Films

Lady Bird (2017)

“Lady Bird” marks Greta Gerwig’s debut as a director, exploring the challenges of teenage life.

The film revolves around Christine, who adopts the name Lady Bird, and her complex relationship with her mother. She navigates her senior year at a strict private girls’ high school, depicting the multitude of concerns that occupy a teenager’s mind in a refreshingly realistic manner. Gerwig eschews glamour and melodrama, opting instead for an authentic portrayal of this pivotal stage of life.

Through its honest storytelling, “Lady Bird” captivates viewers with its candid depiction of teenage experiences.

12 Angry Men (1957)

I first watched “12 Angry Men” when I was around 12 years old, and even then, I loved it—quite impressive for a film made in 1957. At that age, I couldn’t articulate why I liked it. I lacked the vocabulary and film knowledge, but it didn’t matter.

Now that I’ve studied film extensively, it still holds up for me, and I can now explain why. The majority of the story unfolds in one room, aside from the opening and closing scenes, all within a jury room. Despite being scripted, the film feels like a social experiment or a profound exploration of the human condition.

Director Sidney Lumet’s first move in creating this film was to meticulously plan every conceivable camera angle within the room where it was shot. This is where the film’s genius lies. It doesn’t merely feel confined to one room; it’s far more intricate than that. Lumet strategically matched each angle to the story’s progression and its emotional tone, crafting a film that was remarkably ahead of its time. “12 Angry Men” possesses the remarkable ability to elevate a seemingly straightforward story into something profound and multi-layered.

Fever Pitch (2005)

“Fever Pitch” (2005) is the quintessential early 2000s rom-com.

Growing up in a household of avid Yankees fans, attending games and watching them on TV was a regular occurrence. My wardrobe was predominantly New York Yankees merchandise—my closet filled with tie-dye shirts, Baltimore Ravens jerseys, and Yankees apparel. Perhaps it’s this upbringing that makes “Fever Pitch” so nostalgic and perfect for me. It seamlessly blends cheesy rom-com clichés with a wave of nostalgia.

Music