Films and Series That Never Get Old (and Always Inspire)

I had a thought yesterday…

Every now and then, my husband Iacopo and I like to revisit TV series that we liked after a few years.

The Alessia rule of revisiting a series or films depends on how sad, trash, splatter,inspiring or exciting they are. Spoiler alert if there is too much “heavy-stuff” I cannot handle it twice in a row, sometimes I stop watching the series or film altogether if that is the case.

And yes, I can fall asleep on iacopo’s lap even if there are loud sounds going on.

We are also the kind of couple that starts the “Harry Potter-marathon” at the beginning of every December, followed by the extended version of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. January is all about Groundhog Day. Don’t laugh, it’s now a tradition. LOL.

Back to last night, we decided to start Sherlock for the third time, with Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as Dr. John Watson.

I still remember when I watched it for the first time with my dear friend Antonella. We squealed like excited school girls every other shot! Yes we found those two characters quite attractive.

But this is not what I’m here to talk about, or maybe at some point I will also talk about movies and series that I like, after all it’s a Wonderland, right? I’m writing this because in the very first episode, both Shelok and Dr. Watson mention they write a blog:

Sherlock’s blog is called the Science of Deduction and Dr Watson’s, a former army doctor, on the advice of his therapist, writes his thoughts and feelings about returning to civilian life. 

What has this got to do with this blog?

Well, my lightbulb turned on when I heard the therapist character say to John Watson that, it would help him out to write what is on his mind on “paper”, in this case an online blog. 

I do have a private journal where I write almost everyday, but I thought it would be fun to write this blog like old school blogs that were popular when we were… younger.

This year, 2025, I’m turning 40, and I would like to share my thoughts on this blog like a letter to you out there reading. As you have noticed I have not been very consistent. I did feel a little overwhelmed by running two other businesses. I felt like “Alessia in Wonderland” was about to become a chore rather than an escape,  just because the idea I had of writing a blog was that it had to be perfectly structured, with specific sections in order to help the reader follow it.

 Now as much as I like structure, especially coming from a ballet background, my artistic side feels boxed up when it comes to having to do something in a certain way.

This blog started as a fun project and I’d love it to keep it that way. I want freedom in my writing and spontaneity without anyone (me and my head) telling me I should write in a certain way. 

 I will share what I like, in the way I like it.

I’m glad I started watching Sherlock again, I’m glad it inspired me to just put my thoughts on paper and share it with you.

It took a while but I got there. Between Profitable Talents and Lazy Dancer Tips, I might not be as consistent as other bloggers out there. As you can see I like to keep myself busy, but at least you know that when a piece of content comes out, it’s literally written from the heart. 

I want to ask you a question, you can reply in a comment below:

What’s your hobby, what do you like to do? Is there anything in particular you find inspiring, books you’ve read, activities you’ve experienced, anything you’d like to share with me? Why? Because I’d love to take on a new hobby or experience something new myself, and I’m not sure what to try! I will not jump off a plane or bungee jump off a cliff, by the way :)

 Love
Alessia 💕

PS.

Here’s a list of Films and TV series that Iacopo and I watched multiple times and highly recommend. I will update the list in case I forget something. 

FILMS

Interstellar by Christopher Nolan This is on top of the list for various reasons: 1- Iacopo worked on it and it was a magical experience being side by side with Nolan and the Nasa Team. Plus they won an Oscar for the visual effects. 2- I love this film too and never get sick of it. The soundtrack is outstanding too.

8 ½ by Federico Fellini I love how surreal this movie is. It’s poetry on screen.

La Grande Bellezza Iacopo and I really like this film, inspired very much by 8 ½ by Fellini, but we both think it was a mistake because none of the films that Sorrentino created afterwards were at the level of this one. 

Maestro by Bradly Cooper. The only thing I say is that it is a work of genius, plus the photography is out of this world. It’s a little long, but worth every minute.

Oppenheimer, another one of Nolan’s masterpieces. The fast pace of the film keeps you at the edge of the seat with every dialog, until… you have to watch it. 

The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar I was staring at the screen and couldn't close my mouth. I looked like a kid watching a show for the first time. It has a wondrous feel from beginning to end.

The Legend of 1900. Originally written as a monologue for theatre, Novecento, by Alessandro Baricco. This is another film that is poetry from beginning to end. Oh and turn the volume up, the dreamy music is written by Morricone. 

