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“The world is a looking glass and gives back to every man the FILMS.BOOKS.MUSIC reflection of his own face.” WILLIAM MAKEPEACE THACKERAY, novelist SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020 03

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WHAT IS FANTASY FICTION? Is BECKY SHARP a hero or a villain? To answer that we must ask some more questions. The best answers lie in as many questions we can ask about iconic characters, and hence, ourselves

[email protected] best friend, who showered her with Fair’ is that life doesn’t have a happy or guided by love or ambition, or kindness when she had nothing. But the sad ending. It’s a bit of both. With all that anger or despair… hat do you think of a heart is guided by a lot of emotions, not is thrown our way, what we make of it social climber? The just love. Growing up poor, an illegitimate depends on us. The risks we take, phrase is almost always daughter of an artist and an opera singer, and the opportunities we used to describe an Becky didn’t have a childhood; she just leave behind, define us. And unflattering quality, and had one dream that guided her heart: “I err, we will, whether stillW used in the 21st century mostly to want tomorrow to be better than today.” our heart is describe women who are ambitious and In 1815, a woman without the advantage want to climb the social ladder either by of birth could only claw her way into marrying into “high society” or cunningly ‘high’ society and be seen, respected and pushing their way forward to break every counted. Let’s not judge too harshly. ceiling that ever existed. William Makepeace Thackeray’s most famous Johnny Depp as character is undoubtedly Rebecca ‘Becky’ Every failure is a the Mad Hatter in Tim Burton’s Alice Sharp, the protagonist of ‘Vanity Fair’, the in Wonderland book (1847-48) that Thackeray said “has stepping stone… no heroes and no happy ending”. Here’s The thing about Becky Sharp is that t’s a genre that uses magic (or why delving deep into Becky Sharp is you can’t defeat her indomitable other supernatural phenomena) necessary for every teenager and young- spirit. As you go through the Ias a primary element of plot, adult, in any century. book, you will see her win setting or theme. It’s different big, lose bigger; but is she from science fiction and horror as daunted? No. She is even it steers clear of technological and What does ‘heartless’ more determined to make her macabre themes. mark. With every step she Elements/motifs that feature mean? takes, she proves all her frequently in this genre include Thackeray’s Sharp has been analysed detractors wrong. magical powers, supernatural over the last two centuries by critics and beings, talking animals, journey or readers/audiences alike. Mostly, sprightly quests and magical inter- and witty, Sharp has not been forgiven by To be human… dimensional characters that travel a lot of us for not truly loving the man she The biggest lesson we learn between worlds. married, or not caring enough about her from Becky Sharp and ‘Vanity Olivia Cooke as Becky Sharp in a 2018 FANTASY FICTION COMES IN televised version of ‘Vanity Fair’ THREE CATEGORIES: First is a typical fantasy world as seen in ‘The Hobbit’. Another that begins in the real world then moves into a CHARACTER OF THE WEEK fantasy world, like in ‘Alice in A meditative masterpiece, the movie Wonderland.’ The third is set in the is a visual treat and features plenty precursor to ‘Rocky’. Mr Miyagi though of shots of characters thinking, Mr Miyagi real world but one that contains Karate Kid, 1984 stays in our heart still because it’s not watching and wondering… a far cry elements of magic as seen in the “Never put passion in front of just karate but life lessons that Danny from the frenzy that inhabits most ‘Harry Potter’ series. principle, even if you win, you’ll lose” LaRusso learns from him, and what Read: J R R Tolkein’s ‘The Lord children’s entertainment stands out in the story is the beautiful of The Rings’ or ‘The Hobbit’, Lewis hirty six years ago, Mr Miyagi, a friendship between a boy and a wise, Carroll’s ‘Alice’s Adventures in herself, and find her place in this world. quiet janitor, helped a kid face his old man. Wonderland’, Neil Gaiman’s T fears by teaching him karate. ‘American Gods’, and Frank Such was his iconic status in films that Herbert’s ‘Dune’ THE REAL VILLAIN IS we will be talking about Mr Miyagi 36 SELF-DOUBT years from now again. Played by Pat Morita, Mr Miyagi becomes the karate Yes, there are plenty characters who are teacher to a bullied DOPPELGANGERS mean to Kiki but they aren’t set on ru- student in the original ining her existence. Instead, Kiki’s story movie directed by John G. Avildsen. KIERNAN SHIPKA AND offers a tremendous insight into life’s real Made with a budget of $8million, the MCKENNA GRACE villain: self-doubt that wrecks us from film would go on to make within on a daily basis. As is well known, $100million. That’s Lesson ven 14-year-old McKenna mental health issues have only multiplied possibly why Till you learn to Grace (pic. left) is