kibuje79 Reviews

From Scratch (2022)

Cried my eyes out

[9/10 · 10 March 2023]

Heart wrenching. Not what I expected. I absolutely loved it. The acting and the style was maybe lacking a bit in the first episodes, but oh my God. OMG. It became more and more real life with each episode. It kinda eased its way from cheesy love story to real life and real problems.

I loved all the Italian that was spoken. And the complex family dynamics.

Honestly I watched it in one sitting. All eight episodes until 5 in the morning. I couldn't stop.

I have no personal history with the specific themes displayed but it managed to open me up to some deep layers of sorrow stored deep down. It was almost cathartic for me to watch. I cried my eyes out. Both personal tears and tears for the story. For me it had the right mix of sweet love and real life.

Only complaint is how dark the story actually was. My positive and romantic heart hoped for a more Disney-like ending.

Carrie Pilby (2016)

I reale enjoyed this

[9/10 · 6 September 2021]

Despite being more than twice her age I recognised my self in Carrie. Loved the development of her character. Especially how she softened, opened up and started engaging.

I cried and I smiled. Just what I needed on an off day. There is hope if we dare soften up and engage in life. Not that easy. I think the movie catches this in a nice and positive way and leaves you hopeful.

The Me You Can't See (2021– )

I loved it - an important input to the mental health conversation

[10/10 · 3 July 2021]

What's with all he bad reviews? In my opinion this series is a string of good and well rounded conversations about mental health. Yes, they could have covered a lot more. But hopefully this is just the first season. I loved that they chose to bring stories of mental problems from several famous people, because 1) it humanises and levels them with us 2) shows us that money and privilege does not safe guard you from mental issues in any way. It does not. It isolates. And that is one of the worst thing for anyones mental health. I actually wish they would have unfolded the pain of isolation and fear of being chased by the media a bit more. But reading the many reviews claiming they wine in their privileged towers I guess that would have not gone over well. For me the choice to portray famous people we might idolize and already know for their work helped break down the false perception that fame and wealth equals happiness or mental health.

This is written by a person on early retirement also struggling with my mental health. And I have no problem relating to either Oprah, Harry, Glen Close, Zak Williams etc. My biggest fear is to become famous as I know that would isolate, take away my freedom and break me completely. So I want to take this opportunity to thank some of the people living under under a public microscope and doing great work that both entertains and benefits the rest of us. I wouldn't want to switch place with you.

Back to the content: I think Harry and Oprah did a good job at showing how community and grasroot resources is one of the most important things to expand in order to improve mental health globally. The granny on the friendship bench working for free, Glen Close being with her family, the olympic boxer sitting on the floor talking to her trainer when having a suicidal breakdown. That is in my opinion where the big healing - from all the little shifts - happen. We need to talk about it, and listen to each other in all the little moments when we are distressed. The experience physically that we are not alone. This series shows so well that we are not alone. Everyone is struggling with big painfull issues. But it's important to bring that feeling of togetherness in the struggles out in the world. And that happens on the bench, on the bus, on the floor, in the family at school etc etc. Talk! And listen!

Themes to unfold further in this show could be:

• don't talk ABOUT people that are in trouble talk WITH them. Ask you friend your neighbor or the random person in distress that you bump into what is really going on. What makes you cry right now? Tell my about the pain that makes you want to end your life right now. I'm listening. What do you need?

• Don't give advice unless it's asked for, or you are payed to advice the other person, or it is really necessary due to an immediate crisis. Ask people what they need. Advice says more about the person giving it, than the one receiving it.

• Comunity, comunity, comunity. More stories about the healing qualities of comunity.

• The acceptance of wounds that cannot necessarily heal.

• More talk about how childhood trauma wires our behavioral patterns as an adult. And how healthy adult behaviour needs to be talked about and promoted. New ways of parenting, to prevent childhood trauma.

-What is healthy relational behaviour and what isn't. The room for two in all realtions. I can be me while you can still be you when we are together.

• and so much more.

Looking for Alaska (2019)

Startet out bad, but it got good. Really f...ing good!

[9/10 · 27 November 2020]

Both acting and plot was so bad in the first episode. It felt like a really bad B movie. The only reason I continued was the good IMDB rating, and SO glad I did. Second episode was a little better. Both acting and storyline slowly got progressively better with every episode and ended up being close to fantastic the last 3-4 episodes. It was daring. So many different angles on shame and emotional trauma. And a liberating emotional depth. If you can suffer through the first episodes it's def worth your time. And tears. There will be plenty of tears. And smiles. And laughs. OMG I loved it.