Latest news with #Braveheart
Hans India
6 hours ago
- Health
- Hans India
Recalling Opal: The heart of Miss World 2025
I still remember the first time I met Miss Thailand Opal Suchata Chuangsri for an exclusive interview for Hans India. She was confident, radiant, and yet so grounded. Long before she became Miss World 2025, she carried something more powerful than beauty: purpose. Her story stayed with me. At just 16, Opal underwent surgery to remove two large benign breast tumours — one 8 centimeters, the other 10. It was a defining moment. She said, 'I was waiting outside the operating room all alone. That's when I realised I had to live my life on my own — and live it well.' That pain became her power. By the time she stepped onto the Miss World stage, Opal was already a force for change. Through Opal for Her, she brought breast cancer awareness into the spotlight. Her podcast 'Braveheart' shared the voices of survivors and health leaders across Thailand. Her partnership with Prima Jewellery led to the Daobrak collection — beautiful pieces that now fund screenings and treatments for women in need. But what struck me most was her sincerity. During the pageant in India, she spoke about her stay in Telangana. 'The kindness I received in Telangana was overwhelming,' she said. 'The people, the culture, the warmth — it felt like home. It's something I'll always carry with me.' When the crown was placed on her head, it wasn't just a win for Thailand — it was a win for every woman who ever felt unseen. And in true Opal fashion, her message remains: 'You are not alone. In Thailand, we say cancer is afraid of happiness — so keep smiling, keep laughing, and keep living.' Opal didn't just wear the crown — she redefined what it means.
The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
When the Scots were revolting: Do we need another Braveheart?
The latest in the Archive on 4 series, the programme dipped into the BBC's vintage recordings to follow the impact of the film on Scottish cinema, Scottish cultural and political life and, perhaps most importantly, on the tourist trade. Stirling is still seeing the benefits three decades later. Morrison went up the Wallace Monument at the Abbey Craig to discover that, yes, all the international visitors had indeed seen the movie. 'Who needs historical accuracy when you've got a gift shop?' she asked. The programme invariably touched on how the film was exploited by politicians at the time (notably by former SNP leader Alex Salmond, although the Tories also sought to tap into the film's popularity) and how it unleashed a wave of anti-English sentiment in cinemas. 'People were standing up and cheering English people getting killed,' historian Fiona Wallace pointed out to Morrison. Read more There's another question to be asked about Braveheart, perhaps. Is it any good? Not really. That's never stopped Scots embracing it though. You could say the same about Restless Natives, a sub-par Bill Forsyth simulacrum that's now been transformed into a musical, or The Wicker Man, a not-that-great horror movie that's been reclaimed as some kind of masterpiece (Morrison isn't a fan of the latter, we learn in passing). Maybe Scots in the past were just starved of films and TV about themselves that they'll embrace anything. The stereotypical Scotland on screen that existed prior to Braveheart, film lecturer Johnny Murray told Morrison, is a country that's an unspoiled wilderness, that's authentic, untameable and inhabited by noble savages. It's a recipe, he pointed out, that can either be served sweet - as in Whisky Galore! or Local Hero - or savoury, as in Braveheart. 'These are all very masculine, these stereotypes,' Morrison suggested. Indeed. At another point we are reminded that in Braveheart it takes 20 minutes before any of its female characters gets to say a line. Which suggests what? That we need less Mel Gibson, more Morven Callar maybe. Earlier in the day Radio Scotland's Sportsound had the excitement of a penalty shootout to bring us. When Aberdeen won it, a Sportsound reporter - I was in the car so I can't be sure, but I think it was Tyrone Smith - went pitchside to catch the jubilant victors. A couple of them, carried away in the moment swore, a little, prompting an apology from the presenter. Aberdeen players celebrate winning the penalty shoot-out during the Scottish Gas Men's Scottish Cup final at Hampden Park (Image: Andrew Milligan) You do wonder if interviewing players in a heightened state of emotion is a good idea if you are bothered by the odd swear word. Then again, was it the Scottish players who couldn't mind their language? Noble savages indeed. On Monday 5 Live had spent the day reporting from the joyous chaos of the Liverpool FC victory parade through the city. My sister lives in the city and had sent me photos of the players on the bus passing her home in the south of the city earlier in the day. At teatime 5 Live Drive presenter Chris Warburton was clearly enjoying the atmosphere in the city centre. And then everything changed when a car hit some of those in the parade. The sudden shift from joy to shock and horror could be heard in Warburton's voice. 'The mood since I last spoke to you has really changed now,' he said, trying to find the words when he still wasn't totally clear what had happened. Nicky Campbell spent his 5 Live phone-in show on Tuesday morning talking about the incident. The conversation was largely sensible. But now and then Campbell would read out comments from listeners speculating on the why. Campbell then added, 'We can't speculate on any motivation but I am just conveying to you what some people are saying. We don't yet know.' Hmm, why read them out then? Kenneth Cranham (Image: free) Listen Out For: The Essay: An Actor's Life, Radio 3, Monday to Friday, 9.45pm It's easy to forget that actor Kenneth Cranham - star of Shine on Harvey Moon and Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit and known for playing London gangsters on a regular basis - grew up in Dunfermline. In this series he talks to fellow actor Neil Dudgeon about working with Joe Orton and Harold Pinter
Edinburgh Reporter
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Reporter
Wet Leg at Usher Hall
