Get Entertained!

My Sister's Keeper

2009-05-04T07:37:00.000-07:00

My Sister's Keeper

Decisions have never been Harder

Written by: Jodi Picoult

My Sister's Keeper is compelling, captivating and careful.
The story's took ended beautifully with 2 twists at the end. It was scientifically realistic, but it made me wonder if such things would truly take place in our world. The novel was also quite informative, including emotions, medical science, in-court situation, paramedic skills and even astronomy!

Bravo to the author for putting in so much efforts to think of each word and sentence. Every erm, scene, ended with very strong, and provoking words and I believe all those who read it would totally agree with me. Thing is, there were so many of them, that a lot of them lost the astonishment factor it should cause. Well, that was just a very minor negative effect, though.

Also, I love the story. Just that I find that the author wants to put too many things into the book. Everyone's perspective, everyone's background, everyone's memory. Well actually, I like the idea of using six different points of views, but it gets confusing. The most annoying, and redundant point, is that Jodi Picoult enjoyed writing one present scene, then one flashback and so on continuously for the entire chapter. It gets absolutely irritating, especially when it reaches the climax!

Anyway, the greatest effect the story has on me. This novel was highly recommended by my cousin, ShiXian, Pearl and Lishan.
As I read the story, I kept relating the story to my cousin's story. Though there isn't the genetically designed baby sort of thing, but my cousin was also a sister. I wondered how she felt about reading the story.
Besides, I find myself in the position of Jesse. Well not exactly though. Because it was sort of like the third person in the situation. The story was special to me, because it explained to me things, and answered questions that I was once intrigued by. The emotions, the consequences, the love. Though, it wasn't the same, but... oh well.

***
Why is My Sister's Keeper worth reading, even on the packed MRT train during peak hours?

1. It consisted of 6 narrators, who all had a different story to tell, on the same history.
2. The story is absolutely beautiful, and intense. Together with the twist, it make things perfect.
3. The words and phrases used not only showed how wonderful the author's language command is, they actually carried deep effects in you.
4. Experience the greatest dilemma in court, family and life. And ask, what would you do?
5. Know why, we should treasure our family, and especially siblings.

--完--

おくりびと (Departures)

2009-03-23T05:48:00.000-07:00

おくりびと
Okuribito

Departures

Before the next journey...

Directed by: Yojiro Takita
Screenplay by: Kundo Koyama
Performed by: Masahiro Motoki, Tsutomu Yamazaki, Ryoko Hirosue

Caught Departures with Mom today at GV. The film was both humourous and melancholic. A tinge of Jack Neo's style, like even in the saddest point, a funny quip is said, which, however, saw everyone tearing rather than laughing. The story was very meaningful, discussing the profession of an encoffineer, to the questions whether this is a proper job, for that these professionals earned their living when people die.

The 4th picture depicts one of my favourite scenes. As the film began with many laughters, even until the scene right before the picture, thus when the husband cried painfully for his wife, a sudden pang of melancholy saw me (almost) tearing.

The film won itself 10 Japanese Academy awards, and Best Foreign Language Film of The Year in Oscar.

I was surprised for the many wins Departures had gotten, even including cinematography (which really ok~) and (wad?) a nomination in best actress award?! Well anyway, don't get the wrong idea, I found the film good, probably like 8 out of 10. Thing is, I thought the main actress's performance less than commendable, for her failure in expressing disdain, and anger. Whereas actor Masahiro Motoki was absolutely the right man for the film, without a doubt! He himself connected every scenes in the film together, using both humour and emotions.

On the whole, I thought the film was something for everyone, be it young old smart stupid male female, except for those who don't plan to watch the film through out, because the film is one of those, that once you stop, the entire connection breaks, and the story loses meaning.

***

Why is Departures worth spending 50 cents more than usual Cathay student price, and rushing from Hougang to Bishan in 30 minutes?

1. For laughter and tears, at the same time, in a more classical way than Jack Neo.
2. A deeper understanding in the nobility of the profession, and also, a close feeling of the moment when your love ones departs.
3. Experience different feelings during each separate funeral procession, be it sad, relief, happy or playful, even.

--完--

The Reader

2009-03-20T23:54:00.000-07:00

The Reader

Der Vorleser

How Far Would You Go to Protect a Secret?

Written by: Bernhard Schlink (German)
Translated by: Carol Brown Janeway (English)

The Reader is the most unique and special book I've ever read so far. Well, the author simply took away all climax and sharp turns, but merely focused on the the fluency of the story. In fact, there were little exaggerating words used, so when the narrator is sad, he's plainly sad. The entire story is basically the inner debate of Michael Berg, the narrator of the story. Inner debate of both his love life, and the irony between his views and the mass's views of the history of Nazis.

