I found the Cell Block Tango from Chicago The Movie on Youtube!
Warning: Not suitable for kids under 18.
～みはる～
15 years ago
Showing posts with label Movie. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Movie. Show all posts
0
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
For '80s babies like myself, Transformers is one cartoon that probably defined our childhood.
When Michael Bay came out with Transformers the Movie, I thought it was fantastic. I have no freaking idea how he can make all the Autobots and Decepticons transform so fluidly but the action scenes were just bloody fantastic. And I'm so glad to see Optimus Prime live in action!!
So, it goes without saying I was ecstatic when the sequel, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen was released. And I must say, I wasn't disappointed.
I'm not going to divulge the details here (lest I spoil those who have yet watched it), but I'm gonna rave about the action. It was non-stop exciting action with more transforming Autobots and even more Decepticons from start to end. It was just brilliant. I also like the touch of humor added, it gave a nice balance of serious and funny. My only grouse would be the lack of character development. It was so packed with action that the storyline kinda paled in comparison to the first movie.
But bottomline is, Transformers did not disappoint.
Go watch it already!!
～みはる～
When Michael Bay came out with Transformers the Movie, I thought it was fantastic. I have no freaking idea how he can make all the Autobots and Decepticons transform so fluidly but the action scenes were just bloody fantastic. And I'm so glad to see Optimus Prime live in action!!
So, it goes without saying I was ecstatic when the sequel, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen was released. And I must say, I wasn't disappointed.
I'm not going to divulge the details here (lest I spoil those who have yet watched it), but I'm gonna rave about the action. It was non-stop exciting action with more transforming Autobots and even more Decepticons from start to end. It was just brilliant. I also like the touch of humor added, it gave a nice balance of serious and funny. My only grouse would be the lack of character development. It was so packed with action that the storyline kinda paled in comparison to the first movie.
But bottomline is, Transformers did not disappoint.
Go watch it already!!
～みはる～
By
Miharu
Of angels and monsters
Three years ago, I would go to movies at a frequency of 1 per annum. Reason being, the ticket fares are bloody exorbitant and I find it ridiculous spending so much for a 90-minute reel time.
Three years later, I am going for movies at a minimum average frequency of 1 per fortnight. Reason being, the weather is so bloody hot there's no better place to be than inside the dark and cold enclosure of the cinema to escape the heat stress. I would be more than happy to pay a small sum for some visual action and respite from heat.
So in my escapade, I watched some movies which were (mostly) quite well worth the fee:
Knowing
The trailer had promised lots of action, excitement, suspense and mystery. To be fair, I did enjoy the action and drama, especially the scene at the underground subway. The whole logic of predicting tragedies from random numbers scribbled by 'chosen' children was fascinatingly freakish. However, the science fiction of Earth being decimated by a solar flame seemed incredulous. And I hated the cinematography; all the camera-shaking during the running sequences gave me a headache and made me feel like puking. But, the ending takes the cake: it left me dumbfounded. When the aliens and spacecraft came down and sucked the two kids and rabbits up with them, the only thought in my mind was, "What the hell?!" It was one movie where it was good until the last ten minutes screwed it all up.
And they could have casted a more good looking hero? Nicholas Cage didn't really fit the bill for me.
Night At The Museum 2
I really liked the first installment of Night At The Museum. It was hilarious with all the artefacts coming to life. So, I wasn't very sure if the sequel can really top that. Well, I can say, that while it didn't, the sequel was equally as hilarious. Hank Azaria as the evil Kahmunrah was just mind-blowing funny. The plot was lukewarm, but it was the dialogue and the poking fun at historical facts that was worth a laugh. Amy Adams was surprisingly good as the adventure-seeking Amelia Earhart, and the rapping trio of cupids as well as The (lusty) Thinker were really hilarious to watch. And the tiny head-bobbing Einsteins are really more than just merely reception decorations!
Monsters vs Aliens
One word: Hilarious.
From start to finish, I was laughing my head off. Initially, I was wary of watching this movie, because the synopsis scripted a rather lame storyline by my standards. And yes, after watching it I still think the plot is stupid and lame, but it is just so hilarious! The jokes and the characters were so funny, I laughed so hard that I felt lethargic after stepping out of the cinema. I really love the part when the mad cockroach scientist broke into a dance, decoded the password and declared his PhD was majored in breakdance! And brainless BOB was just so so funny. This is not one movie to watch intellectually but to laugh your butt off.
Angels and Demons
Okay, I didn't read the book. And I didn't watch The Da Vinci Code. Because I have read the book The Da Vinci Code, I was kinda apprehensive that I may not understand the story from the movie without prior reading the book; there was just too much narrative information in The Da Vinci Code. So, it came as a surprise to me that I did enjoy the movie Angels and Demons. The thriller did a good job in raising suspension, but having read Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code, the outcome was quite predictable for me. I sort of knew Camerlengo was somehow part of the plot, and the diversion of suspicion towards the Swiss Guards was just to make sure the audience see Camerlengo in a positive light. The mind-screwing (i.e. symbology) was not as gripping as what I've read in the Da Vinci Code, but reasonably fascinating. I liked the implication of pentagon and five natural elements, and the play with signs and angels. Nevertheless, the sceneries and outdoor shots were marvellous; they make me want to visit the Vatican City at least once just to experience the fantastic view from the Pope's vantage point. Hahaha.
I think I'll pick up the book for a good read.
The Taking of Pelham 123
I was taken in by the trailer. Action-packed, with hints of terrorism, it is one movie that seemed relevant to the social standing of our society today. Kinda reminds me of Tokyo's underground sarin gas attack and London's tube incident years ago. The movie was not a total disappointment; the action was good, the suspense was there, the cinematography was waaaaay better than Knowing. But the ending didn't really feel satisfactory. I mean, the entire terrorism plan was well thought and pretty smart I'd say, but I have no idea why gold trading would be volatile towards the state of transportation in a metropolitan city. And it just doesn't feel like a good end when the terrorist earned millions and then die at point blank when he had the chance to make a break. It was just.... not satisfactory.
Umm, more movies?
～みはる～
Three years later, I am going for movies at a minimum average frequency of 1 per fortnight. Reason being, the weather is so bloody hot there's no better place to be than inside the dark and cold enclosure of the cinema to escape the heat stress. I would be more than happy to pay a small sum for some visual action and respite from heat.
So in my escapade, I watched some movies which were (mostly) quite well worth the fee:
Knowing
And they could have casted a more good looking hero? Nicholas Cage didn't really fit the bill for me.
Night At The Museum 2
Monsters vs Aliens
From start to finish, I was laughing my head off. Initially, I was wary of watching this movie, because the synopsis scripted a rather lame storyline by my standards. And yes, after watching it I still think the plot is stupid and lame, but it is just so hilarious! The jokes and the characters were so funny, I laughed so hard that I felt lethargic after stepping out of the cinema. I really love the part when the mad cockroach scientist broke into a dance, decoded the password and declared his PhD was majored in breakdance! And brainless BOB was just so so funny. This is not one movie to watch intellectually but to laugh your butt off.
Angels and Demons
I think I'll pick up the book for a good read.
The Taking of Pelham 123
Umm, more movies?
～みはる～
By
Miharu
赤い糸 vs 恋空
While I like watching Japanese shows, I'm hardly a J-dorama (i.e. Japanese drama serials) fan. I'd usually be aware of some of these dramas when there's a lot of hype revolving it and Kinokuniya bookstores set up a little shrine in a corner declaring how many million copies of novel/dvd/vcd the story had hit and how many million people have watched and been touched by it.
Okay, so I'm always the last to know. But who cares.
So that was exactly how I got to know of two of the very popular keitai shousetsu (mobile phone novels - it's a trend in Japan) that were serialized into dramas and movie versions.
The first was 恋空 (Koizora). Call me shallow, but I was attracted to the front cover of the novel. It was sparkly and pretty.
Then I watched the drama. It wasn't spectacular, but was good.
