Steve Bannon courted Epstein in his efforts to 'take down' Pope Francis Christopher Lamb, CNNFebruary 14, 2026 at 4:37 PM 838 The late Pope Francis, left, and former White House adviser Steve Bannon. AP, Getty Images Steve Bannon, a former White House adviser to US President Donald Trump, discussed opposition strategies with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein against Pope Francis, with Bannon saying he hoped to "take down" the pontiff, according to newly released files from the US Department of Justice.

- - Steve Bannon courted Epstein in his efforts to 'take down' Pope Francis

Christopher Lamb, CNNFebruary 14, 2026 at 4:37 PM

838

The late Pope Francis, left, and former White House adviser Steve Bannon. - AP, Getty Images

Steve Bannon, a former White House adviser to US President Donald Trump, discussed opposition strategies with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein against Pope Francis, with Bannon saying he hoped to "take down" the pontiff, according to newly released files from the US Department of Justice.

Messages sent between the pair in 2019, released in the massive document dump last month, reveal Bannon courted the late financier in his attempts to undermine the former pontiff after leaving the first Trump administration.

Bannon had been highly critical of Francis whom he saw as an opponent to his "sovereigntist" vision, a brand of nationalist populism which swept through Europe in 2018 and 2019. The released documents from the DOJ appear to show that Epstein had been helping Bannon to build his movement.

"Will take down (Pope) Francis," Bannon wrote to Epstein in June 2019. "The Clintons, Xi, Francis, EU – come on brother."

Pope Francis was a significant obstacle to Bannon's brand of nationalist populism. In 2018, the former Trump aide described Francis to The Spectator as "beneath contempt," accusing him of siding with "globalist elites" and, according to "SourceMaterial," urged Matteo Salvini, now Italy's deputy prime minister, to "attack" the pontiff. For his part, Salvini has used Christian iconography and language when pursuing his anti-immigrant agenda.

Rome and the Vatican have been important for Bannon. He set up a Rome bureau when he ran Breitbart News and has been involved in trying to establish a political training "gladiator school" to defend Judaeo-Christian values not far from the Eternal City.

Former White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon speaks at Atreju 2018, a conference of right wing activists, on September 22, 2018, in Rome, Italy. Bannon was in Rome to drum up support for The Movement, his organization designed to help right-wing political parties in Europe. - Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post/Getty Images

Former White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon talks with Giorgia Meloni, leader of the Brothers of Italy, before speaking at Atreju 2018, a conference of right wing activists, as aids block cameras from viewing through the bushes behind on September 22, 2018 in Rome, Italy. Meloni, known for her conservative ideals, is now prime minister of Italy. - Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post/Getty Images

Francis, meanwhile, was a counterweight to the Trumpian worldview, strongly critiquing nationalism and making advocacy for migrants a hallmark of his pontificate.

The recently released DOJ files reveal Bannon messaged Epstein on several occasions in his efforts to undermine the late pope.

In his messages with Epstein, Bannon references "In the Closet of the Vatican," a 2019 book by French journalist Frédéric Martel that lifted a lid on secrecy and hypocrisy at high levels of the church. Martel created a storm with his book by claiming 80% of the clergy working in the Vatican are gay, while exploring how they keep their sexuality secret.

The whole question of homosexuality in the church has been a lightning rod for some conservatives, who see it as evidence of a deeper, systemic crisis in the church, with some linking it to the wider sexual abuse scandals. Most experts and researchers view any conflating of sexual orientation with abuse as scientifically inaccurate.

Bannon showed an interest in turning Martel's book into a film after meeting the author in Paris at a five-star hotel. In the messages, Bannon appears to suggest that Epstein could be the film's executive producer. "You are now exec producer of 'ITCOTV' (In the closet of the Vatican)," Bannon wrote.

It is not clear how serious the proposal from Bannon to Epstein was, and, in the exchange, Epstein doesn't mention the offer and asks about Bannon filming Noam Chomsky, the philosopher and public intellectual. Martel said when he met Bannon at the Hotel Le Bristol he told him that he could not agree to any film deal as his publishers controlled the film rights and had already signed a deal with another corporation. He told CNN that he thinks Bannon wanted to "instrumentalize" the book in his efforts against Pope Francis.

