Culture
- Beyond the World Series and Bronny, the enduring love of fathers and sons
The beautiful thing about the full-circle moments experienced this week by sports stars Freddie Freeman and LeBron James is what’s at the center of them, writes the Monitor’s cultural commentator – pure and abiding love.
- In ‘A Real Pain,’ a road trip whose emotional power sneaks up on you
“A Real Pain,” written by, directed by, and co-starring Jesse Eisenberg, is the kind of movie that creeps up on you, says film critic Peter Rainer. It has a way of seeing that, in its own modest way, owes something to the Yiddish sensibility that informed storytellers like Isaac Bashevis Singer.
- Candy corn and leaf-pile cannonballs: Falling in love with fall, all over again
Celebrating fall: The riot of russet tones, the brisk air, the crunchy leaves. The answer to what ails us? It’s often as simple as stepping outside.
- Musician Fantastic Negrito wants to spread the light. He first had to face his past.
With “Son of a Broken Man,” Grammy winner Fantastic Negrito tackles his relationship with his father, and considers how to overcome the darkness in our lives.
- Civil rights on the red carpet: Freedom Awards honor 3 icons
Filmmaker Spike Lee, attorney Sherrilyn Ifill, and civil rights advocate Xernona Clayton were honored with the National Civil Rights Museum’s Freedom Award in Memphis, Tennessee.
- For descendants of Black Caribs, this heritage sail is about resilience
The annual pilgrimage of the Garifuna from mainland St. Vincent to nearby Baliceaux island offers tribute and connection to their ancestors – and helps keep a unique culture alive.
- ‘Road Diary’ documentary offers a front-row seat to stellar Bruce Springsteen
After a six-year hiatus from live concerts, what would Bruce Springsteen’s return offer? The rocker is “entirely captivating” in the latest documentary capturing his craft, says the Monitor’s film critic.
- First LookHuge audience of WNBA Finals in New York caps record-breaking season
The New York Liberty finally won its first WNBA championship after beating the Minnesota Lynx 67-62 in overtime of a decisive Game 5 on Oct. 20. The first three games of the series each had over a million viewers and huge crowds in attendance.
- ‘Anora’ thinks she’s found her Prince Charming. This 5-star movie is no fairy tale.
People who live on society’s margins aren’t always treated with compassion and sympathy. But the director of “Anora” offers both. “I’ve rarely encountered a scene that moved me as completely and complicatedly as this film’s final moments,” says the Monitor’s critic.
- Sending smiles across the miles: Care packages bring comfort in troubling times
Care packages are a gesture of love and a reminder that, in times of turmoil, goodness can still cross the threshold. Here's how to create your own.
- First LookThey ride low and slow. How a booming Latino car community celebrates art and heritage.
Lowriding, a cornerstone of Latin identity in the United States, often battles negative stereotypes. A renaissance of the subculture, including car shows like those in El Paso, Texas, showcases how artistic lowriding brings people together.
- This artist turned a forgiveness journey into a film – with the help of Steven Spielberg
As his new movie debuts, artist Titus Kaphar reflects on what it takes to arrive at forgiveness – and to share it with the world.
- Oh, hoppy day! Going down the White Rabbit hole at the New York Botanical Garden.
Installations inspired by Lewis Carroll’s children’s books are sprinkled throughout the garden as part of the “Wonderland: Curious Nature” exhibit.
- First Look‘Your legacy won’t be matched:’ Rafael Nadal, 22-time Grand Slam winner, retires
Rafael Nadal, the Spanish tennis star, announced Oct. 10 he will retire after next month's Davis Cup finals. Known for his unrelenting style of play, he was one of the greats of the game in an era that included rivals Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.
- CommentaryNew editor at The Christian Science Monitor
- Election week could be just as long, and fraught, as in 2020
- In Gaza or Ukraine, peace can look impossible. Here, there’s hope.
- With Senate hopes dwindling, Democrats look, once again, to Texas
- On immigration, Harris and Trump talk tough – with critical differences