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  • 7 Ways to Build a Better Business — Every Movie Has a Lesson

    7 Ways to Build a Better Business — Every Movie Has a Lesson



    Getting into business is not for the faint-hearted. Even when you’re a natural-born entrepreneur and you love nothing more than to dedicate yourself to a project, you’re going to find that the ups and downs in business can be tough. With that being said, it is always worth it when you’re doing something you love. While not everyone will want to be an entrepreneur, and some people will be better suited to the corporate world, if you are thinking about getting into business, it’s always important to do it in the right way. Even if you’ve been in business for a while, you may also be looking for ways to improve what you do.

    Ultimately, you always want to make sure that your business is the best it can be. It’s not always easy to know what steps you need to take in order for that to happen. Plus, when you’re busy balancing a lot of plates, it can be hard to dedicate your time to something else. But in this blog post, we’re going to change that for you. So if you’d love to be able to build a better business or make sure that you’re setting things up in the best way from the start, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s take a look at the seven things you can do to make that happen!

    1. Be in it For the Right Reasons

    First of all, you’re going to want to make sure that you’re in this for the right reasons. If you’re not motivated by passion or making a difference, you may find that your interest in what you’re doing will tail off. Sure, it’s nice to be able to make money and enjoy more freedom, but you have to care about the business nature itself in order to stay dedicated to it!

    2. Be Ethical

    Something you should always look to do is have a good moral compass and focus on operating ethically. If you don’t, you may find that it comes back to haunt you! Being a good person and building a good company that makes a difference will always help you to stand the test of time!

    3. Focus on Efficiency

    Another thing that you might want to pour your time and energy into is efficiency. This isn’t from a cost-cutting perspective, but more so about ensuring that you’re using your time, energy, and resources as effectively as possible. Removing anything redundant in your business and focusing on improving workflow can make a huge difference to how the business runs too.

    4. Understand Your Customer More

    If you want to get better results, you need to spend more time getting to know your customer. Ultimately, you can only ever see success with sales and revenue if you know what your customers want. That way, you can meet their needs and solve their problems. To do that, you need to know more about them. For this, you’ll want to find the best sales intelligence platform to support your sales team. The more you know your customers, the more effective your sales and marketing will become.

    5. Care About Your People

    If there’s one thing that will pay dividends for you, it’s looking after your people. Caring about your employees doesn’t take a lot of time and money, but it goes a long way. When your staff feel seen and heard, and they know you care about their happiness and wellbeing, they’ll be a lot happier at work. Happy employees stay loyal. They also do a much better job for you because they’re more invested in the success of the company!

    6. Do Good in the World

    It’s also wise to make sure that you’re doing good in the world. It could be with your products and services directly themselves or with the charitable efforts that you make. People are always drawn to good people and companies that care – so this will also help with your reputation too.

    7. Enjoy the Process

    Finally, you’re also going to want to make sure that you’re enjoying everything you do. Of course, there are always going to be challenging times and moments where you feel like giving up – and there will always be boring tasks to do too! But ultimately, if you want to be able to build a better business, that always begins with you. Do things that you love, remove redundant tasks, do it all your way, don’t follow the crowd, and move away from things that are causing you stress. As an entrepreneur, you get to build whatever kind of business you want! So never forget that.



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  • The Berlinale Independent Juries Prizes 2025: Hidden Gems

    The Berlinale Independent Juries Prizes 2025: Hidden Gems


    Today, the Berlinale Independent Juries prizes were awarded. There are several sections under this umbrella, and the awards were given out as follows:

    PRIZES OF THE ECUMENICAL JURY

    These awards were handed out in three sections. The Competition prize went to O último azul (The Blue Trail). The Panorama Award went to The Heart Is a Muscle, while the Forum prize was given to Holding Liat.

    Gabriel Mascaro independent juries prizes
    Gabriel Mascaro, director of O ùltimo azul (The Blue Trail)

    PRIZES OF THE FIPRESCI JURY

    The FIPRESCI awards were given to four sections. The Competition prize went to Drømmer (Dreams). The Panorama prize was given to Bajo las banderas, el sol (Under the Flags, the Sun). The Forum award went to La memoria de las mariposas (The Memory of Butterflies). The last prize for the new section, Perspectives, was given to Kaj ti je deklica (Little Trouble Girls).

    TEDDY AWARDS

    The prize for Best feature film went to Lesbian Space Princess. Best Documentary/Essay Film was awarded to Satanische Sau (Satanic Sow) by veteran Rosa von Praunheim. Best Short Film was given to Lloyd Wong, Unfinished. The Jury Award was given to Wenn du Angst hast nimmst du dein Herz in den Mund und lächelst
    (If You Are Afraid You Put Your Heart into Your Mouth and Smile)    . That film also took the prize for the Title that roll of Your Tongue. Finally, a Special Teddy Award was handed out to Todd Hayes, the jury president of the main competition this year.

