River Flows In You by Yiruma
An excellent stress-reliever.
～みはる～
15 years ago
0
River Flows In You
A friend introduced this song to me, which I find very calming and serene:
An excellent stress-reliever.
～みはる～
An excellent stress-reliever.
～みはる～
By
Miharu
For You A Thousand Times Over
Of late, I seem to have a knack for picking really emotionally wrecking books.
The Kite Runner.
I never intended to pick up this fiction although my friends had given raving recommendations, well... at least not yesterday. But I had time to spare while waiting for my Japanese lessons, so I loitered around the Bestsellers section of Kinokuniya. And thought, why not read a chapter?
Six chapters later, I was queueing at the cashier paying for this Khaled Hosseini debut.
And finished it in one sitting.
It's been a long time since I've read a fiction so riveting it vexed me out, so raw it hurt me hard, and so painful it cried me down. I finished the book with puffy eyes. Damn.
The Kite Runner is a story revolving around Amir, a wealthy Pashtun boy, and Hassan, the son of Amir's father's Hazara servant, in a backdrop of politically-morphing Afghanistan. Playmates from birth, a tragic childhood incident haunted them into adulthood, driving them apart. Wiki's got a lengthy review of the book, so I'm not going to do it here.
What moved me most about The Kite Runner was Khaled Hosseini's style of storytelling. He didn't use fancy words or alluring phrases to impress. It was straightforward and to the point, yet so emotionally evoking. I personally think his scoring point was that he used themes so human and universal: longing, fear, cowardice, loyalty, love, jealousy, shame, guilt, forgiveness, redemption. In short, emotion.
His depiction of Hassan's loyalty was so altruistic it made me cry. That Hassan bore no resentment towards Amir for the sexual assault he had to go through and his sincerity to Amir regardless the stark contrast in their status,... my tears flow for the pureness of Hassan's humanity was not valued by the person he so loved most.
As good fiction does, the story was thought-provoking. It pained me when Amir didn't stand up for Hassan when he was sodomized by Assef. As the story was written with Amir as the protagonist, we get to follow the emotional turmoil he had to go through as he battles the demons that haunt him after the incident. And how he finally redeems himself.
Personally, I think that what Amir had done was unforgivable, regardless whatever he does after the incident to redeem himself. The damage was done, and "I'm sorry" will not reverse the sexual assault that has happened. At the same time, I don't think Amir is to be blamed. In fact, I don't think there is anyone whom we can lay the blame on.
Amir had made a decision at the alley where Hassan was facing off Assef. He had two choices: to step in and prevent the assault, or to stay rooted and watch the assault proceed. Amir had decided on the latter. And for that, he had to bear the consequences of making that decision, which was to live with the fact that he could have saved Hassan from emotional (and physical) scarring but opted not to. And bear the shame and guilt for as long as he lives, alone. In retrospect, even if he had made the first of the two choices, that is to step in and prevent the assault, he would also have to bear the consequences, such as getting himself bashed up or assaulted by Assef instead.
Why then, had Amir decided on the latter over the former choice? This is where I think the environment factor comes into place. Amir was brought up in that precise environment, nurtured in that precise culture, exposed to that precise conformations of that precise society he lived in, all of which leads to his decision. Amir's decision was a consequence of the his upbringing, i.e. the result of the actions of other people all his lifetime. In fact, I think it doesn't apply to just Amir alone, but every character in the story: Hassan, Assef, Baba, and so on. Therefore, I think at that state at that time, Amir's decision was inevitable. Rather, it was a result waiting to happen, a result of all the actions in the past.
It brings home the point of which I have been mulling over quite a while.
Life is living with the consequences of the actions you take.
At every moment in time, we are making decisions, consciously and subconsciously. And every choice that we are presented with brings with it consequences that we have to carry, significant or insignificant. But how do we know which choice to make? Which is right, or wrong? We don't know. There is no right or wrong. We make decisions based on our rationale, our values, our thoughts. And our rationale, values, and thoughts were molded by the environment we were brought up in. And the environment we live in is a continuing consequence of actions by our families, friends, enemies, society.
That is why the Lord Buddha preaches of the cause and effect: karma.
.
.
.
Like I said, the book was thought-provoking. And it gives me material for reflection.
The verdict is The Kite Runner is one hell of a fiction that you shouldn't miss. Evocative, as Chicago Tribune put it.
And the tagline gives me goosebumps no matter how many times I read:
For you a thousand times over.
～みはる～
The Kite Runner.
I never intended to pick up this fiction although my friends had given raving recommendations, well... at least not yesterday. But I had time to spare while waiting for my Japanese lessons, so I loitered around the Bestsellers section of Kinokuniya. And thought, why not read a chapter?
Six chapters later, I was queueing at the cashier paying for this Khaled Hosseini debut.
And finished it in one sitting.
It's been a long time since I've read a fiction so riveting it vexed me out, so raw it hurt me hard, and so painful it cried me down. I finished the book with puffy eyes. Damn.
The Kite Runner is a story revolving around Amir, a wealthy Pashtun boy, and Hassan, the son of Amir's father's Hazara servant, in a backdrop of politically-morphing Afghanistan. Playmates from birth, a tragic childhood incident haunted them into adulthood, driving them apart. Wiki's got a lengthy review of the book, so I'm not going to do it here.
