October Worthwhile Stuff

 📚 Books
Familiar Things, Hwang Sok-yong: I’ve been reading quite a few translated Korean novels due to my recent obsession with BTS, and Familiar Things, by Hwang Sok-yong, is my favorite one so far. It is a deceptively simple story that almost comes across as YA lit in tone and style, but it’s actually a powerful commentary on class divisions and the environment. The translation of this novel seems to be nuanced, and enhances the story in just the right way, heightening the sense of magical realism Hwang employs to enhance his underlying messages.


🎬 Film
No Time To Die: As sad as I am that Daniel Craig's tenure as James Bond is over, No Time To Die sends him out in the most dignified way while bringing closure to the character arc of this particular iteration of Bond. Overall, No Time To Die is perhaps one of the least flashy James Bond movies, but it allows Craig to showcase his range and depth as an performer, and of course he is supported by an excellent cast. Ben Wishaw continues to be an excellent Q, and Craig has great chemistry with Ana de Armas, making their scenes together some of the best and most entertaining in the film. While it does seem odd to me that such a definitive ending would be used within a never-ending franchise and an immortal character, Craig carries off his final moments with the utmost class and nobility. As the song goes, "nobody does it better."