Koizora tells about an unlikely middle school couple: Mika - a shy, quiet and obedient girl, and Hiro - a boorish, hooligan-ish boy. We follow their love story - falling in love, happy times, painful times, conflicts, blablabla... pretty much the normal love story recipe. What was interesting to me was the conflicts, reactions, decision makings and consequences: acts of jealousy by the ex which lead to a near gang raping and then a miscarriage, violent emotional outbursts which lead to expulsion of an innocent friend from school, cancer and the self-destruction of one's own happiness. What was incredibly fascinating was that Koizora is NOT a fictious story. It was based on the experiences of the author, Mika.
After watching Koizora, I thought it was a really sweet story and it was rather good. But when I followed up with another drama, I realized that, in comparison, Koizora was quite forgettable.
This drama, 赤い糸 (Akai Ito) suited my taste better because it shows the painful reality of drug abuse and its consequences in our (or rather specifically, Japanese) society. While I'm strongly against drug abuse and the like, this vivid portrayal of how drugs damage lives of the abuser and everyone around him/her makes me cold to the core.
Akai Ito is a fictious love story in its own right. It is interesting because it ties in a popular Japanese legend of the same title, Akai Ito (literally, Red Thread). As the legend goes, each man and woman destined to be soulmates are bound to each other by an invisible red thread by the little finger, and this fate will bring them together. In this story, Mei and Atsushi are bound by this thread of destiny. It's hard not to like how the author (of the same name, Mei) tie the lives of Mei and Atsushi together. They shared the same birthday, 29th February and have been in-and-out of each other's lives for more times than you can claim coincidence. The painful connection, however, was that Atsushi's mother got involved in drug trafficking for a man she loved and indirectly (it's a long story) led to breakdown of Mei's family. It was interesting (although painful) to watch how the cruel consequences of meddling with drugs kept two people, who are destined to be together, apart.
Oh, and Akai Ito came along with a very nice theme song too.
I personally preferred Akai Ito over Koizora because it includes thought-provoking issues such as drug abuse, the importance of a family unit, safe sex, suicide, friendship, and dating violence. It helps that the love story is not too mushy; it was just perfect and heart-warming. Plus, I like how the series introduced much of Japanese culture to the audience, such as cultural festivals, shinto cultures, cosplays, school culture, etc.
I'm definitely picking up the novel.
～みはる～
Okay, so I'm always the last to know. But who cares.
So that was exactly how I got to know of two of the very popular keitai shousetsu (mobile phone novels - it's a trend in Japan) that were serialized into dramas and movie versions.
The first was 恋空 (Koizora). Call me shallow, but I was attracted to the front cover of the novel. It was sparkly and pretty.
Koizora novel
Then I watched the drama. It wasn't spectacular, but was good.
After watching Koizora, I thought it was a really sweet story and it was rather good. But when I followed up with another drama, I realized that, in comparison, Koizora was quite forgettable.
Akai Ito novel - not sparkly but simplicity is attractive
This drama, 赤い糸 (Akai Ito) suited my taste better because it shows the painful reality of drug abuse and its consequences in our (or rather specifically, Japanese) society. While I'm strongly against drug abuse and the like, this vivid portrayal of how drugs damage lives of the abuser and everyone around him/her makes me cold to the core.
Akai Ito is a fictious love story in its own right. It is interesting because it ties in a popular Japanese legend of the same title, Akai Ito (literally, Red Thread). As the legend goes, each man and woman destined to be soulmates are bound to each other by an invisible red thread by the little finger, and this fate will bring them together. In this story, Mei and Atsushi are bound by this thread of destiny. It's hard not to like how the author (of the same name, Mei) tie the lives of Mei and Atsushi together. They shared the same birthday, 29th February and have been in-and-out of each other's lives for more times than you can claim coincidence. The painful connection, however, was that Atsushi's mother got involved in drug trafficking for a man she loved and indirectly (it's a long story) led to breakdown of Mei's family. It was interesting (although painful) to watch how the cruel consequences of meddling with drugs kept two people, who are destined to be together, apart.
Oh, and Akai Ito came along with a very nice theme song too.
I personally preferred Akai Ito over Koizora because it includes thought-provoking issues such as drug abuse, the importance of a family unit, safe sex, suicide, friendship, and dating violence. It helps that the love story is not too mushy; it was just perfect and heart-warming. Plus, I like how the series introduced much of Japanese culture to the audience, such as cultural festivals, shinto cultures, cosplays, school culture, etc.
I'm definitely picking up the novel.
～みはる～
By
Miharu
Silverscreen Gems
I meant to do this every time I stepped out of the cinema, but either I couldn't find the time or am just plain lazy. So here, in chronological order, I compiled a short review of the few movies I recently watched and thoroughly appreciated the excellence of its cinematic art.
Yes Man
This is your typical Jim Carrey-comedy. He's still disgustingly funny after so many movies under his belt. What I find attractive was the message of the movie: that sometimes a spontaneous 'yes' can open doors of opportunities for ourselves. To give in to spontaneity may, in some ways and sometimes, enrich not only ours but also others' lives. For a long time, I had not laughed so much in a cinema. You would have thought they had released laughing gas in the theater.
Best Comedy.
崖の上のポニョ (Ponyo On The Cliff By The Sea)
Of course I wouldn't miss the animation that was claimed the best in year 2008 in Japan. What's more, it's the product of the master Miyazaki Hayao. And the theme song is so cute it makes me want to watch the movie. So I did. As expected, the animation was fantastic. What I really loved was the voice acting. Little Sousuke and Ponyo were marvellous. Especially Sousuke, I love the little boy to bits!! The storyline was okay, very Miyazaki-fantasy style. The art was of course fabulous: almost every frame was hand-drawn! But I didn't really like Ponyo when she's weak on magical powers.... she looks like a frog-monster!
Best Animation.
Slumdog Millionaire
Recently, there's this fad of Hollywood+Bollywood collaborations. Indian actors and cultures are making waves in Hollywood. Not all are fantastic products, but Slumdog Millionaire is one of the best collaborations ever. This movie is, for no better words, fantastic. It plays on a rather cliché theme of lost love and life's hardships. What I find fascinating about this movie was the vivid depiction of the lives of children in the slums and their perspectives in eking a living. Can you hold on to your innocence with no roof and an empty stomach? Would you cave in or stand by to the end protecting your principles and believing in the people who you think you love? I like the ability of the movie to evoke such philosophical notions and yet able to deliver a fairy-tale ending in the end. The credit of the film though, goes to the child casts. They are simply fantastic. Words cannot describe my awe for their brilliant acting. I also loved the way the movie was filmed. The cinematography itself was intensely emotional and heart-wrenching.
Best Cinematography.
Marley & Me
I've been waiting for this movie for quite a while because the trailer seemed so funny. And I wasn't disappointed after such a long wait. Because I've read the book, the storyline was predictable for me, and so I didn't expect much surprise. Well, I was surprised by the fact that I still cried when Marley died in the movie, although I already knew he would! The movie is great with the scenic outdoor shots and fine acting by Aniston and Wilson. It's a rather good family movie, but the book is still better. One thing I liked about the movie was that it raises a very realistic point in life: that sometimes, we give up our dreams for the people we love and often we wondered, is the sacrifice worth it all?
Best Slice-of-Life.
おくりびと ('Okuribito' - Departures)
Can I just say how much I love this movie??
I LOVE this movie!!!
It totally wrecked me. This is probably the movie in which I cried almost nonstop for a good 10mins. The tears just wouldn't stop flowing. My scarf in the end became my towel, soaking up all my tears. Okuribito won the 81st Academy Awards for Best Foreign Film, but I think they should've won the Best Picture. The actors were great, the story was great, the scenery were great, the music was FANTASTIC. With Joe Hisaishi at the hem of the scores, you can expect no less.
Okuribito tells about a cellist-turned-mortician, and how he stood by the job he found to be fulfilling and honorable, despite the social stigma attached to it. I simply loved the way the story weaved the multiple relationships together and perfectly bind all in a very beautiful and satisfactory ending: how the stigma collapsed with his perseverance to pursue a profession so despised by the society, how it helped him reconcile with his estranged father, and how the meaning of the job humbled him as a person. It also shows us just how fragile life is. I haven't watched a Japanese movie this wonderful. Considering it took 10 years to complete the entire production, from the moment actor Masahiro Motoki conceived the idea, this movie is worth far more than 'Best Foreign Film'. A film art coming from such a socially polished society playing such a socially taboo topic, this is a masterpiece, for no better words to describe. I LOVE this movie!
