Title: Fantastic Beasts: The Secret of Dumbledore
Director: David Yates
Writers: J.K. Rowling, Steve Kloves
Cast: Eddie Redmayne, Jude Law, Mads Mikkelsen, Ezra Miller, Alison Sudol, Jessica Williams, Dan Fogler, Callum Turner

Watched at Cinepolis, Depok Town Square

Set several years after the events of its predecessor, the film sees Albus Dumbledore tasking Newt Scamander and his allies with a mission that takes them into the heart of dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald's army.

Well, actually Fantastic Beast franchise is a franchise that I have really waited for. Unfortunately, this sequel is not as interesting as I expected it to be. There are so many factors that made me disappointed.

Newt is still... Newt

Albus Dumbledore, once again, assigned Newt Scamander to fight Grindelwald as he began to lead an army to eliminate muggles. With the help of his partners on this adventure, Theseus Scamander (Newt's brother), Jacob Kowalski, Bunty Broadacre (Newt's assistant), Yusuf  Kama and Lally Hicks (one of the professors from Ilvermorny). 

In the magical words, there is Qilin, a magical creature that can see into one's should as well as the future. This creature also has the ability of precognition, especially when choosing the next leader of the wizarding world. Knowing this, Grindelwald tried his best to kidnap the newborn Qilin and took advantage of it. 

As Dumbledor couldn't battle Grindelwald because of their blood pact, Dumbledore asked Newt to do it. Smh, Dumbledore. Why do you always disturb Newt's calm life?

After that, Newt's and his fellow partner's journey has begun. 

My thoughts

I have so many thoughts when watching this movie. I still love Newt and his characteristics, but I have so many things that I despised from this movie.

First, I know that it's inevitable for replacing Johny Depp for Grindelwald's role, but I think Mads Mikkelsen hasn't given that huge impact like what Depp does in the second movie. I just feel that charismatic but also scary vibe from him is not enough. 

Second, if the title of this movie is Fantastic Beast, I don't think the representation of the beast here is enough. I mean, all right, there is the Qilin who is the main creature in this movie. Then, I also love how Nibbler and Pickett are back... but, I just feel that should be more of them. It should be the main element of this movie, right?

Third, I still don't understand how Dumbledore broke his blood pact with Grindelwald. As I remember from the similar pact that was made between Severus Snape and Narcissa Malfoy, it's not easy to break the pact and Severus should do his vow no matter what. Ehm, or actually the blood pact is different from the unbreakable vow?

Fourth, so political but not enough background. I can understand why Rowling wants to take the story to a bigger level. I mean, she tried to introduce us to the magical world outside the schools. But, I think the background of it is explained vaguely. I still couldn't grasp the structure of the minister of magic from each country. Then, how about the supreme leader that Grindelwald pursued? Is that position could be equal to the general secretary of the United Nations? I just couldn't understand it.

What I like

Even though the experience when watching this movie is not really great, I still love the interaction between Newt and all of the fantastic beasts. I love how Pickett and Nibbler accompany Newt everywhere. Can we just get Pickett and Nibbler in real life?

My favourite scene would be when Newt tried to save Theseus from the prison. The way they have to do the crab dancing to control the Blast-Ended Skrewts is hilarious. I really love that part. 

Then, I love how they picture Lally as a smart female wizard. She is really amazing and killing it. She looks very charming here. Maybe, she could be my favourite character after Newt.

Conclusion

So, that's all for my thoughts. I know that it's mostly about my ranting, but tbh, that's what I feel. I really hope the next movie would be more focused on Newt and his magical creature world. Well, even though it's inevitable to fight Grindelwald too.

One thing for sure, I hope Rowling will still include Pickett and Nibbler in the next movie. 

6 out of 10 stars

Sincerely,

Ra

Image: Asian Wiki

Title: Mystic Pop-up Bar
Director: Chang Geun Jun
Script writer: Ha Yoon-ah
Cast: Hwang Jeong-eum, Yook Sung-jae, Choi Wonyoung
Number of episodes: 12 episodes
Watch on Netflix

Ssanggab Cart Bar opens only at night on the rooftop of a building. Wol-Ju (Hwang Jung-Eum) runs the mysterious food cart. Customers who visit Ssanggab Cart Bar consist of normal people and the dead. While drinking alcohol and eating dishes with Wol-Ju, the customers of Ssanggab Cart Bar talk about themselves and try to heal their internal wounds.

***

I watched this k-drama because of the Korean Culture K-drama Class (KCKC) at Bangtan Academy. This drama kinda reminds me of Hotel del Luna. The vibe and the story are similar, IMHO. I also love how they incorporated the spiritual element into modern life. It's interesting to watch.