Steve Bannon and Jeffrey Epstein in a handout image from the estate of the late financier and convicted sex offender, released by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee in Washington, DC, on December 12, 2025. - House Oversight Committee Democrats/Handout/Reuters

The Epstein files show Epstein, on April 1, 2019, emailed himself "in the closet of the vatican," and later sent Bannon an article titled "Pope Francis or Steve Bannon? Catholics must choose" to which Bannon replies "easy choice."

Austen Ivereigh, a biographer of the late pope, said Bannon thought he could use Martel's book to embarrass and damage Pope Francis, while claiming to "purify" the church. "I think he badly misjudged the nature of the book – and Pope Francis," Ivereigh told CNN.

Yet, as it now turns out, it appears that Bannon was messaging Epstein several years after his 2008 conviction for child sex offenses and just before he was arrested for the sex trafficking of minors.

Rev. Antonio Spadaro, a Vatican official who collaborated closely with Pope Francis, told CNN Bannon's messages show a desire to fuse "spiritual authority with political power for strategic ends."

The late pope, Spadaro explains, resisted such a link: "What those messages reveal is not merely hostility toward a pontiff, but a deeper attempt to instrumentalize faith as a weapon – precisely the temptation he sought to disarm."

The period of 2018 to 2019 saw intense opposition to Francis, which culminated in an August 2018 dossier released by Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, the former papal ambassador to the US, accusing him of failing to deal with abuse committed by Cardinal Theodore McCarrick. A Vatican inquiry later cleared Francis.

But Bannon's desire to make a film out of Martel's book saw him lose an ally in the Vatican. Cardinal Raymond Burke, a prominent conservative critic of Francis, said: "I am not at all of the mind that the book should be made into a film."

Former White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon makes his way through crowds surrounded by his entourage after speaking at Atreju 2018. - Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post/Getty Images

Burke was also portrayed in an unflattering way in Martel's book. Burke's split with Bannon came when he cut ties with Dignitatis Humanae, a conservative institute founded by Benjamin Harnwell, a British political adviser and a close associate of Bannon's based in Italy.

Harnwell had been working with Bannon to set up an academy to train nationalist-populist leaders in an 800-year-old former monastery called "Certosa di Trisulti" in the province of Frosinone, 47 miles south-east of Rome. Harnwell is engaged in an ongoing legal battle with Italy's culture ministry over the monastery's conversion, with a hearing taking place on February 11.

In 2019, the Italian government revoked a lease given to Harnwell's institute for the monastery, stating irregularities, non-payments and misrepresentations by Harnwell. In 2024, however, a Roman court cleared him, and he is seeking to win back the lease.

The Epstein files also reveal that Bannon forwarded an email to Epstein in July 2018 with an article from Italian newspaper "La Repubblica" headlined "Bannon the European: He's opening the populist fort in Brussels." Bannon was forwarding an English translation of the article, which had originally been sent by Harnwell.

Harnwell told CNN that Epstein was "not involved in Trisulti."

Director of the Dignitatis Humanae Institute Benjamin Harnwell at the Trisulti Monastery Certosa di Trisulti in Collepardo on May 2, 2019. Harnwell was behind a would-be "gladiator school" for populists in Italy. - Alberto Pizzoli/AFP/Getty Images

The Trisulti Monastery Certosa di Trisulti in Collepardo on May 2, 2019. - Alberto Pizzoli/AFP/Getty Images

Elsewhere in the files, Epstein jokes with his brother, Mark, about inviting Pope Francis to his residence for a "massage" during the US papal visit in 2015. Three years later, he messages Bannon to say he's trying to "organize a trip for the pope to the Midde East," adding "headline – tolerance."

When Bannon shares with Epstein an article about the Vatican condemning "populist nationalism," Epstein quotes John Milton's biblical poem "Paradise Lost," when Satan has been cast out of heaven.

"Better to reign in Hell, than serve in Heaven," Epstein tells Bannon.

CNN has contacted a representative of Bannon for comment. Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein or any allegation of sexual misconduct.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com

Original Article on Source

Source: "AOL Breaking"

Source: Breaking

Published: February 14, 2026 at 01:54PM on Source: PRIME TIME

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

byPrime Sky

in

February 14, 2026

Steve Bannon courted Epstein in his efforts to ‘take down’ Pope Francis

Steve Bannon courted Epstein in his efforts to 'take down' Pope Francis Christopher Lamb, CNNFebruary 14, 2026 ...