Best-est Movie. Ever.
～みはる～
Yes Man
This is your typical Jim Carrey-comedy. He's still disgustingly funny after so many movies under his belt. What I find attractive was the message of the movie: that sometimes a spontaneous 'yes' can open doors of opportunities for ourselves. To give in to spontaneity may, in some ways and sometimes, enrich not only ours but also others' lives. For a long time, I had not laughed so much in a cinema. You would have thought they had released laughing gas in the theater.
Best Comedy.
崖の上のポニョ (Ponyo On The Cliff By The Sea)
Of course I wouldn't miss the animation that was claimed the best in year 2008 in Japan. What's more, it's the product of the master Miyazaki Hayao. And the theme song is so cute it makes me want to watch the movie. So I did. As expected, the animation was fantastic. What I really loved was the voice acting. Little Sousuke and Ponyo were marvellous. Especially Sousuke, I love the little boy to bits!! The storyline was okay, very Miyazaki-fantasy style. The art was of course fabulous: almost every frame was hand-drawn! But I didn't really like Ponyo when she's weak on magical powers.... she looks like a frog-monster!
Best Animation.
Slumdog Millionaire
Recently, there's this fad of Hollywood+Bollywood collaborations. Indian actors and cultures are making waves in Hollywood. Not all are fantastic products, but Slumdog Millionaire is one of the best collaborations ever. This movie is, for no better words, fantastic. It plays on a rather cliché theme of lost love and life's hardships. What I find fascinating about this movie was the vivid depiction of the lives of children in the slums and their perspectives in eking a living. Can you hold on to your innocence with no roof and an empty stomach? Would you cave in or stand by to the end protecting your principles and believing in the people who you think you love? I like the ability of the movie to evoke such philosophical notions and yet able to deliver a fairy-tale ending in the end. The credit of the film though, goes to the child casts. They are simply fantastic. Words cannot describe my awe for their brilliant acting. I also loved the way the movie was filmed. The cinematography itself was intensely emotional and heart-wrenching.
Best Cinematography.
Marley & Me
I've been waiting for this movie for quite a while because the trailer seemed so funny. And I wasn't disappointed after such a long wait. Because I've read the book, the storyline was predictable for me, and so I didn't expect much surprise. Well, I was surprised by the fact that I still cried when Marley died in the movie, although I already knew he would! The movie is great with the scenic outdoor shots and fine acting by Aniston and Wilson. It's a rather good family movie, but the book is still better. One thing I liked about the movie was that it raises a very realistic point in life: that sometimes, we give up our dreams for the people we love and often we wondered, is the sacrifice worth it all?
Best Slice-of-Life.
おくりびと ('Okuribito' - Departures)
Can I just say how much I love this movie??
I LOVE this movie!!!
It totally wrecked me. This is probably the movie in which I cried almost nonstop for a good 10mins. The tears just wouldn't stop flowing. My scarf in the end became my towel, soaking up all my tears. Okuribito won the 81st Academy Awards for Best Foreign Film, but I think they should've won the Best Picture. The actors were great, the story was great, the scenery were great, the music was FANTASTIC. With Joe Hisaishi at the hem of the scores, you can expect no less.
Okuribito tells about a cellist-turned-mortician, and how he stood by the job he found to be fulfilling and honorable, despite the social stigma attached to it. I simply loved the way the story weaved the multiple relationships together and perfectly bind all in a very beautiful and satisfactory ending: how the stigma collapsed with his perseverance to pursue a profession so despised by the society, how it helped him reconcile with his estranged father, and how the meaning of the job humbled him as a person. It also shows us just how fragile life is. I haven't watched a Japanese movie this wonderful. Considering it took 10 years to complete the entire production, from the moment actor Masahiro Motoki conceived the idea, this movie is worth far more than 'Best Foreign Film'. A film art coming from such a socially polished society playing such a socially taboo topic, this is a masterpiece, for no better words to describe. I LOVE this movie!
Best-est Movie. Ever.
～みはる～
By
Miharu
The X Files: I Want To Believe
Wanted to blog on this for almost a month now, but hadn't the time.
Okay, just in case you didn't know, I was and still am a big X-Files fan. Back in the 1990s and early 2000s, I was one of those booked the TV and couch on Sunday primetime, indulging in an hour of paranormal and Mulder-Scully-ness. Everybody else in the family can have TV at anytime, except X-Files time. I just love watching Mulder & Scully (or is it David & Gillian) chasing after monsters, aliens, conspiracies, mutants,.... and whatnot.
Gruesome yet thrilling monster-busting. Scandalous government secrets. An odd pair of investigators with contradicting yet complementing characteristics. Scary yet funny. What's not to love about X-Files?! In fact, Scully's embodiment of intellect and science fascinated me to the extent I considered a future in scientific research. (Oh wait. I am in scientific research!)
When the series ended (beautifully) at season 9, as a fan, I was devastated at the notion of discontinued X-Files fix. Imagine my elation, when this second X-Files movie was released. Finally some Mulder-Scully after 6 years. Thank you, Chris Carter!
So I spread the love of X-Files and towed all my lab colleagues to the cinema for some Mulder-Scully goodness. Frankly, I was a tad disappointed by the plot of the movie. It was not as powerful as the series, but hey, for a stand-alone X-File, I think it was not bad. Nevertheless, I felt it could've been better. The climax was too short and the element of Dr Frankenstein is... not X-Files-worthy kind of paranormal. However, it was well above the X-Files standard of gruesome. There were many scenes I could easily tag with the label "GROTESQUE".
The best element of the show is, yet again, Mulder and Scully. It feels like homecoming watching them again, as pair with conflicting ideas who counter and complement each other. You just have to hand it to David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson for the sterling performance. After 6 years hiatus, they still exude every molecule of Mulder-Scullyness in every possible nuance. The relationship was so well played, it appears the dynamics between the two leads did not fade one iota.
Another aspect I find wonderful about this film is the foresight of Chris Carter to tell the story in the flow of time, and at the same time so exquisitely capturing an air of timelessness. In the movie timeline, 6 years has passed by since Mulder and Scully escaped as fugitives. The movie didn't just pick up where the series left, which is great because it leaves you wondering what the hell happened to Mulder and Scully in that 6 years. We see them aged, we see their lives changed, we see the level of their relationship developed; and yet, the essence of them is still there, unchanging. I find this balance of forward-progression and stand-still very intriguing.
While I love this movie nuts, it's not exactly over-the-top fantastic; except maybe, for the dynamic performance of David and Gillian. I have one complaint though: that Scully should never had used Google to search 'Stem Cell Research'. That is pretty unprofessional. They could have scripted her to use scientific literature databases like PubMed or something. Except for this blooper, I'm all over the movie.
Nevertheless, I want to believe that we'll get a third movie which will deal with the December 22 2012 dead-line postulated in the final episode of the final X-Files series (The Truth). I'm dying to know whether the aliens will invade the Earth and turn us all into a slave race.... and how Mulder and Scully's son, William, may have a hand in this.
The truth is still out there.
All images from official website The X-Files: I Want To Believe
～みはる～
"Mulder, why are we here?" "To find the truth, Scully"
Gruesome yet thrilling monster-busting. Scandalous government secrets. An odd pair of investigators with contradicting yet complementing characteristics. Scary yet funny. What's not to love about X-Files?! In fact, Scully's embodiment of intellect and science fascinated me to the extent I considered a future in scientific research. (Oh wait. I am in scientific research!)
When the series ended (beautifully) at season 9, as a fan, I was devastated at the notion of discontinued X-Files fix. Imagine my elation, when this second X-Files movie was released. Finally some Mulder-Scully after 6 years. Thank you, Chris Carter!
