Review: Legal drama ‘Fisk’ delivers steady stream of humor, excitement
Updated 09 August 2023
Gautaman Bhaskaran
CHENNAI: Legal dramas are invariably serious and sedate with lengthy arguments in stuffy legalese language. But the latest Netflix outing, “Fisk,” is just about the opposite.
The six-episode series is genuinely funny. Set in Melbourne, it follows Helen Tudor-Fisk, played by Kitty Flanagan.
Set in Melbourne, the show follows Helen Tudor-Fisk, played by Kitty Flanagan. (Netflix)
Co-written by Flanagan and her sister Penny, the series gets off to an unorthodox start with Fisk walking into law firm, Gruber and Gruber, in a baggy brown suit. She is looking for a job.
She previously worked for a legal firm in Sydney, but after her husband left her for a younger woman, she decided to move back to her home town, Melbourne, where she clinches an assignment with Gruber and Gruber.
Hired by law firm partner, Ray Gruber (Marty Sheargold), largely because she is the daughter of a former Supreme Court judge, Tudor-Fisk is initially unsure, but soon gets over her nervousness.
Gruber’s sister, Roz (Julia Zemiro), is also a lawyer but has lost her licence and so takes on the role of an office manager. The motley group is completed by George (Aaron Chen), a probate clerk who calls himself the webmaster because he manages the company’s website and likes to use outdated terms.
On her first day at work, Tudor-Fisk is banned from the cafe downstairs for talking too loudly, and to her horror, discovers that the guy she called out is the restaurant owner.
Upstairs, she is thrown into a case where a woman wants her brother to have a vasectomy to fulfil her mother’s will.
Later, Roz finds out that Tudor-Fisk had lost her earlier job because of her rude behavior.
And so goes “Fisk,” and delightfully through short episodes that are to the point. Yes, they are high on excitement, but without the noise and din associated with some recent television comedies.
The cast, especially, makes “Fisk” an enjoyable watch, with Flanagan delivering a fine performance – subtle but with a strong comedic punch.
Chinese art exhibition highlights parallels with Arab culture
Titled The Writings of Today Are a Promise for Tomorrow, the exhibition hosted by the Saudi Ministry of Culture’s Museums Commission features work from more than 30 artists
Curated by Martina Koppel Yang, the exhibition focuses on two elements shared by Arab and Chinese cultures: calligraphy and the garden
Updated 30 September 2024
Rahaf Jambi
RIYADH: A new art exhibition exploring parallels between Chinese and Arab cultures has opened at the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art.
Titled “The Writings of Today Are a Promise for Tomorrow,” the exhibition hosted by the Saudi Ministry of Culture’s Museums Commission features work from more than 30 artists.
Curated by Martina Koppel Yang, the exhibition focuses on two elements shared by Arab and Chinese cultures: calligraphy and the garden.
Both cultures regard calligraphy as a significant cultural and spiritual practice, elevating the written word beyond mere communication.
Ibrahim Al-Sanousi, acting CEO of the Museums Commission, emphasized the art museum’s role as a venue for temporary rotating exhibitions rather than a collecting museum. “We aim to integrate contemporary art into everyday life,” he said.
“This exhibition, focused on Chinese artists, is the beginning of a series of collaborations with countries worldwide, aimed at fostering cross-cultural dialogue and international exchange,” he told Arab News.
Artist Dexi Tian shared insights about his creative process, highlighting how he incorporates elements of Saudi culture into his work.
“I use discarded objects that I find during my explorations of the city and desert, reassembling them into new creations that reflect this culture,” he explained.
Wang Du, a Chinese artist residing in France, also spoke about his artwork, saying: “My work doesn’t have a direct connection to Chinese culture; instead, it addresses contemporary media and its impact on society.
“The sculpture you see is made from crumpled newspapers. It symbolizes how we consume news and information in our modern world. Each day, we receive a newspaper, only to crumple it up and toss it aside. This act reflects our habits — while we consume news, it also consumes us in return.”