    GUILD FILM PRIZE

    Dag Johan Haugerud won his second award for Drømmer (Dreams (Sex Love)) when he was given the Guild Film Prize. I’m slightly puzzled by these awards, but it might be seen as a soothing film in troubled times.

    Drömmar
    Drømmer (Dreams (Sex Love)

    CICAE ART CINEMA AWARD

    The Forum prize was yet another win for Wenn du Angst hast nimmst du dein Herz in den Mund und lächelst
    (If You Are Afraid You Put Your Heart into Your Mouth and Smile)    . The Panorama Award went to Sorda (Deaf). The latter won the PANORAMA AUDIENCE AWARD for feature film as well. The Audience prize for best documentary was given to Die Möllner Briefe (The Moelln Letters).

    Regarding other awards, Hysteria by Mehmet Akif Büyükatalay was given the LABEL EUROPA CINEMAS. Die Möllner Briefe (The Moelln Letters) scored another win with the AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL FILM AWARD. The HEINER CAROW PRIZE was given to Palliativstation (Palliative Care Unit) by Philipp Döring.

    Two German newspapers have their own READERS‘ JURY AWARD. The one from Berliner Morgenpost meant a third win for O último azul (The Blue Trail), while the prize from TAGESSPIEGEL went to The Swan Song of Fedor Ozerov.

    All of the awards from the independent juries and further information can be found here.



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  • The Berlinale Awards 2025 – The Disapproving Swede Strange

    The Berlinale Awards 2025 – The Disapproving Swede Strange


    The 2025 Berlinale Awards were presented on February 22. It was the 75th edition of the festival and the first under the reign of Tricia Tuttle. The jury president, Todd Haynes and his jury members had a thankless task since the competition selection was particularly uninspired this year.

    Berlinale Awards overview

    The Golden Bear went to Drømmer (Dreams (Sex Love)), directed by Norwegian filmmaker Dag Johan Haugerud. The inclusion of the film in the competition was surprising since it had already opened in Norwegian cinemas in October. It is also the second film in the trilogy rather than the third. Sex was screened in the Panorama section of last year’s Berlinale, while Love (reviewed here) was presented on the last day of the Venice Film Festival. The probable cause of the shuffle is that the initial plan was to present Drømmer at some festival between the Berlinale and Venice.

    The Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize went to O último azul (The Blue Trail) by Brazilian director Gabriel Mascaro. I was a fan of his 2019 Panorama entry, Divino amor, but found this work disappointing after a highly promising start.

    Gabriel Mascaro
    Gabriel Mascaro with his Silver Bear for O último azul (The Blue Trail).

    Argentinian filmmaker Iván Fund won the Silver Bear Jury Prize for El mensaje (The Message). There are things to admire in this film, but it is still a bit too insignificant and ruined by the usage of one particular piece of music. Fund’s work will not always be on my mind.

    For Best Director, the Silver Bear was awarded to Huo Meng for his sophomore film, Sheng xi zhi di (Living the Land). It’s a film I have yet to watch.

    El Mensaje Iván Fund
    The Silver Bear Jury Prize for El mensaje (The Message) being touched by Iván Fund.

    Acting accolades lit up the ceremony, with Rose Byrne earning the Silver Bear for Best Leading Performance in If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, directed by Mary Bronstein. This was the other of the two films in the competition that was not a world premiere. Bronstein’s film premiered at Sundance shortly before the Berlinale. Andrew Scott took the Silver Bear for Best Supporting Performance in Richard Linklater’s Blue Moon.

    The Silver Bear for Best Screenplay went to Radu Jude for Kontinental ’25. The Romanian auteur is no stranger to the Berlinale and inexplicably won the Golden Bear in 2021 for Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn. His new film will not surprise anyone who knows the director’s work but boasts a strong performance by Eszter Tompa.

    Kontinental 25
    Actress Eszter Tompa and director Rade Jude in the middle representing Kontinental ’25

    Finally, the Silver Bear for Outstanding Artistic Contribution honoured the creative ensemble behind La Tour de glace (The Ice Tower), directed by Lucile Hadžihalilović. This is the most inexplicable of the awards. Like the director’s previous films, it relies on mood rather than a cohesive style and moves at a glacial pace (no pun intended).

    The Berlinale 2025 winners were not exciting and, in some ways, predictable. That Todd Haynes would appreciate the queer-themed Drømmer is hardly a shock, but the awards for Jude’s and, above all, Hadžihalilović’s film are not easy to comprehend. As I wrote before, Haugerud’s film won two prizes at the Independent Awards earlier in the day. Personally, I find Haugerud’s trio superficial beyond belief. I’ve been wondering what makes his films so attractive in some quarters and have reached the disheartening conclusion that the films are the cinematic equivalent of a comfort blanket. Cinematic might not be the apt choice of words for these films devoid of cinematic qualities.