Mulder and Scully googles 'pedophile priest'
So I spread the love of X-Files and towed all my lab colleagues to the cinema for some Mulder-Scully goodness. Frankly, I was a tad disappointed by the plot of the movie. It was not as powerful as the series, but hey, for a stand-alone X-File, I think it was not bad. Nevertheless, I felt it could've been better. The climax was too short and the element of Dr Frankenstein is... not X-Files-worthy kind of paranormal. However, it was well above the X-Files standard of gruesome. There were many scenes I could easily tag with the label "GROTESQUE".
"I can't look into the darkness with you anymore, Mulder."
The best element of the show is, yet again, Mulder and Scully. It feels like homecoming watching them again, as pair with conflicting ideas who counter and complement each other. You just have to hand it to David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson for the sterling performance. After 6 years hiatus, they still exude every molecule of Mulder-Scullyness in every possible nuance. The relationship was so well played, it appears the dynamics between the two leads did not fade one iota.
"I'm done chasing monsters in the dark." "I need you in this with me."
Another aspect I find wonderful about this film is the foresight of Chris Carter to tell the story in the flow of time, and at the same time so exquisitely capturing an air of timelessness. In the movie timeline, 6 years has passed by since Mulder and Scully escaped as fugitives. The movie didn't just pick up where the series left, which is great because it leaves you wondering what the hell happened to Mulder and Scully in that 6 years. We see them aged, we see their lives changed, we see the level of their relationship developed; and yet, the essence of them is still there, unchanging. I find this balance of forward-progression and stand-still very intriguing.
Iconic Mulder-Scully shared look.
While I love this movie nuts, it's not exactly over-the-top fantastic; except maybe, for the dynamic performance of David and Gillian. I have one complaint though: that Scully should never had used Google to search 'Stem Cell Research'. That is pretty unprofessional. They could have scripted her to use scientific literature databases like PubMed or something. Except for this blooper, I'm all over the movie.
Nevertheless, I want to believe that we'll get a third movie which will deal with the December 22 2012 dead-line postulated in the final episode of the final X-Files series (The Truth). I'm dying to know whether the aliens will invade the Earth and turn us all into a slave race.... and how Mulder and Scully's son, William, may have a hand in this.
The truth is still out there.
All images from official website The X-Files: I Want To Believe
～みはる～
By
Miharu
Sweet Rain ~ 死神の精度
君は死ぬことについてどう思う？
(What do you think of death?)
I don't do this often, but this is one of the rare moments where I willingly fork out money (at bad economic times!) for exorbitant cinema tickets, just to spend two hours drooling over the most dashing, coolest man ever walked on Earth.
Of course I'm talking about Kaneshiro Takeshi. While every female would have her preference, not one would refute he's cool. For his age, he's dashing. Handsome. Suave. Dashing. COOL.
*cough* I'll leave my Takeshi-fangirling at that.
Thank's to Sis's recommendation, I did not miss one of the best movies of this year. Kaneshiro Takeshi's latest Japanese movie, entitled 「Sweet Rain~死神の精度」 (a.k.a. Accuracy of Death), took to screens since March in Japan and since last month in other Asian regions. Being the movie-retard I've always been, I had no idea there was a new release by Takeshi. When I realized it is a Japanese film starring Kaneshiro so-dashingly-cool Takeshi, I wouldn't be able to sleep if I do not catch it in the cinema. So, we did. Plonked ourselves in a cinema in the city centre for a 2-hr dose of Takeshi.
Sweet Rain is a film of 3 intertwined short stories, spanning half a century. It follows a Shinigami (Death God) by the name of Chiba, played by none other than Kaneshiro Takeshi, whose job is to interact, for 7 days, with the person who is shortlisted for dying. By the end of the 7 days, he will decide whether to 'proceed' with or 'suspend' the death of the death-candidate. For Chiba, if he feels the candidate has fulfilled his/her purpose of living, he will proceed with the death. Otherwise, he will suspend the death, thus allowing the candidate more time on the land of living.
The first story takes place in 1985, where Chiba was assigned to judge whether a 27-yr old OL (office lady), Fujiki Kazue, is fit for death. If anything, Kazue seems to fit the bill for death. Depressed, surrounded by death, and apparently stalked by some weirdo who longs to hear her voice multiple times a day, Kazue feels life is meaningless and would probably be more than willing to die (much to Chiba's relief). However, during the 7 days of judgement, her interaction with Chiba brought a little light back to her life, and in an unexpected turn of events, she wound up being scouted as a singer. For the first time, Chiba 'suspended' a death.
The second story takes place in our generation of 2007, where Chiba judged a middle-aged yakuza for death. It wasn't so much his interaction with the death candidate Fujita, but Fujita's underling Akutsu, which was central to this story. Akutsu looked up to Fujita as a father figure and would sacrifice himself to prevent Fujita from dying in the yakuza internal conflict. However in his meeting with Chiba, Akutsu was given a painful lesson of faith, courage and reality of death. While Chiba 'proceeded' with the death, it was a death out of expectation (a bit lame if you ask me, but well, he had to die... somehow or rather).
The final story was fast forwarded to the future in the age of 2028, where humanoid robots are already a norm. In a remote coast, lives a 70-yr old dignified hairdresser obaachan (grandma) Kazue, who coincidentally is Chiba's next job list. Interestingly, Kazue was not entirely surprised to receive her unannouced guest Chiba, and she even correctly guessed his Shinigami profile (you just HAVE to look at Takeshi's expression here. Priceless). She is willing to 'go' with him (i.e. accept her death), but before that, she requested that Chiba realize her last wish in the living world. The normally cool and collected Chiba is suddenly placed in a tight spot (human subjects never mess with Shinigamis, what more ask for a favor), as he tried his best to fulfill her wish, which was to gather as many elementary school boys for a free haircut as possible by the day after tomorrow. It turns out, Kazue wanted to glimpse the child of her estranged son before her death. While it wasn't directly shown that Chiba 'proceeded' or 'suspended' the death, I think it's pretty clearly implicated Kazue died a happy obaachan.
This movie is a great alternative to contemporary movies which boast complicated plots, adrenaline-pumping action, twisted characters and elaborate settings. The soothing theme and laidback concept, complete with dashing actor and capable actresses, makes the movie a very pleasant watch. Although simple, it was not lack in entertainment. Emotions were rightly placed at the appropriate scenes and it gives a very refreshing slice-of-life feel. I particularly love the nuances implicated in the movie. The director used rain, blue skies, coin toss, sunflower, and music to finely thread the three stories together very tastefully. By virtue of these elements, we will learn that the hairdresser obaachan Kazue was the same young Kazue who's life Chiba spared in the first story, and lived a long and fulfilling life, learning to put up with the pain and mistakes in life, such as leaving her son Akutsu in the hands of a yakuza in the second story, and yet able to experience the joy of cutting his child's (her grandson's) hair in the epilogue. Simply ingenious and uncomplicated.
I like the idea that Chiba learnt the meaning and precious value of life through his meeting with Fujiki Kazue. It is very heart-warming. In their initial acquaintance, all was gloom and doom for Kazue and Chiba. Every time Chiba's on job, it would definitely be raining, hence he wistfully wonders to Kazue as to when he will actually get to see the blue sky. When he meet the 70-yr old her, he finally get to experience the warmth of the wide blue sky with a jaded Kazue chiding him that a Shinigami like him who sees death everyday would find it difficult to understand the preciousness of life to the living being.
As many reviewers mentioned, this movie will definitely be popular with the ladies because of the eye candy. Um, I mean, Kaneshiro Takeshi. He's so seamless in his act that you wouldn't realize he's been away from Japanese silverscreens for more than 6 years. Furthermore, you'll never find another more good-looking Shinigami than Takeshi. I mean, if you had to come face to face with Death, let it be in the form of Kaneshiro Takeshi and you'd probably die happy. What I was trying to say is, he looks really good in the movie. If you don't watch for the story, just go watch him. It's worth the money. Plus, he's really good with the subtle wit. His naive and innocent antics were pretty funny and lightening.
Oh, I love his side-kick black Retriever. The dog-boss communicates with him! It's really funny. More so if you read Japanese because the punch line is.... Japanese.
Bottomline is, it's really worth watching. I'm waiting for the DVD.
Visit the official website
～みはる～
(What do you think of death?)
