Julia (Tv Series, HBO 2022)

 Before there was the Food Network, Emeril Lagasse and Rachel Ray, there was the founding mother of tv cooking, Julia Child. The new HBO series Julia takes a look at how Julia started teaching America that they too could master the art of French cooking. The series opens with Julia publishing her first cook book, Mastering The Art Of French Cooking in the early 1960s. She is invited onto Boston's PBS WGBH television station to be a guest on a program whose stuffy host makes it clear he thinks it's absurd to be discussing a cook book. But Julia has the bright idea instead of discussing, showing how to make a French omelet.

Julia is played by Sarah Lancashire (Happy Valley) who brings us the loveable quirkiness of Julia Child which helped make her unforgettable to millions. We see the close relationship she and her husband Paul, played by David Hyde Pierce (Frasier) had. And how she has to win him over on the idea of being on tv. 

If you're a Julia Child fan or a fan of cooking shows, check it out. See how teaching us, while watching television, not to be afraid to get out a whisk and whip up something in the kitchen all began. Bon Appétit! Bebe Neuwirth also stars in this series.

Belfast (Movie 2021)

 Belfast is the Oscar nominated 2021 film that is written and directed by Kenneth Branagh. It stars Jamie Dornan and Dame Judi Dench.It is set in 1969 Belfast, Northern Ireland when as it is referred to, The Troubles began. The Troubles were Loyalist Protestants against Unionist Catholics. Though it might sound it's religion versus religion, it really involved those who wished to stay under British rule and those who wanted Northern Ireland to be independent of the UK. It is inspired by Branagh's own early childhood in Belfast. We are following through the film 9 year old Buddy as he and his family find themselves in the midst of the eruption of this conflict. It opens with Buddy playing with his friends in a lively, family oriented neighborhood of both Protestants and Catholics. While heading back to his home for lunch all hell breaks loose as the rioting begins. Buddy's family is Protestant but even they are in danger. You either help the Loyalists or you are considered the enemy. 

First I just have to comment on how beautifully this was filmed. True art. I was impressed with the angle of the camera shots and the crispness of the images. It is in black and white except for some moments where color flashes in like when the family is watching movies in a theater or seeing a play. 

There is such feeling and emotion in this story. Moving scenes of fear, sadness, humor and love. You are drawn into this family and the street they live. There's nothing extraordinary about them. Just a family living their lives, trying to pay bills, or like Buddy wondering how he can talk to the girl he likes in class. And then their world turned upside-down by a conflict they want no part of.