All Forms of Art

  The Days is not your typical disaster drama. If you’re expecting fast-paced action in the vein of Chernobyl or blockbuster chaos like The Day After Tomorrow , this Japanese series takes a very different—and arguably more intimate—approach. A Tense Experience You Can’t Binge Easily One of the most striking aspects of The Days is how difficult it is to binge-watch. Not because it lacks quality, but because it creates a constant state of tension. The slow pacing doesn’t make it less nerve-racking. Each failed attempt to control the crisis builds anxiety. You begin to feel like part of the team, sharing their frustration and helplessness. Unlike high-adrenaline disaster stories, this series drains you emotionally, leaving you both nervous and exhausted. Professionalism Over Panic What truly surprised me was the people at the center of the crisis. The workers and officials display an extraordinary level of professionalism, courage, and composure. There are very few moments wher...

  With a cast that includes well-known actors like Natalie Dormer ( Game of Thrones ) and Henry Cavill ( The Witcher ) , The Tudors immediately establishes itself as a high-quality production.  Season 1 introduces viewers to the court of King Henry VIII (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) with confidence, blending political drama with personal relationships. Historical Fiction — With a Twist This series is ideal for fans of historical fiction—though it comes with many inaccuracies.  The show prioritizes drama over strict historical truth, which may frustrate purists but makes for engaging television. Intrigue, treason, and murder are constant; it feels as though there are no limits to how far characters will go. Love as a Passing Fancy Romance in The Tudors is intense but fleeting. Love is less about deep connection and more of a whim —a sudden desire that burns brightly and fades just as quickly.  Relationships are driven by passion, power, and convenience rather than las...

  The first word that came to  mind after watching it was  "brilliant ."  The new Netflix documentary The Dinosaurs is a fantastic way to spend four hours of your day. Simply put, it did not disappoint. With the unique storytelling ability of Steven Spielberg and the iconic narration of Morgan Freeman , the documentary creates an immersive experience that feels both educational and cinematic. I may be a little biased , since I love this kind of documentary. I love history and understanding how things evolved — how events connect and eventually lead us to where we are today. What happened first? How did one event lead to another? For me, this process of discovery is fascinating. So I started watching this documentary with the same excitement I felt when I devoured Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind or when I watched documentaries about Neanderthals and early humans. As I said before, it didn’t disappoint. Millions of Years in Four Hours Only the storytellin...

  Lee follows the life of Lee Miller (Kate Winslet), a former model who becomes a war correspondent and photographer during World War II.   The film traces her journey from a world of fashion and art into the heart of conflict, where she documents the horrors of war with a perspective rarely seen at the time. More than a biopic, it is a study of transformation, resilience, and the cost of bearing witness. A Slow Beginning That Serves a Purpose I’ll admit it: the first half of the movie felt a bit slow. But as the story unfolded, I began to understand why that quieter rhythm was necessary. That slower start allows us to truly see who Lee was before the war — her doubts, her ambitions, her environment. When her transformation happens, it feels earned.  In that sense, it reminded me of films like The Theory of Everything or even The Crown , where patience in storytelling deepens the emotional impact of what follows. The gradual build makes the second half even mor...

  Some stories feel inevitable, as if history itself has been waiting for the right moment to bring them to the screen. Harriet (2019), directed by Kasi Lemmons, is one of those films.  It tells the story of Harriet Tubman —born Araminta Ross—an enslaved woman who escaped bondage and returned again and again to free others, later becoming a spy and soldier during the American Civil War.  Knowing that the story is true adds a profound weight to every scene. This is not just a historical drama; it is a testament to how injustice and suffering can transform a gentle soul into a woman of war. Becoming Harriet: From Sweetness to Resistance One of the most compelling questions the film asks—quietly but persistently—is: How does a sweet woman become a warrior? The answer unfolds through cruelty, loss, and moral urgency. Harriet (Cynthia Erivo) does not begin as a mythic hero. She is kind, deeply spiritual, and visibly afraid. Yet the injustices she endures and witnesses le...

  Set in the turbulent 11th century, King & Conqueror takes us back to the years leading up to the Norman Conquest—a brutal and transformative moment in English history . It’s a time when kingship was fragile, loyalty could turn overnight, and religion was often wielded as a weapon.  If The Last Kingdom or Vikings gave us a taste of that world, this series digs even deeper into the grime, sweat, and blood of it. No Shiny Armor Knights  What immediately stands out is its commitment to realism . Unlike the polished armor and golden courts you might see in Game of Thrones or even Ridley Scott’s Kingdom of Heaven , here everyone looks dirty. Even the nobles—clothed in finery—carry the grit of their time.  You almost feel like you can smell the damp wood, the mud, and the unwashed bodies. It’s an atmosphere that feels closer to Robert Eggers’ The Northman than to Hollywood’s romanticized medieval epics. This harshness is both the show’s greatest strength and ...

