I don’t often do movies reviews, partly because I rarely watch recent films. I haven’t been to the theaters to see a movie since Avengers: Endgame (2019). But per the Critical Drinker’s recommendation, I borrowed the 2024 film One Life, and amid a snowstorm I enjoyed a cozy night in with a wonderful film (andContinue reading “Ordinary Architects of Fate: A review of “One Life” (2024)”
Tag Archives: Courage
Did I Use My Gifts Wisely?
The Purpose of Power and Strength The following is a discussion and analysis of one of my favorite scenes in the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba manga. This contains spoilers from the Mugen Train arc in the manga and anime. “Do you know why you were born stronger than other people?”
Review & Analysis: The Night Gardener by Jonathan Auxier
(Minor spoilers—nothing big.) Again Jonathan Auxier tells an intriguing story with compelling, interesting characters, while dealing with the question of ‘What is a story, and what is it for?’ in a way that both a child and an adult can understand and appreciate. Set amid the Irish potato famine and English prejudice against the Irish,Continue reading “Review & Analysis: The Night Gardener by Jonathan Auxier”
The Glory of Repentance: Learning Courage and Hope from The Lord of the Rings
The following contains spoilers for those who have neither read nor seen The Lord of the Rings (specifically The Two Towers book, chapter one, or the film version of The Fellowship of the Ring). Several weeks ago, some friends and I were talking about our favourite books, and the topic turned (as it often doesContinue reading “The Glory of Repentance: Learning Courage and Hope from The Lord of the Rings”
My Journey to Black Belt: A Personal Narrative
Foreword: Here follows part of a talk I wrote regarding my personal journey to my MMA Black Belt specialising in Krav Maga. I wanted to share a personal narrative, and I thought this was a good way to do so. This is a part of my story. We all have a part in a grandContinue reading “My Journey to Black Belt: A Personal Narrative”
The Gifts of the Lady Galadriel: A Meditation on Pentecost
Here follows a meditation on Pentecost, when God bestowed the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles, through the lens of J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings—in particular the chapter of the Lady Galadriel’s giving of gifts to the Fellowship of the Ring. This I began with ardour and undertook with caution in mind,Continue reading “The Gifts of the Lady Galadriel: A Meditation on Pentecost”
Four Types of Soil: Knowing Yourself & Seeking God
In the parable of the sower (Mark 4:1-20), Jesus describes four types of soil on which seed falls, demonstrating how the word of God is received by people. It seems to me that I can relate to each type of soil in this parable. There have been times in my life when God spoke toContinue reading “Four Types of Soil: Knowing Yourself & Seeking God”
The Curious Critic 