Wang emphasized the notion of a “throwaway reality,” highlighting how easily we discard information. “Most news is fleeting, and this piece serves as a monument to that short-lived nature of news,” he explained.
The exhibition also explores the connection between the discipline of calligraphy and the natural order found in gardens. In both cultures, gardens are seen as representations of creation — spaces designed for beauty, spirituality, contemplation, and community.
“The Writings of Today Are a Promise for Tomorrow” also conveys aspirations for future dialogues and possibilities, addressing themes of energy flow and synergy. In this context, writing is viewed as a meaningful act of participation and communication.
The exhibition features a thoughtfully designed scenography by Studio GGSV, guiding visitors through thematic stages that explore the dynamics of presence and absence, action and contemplation, memory and imagination.
Visitors will have the chance to view pieces from prominent collections of contemporary Chinese art, such as the Donnersberg Collection and the Dslcollection, alongside site-specific works created in Saudi Arabia.
Notably, the exhibition includes works from French-Algerian artist Adel Abdessemed and Taiwanese artist Michael Lin, both of whom are exhibiting in Saudi Arabia for the first time.
“The Writings of Today Are a Promise for Tomorrow” highlights the ongoing evolution of contemporary art, reflecting cultural energy and bridging the past with the future, embodying the promise of what lies ahead.
The exhibition will run until Jan. 18, 2025, and tickets are available at https://webook.com/en/events/chinese-contemporary-art-exhibition.
Cultural Week in Greece showcases rich Saudi heritage
Program included various events and cultural and artistic activities that showcased the rich Saudi culture across different creative industries
Libraries Commission showcased rare Arabic and Islamic manuscripts, demonstrating the beauty of Arabic calligraphy to visitors
Updated 30 September 2024
Tareq Al-Thaqafi
MAKKAH: The Saudi Cultural Week was held from Sept. 27 to Oct. 1 in the Greek capital, Athens by the Ministry of Culture to familiarize visitors with Saudi traditions and customs.
The program included various events and cultural and artistic activities that showcased the rich Saudi culture across different creative industries.
Abdulrahman Almutawa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Culture, told Arab News that the Culinary Arts Commission also participated to introduce traditional Saudi dishes and Saudi coffee to visitors, highlighting the authenticity and hospitality of the Saudi community.
The participation aimed to introduce Saudi culture and heritage to the international community.
The Libraries Commission showcased rare Arabic and Islamic manuscripts, demonstrating the beauty of Arabic calligraphy to visitors.
Its participation was in cooperation with the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphy Initiative, with Saudi calligraphers showcasing their creativity in calligraphy and inscriptions that reflect the beauty of the art form.
The Fashion Commission displayed traditional Saudi clothes, presented an exhibition that reflected the creativity of Saudi designers in fashion, introduced Saudi fashion and its diverse aesthetics, and screened Saudi short films.
The Music Commission presented performances by Saudi musicians using traditional musical instruments, while the Theater and Performing Arts Commission featured various traditional performances from different regions of the Kingdom.
The Heritage Commission set up an archeological tent for visitors to learn about Saudi cultural heritage, treasures, and prominent traditional games in the Kingdom.
The Culinary Arts Commission provided a live cooking demonstration to prepare the Kingdom's most famous traditional dishes, featuring Saudi food products.
Almutawa indicated that a pavilion was dedicated to the Year of the Camel initiative, which aimed to highlight the importance of camels and introduce visitors to their historical and cultural role in Arab and Saudi heritage.
Diala Makki, Sandra Shehab spotted at Paris Fashion Week
Updated 30 September 2024
Arab News
DUBAI: Lebanese TV host Diala Makki took to social media with a heartfelt message as she was spotted at Paris Fashion Week along with US Egyptian model Sandra Shehab.
The pair attended Lebanese designer Elie Saab’s Spring/Summer 2025 show separately, with Makki taking to Instagram afterwards to share a message about the current Israeli bombardment of Lebanon, which has killed more that 1,000 people over the past two weeks.