    Forzani Cattet Testi
    Bruno Forzani, Hélène Cattet, and Fabio Testi.

    Regarding films that should have won awards or snubs to descend to Oscar lingo, the most glaring omission is Reflet dans un diamant mort (Reflection in a Dead Diamond) by Bruno Forzani and Hélène Cattet. Reflections is the operative word in this masterful amalgamation of styles, taking its starting point in Italian sixties films. There will be a review and an interview with the directors with no hint of disapproval published soon on these pages. Yunan is another film that could have won an award. Even though it was hampered by Tarrismes with a tad too obvious references, it was indisputably one of the better films in the competition.

    Tricia Tuttle’s first edition may have worked well regarding the market side, but when it comes to the film selections, there remains plenty of work that needs to be done.



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  • Quick and Easy Online Casino Payment Methods for American Players — Every Movie Has a Lesson

    Quick and Easy Online Casino Payment Methods for American Players — Every Movie Has a Lesson



    American online gaming revenue reached $5.16 billion, and online casino payment methods played a vital role in this success. PayPal stands as the most trusted payment platform, with 78% of Americans choosing it for their online transactions. This shows how payment priorities continue to shape the digital world.

    Credit cards and bank transfers remain common choices, but players can now access many more payment options. These include e-wallets, cryptocurrency, and cash deposits at casino cages. On top of that, players expect quick deposits starting at $5 and withdrawals that process within 24 hours from modern online casinos.

    Let’s look at the most dependable payment methods for American players to help you understand deposit limits, processing times, and security features. This piece covers everything from traditional banking options to innovative payment solutions that help you pick the best way to fund your online casinos in US account.

    Understanding Online Casino Banking Options in the US

    American players need to know how to handle online casino payment methods in a complex legal setup. The U.S. banking options work differently from other countries because federal and state laws affect how players deposit and withdraw their money.

    Current legal landscape for American players

    The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) is the life-blood of federal laws that control casino online payment processing. The law came into effect in 2006. Players can still gamble online legally, but banks can’t process payments for unlawful internet gambling. Banks and credit card companies must screen and block payments to businesses that act as internet casinos.

    Legal online casinos run their operations in several states. Players can enjoy regulated online casino gaming in Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, West Virginia, and Michigan. Each state has its own licensing authority. The NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement and Michigan Gaming Control Board make sure gambling sites protect your money, data, and personal information.

    How state regulations affect payment processing

    Payment options vary a lot between different states. Casino operators in the same state might offer different payment methods. The Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) controls transactions between states, especially for online poker.

    States have different rules about:

    • Types of games allowed
    • Geolocation restrictions
    • Payment processing platforms
    • Licensing requirements

    Players in New Jersey might see different casino deposit options than those in Michigan or Pennsylvania. Legal gambling sites must follow strict know-your-customer (KYC) and anti-money laundering (AML) rules. These rules decide how you verify your deposits and withdrawals.

    Key factors to think over when choosing payment methods

    Your choice of casino payment options should depend on these important factors:

    Security and reliability come first. Pick payment methods that use encryption and strong fraud prevention systems. Licensed casinos work with trusted payment platforms that handle online banking transfers safely.

    Transaction speed changes based on your payment choice. Some methods give you instant deposits. Withdrawals can take anywhere from 24 hours to five days.

    Fee structures aren’t the same for all methods. Credit cards might charge more for casino deposits as cash advances. E-wallets often cost less per transaction.

    Deposit and withdrawal limits start from $5-10 and can go up to $30,000 with certain methods like Skrill. Players who bet big might prefer debit cards, cash deposits, or e-wallets that let them move larger amounts.

    Acceptance rates differ between methods. Visa and Mastercard are accessible to more people but might reject gambling transactions more often. Special casino payment services usually work better.

    The best payment method matches your banking style, safety needs, and how you like to play. This way, you’ll have a smooth time at online casinos.

    Popular Credit and Debit Card Options for Casino Deposits

    Credit and debit cards are the backbone of online casino payment methods. Non-prepaid debit cards make up 56.6% of all card payments in the United States. Credit cards account for 33.7%. You can save time, money, and avoid frustration by knowing how each option works to fund your casino accounts.

    Visa and Mastercard acceptance rates

    Visa leads the pack as the most accepted card at online casinos. People call it the “Swiss Army Knife” of gambling payments. Mastercard ranks second and shows up with Visa at almost every trusted gaming site. Both cards have similar acceptance rates today, but your success depends on your bank.

    Some banks like Capital One and Union Bank block all gambling transactions, legal or not. Wells Fargo and Chase let you gamble where it’s legal. Citi and Bank of America usually say no to these transactions as of February 2024.