I don't do this often, but this is one of the rare moments where I willingly fork out money (at bad economic times!) for exorbitant cinema tickets, just to spend two hours drooling over the most dashing, coolest man ever walked on Earth.
Of course I'm talking about Kaneshiro Takeshi. While every female would have her preference, not one would refute he's cool. For his age, he's dashing. Handsome. Suave. Dashing. COOL.
*cough* I'll leave my Takeshi-fangirling at that.
Thank's to Sis's recommendation, I did not miss one of the best movies of this year. Kaneshiro Takeshi's latest Japanese movie, entitled 「Sweet Rain~死神の精度」 (a.k.a. Accuracy of Death), took to screens since March in Japan and since last month in other Asian regions. Being the movie-retard I've always been, I had no idea there was a new release by Takeshi. When I realized it is a Japanese film starring Kaneshiro so-dashingly-cool Takeshi, I wouldn't be able to sleep if I do not catch it in the cinema. So, we did. Plonked ourselves in a cinema in the city centre for a 2-hr dose of Takeshi.
Sweet Rain is a film of 3 intertwined short stories, spanning half a century. It follows a Shinigami (Death God) by the name of Chiba, played by none other than Kaneshiro Takeshi, whose job is to interact, for 7 days, with the person who is shortlisted for dying. By the end of the 7 days, he will decide whether to 'proceed' with or 'suspend' the death of the death-candidate. For Chiba, if he feels the candidate has fulfilled his/her purpose of living, he will proceed with the death. Otherwise, he will suspend the death, thus allowing the candidate more time on the land of living.
The first story takes place in 1985, where Chiba was assigned to judge whether a 27-yr old OL (office lady), Fujiki Kazue, is fit for death. If anything, Kazue seems to fit the bill for death. Depressed, surrounded by death, and apparently stalked by some weirdo who longs to hear her voice multiple times a day, Kazue feels life is meaningless and would probably be more than willing to die (much to Chiba's relief). However, during the 7 days of judgement, her interaction with Chiba brought a little light back to her life, and in an unexpected turn of events, she wound up being scouted as a singer. For the first time, Chiba 'suspended' a death.
The second story takes place in our generation of 2007, where Chiba judged a middle-aged yakuza for death. It wasn't so much his interaction with the death candidate Fujita, but Fujita's underling Akutsu, which was central to this story. Akutsu looked up to Fujita as a father figure and would sacrifice himself to prevent Fujita from dying in the yakuza internal conflict. However in his meeting with Chiba, Akutsu was given a painful lesson of faith, courage and reality of death. While Chiba 'proceeded' with the death, it was a death out of expectation (a bit lame if you ask me, but well, he had to die... somehow or rather).
The final story was fast forwarded to the future in the age of 2028, where humanoid robots are already a norm. In a remote coast, lives a 70-yr old dignified hairdresser obaachan (grandma) Kazue, who coincidentally is Chiba's next job list. Interestingly, Kazue was not entirely surprised to receive her unannouced guest Chiba, and she even correctly guessed his Shinigami profile (you just HAVE to look at Takeshi's expression here. Priceless). She is willing to 'go' with him (i.e. accept her death), but before that, she requested that Chiba realize her last wish in the living world. The normally cool and collected Chiba is suddenly placed in a tight spot (human subjects never mess with Shinigamis, what more ask for a favor), as he tried his best to fulfill her wish, which was to gather as many elementary school boys for a free haircut as possible by the day after tomorrow. It turns out, Kazue wanted to glimpse the child of her estranged son before her death. While it wasn't directly shown that Chiba 'proceeded' or 'suspended' the death, I think it's pretty clearly implicated Kazue died a happy obaachan.
Sweet Rain ~ Shinigami no Seido Trailer
This movie is a great alternative to contemporary movies which boast complicated plots, adrenaline-pumping action, twisted characters and elaborate settings. The soothing theme and laidback concept, complete with dashing actor and capable actresses, makes the movie a very pleasant watch. Although simple, it was not lack in entertainment. Emotions were rightly placed at the appropriate scenes and it gives a very refreshing slice-of-life feel. I particularly love the nuances implicated in the movie. The director used rain, blue skies, coin toss, sunflower, and music to finely thread the three stories together very tastefully. By virtue of these elements, we will learn that the hairdresser obaachan Kazue was the same young Kazue who's life Chiba spared in the first story, and lived a long and fulfilling life, learning to put up with the pain and mistakes in life, such as leaving her son Akutsu in the hands of a yakuza in the second story, and yet able to experience the joy of cutting his child's (her grandson's) hair in the epilogue. Simply ingenious and uncomplicated.
I like the idea that Chiba learnt the meaning and precious value of life through his meeting with Fujiki Kazue. It is very heart-warming. In their initial acquaintance, all was gloom and doom for Kazue and Chiba. Every time Chiba's on job, it would definitely be raining, hence he wistfully wonders to Kazue as to when he will actually get to see the blue sky. When he meet the 70-yr old her, he finally get to experience the warmth of the wide blue sky with a jaded Kazue chiding him that a Shinigami like him who sees death everyday would find it difficult to understand the preciousness of life to the living being.
As many reviewers mentioned, this movie will definitely be popular with the ladies because of the eye candy. Um, I mean, Kaneshiro Takeshi. He's so seamless in his act that you wouldn't realize he's been away from Japanese silverscreens for more than 6 years. Furthermore, you'll never find another more good-looking Shinigami than Takeshi. I mean, if you had to come face to face with Death, let it be in the form of Kaneshiro Takeshi and you'd probably die happy. What I was trying to say is, he looks really good in the movie. If you don't watch for the story, just go watch him. It's worth the money. Plus, he's really good with the subtle wit. His naive and innocent antics were pretty funny and lightening.
Oh, I love his side-kick black Retriever. The dog-boss communicates with him! It's really funny. More so if you read Japanese because the punch line is.... Japanese.
Bottomline is, it's really worth watching. I'm waiting for the DVD.
Sweet Rain~Shinigami no Seido Press Conference
Visit the official website
～みはる～
By
Miharu
時をかける少女
もし時をかければ、あなたはどうする？
何が変えていきたい？何が変えていきたくない？
誰が向かっていきたい？誰が向かっていきたくない？
何の話をしていきたい？何の話をしていきたくない？
どんな事をやりたい？どんな事をやりたくない？
時をかければ、日々で選んだせんたくを何にひとつ変えて欲しい？
なのに、変わったらいいでしょうか。変わらなかったらいいでしょうか。
大切な思いは何ですか。
忘れたい、忘れたくない気持ちは何ですか。
If you could leap through time, what would you do?
I haven't watched too many anime movies, and while I'd safely say at anytime I would prefer animation series over one-time movies, there are certain works which I find fascinating and entertaining. It's as if they take you to the forbidden world of fantasy that only exists in the realm of imagination (think Totoro, Howl's Moving Castle, Byousoku 5 cm). These films give me a surreal feeling.
Until I watched 「時をかける少女」 (The Girl Who Leapt Through Time) that is. Madhouse Animation Studios scored with this piece of production because it delivered what the previous movies I watched didn't: it engaged the audience.
時をかける少女, also affectionately known as TokiKake, is a very simple, straight-forward yet thought-provoking story. It tells about a bubbly and naive high school girl, Konno Makoto, who by accident, gained the ability to leap through time. Once she realized how to use her new time-reversing/forwarding abilities, Makoto didn't hesitate to use it to her advantage on routine things, such as leaping back again and again so that she could do better in her quiz, or to have unlimited karaoke sessions, or to set up her good friend Kousuke with his fangirl. However, when faced with a situation she would rather avoid, such as when her best friend Mamiya Chiaki confessed he liked her, Makoto used her time-leaping power to wield her out of facing the circumstances. In other words, she is manipulating her ability to avoid problems, which consequently produces messier problems. At one point of time, Makoto realized the number of times she could leap through time is limited, and in a turn of events, she used her last jump to reset time back to the point before she gained the ability to time-leap in order to rescue the existence of Chiaki, whom she came to accept and reciprocate his feelings for her.
