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Seven Re-Review

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“Apathy is the solution. I mean, it’s easier to lose yourself in drugs than it is to cope with life. It’s easier to steal what you want than it is to earn it. It’s easier to beat a child than it is to raise it. Hell, love costs: it takes effort and work.”

It may come as a shock to many but director David Fincher’s seminal thriller: Seven turns 30 years old this year. Released in 1995 (the math is math-ing) it was the first film Fincher and 90’s heart throb Brad Pitt worked together. It was the film that proved Fincher’s directorial prowess as well as proving Pitt wasn’t just a pretty face but an actor to be lauded. Seven’s neo-noir style was fresh; wonderfully eerie, and befitting the gruesome tone.

I was way too young to see the debut of Seven and admittedly I knew most of the twists through cultural osmosis but I still wanted to see this juggernaut of a murder mystery on the big screen for its anniversary cinematic re-release. 

Initially Denzel Washington was tapped to star. Fincher recently admitted that Washington did not like the script which had to be rewritten 10 or 11 times to suit the actor (Fincher, 2025). Despite these reviews Washington ultimately turned down the role but Washington’s loss was Morgan Freeman’s (and our!) gain. 

Freeman plays Detective Lt William Somerset who is 7 days away from retirement. Unsurprisingly the number 7 also plays a big role in the film. For his last assignment Somerset is given the case of killer who is artfully killing their victims using the guise of the 7 (see!) Deadly Sins.

Beginning with the sin of ‘Gluttony’ the killer forced a morbidly obese man to literally eat himself to death at gunpoint. This is where we enter the movie and it only gets more disturbing from here!

Brad Pitt’s character; Detective David Mills is new to this unnamed gloomy city accompanied by his wife (Gwyneth Paltrow). The city seems to be its own biosphere where it rains constantly. Not only does this add a sense of foreboding but it could also be a nod to the biblical flood, punishing the characters for their supposed sins. Seven has many religious undertones.

Detective Mills is assigned to the case with Somerset whom he has to remind that despite his youthful appearance, Mills is no ‘rookie’ and has worked on many disturbing cases. 

As the sins are counted off the killers methods become more and more sadistic. This leads to a climax that even today, thirty years later, is still shocking and widely quoted. 

Seven is a classic due to its many components working together seamlessly. The artful direction, the moody set design, and the atmospheric score composed by Howard Shore, who also scored The Silence of the Lambs. It is amazing to experience the score with cinematic surround sound, particularly the groundbreaking opening credits punctuated by Nine Inch Nails song ‘Closer’.

The two leads are predictably fantastic but the relatively small cast all give memorable performance. R. Lee Ermey (Full Metal Jacket) brings his authoritative charm to the grizzled police captain. John C McGinley (Platoon) gives his usual energetic performance heading the movies SWAT team as ‘California’ (unclear whether this is a code name or his actual name). Interestingly Fincher sourced McGinley’s talent for adlibbing as most of his scenes are adlibbed.

In one of the most iconic scenes in the film and arguably one of the most famous jump scares in cinematic history. The actors (including Freeman, McGinley, and Pitt) were not told to expect this particular scare. So the reactions of the characters are the genuine reactions of the actors. See if you can spot which scene!

Some may be tempted to dismiss Seven as just another popcorn thriller but, for me, there are several lines that are so well written they stay with you. In one scene an unnamed doctor is speaking about the death of a character; “He’s experienced about as much pain and suffering as anyone I’ve encountered, give or take, and he still has hell to look forward to.” This line is powerful on many levels as it is said with the casualness and dark humour of a doctor who is numbed to treating the evils of this world. It perfectly encapsulates the dark inevitability of the film.

It is clear why Seven is considered a classic. For any millennials (such as myself) or Gen Z’s or indeed anyone who wants to relive the creeping tension, I highly recommend catching it on the big screen!

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 five quintessential Indian love stories that have left an indelible mark on audiences.

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 I’ve curated a list of five quintessential Indian love stories that have left an indelible mark on audiences. Each film is a testament to the rich tapestry of romance in Indian cinema, blending compelling narratives with stellar performances.

1. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995)

Genre: Romance, Drama

Runtime: 3 hours 9 minutes

Actors: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol

Writer: Aditya Chopra

Director: Aditya Chopra

Studio: Yash Raj Films

Synopsis: A timeless tale of love, the film follows Raj and Simran, who meet during a European vacation and fall in love, only to face familial opposition upon returning to India.

Where to Watch: Available on Netflix.

2. Jab We Met (2007)

Genre: Romance, Comedy

Runtime: 2 hours 18 minutes

Actors: Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor

Writer: Imtiaz Ali

Director: Imtiaz Ali

Studio: Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision Ltd.

Synopsis: A heartwarming story of a depressed businessman who finds a new lease on life after meeting a spirited and talkative girl on a train journey.

Where to Watch: Available on Netflix.

3. Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013)

Genre: Romance, Drama

Runtime: 2 hours 40 minutes

Actors: Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone

Writer: Ayan Mukerji, Hussain Dalal (dialogues)

Director: Ayan Mukerji

Studio: Dharma Productions

Synopsis: The film explores the journey of four friends, focusing on the evolving relationship between Bunny and Naina, as they navigate love, dreams, and friendship.

Where to Watch: Available on Netflix.

4. Barfi! (2012)

Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama

Runtime: 2 hours 31 minutes

Actors: Ranbir Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, Ileana D’Cruz

Writer: Anurag Basu

Director: Anurag Basu

Studio: UTV Motion Pictures

Synopsis: Set in the 1970s, the film tells the story of a mute and deaf man named Barfi and his relationships with two women, highlighting love beyond societal norms.

Where to Watch: Available on Netflix.

5. Manmarziyaan (2018)

Genre: Romance, Drama

Runtime: 2 hours 35 minutes

Actors: Abhishek Bachchan, Taapsee Pannu, Vicky Kaushal

Writer: Kanika Dhillon

Director: Anurag Kashyap

Studio: Phantom Films, Aanand L. Rai

Synopsis: A contemporary love triangle that delves into the complexities of modern relationships, commitment, and the choices individuals make in love.

Where to Watch: Available on Netflix.

These films encapsulate the essence of Indian romance, each offering a unique perspective on love and relationships. They are readily available for streaming, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in these captivating tales.

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the Top 10 List of Korean Romance Dramas with details on where you can stream them

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1. Crash Landing on You (2019–2020)

Cast: Hyun Bin, Son Ye-jin

Director: Lee Jung-hyo

Writer: Park Ji-eun

Episodes: 16

Where to Watch: Netflix

Summary: A South Korean heiress crash-lands in North Korea and is rescued by a North Korean officer. Their love transcends borders in this heartfelt drama.

2. Goblin (Guardian: The Lonely and Great God) (2016–2017)

Cast: Gong Yoo, Kim Go-eun, Lee Dong-wook

Director: Lee Eung-bok

Writer: Kim Eun-sook

Episodes: 16 (+ 3 special episodes)

Where to Watch: Viki, Amazon Prime Video

Summary: A goblin cursed with immortality seeks his bride, the only one who can end his eternal life. This story is packed with humor, heartache, and breathtaking visuals.

3. Descendants of the Sun (2016)

Cast: Song Joong-ki, Song Hye-kyo

Director: Lee Eung-bok

Writer: Kim Eun-sook, Kim Won-seok

Episodes: 16 (+ 3 special episodes)

Where to Watch: Viki, Netflix

Summary: A soldier and a doctor navigate love amidst war zones and life-threatening decisions.

4. Itaewon Class (2020)

Cast: Park Seo-joon, Kim Da-mi

Director: Kim Sung-yoon

Writer: Gwang Jin (based on a webtoon)

Episodes: 16

Where to Watch: Netflix

Summary: A determined young man opens a bar in Itaewon to seek revenge against a corrupt company while discovering unexpected love.

5. What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim (2018)

Cast: Park Seo-joon, Park Min-young

Director: Park Joon-hwa

Writer: Jung Kyung-yoon (novel), Jung Eun-young (screenplay)

Episodes: 16

Where to Watch: Viki, Netflix

Summary: A narcissistic CEO is baffled when his loyal secretary announces her resignation, leading to a romantic and comedic journey.