What moved me most about The Kite Runner was Khaled Hosseini's style of storytelling. He didn't use fancy words or alluring phrases to impress. It was straightforward and to the point, yet so emotionally evoking. I personally think his scoring point was that he used themes so human and universal: longing, fear, cowardice, loyalty, love, jealousy, shame, guilt, forgiveness, redemption. In short, emotion.
His depiction of Hassan's loyalty was so altruistic it made me cry. That Hassan bore no resentment towards Amir for the sexual assault he had to go through and his sincerity to Amir regardless the stark contrast in their status,... my tears flow for the pureness of Hassan's humanity was not valued by the person he so loved most.
As good fiction does, the story was thought-provoking. It pained me when Amir didn't stand up for Hassan when he was sodomized by Assef. As the story was written with Amir as the protagonist, we get to follow the emotional turmoil he had to go through as he battles the demons that haunt him after the incident. And how he finally redeems himself.
Personally, I think that what Amir had done was unforgivable, regardless whatever he does after the incident to redeem himself. The damage was done, and "I'm sorry" will not reverse the sexual assault that has happened. At the same time, I don't think Amir is to be blamed. In fact, I don't think there is anyone whom we can lay the blame on.
Amir had made a decision at the alley where Hassan was facing off Assef. He had two choices: to step in and prevent the assault, or to stay rooted and watch the assault proceed. Amir had decided on the latter. And for that, he had to bear the consequences of making that decision, which was to live with the fact that he could have saved Hassan from emotional (and physical) scarring but opted not to. And bear the shame and guilt for as long as he lives, alone. In retrospect, even if he had made the first of the two choices, that is to step in and prevent the assault, he would also have to bear the consequences, such as getting himself bashed up or assaulted by Assef instead.
Why then, had Amir decided on the latter over the former choice? This is where I think the environment factor comes into place. Amir was brought up in that precise environment, nurtured in that precise culture, exposed to that precise conformations of that precise society he lived in, all of which leads to his decision. Amir's decision was a consequence of the his upbringing, i.e. the result of the actions of other people all his lifetime. In fact, I think it doesn't apply to just Amir alone, but every character in the story: Hassan, Assef, Baba, and so on. Therefore, I think at that state at that time, Amir's decision was inevitable. Rather, it was a result waiting to happen, a result of all the actions in the past.
It brings home the point of which I have been mulling over quite a while.
Life is living with the consequences of the actions you take.
At every moment in time, we are making decisions, consciously and subconsciously. And every choice that we are presented with brings with it consequences that we have to carry, significant or insignificant. But how do we know which choice to make? Which is right, or wrong? We don't know. There is no right or wrong. We make decisions based on our rationale, our values, our thoughts. And our rationale, values, and thoughts were molded by the environment we were brought up in. And the environment we live in is a continuing consequence of actions by our families, friends, enemies, society.
That is why the Lord Buddha preaches of the cause and effect: karma.
.
.
.
Like I said, the book was thought-provoking. And it gives me material for reflection.
The verdict is The Kite Runner is one hell of a fiction that you shouldn't miss. Evocative, as Chicago Tribune put it.
And the tagline gives me goosebumps no matter how many times I read:
For you a thousand times over.
～みはる～
Underground
Rarely do I find a book that moves me to tears.
Haruki Murakami's Underground did.
A window to the minds of the Japanese, whose lives were derailed simply because they took the wrong train, wrong carriage at the wrong time. How the Tokyo sarin gas attack changed (or not) their lives.
Imagine just another Monday, catching just another routine rush hour train to work. And just another passenger beside you dropped 2 packets of lethal sarin on the floor of the train carriage. That could be the last Monday of your entire life.
Underground is a chilling account of how the biological terrorism changed some of the perspectives of the victims and the people close to them. A particularly heartbreaking account is that of a pair of siblings, Shizuko & Tatsuo Akashi's. Shizuko was rendered temporarily vegetative, and has since regained consciousness, but have yet recovered from the brain and muscular functions damaged by sarin. The attack robbed her of her speech, memory, mobility and her future. And her brother Tatsuo bears the mental and physical burden of the tragedy that had so wrongly befallen upon them.
However, Shizuko and Tatsuo perservere; trying to move on with their lives and coping with the tragedy. Their story provides us all material for rumination. As Haruki Murakami puts it thoughtfully:
"...what does it mean to be alive? If I were in Shizuko's place, would I have the willpower to live as fully as she? Would I have the courage, or the persistence and determination? Could I hold someone's hand with such warmth and strength? Would the love of others save me? I don't know."
-Haruki Murakami, Underground
～みはる～
Haruki Murakami's Underground did.
A window to the minds of the Japanese, whose lives were derailed simply because they took the wrong train, wrong carriage at the wrong time. How the Tokyo sarin gas attack changed (or not) their lives.
Imagine just another Monday, catching just another routine rush hour train to work. And just another passenger beside you dropped 2 packets of lethal sarin on the floor of the train carriage. That could be the last Monday of your entire life.
Underground is a chilling account of how the biological terrorism changed some of the perspectives of the victims and the people close to them. A particularly heartbreaking account is that of a pair of siblings, Shizuko & Tatsuo Akashi's. Shizuko was rendered temporarily vegetative, and has since regained consciousness, but have yet recovered from the brain and muscular functions damaged by sarin. The attack robbed her of her speech, memory, mobility and her future. And her brother Tatsuo bears the mental and physical burden of the tragedy that had so wrongly befallen upon them.
