user0420 Reviews

The Edge of All We Know (2020)

The average rating is biased. Not for everyone

[9/10 · 2 July 2021]

I think that average rating is biased by wrong expectation, by a misunderstanding about what is the real focus of the documentary. The subjects of this show is human research. The true stars are research teams and groups which work in (probably) the most intriguing field in the research horizon. This documentary is neither about black holes themselves nor about explaining theory about them (e.g., black hole information paradox). This documentary is about researchers and collaboration, it is about dedicating a life to research and to extend human knowledge, is about constantly challenging yourself as a woman or man of science. Furthermore, the documentary takes you inside the S. Hawking team as well as inside the teams building the first black-hole image. This has no price; this is more than entertainment for who ever worked in research. It is like being in the changing room with the players during the half time of a world cup final if you are a football fan.

I am a researcher too, and at one point, there is a scene that is perfect in describing how it is being a researcher:

It is the day before the reconstruction of the black hole image is ready. Researchers do not know whether they did it well. The leader is caught singing "Somewhere over the rainbow", and he says that the song is perfect for a moment when you feel that you achieved something you care so much and worked for long time, the excitement of waiting for the results with hope, but being aware of having done your best. When asked how much time he was working on it by the interviewer, he says "like 20 years". This is the essence of being a researcher, and in general, of being alive: dedicating and devoting yourself to something with passion and self-sacrifice and hope, to one day feel that you have done all you could, regardless the result being positive or negative.

To conclude, this documentary is not for everyone. If you ever spent a day in academia or in research, this is a must see.

Steins;Gate (2011–2015)

A magic mixture of fantasy, comedy, drama and romance

[10/10 · 12 February 2019]

I start saying that when the last episode ended, I felt that melanchonic sensation that only the best TV shows can leave. I can stop here, because at the end this is the important thing, how much a show is able to involve you inside its world, and Steins;Gate absorbs you: who has never desired to have the possibility to change the past? Who has never wondered how the events would have changed if another decision was made?

It definitely deserves your time. You will feel real sensations, characters are more than 2D, you will be in empathy with them and share the protagonist's suffering and happiness. He has the power of changing the past, but he has to struggle with the consequences.

Minor things that I loved: the episode names, Heinstein quote, Rembrandt's paintings reference, the names that the protagonist gives to the "missions".

Baby (2018–2020)

Stereotypes, no sense dialogues, banality but anyway enjoyable

[6/10 · 8 December 2018]

If you are 20+, probably it will be hard to make it through this series, because BABY's target is not you. Said that, I saw all the episodes in two evenings. It's true that I hadn't other interesting shows to see, but I have to admit that this mini-series is quite addictive and I precisely don't know why.

What I absolutely disliked: all the characters come from wealthy families, they attend a private school and their only problem is to find love. Obviously, the classic stereotypes are massively present: the rich rebel teenager that lost his mother and has an absent father, the rich girl whose parents are going to divorce, the girl with a rich absent father and that lives with her moody mother, the omosexual guy that hides his nature to his father and finally the spoiled teenager that is completely superficial. Furthermore, the dialogues seem to be written by a teenager that read a lot of quotes around the web. Obviously, the plot is quite trivial.

Despite all of this, I have to say that the photography actracted me, as well as the always beautiful Rome as background. I liked the acting, it's not so usual to see good young Italian actors and actresses.

If you want to feel young and forgot your adult problems for some hours, watch this show without questioning, just appreciating that for what it is, an high-budget italian series for teenagers.