Movie Club

I first saw Seven Years in Tibet when it came out in 1997, and then again more recently. While I don’t remember all the details perfectly, I do recall how much the story moved me—both as a lover of historical fiction and as someone deeply curious about spiritual transformation. Watching it again with fresh eyes, I found myself still captivated by the beautiful landscapes, the emotional arc, and the quiet beauty of Tibetan culture as portrayed on screen.

The film is less about historical precision and more about one man’s inner transformation. Yes, there has been controversy—Heinrich Harrer, the real-life figure portrayed by Brad Pitt, was a member of the Nazi Party. From what I’ve read, however, his involvement seemed more circumstantial, as he was an athlete and mountaineer who spent the entire war exiled in Tibet. The film touches lightly on his past, choosing instead to focus on his growth…

There’s always something special about foreign films, and Brazilian cinema is no exception. Chico Xavier is a biopic that brings to life the story of one of Brazil’s most respected and admired figures. I loved how the film captured Chico’s struggles, his unwavering faith, and the profound impact he had on so many lives.

What struck me most is how the movie, like others about gifted individuals, portrays the challenges these people face in functioning within society. Whether it’s Chico, Allan Kardec, or José Arigó (Predestinado: The Surgeon with the Rusty Knife), the common thread is the tension between their extraordinary gifts and the world’s inability to understand them. It makes me wonder how many gifted people throughout history have been misjudged, institutionalized, or ostracized simply because they didn’t fit the norm.

Chico Xavier’s story is deeply inspiring, not just because of his mediumship but because of his resilience. Despite the…

After following Jesse and Celine through the first two films, Before Sunrise and Before Sunset, I felt so invested in their story. Their connection, their conversations, and the sheer magic of their relationship made me want to know what happened next. Before Midnight answers that question in the most raw, honest, and human way imaginable.

Set nine years after their rekindled romance in Paris, we find Jesse and Celine vacationing in Greece. They’re no longer the starry-eyed strangers from Vienna or the wistful lovers reconnecting after years apart. Now, they’re a couple navigating the complexities of long-term love—balancing parenthood, careers, and the wear-and-tear of shared history.

This film feels so different from the others, but it’s exactly what their story needed to be. Their conversations, still rich with insight and vulnerability, have taken on a new depth. The spark between them is still there, but it’s tested by frustrations, sacrifices, and the…