After taking some time off to write while watching repeated viewings of Braveheart and a variety of horror films, Wet Leg have returned with moisturizer, released later in the summer. It follows the Grammy-winning self-titled debut which brought indie guitar music back into the mainstream. Rhian Teasdale flexes her biceps and stands in front of the enthusiastic audience amid flashing lights before opener catch these fists. It's a much punkier, spiky and heavier industrial sound that packs a potent live punch. While Teasdale along with lead guitarist Hester Chambers originally fronted the band, they are now a bona fide five-piece with Ellis Durand (bass), Henry Holmes (drums), and Joshua Mobaraki (guitar, synth). Chambers, who spoke with fans and posed for photographs before the show, has taken more of a backseat while Teasdale shows off her ripped muscles and ditches her guitar at points to move around the stage while thrashing around her pink and blonde mane. Her bleached eyebrows add to an uncanny stage presence. During liquidise a dead-eyed-stare is replaced with a smile as the hooky guitar pop summons Kim Deal's best moments from Pixies and The Breeders. The ferocity of Oh No recalls Nirvana's punk pop perfection and Teasdale is as comfortable with a guitar as without depending on what the song and performance requires. Too Late Now is greeted like an old friend as fans jump up and down in the sweaty front rows. You probably heard the scream that greeted Chaise Longue, the audience complied with an earth-shattering 'What?' to Teasdale's 'Excuse me Edinburgh?', it's a memorable moment that's gone too soon. For many, the track was a welcome release from Covid-19 when released in 2021. In the same way that great pop songs can, it provided an escape, even if only for a few minutes. Each band member head-bangs under long mops of hair, clearly enjoying themselves as much as the audience. They close with CPR its compressed, hooky riff is reminiscent of P.J Harvey. Wet Leg are so back. At Usher Hall. Wet Leg PHOTO Richard Purden Wet Leg PHOTO Richard Purden Wet Leg PHOTO Richard Purden Wet Leg PHOTO Richard Purden Like this: Like Related
Irish Post
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Post
Brendan Gleeson honoured for 'commitment to social justice'
BRENDAN GLEESON has been honoured in his hometown for his acting success and his commitment to 'social justice'. The Dubliner, who has starred in the likes of Braveheart, Michael Collins and the Harry Potter films, more recently won critical acclaim for his role in The Banshees of Inisherin, for which he was nominated for the Best Supporting Actor Oscar. This week the star was one of seven people to receive an award from the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Emma Blain, which marked his 'outstanding achievements in acting and social justice'. Brendan Gleeson pictured with the Lord Mayor, Emma Blain and his award in recognition of his outstanding achievements in acting and social justice His fellow recipients included the groundbreaking athlete Rhasidat Adeleke, former Ireland rugby star Johnny Sexton and Fair City actor Bryan Murray and his partner Úna Crawford O'Brien, for their "contribution to the arts, on stage and on screen and for raising awareness of dementia". Croatian twins Allen and Jay Bobinac were also recognised with awards marking their 'outstanding voluntary service to the people of Dublin and their dedication to helping the homeless in the city'. Johnny Sexton receives his award from Lord Mayor, Emma Blain Team Power of One received an award in recognition of their work raising awareness and funds for Heart Children Ireland and Children's Heart Centre – CHI Crumlin in memory of Saoirse. And an award was given posthumously to Isobel Henderson 'in recognition of her outstanding service and unwavering dedication to the Girls' Brigade Ireland'. Ms Blain presented the awards at a ceremony held at Dublin's Mansion House. 'These awards are a chance for me to say thank you, on behalf of all the citizens of Dublin, to some people who have made a real difference to the social fabric of life in our city,' she said. 'Some of the award recipients will be well known to many of us, others not so. 'However, they are all very worthy of this award and I am delighted to be able to honour them in this way.'
The National
6 days ago
- Business
- The National
Councillors consider completely demolishing Kirkcudbright Bridge
All options are currently being explored by Dumfries and Galloway Council officers, which includes a rebuild job on site – or potentially another bridge at different locations on the River Dee. Various costings and proposals are currently being investigated and a range of options will be presented to councillors in October this year. This news comes after it was revealed that the short term solution will see Kirkcudbright Bridge reopened to cars or light vans by July 2 (vehicles larger than three tonnes will not be allowed access). READ MORE: National park supporters urge ministers not to scrap Galloway proposal The issue is due to be discussed at the council's economy and infrastructure committee next Tuesday where councillors will be given a progress update. A report by Duncan McDonald, the council's engineering design manager, will be tabled at the meeting. He wrote: 'In parallel to reopening the bridge on Wednesday July 2, 2025, officers have started to consider options to develop an indicative cost of a new bridge as well as timescales associated with this. 'Due to the complexities of work required to develop a new bridge for Kirkcudbright it is anticipated that this will take years, however officers are committed to developing this and will follow due diligence in order to seek correct (elected) member approval." READ MORE: Running festival seeks 'Braveheart' athletes for race across historic Stirling sites The council was forced to close the bridge with little notice in March after a structural safety report from engineering consultant's Mott MacDonald. The move has attracted criticism from locals due to it adding time onto journeys between the merse and the town centre. Traders have also experienced a significant drop in income. Council officers are now poring over documents from a previous review of the bridge, which was conducted in the 1970s by consultants Fairhurst. Fairhurst was commission to consider various other sites for a new bridge. The council report produced for next week's committee explains: 'In their work, Fairhurst considered two primary locations for the new bridge. The first was directly over the existing bridge and required full demolition. 'A replacement temporary bridge was required to facilitate this, to ensure the Merse and Kirkcudbright communities remained connected during the demolition and construction work.'The second was upstream starting at Dee Road, spanning the Dee to the rear of the creamery (now demolished).' Councillors will now be asked to allow officers to seek indicative costs and timescales for a new bridge within this year's public realm structures capital budget. If agreed, officers will then come back with a full range of options to the full council meeting on October 2.
