24 June 2025
Jazz and Basketball
Since my favorite basketball team, the Oklahoma City Thunder, won the NBA championship, here are a couple of graphics inspired by Blue Note Records's album covers from the 1950s and 1960s.
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Practically going in blind, I had no expectations but ended up with everything. There's something about the camera work that catches your attention. The camera doesn’t move much at all, mostly just still shots, even in the most intimate moments. You know where they are, but those shots allow you to focus on the characters. And the characters are what I loved most about this film. First, Haider, who is a great reflection of a new generation of not just as a man, but as a person. Battling sexuality and rebelling against old patriarchal values is not “new”, but thankfully, with an ever-growing world, people like Haider are represented more, in films such as this. Secondly, Mumtaz, whose independence shines through and gives depth to what she desires for herself.
The screenplay really ties everything together, the characters' actions being determined by family, and creating a sort of love triangle. Haider’s closeted desire for Biba created a relationship that does not work. As Biba’s self-realization and goals as a transwoman are not fully accepted by Haider, revealing his ‘love’ as a selfish lust. It’s true, Haider and Mumtaz loved each other, but they were not in love. Mumtaz, knowing deep down that this was true, unfortunately suffered from their disconnected marriage. The ending was beautiful, showing a couple who, on the surface, were fine but could never truly be content with each other, and a society that would not let them.
The final moments at the beach remind you that people come and go, but their impact on you as a person stays with you forever. A new favorite movie for me!