surprised during the Covid-19-induced lockdown Avildsen trusted still your mind and by how much she resembles globally. Alone at our work/study-at-home in Sylvester E Three things face your fears, you the younger version of actor stations, we are assailed by negative Stallone’s story won’t beat any Kiernan Shipka. After someone thoughts that make us feel like we’re no- of ‘Rocky’, which enemy – within or pointed this out on her Instagram, bodys, or that others are laughing at us, he would direct outside your she agreed the resemblance is or that our friends aren’t available when next. Many called head uncanny. While Shipka, after we need them. Kiki believes so when oth- ‘The Karate Kid’ the The Karate Kid (1984) finding fame as a child actor in er kids who invite her to hang out with ‘Mad Men’ is now known for will teach you about growing up her ‘look at her funny’. Watching this playing the lead in ‘Sabrina: The movie will remind those facing some- [email protected] Teenage Witch’, McKenna, who transporting packages all over the town. thing similar that many of your worries AUTHOR PROFILE: TANAZ BHATHENA also started out as a child actor at However, the excitement of early days may not be as serious as you perceive the age of six, is slowly yet irected by the legendary film- wilts away quickly and she is faced with them. Got a grudge or a doubt against The author is known for writing In 2020, Bhathena released ‘The Wrath steadily making her mark in maker Hayao Miyazaki, the demands of daily life’s drudgery.Kiki someone? Reach out, talk it out. Don’t let of Ambar Book 1: Hunted by the Sky’, a Hollywood. She started out as ‘Kiki’s Delivery Service’ struggles. The hardships of moving to a that inner critic tell you that you are ‘less’. inspiring young adult stories young adult fantasy duology set in a Jasmine Bernstein in the Disney (1989) was made by Studio new town catches up with her as she feels world inspired by medieval India. XD sitcom ‘Crash & Bernstein’ and DGhibli – a Japanese anima- homesick, friendless and miserable at be- DO MORE OF WHAT he debuted with the highly Speaking about the book, Bhathena ‘The Young and the Restless’. You tion studio famous for its incredible ani- ing perceived as a ‘suspicious’ outsider. acclaimed ‘A Girl Like That’ (2018), said she was inspired by historical non- will also remember her from films me films including ‘Spirited Away’, ‘My This probably echoes the story of any INSPIRES YOU San eye-opening novel about fiction – especially Ruby Lal’s ‘Empress’, like ‘Gifted’ and ‘The Haunting of Neighbour Totoro’ and ‘Princess first-timer,who has had to leave home for a free-spirited girl living in a book about Nur Jehan. It led to a Hill House’. Mononoko’. Based on Japanese author higher studies or work; or change schools This visually rich film with every per- present-day Saudi Arabia. The research spree on Eiko Kadono’s bestselling 1985 book by or neighbourhoods or shift to a different fect frame tells you that you should do book featured in multiple strong Indian the same name, ‘Kiki’s Delivery Service’ city. Leaving something behind and es- things that inspire you, and not be swayed best book lists of 2019, women throughout is a feel-good, coming-of-age film about tablishing a new identity takes a lot of by whether you think you’re good or bad including Seventeen, history, including Kiki, a young witch, who at age 13 has to guts and effort but success is yours if you at it. All of us have a gift and when we PopSugar, Canadian Chand Bibi, Razia leave her home for a year to begin her persist. Through a gentle and slow nar- practise more of it, we feel powerful and Children’s Book Sultana, and the solo witch training. Eager and excited rative arc, we see Kiki learn about happy.For Kiki it was flying but when Centre. Her next Attingal Ranis of Kiki, accompanied by Jiji (her talk- she feels that she is failing her delivery was ‘The Beauty of Kerala. ing cat), flies off on her broomstick service (because of a botched order or the Moment’ Bhathena’s lands in a beautiful seaside town that two) she loses the ability to fly.After a (2019), which told short stories she decides will be her new home. few rough patches, and some intro- the story of a have appeared spection thanks to her artist friend, Ur- smart, driven teen in various sula, Kiki finally realises she flies be- girl falling in love publications: FINDING YOUR WAY IN cause it makes her happy. This suggests with a rebel. This ‘Blackbird’, THE WORLD that through discovering self-confidence book won the super ‘Witness’, and and doing something that makes you prestigious 2019 ‘Room’. The optimistic, hopeful Kiki quickly happy, you can thrive at what you set Nautilus Gold Award for Credit: Photo by Nettie establishes a ‘flying’ delivery service out to do. Young Adult Fiction. Photography MUSIC THERAPY MOVIE TRIVIA ave you ever wondered why book donated to the library in the the whole world knows the 1950s. The old manuscript was “I don't care what I look like, What was Hsong ‘Happy Birthday to You’? discovered by the librarian, James It’s the most recognised song in the Procell, while