    American Express and Discover limitations

    American Express and Discover lag by a lot behind the market leaders. Amex holds about 17% of the U.S. credit card market with over 44 million American cardholders. Yet, it puts tighter restrictions on gambling transactions.

    You’ll rarely see Discover as a deposit option, though some casinos accept it. Data shows Amex usually caps maximum deposits at $750, which is lower than other cards.

    How to avoid cash advance fees and declined transactions

    Your credit card company might label online gambling as a “cash-like” transaction. This triggers cash advance fees of 3% to 5% or at least $10. These charges start collecting interest right away without any grace period.

    Here’s how you can avoid declined transactions:

    • Make sure your card works for international transactions
    • Try services like Wyrz or Play+ as middlemen
    • Tell your bank about your gambling plans ahead of time
    • Load money into e-wallets first instead of direct deposits

    Debit card vs. credit card considerations

    Debit cards beat credit cards in several ways for casino deposits. They pull money straight from your checking account, so you won’t rack up high-interest debt. You also dodge those pesky cash advance fees that come with credit cards.

    Credit cards give you better fraud protection than debit cards. But gambling with credit means you’re betting with borrowed money. This can lead to overspending and make it hard to track your real gambling budget.

    Debit cards are the smarter choice for most players. Five states (Tennessee, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island) don’t even allow credit card gambling.

    Best 5 Casinos with Popular Payment Methods

    American players need trusted platforms that provide secure online casino payment methods with multiple banking options. Here are five top casinos that excel in payment flexibility, security, and quick processing times. You also can check the best 5 online casinos at https://listonlinecasino.com/.

    Red Dog Casino

    Red Dog Casino takes payment security seriously with encrypted transactions and multiple banking choices. Players can use Visa, Mastercard, Bitcoin, Litecoin, Flexepin, and Ethereum. The casino’s minimum deposit is USD 20.00 for cryptocurrencies and USD 30.00 for credit cards. Players must complete KYC verification before their first withdrawal. Bitcoin payouts take 1-3 business days to process. Cryptocurrency transactions are the quickest way to get your money right now.

    Vegas Casino

    Vegas Casino shines with low deposit limits that start at USD 5.00 to USD 10.00. The casino’s payment options have PayPal (24-hour processing), Trustly bank transfers, and major debit cards. PayPal transactions at Vegas Casino are quick – you’ll get your money in under an hour after review. High-stakes players will love the generous maximum limits, with debit card deposits up to USD 30,000.

    Wild Casino

    Wild Casino stands out with 19 cryptocurrency options, making it perfect for crypto users. Players need USD 20.00 minimum for most crypto deposits and USD 25.00 for credit cards. The casino’s cryptocurrency deposits can go up to USD 1,000,000. Credit card deposits come with fees between USD 6.25 flat rate and 12.5% of your deposit amount.

    Super Slots Casino

    Super Slots puts crypto first with high maximum deposits of USD 100,000 (or USD 500,000 for Bitcoin). Visa and Mastercard users have lower limits of USD 2,500. Players must wait 3 days after credit card deposits before requesting withdrawals. The casino requires players to wager all deposited money at least once before cashing out.

    Las Atlantis Casino

    Las Atlantis welcomes players with credit cards, cryptocurrency, and Flexepin payment options. Minimum deposits vary from USD 30.00 for cards, USD 20.00 for crypto, and USD 40.00 for USDT. Players can withdraw between USD 150.00 and USD 250,000 per transaction. The casino verifies all withdrawals, with Bitcoin taking 1-3 days and card payments needing 3-4 business days.

    E-Wallets and Digital Payment Solutions

    E-wallets have become a popular choice over traditional online casino payment methods, and 37% of people who bet on sports online now prefer them. These payment platforms make transactions faster and give users more privacy than regular banking options.

    PayPal’s growing acceptance at US casinos

    PayPal leads the pack as the most trusted e-wallet at regulated US casinos. It watches for fraud 24/7 and uses top-notch encryption. You’ll only find PayPal at fully licensed operators, where it works just like a separate checking account. This means you don’t need to share your bank details with gaming sites. Players who value their privacy will appreciate that PayPal transactions never show up on bank statements.

    Venmo and Cash App integration

    Millions of users love Venmo because it makes moving money so simple. The app now lets you deposit at certain online casinos and confirms your payment right away. Cash App has caught on with Bitcoin users too, letting them deposit and withdraw using crypto. Bitcoin payouts through Cash App usually happen within 24 hours – sometimes instantly. Users can withdraw up to USD 90000.00 each week.

    Skrill and Neteller availability for American players

    Skrill works in 163 countries and handles 35 different currencies. Some operators let you deposit up to USD 50000.00 with this gambling-focused e-wallet. Neteller, another big name in global e-wallets, doesn’t work with US casinos anymore. Both services got their start with gamblers in mind, launching in 1999 and 2001.

