Howl's moving castle features adventure and romance of an otherwise normal girl. Let's you dream about adventure.
or La grande bellezza in Italian. A masterpiece by Paolo Sorrentino in which a socialite Jep Gambardella (Toni Servillo) reflects on his life of lavish parties among the cultural elite of Rome. Stunning visual and cinematography.
Blade runner has a cool and futuristic aesthetic, and relatable main character. I find the music and mood of the mood of the movie very comforting especially on cold, rainy days.
The best movie, hands down ever, by the greatest director Tommy Wiseau. A classic masterpiece produced in 2003 is still watched in theaters today. Now that is longevity!
In a Tokyo suburb, a young man named Toru Okada searches for his wife’s missing cat—and then for his wife as well—in a netherworld beneath the city’s placid surface. As these searches intersect, he encounters a bizarre group of allies and antagonists. Gripping, prophetic, and suffused with comedy and menace, this is one of Haruki Murakami’s most acclaimed and beloved novels.
Groundhog Day is a classic comedy film that has become synonymous with the time loop genre. Directed by Harold Ramis and starring Bill Murray, this 1993 movie follows the story of Phil Connors, a cynical TV weatherman who finds himself reliving the same day over and over again while covering the annual Groundhog Day event in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. As Phil navigates the repetitive day, he goes through a journey of self-discovery and personal growth, making this film both hilarious and heartwarming.
Hajime has arrived at middle age with a loving family and an enviable career, yet he feels incomplete. When a childhood friend, now a beautiful woman, shows up with a secret from which she is unable to escape, the fault lines of doubt in Hajime’s quotidian existence begin to give way. Rich, mysterious, and quietly dazzling, in South of the Border, West of the Sun the simple arc of one man’s life becomes the exquisite literary terrain of Murakami’s remarkable genius.
Palm Springs is a refreshing take on the time loop genre, blending romantic comedy with science fiction. Directed by Max Barbakow and starring Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti, this 2020 film follows the story of Nyles and Sarah, who find themselves stuck in a never-ending wedding day in the desert. As they navigate their surreal circumstances together, the movie explores themes of love, existence, and self-acceptance, all while delivering plenty of laughs and heartfelt moments.
Edge of Tomorrow is an action-packed sci-fi film that brings a thrilling twist to the time loop concept. Directed by Doug Liman and starring Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt, this 2014 movie follows Major William Cage, who is caught in a time loop during an alien invasion. Each time he dies, he wakes up to relive the same battle, gradually improving his skills and strategizing with the help of war hero Rita Vrataski. The film combines intense action sequences with clever storytelling, making for an exhilarating experience.
Toru, a serious young college student in Tokyo, is devoted to Naoko, a beautiful and introspective young woman, but their mutual passion is marked by the tragic death of their best friend years before. As Naoko retreats further into her own world, Toru finds himself drawn to a fiercely independent and sexually liberated young woman. Stunning and elegiac, Norwegian Wood first propelled Haruki Murakami into the forefront of the literary scene.
The best book about the best director in the world. It was such a great book it was adapted into a movie. Bet the other books on this list can't say that!
"Black Panther" is a groundbreaking Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film directed by Ryan Coogler. It follows T'Challa, the newly crowned king of the hidden, technologically advanced African nation of Wakanda, as he takes on the mantle of Black Panther. The film explores themes of identity, legacy, and power, while showcasing vibrant African culture and cutting-edge technology. It features a stellar cast, including Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o, and Danai Gurira, and delivers a compelling mix of action, drama, and political intrigue.
"A Wild Sheep Chase" by Haruki Murakami is a surreal and captivating novel that combines elements of mystery, magical realism, and postmodernist twists. The story follows a nameless, chain-smoking protagonist who embarks on a quest to find a mystical sheep with a star-shaped birthmark. This sheep holds the secret power behind a dying political and economic leader known as "The Boss." Joined by his enigmatic girlfriend with supernaturally perceptive ears, the protagonist's journey takes him from Tokyo to the remote regions of Hokkaido, encountering bizarre characters and unraveling deep, philosophical mysteries along the way.
Happy Death Day is a fun and inventive blend of slasher horror and dark comedy that uses the time loop concept to great effect. Directed by Christopher Landon and released in 2017, the film stars Jessica Rothe as Tree Gelbman, a college student who gets murdered on her birthday and wakes up to relive the day over and over again. Tree must solve her own murder and uncover her killer's identity while learning valuable lessons about herself and her relationships.