digging through a English language according to the dusty filing I do care of how people think of me” the first ‘Guinness Book of World Records’. In cabinet. second The first place is known musician too. She was cast in small movie sequel ‘For combination MILLIE BOBBY BROWN roles in ‘Once Upon a Time in AWARD LIST He’s a of the At 16, actor, producer, singer and Wonderland’, ‘Modern Family’ and Brown has been chosen ever made? Jolly Good melody and youth icon, Millie Bobby Brown has ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. After losing out on twice as a nominee in Fellow’. ‘Happy lyrics to ‘Happy already been declared as ‘Time’ the role of Lyanna Mormont in People’s Choice he Fall of a Nation’, Thomas Birthday to Birthday’ appeared in 1912. magazine’s ‘100 most influential ‘Game of Thrones’, she almost Awards, five Dixon Jr’s follow-up to D.W. You’ dates But that combination wasn’t people’ (the youngest person gave up acting, but things times at T Griffith’s ‘Birth of a Nation’, is back to 1893, formally registered for ever to be included in the list) changed drastically when she Screen Actor’s widely considered as the first film but was originally called copyright until 1935. and is also the youngest ever got the part of Eleven in Guild Awards, sequel. However, some argue that ‘Good Morning to You’. It The song has been Goodwill Ambassador of ‘Stranger Things’. It’s a whole which she has ‘Fall...’ isn’t a true sequel was written by two sisters translated into at least UNICEF. new story now. Apart from won once. to ‘Birth...’, as it living in Kentucky – Mildred 18 different languages. Born in Malaga, Spain, starring in ‘Enola Holmes’, she She has been doesn’t follow a and Patti Smith Hill. The The list includes Arabic, Brown is an English actor. On was one of two producers of nominated for similar story or melody to ‘Good Dutch, French, German, her move to Hollywood, she the film released on a streaming Emmy twice. include any of the Morning’ is the same Hebrew, Indonesian, mastered the American platform a month ago. same characters. melody we use today, Irish, Italian, accent so consummately Using those but its copyright expired Korean, that many people think she HER STYLE additional criteria, in 1949. Lithuanian, is from the US. She is the NO TROLLS The ’80s Americana Rudolph On August 31st, 2015, a Mandarin third of four children. The actor is vocal against fashion is her Valentino’s ‘Son of librarian at the University of Chinese, online trolling. You’ll find her favourite style, the Sheik’, which Louisville discovered the Norwegian, on Instagram but she carried followed from ‘The Sheik’ five oldest known manuscript of Portuguese, PACKS A Bella Ramsay got the role (@milliebobbybrown) but street style, punk, years earlier, would be the first the song. ‘Good Morning Spanish, and of Lyanna Mormont that she left Twitter a while ago graphic, or sequel. If we include short films, a to You’ was part of a Tagalog. PUNCH Millie Bobby Brown had also due to vicious targetted sophisticated Danish Sherlock Holmes series auditioned for; (top) Brown songbook titled, ‘Song Stories for — Source: Millie Bobby Brown is a as Eleven in ‘Stranger trolling which was affecting looks with from 1908-1910 predates even the the Kindergarten’. It was a dusty Digitalmusicnews.com trained boxer and a Things’ – her breakout role her psychologically. equal ease. Griffith/Dixon films. “An athlete cannot run with money in his pockets. He must run with hope in his heart and dreams in his head.” SIMPLY SPORTS Emil Zatopek, Long distance runner 04 SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020 COMMONINJURIES It’s simple – if you play a sport, you’re bound to get hurt. Let’s take a look at some of the common sports injuries along with possible causes and recovery strategies

Neymar of Barcelona reacts to an injury Photo: GETTY IMAGES RUNNER’S KNEE CAUSES: Knee injuries comprise about 55 per cent of all sports injuries. Not only runners, SHIN SPLINTS but it can strike any athlete like a cyclist, footballer, volleyball players, and others. It is often LOWER BACK PAIN caused by weak quadriceps, tightness of some other related muscle groups, imbalances around CAUSES: “Shin splints” is a generic the knee, poor pelvic control incorrect or worn shoes, and overtraining. term for shin pain (usually on the inside of CAUSES: Usually lower-back-pain the shin) but is correctly termed ‘Medial Tibial affects runners, cyclists, golfers, tennis, SYMPTOMS: Knee pain below the kneecap and on the sides of the kneecap, particular- Stress syndrome or MTTS. It is mostly caused and baseball players. Bulging discs, back ly with deep knee bend or prolonged sitting, and swelling in the knee are some of the symp- by inflammation of the muscles and their spasms, stress fractures sciatica are toms. Often noticed on climbing stairs. attachments to the shin bone (Tibia). Shin some types of lower-back pain. Improper Sportspersons affected: Serena Williams, Danielle Slaton, Pavel Bure splints may occur when the intensity of work- training techniques, weakness (especially ing out is increased from normal