June was a bit of a lazy month for me reading wise. I was not in the mood to read much, even though I participated in six readathons (crazy, right?). However, I did turn to films and series a lot this month to keep me entertained and I am excited to show you what I have been loving to watch.
F I L M S
Becoming (2020)
YOUR STORY IS YOUR POWER.
Join former first lady Michelle Obama in an intimate documentary looking at her life, hopes and connection with others.
I read the book, Becoming by Michelle Obama in April this year and loved it so, so much. It was so educating and inspiring and left me in tears. This film was no different. I was completely sobbing like I have not sobbed for any other film in a while. It is a book and film I recommend everyone to watch because you will learn a thing or two for sure.
Kiki’s Delivery Service 魔女の宅急便 (1989)
I WAS FEELING BLUE, BUT I’M BETTER NOW.
A young witch, on her mandatory year of independent life, finds fitting into a new community difficult while she supports herself by running an air courier service.
Ever since I watched My Neighbor Totoro a while back, I have been wanting to binge more Studio Ghibli films. As with all of them I have watched so far, I loved this one with all my heart. It was so cute and sweet and magical.
Feel the Beat (2020)
TAKE YOUR CHANCE. MAKE YOUR MOVE.
After failing to make it on Broadway, April returns to her hometown and reluctantly begins training a misfit group of young dancers for a competition.
To be honest, I mainly watched it because of Sofia Carson because I have loved her ever since I discovered her through Disney many years ago. This film was really sweet but it was kind of a big cliché. The only thing I really loved about it was that the dance moves were taught in sign language for one of the characters in the dance class. Overall, it was an enjoyable film and it did put a smile on my face.
Howl’s Moving Castle ハウルの動く城 (2004)
THE TWO LIVED THERE
When Sophie, a shy young woman, is cursed with an old body by a spiteful witch, her only chance of breaking the spell lies with a self-indulgent yet insecure young wizard and his companions in his legged, walking castle.
Out of all the Studio Ghibli films I have watched so far, I think this one may be my favourite. It was a whirlwind and roller coaster ride, that is all I can tell you. The film is really cute but it does have a much darker theme to it than the others I have watched. Nevertheless, I could not stop watching and I really loved Sophie, Howl and the other characters a lot.
Spirited Away 千と千尋の神隠し (2001)
A young girl, Chihiro, becomes trapped in a strange new world of spirits. When her parents undergo a mysterious transformation, she must call upon the courage she never knew she had to free her family.
To be quite honest with you, this one scared this scaredy-cat a bit. The beginning is really mysterious and totally weird but it feels as if you are there with the main character, experiencing everything with her. I still have to finish a bit of the film but so far, it is just as special as the others.
S E R I E S
Gilmore Girls (S4:E8—S5:E5)
Lorelai Gilmore, an independent young woman, shares a close bond with her wilful daughter, Rory. However, her relationship with her own mother is strained.
It is finally winter here in South Africa, so that means it is the perfect time to binge watch this series as I have been wanting to do for a long time. I really love Lorelai and Rory but during these episodes, things have kind of turned to the more problematic side and to be honest with you, they tired me out a bit. I am hoping things get a little lighter over the next few episodes but then again, it is not Gilmore Girls without a little drama.
The Big Bang Theory (S1:E1—S1:E18)
The lives of four socially awkward friends, Leonard, Sheldon, Howard and Raj, take a wild turn when they meet the beautiful and free-spirited Penny.
This is not my first time watching anything of the series. Over the years, I have watched a few episodes here and there on television but I decided to finally start binge watching the series from the first episode to the last. I really love the show for the couple laughs I get during each episode and I am excited to continue binging the series.
Riverdale (S3:E1)
Archie, Betty, Jughead and Veronica tackle being teenagers in a town that is rife with sinister happenings and blood-thirsty criminals.
I loved binging this series a while back but this new season just does not seem to keep my attention. Maybe next month I will give it another try but it is a dark and mysterious show and with everything going on in the world, I just need something light and funny, I guess.
[Disclaimers: The photos used in the blog posts graphic are from Pinterest and the movie covers used in the blog post are from Google.]
Keep on reading and never stop telling stories.
White Rose Stories 
I really enjoyed Howl’s Moving Castle too and I have to get on watching the other Studio Ghibli films as well. I’ve recently started The Big Bang Theory although I mainly watch an episode or two whenever I’m in a rut/slump. Although I’m not much of a fan of it right now, it does give me a good laugh every now and then so I’ll keep on watching and see how I like it. As for Riverdale, well, as much as I love Cole Sprouse (he’s my number 1 celebrity crush lol) and the first season of this was very good, I didn’t like how the series continued. I’m glad you’re still considering giving it a chance tho! <3
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That’s great! Yes, I understand what you mean. I’ve only recently gotten more into the series. Haha yes, I agree with you! Hoping to continue the rest of the episodes of season 3 soon 🤍
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