However, Shizuko and Tatsuo perservere; trying to move on with their lives and coping with the tragedy. Their story provides us all material for rumination. As Haruki Murakami puts it thoughtfully:
"...what does it mean to be alive? If I were in Shizuko's place, would I have the willpower to live as fully as she? Would I have the courage, or the persistence and determination? Could I hold someone's hand with such warmth and strength? Would the love of others save me? I don't know."
-Haruki Murakami, Underground
～みはる～
By
Miharu
Tokyo mode
Tokyo mode (Tou.Kio. Mou.D)
Meaning: Fast-paced activities occurring continuously with no break over 24/7.
Synonym: Damn busy.
-Source: MiharuDictionary.com-
I've been in Tokyo mode lately.
It's like, I wake up early in the morning and do stuff, and do stuff, and do stuff, and bam! The day is over, time to sleep. And then the cycle repeats. Where did my whole day go?
This is what my typical week's like:
Monday
Grow bacteria. Cook dinner. Japanese homework (i.e. Code Geass).
Tuesday
Grow more bacteria. Practise violin. Japanese homework (i.e. Vampire Knight).
Wednesday
Grow that damn bacteria. Cook dinner. Practise violin. Japanese homework (i.e. real JLPT2 homework).
Thursday
Would the stupid bacteria please grow already?! Practise violin. Japanese homework (more JLPT2 questions)
Friday
Kill bacteria. Practise violin. (more) Japanese homework.
Saturday
Grocery shopping. Practise violin. Violin class. Kill more bacteria. Cook dinner. Japanese homework.
Sunday
Travel to city. Japanese class. Lunch. Wait 5hrs. Japanese JLPT2 class. Dinner. Travel back. Conk out.
Monday
... it's Monday AGAIN?!
It's not like I'd complain being occupied all the time. I actually love being occupied all day long. It's just that it's so... Tokyo mode. So damn busy.
Therefore, I'll just do highlights to the nice (or not) things that happened recently.
After a month of waiting, there's finally vacancy to the last level of Pre-advanced Japanese class for me.
It's high time that I re-attend the classes before my Nihongo goes rusty again. Since it's one of the higher level classes, the class is naturally conducted by the most senior Sensei in school, MZ-sensei. Now, I've seen anxiety in the face of my former classmates when they saw MZ-sensei, and I thought she must be a very scary person. But in my first lesson with MZ-sensei, I find her VERY interesting. Military-style training conducted with an out-of-world wacky sense of humor. She tells tall stories with such seriousness and humor that newbies like me spend half the time deciding whether her stories are lies or not. (It appears her jaded students can easily decipher her fake stories from true ones....)
Then again, MZ-sensei is stricter than other teachers, so it'll be a lie to say it's a stress-free lesson. And thanks to my enthusiasm, I've landed myself in a double-dose of MZ-sensei per day by enrolling in the JLPT2 (Japanese Language Proficiency Test 2) prep class that takes place in the later part of the same day. This prep class is far more demanding than the regular Japanese lesson, as MZ-sensei speeds through the required syllabus in 1.5 hours. In ONE breath. By the end of the day, I'd be totally drained of mental energy. Tired, but happy to be learning.
MZ-sensei, 楽しいレッソンをありがとう！
What does it think it is? Royal princess??!
... unfortunately, it is. TT_TT
So glad to have them here, because I've been missing home lots. Since I've used up all my annual leave and can't go home, Mum and Dad brought home to me. Figuratively. Didn't do much, but spent all the time lazying around in the hotel room as a family. Listening to cat stories. Apparently Siren, the stray pet, has reached the rebellious age.
Best weekend ever.
Thank you, Mum and Dad!
I love the fact I got a $188-worth phone for free.
Thanks Sis for recontracting so that I can get that free phone. Muaks!
And then, sometime last week, my lab had a dinner outing to celebrate our boss's birthday. We had a very filling seafood dinner, complete with black pepper(!) crab. The food was nothing to rave about (I've had better seafood back in hometown), but the company was fun. After stuffing ourselves, we had some girl talk, before the two attachment students in our lab lured us all serious scientists into REALLY lame games. It was absolutely hilarious watching my serious colleagues trying to follow the game, in all it's lame-ness. We spent like half the night lame-ing.
I had long realized my pinky is shorter than most normal people, and in practising my exam pieces, I've finally experienced the difficulty of having a stunted pinky. But, I'm practising hard. And I love the songs! Especially Moon River from Breakfast At Tiffany's. The dreamy quality is difficult to express, but so nice to listen to.... my tutor playing it.
がんばります！
Although frenzied, Tokyo mode is not all that bad afterall, considering the vibrancy and enjoyment it brings.
まぁ、こんなモンかな、人生は。
～みはる～
Meaning: Fast-paced activities occurring continuously with no break over 24/7.
Synonym: Damn busy.
-Source: MiharuDictionary.com-
I've been in Tokyo mode lately.
It's like, I wake up early in the morning and do stuff, and do stuff, and do stuff, and bam! The day is over, time to sleep. And then the cycle repeats. Where did my whole day go?
