Watch and Read

October 2016

Great news: I've started to read again! And all thanks to kindle. The first book that I downloaded this month was Looking for Alaska by none other than The John Green. It may not be the most original choice, but still – it is a great, satisfying read. Green's books make a vast collection of quotes, which can be found all over the Internet. Looking for Alaska is probably most compact and rich in memorable, eye-opening words. Quite useful - especially when you desperately need them in your life.
September 2016
Wild Tales is a combination of 6 short stories directed by Damián Szifron and produced by Pedro Almodóvar. What I like about this way of making movies is that the viewer gets the opportunity to see more than just one ending (and endings are what I like the most about black comedies). They may not be very unexpected (after the 3th story you get the vibe and are able to spot the common denominator), but they strike with vividness and expressiveness.
August 2016

 What on Earth is Wellness is a series featured on the British Vogue channel on YouTube. It centers around the quest well-being and abolishing popular myths. I like the fact that it's conducted by 26-year-old Camille Rowe, who is by no means a guru in the subject - she's a girl who constantly makes mistakes, but is determined to change her lifestyle into a healthy one, just like all of us.
 July 2016

This Is England is just a part of a well known saga. I've become acquainted with it during my stay in Backpackers Hostel - probably the best scenery I could think of. Is it a drama or a comedy? Certainly both. For some people it's a great reminder of England's past and the involvement of skinheads in shaping the country's history.
June 2016


How to Be Good by Nick Hornby is a good place to start when you're not familiar with contemporary English literature. For me, it was neither revolutionary nor particularly ambitious, but it served its purpose as a good read. I was a little disappointed with the ending, but you can make your own judgement.
May 2016



Another month, another movie. This time the one that captured my heart was Howl's Moving Castle - anime created by 
the man behind "Spirited Away" (which I described in a separate post). The other films of Hayao Miyazaki that I have yet to watch are: "Ponyo" and "My Neighbor Totoro". Some people view them as classics, but I'm still a layman.
April 2016


I've recently found out that I'm dangerously fond of movies depicting mental health, or should I say mental disorders. Girl, Interrupted - a widely acknowledged movie from 1999 - is my latest discovery. I still haven't decided whether identifying myself with the main character is a good or a bad thing. At any rate, I'll certainly watch it a few more times - just to remind myself how brainsick I am.  
March 2016

The Grass Harp by Truman Capote is a short novel, but the author was able to fill it to the brim with charm and relish. Although it is neither revolutionary, nor full of pathos, the story attracts the attention of the readers, probably due to minor quirks of the characters and a taste that it leaves in one's mouth when they finish it - a taste of chocolate cake followed up by crispy fried chicken. A brief, pleasant memory from your childhood.
February 2016


I wanted to see Room for a very long time. The trailer stayed in my head and I couldn't get rid of the thought that it is the movie that would influence my perception of the world. And so it happened that one winter evening I wanted to see something that would warm my chilled heart and I immediately thought of this drama. It is so simple and at the same time very complex. And after analyzing it, you suddenly realize, that yes, it is a movie, but it is a real story too. And then you start reconsidering your attitude towards life and people around you. At the end you may ask yourself a question: 'Do I really feel that I'm an integral part of the world or a rather a resident of an isolated room, from which it's almost impossible to escape?'
January 2016
Two for the Road may not be the best choice for a romantic date, but it's perfect for an evening with girlfriends. Or a sobbing evening. Anyway, it's probably the best movie that I've seen in past few months.
December 2015



It's such a shame that I've discovered Milan Kundera only now... But I feel like I might not have been ready for his books a year ago for example. The Festival of Insignificance is the first of his works that I've read. It's a perfect choice for a thoughtful afternoon.
November 2015

Reading Sleepwalking Land, a book written by a renowned Mozambique author, Mia Couto is comparable with a long journey through recesses of the human mind. Couto presents the readers with a story that is definitely a food for thought. By the way, here's a quote from one of his interviews: "There is no such thing as the moment we become something. No one becomes a writer as if they were fulfilling some irreversible destiny. The verb to be is more accurate in these matters: you can’t become a writer, you are one".
October 2015


Catch Me If You Can. This is a title of a movie, book and... a musical. The plot of all mentioned above is based on a true story of a fraud, a check forger to be strict, who is now alive and well (and works as a security consultant), but in a past was one of the most wanted conmen in the US. The movie with a great cast (Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks, Christopher Walken, Amy Adams...) was directed by Steven Spielberg.
September 2015

The Grand Budapest Hotel is probably the best movie I've seen this year. It also made me fall in love with other Wes Anderson's works. If you have a wicked sense of humour and don't take life very seriously, it's a must-see for you.
 July & August 2015
Notes from a Small Island by Bill Bryson is a good read. Really. Especially when You're crazy about the UK. Some facts may not be up-to-date, but it is still a great and humorous image of this country.
June 2015


The Edge of Love is a movie that I highly recommend to all 'Atonement' fans. Not only because of Keira Knightley, who plays a leading role but also due to the plot and the atmosphere of the movie. Great choice for 'Ladies Night' ;)
May 2015
Supercondriaque. A brilliant comedy. Starring Dany Boon. If you're a fan of French cinema, you won't be disappointed. If you just want to burst into laughter you, won't be disappointed either.
April 2015
The Fault in Our Stars is the first audiobook that hasn't made me sleep. It has woken me and made me think about my life, love and mortality. The author of this novel is a very talented John Green. I can't wait to see the movie based on the book. Shailene Woodley is playing the main character, so it's another reason to watch it.

