Stories from the Calindratem

Everyone knows Genres such a Fantasy, Science Fiction and Mystery, but among those there are many nuanced subgenres. In this series of articles I will try to shed some light into these subgenres by explaining the elements typical for them, their origin and naming some of the best examples for the respective subgenres.  The subgenre of Tech-noir is also known as Cyber Noir or Science Fiction Noir with the latter term being coined as early as the 60ies. The name Tech-noir derives from a nightclub in the movie "Terminator" (1984) where the first shoot out with the Terminator takes place. The term is a portmanteau of "technology", representing the Science Fiction elements of the genre and "noir", which is French for black and comes from the term "film noir".  "Film noir" is a term, that was coined in the 1940ies for crime movies, that had cynical undertone and often a sexual motivation in its center. It often included a central character th...

All these ever popular lists are always subjective, since not everyone is moved by the same things. In a way this list doesn't only consider how moving a death was but also how shocking and how decisive for the story it was. As usual you are welcome to comment:  Number 10: Madison, the werewolf in "Supernatural" It might seem unusual to list the death of a guest character in the longest running fantasy show but whenever I rewatch this episode I am moved to tears, although we don't see the actual death.  This is in part due to the amazing performance of Jared Padalecki, Emanuelle Vaugier and Jensen Ackles but also because in this episode we come to understand how much the brothers are actually sacrificing for their work and to be "unsung heros". At the same time one can only admire Madison's brave choice to rather die than risk hurting anyone.  Number 9: Boromir in "Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring" Of course a list ab...

The beauty of Science Fiction is that everything is possible and that your own fantasy is the limit to it. This is one of the reasons why the genre is so popular and why some movies, even today are game changers.  There are many fantastic Science Fiction movies but these 13 movies, revolutionized the genre in its own way. Each of them did something unique to it.  Here are the 13 groundbreaking movies in chronological order:  Le voyage dans la lune (1902) by Georges Méliès Although most people haven't seen this movie, they are familiar with the iconic image of the moon having been hit by a rocket in the eye. The movie was inspired by the novels of Jules Verne and probably H.G. Wells. The story is simple: Men travel to the moon, are captured by the inhabitants, manage to escape and return home. Being an illionist Méliès was predestined to become a special effects innovator, as he did with this movie, which would be his most ambitious. One ...

Many people still think of women as the weaker sex. Science Fiction and Fantasy however have already given us some memorable badass women. The fight with strength, intelligence and charm. But it is not only their skills that make them badass but their will never to give up.  These are my top 10 most badass female characters in Science Fiction and Fantasy: 10. Zoe Washburn from "Firefly"       If a tv series, a movie or a book features a female badass character it is usually the lead and she is often passionate and a natural born leader. Joss Wedon's Zoe Washburn is very different. She is the second in command and the embodyment of a level headed, cool soldier. You wouldn't want to mess with her. At the same time she manages to be a dignified woman, who is deeply in love with her husband, although he is not a fighter.  9. Katniss Everdeen from "The Hunger Games" Jennifer Lawrence brought her to life in a brilliant way. What made Katniss ...