    Apple Pay and Google Pay casino compatibility

    Mobile payments keep getting bigger in the casino world. Apple Pay has more than 500 million users worldwide and dominates 90% of the US digital wallet market. Face/Touch ID adds an extra security layer that traditional payments can’t match. Google Pay uses cutting-edge encryption and makes you approve each transaction through the app. Right now, these services only work for deposits at online casinos in seven states where online gambling is legal.

    Bank Transfer Methods for Secure Casino Transactions

    Bank transfers are one of the most trusted online casino payment methods Americans use for secure and large transactions. Your bank account connects directly to casino platforms without middlemen. This gives you strong protection through bank-level encryption.

    ACH/eCheck processing explained

    Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfers work as electronic money movements between US banks. eChecks are the digital version of paper checks. The ACH/eCheck casino deposit goes through several steps:

    1. A third-party financial solution reviews your request form
    2. The ACH network clears and charges the check
    3. Your bank sends the money to the casino

    These transactions take 3-5 business days to complete. This is much faster than regular eChecks that need one to two weeks. The fees are budget-friendly at about 0.75% of your deposit amount, which makes them great for bigger deposits.

    Wire transfer options for high-rollers

    Wire transfers are the top casino deposit option for high-stakes players. You’ll need at least USD 2500.00 to start. The money moves straight between bank accounts with no upper limits.

    High-stakes players love wire transfers because they’re extremely secure and handle large amounts. The only drawbacks are the processing time of several business days and bank fees between USD 15.00-50.00 for each transfer.

    Online banking integration (Trustly)

    Trustly bridges your bank account with online casinos to speed things up. It works with more than 99% of US bank accounts through direct API connections. You just pick your bank from their list and log in with your banking details.

    VIP Preferred and Play+ prepaid systems

    VIP Preferred is a special ACH service that over 500 casino sites accept nationwide. Once you sign up, you can use ACH, online banking, and e-checks with higher limits than regular methods.

    Play+ gives you FDIC-insured reloadable accounts made specifically for casino transactions. This prepaid system gives account holders branded cards. Your money stays safe with deposit insurance up to USD 250000.00. Both systems offer higher limits and process payments faster than standard bank transfers.

    Withdrawal Options and Processing Times

    Players want their winnings fast when they use online casino payment methods. Your payout speed and withdrawal limits depend on several factors that affect how you get your money.

    Fastest payout methods for US players

    Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies lead the pack for quick withdrawals. Players can get their funds in under an hour after the casino processes them. E-wallets like PayPal come next, with money arriving in 1-4 hours at leading casinos. Play+ prepaid cards let you access your funds the same day, sometimes in just 12 hours. Your actual withdrawal time depends on the casino’s processing window (24-72 hours) and your chosen payment method’s transfer speed.

    Verification requirements and KYC procedures

    You need to complete Know Your Customer (KYC) checks before your first withdrawal. The process needs these documents:

    • Government-issued photo ID (passport, driver’s license)
    • Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement from last 6 months)
    • Payment method verification

    KYC does more than meet legal requirements—it stops underage gambling, prevents money laundering, and spots problem gambling patterns. The first verification can take anywhere from 24 hours to several days. Complete this right after signing up instead of waiting until withdrawal time to speed up future payouts.

    Withdrawal limits and how they vary by method

    The smallest amount you can withdraw ranges from USD 1.00 to USD 15.00, based on your payment choice. Maximum limits show big differences—cryptocurrency users can often withdraw USD 100,000+, while traditional banking methods might limit you to USD 2,000-50,000 monthly. VIP players usually get higher withdrawal limits and faster processing.

    Tax considerations for casino withdrawals

    The IRS taxes all your gambling winnings. Report them on Form 1040 or 1040-SR (Schedule 1). Form W-2G winnings face a 24% federal tax withholding. You can only deduct gambling losses if you itemize deductions on Schedule A, and only up to your claimed winnings. Keep detailed records of your wins and losses for tax purposes.

    Conclusion

    American players need to know how online casino payment methods work in the regulated gambling market. Credit cards have some limitations, but new payment options give players more freedom and better security. Players who want the fastest withdrawals should use cryptocurrency as it takes just a few hours. PayPal and other e-wallets strike a good balance between quick transfers and dependable service.

    Every payment option needs top-notch security. Licensed casinos use strong encryption, require identity verification, and follow state rules carefully. These protective measures keep your money safe and help transactions go smoothly in places where gambling is legal.

    Your gaming style should guide your choice of payment method. Big spenders might want wire transfers or VIP Preferred to move large amounts of money. Casual players could do better with e-wallets or Play+ prepaid cards. Processing speed, fees, and withdrawal limits are key factors that shape smart payment decisions.

    Good record-keeping of your transactions is vital because you must report all gambling winnings to the IRS. Payment methods that give you clear transaction records make tax season much easier to handle.