Pakistan's imprisoned exPM Khan to get medical treatment after reported partial vision loss MUNIR AHMED February 14, 2026 at 9:41 PM 0 FILE Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan gives a press conference at his home, in Lahore, Pakistan, on May 18, 2023. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary, File) () ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan's imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan will undergo treatment for an eye condition at a specialized medical facility, a Cabinet minister said Saturday, days after the Supreme Court ordered a medical evaluation amid growing concerns about his eyesight.

- - Pakistan's imprisoned ex-PM Khan to get medical treatment after reported partial vision loss

MUNIR AHMED February 14, 2026 at 9:41 PM

FILE - Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan gives a press conference at his home, in Lahore, Pakistan, on May 18, 2023. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary, File) ()

ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan's imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan will undergo treatment for an eye condition at a specialized medical facility, a Cabinet minister said Saturday, days after the Supreme Court ordered a medical evaluation amid growing concerns about his eyesight.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar wrote on X that an examination would be conducted by leading eye specialists as part of Khan's ongoing treatment which began in late January after Khan reported a partial loss of vision in his right eye.

The minister did not say at which medical facility and when Khan would be treated.

"A detailed report will also be submitted to the Supreme Court. Conjecture, speculations and efforts to turn this into political rhetoric and mileage for vested interests may please be avoided," Tarar said.

Earlier this week, Khan's lawyer, Salman Safdar, told the Supreme Court that the former premier had lost roughly 85% of vision in his right eye. The court subsequently directed authorities to arrange a medical assessment by a panel of doctors and facilitate a telephone call between Khan, 73, and his sons before Feb. 16.

Supporters of Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, or PTI, have staged protests in Islamabad and other cities, demanding he be moved from prison to a hospital for specialized treatment. Some of the lawmakers from PTI and its allies are also staging a sit-in outside the parliament.

Khan's family angrily responded to Tarar's announcement, saying it had not been consulted before he was taken for treatment and has called for family members and his personal physician to be present during any future procedures.

Khan's sister, Aleema Khan, said Saturday on X that the authorities had arranged the call and Khan had spoken with his sons for about 20 minutes. Khan was "extremely happy" to hear their voices after a long gap, she said, adding the family was awaiting urgent treatment of Khan at an eye hospital under the supervision of Khan's personal doctors.

The former cricket star turned politician has been in prison since 2023 after being convicted in a graft case.

He was removed from office in a parliamentary no-confidence vote in April 2022. He has alleged that his ouster was the result of a U.S.-backed conspiracy involving political rivals and Pakistan's former army chief, Qamar Javed Bajwa — allegations denied by Washington, Pakistan's military, and his political opponents.

Despite his legal troubles, Khan remains a central and popular figure in Pakistan, and the PTI wants his release. The issue of Khan's partial vision surfaced in late January when Tarar said the former premier had undergone a medical procedure for an eye condition and was in good health.

The PTI party made a strong showing in the Feb. 8, 2024, parliamentary election but did not win a majority of the seats in the National Assembly, or lower house of the parliament. The party claimed the vote was rigged. The government denies such claims

Original Article on Source

Source: "AOL Breaking"

Source: Breaking

Published: February 14, 2026 at 01:54PM on Source: PRIME TIME

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

byPrime Sky

in

February 14, 2026

Pakistan's imprisoned ex-PM Khan to get medical treatment after reported partial vision loss

Pakistan's imprisoned exPM Khan to get medical treatment after reported partial vision loss MUNIR AHMED February...

Zelenskyy says Ukraine, not Russia, is facing pressure to make concessions to end war Freddie Clayton February 14, 2026 at 11:33 PM 15 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks at the Munich Security Conference in Germany on Saturday. (Michael Probst / AP) (Michael Probst) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused the U.S. of focusing on Ukrainian concessions to bring an end to the war, rather than pressing Russia. His comments came as Ukraine, Russia and the U.S.

- - Zelenskyy says Ukraine, not Russia, is facing pressure to make concessions to end war

Freddie Clayton February 14, 2026 at 11:33 PM

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks at the Munich Security Conference in Germany on Saturday. (Michael Probst / AP) (Michael Probst)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused the U.S. of focusing on Ukrainian concessions to bring an end to the war, rather than pressing Russia.

