The Prospect

USG Movie Review: ‘Boyhood’ (2014)

“‘Boyhood’ is an impressive cinematic feat, displaying nuance and restraint in its portrayal of the individuality of Mason Jr.’s life yet also the universality of the obstacles he undergoes — the search for meaning, identity, and belonging in the world. The film offers no grand climax or resolution. It simply moves with clarity and confidence ... ” The Prospect contributing writer Jeffrey Liao reviews the 2014 film “Boyhood.”

“‘Boyhood’ is an impressive cinematic feat, displaying nuance and restraint in its portrayal of the individuality of Mason Jr.’s life yet also the universality of the obstacles he undergoes — the search for meaning, identity, and belonging in the world. The film offers no grand climax or resolution. It simply moves with clarity and confidence ... ” The Prospect contributing writer Jeffrey Liao reviews the 2014 film “Boyhood.” 

Five ways to disrupt the monotony of Zoom University

Online school has encouraged a single focus on just being a student, with little motivation for any other activities. However, rather than falling back on the age-old habit of starting a new Netflix binge, I suggest that we all explore the idea of the “Five Hobbies.”  

Online school has encouraged a single focus on just being a student, with little motivation for any other activities. However, rather than falling back on the age-old habit of starting a new Netflix binge, I suggest that we all explore the idea of the “Five Hobbies.”  

‘Kajillionaire’: A surreal meditation on yearning, intimacy, and connection

“The fantastic visual elements and heart-rending plot of ‘Kajillionaire’ distinguish it as a film uniquely suited for these trying times.” 

“The fantastic visual elements and heart-rending plot of ‘Kajillionaire’ distinguish it as a film uniquely suited for these trying times.”  

ENG professor Anne Cheng ’85 on racialized gender in writing

As Women’s History Month comes to an end, we want to highlight literature curated by some of the University’s incredible female faculty. 

As Women’s History Month comes to an end, we want to highlight literature curated by some of the University’s incredible female faculty. 

AAS professor Imani Perry on bridging creative and academic writing

Imani Perry is a Professor of African American Studies. She is affiliated with several departments and programs including the Program in Gender and Sexuality Studies, Law and Public Affairs, and the University Center for Human Values. Free copies of her book “Breathe: A Letter to my Sons” were distributed in Summer 2020 to undergraduates who opted in as part of USG’s anti-racism book initiative. 

Imani Perry is a Professor of African American Studies. She is affiliated with several departments and programs including the Program in Gender and Sexuality Studies, Law and Public Affairs, and the University Center for Human Values. Free copies of her book “Breathe: A Letter to my Sons” were distributed in Summer 2020 to undergraduates who opted in as part of USG’s anti-racism book initiative. 

‘Street Food: Asia,’ a masterful balance of all the right ingredients

Netflix’s selection of wonderful cooking shows is a crowded marketplace, but of those served up in recent years, “Street Food: Asia” stands out. 

Netflix’s selection of wonderful cooking shows is a crowded marketplace, but of those served up in recent years, “Street Food: Asia” stands out. 

Book-ish reviews "The Footnote" by Anthony Grafton

Anthony Grafton’s book, “The Footnote”, digs into the history of citation. I sat down with him to talk about his book, how history is made, how we understand the past, and the nature of truth. The humble little footnote is behind it all. Listen in. 

Anthony Grafton’s book, “The Footnote”, digs into the history of citation. I sat down with him to talk about his book, how history is made, how we understand the past, and the nature of truth. The humble little footnote is behind it all. Listen in.  

Intersections, the Seventh Installment

The Power of the insurgent archive in Latinx art

Mari Carmen Ramírez and Yasmin Ramírez discuss the transformative role of archives in the preservation of Latinx art, culture, and authenticity in America in an event hosted by the Art and Archaeology Department at Princeton.

Mari Carmen Ramírez and Yasmin Ramírez discuss the transformative role of archives in the preservation of Latinx art, culture, and authenticity in America in an event hosted by the Art and Archaeology Department at Princeton.

LCA professor Tracy K. Smith on race and American identity in poetry

Watching the world unfold over the past year, Tracy K. Smith, professor and director of the Lewis Center for the Arts’ Program in creative writing, has considered the ways she can encourage open and honest conversation surrounding issues at the forefront of our communities.

Watching the world unfold over the past year, Tracy K. Smith, Professor in the Creative Writing Program and Chair of The Lewis Center for the Arts, has considered the ways she can encourage open and honest conversation surrounding issues that are at the forefront of our communities.