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  • The 2025 Cannes Film Festival line-up is here!

    The 2025 Cannes Film Festival line-up is here!




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  • Mickey 17 by Bong Joon-Ho

    Mickey 17 by Bong Joon-Ho


    Mickey 17 is the latest film by Bong Joon-Ho. After several delays, it was presented as a Berlinale Special Gala presentation at this year’s festival in Berlin. Robert Pattinson plays Mickey Barnes, an “expendable” on a mission to colonize the icy planet Niflheim. He’s cloned each time he dies—17 times so far—retaining most memories. After surviving a suicide mission, Mickey 17 returns to find Mickey 18 already created, leading to a chaotic clash of identities. The two must navigate a harsh regime led by the ruthless leader Marshall (Mark Ruffalo) and his cunning wife, Ylfa (Toni Collette), who see expendables as disposable. Facing erasure, the Mickeys grapple with survival, loyalty, and their own existence during harsh circumstances.

    This is Bong’s third film in English, and to say that the first two were among his more significant achievements would be an exaggeration. Even though I watched Snowpiercer (2013) under ideal circumstances (alone in a huge cinema), it didn’t manage to grip me. The less said about Okja (2017), the better. My expectations for the new Bong film were not high, but at least I knew that this year’s Honorary Golden Bear laureate, Tilda Swinton, would not be in the film. It turned out that her part in the previous two films was basically split into the aforementioned couple.

    Mickey 17
    Naomie Ackie, Robert Pattinson, Bong Joon-Ho, and Toni Colette at the Mickey 17 press conference.

    Mark Ruffalo hams it up in the most egregious sense, nowhere near enjoying himself as much as in Poor Things. In contrast, Collette, who is constantly better than the films she appears in, manages to elevate a part marred by seriously lax writing. Pattinson succeeds in creating two different Mickeys. It could be discussed how distinctive the differences are supposed to be, considering the fact that each iteration is manufactured on a 3-D printer fed with far from first-rate material. The printer could have been a perfect metaphor for the film if not all the characters had been two-dimensional. I haven’t read the novel Mickey 7 By Edward Ashton, so I don’t know where the cartoonish characters derive from.

    The substance of Mickey 17

    The film is an inartful mixture of Snowpiercer and some Terry Gilliam themes, with a fair amount of Arrival (2016) thrown in. The latter is because of some creatures on Niflheim called creepers. The rulers see them as dangerous entities that have to be killed. It was during such a mission that Mickey 17 was erroneously reported dead. Will it turn out that those creatures are actually dignified, verging on sentient? Anyone who is surprised by the answer might find value in Mickey 17, but most people would be advised to skip this. Is there any reward for the spectator who makes it through the whole thing? That might be Naomie Ackie in the role of Nasha.

    Toni Collette
    Mark Ruffalo and Toni Collette in Mickey 17.

    I have been told that Nasha’s part has changed compared to the source novel. As the film stands, she is the most attractive character whose urges seem to come from sincere impulses, however conflicted they may be. Ackie throws herself into the part and delivers the film’s best performance, even though Pattinson does well on his double duty as well. Mickey 17 is Bong’s first film since the award-winning Parasite (2019). The inclusion at the Berlinale was not obvious; it wasn’t even the European premiere since it had been screened in London two days before. Still, the buzz around the film may have been enough for Tricia Tuttle to consider the inclusion of the film a feather in her hat.

    The attempts at satire are a dictionary definition of the term blatant and are not worth commenting upon. The Berlinale crowd should be the perfect audience for this kind of political punching, but not even The Guardian critic was convinced. I doubt that many other spectators will be either. At the press conference, the cast mostly spoke about how much fun they had on the set rather than approaching the film. That is a warning sign if there ever was one. At least Bong didn’t have to bother to attend the Awards ceremony. Hopefully, Bong will continue to draw inspiration from Korean masters instead.

    The Mickey 17 budget was $118 million, meaning that Warner Bros can expect a substantial loss on this sloppy project.

    YouTube video

    Mickey 17
    Mickey 17 Featured 1 - The Disapproving Swede

    Director:
    Bong Joon-Ho

    Date Created:
    2025-04-13 16:33

    Pros

    • Naomi Ackie
    • Toni Collette



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  • The Top Gaming Countries — Every Movie Has a Lesson

    The Top Gaming Countries — Every Movie Has a Lesson



    The United States takes the lead as the biggest gaming nation of 2025 with a score of 98.24, leading the global gaming rankings with over 28K prize-winning esports players and nearly $290 million in esports earnings. The country combines a high gaming population (83% of residents play video games) with major competitive success, creating the largest gaming market globally.

    Denmark comes in 2nd with a score of 84.46, achieving exceptional per capita competitive gaming results with 35.6 prize-winning esports players per 100K residents—over four times higher than the United States. Denmark has the highest percentage of Steam users (10.56%) among all ranked nations and total esports earnings of $61.9 million, which is substantial compared to its population size.