As compared to the film (also named The Reader), the film has a lot more impact and is stronger than the book. Yet that's the one and only good point about the film. When it comes to handling emotions and expressing pains, love, anger and exceptional doubt, the film failed terribly; while the book draws you into a state of thinking and bewilderment. Honestly, I can't believe the film had so briefly portrayed the agony (especially of the narrator). I thought David Kross (Micheal Berg, Narrator) should also deserve a nomination for his performance, but once I read the book, I thought he failed completely to bring out the confusion within the character.

The one thing about the book, is that it requires hell lot of thinking, and though a chapter is usually 3-5 pages long, the end of the story usually ends with a perfect but thought-provoking sentence (or idea). Nope, I don't meant it in the 'I found a body on my bed' kind of provoke, but a question that links you from his story to your story. For example: It isn't a question of whether the defendant should be ashamed of being left-handed or gay - just imagine that he is.

On the whole, the book is, however, not compelling. The fact that there were little conversations within character reminded me of Nicholas Sparks' style, but Nicholas Sparks has his story in the most romantic and perfect way. Yet what I like about Bernhard Schlink, is that, he never describes anyone like he's the Man of The Decade. None; all characters (even the smallest smallest one) have flaws in this way or the other. The author, Bernhard Schlink is a real deep thinker. We should all salute to him, man!

***

Why is The Reader worth $3.98 of transport fees and $19.21 (for the book itself)?

1. Like the film, experience a different view regarding the history of Nazis, just that the book has a lot more irony, debate and discussion.
2. If you've seen the film, the book is a must read, because the film explained way too little of the inner depth behind the story.
3. A story that sets you thinking hard of love, history and meanings.
4. Know why, being able to read is a fortune, being able to be read to is a bless.
5. A wonderful mixture of philosophy and love, intelligence and doubt, present and past.

--完--

The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas

2009-03-03T04:16:00.000-08:00

The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas
Become the best explorer...

Directed by: Mark Herman
Story by: John Boyne (book), Mark Herman (screenplay)
Performed by: Asa Butterfield, Vera Farminga, David Thewlis...

Caught The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas (or Pajamas) with Hx and Pearl today at Cathay, again. Well, I must say the film is pretty good, but disappointingly, less compelling than I had expected. The story is excellent; very creative. As you can see in the fourth picture, Bruno and Schmuel tried patching up again and shook hands, despite risking being hurt by the wires. That's my favourite scene! It's just so simple but strong.

Anyway, I thought the best performance by an actor is Vera Farminga, who played the mother of Bruno. Well, I would say she's good, but not very good la. She performed best during the period of shock and disappointment, upon learning the truth.

***

Why The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas is worth rushing quickly from PS to The Cathay?

1. See how young actor, Asa Butterfield, acts most naturally, without a tinge of feigned emotions.
2. Experience friendship when in the most unusual, yet powerful state.
3. Understand, why, saying 'Thank You' is one of the hardest thing to say, as portrayed by Vera Farminga.

--完--

Fehér tenyér (White Palms)

2009-03-02T07:19:00.000-08:00

Fehér tenyér

White Palms

Confront the past...

Directed by: Szabolcs Hajdu
Screenplay by: Szabolcs Hajdu
Performed by: Zoltán Miklós Hajdu, Gheorghe Dinica, Orion Radies, Kyle Shewfelt...

Caught White Palms the other day at The PictureHouse, omg, it's my first time in there! But anyway, that's not the point. Hmm, White Palms is a very special and exceptional film. Especially riveting during present Dongo's final trail. The film, once again, discussed the quaint issue of physical punishment, and in order for Dongo to train his students, he had to confront the terrifying past of his. Well, the use of sound effects is amazing and very, very powerful. (I don't use this word normally, so I really, really mean it!) Never experienced such a perfect connection with the characters, simply because of the sounds/songs they used. Especially loved 10year old Dongo, Orion Radies, but honestly see literally nothing in the eyes of Zoltán Miklós Hajdu (present Dongo).

***

Why White Palms is worth $6, even when I have only $7 in the wallet?

1. Like all other sports athletes, an accomplished gymnast doesn't come by easily, so find out the pain the young gymnasts felt.
2. As mentioned, experience connection with characters, and understand the fear, confuse and misery of Dongo, by mere sound effects.
3. Freezes your heart, at the most thrilling point of the story.

--完--

I Begin

2009-03-02T07:02:00.000-08:00

I Begin

Hey! speakingmyviews.blogspot.com had initially been a chinese medium blog.

Actually, I had this blog because 1) to write down my thoughts about various things, like a few songs that I liked; a few films that I enjoyed; or a few books which I loved. and 2) to get used to writing chinese in preparation of the examination. (haha!)

Well, it's quite obvious now that I have given up, right? So yea, this blog would officially be in any language I want, but placing focus on 4 main things.

1) Films
2) TV Series
3) Books
4) and sometimes, songs

So basically the duration gaps between the posts would be damn long, because I can't probably watch a film everyday, right! And another thing, all readers are welcomed to comment on the things I just commented :) In fact, I'd love them.

