DramaRambles 🌸

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Remember to stay up to date with the world, listen to those facing atrocities and help spread awareness/donate where you’re able to.

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I decided that I was going to try to become a “Letterboxd girlie” last year and it didn’t really take off as I only watched 33 films… And the world map was looking sparse:

This year, I really wanted to try and make the map above greener. I’ve watched 57 films so far this year, which for me is a lot, and the map is looking a bit greener. I would like to preface that I remembered that I wanted to show a screenshot of my world map progress after I had watched the Polish film in this blog post 😅.

I’m really looking forward to watching more films from all over the world. And if you have any recommendations, do let me know!

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Inheritance (2024) – Poland

rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Three odd family members are called to their recluse uncle’s home for a will reading, which turns into a family bonding experience while solving puzzles.

This film has some beautiful shots, and some of the off beat humour and sets made me think of Wes Anderson. Quite a lot of the acting is a little unpolished, as is the script, but honestly it’s a film that I don’t think you’re meant to take too seriously!

There were moments where I genuinely laughed out loud. And there were moments where I was bemused and confused. All the characters are slightly unlikable, but there is a charm to them all by the end!

This film has a 2.3 average rating on Letterboxd and looking at the reviews I think Netflix has done the film a disservice in comparing it to Knives Out. That film had an incredible cast, outstanding cinematography and Daniel Craig living his best life as Benoit Blanc. Meanwhile this film is a bit cheesy and heavy handed. Nevertheless, it was fun and I’m not mad that I used an 1hr and 30mins of my life to watch it.

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Heartsong (2022) – Turkey

rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5

This was a lovely film – strange, but in a quirky and heartwarming way.

Our main leads Piroz (Erkan Kolçak Köstendil) and Sümbül (Hazar Ergüçlü) are equally as odd as each other. They truly are weirdo soulmates. I enjoyed watching the shenanigans that lead to Sümbül being embraced by Piroz’s family and community.

This story is mostly about familial bonds and the lengths people will go to for love.

Mirze (Bülent Emin Yarar) was wonderful as Piroz’s father and he became very precious to me. His plotline is both heartwarming and tragic. The ending of this film was truly moving~

Heartsong is beautifully shot and the inclusion of dance and music really elevates the narrative.

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Laapataa Ladies (2023) – India

rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

An absolutely stunning portrayal of women reaching for more as they question the norm of their restrictive society.

Deepak (Sparsh Shrivastava) accidentally leaves his new bride on the train, while taking another veiled bride home – Jaya (Pratibha Ranta). While he is trying to find Phool (Nitanshi Goel), these two women learn and strive for more. Jaya is forthright with her opinions and is not bound by tradition, which opens Deepak’s sister and mother to think more about their relationships. Phool is absolutely precious and, with the help of Manju (Chhaya Kadam), she learns about the independence a working woman can have.

The cinematography is wonderful and the music is beautifully woven through the narrative. Despite tackling topics of forced subservience, misogyny and domestic abuse, there is such charm and humour to this film.

Also, shoutout to the feminist icon that he is “Shyam Manohar” (Ravi Kishan) ♥

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I think this first post went rather well even though the overall rating is only 3.5⭐. But I did find a new favourite in Laapataa Ladies ♥

My map looks slightly better and I’m excited to keep seeing it get greener with each post!

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Thanks for reading!

I hope you’re having a lovely day and staying safe ♥