6. My Love from the Star (2013–2014)

Cast: Kim Soo-hyun, Jun Ji-hyun

Director: Jang Tae-yoo

Writer: Park Ji-eun

Episodes: 21

Where to Watch: Viki, Hulu

Summary: A centuries-old alien living on Earth falls for a famous actress, creating a love story that blends sci-fi with romance.

7. Hotel Del Luna (2019)

Cast: IU, Yeo Jin-goo

Director: Oh Choong-hwan

Writers: Hong Jung-eun, Hong Mi-ran

Episodes: 16

Where to Watch: Viki, Netflix

Summary: A mystical hotel for ghosts, run by a cursed and captivating woman, sets the stage for a love story that spans lifetimes.

8. Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022)

Cast: Kim Tae-ri, Nam Joo-hyuk

Director: Jung Ji-hyun

Writer: Kwon Do-eun

Episodes: 16

Where to Watch: Netflix

Summary: Set during the 1997 financial crisis, a teenage fencer and a young man bond over dreams and hardships in this nostalgic romance.

9. Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo (2016–2017)

Cast: Lee Sung-kyung, Nam Joo-hyuk

Director: Oh Hyun-jong

Writer: Yang Hee-seung

Episodes: 16

Where to Watch: Viki, Netflix

Summary: A young weightlifter navigates love, friendship, and self-discovery in this charming romantic comedy.

10. Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021)

Cast: Shin Min-a, Kim Seon-ho

Director: Yoo Je-won

Writer: Shin Ha-eun

Episodes: 16

Where to Watch: Netflix

Summary: A big-city dentist moves to a seaside village and finds love and healing with a local handyman in this heartwarming tale.

These dramas are available on popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Viki, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu, making them easy to access for fans worldwide.

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Top-five list of romantic Japanese anime

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1. Your Lie in April (Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso)

Director: Kyohei Ishiguro

Writer: Takao Yoshioka (screenplay), Naoshi Arakawa (manga)

Animation Studio: A-1 Pictures

Genre: Romance, Drama, Music

Runtime: Approx. 22 minutes per episode

Number of Episodes: 22

Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu

Synopsis: A talented young pianist, Kosei Arima, loses his ability to hear the piano after his mother’s death. His world changes when he meets the spirited violinist Kaori Miyazono, who teaches him to embrace music and life again.

2. Fruits Basket (2019 Reboot)

Director: Yoshihide Ibata

Writer: Taku Kishimoto (screenplay), Natsuki Takaya (manga)

Animation Studio: TMS Entertainment

Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Slice of Life

Runtime: Approx. 23 minutes per episode

Number of Episodes: 63 (3 seasons)

Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu

Synopsis: Orphaned Tohru Honda moves in with the mysterious Soma family, who harbor a magical curse: members transform into animals of the Chinese Zodiac. Amid unraveling secrets, she finds love and healing.

3. Toradora!

Director: Tatsuyuki Nagai

Writer: Mari Okada (screenplay), Yuyuko Takemiya (light novel)

Animation Studio: J.C. Staff

Genre: Romantic Comedy, Slice of Life

Runtime: Approx. 25 minutes per episode

Number of Episodes: 25

Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll, Netflix, HIDIVE

Synopsis: Ryuuji Takasu and Taiga Aisaka strike an unlikely alliance to help each other win over their crushes, only to discover their feelings for each other along the way.

4. Violet Evergarden

Director: Taichi Ishidate

Writer: Reiko Yoshida (screenplay), Kana Akatsuki (light novel)

Animation Studio: Kyoto Animation

Genre: Drama, Romance, Slice of Life

Runtime: Approx. 25 minutes per episode

Number of Episodes: 13 + Special + Movies

Streaming Platform: Netflix

Synopsis: Violet, a former child soldier, seeks purpose as a ghostwriter and learns about love and human emotion through her clients’ stories.

5. Snow White with the Red Hair (Akagami no Shirayuki-hime)

Director: Masahiro Ando

Writer: Deko Akao (screenplay), Sorata Akizuki (manga)

Animation Studio: Bones

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Drama

Runtime: Approx. 24 minutes per episode

Number of Episodes: 24 (2 seasons)

Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll, Funimation

Synopsis: Shirayuki, a herbalist with red hair, flees her kingdom after catching the attention of a lecherous prince. She finds a new home and love with Prince Zen of the neighboring kingdom.

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