“I am a journalist yet I stare at a blank page and I am unable to write one coherent sentence. I have mixed emotions, I am sad, broken, angry but mostly broken hearted. I was in Paris filming with a Lebanese team who showed up every day with teary eyes and a heavy soul. Their strength was inspiring,” she wrote.
Lebanese TV host Diala Makki at the Elie Saab show. (Getty Images)
“I interviewed creative designers who refused to give up on the dream that there is a light at the end of the endless tunnel of darkness and uncertainty … all I want to say to my people is be strong, the world is watching us, God is protecting us … I pray for my south, my Beirut, every corner of my Lebanon,” she added.
Shehab also attended Saab’s show, for her part she showed off an all-black look, complete with a trench coat.
The New Jersey native came into the limelight in 2018 after appearing in Season 24 of “America’s Next Top Model.” Although she was eliminated in episode eight, coming in 8th place, she scored fans on social media for her portrayal of Muslim women on screen.
Sandra Shehab attended Saab’s show, for her part she showed off an all-black look, complete with a trench coat.(Getty Images)
Saab unveiled his spring collection on Saturday at the Palais de Tokyo, showcasing a mesmerizing journey through the African savannah that felt fresh, vibrant, and completely devoid of tired clichés, according to the Associated Press’s Thomas Adamson.
Right from the start, Saab showed he wasn’t afraid to play with the safari staples—but with a twist. Safari suits, reimagined as roomy linen separates and sleek crepe jumpsuits, traded their usual khaki for the blazing red of fireball lilies, moody elephant gray, and the ochre dust of West Africa. It was a palette that brought the raw, natural beauty of the continent to life without falling into the predictable tropes. These looks weren’t the romanticized garb of the intrepid explorer; they were effortlessly chic, perfectly fitted for today’s cosmopolitan adventurer.
Review: With ‘Star Wars Outlaws,’ spend a long, long time in galaxy far, far away
Updated 29 September 2024
James Denselow
LONDON: Ubisoft’s Star Wars Outlaws presents an ambitious entry in the Star Wars gaming universe as the first-ever open-world instalment, set between the events of The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi.
This game delivers an immersive crime-driven narrative that fans have long awaited, blending the familiar allure of Star Wars with gameplay mechanics reminiscent of Far Cry and Grand Theft Auto. But does it live up to the galaxy-sized expectations? Let us dive in.
The game transports players to a vibrant, morally grey underworld that feels like a perfect fit for its “original scoundrel story.” Set during the dark times of the Galactic Empire’s reign, players control Kay Vess, a resourceful outlaw who navigates the dangerous landscape of crime syndicates, shifting alliances, and backstabbing enemies.
The central narrative takes place on planets like Canto, with Kay caught between the Empire and the criminal underworld. Star Wars lore weaves seamlessly into the experience, as conversations with non-player characters and your adorable companion, Nix, help flesh out the galaxy and its struggles.
The world-building is a strong point here. Kay’s story encourages players to explore the Star Wars galaxy from a new perspective, absent of the high politics and philosophy of the Jedi. Conversations and side quests emphasize trust and reputation, providing players the freedom to “play the underworld to their advantage” and manipulate situations.
Side quests, however, tend to fall into the familiar territory of fetch tasks, limiting their creativity, but they do provide extra opportunities to engage with the game’s rich environments.
If you have ever wondered what Grand Theft Auto in space would feel like, Star Wars Outlaws gets pretty close. There is a wanted system that escalates based on your actions, adding tension to missions as you are pursued by law enforcement or bounty hunters.
The addition of slow-motion shooting mechanics adds flair, letting players make quick decisions in high-intensity moments. Combat feels satisfying, though not revolutionary, and can occasionally feel repetitive, especially when coupled with enemy artificial intelligence that does not always present a significant challenge.