His comments came as Ukraine, Russia and the U.S. prepared for a further round of trilateral talks next week, and after Trump urged Zelenskyy on Friday to "get moving," saying that Russia was ready to make a deal.

"The Americans often return to the topic of concessions," Zelenskyy said as he addressed key allies at the Munich Security Conference. "Too often those concessions are discussed in the context only of Ukraine, not Russia."

Ukraine, Russia and the U.S. held their first trilateral talks on a peace deal last month, and further talks are set to take place on Tuesday.

"We truly hope that the trilateral meetings next week will be serious, substantive, helpful for all of us, but honestly, sometimes it feels like the sides are talking about completing different things," Zelenskyy added.

Trump told reporters on Friday: "Russia wants to make a deal, and Zelenskyy's gonna have to get moving. Otherwise, he's going to miss a great opportunity."

Conference moderator Christiane Amanpour put Trump's latest comments to the Ukrainian president in a Q&A after his speech, asking if he was feeling the pressure.

"A little bit," Zelenskyy replied.

Zelenskyy later met with a bipartisan group of U.S. senators.

He said in a post on X that they discussed security guarantees and increasing pressure on Russia through sanctions, adding: "I thank the Senators for their unwavering bipartisan support for Ukraine and Ukrainians."

Hours before Zelenskyy's speech, Secretary of State Marco Rubio told the conference that the "hardest questions" still need to be answered before peace can be achieved.

"We don't know the Russians are serious about ending the war. They say they are," Rubio said in a short Q&A after his speech, adding: "We're going to continue to test it."

He added: "What we can't answer, but we're going to test, is whether there is an outcome that Ukraine can live with and that Russia will accept, and I would say it's been elusive up to this point."

While officials described the trilateral talks in January as constructive, major obstacles remain, chief among them the future of territory in eastern Ukraine, where Moscow has shown little sign of softening its demands.

The Kremlin said in January that Kyiv's military would have to pull out of the region for any deal to end the war.

President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff said before the talks that the negotiations were "down to one issue." While he did not elaborate, many took it to mean territorial concessions by Ukraine.

"The good news is that the issues that need to be confronted to end this war have been narrowed," Rubio said in Munich. "The bad news is they've been narrowed to the hardest questions to answer and work remains to be done on that front."

Russia currently occupies about 20% of Ukraine's national territory, including Crimea and parts of the eastern Donbas region seized before the 2022 invasion. Polls show that the majority of Ukrainians oppose a deal that hands Moscow land.

"I don't think anybody in this room would be against a negotiated settlement to this war, so long as the conditions are just and sustainable, and that's what we aim to achieve," Rubio added.

Zelenskyy said in Munich that it was an illusion to believe the war could be ended by dividing Ukraine, and that he thinks it can be ended with dignity for his country.

Peace can only be built on clear security guarantees, he added, saying that where there is no clear security system, "war always returns."

"Europe needs a real common defense policy, just as it already has so much in common in the economy, in law and in social policy," he said, before finishing his speech and asking the crowd: "Please pay attention to Ukraine."

Original Article on Source

Source: "AOL Breaking"

Source: Breaking

Published: February 14, 2026 at 01:54PM on Source: PRIME TIME

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

byPrime Sky

in

February 14, 2026

Zelenskyy says Ukraine, not Russia, is facing pressure to make concessions to end war

Zelenskyy says Ukraine, not Russia, is facing pressure to make concessions to end war Freddie Clayton February 14, 2026 ...

New Photo - Stephen Amell to star in Baywatch reboot as son of David Hasselhoff's character

The series is said to begin shooting this spring at Venice Beach in Los Angeles, as well as on the Fox Studio Lot in Century City. Stephen Amell to star in Baywatch reboot as son of David Hasselhoff's character The series is said to begin shooting this spring at Venice Beach in Los Angeles, as well as on the Fox Studio Lot in Century City. By Lauren Huff :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/PXL202501060627063092a245c0a56a194868af7b6a47af56223c.

The series is said to begin shooting this spring at Venice Beach in Los Angeles, as well as on the Fox Studio Lot in Century City.

Stephen Amell to star in Baywatch reboot as son of David Hasselhoff's character

The series is said to begin shooting this spring at Venice Beach in Los Angeles, as well as on the Fox Studio Lot in Century City.

