Marilyn Monroe, born Norma Jeane Mortenson, became a world-famous actress known for her glamorous image, but she privately struggled with deep sadness and worry. While achieving success in films like ‘Some Like It Hot,’ she faced intense public scrutiny, difficult relationships, and involvement with powerful political figures. Her sudden death at the young age of thirty-six continues to be a subject of much speculation and discussion.
Kenshin Himura, the main character in ‘Rurouni Kenshin,’ is a former assassin trying to make amends for his violent past. In 2017, the series faced a major scandal when its creator, Nobuhiro Watsuki, was accused of possessing child pornography. This led to strong reactions from fans, many of whom struggled to continue supporting the series or the character, given the serious nature of the allegations. The manga was put on hold, and the incident drew widespread criticism internationally. For many, this controversy permanently altered how they viewed Kenshin and the story’s central themes of finding redemption.
Harry Belafonte, hugely successful as a Calypso singer, used his wealth and fame to financially support the Civil Rights Movement. He connected the worlds of entertainment and activism, becoming a close friend and advisor to Martin Luther King Jr. during the 1960s. He also worked in film, aiming to show realistic and nuanced depictions of Black life, challenging the common stereotypes of the time. Belafonte proved that celebrities could powerfully use their influence to fight for social justice.
James Dean became a symbol of teenage rebellion and feeling like an outsider in the 1950s. His love of fast cars and racing led to his tragic death in a car accident at just 24 years old. Despite appearing in only three major films, including ‘Rebel Without a Cause,’ his early death turned him into a lasting legend.
Mary Pickford, famously known as America’s Sweetheart, was more than just a beloved actress – she was a savvy businesswoman who significantly changed the movie industry. In 1919, she teamed up with Charlie Chaplin and others to create United Artists, giving actors more control over their careers and creative work. This helped break the power of the major studios and allowed artists to distribute films independently. Pickford also became one of the first women in Hollywood to rise to prominence as a powerful producer.
Monroe described the film set to Entertainment Weekly as “just chaos,” recalling a scene filled with “cops, dogs, and smoke machines.” She explained the energy was particularly intense because of all the extras dressed as zombies.
The story centers on Booker DeWitt, who is trying to save a woman named Elizabeth from the flying city of Columbia. As the game progresses, players discover that the villain, Comstock, is actually another version of Booker from a different reality. Elizabeth explains that there are endless parallel universes, and special structures called lighthouses connect them. In a surprising turn, she drowns Booker during a baptismal ritual to ensure Comstock is never born in any of those realities.
Hattie McDaniel made history as the first African American to win an Oscar. She powerfully portrayed Mammy in ‘Gone with the Wind,’ demonstrating her talent even within the limited roles available to Black actors then. Appearing in over 300 films and as a popular radio performer, she paved the way for those who followed. Her story is an important, though complicated, part of understanding race and representation in the early days of Hollywood.
The ending of ‘Attack on Titan’ sparked significant criticism from fans worldwide, particularly regarding how characters acted. While creator Hajime Isayama admitted the ending wasn’t universally loved, he explained it was consistent with his initial vision for the story. This disagreement led to online petitions requesting changes and negatively impacted how critics viewed the series. Isayama later added extra content to the final volume, but this only deepened the divide among fans.
This Monday, February 2nd, Paramount+ will begin streaming a powerful drama set in post-war Germany. The story centers on Michael Berg, a young man who falls in love with an older woman, Hanna Schmitz. Years later, he’s shocked to see her on trial, accused of being a guard at a concentration camp. Kate Winslet won an Oscar for her performance as the complex character Hanna, and the film delves into difficult questions about guilt and how different generations grapple with the legacy of the Holocaust.