Where the game shines are in its traversal mechanics. Kay’s grappling hook, stealth missions, and use of vents (which admittedly feel overused at times) allow her to sneak through the environment, offering a variety of ways to approach objectives.
There is an undeniable rush from slowing down time in mid-air during combat, but the over-reliance on certain movement tactics, like jumping and climbing, can make the gameplay feel a bit predictable.
Vehicles such as Kay’s Trailblazer spaceship and her customizable speeder bike help flesh out the Star Wars experience. While upgrades to the bike provide some sense of progression, it is the exploration aspect — flying to different planets, speeding through landscapes — that evokes the most excitement.
The inclusion of side activities, like changing music on a jukebox, learning a card game, or playing an arcade game, adds to the immersion and keeps things light when you want a break from the main story.
One glaring issue lies with the game’s technical performance. Glitches, like floating stormtroopers and awkward animations, break immersion at times. While Ubisoft is known for polishing its games post-launch, these bugs can pull players out of an otherwise engaging world.
Another point of contention is the enemy AI, which can feel lackluster. Too often, enemies fail to present a strategic challenge, relying more on brute force than intelligent tactics. This can make some combat scenarios feel repetitive.
Star Wars Outlaws is an impressive open-world experiment in the Star Wars universe. The narrative is compelling, the world immersive, and the core mechanics — while not perfect — offer enough to keep players engaged.
However, a lack of variety in missions, occasional bugs, and underwhelming enemy AI keep it from being a true standout. With a bit more refinement, this could be the definitive Star Wars game for fans of open-world exploration.
For now, it is a solid adventure with potential for more.
Bollywood’s ‘King Khan’ steals show at Indian film awards in Abu Dhabi
Shah Rukh Khan bags best actor award for “Jawan” film at International Indian Film Academy Awards
Before “Jawaan” and “Pathaan” last year, Khan had not played any starring roles for five years
Updated 30 September 2024
AFP
ABU DHABI: Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan declared “it’s good to be back” as he won best actor at the International Indian Film Academy Awards on Saturday after a long absence from the limelight.
The 58-year-old stole the show as event co-host before walking off with the coveted prize for his role in the action thriller “Jawan,” capping a five-hour show in Abu Dhabi.
“I just want to tell you it’s good to be back,” he told a packed crowd in the capital of the oil-rich United Arab Emirates, which has a large Indian population.
“I love awards, I’m greedy about awards... I think I have a little happiness from the audience this year because I worked (again) after a long time,” he added.
Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s “Animal” won best picture among six awards including best supporting actor for Anil Kapoor, another stalwart of the Hindi film industry.
Rani Mukerji was named best actress for the child-custody drama “Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway” and Vidhu Vinod Chopra won best director for “12th Fail.”
In a rambling event that finished at 2:30 am, Khan’s comedy skits with fellow actor Vicky Kaushal were interspersed with hip-thrusting dance numbers and frequent commercial endorsements.
Shahid Kapoor rode up to the stage on a motorbike and after “King Khan” appeared, to blasts of fireworks and with a huge crown superimposed above his head, there were constant ad-lib tributes to the star.
Before releasing “Jawan” and “Pathaan” last year, Khan had not played any starring roles for five years.
His return comes as Mumbai-based Bollywood, for decades India’s dominant film business and a major cultural export, faces challenges including competition from elsewhere in the vast, culturally diverse country.
As non-Hindi productions grow in popularity, Bollywood has also been outshone by independent films such as director Payal Kapadia’s “All We Imagine as Light,” which won the coveted Grand Prix award at Cannes in May.
Bollywood’s cinema-based business model is also grappling with the rise in streaming services such as Netflix, whose Indian content includes eight films and 14 series.
Elara Capital, an Indian investment and advisory firm, estimates that box office takings were down up to 35 percent in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period last year.
However, 2023 was particularly strong as Bollywood bounced back after Covid with a strong slate of films, compared to a much weaker content pipeline this year.
Abu Dhabi was playing host for the third straight edition of the globe-trotting event, which started in 2000 and has only taken place once in India.
