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Seeing Ourselves On Screen: Why Representation Matters
Written by Hannah Sazon I was scrolling on my phone when I first saw that there was a new DreamWorks Animation movie centered around Filipino culture coming out. Forgotten Island is about 2 Filipino best friends who find themselves transported to a mysterious island inspired by Filipino folklore, and encounter mythological creatures that uncover deeper connections to their identity and heritage. I was honestly really excited finding out, and it made me think about why. In recent years, there’s been an increasing Filipino representation in the media. Whether it’s music artists like Olivia Rodrigo, small scenes of Tagalog in The Pitt, or quick references in Spider-Man: No Way Home, this…
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How Godzilla: Minus One Encapsulates Perseverance
Written by Sydney Nguyen October 25th, 1944, marked the first organized kamikaze attack that took place during the Battle of Leyte Gulf. The success of the kamikaze tactic (a suicide attack that involves a pilot flying their aircraft directly into enemy ships) was exaggerated greatly through Japanese military propaganda, as it was rooted in the Japanese ideals of honor, sacrifice, and religion. Therefore, in post-war Japan, the kamikaze pilots who returned alive were perceived by citizens as cowards who failed to serve their nation and were viewed as physical representations of Japan’s defeat. Fear is a prominent motif that drives the plot of Godzilla: Minus One. Kamikaze pilot Kōichi Shikishima…
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When Pixar Feels Like a Love Letter: Watching “Elemental”
Written by Mikhaella Lopez The theme of love is a recurring point that is seen in almost every Pixar movie. Whether that be familial love like Marlin and Nemo in Finding Nemo, or a platonic love between Mike Wazowski and James P. Sullivan in Monsters University, love exists in every single movie Pixar has created. As someone who grew up watching Disney and Pixar movies, I fell in love with the different characters throughout the years; from Lightning McQueen from Cars to Mama Imelda from Coco, there were many characters to love. I first heard of Elemental back when I still used to work as a boba barista at a…
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My Go-To Comfort Shows and Movies
Written by Steven Pham With Thanksgiving break right around the corner (and exams stressing all of us out), I figured this was the perfect time to share some of my go-to comfort shows and movies. I’m also breaking down the science behind why rewatching comfort content can genuinely help you relax and reset. If you need something to unwind with this break, here are a few of my favorites: One Punch Man Light, hilarious, and perfect when you want action without the stress. It’s also incredibly entertaining to watch the main character be so effortlessly overpowered. Ratatouille Cozy, warm, nostalgic, and always satisfying. This movie is an instant comfort classic…