By Lauren Huff

Lauren Huff

Lauren Huff is an award-winning journalist and staff writer at ** with over 12 years of experience covering all facets of the entertainment industry.

EW's editorial guidelines

February 13, 2026 8:40 p.m. ET

byPrime Sky

in

February 14, 2026

Stephen Amell to star in Baywatch reboot as son of David Hasselhoff's character

The series is said to begin shooting this spring at Venice Beach in Los Angeles, as well as on the Fox Studio Lot in Century C...

New Photo - The 10 most thought-provoking war documentaries streaming on HBO Max

These essential films cover wide swaths of history. The 10 most thoughtprovoking war documentaries streaming on HBO Max These essential films cover wide swaths of history. By Jordan Hoffman :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/JordanHoffmanauthorphotoe4b61cf41b534ce3bd109eae4b8f4eaa.jpg) Jordan Hoffman Jordan Hoffman is a writer at , mostly covering nostalgia. He has been writing about entertainment since 2007. EW's editorial guidelines February 14, 2026 8:00 a.m. ET Leave a Comment :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/JimTheJamesFoleyStoryGHOSTSOFABUGHRAIBNIGHTANDFOG0202112649d1b828377d4ccca309606c75206685.

These essential films cover wide swaths of history.

The 10 most thought-provoking war documentaries streaming on HBO Max

These essential films cover wide swaths of history.

By Jordan Hoffman

Jordan Hoffman author photo

Jordan Hoffman

Jordan Hoffman is a writer at **, mostly covering nostalgia. He has been writing about entertainment since 2007.

EW's editorial guidelines

February 14, 2026 8:00 a.m. ET

December 7th (1943)

December 7th (film)

The U.S. government recruited Hollywood icons to make 'December 7th'.

Office of War Information

This Oscar-winning film blurs the lines of a typical documentary, but is nonetheless an important work. Developed by U.S. government agencies as a propaganda tool and directed by John Ford (you may remember him from *The Fabelmans*) and Gregg Toland (cinematographer of *Citizen Kane*, among others), this exploration of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor incorporates what little actual footage existed mixed with recreations and miniatures filmed in a Hollywood studio.

Though scripted and featuring actors like Walter Huston as the avatar "Uncle Sam," the news aspect makes it significant. Multiple versions exist; the 32-minute release cut served audiences who felt the need to see the events up close, and to rally the homefront for the fight ahead.

For All Mankind (1989)

The Cold War paves the way for a touchstone human achievement in 'For All Mankind'.

Apollo Associates

A literally uplifting look at NASA's voyage to the moon, *For All Mankind *qualifies as a war documentary in that Neil Armstrong taking "one giant leap" never would have happened were it not for the ongoing Cold War. But let's not let that trouble us. Al Reinert's masterpiece of collage takes preexisting footage from multiple space adventures and shows the moon landing in an impressionistic style. Thousands of people made it possible, so individual faces and names are less important than the forward thrust.

Though the original score by Brian Eno, Roger Eno, and Daniel Lanois has been repurposed so many times, new viewers may be surprised to learn its origins. This is an inspiring film, and one of the best examples of real life adventure.

The 15 best war movies streaming on HBO Max right now

Humphrey Bogart and Swedish actress Ingrid Bergman on the set of Casablanca, directed by Michael Curtiz; WAR AND PEACE, (aka VOYNA I MIR), Vladislav Strzhelchik as Napoleon, 1966; THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN, Laurence Fishburne, 1995

Hollywood History: How World War II forced the Academy to rethink the 1942 Oscars

1942 Oscars

George Stevens: D-Day to Berlin (1994)

George Stevens: D-Day to Berlin

A-list director George Stevens captured the most comprehensive color footage of World War II in Europe.

Already an established director with films like *Woman of the Year *(1942) and *Gunga Din *(1939), George Stevens joined the U.S. Army Signal Corps in 1943 and assembled a crew known as the "Stevens Irregulars." They shot some of the most important footage of World War II, including images from the D-Day landing, the liberation of the Dachau concentration camp, the meeting of American and Russian forces, and images of Berlin in ruins.

It wasn't until after Stevens' death (and a post-war career including *Giant *and *Shane*) that his cache of unseen color film from this period was discovered — the most comprehensive color film of the war in Europe. This documentary, framed by George Stevens Jr., is a remarkable reflection of that period.