The Pop-Up Bar

Mystic Pop-up Bar is a magical bar managed by Weol-ju, a hot-tempered woman who can enter your dream to fix your problem, and Chef Gwi (Guibanjang)--the former Afterlife Police Agency who voluntary help Weol-ju run the bar. 

Weo-ju should help the other people through their dream because she had a great sin, which was committing suicide on the sacred tree. Therefore, the afterlife court sent her to the Living Realm to settle the grudges of 100.000 souls and comfort them as a punishment. 

Then, there is Han Kang bae, a young man who has the ability to make people confess the truth by making physical contact with them. This ability really benefits Weol-ju to settle the last 10 souls that she should help. Therefore, she made a deal with Kang bae and promised him that she will get rid of Kang bae's unique ability.

My thought

As I said before, this drama reminds me of Hotel del Luna. There will be different cases for every episode and the supernatural element on it is very unique. Not to mention the comedic scenes that the director provided. It's very fresh and makes me smile all the time. The episode when they pretend to be part of the CIA is very funny. I couldn't help myself not to laugh because of that.

What I love about this drama are so many cultural and social phenomena that have been discussed. Starting from the sexual harassment in the workplace, the difficulty to apply for a job, the decision to have children, and others. I think I got a very diverse knowledge and perspectives after watching this drama.

In my opinion, the director and script-writer have succeeded to make a compact story that is not boring. They also succeeded to give a very meaningful message in every episode. Aside from that, how the story is wrapped up with more serious issues at the end is very clever. I can feel how sincere Weol-ju and Guibanjang are when taking care of Kang-bae. I also adore how Kang bae eventually trusts Weol ju.

Trivial thoughts

I think I should mention it here, there are two things that make me suspicious about Kang bae and Guibanjang's identities. Anyway, this will be a very spoiler part.

I do wonder why Weol-ju has naturally cared for Kang bae. When it ends up, technically he is Weol-ju's child, it does make any more sense. Moreover, I kinda feel the big noona energy from Weol-ju.

Then, about Guibanjang's identity, I don't know why, but I have known that he is the crown prince from the earliest episode. I feel proud because I can guess correctly.

Conclusion

Overall, I really love this drama. I think Mystic Pop-up Bar could be on my top-tier list. The story is great, the characters are so lovable and the conflict is just enough. Not over dramatic but still complicated.

So, 8 out of 10 stars for the Ssanggappocha.

Sincerely,

Ra

Image: Google

Title: 2gether

Director: Champ Weerachit Thongjila

Screenwriter: Pratchaya Thavornthummarut, Bee Pongsate Lucksameepong

Stars: Win Metawin Opas-iamkajorn, Bright Vachirawit Chivaare 

Watch on Netflix

Tine is a very handsome student and cheerleader in college, while Sarawat is one of the campus’ most popular guys and is also in the soccer and music club. When Tine is chased by Green, who he does not reciprocate feelings for — he ends up begging Sarawat to fake date with him in order to chase Green away. Somehow, just like the tale as old as time goes — pretend somehow starts to turn into reality. However, before a "happily ever after" there is the process of falling in love, and the slow realization that somehow they aren't pretending anymore. Somehow, they do not want to.

***

So, I think this is the first time I watched Thai TV Series in full. Something that I realized when I watched this series, it's not really different from Indonesian soap operas. Lol. I still remember about the place where they eat is similar to warteg here. 

Tine and Sarawat

Well, I am interested to watch this series because of the premise. Tine is a very handsome and cute student and cheerleader in college. We could say that he is a pretty boy and everyone adores him. Then, there is Sarawat, a cool boy with huge charisma. He is a member of the soccer and music club. Due to his coolness, he is the most popular boy on campus and everyone chased him. You know, when all of the girls chase him with all of their might.

When Tine is chased by Green, he is really frustrated. He didn't know how to "get rid of" Green from his life. So, after discussing everything with his closed-friend, Fong, Phuak, and Ohm, they gave the idea for Tine to fake date Sarawat. Note, that dating girls wouldn't be enough to make Green give up. Therefore, Tine needs someone that Green couldn't dare to snatch Tine away.

After so much drama and misunderstanding, finally, Tine and Sarawat being a couple and start to adjust their life. 

My Thought

At first, the premise looks so promising. So, actually, Tine is a bi, since he is still attracted to girls but also cannot resist Sarawat's charm. Most of the time, there are so many cliche scenes here and there. 

Tbh, I like the premise when they said that Sarawat actually has fallen for Tine for a very long time. But, it's not as smooth as I want him to be. I know that there are a lot of sweet scenes between Sarawat and Tine. Unfortunately, their intimate moment is so limited.

But maybe, my favourite scene would be when Sarawat is being attacked by his enemy. I think it was the beginning of Tine finally realizing how he was attracted to Sarawat.

