Golden Globes 2025: Lessons from the winning films and TV shows

“Why is it always that people who are so eager to go into battle are the ones who have never been in it?” — Yoshii Toranaga

Netflix’s Shōgun is an adaptation of the 1975 novel of the same name by James Clavell. Set in 17th-century Japan, it follows shipwrecked English sailor John Blackthorne who crosses paths with feudal lord Yoshii Toranaga, played by Hiroyuki Sanada. The former becomes a samurai warrior but is unwittingly a pawn in the schemes of Toranaga, who is determined to seize the title of shōgun, Japan’s supreme military leader.

Toranaga’s quote reflects the series’ theme of the cost of ambition and war. This lesson is embodied by Nagakado, Toranaga’s son, whose impulsive decision to launch a surprise attack stems from his desire for martial glory and a misguided sense of honour.

It critiques the recklessness of those who glorify conflict without understanding its devastating consequences and serves as a cautionary reminder that true leadership requires wisdom and restraint, not blind eagerness for power. 

Read more: Golden Globes 2025: 5 things to know about Hiroyuki Sanada, who won best actor for ‘Shōgun’

“Are people born wicked? Or do they have wickedness thrust upon them?” — Glinda

Directed by Jon M Chu, Wicked is the highly anticipated two-part movie adaptation drawing material from the Tony-winning Broadway musical of the same name. The story follows Elphaba, played by Cynthia Erivo, and Glinda, played by Ariana Grande, two young witches who become friends at school.

Elphaba, born with green skin and a sharp intellect, is ostracised from the start. Her ideals and refusal to conform place her at odds with the Wizard of Oz, the ruler of the Land of Oz. As Elphaba continuously challenges the Wizard’s rule, she becomes deemed “wicked”. 

The poignant question by Glinda introduces the story’s central theme, highlighting how societal perceptions can quickly label individuals. By exploring this, Wicked teaches that true understanding requires looking beyond what we see and recognising the complexities in everyone. It challenges audiences to confront their biases and consider how fear and ignorance can lead to the unfair treatment of others.

Read more: “You don’t look autistic”: Why neurodivergent women have been sidelined

“Sometimes you create such a web of lies that you almost forget what you started running from in the first place.” — Donny Dunn

Based on the real-life experience of Scottish comedian Richard Gadd with an obsessive stalker, Baby Reindeer holds a magnifying glass to trauma and obsession. Gadd originally staged a one-man stage show before the story was adapted for TV.

In the Netflix mini-series, Gadd himself plays Donny Dunn, the lead protagonist. Over three years, his stalker Martha sends 41,000 emails, hundreds of hours of voicemails and stalks not just him but his family and girlfriend. 

Gadd’s character says the above quote in episode two offering audiences a peek into the psyche of victimhood. It demonstrates how attempts to cope with fear and trauma—whether through denial, deflection or suppression—can lead to unintended consequences, including self-deception and further entrapment.

This quote and the show teach us that running from difficult truths or hiding behind lies can obscure our sense of self and the root of our problems.

By confronting pain and seeking clarity, as Gadd ultimately does through his art, we can break free from the webs we create and reclaim our agency. Baby Reindeer serves as a reminder of the importance of facing challenges head-on to find resolution and healing.

Read more: How this inspirational social activist gives power to survivors of sexual violence

“It’s invigorating when you bomb and you have to start from scratch.” — Deborah Vance

Hacks is a comedy-drama by HBO Max that explores the unlikely relationship between two women from very different backgrounds. Deborah Vance is a veteran comedian who has decades of stand up experience in Las Vegas, while young TV writer Ava Daniels is the unwilling new team member who has to take a job from the former after her career tanks no thanks to a controversial tweet which gets her blacklisted in Hollywood.

As they clash over their generational differences and creative visions, their relationship evolves into a heartfelt and complex mentorship.

With the quote appearing in the first episode of the second season, Vance continues to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Especially in the world of comedy, failing or “bombing” on stage can be devastating, but it also forces a performer to reevaluate, refine and ultimately improve—an apt analogy for facing life’s setbacks head-on. 

Now meet some of Asia’s rising entertainment stars on the Gen.T Leaders of Tomorrow list.

NOW READ

Why Nikki Glaser’s opening monologue for the 82nd Golden Globes just worked

5 quotes from late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs on product innovation

5 best TV shows and movies to watch starring Thai actor Billkin