  In the middle of Netflix originals, Bodies stands out as a captivating and clever show that makes it impossible for you to look away. Its intricate plot and enigmatic characters will keep you glued to the screen.  It has a grip on you From the very first episode, Bodies plunges viewers into a world of mystery and intrigue. Each twist and turn adds another layer to the story, making predicting what will happen next nearly impossible.  This unpredictability is part of what makes the show so addictive — you never know what's going to happen next, and you can't help but keep watching to find out. You should be patient While Bodies is undeniably gripping, it's also a show that requires patience and concentration. Its unconventional storytelling and complex narrative can be challenging to follow at times. It may take a few episodes to fully immerse yourself in the show's world. However, the payoff is well worth it for those willing to stick with it. How does it all conn...

  The Crown, the Netflix show about the British royal family, ended, and the audience was slightly disappointed. I understand, but, for me, it was a good end. The writers had already said they wouldn't go much further. They wouldn't feel comfortable writing about the present. Obviously, we wanted more and to see some of the things that happened in the last few years, but it was understandable. They give us tips on what could happen, like the beginning of the Princes William and Harry falling down. Once you accept that they wouldn't write anything too close to the present, you can see that the end wasn't bad because it was a kind of happy ending. The show ended at a time when everything seemed to be going in the right direction.  This last season was a bit less focused on the Queen; it was about Diana's death, her children's grief, and a lot focused on Prince William. I'd like to have more of Prince Harry's screen time. However, while smaller, the focu...

  Netflix recently offered us a new historical documentary - World War II: From the Frontlines . It is a good addition to the streaming platform. It narrates the most significant moments of World War II with a delicate balance between facts and emotional depth. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the monumental tragedy. A Powerful Narrative with Emotional Depth A war is more than numbers and facts; World War II: From the Frontlines proves it. It captures both the gravity of the events and the human stories that unfolded during this tumultuous period. It conveys the emotional impact of the war without sacrificing the accuracy of historical details. This makes World War II: From the Frontlines a compelling watch, even for those who aren't history enthusiasts. Bringing History to Life The restoration and colorization of original footage is what sets this documentary apart from others on the matter. The decision to breathe life into these historical recordings adds immersion...

  Queen Charlotte is a story from the Bridgerton series, where the main character is the queen.  It is not exactly a surprise because of all polemics surrounding the fact that a black woman represented the queen. The authors used that in their favor, and in a good way if you ask me - they created another successful series. Queen Charlotte is not brilliant, but it is a sweet story. Irreverence and Strong Female Characters Bridgerton already got us used to strong female characters that are not exactly aligned with the historical era they represent. Queen Charlotte wasn’t different. The impetuosity and bravery of the young queen are evident in the first scene. She is a fantastic character, and despite seeming so “badly behaved” for the time, she showed to have the biggest heart. It also focuses on the needs and intimacy of older women, which is rarely approached, especially in such a sensitive way as this.  Love Lesson Love is capable of everything, and you should do ev...

  Lucy Worsley Investigates is an investigative documentary that will make you look at History classes differently. Forget the endless boring lessons. Here, the focus is on the mystery and actual investigation work. In this first season (I hope there will be more), Lucy Worsley investigates 4 dramatic chapters of British History. If you don't know much about it, don't worry, it is well-explained and put into context. It is like picking up a random of facts and happenings and giving them real meaning. Plague, witches, mental health, and murderer  In these 4 episodes, Lucy Worsley investigates the Black Death, the witch trials, how mental health evolved in the last couple of centuries, and the murder of the Princes in the tower. It is all well documented and narrated as a great entertaining story. Fascinating! You do not always have complete answers to the questions, though. For example, in the princes' episode, we never have a definite explanation for what happened or if th...

  Vatican Girl is a Netflix documentary about Emanuela Orlandi, a 15 years old girl resident in Vatican City that disappeared in the summer of 1983. The documentary tells us multiple theories about the reasons for her disappearance and what might have happened to her.  The family The uncertainty hurts too much. Emanuela’s family never gave up looking for her. All these years, they suffered, and they clung to every little piece of hope. In the documentary, her siblings and some friends talk about her. Who she was, and what she was like. They also talk about that last fateful day and their pain. At this point, most of them only want some closure. The hope is always there, but I don’t think that, after so many years, any of them believes that Emanuela is still alive. The Vatican is made of people This documentary is about Emanuela and her family and the pain the case caused them. Yet, if you watch it closely, the documentary criticizes the Vatican and its (to say the least) shad...

  It's a Sin is a show focusing on the gay community in the 80s, trying to survive the AIDS outbreak while fighting prejudice, intolerance, and abandonment. Recently, more and more shows are timed in the 80s. It's been 4 decades, and it starts to feel vintage . Many, who, like me, were born in the 80s, were too young to remember anything, but still, feel some connection to the time and get curious. If you decide to watch It's a Sin out of curiosity, then you should ensure that you're ready for it. How did it all start? It's tempting to look back and accuse people of ignorance, but this show it's an interesting journey. It goes step by step, creating a comprehensive approach to what happened and why. The four main characters are from different places and backgrounds. That is the first clue to the fact that it didn't matter where you were from, how smart you were, or any other thing. Nothing would protect you. No one knew what it was. Freedom Most characters...

