Category Archives: HOMEPAGE – DIVERSIONS

The Hottest Period Drama Sex Scenes of All Time

Though the words “Merchant Ivory” may have some people thinking of stiff upper-lipped prudish classic novel adaptations, fans of the genre know better. The period-drama is ripe for sexual tension with massive, passionate payoff.

Here are five of the steamiest period-drama love scenes that we just keep coming back to, over and over again.

1. Ralph Fiennes and Kristen Scott Thomas in The English Patient

It swept the Oscars in 1996, winning Best Picture, Best Director and Best Supporting Actress with its story of star-crossed lovers Katharine Clifton and the mysterious Count Lazlo (played by Ralph Fiennes), who turns up years later as the mysterious burn victim—“the English patient”—at the end of WWII. Katharine and Lazlo meet on a mapping expedition of Egypt, but alas, Katharine (played by Kristin Scott Thomas) is married to Mr. Darcy. I mean, Colin Firth. Anyway, she’s married. But the sexual tension between Katharine and Lazlo is so immediate and so intense that neither can resist. Though many cite their first romp, in a bathtub, as “the” sex scene of the film, my personal favorite has always been the scene which takes place in a hallway outside a Christmas Party sing-a-long of “Silent Night.”

“Swoon,” Lazlo tells Katherine. “I’ll catch you.”

2. James McAvoy and Kiera Knightley in Atonement

Robbie is the son of the groundskeeper of Cecilia’s massive family estate. It is 1935, and the gulf between the two, in terms of class, is unlikely to be breached. But Cecilia loves Robbie with a passion that can only occur in impossible love. Finally, after a crude letter (of Robbie’s to Cecilia, never meant to be read) is delivered, the two find themselves finally alone in the family library. Keira Knightley, in a stunning, clinging emerald green dress, tells Robbie she loves him. In one of literature’s most explosive library sex scenes, the two finally consummate their relationship, only to unwittingly set Robbie’s devastating demise into motion.

3. Mads Mikkelsen and Alicia Vikander in A Royal Affair

In this true story of the 18th century royalty in Denmark, the gorgeous Alicia Vikander plays unhappy queen to an oafish king. When a dark and handsome doctor (ENTER: MADS MIKKELSEN) is enlisted to help the king control his impulsive behavior, it’s inevitable that the Queen finds a sympathetic companion . . . and more. The sexual tension comes to a head during a masked ball, where Vikander finally hands Mikkelsen the key to her room. The rest is (true) history.

4. Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Keira Knightley in Anna Karenina

Period-drama queen Keira Knightley breathed new life into Tolstoy’s classic heroine Anna Karenina in the 2012 film adaptation with the help of her costar, Aaron Taylor-Johnson. I suppose dancing at a ball was the period-drama equivalent of locking eyes at a crowded bar, because when Vronsky lays eyes on Anna we know it’s just a matter of time before the two get together, and boy, do they ever. Vronsky and Anna are both wild and desperate, and the way he looks at her (through Johnson’s piercingly gorgeous blue eyes) would make any woman want to jump into bed with him.

Side note: IRL, Taylor-Johnson is married to Sam Taylor-Johnson, who directed him in 2009’s Nowhere Boy. Despite the fact that she is 23 years older than him, they have two children together. He even took her last name. Do you need any other reasons to love him? Nope.

Mellow Music to Ease into the Week

Some Mondays are like a cannonball into the deep end, a rush of motivation transforming into productivity and industry. Others take off a little more gradually and, hey, we’ve all been there.

When you’re feeling more like wading into the shallow end on a Monday morning, an eclectic mix of chill music can help you coast into the week’s workload and take it easy at the same time.

 

  1. “Blue Blades” by Lily and Madeleine
  2. “Every Single Night” by Fiona Apple
  3. “1234” by Feist
  4. “Shades of Cool” by Lana Del Rey
  5. “Dr. Blind” by Emily Haines and The Soft Skeleton
  6. “Teardrop” by Massive Attack
  7. “Fall in Love” by Phantogram
  8. “Cherokee” by Cat Power
  9. “Leave it Alone” by Broken Bells
  10. “Open” by Rhye

Our Top 5 Favorite Bollywood Dance Numbers

Does it matter that you don’t really understand Hindi or Urdu? Not one bit. For the uninitiated, the term Bollywood connotes India’s mind-bogglingly prolific genre of film typified by increasingly big-budget, synchronized, colorful dance numbers, and, of course, style tableaus. Note the jewelry, check the fabrics, and watch those hips for a dizzying variety of visual storytelling.