This is what my typical week's like:
Monday
Grow bacteria. Cook dinner. Japanese homework (i.e. Code Geass).
Tuesday
Grow more bacteria. Practise violin. Japanese homework (i.e. Vampire Knight).
Wednesday
Grow that damn bacteria. Cook dinner. Practise violin. Japanese homework (i.e. real JLPT2 homework).
Thursday
Would the stupid bacteria please grow already?! Practise violin. Japanese homework (more JLPT2 questions)
Friday
Kill bacteria. Practise violin. (more) Japanese homework.
Saturday
Grocery shopping. Practise violin. Violin class. Kill more bacteria. Cook dinner. Japanese homework.
Sunday
Travel to city. Japanese class. Lunch. Wait 5hrs. Japanese JLPT2 class. Dinner. Travel back. Conk out.
Monday
... it's Monday AGAIN?!
It's not like I'd complain being occupied all the time. I actually love being occupied all day long. It's just that it's so... Tokyo mode. So damn busy.
Therefore, I'll just do highlights to the nice (or not) things that happened recently.
- Japanese class
After a month of waiting, there's finally vacancy to the last level of Pre-advanced Japanese class for me.
Then again, MZ-sensei is stricter than other teachers, so it'll be a lie to say it's a stress-free lesson. And thanks to my enthusiasm, I've landed myself in a double-dose of MZ-sensei per day by enrolling in the JLPT2 (Japanese Language Proficiency Test 2) prep class that takes place in the later part of the same day. This prep class is far more demanding than the regular Japanese lesson, as MZ-sensei speeds through the required syllabus in 1.5 hours. In ONE breath. By the end of the day, I'd be totally drained of mental energy. Tired, but happy to be learning.
MZ-sensei, 楽しいレッソンをありがとう！
- Work
What does it think it is? Royal princess??!
... unfortunately, it is. TT_TT
- Surprise visit
So glad to have them here, because I've been missing home lots. Since I've used up all my annual leave and can't go home, Mum and Dad brought home to me. Figuratively. Didn't do much, but spent all the time lazying around in the hotel room as a family. Listening to cat stories. Apparently Siren, the stray pet, has reached the rebellious age.
Best weekend ever.
Thank you, Mum and Dad!
- New phone
I love the fact I got a $188-worth phone for free.
- Socializing
And then, sometime last week, my lab had a dinner outing to celebrate our boss's birthday. We had a very filling seafood dinner, complete with black pepper(!) crab. The food was nothing to rave about (I've had better seafood back in hometown), but the company was fun. After stuffing ourselves, we had some girl talk, before the two attachment students in our lab lured us all serious scientists into REALLY lame games. It was absolutely hilarious watching my serious colleagues trying to follow the game, in all it's lame-ness. We spent like half the night lame-ing.
- Violin
がんばります！
Although frenzied, Tokyo mode is not all that bad afterall, considering the vibrancy and enjoyment it brings.
まぁ、こんなモンかな、人生は。
～みはる～
By
Miharu
Child Prodigy
*Ok, I'm going to swamp this post with lots of videos, so be warned.*
When my friend first recommended me to watch this video, I rolled my eyes and said, "It's just another kid trying to sing in another one of your reality pop idol competitions."
I was so WRONG.
Connie Talbot is not just another 7-year-old trying to sing in a competition.
Connie Talbot is an angel sent to spread the joy of music.
It's no surprise why people cry listening to her.
Connie has a voice purer than the mountain stream, sweeter than the heavenly harp, and so beautiful that no words can describe. She has the voice of an angel.
And what do you get when Connie meets Ee Eun?
It's God's angels delivering the gift and joy of music.
A blind 5-year-old pianist and a sweet 7-year-old singer.
Music is a gift of joy.
～みはる～
When my friend first recommended me to watch this video, I rolled my eyes and said, "It's just another kid trying to sing in another one of your reality pop idol competitions."
I was so WRONG.
Connie Talbot is not just another 7-year-old trying to sing in a competition.
Connie Talbot is an angel sent to spread the joy of music.
It's no surprise why people cry listening to her.
Connie has a voice purer than the mountain stream, sweeter than the heavenly harp, and so beautiful that no words can describe. She has the voice of an angel.
And what do you get when Connie meets Ee Eun?
It's God's angels delivering the gift and joy of music.
A blind 5-year-old pianist and a sweet 7-year-old singer.
Music is a gift of joy.
～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
Daylight robbery
Thanks to the ever corrupted BN government, the people of Malaysia now face at least 41% increase in fuel prices, with increasing electricity tariffs, food and consumer goods prices in the roll. Let's not forget the skyrocketing inflation, impending decrease in investment and job opportunities, threatening rise of social ills and crime - all ready to be unfolded in the background of political unrest.
...I'm far too angered and disappointed for words. This is just plain daylight robbery. How do these corrupted beings squander the rakyat's hard earn money (a.k.a. tax) in the day and sleep soundly at night beats my logic.
Thanks to you, my dear government, for bolstering my resolve to remain overseas and not return to the slumps of Malaysia.
～みはる～
Visit Malaysiakini for updates on fuel and what-not hikes.
...I'm far too angered and disappointed for words. This is just plain daylight robbery. How do these corrupted beings squander the rakyat's hard earn money (a.k.a. tax) in the day and sleep soundly at night beats my logic.