Racism, innocent deaths, and Asian-American art

The Atlanta shooting is a clear call for me — and everyone — to take action for the Asian and Asian American communities by raising awareness and working to fight the thinly veiled, yet pervasive racism hiding behind our internal biases and microaggressions.

The Atlanta shooting is a clear call for me — and everyone — to take action for the Asian and Asian American communities by raising awareness and working to fight the thinly veiled, yet pervasive racism hiding behind our internal biases and microaggressions.

ECE professor Andrea Goldsmith on storytelling in technical writing

As Women’s History Month comes to an end, we’re highlighting literature curated by some of Princeton’s incredible female faculty. 

As Women’s History Month comes to an end, we’re highlighting literature curated by some of Princeton’s incredible female faculty. 

Rachel, who's an Asian

“A large part of my aversion to Asian dramas came from generally wanting nothing to do with any kind of Asian culture. Growing up in America, there was always a xenophobic undercurrent to products from my culture: Asian things were weird.”

“A large part of my aversion to Asian dramas came from generally wanting nothing to do with any kind of Asian culture. Growing up in America, there was always a xenophobic undercurrent to products from my culture: Asian things were weird.”

A defense of doing less

“The way I see it, if success in school requires crying on the floor, I don’t want to be successful. Success, I think, is being happy, at any given time. I still think it’s good to work, it’s good to struggle, it’s good to fail.”

“The way I see it, if success in school requires crying on the floor, I don’t want to be successful. Success, I think, is being happy, at any given time. I still think it’s good to work, it’s good to struggle, it’s good to fail.”

Why we should start listening to those ‘minor minorities’

“Watching the anti-Asian violence unfold on the news, I could not help but see my experience with dermatillomania as an allegory for how many Asian Americans, including myself, experience racism. There seems to be a pervasive insecurity that our struggles are unimportant, or simply not worthy of discussion.” 

“Watching the anti-Asian violence unfold on the news, I could not help but see my experience with dermatillomania as an allegory for how many Asian Americans, including myself, experience racism. There seems to be a pervasive insecurity that our struggles are unimportant, or simply not worthy of discussion.” 

Sexpert: What you should know about menstrual cups

Menstrual cups are a great alternative to pads and tampons and definitely worth trying out if you think they might be right for you! Not only are they more sustainable, but they can also be a super cost-effective option, compared to pads and tampons. If you take advantage of the campus initiative, your cup will be free and could last you up to five years with proper cleaning and care! 

Menstrual cups are a great alternative to pads and tampons and definitely worth trying out if you think they might be right for you! Not only are they more sustainable, but they can also be a super cost-effective option, compared to pads and tampons. If you take advantage of the campus initiative, your cup will be free and could last you up to five years with proper cleaning and care! 

It feels like America again

The Prospect associate editor José Pablo Fernández García wrestles with growing up in the age of mass shootings and how a return of such tragedies to the headlines grossly feels like a return to American normalcy.

The Prospect associate editor José Pablo Fernández García wrestles with growing up in the age of mass shootings and how a return of such tragedies to the headlines grossly feels like a return to American normalcy.

How live music, art, and dance are combating vaccine hesitancy

Public health officials have employed some creative endeavors — from musically-charged cathedrals to music videos featuring local dancers — to encourage COVID-19 vaccination.

Public health officials have employed some creative endeavors — from musically-charged cathedrals to music videos featuring local dancers — to encourage COVID-19 vaccination. 

USG Movie Review: ‘On the Basis of Sex’ (2018)

“On the Basis of Sex” honors the life and legacy of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who is remembered as one of the most respected and influential figures in modern political life. With a charming screenplay and moving lead performances, the film offers viewers a glimpse into Ginsburg’s life as a lawyer and professor as well as a wife and mother. 

 “On the Basis of Sex” honors the life and legacy of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who is remembered as one of the most respected and influential figures in modern political life. With a charming screenplay and moving lead performances, the film offers viewers a glimpse into Ginsburg’s life as a lawyer and professor as well as a wife and mother.  

Stuck on studying? Try these playlists

Midterms are over, and the snow is melting, but as you break out the spring clothes, you’re probably realizing that you have weeks of tough course loads ahead of you before summer hits. As you gear up for the rest of the semester, consider trying out some fresh study music to get you through those late-night essays and endless problem sets. 

Midterms are over, and the snow is melting, but as you break out the spring clothes, you’re probably realizing that you have weeks of tough course loads ahead of you before summer hits. As you gear up for the rest of the semester, consider trying out some fresh study music to get you through those late-night essays and endless problem sets.