    Sweden ranks 3rd with a score of 80.88, with a strong gaming culture where 77% of the population plays video games and 8.88% are active on Steam. Similar to Denmark, Swedish gamers excel in per capita competition with 31.05 prize-winning players and total earnings reaching $56.8 million. Though slightly behind Denmark in Steam usage and per capita winners, Sweden has produced more total prize-winning players (3,309 vs. 2,137).

    China ranks 4th with a score of 78.50, generating the world’s highest total esports earnings at $321.9 million (10% more than the United States) and having the second-highest percentage of gamers (86%). Unlike the Nordic countries, China has very low Steam usage (0.80%) and per capita competitive participation (only 0.64 winners), but its massive population results in 9,100 prize-winning players.

    Finland takes 5th place with a score of 78.39, having the highest concentration of prize-winning esports players globally at 38.3, surpassing even Denmark. With 71% of Finns playing video games and 8.23% using Steam (slightly lower than Sweden), Finland has accumulated $33.5 million in esports earnings.

    South Korea ranks 6th with a score of 65.09, known as the early pioneer of esports with $153.3 million in tournament earnings (the third highest after China and the US) and 5,941 prize-winning players. With 80% of the population playing video games but only 2.90% using Steam (much lower than in Nordic countries), Korea’s gaming market relies on local platforms.

    Singapore ranks 7th with a score of 62.22, having the highest percentage of video gamers (87%) among all top nations, even higher than China. The city-state has good per capita competitive participation with 20.52 prize-winning players despite modest total earnings of $7.6 million. Unlike South Korea, Singapore lacks signature game titles where its players consistently excel.

    Canada takes 8th place with a score of 61.96, with balanced performance across metrics including 84% of the population playing video games (matching Australia and slightly higher than the US) and 7.50% using Steam.

    Australia ranks 9th with a score of 61.33, with a strong gaming community where 84% of residents play video games (identical to Canada). Despite geographical isolation, Australian esports has grown with 4,307 prize-winning players, accumulating $32.8 million in earnings. Australia’s performance is quite good given its distance from major gaming regions and tournaments.

    Norway rounds out the top ten with a score of 60.89, with high Steam adoption (9.59%, second only to Denmark) despite having the lowest percentage of video gamers (69%) among top nations. Norwegian competitive gaming has produced 24.19 prize-winning players.

    A spokesperson from an online gaming company commented on the study: “There are two distinct paths to success: mass participation versus targeted competitive excellence. Population size proves less important than digital infrastructure and cultural investment in gaming ecosystems. Most significant is how smaller tech-forward regions consistently outperform in per capita metrics while larger markets capitalize on scale advantages in total earnings. Beyond the visible metrics lies a complex interplay between public investment, private sponsorship, and cultural attitudes toward gaming as a legitimate career. Regions that approach gaming through coordinated policy rather than viewing it merely as entertainment are reaping disproportionate economic returns.”



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  • Growing Down by Bálint Dániel Sós

    Growing Down by Bálint Dániel Sós


    Growing Down (Minden rendben) is Bálint Dániel Sós’s first feature. It had its world premiere in the new Perspectives section at this year’s Berlinale. The plot follows Sándor (Szabolcs Hajdu), a widower who is cautiously rebuilding his life after the death of his wife. He is hopeful about blending his family with that of his girlfriend, Klára (Anna Háy), who has a daughter named Sari (Zonga Jakab-Aponyi). Sándor has two children of his own: 12-year-old Dénes (Ágoston Sáfrány) and his older brother Zsiga (Milan Zikkert). The story begins optimistically as the two families unite, culminating in a joint 12th birthday celebration for Denes and Sari at Klara’s home. However, things will soon take a sharp turn.

    A terrible incident involving Sari caused by Dénes occurs during the party, which tests Sándor’s loyalties. Will he reveal what he witnessed or keep quiet out of fear that his son will end up in juvenile detention? In any case, what happened seriously damaged not only Sari but also the relations and trust between Sándor and Klára. The remainder of the film revolves more around the increasingly fragile relationship and distrust than about Sari’s condition. Sándor’s initial act of protection spirals into a web of guilt, secrecy, and mounting tension as the truth threatens to arise from the contradictions in his and Dénes’ different statements.

    Growing Down
    Szabolcs Hajdu and Ágoston Sáfrány in Growing Down.

    Everything is not fine in Growing Down

    The original title, Minden rendben, means “everything is fine”, which is far from the case in the film. There is tension in Sándor’s family already before the horrific occurrence. On the way to the joint party, he tells his sons that it would be nice if they could act like a normal family for once. The party is actually going well until the shock that changes everything. The director has said that one of the sources of inspiration was a situation with his own children. It sparked an ambiguous reaction where he felt like scolding and protecting his children. The script, co-written by Gergő Nagy, handles this kind of ambivalence remarkably well.