Thanks to you, my dear government, for bolstering my resolve to remain overseas and not return to the slumps of Malaysia.
～みはる～
Visit Malaysiakini for updates on fuel and what-not hikes.
By
Miharu
Baby panda
A friend of mine sent me these photos that had been circulating around the network. It's so cute I just have to put it up here.
You don't see so many young ones together this often. They look like a heap of soft toy on the floor. If you flip their backside, you might see a tag that reads "Made in China".
This one had me squealing... Look at the little one on the right, raiding the drawer; and the one at the back, toying with the tank cable. It's like a panda kindergarten!
Simply kawaii-overload.
～みはる～
You don't see so many young ones together this often. They look like a heap of soft toy on the floor. If you flip their backside, you might see a tag that reads "Made in China".
This one had me squealing... Look at the little one on the right, raiding the drawer; and the one at the back, toying with the tank cable. It's like a panda kindergarten!
Simply kawaii-overload.
～みはる～
By
Miharu
Scam
I received a scam email this morning. I have no idea what is going on in the heads of these scammers, but please-lah, if you want to scam make it more believable, okay? One look at the email and it's so obviously fake.
Here's an excerpt:
The Unicef Orgnasation, Would like to notify you that you have been chosen by the board of trustees as one of the final recipients of a cash Grant/Donation for your own personal, educational, and business development. The Unicef Orgnasation was formed in 1947 after WWII to help children displaced by the war. It was then called the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund. The United Nations Organization (UNO) and the European Union (EU) was conceived with the objective of human growth, educational, and community development.
To celebrate the 27th anniversary program, The Unicef Organisation is giving out a yearly donation of One Million Four Hundred and Seventy Thousand United States Dollars. These specific Donations/Grants will be awarded to 70 lucky international recipients worldwide....
...You are required to contact the Permanent Secetary below for qualification documentation and processing of your claims. After contacting our office, you will be given your pin number, which you will used in claiming the funds. Please endeavor to quote your Awarded pin numbers (U-777-1815, D-01-47) in all discussions.
So obviously scam, right?
Someone actually analyzed the email and poked fun at the numerous errors that led leaked the scam. Damn funny.
Tip to scammers: if you intend to cheat people's money, check your spelling first dammit.
～みはる～
Here's an excerpt:
The Unicef Orgnasation, Would like to notify you that you have been chosen by the board of trustees as one of the final recipients of a cash Grant/Donation for your own personal, educational, and business development. The Unicef Orgnasation was formed in 1947 after WWII to help children displaced by the war. It was then called the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund. The United Nations Organization (UNO) and the European Union (EU) was conceived with the objective of human growth, educational, and community development.
To celebrate the 27th anniversary program, The Unicef Organisation is giving out a yearly donation of One Million Four Hundred and Seventy Thousand United States Dollars. These specific Donations/Grants will be awarded to 70 lucky international recipients worldwide....
...You are required to contact the Permanent Secetary below for qualification documentation and processing of your claims. After contacting our office, you will be given your pin number, which you will used in claiming the funds. Please endeavor to quote your Awarded pin numbers (U-777-1815, D-01-47) in all discussions.
So obviously scam, right?
Someone actually analyzed the email and poked fun at the numerous errors that led leaked the scam. Damn funny.
Tip to scammers: if you intend to cheat people's money, check your spelling first dammit.
～みはる～
By
Miharu
Superstar in the making
Can you believe she is 9?
Valerie Kim is definitely a superstar in the making. At only 9, she commands the presence of a professional violinist. Can you imagine at this rate what she'll be like in 5 years? Phenomenal!!
Oh wait, she masters piano too!
Now who doesn't agree that this girl is history in the making??!
～みはる～
Valerie Kim is definitely a superstar in the making. At only 9, she commands the presence of a professional violinist. Can you imagine at this rate what she'll be like in 5 years? Phenomenal!!
Oh wait, she masters piano too!
Now who doesn't agree that this girl is history in the making??!
～みはる～
By
Miharu
The Beauty of Beethoven
Went to the final SSO concert for the 07/08 season last Friday.
Themed 'The Beauty of Beethoven', it was a gala concert featuring violinist Leila Josefowicz and conductor Maestro Eri Klas.
Repertoire:
Actually, I went for the symphony. I'm not sure whether it was because I was sitting a little far from the stage or it was the flaw in their performance, but I find that I enjoyed Brahm's Symphony No.1 in the previous concert much more than this Beethoven's 7th. The first movement was paced a little too slow for my liking. However, I liked the 2nd and 4th movements: the expression, dynamics and speed were just right.
The first song, The Creatures of Prometheus, was surprisingly enjoyable although a little short. Leila Josefowicz solo-ed the violin concerto, and throughout her performance, only 2 things roll in my head: technique and violin. Her technique was near-perfect and precise, thus every note was clearly and beautifully delivered. And Leila owns a damn good violin. When she played, the most beautiful sound rang in the concert hall. You can tell that is one very well made antique. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy this piece too much, because I find it rather bland in expression and in true blue Beethoven style, the same pattern is repeated way too many times. Before long, I could almost tell when a passage is going to be repeated. However, Leila graciously obliged us an encore, where she played a series of high technique passages.