I'm not keen to review the entire movie here, because I feel that you have to watch it to feel the impact. While the movie didn't seem to have any extraordinary appeal (animation designs are simple and plain, no stupendous visual effects), the slice-of-life feel delivered by the movie is incredibly real. I find myself relating to Makoto; it's like you can understand her honest emotions and straight-forward thinking. Her character is very well-written because it engages the audience.
For instance, it makes you think: What would you do if you gained the ability to leap through time at your own liberty?
To me, the writers are trying to convey the message that everything in life, the good and the bad, we need to face them. We cannot run away from them, deny them, or refuse to take them at face value, because regardless how joyful or painful they are, it is everything in life that we experience everyday that will shape us and help us grow. The joy and the pain will make up the precious memories that give meaning to our existence. The people that we meet, the things that we do in company, the sadness that drowns us, the happiness that lifts us, the anger that rips us, the warmth that envelopes us... we just have to accept all the things life have to give us.
It didn't take a complicated plot, or elaborate designs, or sophisticated music to captivate me in TokiKake. All it had was a simple story, a flowing story-telling, a gentle combination of subtle color scenes, a line of expressive voice actors and straight-forward direction. And with these, TokiKake had me overflowing with emotions. It didn't need to fly me to the forbidden realm of fantasy to captivate my interest. I'm already taken by the simplicity and honest reality portrayed.
Seriously, everyone should watch TokiKake at least once.
If you are to watch an animation movie, it can only be 時をかける少女.
「千昭： 未来で待って。
真琴： うん。すぐいく。走っていく。」
Here's the trailer from Kadokawa.
～みはる～
何が変えていきたい？何が変えていきたくない？
誰が向かっていきたい？誰が向かっていきたくない？
何の話をしていきたい？何の話をしていきたくない？
どんな事をやりたい？どんな事をやりたくない？
時をかければ、日々で選んだせんたくを何にひとつ変えて欲しい？
なのに、変わったらいいでしょうか。変わらなかったらいいでしょうか。
大切な思いは何ですか。
忘れたい、忘れたくない気持ちは何ですか。
時をかければ、過去を変える？
時をかければ、現在を変える？
時をかければ、未来を変える？
時をかければ、現在を変える？
時をかければ、未来を変える？
時をかける少女
-The Girl Who Leapt Through Time-
-The Girl Who Leapt Through Time-
If you could leap through time, what would you do?
I haven't watched too many anime movies, and while I'd safely say at anytime I would prefer animation series over one-time movies, there are certain works which I find fascinating and entertaining. It's as if they take you to the forbidden world of fantasy that only exists in the realm of imagination (think Totoro, Howl's Moving Castle, Byousoku 5 cm). These films give me a surreal feeling.
Until I watched 「時をかける少女」 (The Girl Who Leapt Through Time) that is. Madhouse Animation Studios scored with this piece of production because it delivered what the previous movies I watched didn't: it engaged the audience.
時をかける少女, also affectionately known as TokiKake, is a very simple, straight-forward yet thought-provoking story. It tells about a bubbly and naive high school girl, Konno Makoto, who by accident, gained the ability to leap through time. Once she realized how to use her new time-reversing/forwarding abilities, Makoto didn't hesitate to use it to her advantage on routine things, such as leaping back again and again so that she could do better in her quiz, or to have unlimited karaoke sessions, or to set up her good friend Kousuke with his fangirl. However, when faced with a situation she would rather avoid, such as when her best friend Mamiya Chiaki confessed he liked her, Makoto used her time-leaping power to wield her out of facing the circumstances. In other words, she is manipulating her ability to avoid problems, which consequently produces messier problems. At one point of time, Makoto realized the number of times she could leap through time is limited, and in a turn of events, she used her last jump to reset time back to the point before she gained the ability to time-leap in order to rescue the existence of Chiaki, whom she came to accept and reciprocate his feelings for her.
I'm not keen to review the entire movie here, because I feel that you have to watch it to feel the impact. While the movie didn't seem to have any extraordinary appeal (animation designs are simple and plain, no stupendous visual effects), the slice-of-life feel delivered by the movie is incredibly real. I find myself relating to Makoto; it's like you can understand her honest emotions and straight-forward thinking. Her character is very well-written because it engages the audience.
For instance, it makes you think: What would you do if you gained the ability to leap through time at your own liberty?
- Would you use it to leap back to yesterday, so that you would wake up on time and not miss the bus, which had led to your being late for meeting?
- Would you use it to leap back to several hours earlier, so that you would be in the queue for the last ticket to the concert you were dying to attend?
- Would you use it to leap back a few seconds earlier, so that you would take a different turn and prevented the traffic accident led to your premature death?
- Would you use it to leap forward a few seconds later, so that you will avoid the pressure of replying the confessions of your best friend?
- Would you use it to leap forward to tomorrow, so that you will not have to face the pain of losing someone or something important to you?
To me, the writers are trying to convey the message that everything in life, the good and the bad, we need to face them. We cannot run away from them, deny them, or refuse to take them at face value, because regardless how joyful or painful they are, it is everything in life that we experience everyday that will shape us and help us grow. The joy and the pain will make up the precious memories that give meaning to our existence. The people that we meet, the things that we do in company, the sadness that drowns us, the happiness that lifts us, the anger that rips us, the warmth that envelopes us... we just have to accept all the things life have to give us.
It didn't take a complicated plot, or elaborate designs, or sophisticated music to captivate me in TokiKake. All it had was a simple story, a flowing story-telling, a gentle combination of subtle color scenes, a line of expressive voice actors and straight-forward direction. And with these, TokiKake had me overflowing with emotions. It didn't need to fly me to the forbidden realm of fantasy to captivate my interest. I'm already taken by the simplicity and honest reality portrayed.
Seriously, everyone should watch TokiKake at least once.
If you are to watch an animation movie, it can only be 時をかける少女.
「千昭： 未来で待って。
真琴： うん。すぐいく。走っていく。」
Here's the trailer from Kadokawa.
～みはる～
The Corpse Bride
When this movie was released (like ages ago), I had wanted very much to watch it. The morbid theme had seemed so appealing to me (yes, I'm terribly morbid). But unfortunately, for whatever reasons I cannot recall, I never managed to make it to the cinema to watch it.
And I must say, that is one of the greatest miss in my entire cinema-life.
Tim Burton's The Corpse Bride, can only be appropriately termed ' a piece of genius'. Because, it is.
I finally get to view this piece of genius when I came across the DVD in the campus media library. While I wouldn't credit the plot as brilliant, I am awed by the concept and creative production. The stop-motion animation augments the dark theme and it is so well done I couldn't believe my eyes. The animators were actually puppeteering; it wasn't the CG-technology-whatnot, it was puppeteering and the effect they produced is, at least to me, astounding.
The concept of 'upstairs' (world of living) and 'downstairs' (world of dead) is also pretty amusing. And oh, the dark humor, of downstairs being far more colorful and lively than upstairs.
As always, I have a keen interest in the soundtrack of the movies I watch. This is no different. I love Danny Elfman's use of Victor's theme, repeated and varied at different but significant moments in the story. Particularly, I loved the piano renditions in the movie, "Victor's Solo" and "The Piano Duet" by Victor and (our lovely corpse) Emily.
I have much praises for this production, except one complaint that the plot is rather wan. I mean, it is so convenient to give Victor and Victoria a happy ending (well, ALL stories prefer happy endings). I wondered if it would be more exciting if Victor had drank the poison and died, thus becoming legally married to Emily, the corpse. However, they managed to cook up a pretty lovely ending, and it pulled my heartstrings when Emily blessed the young (living) couple and herself finally released from the pain that had chained her to the living world.
I liked the movie so much, I actually hunted for the DVD. Now I can keep this piece of genius in my shelf for re-runs ^_^
～みはる～
Disclaimer: Images are not mine.
And I must say, that is one of the greatest miss in my entire cinema-life.
Tim Burton's The Corpse Bride, can only be appropriately termed ' a piece of genius'. Because, it is.
I finally get to view this piece of genius when I came across the DVD in the campus media library. While I wouldn't credit the plot as brilliant, I am awed by the concept and creative production. The stop-motion animation augments the dark theme and it is so well done I couldn't believe my eyes. The animators were actually puppeteering; it wasn't the CG-technology-whatnot, it was puppeteering and the effect they produced is, at least to me, astounding.
