is a film about family, relevancy, integrity and mental illness. Michael Keaton plays ‘Riggan’  an actor who used to play an iconic superhero called Birdman. Riggan hates his birdman persona, though everyone else seems to love it. Riggan wants to be seen as an artist but everyone else sees him as Birdman. Riggan tries to put together a Broadway play to revitalize his image. This play is ridden with issues!  There are many standout performances, mainly from Edward Norton, Emma Stone, and Michael Keaton. All three of these actors used to be in superhero films, what a strange but happy coincidence. (Edward Norton used to be ‘Bruce Banner’ in  ‘The Incredible Hulk’, Emma Stone played ‘Gwen Stacy’ in ‘The Amazing Spider-man’ (2012) and Michael Keaton played Batman in ‘Batman’ (1989). 

Edward Norton plays a hard to deal with actor, much like he is in real life. He plays this role exceptionally well, his chemistry with Keaton makes their scenes together a highlight of the film. Speaking of Keaton, he plays a mentally ill actor who is trying to give himself an artistic integrity, whilst juggling a damming family life and a failing Broadway production. His daughter ‘Sam’, played by Emma Stone, is his difficult assistant who couldn’t care less about the production. However, her apathetic attitude attracts her to Edward’s character, creating a weird romance between a douche bag actor and a rebellious young woman.  

To cut my rambling short, the characters make this film an experience! I also love the cinematography, it’s impressive! They made the film look like it was done in one continuous shot! Finally, the soundtrack is one of the best! 

Honorable Mentions

The Men Who Stare at Goats (2009)

This is another crazy film and boy, do I love my crazy films! The film is about a journalist, played by Ewan McGregor, who decides to become a war journalist in Iraq after going through some huge lifestyle changes. There he discovers a secret military service who are trained in psychic mind powers.  Starring George Clooney, we follow a journalist as he uncovers the secrets of this military operation. It’s pretty crazy, I recommend it, just for the story. 

An American Werewolf in London (1981)

I love a good bit of Body Horror and this film is one of the best! Two Americans get attacked by a werewolf whilst backpacking in Britain! One of the boys dies, whilst the other survives! The survivor has been bitten by the werewolf so we get to see him transform and rampage through London! It also has one of the best contrapuntal sound scenes, where a werewolf is mauling people in a porn theatre, the police arrive and try to kill the wolf. It’s iconic and a must watch for any horror fan. 

Number 1-Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

This film really caught me off guard.  I expected a generic road trip movie about family but it’s a lot more than that. It’s the ‘Stand By Me’ of family films.  The acting by everyone is superb, with stand out performances from Steve Carrel and Paul Dano. We follow the Hoover family, made up of the father, Richard Hoover, played by Greg Kinnear. He is a motivational speaker who is failing to bring in an income to support his family, his unique outlook on life is always creating friction with his family. The grandad, Edwin Hoover, who is a secret heroin addict who craves women and a better life. There’s the son, Dwayne Hoover, played by Paul Dano. He is a dedicated young man who wants to become a jet pilot, however, he has sworn a vow of silence until he succeeds that goal. Then there’s the mother, played by Toni Collette, who wants the best for her family and is dedicated to making everyone happy. There’s the daughter, played by Abigail Breslin. This little girl wants to become a pageant girl who is chosen to be apart of the Little Miss Sunshine pageant show! Finally, there’s the uncle, played by Steve Carrell. The uncle is probably my favorite character, a gay scholar who attempted to end his own life after the boy he loved chose someone else over him. These weird and wonderful characters are thrown into a minivan and are made to travel to California together.

The chemistry between everyone in the film creates some powerful scenes. They just eliminate the feeling of togetherness. Just watching them gives you a warm feeling inside. It makes you empathize with the characters as you recall road trips you have done with your family. It’s just a feel-good film that, makes the audience feel happy. I recommend this film to everyone, as it’s a film everyone can enjoy! This is the best family film ever made!