Ghosts of Abu Ghraib (2007)

GHOSTS OF ABU GHRAIB

A corridor at Abu Ghraib during the Iraq War.

This frank look at the prisoner abuse scandal at Abu Ghraib during the Iraq War, directed by Rory Kennedy (RFK Jr's sister), does its best to explain how an absurd environment can enable otherwise ordinary soldiers to become torturers. In interviewing military officials and psychologists, *Ghosts of Abu Ghraib* dismisses theories of bad seeds or bad apples, and shows how obedience to authority can quickly erode a person's moral compass. Think it couldn't happen to you? Stanley Milgram's experiments — footage of which is shown here — have shown how malleable people often are.

Most striking are interviews with military police reflecting back with horror on their own actions, expressing remorse at the past and frustration with who got left with the blame.

Guerras Ajenas (2016)

Guerras Ajenas

'Guerras Ajenas' focuses on a small narrative within the larger War on Drugs.

*Guerras Ajenas *(*Wars of Others*) looks at a tiny aspect of the so-called "War on Drugs" to expose how whole communities can get swept up in wider political currents.

For years the government of Colombia, at the behest of the United States, has been spraying a dangerous chemical called glyphosate from airplanes with an aim toward killing coca crops and disrupting the drug trade. In 2015, the World Health Organization declared that glyphosate was a likely carcinogen. As you can imagine, powerful forces have worked to obfuscate this fact, while innocent people suffer. Lilia Luciano's documentary examines the issue from the ground up.

Hearts and Minds (1974)

HEARTS AND MINDS

Father and child during the 1968 Tet Offensive.

Courtesy Everett

This concise documentary quickly became a flashpoint in America upon its release, exposing just how unwinnable (not to mention unjust) the ongoing quagmire in Vietnam had become. The film mixes interview footage of American infantrymen (some of whom had become drug addicts) as well as a notorious interview with General William Westmoreland, who infamously concluded: "The Oriental doesn't put the same high price on life as does the Westerner."

This statement, juxtaposed with footage of grieving Vietnamese at a funeral, remains one of the darkest and lowest moments of American history.

Jim: The James Foley Story (2016)

Jim: The James Foley Story

James Foley was an American freelance videojournalist who was compelled to go into harm's way to expose atrocities. In 2011 he was kidnapped while shooting footage in Libya but was released 44 days later. Then in 2012, while working on assignment in Syria for French and American outlets, he was captured by ISIS — then later decapitated in a video message to President Obama.

That video is thankfully *not *shown in this film, but what you do see is a portrait of the man as told by his loved ones and fellow prisoners. Most insightful, perhaps, is learning how an ordinary family reacts when they suddenly become the focus of an international news story.

Night and Fog (1956)

NIGHT AND FOG

Legendary filmmaker Alain Resnais made one of the definitive cinematic statements on the Holocaust.

Courtesy Everett

Can a historical film actually be history itself? Alain Resnais' short, stylistic project was one of the first major films to address the Holocaust. It uses some archival (often gruesome) footage, but is more notable for its contemporary imagery — a camera eye roving through abandoned Nazi extermination camps juxtaposed with voiceover narration.

The film was revelatory upon its release, and controversial in its native country for not sugarcoating collaborationist French efforts. Indeed, the film could only be originally released if Resnais agreed to alter some shots to obscure someone in a French police uniform observing mass deportations.

Wartorn: 1861–2010 (2010)

James Gandolfini with Gen. Raymond T. Odierno in the HBO Documentary "Wartorn: 1861-2010"

James Gandolfini speaks with Gen. Raymond T. Odierno in 'Wartorn: 1861-2010'.

Though not exactly an easy film to watch, *Wartorn: 1861–2010* is an insightful look at what we now call post-traumatic stress disorder, but used to call battle fatigue or shell shock. Co-produced by James Gandolfini, who also leads the interviews, this is partly a history lesson, but also an examination of more recent struggles.

Iraq veterans suffering from PTSD bravely reveal how routine activities like supermarket shopping can become mental torture. Conversations with family members of those who survived their tour, only to die by suicide at home, are even more heartbreaking.

White Light/Black Rain: The Destruction of Hiroshima and Nagasaki (2007)

White Light/Black Rain: The Destruction of Hiroshima and Nagasaki

'White Light/Black Rain' features interviews with several Hiroshima and Nagasaki survivors.