Whether high energy or ballad, the talented stars of Bollywood shimmy hybrid moves that go from Michael Jackson to classic kathak in the same sashay. A typical 3-hour Bollywood film features a minimum of 4-5 musical sequences, ranging from lovelorn soliloquies, to boy meets and courts girl, to full on synchronized, blockbuster numbers with fleets of dancers. About 99% of Bollywood musicals are lip-synced to the voices of a key handful of singers whose voices have been featured in Bollywood films for literally decades.

Enjoy this sampling (teeny, tiny sampling) of some of Bollywood’s greatest hits.

 


 

1. Movie: Gumnaam/Anonymous (1966)

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnBbjc5hmho

We start the list with a “lounge club number” which was part of the formula for almost every 60s Bollywood release at the time. It’s not going to make much sense, even with subtitles, but all really you need to know is that the retro crooner with a bizarre resemblance to John Malkovich just wants to get to know a girl.

Song: Jaan Pehchan Ho/Let’s Get Together – clip has English subtitles

 


 

2. Movie:  Amar Akbar Anthony/*names of leads characters (1975)

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egtDpw5r3f8

In pretty much all of the subcontinent, there is one thing that no one really argues about: Amitabh Bachchan is the King of Bollywood. Colossal superstar of the 70s, he is still acting, with a recent cameo in Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby, and still leads any and every A-list about Indian movies. Also fun to note, the 70s were the kitchiest of all decades in Bollywood, with surreal costuming and borderline avant-garde interpretations of Western styles. The results are out of this world.

Song: Hum Ko Ho Gaya Hai Tumse Pyar/I’ve Fallen in Love with You

 


 

3. Movie: Dil Se…/From the Heart (1998)

 

This track enjoyed some fame with English-speaking audiences because Spike Lee used it in the opening credits of his film, Inside Man. But that doesn’t mean people have seen this stupendous, amazing entry to annals of Bollywood, the “moving train number.” Yes. Watch not only some of the greatest belly dancing you’ve ever seen, but behold teams of dancers volley moves all aboard a meandering train.

Song: Chaiyya Chaiyya/Keep Walking in the Shade of Love

 


 

4. Movie: Hum Dil De Chuke Sanaam/My Heart Belongs to Another (1999)

 

Arguably the most beautiful woman in the world (she won Miss World in 1994), Aishwarya Rai is on the list for this beautifully choreographed “courting number.” Keep your eyes peeled for facial expressions and gestures straight out of Indian classical dance. The title of the song translates approximately into “Impertinent Gazes” and you’ll see why.

Song: Ankhon Ki Gustakhiayyan/Impertinent Gazes

 


 

5. Movie: Devdas/*name of lead character (2002)

 

There was a time when Indian actress Madhuri was the one-name wonder (like Cher, like Madonna) to dominate Bollywood. And here, she teamed up with a yet lesser-known Aishwarya Rai for a stunning example of the “synchronized number,” including classic Indian dance tropes, rich costumes, Mughal-era interiors, and jewels, so many jewels.

Song: Dola Re Dola/Sway, Sway

10 Latin Fitness Jams

It’s Hispanic Heritage month and what better way to kick off the celebration than with some heart-pulsing, booty-shaking music!? Get moving and pump up the endorphins with 10 of my favorite Latin fitness inspired hits.

  1. “Fireball” by Pitbull ft. John Ryan
  2. “Metela Saca” by El Chevo
  3. “La Mordidita” by Ricky Martin
  4. “6 AM” by J Balvin, Farruko
  5. “El Perdón” by Nicky Jam y Enrique Iglesias
  6. “Wepa” by Gloria Estefan
  7. “Vivir Mi Vida” by Marc Anthony
  8. “Bailando” by Enrique Iglesias ft. Descemer Bueno, Gente de Zona
  9. “Darte Un Beso” by Prince Royce
  10. “La Colegiala” by Calo ft. Margarita La Diosa de la Cumbia

10 Songs to Blast While Getting Ready for a Night Out

Yes, we know: getting ready can take us a while, and we’re OK with that. But it’s not just about choosing outfits, changing hairstyles a few times, and picking the perfect pair of shoes. Getting ready is a ritual about attitude, feeling fierce and confident, and putting yourself in the right mood for a carefree night out.

Pump up the volume, both on your stereo and on that hair, with our 10 songs to get you ready for a night on the town.

 

1. “Love Myself” by Hailee Steinfeld

2. “Hey Mama” by David Guetta (ft. Nicki Minaj, Bebe Rexha, Afrojack)

3. “Run the Word (Girls)” by Beyonce

4. “So What” by Pink

5. “Shake it Off” by Taylor Swift

6. “Firework” by Katy Perry

7. “Shewolf” by Shakira

8. “Classic” by MKTO

9. “Live for the Night” by Krewella

10. “Worth It” by Fifth Harmony