Culture and Entertainment

Too Much: What film and TV get wrong about London

Too Much: How London is inaccurately shown in film and TV

For decades, London has served as an iconic backdrop for countless films and television series. From period dramas set in Victorian times to modern thrillers unfolding across its bustling streets, the city has been portrayed in many ways to global audiences. However, despite its cinematic appeal, many of these portrayals offer a distorted or incomplete picture of London, leaning on familiar stereotypes rather than reflecting the city's true diversity and complexity.One of the most common issues with how London is depicted in popular media is the overuse of well-known landmarks. Films and television shows often present a condensed version of…
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Cancellation of Slovak rap festival featuring Kanye West

A significant music festival in Slovakia, which recently attracted attention by revealing Kanye West as one of its main performers, has been officially canceled. The unforeseen cancellation is a letdown for the thousands of music enthusiasts who were looking forward to the event, which was planned to unite some of the top artists in rap and hip-hop for a weekend filled with live shows, camaraderie, and festivity.The festival, which aimed to position itself as one of Eastern Europe's largest rap-focused gatherings, was scheduled to take place later this year. Organizers had hoped that featuring an internationally recognized artist like Kanye…
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Gregg Wallace faces backlash over autism defence

Gregg Wallace’s autism defence sparks controversy

In the past few days, TV personality and host Gregg Wallace has faced public criticism due to statements he delivered while talking about his autism diagnosis. The comments, which he voiced during a press interview, have led to significant negative reactions on social media and among disability rights organizations, igniting a continuous discussion on how public figures address neurodiversity.Gregg Wallace, widely recognized for his position as co-presenter on the enduring TV show "MasterChef," has candidly shared in recent years about discovering he was diagnosed with autism later in his life. In several interviews, he has openly discussed how this diagnosis…
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'They scream the choruses': How Japanese anime songs became Gen Z's latest musical obsession

Japanese anime songs: The soundtrack of Gen Z’s obsession

In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in the global music landscape as Japanese anime songs, known as "anisongs," gain remarkable popularity among young audiences, particularly members of Generation Z. What was once a niche interest confined to dedicated anime fans has now exploded into a mainstream musical phenomenon, with millions of listeners worldwide embracing these high-energy tracks and their distinctive style.The expansion of anime culture beyond Japan has greatly influenced this music scene. Due to streaming services and social networks, anime series have become more readily available than before. Platforms such as Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Funimation have…
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Superman review: 'Bursting with geeky weirdness'

Superman review: A dive into geeky weirdness

Superman's latest cinematic adventure takes a bold but uneven step into the future of DC's superhero universe, blending eccentric humor with high-stakes action in a film that feels both overstuffed and insubstantial. With David Corenswet stepping into the iconic role, the new film offers comic book fans a whirlwind of nostalgic references and outlandish sci-fi flourishes, though it risks alienating wider audiences with its frenzied pacing and lack of emotional grounding.The film marks the debut of DC's ambitious new cinematic universe following the conclusion of its previous iteration, which stumbled with a series of underwhelming releases in 2023. Helmed by…
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'I never imagined it would be banned': The ultra-violent, sexually explicit French thriller now being reappraised

‘I never imagined it would be banned’: The shocking French film now seeing renewed interest

In the world of cinema, some films leave a lasting impression not just for their artistry but for the intense debates they spark. One such film—a French thriller known for its graphic violence and sexual explicitness—is experiencing a renewed wave of critical interest decades after its initial release, despite once being the subject of bans and widespread controversy.Originally released in the late 20th century, the film in question shocked audiences and divided critics with its unflinching portrayal of brutality and transgression. Directed by a French filmmaker who has since become synonymous with bold, boundary-pushing storytelling, the film delved into themes…
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From India to Britain and back: The cartoonist who fought censors with a smile

From India to Britain and back: The cartoonist who fought censors with a smile

The narrative of a cartoonist's travels from India to Britain and back is more than simply an account of artistic pursuit—it reflects the lasting influence of satire, the hurdles to creative liberty, and the silent fortitude required to withstand censorship. Using ink and wit, this artist has connected cultures, challenged repressive systems, and shown that humor can be a gentle but effective instrument for resistance.Raised in India, the illustrator developed in a culture that both embraced and critiqued humor. From his childhood, he showed an innate ability for drawing and narrative creation, especially enjoying political satire. His initial pieces, frequently…
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A Clockwork Orange at 50: Stanley Kubrick's biggest, boldest ...

How did ‘A Clockwork Orange’ shape dystopian cinema?

Stanley Kubrick's A Clockwork Orange (1971) stands as a transformative entry in the canon of dystopian cinema, distinguished not only by its audacious stylistic choices but also its profound thematic interrogations. Adapted from Anthony Burgess’s 1962 novel, the film's impact stretches across visual aesthetics, narrative structure, social commentary, and the evolution of genre conventions. Examining its contributions involves considering both its immediate cinematic innovations and its enduring influence on subsequent dystopian narratives.Stylization and Cinematic LanguageOne of the most important influences A Clockwork Orange had on dystopian movies is its groundbreaking visual aesthetic. Kubrick's careful focus on composition, the contrast of…
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Akon’s ambitious  billion smart city in Senegal reportedly left unfinished

Akon’s $6 billion smart city in Senegal faces delays, left incomplete

Akon, the Senegalese-American musician and entrepreneur, once captivated global headlines with his bold vision to build a futuristic, $6 billion smart city in his ancestral homeland of Senegal. Marketed as a high-tech utopia powered entirely by renewable energy and utilizing its own cryptocurrency, “Akon City” promised to transform the region by blending innovation with economic opportunity. Years after its grand announcement, however, the ambitious project appears to have stalled, with reports indicating that the city has been largely abandoned.When Akon unveiled the concept in 2020, the idea was met with both excitement and skepticism. Drawing inspiration from movies like Black…
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Bob Vylan dropped from Manchester music festival

Bob Vylan removed from Manchester music festival lineup

The removal of the punk and grime duo Bob Vylan from the list of performers at an upcoming festival in Manchester has recently caused quite a stir in the music scene. This unexpected decision has sparked a lot of conversations among fans, performers, and festival organizers. Bob Vylan, a band from London, is recognized for their unfiltered sound and politically strong messages. Their exclusion has brought up discussions on artistic independence, censorship, and the complexities of maintaining a balance between creative expression and public sensibility in today's cultural environment.Bob Vylan, celebrated for their fusion of punk rock, grime, and hip-hop…
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