It's fair to say the use of atomic weapons to end World War II remains one of the most significant "turn the page" events in human history. This Emmy-winning film boasts contemporary interviews with over a dozen survivors of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings, most of whom were children at the time.

Also included are some airmen who flew the *Enola Gay*, as well as Los Alamos scientists. The enormity of what they witnessed is not lost on them, but director Steven Okazaki recognizes it's through detail and specificity that we arrive at a wider truth. In a world where current weapons of mass destruction make the bombs dropped on Japan look like Nerf toys, there are not many films more important than this.

- Documentary Movies

Original Article on Source

Source: "EW Documentary"

Source: Documentary

Published: February 14, 2026 at 10:38AM on Source: PRIME TIME

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

byPrime Sky

in

February 14, 2026

The 10 most thought-provoking war documentaries streaming on HBO Max

These essential films cover wide swaths of history. The 10 most thoughtprovoking war documentaries streaming on HBO Max The...

New Photo - Ego Nwodim draws gasps from Jimmy Kimmel Live audience after admitting she's never seen this clas...

&34;I've seen 'Scarface,' does that count?&34; Ego Nwodim draws gasps from Jimmy Kimmel Live audience after admitting she's never seen this classic film &34;I've seen 'Scarface,' does that count?&34; By Shania Russell :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/ShaniaRussellauthorphoto5934b684845d480caa4485648c39ef2b.jpg) Shania Russell Shania Russell is a news writer at , with five years of experience. Her work has previously appeared in SlashFilm and Paste Magazine. EW's editorial guidelines February 14, 2026 10:00 a.m.

"I've seen 'Scarface,' does that count?"

Ego Nwodim draws gasps from* Jimmy Kimmel Live* audience after admitting she's never seen this classic film

"I've seen 'Scarface,' does that count?"

By Shania Russell

Shania Russell author photo

Shania Russell

Shania Russell is a news writer at *, *with five years of experience. Her work has previously appeared in SlashFilm and Paste Magazine.

EW's editorial guidelines

February 14, 2026 10:00 a.m. ET

byPrime Sky

in

February 14, 2026

Ego Nwodim draws gasps from Jimmy Kimmel Live audience after admitting she's never seen this clas...

&34;I've seen 'Scarface,' does that count?&34; Ego Nwodim draws gasps from Jimmy Kimmel Live audie...

White Castle transforms restaurants for Valentine's Day themed dinners that create memories COREY WILLIAMSFebruary 14, 2026 at 7:32 PM 0 1 / 5Valentine's DayWhite CastleIn this undated photo, Krystal Gray, 43, of Detroit, and her mother, Cornelia Murphy, celebrate Valentine's Day inside a Detroitarea White Castle. (Krystal Gray via AP) DETROIT (AP) — Valentine's Day dinner at White Castle with candles, attentive wait staff and white tablecloths was a treasured experience for Krystal Gray and her mother, Cornelia Murphy.

- - White Castle transforms restaurants for Valentine's Day themed dinners that create memories

COREY WILLIAMSFebruary 14, 2026 at 7:32 PM

1 / 5Valentine's Day-White CastleIn this undated photo, Krystal Gray, 43, of Detroit, and her mother, Cornelia Murphy, celebrate Valentine's Day inside a Detroit-area White Castle. (Krystal Gray via AP)

DETROIT (AP) — Valentine's Day dinner at White Castle with candles, attentive wait staff and white tablecloths was a treasured experience for Krystal Gray and her mother, Cornelia Murphy.

This year, Gray will bring along a photo of her mother, who died last spring at age 80, and place it on the table she has still reserved at one of the fast-food chain restaurants in the Detroit suburb of Ferndale.

"It wouldn't be the same without her," Gray said. "I wanted something to make me feel better about her not physically being able to come."

For 35 years, White Castle has invited lovers, loved ones and the soon-to-be in love to have an intimate meal at its restaurants. This year the 325 White Castles with a dining room in the U.S. are taking part in the promotion, according to Jamie Richardson, chief marketing officer of the Columbus, Ohio-based restaurant chain.

"That one day White Castle becomes love castle," Richardson said. "It's something our customers look forward to. Many are repeat visitors on Valentine's Day."