While it was a lovely concert, I didn't enjoy it as much probably because I was pretty tired from work. I had been up since early morning, and it was rather tiring after a long day.
This would probably be my last orchestra concert for some time. Living expenses had skyrocketed lately, and my student salary is taking a big hit, so I'll most likely lay off such luxuries for a while.
～みはる～
Themed 'The Beauty of Beethoven', it was a gala concert featuring violinist Leila Josefowicz and conductor Maestro Eri Klas.
Repertoire:
- The Creatures of Prometheus: Overture, Op.43
- Violin Concerto in D Major, Op.61
- Symphony No.7 in A Major, Op.92
Actually, I went for the symphony. I'm not sure whether it was because I was sitting a little far from the stage or it was the flaw in their performance, but I find that I enjoyed Brahm's Symphony No.1 in the previous concert much more than this Beethoven's 7th. The first movement was paced a little too slow for my liking. However, I liked the 2nd and 4th movements: the expression, dynamics and speed were just right.
The first song, The Creatures of Prometheus, was surprisingly enjoyable although a little short. Leila Josefowicz solo-ed the violin concerto, and throughout her performance, only 2 things roll in my head: technique and violin. Her technique was near-perfect and precise, thus every note was clearly and beautifully delivered. And Leila owns a damn good violin. When she played, the most beautiful sound rang in the concert hall. You can tell that is one very well made antique. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy this piece too much, because I find it rather bland in expression and in true blue Beethoven style, the same pattern is repeated way too many times. Before long, I could almost tell when a passage is going to be repeated. However, Leila graciously obliged us an encore, where she played a series of high technique passages.
While it was a lovely concert, I didn't enjoy it as much probably because I was pretty tired from work. I had been up since early morning, and it was rather tiring after a long day.
This would probably be my last orchestra concert for some time. Living expenses had skyrocketed lately, and my student salary is taking a big hit, so I'll most likely lay off such luxuries for a while.
～みはる～
Liberation
Finally came the day, I was liberated from academic examinations for LIFE.
I passed all my coursework requirement for PhD candidature! Wai~~!
Merely passed the core module by the skin of my teeth though. If they had given me a B- instead of a B+, I would be whimpering in a corner right now.
And now, one Confirmation Seminar and another PhD oral defense, and I can kiss my student status goodbye... for LIFE.
～みはる～
I passed all my coursework requirement for PhD candidature! Wai~~!
Merely passed the core module by the skin of my teeth though. If they had given me a B- instead of a B+, I would be whimpering in a corner right now.
And now, one Confirmation Seminar and another PhD oral defense, and I can kiss my student status goodbye... for LIFE.
～みはる～
By
Miharu
Brutal FRUs
It's been a long time since my blood boiled this much.
A 21-year-old civilian was dragged out of his car, and beaten by Malaysian FRUs, the very same people we entrusted to keep law and order. Fellow Malaysians, watch this video and tell me, which part of the brutality does not resemble the Dark Ages???
I demand the entire team of the FRUs who so much as laid a fist on Chang be charged in court for abuse of authority and brutality.
～みはる～
A 21-year-old civilian was dragged out of his car, and beaten by Malaysian FRUs, the very same people we entrusted to keep law and order. Fellow Malaysians, watch this video and tell me, which part of the brutality does not resemble the Dark Ages???
I demand the entire team of the FRUs who so much as laid a fist on Chang be charged in court for abuse of authority and brutality.
～みはる～
By
Miharu
さいきん
最近、とても忙しかった。
仕事なんだがまったくおわらなそうだ。
毎晩どんどん遅くに帰って、すごく疲れました。
最近も、前よりびんぼになった。
なぜか生活費が高くなりました。
やばいは、あたしのかけい。
しっかりしなくちゃ。
～みはる～
仕事なんだがまったくおわらなそうだ。
毎晩どんどん遅くに帰って、すごく疲れました。
最近も、前よりびんぼになった。
なぜか生活費が高くなりました。
やばいは、あたしのかけい。
しっかりしなくちゃ。
～みはる～
Here In My Home
In true Malaysian spirit, brought to you by Malaysian Artistes For Unity:
A country of corrupted adminstration, monkey politics, hopeless education system, bahasa pasar, Manglish, tranquil kampungs, tropical beachsides, equatorial rainforests, warm people and damn good food - Here In My Home.
This is the true breed of Malaysians: we are color blind. And we walk together, for unity.
～みはる～
Here In My Home
A country of corrupted adminstration, monkey politics, hopeless education system, bahasa pasar, Manglish, tranquil kampungs, tropical beachsides, equatorial rainforests, warm people and damn good food - Here In My Home.
This is the true breed of Malaysians: we are color blind. And we walk together, for unity.
～みはる～
By
Miharu
M200
I'm poorer by one-month's salary.
Due to the demise of my old laptop, I had gone shopping for a new one, and ended up with a Toshiba M200. This one's got specs a little high for me, but will do for the next four years. The promotional package justified the price, but it still cost me dearly T_T And the Vista is so annoying.
But other than that, I'm glad to have a computer again. In my deprivation of a laptop I have come to realize what a Gen-X youth I have become. Not a good sign.
トシエ、これからよろしくね。
～みはる～
Toshie, my new lappie.