The concept of 'upstairs' (world of living) and 'downstairs' (world of dead) is also pretty amusing. And oh, the dark humor, of downstairs being far more colorful and lively than upstairs.
Victor trying to pacify Emily by initiating the piano duet.
As always, I have a keen interest in the soundtrack of the movies I watch. This is no different. I love Danny Elfman's use of Victor's theme, repeated and varied at different but significant moments in the story. Particularly, I loved the piano renditions in the movie, "Victor's Solo" and "The Piano Duet" by Victor and (our lovely corpse) Emily.
I have much praises for this production, except one complaint that the plot is rather wan. I mean, it is so convenient to give Victor and Victoria a happy ending (well, ALL stories prefer happy endings). I wondered if it would be more exciting if Victor had drank the poison and died, thus becoming legally married to Emily, the corpse. However, they managed to cook up a pretty lovely ending, and it pulled my heartstrings when Emily blessed the young (living) couple and herself finally released from the pain that had chained her to the living world.
Victor finally said his vows right.
I liked the movie so much, I actually hunted for the DVD. Now I can keep this piece of genius in my shelf for re-runs ^_^
～みはる～
Disclaimer: Images are not mine.
By
Miharu
Nodame in Europe
FujiTv seriously threw money into this:
The highly popular classical music Japanese comedy drama returned with a special 2-episode sequel. Get this: it was filmed in France and Czech Republic over a duration of approximately 3-4 months. Which is why you see....
.... backdrops so gorgeous they make you wanna fly to Europe.
.... gaijins who speak Nihongo.
....conductor concours in historical concert halls in the mecca of classical music (Prague).
.... Mozart playing in a chateau. (yes, that is Ueno Juri cosplaying)
Coupled with Tamaki Hiroshi and Ueno Juri reprising their roles as Chiaki & Nodame, the 2-episode special screamed MUKYAAA. Uh, that is Nodame vocab for FANTASTIC. The directors to this drama never failed to deliver the best. I salute their incredible production so well done; it seemed to me they had brought the manga alive. The story followed the manga storyline very closely, right down to the dialogue. Of course some scenes were adapted to the practicality of filming, but the changes were pretty insignificant. Furthermore, the music followed the manga religiously. We actually get to listen to all the classical works mentioned in the manga, such as Ravel's Miroirs, Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto, etc.
What was incredibly unbelievable and hilarious was they managed to get angmohs speaking fluent Japanese. Jean Donnadieu, the French conductor character, was rolling in Japanese, not French! It turns out they cleverly used foreign talents or half-Japaneses, such as Wentz Eiji (Frank) and Becky (Tanya) which gives the drama such novelty. Furthermore, they introduced a lot of new characters, which is very refreshing. I can't even start picking a favourite, because I like all of them!
The sceneries really took my breath away. The directors had generously included outdoor shots, making the audience feel like they are in Europe with the main characters... which is so captivating. And it goes without saying, the music is so fantastic it melt my ears. What was very clever of the producers was they managed to use the music at the appropriate points of the drama, captivating the audience with the power of illusion and sound.
This is like the best 2-episode special I've ever watched. It is worth sitting through the 4 whole hours simply because.... it's Nodame Cantabile. If you don't watch this, you're missing really good stuff.
Images from Memento. Visit them for great reviews.
Official site: Nodame Cantabile
～みはる～
The highly popular classical music Japanese comedy drama returned with a special 2-episode sequel. Get this: it was filmed in France and Czech Republic over a duration of approximately 3-4 months. Which is why you see....
.... backdrops so gorgeous they make you wanna fly to Europe.
.... gaijins who speak Nihongo.
....conductor concours in historical concert halls in the mecca of classical music (Prague).
.... Mozart playing in a chateau. (yes, that is Ueno Juri cosplaying)
Coupled with Tamaki Hiroshi and Ueno Juri reprising their roles as Chiaki & Nodame, the 2-episode special screamed MUKYAAA. Uh, that is Nodame vocab for FANTASTIC. The directors to this drama never failed to deliver the best. I salute their incredible production so well done; it seemed to me they had brought the manga alive. The story followed the manga storyline very closely, right down to the dialogue. Of course some scenes were adapted to the practicality of filming, but the changes were pretty insignificant. Furthermore, the music followed the manga religiously. We actually get to listen to all the classical works mentioned in the manga, such as Ravel's Miroirs, Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto, etc.
What was incredibly unbelievable and hilarious was they managed to get angmohs speaking fluent Japanese. Jean Donnadieu, the French conductor character, was rolling in Japanese, not French! It turns out they cleverly used foreign talents or half-Japaneses, such as Wentz Eiji (Frank) and Becky (Tanya) which gives the drama such novelty. Furthermore, they introduced a lot of new characters, which is very refreshing. I can't even start picking a favourite, because I like all of them!
The sceneries really took my breath away. The directors had generously included outdoor shots, making the audience feel like they are in Europe with the main characters... which is so captivating. And it goes without saying, the music is so fantastic it melt my ears. What was very clever of the producers was they managed to use the music at the appropriate points of the drama, captivating the audience with the power of illusion and sound.
This is like the best 2-episode special I've ever watched. It is worth sitting through the 4 whole hours simply because.... it's Nodame Cantabile. If you don't watch this, you're missing really good stuff.
Images from Memento. Visit them for great reviews.
Official site: Nodame Cantabile
～みはる～
By
Miharu
Enchanted vs Geass
Disney's fairy-tale princess given a reality check:
The trailer had seemed really funny, so I thought it might be a good watch. Although entertainingly comedic, I find the story terribly uninspiring with its weak plot and not very convincing actors.
If you don't know already, Enchanted tells about a cartoon fairy-tale princess, Giselle, living in the land of "Once upon a time" who dreams every single minute in her life about marrying her Prince Charming. Like all Disney's naive princesses, she has her heart sets on 'true love's first kiss' and was all hyper when Prince Charming swept her off her feet and proposed to her. However, in typical Disney style, the evil Queen stood in her way of a 'happy ever after' by sending Giselle to NYC for a taste of reality. And so goes the adventure of our fairy-tale princess in discovering the shocks of real life: where love doesn't lasts and 'happy ever after's are non-existent.
While I know the writers were playing around with Giselle's naive and pure nature to generate humor and comedy, I find it overly annoying and pretty much stupid. And Prince Edward is such a blockhead. The idea of the story seemed appealing, but the production was below my expectation. Furthermore, the chemistry between the characters were weak, so I wouldn't reckon the acting too much. And the ending was... boring. They did give some sort of a 'happy ever after'... but it was nothing extraordinary. I did not find the movie very funny, in fact I think Ratatouille was funnier.
I supposed this is what I get for watching Code Geass before Enchanted.
I've been totally spoiled by Sunrise's amazing animation and storytelling in Code Geass - Lelouch of the Rebellion. The plot is mindblowing, because every episode gives unexpected twists and incredible action. I have to say, it's been a long time I enjoyed such action-packed mecha anime since Mai-Hime. With CLAMP in-charged of the character designs, Code Geass can only be visually fabulous. And it's no wonder why this series had garnered so many awards, including Best TV animation series in the Tokyo Anime Awards and Animation Kobe Awards, as well as the Best Seiyuu award Fukuyama Jun won for his excellent voice acting as Lelouch Lamperouge. Code Geass is what I call entertainment. Enchanted is pretty much for kids who still believes in 'happy ever after's.
So, don't bother with Enchanted. Go get yourself Geass-ed.
Images from Random Curiosity and Code Geass.
～みはる～
The trailer had seemed really funny, so I thought it might be a good watch. Although entertainingly comedic, I find the story terribly uninspiring with its weak plot and not very convincing actors.