    There is nobody to root for nor any clear antagonist, but we see people in real pain for different reasons. The superb script is deftly handled by the actors, who are uniformly excellent. Szabolcs Hajdu may be most known as a director, even though he was an actor before he started directing. In a challenging part, he never puts a foot wrong. Ágoston Sáfrány is as remarkable as Dénes as well. The whole cast is perfect, which is a testament to Sós’ directing skills in his first film. The black and white cinematography by Kristóf M. Deák is also outstanding, with a fluidity that is almost Medvigyan in parts. It is, obviously, different from the colours in Cat Call.

    Bálint Dániel Sós Szabolcs Hajdu
    The director, Bálint Dániel Sós, holding the microphone, surrounded by members of his remarkable cast.

    Growing Down is a mere 86 minutes long, and the runtime is tightly paced while still managing to be impressively nuanced. Credit should also go to the editor, Márton Gothár, and not least, the two composers Ambrus Tövisházi and Máriusz Fodor. Bálint Dániel Sós’s first film is a triumph in several aspects, and I can’t wait to see his sophomore effort.

    Growing Down by Bálint Dániel Sós
    Daniel Featured - The Disapproving Swede

    Director:
    Bálint Daniel Sós

    Date Created:
    2025-04-14 03:01

    Pros

    • Scenario
    • Cinematography
    • Acting



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  • Yunan by Ameer Fakher Eldin 

    Yunan by Ameer Fakher Eldin 


    The German presence in the 2025 Berlinale competition was surprisingly scarce, with merely two sophomore features representing the country. What Marielle Knows (Was Marielle weiss) by Frédéric Hambalek, and Yunan by Ameer Fakher Eldin. The latter is set on an island off the German coast where writer Munir (Georges Khabbaz) arrives, supposedly to end his life. Once there, he meets the owner of the sole hotel. Valeska (Hannah Schygulla). She initially rejects him for not having a reservation but decides to let him sleep in an old, unused guest home not too far from the hotel building. Munir has left his dementia-stricken mother behind after asking her to repeat a story about a shepherd, which she seems unable to finish.

    Valeska has a son, Karl, who seems less than happy about Munir’s presence. Meanwhile, the island is threatened by a violent storm, which has caused many people to evacuate the premises. The weather will take metaphorical proportions verging on the biblical. The aforementioned story about the shepherd (Ali Suliman) and his wife (Sibel Kekill) is gradually played out for the spectators and seems to have parallels to Munir’s fate. After the initial meeting, Munir and Valeska warm to each other and, not unexpectedly, the former puts his plans on hold. Several aspects of Yunan‘s narrative are not unexpected, but that is not the film’s focus.

    Yunan
    Georges Khabbaz and Hannah Schygullah in Yunan.

    The purpose of Yunan

    The lack of stress on the narrative is inherently not a problem. Other building blocks of this 124-minute work might be, not least, the feeling that we’ve seen many of the themes before. The young director treats highly recognisable ideas and symbolism, and some of the (splendidly shot) imagery looks familiar, too. It is not far-fetched for the viewer to let the mind wander to films by Béla Tarr and even Nuri Bilge Ceylan. The name Valeska doesn’t merely bring the director Valeska Griesbach to mind but also Valuska, the main character in Tarr’s Werckmeister Harmonies (2000), played by German actor Lars Rudolph. Schygulla had a part in that film as well.

    Apropos Werckmeister, I felt inclined to give up on the film when a huge creature was seen on the beach. However, that would mean abandoning one of the best-shot films in the competition. Ronald Plante’s images are compelling even when they are sometimes a tad too akin to other films that the director might admire. A Silver Bear for Outstanding Artistic Contribution for the cinematography would have made more sense than the actual recipient of that award. More often than not, the imagery is congenial with the themes, and the shifts in the lensing are congruent with the shift in the human connections.

    Yunan cast
    The director and cast of Yunan.

    The film’s main strength is still the gradual relationship between Munir and Valeska, which doesn’t play out in a cliché-ridden way but is grounded in subtle moments that gradually bring two humans closer to each other to the benefit of both. Ameer Fakher Eldin’s second film is clearly an arthouse film without the added sm, and it is all the better for it. Yunan demands patience from the viewer but boasts plenty of rewards behind the customary metaphors. It turned out to be more worthwhile than most of the competition films that won awards. It remains to be seen what the third part of the trilogy will bring.  

    Yunan by Ameer Fakher Eldin  – The Disapproving Swede dreamy
    Yunan director featured e1741892700569 - The Disapproving Swede

    Director:
    Ameer Fakher Eldin

    Date Created:
    2025-04-13 16:52



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  • Sinners review – links the past and present with music and blood

    Sinners review – links the past and present with music and blood




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