Then, since this is the first time I watched the Thai BL Series, I couldn't believe how everyone around Tine and Sarawat are also gay couples too. Start from Type (Tine's brother) with Man (Sarawat's friend), Phukong (Sarawat's brother) and MIl (Sarawat's enemy), until Green and Dim. That makes the story isn't focused at all. I do wonder if this is really common in the BL universe? 

One tiny note, I just remember about Sarawat and Tine's background. The fact that Sarawat is an IR student is something that  I like the most. Then, Tine is a law student. What an interesting background of them.

Conclusion

This is an okay series. I somewhat adore Tine and Sarawat's relationship. But, since there are other couples here, the focus in this series has been dispersed and I didn't really fancy it. I don't know whether I will search for another Thai BL drama again or not... but let's see.

5 out of 10 stars.

Sincerely.

Ra

Image: gramedia, edited by me

Judul: The Midnight Library

Penulis: Matt Haig

Penerjemah: Dharmawati

Tebal buku: 368 halaman

Tahun terbit: Juni 2021

Penerbit: Gramedia Pustaka Utama

Baca di Gramedia Digital

Di antara kehidupan dan kematian terdapat sebuah perpustakaan yang jumlah bukunya tak terhingga. Tiap-tiap buku menyediakan satu kesempatan untuk mencoba kehidupan lain yang bisa dijalani sehingga kau bisa melihat apa yang terjadi kalau kau mengambil keputusan-keputusan berbeda... Akankah kau melakukan apa pun secara berbeda jika kau mendapat kesempatan untuk membatalkan penyesalan-penyesalanmu? Benarkah kehidupan lain akan jauh lebih baik?

Nora Seed harus membuat keputusan. Ia dihadapkan pada kemungkinan bisa mengubah hidupnya, memiliki karier yang berbeda, tidak putus dari mantan kekasih, dan mewujudkan mimpinya sebagai glasiolog. Ia menjelajahi Perpustakaan Tengah Malam untuk memutuskan apa sebenarnya yang menjadikan hidup pantas dijalani. Setelah kehidupan yang diisi berbagai penyesalan dan kegagalan, akankah Nora Seed akhirnya mendapatkan kehidupan yang bisa memberinya kebahagiaan sejati?

***

The Midnight Library adalah buku rekomendasi dari Mbak Dewi untuk #12Challenge. Kemarin sempat mencoba "baca bareng" Kakpin dan Kak Wardah. Untungnya aku tidak mendusta, meski yang paling lama kelarnya.

Nora dan pilihan-pilihan hidup

Di ambang kematian, Nora sampai di Perpustakaan Tengah Malam. Sebuah perpustakaan yang memberikan ketidakterbatasan kemungkinan hidup bagi Nora. Ya, Nora bisa mengambil satu buku di perpustakaan itu dan menjalani hidup-hidup yang berbeda dari kehidupan akarnya. Mrs. Elm menjadi pemandu Nora saat menjalani berbagai kehidupan dari buku-buku di perpustakaan itu. Apakah Nora bisa menemukan kehidupan yang ia inginkan?

Dari awal, vibe buku ini memang cukup depresif. Mau tidak mau, kita akan dibawa hanyut dalam kehidupan penuh penyesalan dari Nora. Mulai dari penyesalan putus dengan Dan (pacarnya), tidak ikut Izzy ke Australia, atau mundur dari The Labyrinth. Jujur, ceritanya cukup berat. Aku betul-betul harus fokus saat membacanya.

Pembahasan soal mental health sebetulnya menjadi pembahasan utama dalam buku ini. Bagaimana seorang Nora memahami penyesalan-penyesalannya dan akhirnya bisa menemukan arti untuk hidup.

Bagus tapi aku agak bosan

Sebetulnya, jenis buku magic realism itu bagus, kok. Apalagi menyangkut isu kesehatan mental. Pesan yang mau disampaikan juga cukup mengena. Permasalahannya, aku merasa agak bosan ketika membaca buku ini. Menurutku, ceritanya lambat sekali. Entahlah. Aku hanya merasa konflik yang ditampilkan tidak sebegitu linearnya. Apalagi, dengan berbagai kehidupan yang harus ia jalani, kisah keseluruhan Nora terasa terputus. 

Kalau ditanya apakah ada lovable character.. aku rasa enggak ada. Aku bisa bilang tema buku ini memangs serius. Jadi, kalau tidak fokus, akan susah untuk bisa memahami keseluruhan ceritanya.

Kesimpulan

The Midnight Library memang bagus, kok. Meskipun agak membosankan, ceritanya cukup kompleks dan ngasih value lebih. Jadi, setelah selesai membaca buku satu ini, mari kita membaca hal-hal yang ringan setelah ini karena terus membaca buku berat malah bikin enggak semangat. 

3.5 dari 5 bintang.

Sincerely, 

Ra