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Dunkirk is Not Bad, But…

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Dunkirk

For one who went hoping to catch a war movie, Dunkirk was disappointing.
But on closer observation, Dunkirk is more than that, it is also dismaying.

Words by: Ronnie Kuriakose            Image Source: Official Dunkirk Website 

Dunkirk is not a bad movie. I must begin with this lest I be ostracized online by vehement fans of Christopher Nolan who religiously spent their time ranking his movies and then arguing about said rankings. I myself am one of them and yet I made the mistake of going to see Nolan’s new directorial gift to men expecting to see a western war movie – as the trailer made it seem. I was disappointed. I should have known better.

Here’s another look at that intense trailer: 

Video Source: Warner Bros Studios.

Dunkirk is not a bad movie. Absolutely not! If the definition of the word movie is “moving images”, then yes, Dunkirk is very well-made. I found it to be exceptional in its poetic cinematic fluency and in how it depicted the highest expression of human conflict in ways that had not been seen before – muted and backgroundy. This is a clear deviation from regular Hollywood tropes that Nolan clearly does not want to fit in. Maybe we are still stuck in these said tropes and have not grown to appreciate gems like Dunkirk, however mellow.

Dunkirk is not a bad movie. It throws light on one of the world’s biggest military disasters that saw around 400,000 British and Allied troops surrounded at Dunkirk and with no way to get home. A fleet of civilian boats was hastily rounded up to evacuate these men and was successful. It’s a story worthy of being told and retold and speaks of the tenacity of our courage and strength even when the odds are against us. Yet despite its attempt at not falling behind tropes, it in not having included the two million Indians who fought in WW2, fell into the western trap of cultural ignorance and imperial blindness.

Despite the entanglement of pop-culture vines in Dunkirk – by this I’m talking about the inclusion of Harry Styles (whose music I’ve taken great care to not hear … too much), it is still not a bad movie. Though Harry did a surprisingly phenomenal role, at several occasions while watching the movie I was left to question the seriousness of it – whether it was real or not. Harry Styles stuck out like a thorn here and pulled me away from what without him could have been some impressive cinematography in a muted war film.

Dunkirk is not a war movie – at least not your classic war movie you have grown to expect – in how it has cleverly veiled away the intensity and nastiness of war. What it also draws behinds the background are women. The only woman I saw in the movie was that nurse who cheerily passed around bread and butter to wounded and exhausted male soldiers. Ten seconds. She was then very conveniently removed (torpedo-ed?). I understand that this war was primarily fought by brave men soldiers, but let’s not forget that women also played an integral part – in packing cargo that were to be dispatched to war zones, toiling in car factories now designed to make tanks, decoding encrypted Nazi signals, and in shepherding hope. But the movie, in how it is presented, the general vibe, and the tenor of the people applauding it screamed movie-made-by-men-for-the-enjoyment-of-men-only.

Dunkirk is not a bad movie. But it is certainly not a great one. It broke the mold of war movies and our own expectations and for this congratulations are in order and we are ever thankful to Christopher Nolan. Nestled between the high-highs and the low-lows of the war-movie genre sit Dunkirk: mundane, muted, and mellow.

A look at the cinematic brilliance of Dunkirk and how it was achieved:

Video Source – Imax Behind the Frame.
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Popular Curtain Fabrics to Consider for Your Home

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When it comes to decorating your home, curtains play a crucial role in shaping both the aesthetic and the functionality of a space. The fabric you choose can dramatically alter the atmosphere, offering anything from opulence to a laid-back vibe. Here’s a guide to some of the most popular curtain fabrics that can elevate the look and feel of your home.

1. Luxurious Velvet

Velvet curtains bring a sense of luxury and elegance. Known for their plush texture and rich appearance, velvet is perfect if you’re looking to add sophistication to a room. They not only provide excellent insulation but also block out light, making them ideal for bedrooms, home theaters, or any space where you want a cozy, private atmosphere.

Best for: Bedrooms, formal living rooms, and home theaters.

2. Airy Sheer

Sheer curtains offer a light, breezy aesthetic that lets natural light filter through. These curtains are made from translucent fabrics like chiffon or voile, creating a delicate and ethereal look. Sheers are perfect for rooms where you want to maintain privacy while still enjoying sunlight, such as living rooms, dining areas, or sunrooms.

Best for: Living rooms, dining rooms, and sunrooms.

3. Classic Cotton

Cotton is one of the most versatile curtain fabrics, known for its breathable and lightweight properties. Cotton curtains come in a wide variety of patterns and colors, making them easy to fit into any design scheme. They’re also low-maintenance and can be machine washed, which makes them practical for high-traffic areas in your home.

Best for: Bedrooms, kitchens, and casual living spaces.