Due to the demise of my old laptop, I had gone shopping for a new one, and ended up with a Toshiba M200. This one's got specs a little high for me, but will do for the next four years. The promotional package justified the price, but it still cost me dearly T_T And the Vista is so annoying.
But other than that, I'm glad to have a computer again. In my deprivation of a laptop I have come to realize what a Gen-X youth I have become. Not a good sign.
トシエ、これからよろしくね。
～みはる～
By
Miharu
Hiatus
The surgeon in Acer just issued a death certificate to my 4-year-old laptop.
Will be away till I finished mourning over my cyber loss and get another replacement.
Will be away till I finished mourning over my cyber loss and get another replacement.
By
Miharu
The Stray Pet
Was on hiatus... and visiting the stray pet cat I adopted 5 months ago.
Siren in rumination.
Siren, the stray kitten who sought salvation from my house last Christmas, is now a small helpless kitten no more. She has at least tripled in size, and even more in her darlingness. She loves hanging around my parents, who had been feeding her fishies and entertaining her affectionate meows. She even lent her paws helping Dad put up wire mesh at the front grills meant to prevent her from slinking into the house. How sweet.
"I lent you my paws for a fish dinner in return. Meow."
All the time I was home, Siren often spend her entire day sleeping at various spots in our porch. In fact, she has found several favorite snuggle points, much to her hosts' chagrin. Her absolute favorite being the comfy IKEA sofa that was meant to be Mum's coffee spot. It had became, in Mum's words: "her first class seat".
She battled her way into the 1st class suite despite the plastic hindrance.
Her other napping spots include under the shade of Mum's car and behind Sis's bicycle wheel. Grandma wasn't too please with her taking over the porch so Siren often got sprayed (with water) out of the porch by Grandma T_T
However Siren did spend a good load of time napping in our compound, so Sis stashed out the DSLR and started clicking away to capture the kitten cuteness before Siren becomes a fat grown cat.
My favorite lazy-cat pose.
Taking ownership of everything in the porch, even the clothes hanger.
Act-cute pose.
She yawns like a tiger cub.
Weird cleaning position. Don't ask me where she cleaned.
While we are not a pet-keeping type of family, Siren nevertheless stole our attention with her affectionate meowings and kawaii-ness. She particularly loves being around Mum, don't know why, but when Mum's in the porch, she would roll on her belly on the floor, meowing affectionately, as if asking to play.
It is sad for her though, being all alone again after all her 4 siblings disappeared (died or kidnapped or eaten, we don't know). We just hope that she won't die an early cat death and will learn to live a long street life. Ganbatte, Siren.
～みはる～
Siren in rumination.
Siren, the stray kitten who sought salvation from my house last Christmas, is now a small helpless kitten no more. She has at least tripled in size, and even more in her darlingness. She loves hanging around my parents, who had been feeding her fishies and entertaining her affectionate meows. She even lent her paws helping Dad put up wire mesh at the front grills meant to prevent her from slinking into the house. How sweet.
"I lent you my paws for a fish dinner in return. Meow."
All the time I was home, Siren often spend her entire day sleeping at various spots in our porch. In fact, she has found several favorite snuggle points, much to her hosts' chagrin. Her absolute favorite being the comfy IKEA sofa that was meant to be Mum's coffee spot. It had became, in Mum's words: "her first class seat".
She battled her way into the 1st class suite despite the plastic hindrance.
Her other napping spots include under the shade of Mum's car and behind Sis's bicycle wheel. Grandma wasn't too please with her taking over the porch so Siren often got sprayed (with water) out of the porch by Grandma T_T
However Siren did spend a good load of time napping in our compound, so Sis stashed out the DSLR and started clicking away to capture the kitten cuteness before Siren becomes a fat grown cat.
My favorite lazy-cat pose.
Taking ownership of everything in the porch, even the clothes hanger.
Act-cute pose.
She yawns like a tiger cub.
Weird cleaning position. Don't ask me where she cleaned.
All rejuvenated after a freaking long nap on her makeshift 1st class suite.
While we are not a pet-keeping type of family, Siren nevertheless stole our attention with her affectionate meowings and kawaii-ness. She particularly loves being around Mum, don't know why, but when Mum's in the porch, she would roll on her belly on the floor, meowing affectionately, as if asking to play.
It is sad for her though, being all alone again after all her 4 siblings disappeared (died or kidnapped or eaten, we don't know). We just hope that she won't die an early cat death and will learn to live a long street life. Ganbatte, Siren.
～みはる～
By
Miharu
OCE
I'm suspecting myself of having an advanced stage of 'Obsessive compulsive examinomania (OCE)'.
It's a type of sickness characterized by endless (maniac maybe) pursuit for challenge and examinations, typically manifested by overstimulation of brain receptors for cognitive and limbic response to a steady-state condition termed 'examination'.
なんてね。
Don't know what got into me but in the span of a week, I committed myself to 2009 Violin ABRSM Grade 2 exam and 2008 JLPT (Pre-Advance) Level 2 exam. This is on top of my PhD confirmation exam at the end of this year.
And I'm here mimicking a pharmacist-wanna-be, memorizing a gazillion drug names for my Pharmacology exam the day after tomorrow.
But I haven't come across any drug for treatment of acute OCE. Anyone got a cure?
