Tag Archives: Lily’s pick

Hacksaw Ridge (directed by Mel Gibson)

, ,

Hacksaw Ridge is a film based on true events during the WWII. Army Medic Desmond Doss, Image result for Hacksaw Ridgebeing a conscientious objector to the war, single-handedly saved many wounded soldiers on the battlefields of Okinawa, Japan. Doss refused to carry a gun and kill people in the war; he only wanted to save people’s lives. Although mocked, bullied, and almost being sent to the military prison, Doss did not lose his believe. He finally went to the frontline as a medic, and persistently proved himself as powerful as the armed soldiers. He was awarded with the Medal of Honor for his rescue effort; he is the first man in American history to receive this medal without firing a shot.

 

Image result for Hacksaw Ridge Desmond DossNominated for 6 Oscars, Hacksaw Ridge is a movie about bravery and humanity. Andrew Garfield did a great job portraying the main character. There is definitely lots of blood and violence that made me jump in the movie, however, it is the cruelty of the war that makes Doss’ action shine. After I watch this film, I felt that the most powerful weapon is a person’s mind, and there is always hope and goodness in humanities.

 

 

The Twelve Lives of Samuel Hawley–Hannah Tinti

, ,

Image result for the twelve lives of samuel hawleyThe Twelve Lives of Samuel Hawley is a brilliant domestic suspense novel about Samuel and his teenage daughter Loo. There are twelve gun shot wounds on Sam’s body, behind each, there is a story that still haunts Sam in the present. Trying his hardest to be a good father and shielding Loo from what the criminal past might bring, Sam could not stop Loo from uncovering bits and pieces of her mother mysterious death from her grandmother. This book is a love story, a family story, and a thriller. Besides the actions, deep emotions intertwine around grief, confusion, loss, and longing.

I read the advanced readers copy and could not put it down. This book will be published in March this year, it is definitely a page turner.

Manchester by the Sea (directed by Kenneth Lonergan)

, , ,

In this heart-gripping drama, Casey Affleck portrays a man, Lee Chandler, who came backImage result for manchester by the sea to his hometown to deal with the passing of his brother. Lee found out that his brother’s will is for him to be his nephew’s guardian. While trying to build a relationship with his teenage nephew, Lee found himself caught in the past that he does not want to remember. Manchester by the Sea is sorrowful and devastating, however, the sadness and nuances in this film are so real that it made me feel very much alive. The story did not try to force a “perfect” ending. Instead, it let the narrative flow, let the events unfold, and paused at a natural place.

I have never really noticed Casey Affleck in any other film, but his performance in Manchester by the Sea is truly memorable. His Golden Globe for the role of Lee Chandler is well-deserved (despite of what he might have done in real life).