A List of English Stuff for Martine

(to watch if and when she has the inclination)

The Shawshank Redemption

An incredible story about wrongful imprisonment, good and evil, the corrupting influence of power, the uplifting influence of knowledge/literacy, and redemption in the face of evil.

Goodfellas

Martin Scorcese’s best film, in my humble opinion. Ray Liotta plays a real-life criminal and thug who gets involved with some high-level mob families. Brutal and sad and exciting and beautiful.

Ted Lasso

Ted Lasso is an adorable show that feels good to watch. Coach Lasso is hired from an American football team to coach a UK football team despite not even knowing the rules to soccer. Almost everyone is trying their best and means well and it’s super cute - it’s like watching a hug.

Star Trek

Probably the most influential science fiction franchise of all time. Diverse casts (even in the 60’s!), interesting philosophical questions explored through sci-fi tropes, engaging characters, and a sense of moral direction that places optimistic hope at the forefront of humanity’s vision for the future. My personal favorite of the serials is The Next Generation, followed quickly by the newest entry, Strange New Worlds.