March 2015


The Cat Who Could Read Backwards is the first novel in Lilian Jackson Braun's "The Cat Who..." series. It was published in 1966, but is still up-to-date. When I was reading that book I felt like it was written not over 50 years ago, but this year. The only drawback of this book is a slightly too long introduction, but it's purpose is to present the characters and the artistic environment of the city. Then the lecture is a pure pleasure. 
February 2015




Looking is new HBO television series with Jonathan Groff, Frankie J. Álvarez and Murray Bartlett. The uncontested values are: an unusual plot and beautiful scenery of San Francisco. And Jonathan Groff.

January 2015


Atonement- a novel by Ian McEvan is a great, highly praised book telling a story of a mistake of a young, naive girl which ruins other people's lifes. Too less to read it? Well- at least watch the Academy Award nominated movie based on the book. Starring James McAvoy and Keira Knightley.
December 2014

Revenge  is my new addiction. And I'm not talking about my behaviour, but I mean the TV series ;) You've got here everything what it takes to make good series- romance, crime, complicated plot. The only problem is that sometimes during the scenes where I was supposed to be scared or touched, I just laughed. But it's no big deal. Maybe it's my common reaction to poor acting of some memers of the cast (Emily VanCamp not included).
November 2014


Mildred Pierce  is a novel by James M. Cain, an award-winning movie and a highly praised miniseries aired on HBO, starring Kate Winslet, Evan Rachel Wood and Guy Pearce. I saw the last one and I must admit that's worthwhile. If You like happy endings (like I do), You'll be slightly disappoited, but You can be sure that the well-played leading roles will be a great recompensation.
October 2014



It's Kind of a Funny Story. Well... I like everything about this movie - Keir Gilchrist as Craig Gilner, Zach Galifianakis as Bobby, Emma Roberts as Noelle (a great name, by the way). This comedy-drama has opened my eyes to some things e.g. that I have to appreciate what I have - #enlightenment. I recommend this movie (and a book based on it) to every teenager struggling with a low self esteem and depression(well... we all suffer - more of less - from it).
September 2014

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is a film adaptation of a bestselling thriller by John le Carré. I absolutely loved the roles of Gary Oldman and Benedict Cumerbatch (yeah, that guy playing Sherlock).

August 2014

The Obstacles by Eloy Urroz is a great book about the modern Mexico, growing up and living in the world of fantasies. 

July 2014


Mort by Terry Pratchett is on the top of my list of favourite novels. It's full of unexpected moments and great humour characteristic of whole Discworld series.WARNING: I guarantee that once You start reading it, You won't be able to stop.

June 2014

The Silence of the Lambs is an American, super-creepy thriller, but I would say that it's more like a horror. And it's not free of controversy. You can see great roles played by 
Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins. The movie won 5 Academy Awards!
May 2014


The Dharma Bums by Jack Kerouacis a novel created by this great american writer in 1958. It's one of his best books describing the Beat Geaeration.Some of my friends claim that it's even better than his most famous book - 'On the road'.

April 2014


The Kite Runner - the film full of positive emotions is based on an equally wonderful book 
by Khaled Hosseini. It's message is that everybody can start all over and be a better person. Remember: 'There is a way to be good again'.
March 2014

Detropia - a stunning document about the decline of the economy of Detroit. The worst thing is that the same thing can happen to many other cities... The film won the U.S. Documentary Editing Award, and was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival.
February 2014


(500) Days of Summer - I'm not sure, if it's a romantic comedy. And the director has turned things round - this time a boy, not a girl is unreasonable. An additional advantage is an unexpectable ending. I've also loved the acting of Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel.
January 2014



Silver Linings Playbook - Jennifer Lawrece has won an Oscar for her part in this movie. (And she has definitely deserved it!) Bradley Cooper is also very convincing.No spoilers. All I'm going to say is: You have to watch it.
December 2013

The Perks of Being a Wallflower - I have immediately fallen in love with this movie. After watching her great, convincing acting, I've also developed a a girl crush on Emma Watson. (The book, upon which the movie is based, is even better, obv.)
November 2013



The Cove - Everybody should see that astonishing movie. It's definitely one of the best documents ever. After watching it, visit http://www.takepart.com/cove and see, what You can do right now to save the dolphins.
October 2013


Chasing Ice - Very impressive and moving. You want to change the world - start from this movie and find out how it was made click here.
September 2013



Toast - A delicious movie about  real love and dreams of a boy. Although nobody believes in him, he is ambitious enough to fight for his rights and dreams. Based on a true story.
August 2013

Julie & Julia - Life full of cookig, laughing and writig... A fantastic comedy to watch during a cold, winter evening.


All of the pictures above have been downloaded from various websites like fanpages and official websites of the movies. You can check out where they come from by clicking at them and copying their URL address.

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