～みはる～
It's a type of sickness characterized by endless (maniac maybe) pursuit for challenge and examinations, typically manifested by overstimulation of brain receptors for cognitive and limbic response to a steady-state condition termed 'examination'.
なんてね。
Don't know what got into me but in the span of a week, I committed myself to 2009 Violin ABRSM Grade 2 exam and 2008 JLPT (Pre-Advance) Level 2 exam. This is on top of my PhD confirmation exam at the end of this year.
And I'm here mimicking a pharmacist-wanna-be, memorizing a gazillion drug names for my Pharmacology exam the day after tomorrow.
But I haven't come across any drug for treatment of acute OCE. Anyone got a cure?
～みはる～
By
Miharu
できた！
1000-piece puzzle in less than a week pieced by 2 crazy people (moi dragged her sister into the mania).
I now look at tree branches in a different perspective.
～みはる～
A millennium-old sakura tree in Okayama-ken, Maniwa-shi.
I now look at tree branches in a different perspective.
～みはる～
By
Miharu
Leaked
Update edit:
Official word came that the airing will go on as per normal. And the leak was a technical+human error.
Some disgruntled staff leaked the last 6mins of Code Geass R2 third episode supposedly to be aired this weekend, so I heard. And rumors had it that CGR2 this week will stop broadcasting. And that the production company may want to rewrite the plot. And that we may not get to see the Lelouch/Zero-Rollo confrontation.
Bakayarou!!!!!!!
*runs off to a corner crying*
～みはる～
Official word came that the airing will go on as per normal. And the leak was a technical+human error.
Some disgruntled staff leaked the last 6mins of Code Geass R2 third episode supposedly to be aired this weekend, so I heard. And rumors had it that CGR2 this week will stop broadcasting. And that the production company may want to rewrite the plot. And that we may not get to see the Lelouch/Zero-Rollo confrontation.
Bakayarou!!!!!!!
*runs off to a corner crying*
This is how I feel
～みはる～
Pocky
Pocky takes to new heights with this unique version:
Rum & Raisin Pocky <3 <3
Really, Japanese confectionery never fails to amaze me with their improvisation.
～みはる～
Rum & Raisin Pocky <3 <3
Really, Japanese confectionery never fails to amaze me with their improvisation.
～みはる～
By
Miharu
Poetry Passion Power
I'm becoming an Esplanade Concert Hall regular.
Just after the SSO concert last week, I had the privilege of attending another concert, played by Yong Siew Toh Conservatory Orchestra last Wednesday. PB had a complimentary ticket to spare and graciously invited me to make full use of the ticket (Thank you PB!).
I haven't listened to other orchestras apart from SSO, so this is quite an eye opener. YSTCO is comprised mostly of the Conservatory's undergrads, and for that evening, they were conducted by Maestro Wang Ya-Hui. The theme for the concert was Poetry Passion Power.
Repertoire:
I must say I was pleasantly surprised. I went in without high expectations, and came out thoroughly entertained. Maestro Wang was really good, and this was especially evident when they played Tchaikovsky's Symphony. It was very dynamic and expressive, at the same time, ended with much pomp and dignity. Korngold's Violin Concerto was led by soloist Qian Zhou, and it was quite a beautiful rendition. That said, I still prefer Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto in D over Korngold's.
The audience was not as enthusiastic as last Friday's SSO's, and it seemed they gave pretty lukewarm response to what I deemed great performance. So it came to my surprise that the orchestra obliged us with encore TWICE. And SSO didn't oblige us any regardless the thunderous applause. Hmm.
In any case, I enjoyed the concert alot. My only complaint would be the players were not acutely sensitive to Maestro Wang's conducting. They could have done better. But it was good nonetheless.
Hopefully there'll be more enjoyable concerts to come!
～みはる～
Just after the SSO concert last week, I had the privilege of attending another concert, played by Yong Siew Toh Conservatory Orchestra last Wednesday. PB had a complimentary ticket to spare and graciously invited me to make full use of the ticket (Thank you PB!).
I haven't listened to other orchestras apart from SSO, so this is quite an eye opener. YSTCO is comprised mostly of the Conservatory's undergrads, and for that evening, they were conducted by Maestro Wang Ya-Hui. The theme for the concert was Poetry Passion Power.
Repertoire:
- Barber - Adagio for Strings Op.1
- Korngold - Violin Concerto in D major Op. 35
- Tchaikovsky - Symphony No.4 in F minor Op.36
I must say I was pleasantly surprised. I went in without high expectations, and came out thoroughly entertained. Maestro Wang was really good, and this was especially evident when they played Tchaikovsky's Symphony. It was very dynamic and expressive, at the same time, ended with much pomp and dignity. Korngold's Violin Concerto was led by soloist Qian Zhou, and it was quite a beautiful rendition. That said, I still prefer Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto in D over Korngold's.
The audience was not as enthusiastic as last Friday's SSO's, and it seemed they gave pretty lukewarm response to what I deemed great performance. So it came to my surprise that the orchestra obliged us with encore TWICE. And SSO didn't oblige us any regardless the thunderous applause. Hmm.
In any case, I enjoyed the concert alot. My only complaint would be the players were not acutely sensitive to Maestro Wang's conducting. They could have done better. But it was good nonetheless.
Hopefully there'll be more enjoyable concerts to come!
～みはる～
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