Whale Rider written by Witi Ihimaera. This holds a special place in my heart as it was a film I got to know and watch while living in New Zealand. It made me understand and appreciate every aspect of Maori culture. I kind of know every line by heart.

The Piano is another New Zealand film that has inspired me when I was younger. The music drove my movements when I was alone in my bedroom, dancing like nobody was watching. It also pushed my curiosity and my wish to visit a far away land “when I grew up”. You might not know but, I visited NZ at 15 for the first time, to dance at the New Zealand School of dance for a few months. When I returned to Italy I made it clear to myself that I would have returned to see that magical place. I was offered a job with Royal New Zealand Ballet when I was 20. I signed the contract without questioning it. I lived in NZ for 6 years.

Cinema Paradiso is one of the most iconic Italian films. Everyone returns home at some point in life, and memories come rushing back. If you know what I’m talking about then this is a film you’ll love.

300 Inspiring if you are running a business…this is exactly how a leader should be! Plus there are a bunch, 300 to be exact, sexy Spartans you’ll love spending time with. 

Lost In Translation I know every line of this movie. It accompanied me around the world, and somehow, every time I watch it, it feels like home. Shot in Tokyo, where I left a piece of my heart. 

The Truman Show I find this movie so tender in the way the story unfolds, almost like you want to hug everyone by the end of it. A research for love, adventure and personal growth taught through the eyes of genuinity. 

Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind I don’t know why but in Italy the title was “Se mi lasci ti cancello” which translated, it means “If you leave me, I’ll delete you”. Whoever was on that marketing campaign needs to be fired. This is one of the most incredible films I have seen. Highly recommend it. By the way, many of the scenes are improvised by the actors…Hat off to all of them.

The Hours I start by saying that I love the cast of women they’ve chosen! I was glued till the end with their incredible performance. Philip Glass wrote the soundtrack and it tells the story of every movement and every word in music format.

Kill Bill Vol. 1 & Kill Bill Vol.2, Pulp Fiction are my Tarantino’s favourites. So surreal. The work of a genius. He’s done many more, but i’ll let you discover them by yourself.

Hot Fuzz a very good giggle if you’ve lived in England for a while. If you’ve never seen it, you are in for a treat.

These below are those films that we watched growing up. Funny and old school! 

Ghostbusters only the original ones from the 80s. Let’s not talk about the remakes! My only thought about them is WHY?

Indiana Jones same comment as Ghostbusters, I’m not gonna add anything else.

Trading Places it’s a tradition for all the Italians living, or that have lived abroad, to have it playing on TV, in the background on Christmas Day. This is because every year it’s still playing on national television on Christmas day. In other words, it makes us feel closer to our families and friends, even if far away. 

Total Recall obviously original one with our dear Arnold

Big Trouble in Little China “This is Jack Burton from the pork chop express”. I can’t believe he had a live podcast before podcasts were even invented! 

TV Series

The Big Bang Theory We went through it 3 times, and we're gonna start over again soon. It’s too good and you become part of the family in no time

Fawlty Towers expect very english humor. What makes me laugh the most is that, during my tours in england, I experienced these kinds of hotels. 

Star Trek- The Next Generation who doesn’t love Picard? I mean, this series is so ahead of its time, I couldn't stop daydreaming about how wonderful it would be to live with that inclusivity and mindset on our solar system right now. I guess it’ll take a little longer than expected.

Friends I have to confess that, even though this show was huge back in my teenage years, I only watched it with Iacopo last year (2024). I was sad when it was over, almost like friends that have been with me for many adventures have grown up and left. I guess that’s exactly how they wanted you to feel when they created the show.

Loki if you are a Marvel fan, this is a must-watch. Visually incredible and the story is absolutely amazing. I never thought I would get to love a “villain” that much. But I guess that British class and charm did the trick.

The Crown speaking of British charm, you cannot leave this one off the table.I have to say it’s a brilliant series. Oh and Iacopo worked on the VFXs. Proud of him.

The Manalorian Believe me, it’s not just about little Yoda, which by the way his name is Grogu and has nothing to do with Yoda, apart from being from the same species. If you are not convinced, I promise you’ll change your mind as soon as you start watching.

The Bear if you are feeling stressed, watch this and reconsider your choice of words. Jokes apart, we were hooked on every episode. Yes we binge-watched it, and we are eagerly waiting for next season.