  The White Queen is a historical British show about the war between the Lancaster and the York families for the throne of England. The story is told from the women's point of view. It is an interesting show, and I would advise you not to give up on the first episode. It isn’t very exciting, but it aims to put us into the story, introduce the characters, and understand the political atmosphere of the time. The show gets better with each episode. Witchcraft The white queen is a bit dark, isn’t she? She and her mother know some spells and magic arts which they use with few concerns on various occasions. Unfortunately, the fact seems to be known by most characters, creating even more distrust. The result is some paranoia on both sides and the consequent problems that come with it.  Ruling time Being a king was a strange occupation in these times. And I wonder: did they have time to rule?  In this show, all you see the king involved in is war. He goes to war. He comes back f...

  Finally, here it is, the first Portuguese show on Netflix ! Did I like it? Yes. Am I impartial? No. Glória tells us an intense story of espionage during the Cold War . It is not the kind of synopsis that would make me watch a show, but I gave it a try since it was our first. I was not disappointed. No one is who they claim to be Typical of any good spies’ movies, no one is who they claim to be or who they seem to be. And most characters are entirely aware of that. As a result, there is no safe place, not even inside the family. It builds a whole environment where everyone mistrusts everyone, creating lots of suspense and... It works! After a couple of episodes, I was slightly nervous. Portuguese history as well The plot is clever, and the writers had to do a lot of research, for sure. Elements of the Cold War were well connected with what was happening in Portugal at the time - the dictatorship, the PIDE (political police), the colonial war in Africa. It had an interesting psyc...

  I was expecting this season for quite a long time. This was an exciting decade, and it contributed greatly to the show's entertainment value. The Iron Lady ’s government, the problems with the IRA, Diana getting into the royal family…  It starts with a great tragedy. Once more, you can feel disturbed by the restraint with which the royal family lives their grief.  Prince Charles Charles (Josh O'Connor) was a rebel! His character earns new importance in this season, and it doesn’t look good for the Prince of Wales. He looks vicious, rude… His envy and resentment from his wife’s popularity are sickening. Like the Queen says in the last episode, he is a spoiled, privileged boy. Besides, since they first met, it was obvious that Diana (Emma Corrin) wasn’t a woman to be in the shadows. Charles keeps ignoring and betraying her, time after time. Yet, when she does the same, she is the one breaking the vows. Every other character seems to think this is normal! Yes, those we...

  I picked up this book at someone else’s library, and I started reading it because I was bored. After a couple of pages, I couldn’t stop. Sapiens is a fantastic reflection of humanity and its place in this world. It is an accessible history class, written in a compelling novel fashion. You can either agree with Harari or find it a little reductionist (thousands of years in a few pages can have that impact); you won’t be able to ignore it.  Are WE that special? For many years, we thought that we were special, near-divine. According to Harari, we are just another animal that happened to control the world for several reasons. It seems that a series of random events led us to this point. One of the most curious things I found in this book was that I thought human evolution was a sort of continuum line in which one single species evolved, step by step. Apparently, like with any other animals, different "kinds" of humans shared the world. At some point, all the others were go...

The Crown is one of those shows that, even if you don’t like it, you have to admit that it has quality.  I liked it a lot, but it's not a show for everyone. It doesn’t have frantic action or a fast pace, which may seem boring to some viewers. Personally, I was mesmerized by the quality of the whole show from the very first episode. It has fantastic production values and actors who amazingly brought the people their characters represent to life. Knowing that most of them are alive and might be watching the show, the actors have extra difficulty.  Production The production was meticulous in every detail and worked towards perfection. I have to highlight Claire Foy and Olivia Colman for their perfect acting as Queen Elizabeth.  About the story itself, it is what it is. They tried to be faithful to the facts while making some creative choices. Until now, all the situations represented were things that I hadn’t experienced, so most of them were...

After watching a couple of quality Spanish shows, we get used to the language and get more curious about what else they have to offer.  Cable Girls  is a drama set in the ’20s and ‘30s, about four female coworkers.   Freedom... But Not For All In a time of abrupt changes, we can see some fierce independent women fighting for their rights. While that, others blindly obey their husbands and other men in the family. The contrast is evident from the first episode. The surrounding society, where all the action takes place, was what I liked the most in the show.  Freedom was the keyword in the crazy ’20s, but it comes with a price tag, and each character will pay for it in very different ways. Women Emancipation You can’t talk about the decade of 1920 without talking about the suffragists and female emancipation. The fight against a society that does everything it can to keep the status quo. At the same time, this agitation and modernity contrast with the woman sp...