issue #7: we are living in the hunger games
a concise list of what I've been watching, Tom Blyth fanfic and more
Hi everyone,
The newsletter is a little late because of deadlines etc etc but I’m still providing the goods.
In 2011/2012, my friend Adria told me I must read a book called The Hunger Games. I was skeptical because the premise did not sound like a good time but I obliged because her recs are usually on point.
What started from that became a full-on obsession with this compelling world of Panem. While Panem is a dystopian version of the US that has fallen with regard to climate issues, there are many traces of it that are comparable to life today. The world is divided into 13 districts as well as the Capitol. And while the Capitol lives in opulence, the districts live in poverty in order to make things for the Capitol. But they are also regularly punished because of the fact that dared to fight back against the Capitol during the war years.
The Hunger Games of the title refers to an event that happens every year in this world where two children (under 18) are selected from every district to fight to the death in an arena as retribution for the crimes that the districts committed against the Capitol.
However, you can also see the books/films as a thinly veiled criticism of the war-mongering, reality entertainment-obsessed world that we live in right now.
So I haven’t reread or watched the original trilogy in a long time and I wasn’t exactly jazzed about the prequel because prequels aren’t really my thing. I hate knowing how things will end it takes the suspense out of it. But before the film, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, which is a sort of origin story of the main villain of the original trilogy Coriolanus Snow, was released I decided to read the book which was released in 2020. (BTW I would recommend the audiobook version if you want to read it fast like I did.)
Re-entering Panem and reading the prequel was extremely eye-opening because of current world events. I could draw many parallels between the way the people of the Capitol referred to the districts and how Zionist propaganda sees Israeli children as human and Palestinian children as expendable. When terms such as ‘terrorist’ are used instead of soldiers and fighters.
What The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes also does really well is it shows us that evil is not necessarily born, anyone can make the choice to walk that path. Anybody is capable of being the villain.
Suzanne Collins, who is the author of the books, is an excellent writer who is able to weave entertaining storylines with real-world commentary so well. So, if like me, you are entranced by the world of Panem, you should definitely be picking up the books, or taking a trip to the cinema to watch the new prequel.
xoxo
Caryn
P.S. Read my review of The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes here.
Everything I watched this week:
80 For Brady - The adorable true story of four elderly friends who take a once-in-a-lifetime trip to watch Tom Brady play in the Superbowl. I really liked this one, it was funny but also extremely heartwarming. It’s available to watch on Showmax.
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse - This short film is very The Little Prince-like, it’s full of inspirational quotes and philosophical moments. It’s a nice palate cleanser or if you just want a little boost of motivation. However, if you think animation is for kids, they will be very disappointed by the lack of action in this film. It’s available to watch on Apple TV+.
Why We Fight: The Battle of Russia - History fanatics, this one is for you. This 1943 US propaganda film by Frank Capra is actually a very interesting account of the military antics and war history of Russia. It has a rare positive spin as they were trying to get the American public on board with Russia for World War II. It’s available to watch on YouTube.
Ramy Youssef: Feelings - Ramy’s 2019 HBO comedy special is a hilarious mix. He has a casual demeanour but the way that he is able to knit together casual everyday occurrences and political and social heavy topics is what makes him as good as he is. I loved this special. You can watch it on Showmax.
The Book of Boba Fett - I’m currently watching the Star Wars series, and I squizzed through the Book of Boba Fett between seasons 2 and 3 of The Mandalorian. This series is extremely slow and flashback heavy with the best action at the end of the series. I do think it’s probably a lot more interesting for heavy Star Wars-lore fans, but for me, it was kinda a slog. It’s available to watch on Disney+.
The Invisible Life of Euridice Gusmão - This Brazillian film absolutely wrecked me. It is the story of two sisters who are separated due to their conservative parents and society. It shows their parallel lives while they continue to write to each other. This was a five-star film for me. It’s available to watch on Mubi.
Lambert the Sheepish Lion - Okay, here’s a short animated film which is perfect for kids. The adorable story of a lion raised by sheep and how he learns to find his roar and protect them. It’s available to watch on Disney+ or on YouTube.
Cyrano de Bergerac - This 1950 film is based on a popular play about a man who helps another man woo the woman that he loves. This version is a little too much like a stage play but it does boast an excellent performance by Jose Ferrer. It is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.
P.S. Follow me on Letterboxd to get these reviews right after I watch them lol
Here’s what you missed in the news:
Entertainment/pop culture
Decor expert and my personal fave Bobby Berk will be leaving Queer Eye after season 8.
Actor Lukas Gage and hair stylist Chris Appleton are getting divorced after just six months.
Andre 3000 has FINALLY released his first album after 17 years.
Shows that are ending/have been cancelled this week: Praise Petey, Young Sheldon, SEAL Team, Shadow & Bone, Glamorous, Agent Elvis, Farzar, Captain Fall, Ride.
Shows that have been renewed this week: Welcome to Wrexham for season 3, Kaala Paani for season 2, Harley Quinn for season 5, Unstable for season 2, Queer Eye for season 9.
The Bachelorette’s Blake Horstmann and Love is Blind’s Giannina Gibelli are having a baby!
C.S. Lee joins the cast of the final season of Cobra Kai as the character of Master Kim Sun-Yung from the original film.
Kevin Hart is set to receive the Mark Twain Prize.
Jimmy Kimmel will once again host the Oscars next year.
Jeffrey Donovan who plays the character of Frank Cosgrave will be leaving Law & Order after season 23.
Okay, there are some wild rumours going around that Will Smith had sex with Duane Martin.
This week singer Cassie sued Diddy for rape, sex trafficking and domestic violence amongst other claims while they were in a relationship together. The two settled out of court the next day.
George Brown from the legendary group Kool and the Gang passed away.
Kara Killmer who plays the character of Sylvie Brett will be leaving Chicago Fire after season 12.
DJ David Guetta is expecting a baby with girlfriend, model Jessica Ledon.
A fan died at a Taylor Swift concert in Brazil.
Nicole Kidman has teased that Big Little Lies will be coming back for a third season.
Miss Nicaragua, Sheynnis Palacios has won Miss Universe 2023.
You can now get a Mariah Carey Christmas Barbie doll!
DStv has launched a new channel, Play Room on channel 300 which offers education and entertainment for youths.
The SAMA’s took place this weekend with Kabda De Small walking away with the most wins.
Fashion & Beauty
Scaly babies no more, Dior has released a luxury skincare range for babies.
TikTok is talking about ‘hair training’ which is apparently the secret to healthy hair.
Jennifer Lopez’s new ‘Intimissimi’ collection is now out!
Is Adele launching a beauty brand??
This week’s nail trend is apparently ‘bimbocore.’
2024 is apparently going to be all about this awkward skirt length.
Lifestyle
Struggling to sleep? You should try ‘moon breathing.’
You can now go on a Taylor Swift cruise.
Bumble has released its 2024 dating trends forecast.
Are you dating with ‘rizz coloured glasses’ on?
Social Justice
How does the viral TikTok watermelon filter that supports Palestine work?
Podcast Recap
In case you missed it, I chatted to the dynamic Nadia Darries, the South African director of the Star Wars Visions short film, Aau’s Song. We chatted about being a woman of colour in animation, navigating the force, and more.
Celeb Crush of the Week
I’m kinda obsessed with Tom Blyth who plays Coriolanus Snow in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes right now.
See you soon!