4. Elegant Silk

For a luxurious and glamorous touch, silk curtains are the go-to fabric. Silk adds a glossy finish and drapes beautifully, exuding elegance and grandeur. However, they require extra care and are better suited for formal spaces. Silk curtains are often lined to protect them from sun damage and to provide additional body and privacy.

Best for: Formal dining rooms, master bedrooms, and sitting rooms.

5. Versatile Linen

Linen curtains offer a natural, textured look that blends well with both contemporary and rustic designs. Linen is a durable fabric that allows light to softly filter through, and it also has excellent temperature-regulating properties. It’s perfect for creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere in any room.

Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, and spaces with lots of sunlight.

6. Durable Polyester

If you’re looking for an affordable, low-maintenance option, polyester curtains are a great choice. They are resistant to wrinkling, shrinking, and stretching, making them a durable option for everyday use. Polyester curtains are available in a wide range of styles, colors, and patterns, giving you plenty of choices to suit your home’s décor.

Best for: High-traffic areas like living rooms, guest rooms, and children’s bedrooms.

7. Chic Satin

Satin curtains are known for their smooth, glossy surface, which reflects light and adds a subtle sheen to any room. They are often used in contemporary and modern designs to bring a sense of refinement and class. Satin works well for rooms that require a touch of glamour without being as heavy as velvet or silk.

Best for: Bedrooms, formal spaces, and accent rooms.

Choosing the right curtain fabric can have a significant impact on your home’s overall design. Whether you prefer the lushness of velvet or the breezy nature of sheer fabrics, the right curtains can create the perfect balance between style and function in your space. Consider the mood you want to create and the practical needs of each room to select the best fabric for your home.

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The L’Oréal Paris Show at Paris Fashion Week 2024

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The L’Oréal Paris runway at Paris Fashion Week 2024 was a captivating spectacle, celebrating women’s empowerment, inclusion, and sisterhood under the theme “Walk Your Worth.” A star-studded lineup of global icons brought glamour to the stage.

Kendall Jenner stole the spotlight in a bold red mesh asymmetric dress, paired with a vibrant lip and striking bleach blonde hair. Alia Bhatt, making her much-anticipated debut at Paris Fashion Week, dazzled in a metallic silver bustier and black off-shoulder jumpsuit. Eva Longoria mesmerized in a sheer organza gown with a daring high slit, dripping in diamonds.

Other standout moments included Cara Delevingne rocking a red silk trench coat and high-waisted hot pants, while Jane Fonda exuded elegance in a shimmering silver trench, styled with metallic trainers. The event also featured appearances from Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Heidi Klum, and Simone Ashley, each bringing their unique flair to the runway.

Kendal Jenner

Eva Longaria

Aishwarya Rai

Anitta

Viola Davis and Simone Ashley

Jane Fonda

Heidi Klum

Andie MacDowell

Cara Delevingne

Belinda Peregrin

Bethenny Frankel

Aja Naomi King

Beatrice Vio

Samadhi Zendejas

Alia Bhatt

Camila Cabello

 

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Laapataa Ladies: Kiran Rao’s Social Satire Becomes India’s Official Entry for the 2025 Oscars

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Kiran Rao’s delightful bride-swapping comedy-drama, *Laapataa Ladies*, has been selected as India’s official entry for the 2025 Oscars, the Film Federation of India (FFI) announced on Monday. FFI Chairman Jahnu Barua revealed that the film was chosen from a pool of 29 contenders. A 13-member jury evaluated 12 Hindi, six Tamil, and four Malayalam films to decide the country’s submission for Best International Feature Film. Among the notable competitors were Animal, Kill, Kalki 2898 AD, Srikanth, Chandu Champion, Joram, Maidaan, Sam Bahadur, Article 370, the National Award-winning Malayalam film Aattam, and Payal Kapadia’s Cannes-winning All We Imagine As Light.

Expressing her gratitude, Kiran Rao stated, “I am deeply honored and delighted that Laapataa Ladies has been chosen as India’s official entry to the Academy Awards. This recognition is a testament to the tireless work of my entire team, whose dedication and passion brought this story to life. Cinema has always been a powerful medium to connect hearts, transcend boundaries, and ignite meaningful conversations. I hope this film will resonate with audiences worldwide, just as it has in India.”

Laapataa Ladies, directed by Kiran Rao and produced by Aamir Khan, features a fresh ensemble cast including Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastav, and Chhaya Kadam, with a standout cameo by veteran actor Ravi Kishan. Released in theaters on March 1, the film garnered praise from critics and audiences alike, steadily gaining momentum through word-of-mouth.

Though it didn’t achieve massive box office numbers, Laapataa Ladies found a growing fanbase following its release on Netflix, where it reached a wider audience. The film, a social satire based on Biplab Goswami’s award-winning story, was brought to life with a screenplay and dialogues by Sneha Desai. It also earned recognition on the international stage, having been screened at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) last year.

 

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