"Quirky" promotion finds fans

The promotion started in 1991 and was only offered at White Castles in St. Louis and Minneapolis. Richardson said the goal was to offer "something kind of fun and quirky and see if anyone wants to come out have a fancy Valentine's Day dinner at White Castle."

Each participating eatery is given a budget for decorations which can include red balloons, garland and flowers. Reservations are required and opened in early January. About 32,000 people celebrated Valentine's Day dinner at a White Castle in 2025. Richardson says they are on target for more than 35,000 this year.

"Some people show up in limousines," he said. "We'll have people dress like it's their wedding. We had over 200 White Castle weddings over the years."

Sliders and memorable moments

There's just something about the thin slice of steam-grilled beef, slathered in mustard and ketchup with diced onions, cheese and a pickle slice on a dinner roll that many can't resist. Crinkle-cut French fries and a soft drink typically fill out orders. The onion chips and chicken rings also are popular.

"It's all the ambiance, all the love and all the great memories for a fraction of the price," Richardson said. "For a couple, if they are really splurging, it's right around $20, or $25 if you're getting dessert on a stick."

Ann Tubbs, district supervisor of nine "Castles" in the Detroit and mid-Michigan areas, said customers tell her that the affordable cost helps but people keep coming because of the tradition and memories.

"I've had a couple who announced their pregnancy," Tubbs said. "We've had people come in with their children just to make those moments, and others who have gotten engaged."

Amy Richardson, 41, of Lincoln Park near Detroit, makes sure that she, her three children and her significant other also dress the part, wearing something pink or red and at times matching each other.

She said she has spent Valentine's Day at a White Castle every year since 2012.

"I had just gotten into a new relationship and I had a 3-year-old daughter," she said of the first time. "We wanted to make it somewhere kid-friendly. All three of us packed up and went out on our date."

The couple has since added two younger children and spend about $30 on their Valentine's Day meals for a family of five.

"We usually get the sliders and the chicken rings and the mozzarella cheese sticks," Amy Richardson added. "It's more of a nostalgia thing. It may be fancied up, but it's not a fancy restaurant where people frown on you bringing a young child or children."

Waffle House, another national restaurant chain, also will mark its 18th year of offering a special themed dinner on Valentine's Day. This was the first year online reservations were taken and many of the 218 Waffle House locations taking part were booked by the end of last week, according to spokesperson Kelly Bruner.

Carrying on a family tradition

Gray has made Valentine's Day at White Castle sort of a tradition, having done it about 10 times. Gray will be among 14 fans inducted in May into the White Castle "Craver's Hall of Fame." They were selected after submitting their White Castle stories.

This year, she also will share the day with her two young daughters as a tribute to her mother's memory.

"I just like the simplicity of it all — sit there and spend time with each other," she said. "Sometimes, we can do too much and it goes overboard to the point where you can't really enjoy it — spending so much money."

Original Article on Source

Source: "AOL Entertainment"

Source: Entertainment

Published: February 14, 2026 at 09:45AM on Source: PRIME TIME

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

byPrime Sky

in

February 14, 2026

White Castle transforms restaurants for Valentine's Day themed dinners that create memories

White Castle transforms restaurants for Valentine's Day themed dinners that create memories COREY WILLIAMSFebrua...

Category 1

byPrime Sky

in

February 14, 2026

byPrime Sky

in

February 14, 2026

byPrime Sky

in

February 14, 2026

Stephen Amell to star in Baywatch reboot as son of David Hasselhoff's character

byPrime Sky

in

February 14, 2026

The 10 most thought-provoking war documentaries streaming on HBO Max

December 7th (1943)

For All Mankind (1989)

George Stevens: D-Day to Berlin (1994)

Ghosts of Abu Ghraib (2007)

Guerras Ajenas (2016)

Hearts and Minds (1974)

Jim: The James Foley Story (2016)

Night and Fog (1956)

Wartorn: 1861–2010 (2010)

White Light/Black Rain: The Destruction of Hiroshima and Nagasaki (2007)

byPrime Sky

in

February 14, 2026

Ego Nwodim draws gasps from* Jimmy Kimmel Live* audience after admitting she's never seen this classic film

byPrime Sky

in

February 14, 2026

byPrime Sky

in

February 14, 2026

Search This Blog

Labels

Blog Archive

Total Pageviews

Popular Posts