If you don't know already, Enchanted tells about a cartoon fairy-tale princess, Giselle, living in the land of "Once upon a time" who dreams every single minute in her life about marrying her Prince Charming. Like all Disney's naive princesses, she has her heart sets on 'true love's first kiss' and was all hyper when Prince Charming swept her off her feet and proposed to her. However, in typical Disney style, the evil Queen stood in her way of a 'happy ever after' by sending Giselle to NYC for a taste of reality. And so goes the adventure of our fairy-tale princess in discovering the shocks of real life: where love doesn't lasts and 'happy ever after's are non-existent.
While I know the writers were playing around with Giselle's naive and pure nature to generate humor and comedy, I find it overly annoying and pretty much stupid. And Prince Edward is such a blockhead. The idea of the story seemed appealing, but the production was below my expectation. Furthermore, the chemistry between the characters were weak, so I wouldn't reckon the acting too much. And the ending was... boring. They did give some sort of a 'happy ever after'... but it was nothing extraordinary. I did not find the movie very funny, in fact I think Ratatouille was funnier.
I supposed this is what I get for watching Code Geass before Enchanted.
I've been totally spoiled by Sunrise's amazing animation and storytelling in Code Geass - Lelouch of the Rebellion. The plot is mindblowing, because every episode gives unexpected twists and incredible action. I have to say, it's been a long time I enjoyed such action-packed mecha anime since Mai-Hime. With CLAMP in-charged of the character designs, Code Geass can only be visually fabulous. And it's no wonder why this series had garnered so many awards, including Best TV animation series in the Tokyo Anime Awards and Animation Kobe Awards, as well as the Best Seiyuu award Fukuyama Jun won for his excellent voice acting as Lelouch Lamperouge. Code Geass is what I call entertainment. Enchanted is pretty much for kids who still believes in 'happy ever after's.
So, don't bother with Enchanted. Go get yourself Geass-ed.
Images from Random Curiosity and Code Geass.
～みはる～
涙そうそう
I dig inflight entertainment. Especially on long flights. This time around, I managed to sample one really good movie during my flight from Tokyo. It's a Japanese movie released in 2006, entitled, "Nada Sou Sou" (i.e. Tears for You).
I initially had no idea who the lead actor and actress were, who by the way are Tsumabaki Satoshi and Nagasawa Masami respectively. Apparently Tsumabaki came from the Waterboys fame, but I didn't watch Waterboys so I didn't know. Anyway, the point is that I think both of them did a really good job in acting out the complex sibling relationship in Nada Sou Sou. Especially Tsumabaki with his role as Yota. The story is quite appropriately paced and the graphics were especially good, the gorgeous blue sky and the whole Okinawan feel. All these factors combined into a moving story which had me reaching for the tissues, even when I was watching the re-runs!
Nada Sou Sou tells about the deep affection between two not-blood-related siblings, elder brother Yota (Tsumabaki Satoshi) and younger sister Kaoru (Nagasawa Masami). Yota's mother remarried when he was 8, to a carefree trumpeter, who has a 3-yr old daughter from his previous marriage. This new dad apparently isn't very responsible and left the Okinawan paradise for the main island of Kyuushu without any explaination whatsoever (what a jerk). This leaves Kaoru under the care of two people who aren't her blood relatives, but fortunately for her, they loved her just as much. Soon, Yota's mother couldn't take the pain of being dumped by her trumpeter husband and died of some illness. At her deathbed, she made Yota promise her that he would protect Kaoru and take care of her with all his heart. It was a promise Yota took to heart and for the years after his mother's death, Yota was fiercely protective of Kaoru.
However, as they turn into young adults, they began to realize that they meant the world to each other. So much that Kaoru did not simply see Yota as a protective brother anymore, but as an individual whom she truly loves with all her heart. Similarly, while Yota had protected Kaoru all his life as a sister, he soon discovers that she meant the world to him. Yota's sacrifices for Kaoru was very well played out by Tsumabaki. My favorite scene is when Kaoru packed her bags and left their little hut even though she knew well she didn't want to leave. When Yota failed to suppress his tears from her thanking him for his sacrifices, I started to bawl my eyes out.
This is one movie I recommend for great acting, tropical setting and soothing theme song. The song performed at the end of the movie by Natsukawa Rimi, also titled Nada Sou Sou, is an Okinawan folk song so beautiful it lasted in my playlist for weeks. It's one movie I think you should check out, and it's even better if you understand Japanese. The Okinawan slang is pretty endearing!
Official site 涙そうそう
Lyrics from Encyclopedia Knowledge
～みはる～
I initially had no idea who the lead actor and actress were, who by the way are Tsumabaki Satoshi and Nagasawa Masami respectively. Apparently Tsumabaki came from the Waterboys fame, but I didn't watch Waterboys so I didn't know. Anyway, the point is that I think both of them did a really good job in acting out the complex sibling relationship in Nada Sou Sou. Especially Tsumabaki with his role as Yota. The story is quite appropriately paced and the graphics were especially good, the gorgeous blue sky and the whole Okinawan feel. All these factors combined into a moving story which had me reaching for the tissues, even when I was watching the re-runs!
Nada Sou Sou tells about the deep affection between two not-blood-related siblings, elder brother Yota (Tsumabaki Satoshi) and younger sister Kaoru (Nagasawa Masami). Yota's mother remarried when he was 8, to a carefree trumpeter, who has a 3-yr old daughter from his previous marriage. This new dad apparently isn't very responsible and left the Okinawan paradise for the main island of Kyuushu without any explaination whatsoever (what a jerk). This leaves Kaoru under the care of two people who aren't her blood relatives, but fortunately for her, they loved her just as much. Soon, Yota's mother couldn't take the pain of being dumped by her trumpeter husband and died of some illness. At her deathbed, she made Yota promise her that he would protect Kaoru and take care of her with all his heart. It was a promise Yota took to heart and for the years after his mother's death, Yota was fiercely protective of Kaoru.
However, as they turn into young adults, they began to realize that they meant the world to each other. So much that Kaoru did not simply see Yota as a protective brother anymore, but as an individual whom she truly loves with all her heart. Similarly, while Yota had protected Kaoru all his life as a sister, he soon discovers that she meant the world to him. Yota's sacrifices for Kaoru was very well played out by Tsumabaki. My favorite scene is when Kaoru packed her bags and left their little hut even though she knew well she didn't want to leave. When Yota failed to suppress his tears from her thanking him for his sacrifices, I started to bawl my eyes out.
This is one movie I recommend for great acting, tropical setting and soothing theme song. The song performed at the end of the movie by Natsukawa Rimi, also titled Nada Sou Sou, is an Okinawan folk song so beautiful it lasted in my playlist for weeks. It's one movie I think you should check out, and it's even better if you understand Japanese. The Okinawan slang is pretty endearing!
Nada Sou Sou theme song - 涙そうそう -
Performed by Natsukawa Rimi
Performed by Natsukawa Rimi
古いアルバムめくり ありがとうってつぶやいた
いつもいつも胸の中 励ましてくれる人よ
晴れ渡る日も 雨の日も 浮かぶあの笑顔
想い出遠くあせても
おもかげ探して よみがえる日は 涙そうそう
一番星に祈る それが私のくせになり
夕暮れに見上げる空 心いっぱいあなた探す
悲しみにも 喜びにも 想うあの笑顔
あなたの場所から私が
見えたら きっといつか 会えると信じ 生きてゆく
晴れ渡る日も 雨の日も 浮かぶあの笑顔
想い出遠くあせても
さみしくて 恋しくて 君への想い 涙そうそう
会いたくて 会いたくて 君への想い 涙そうそう
いつもいつも胸の中 励ましてくれる人よ
晴れ渡る日も 雨の日も 浮かぶあの笑顔
想い出遠くあせても
おもかげ探して よみがえる日は 涙そうそう
一番星に祈る それが私のくせになり
夕暮れに見上げる空 心いっぱいあなた探す
悲しみにも 喜びにも 想うあの笑顔
あなたの場所から私が
見えたら きっといつか 会えると信じ 生きてゆく
晴れ渡る日も 雨の日も 浮かぶあの笑顔
想い出遠くあせても
さみしくて 恋しくて 君への想い 涙そうそう
会いたくて 会いたくて 君への想い 涙そうそう
Official site 涙そうそう
Lyrics from Encyclopedia Knowledge
～みはる～
By
Miharu
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