level, wear- of the core muscles) and poor prepara- Serena Williams ing worn-out shoes or by jumping or running tion is the most common reason for on hard ground. Normally has a biomechani- sports-related back pain. A slightest dis- cal trigger. crepancy in leg length can also cause ACHILLES TENDONOPATHY back pain in runners as well as poor lower ANKLE SPRAIN Pain to touch the SYMPTOMS: limb biomechanics or inadequate foot- CAUSES: Achilles Tendonopathy is a very common injury among runners region, occasional swelling, and soreness wear. and people involved in sports that require a lot of jumping. This is an inflamma- CAUSES: When the foot accidentally turns inwards, it stretches and tears the liga- to jog and walk, are most of the common tion of the Achilles tendon which is the attachment of the calf muscle to the ments on the outside of the ankle. Ankle sprains are almost inevitable in sports that symptoms of shin splints. If a patient is SYMPTOMS: Back pain which can heel bone the Achilles tendon, is a very strong tendon but not very flexible and involve specific foot movements such as jumping, turning quickly and running. suffering from this pain, he can have a dull, be mild or severe, or periodic or chronic. hence prone to micro-tearing which results in inflammation. Poor foot biome- aching pain on either side of the shinbone Usually associated with some muscle chanics also a major contributor and incorrect footwear. SYMPTOMS: Immediate pain at the site with swelling over outside of ankle. The or in the muscles. spasm which restricts movements such injured area becomes tender and feels unstable. as bending or straightening and is often SYMPTOMS: Acute symptoms include pain at the back of the ankle, Sportspersons affected: Tillakaratne Dilshan, Serena Williams Sportspersons affected: painful to sit as well. just above the heel especially whilst trying to raise up onto toes, occa- Monica Seles, Grant Hill, James Kirtley sional swelling. Sportspersons affected: Sportspersons affected: Shaquille O’Neal, Brandon Jennings Andre Agassi, John Terry EXPERTS SPEAK Major injury areas for crick- et players are predominant- MUSCLE PULL ly lower back, knee/shin SHOULDER IMPINGEMENT and shoulder. One also sees high incidences of fatigue related mus- CAUSES: Muscle pulls are very common and can hap- CAUSES: Any sport that involves a lot of overhead movement may result in shoulder pen to any athlete. Small tears occur within that lead to cle injuries to the major muscle groups impingement. Shoulder injuries are most common in tennis, swimming, weightlifting, baseball, a strain when muscle is stretched too far or exceeds its of the calf, hamstring and groin. Hand/ and volleyball. They are mainly caused due to overuse of the shoulder, which can strain the tensile load. Inadequate warm up exercises, finger fractures too are common rotator cuff. Usually comes about because of poor shoulder and scapular muscle control muscle fatigue, lack of flexibility, and because of the hardness of the ball. which therefore puts excessive pressure onto the shoulder joint and its associated supporting muscle weakness can cause all kinds Although there are several triggers to tendons (the rotator cuff). of athletes to pull a muscle. the injury but the major underlying reason is under-preparation. This leads Pain, weakness, stiffness in SYMPTOMS: Pain in the muscle SYMPTOMS: to muscle fatigue and consequentially the shoulder are some of the common area on applying pressure, stretch or to injury. symptoms. load, swelling or inflammation, weakness, soreness and redness in severe cases. JOHN GLOSTER on cricket injuries Sportspersons (Former physiotherapist Indian cricket Sportspersons affected: team. Current physiotherapist for Alexandra Stevenson, Rafael Nadal affected: Roger Rajasthan Royals IPL franchise) Federer, Maria Sharapova, Andy Roddick. The immediate treatment to most of these injuries is by following the RICE protocol – Rest, ice and compression, and ele- vation. One must seek advice of a specialised doctor for further treat- ment and rehabilitation. While the recovery period of some injuries may span from a few days to weeks, other injuries like meniscal tear, cruciate ligament tear, Sachin Tendulkar or focal cartilage defects may require a surgical TENNIS ELBOW treatment. DR SHIRISH DUTT MISHRA on CAUSES: One develops a tennis elbow when the forearm is treatment of sports injuries overused by repetitive movements in sports like tennis, golf and (senior consultant orthopaedic badminton. These are the muscles that pull the wrist back. The surgeon) tendons of the forearm that insert into the side of the elbow region tend to inflame that result in acute pain. SYMPTOMS: Pain on the outermost part of the elbow when it is touched or wrist or fingers are moved backwards. The *PRICE pain may worsen and radiate down the arm by activities AND RICE are pro- such as turning a door knob, and grasping or lifting heavy tocols in sports inju- objects. ries. They stand for Protection, Rest, Ice, Sportspersons affected: Sachin Tendulkar, Rafael Nadal Compression and Jim Vanek Elevation. Maria Sharapova