"Avengers: Endgame" is the epic conclusion to the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Infinity Saga, directed by Anthony and Joe Russo. Released in 2019, the film follows the aftermath of "Avengers: Infinity War," where the surviving Avengers team up to reverse the catastrophic snap caused by Thanos. Featuring an ensemble cast including Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, and Chris Hemsworth, this blockbuster delivers intense action, emotional arcs, and breathtaking visual effects. It became the highest-grossing film of all time, capturing the hearts of fans worldwide and providing a satisfying closure to a decade-long saga.
She has entered, she realizes, a parallel existence, which she calls 1Q84 —“Q is for ‘question mark.’ A world that bears a question.” Meanwhile, an aspiring writer named Tengo takes on a suspect ghostwriting project. He becomes so wrapped up with the work and its unusual author that, soon, his previously placid life begins to come unraveled. As Aomame’s and Tengo’s narratives converge over the course of this single year, we learn of the profound and tangled connections that bind them ever closer: a beautiful, dyslexic teenage girl with a unique vision; a mysterious religious cult that instigated a shoot-out with the metropolitan police; a reclusive, wealthy dowager who runs a shelter for abused women; a hideously ugly private investigator; a mild-mannered yet ruthlessly efficient bodyguard; and a peculiarly insistent television-fee collector.
The Endless is a captivating indie sci-fi horror film directed by and starring Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead. Released in 2017, the movie follows two brothers, Justin and Aaron, who return to a mysterious cult they escaped from years ago. As they reconnect with the group, they discover that the cult's beliefs about a supernatural entity and time loops might be real. The film blends elements of horror, mystery, and science fiction, creating a unique and thought-provoking experience.
An electronics salesman who has been deserted by his wife agrees to deliver an enigmatic package— and is rewarded with a glimpse of his true nature. A man who views himself as the son of God pursues a stranger who may be his human father. A mild-mannered collection agent receives a visit from a giant talking frog who enlists his help in saving Tokyo from destruction. The six stories in this collection come from the deep and mysterious place where the human meets the inhuman—and are further proof that Murakami is one of the most visionary writers at work today.
"Get Him to the Greek" is a 2010 movie about a young guy named Aaron who works for a music company. His big job is to bring Aldous Snow, a famous but troubled rock star, from London to a concert in Los Angeles. It sounds simple, but it turns out to be a wild ride. Aaron has to deal with Aldous's crazy life and keep him on track to make it to the concert on time. The main actors are Jonah Hill, who plays Aaron, and Russell Brand, who plays Aldous Snow. They get into all kinds of funny and crazy situations as they try to make it to the concert.
A process server and his marijuana dealer wind up on the run from hitmen and a corrupt police officer after he witnesses his dealer's boss murder a competitor while trying to serve papers on him.
That's right, it's LEGO on your Apple Vision! It's a simple puzzle game where you use your creativity and building skills to solve problems and advance through a LEGO world.
Discover the secrets to a long, healthy, and fulfilling life with "Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life" by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles. This insightful book delves into the Japanese concept of ikigai, or a "reason for being," which is believed to be a key factor in the remarkable longevity of the residents of Okinawa, a Japanese village known for having the world’s highest percentage of centenarians. Through interviews with these vibrant centenarians, the authors uncover how the principles of ikigai—where passion, mission, vocation, and profession intersect—contribute to their happiness and longevity. The book reveals the residents' daily practices, from their nutrient-rich diets and active lifestyles to their strong community bonds and purposeful work. "Ikigai" provides practical advice and tools to help readers discover their own ikigai, offering a blend of cultural wisdom and actionable steps towards a life filled with purpose, health, and joy. This book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in enhancing their well-being and finding deeper satisfaction in everyday life.
The New York City Subway is more than just a mode of transportation—it's a symbol of the city's hustle and bustle, immortalized in countless films, TV shows, and songs. From the romantic encounters in "Before We Go" to the intense chase scenes in "The Taking of Pelham 123," the subway has been the backdrop for some of cinema’s most memorable moments. TV series like "Gossip Girl" and "Jessica Jones" often depict the subway as a central part of New York life, while Jay-Z’s "Empire State of Mind" and Billy Joel’s "New York State of Mind" celebrate the spirit of the city that never sleeps. And who can forget Spider-Man's iconic battles, like the unforgettable train fight scene in "Spider-Man 2," showcasing the subway as an integral part of New York's landscape and its superhero lore.