--完--

Olivia Ong 与中孝介

2008-12-03T23:36:00.000-08:00

Olivia Ong, 是一名新加坡人，但到日本发展。我第一次听到她唱歌时，我简直无法相信竟然会有这么一把‘飘逸’声音。她在日本相当红，已经出了六张专辑。可惜的是，在新加坡，还有很多人不认识她。可喜的是，8频道最近的大制作《小娘惹》的主题曲《如燕》是由她演唱。这首歌不是普通歌手所能掌握得好的，不能长得太‘硬’是主要关键，这样才能‘如燕’。

Atari Kosuke (中孝介），是我在《海角七号》里认识的一名日本歌手。他在戏里客串了一个小角色，饰演的是自己，来到了台湾的一个小村。他在演唱《鸽子远扬》时，范亦臣提到他终于明白为什么以前有人说他自己唱歌太用力。没错，中孝介把歌唱得很好象很容易唱似的。他那把声音很深，似乎可以把你带到另一个很遥远的地方。相信有许多人很不喜欢他偶尔走音的风格，或是认为有点怪，不过大家要知道要在固定的时候‘走音’可不简单。每次听完他的歌，我都会很emo ，因为他的歌真的是太感人了。

今天谈到的这两位歌手，他们的声音都很特别，而且他们的歌可不是任何人都能唱的。他们的那把声音都能唱出快乐，也能唱出沧桑。

-完-

海角七号

2008-12-01T08:15:00.001-08:00

今天和妈妈看了海角七号。
还不错。故事要说特别也不特别，要说简单又不简单。
60年前，一名日本人因为战争，必须离开台湾；离开住在那里的爱人。他写了7封情书，但都没把它们寄出去。60年后，戏里的男主角（范亦臣饰）收到这七封信。不过是要寄到海角七号这个旧地址。在寻找信的主人时，他也发现，她已爱上了女主角（田中千绘饰）。

其实，故事也参杂了更多不同人的故事。电影前半部有一点no point ，可是不闷，因为时不时就会有笑话。到故事尾段，我的确差点哭了出来。不过，会哭未必就是被感动到，被感动了也未必会哭。我差点哭了，但我不认为我有被感动到。而且，几乎每个人都认为这部戏是台湾电影界的一大进步。虽然我觉得这部戏的确不错，不过不是好成这个样子的电影。或许，因为我不是一名台湾人，感受不到那种亲切感。

-完-

被骂当然不好受

2008-10-29T23:15:00.000-07:00

有一晚，我在看《女人大注意》。当晚的主题是关于艺人们的生活。
林翠芳在节目上谈到了她在演艺圈所受痛苦。说到她被导演/导播责骂时，她无法控制自己的情绪，落泪了。
一把鼻涕，一把泪，看了真是叫人心酸。

被骂当然不好受。特别是在演艺圈，被骂之后，还要控制自己，不能让自己崩溃。说得没错，无论是干哪一行的，总会遇到刁蛮的上司，和同事们的不欢迎。不过，干演戏，主持，跳舞，唱歌等行业，更辛苦。

为什么呢？我就拿演员的做例子。演戏时，专业的演员必需懂得“放”，也就是说演员得控制自己的情绪；角色或剧情要求演员放声痛哭，就要放声痛哭。在这种情况下，决不能因为自己的不满而影响自己。最可怜的是，若导演骂得你狗血淋头，你还是得笑，然后放开自己，抛开自己的心情，继续演下去。否则，你将会因为自己的精绪而影响整个团队。

我虽然只是个学生，不过，也算是这方面的“过来人”。还记得我刚来到中学的时候，我就参与了一项演出。我是新生，对演习方面经验不多。因此，有一次，我们演到一半时，老师突然要我换位置，我也忘了是问什么，老师竟然严厉地告诉我说: “Not everything is about you! ” 我愣住了。但是，我再怎么气，再怎么不高兴，也不会有人来替我说话，所以，我也只好控制自己，告诉自己 "Just carry on..."

还有一次，可是受害者不是我。是我的senior, 暂时先称她“小J ”。她在一个演出试演我的母亲，需要演出一个很可怜，并受尽委屈的样子。我的指导老师是刚换来的，我们难免会讨厌她。比起我前一个导师，她很懒惰，上课时给人一种“我很不愿意来”的感觉。在我印象中，她从不接受学生的意见，而且常乱责怪人办事有余。后来，在比赛前一天，或许是因为压力，她的脾气变得很暴躁。排练时，时不时就打断我们，说我们这个不好那个不对。因此，小J承受不了压力，哭了。老师却只说了这么一句话：“我从不相信眼泪是解决问题的办法。”由于大家当时都很气愤老师一整天的行为，我们不约而同地停止排练而跑去小J哪儿安慰她。
其实，我们这么做是错的。身为专业演员，绝对不可以因为一点事情而影响自己。不过，我从不后悔，因为。。。我还不算是“专业演员”吧！过了约十五分钟后，大家又回去彩排了。

被骂当然不好受，因为就算知道自己有错在先，你还是会不愿听到人家对你的斥责。被骂后，有的人会一笑而过，有的人会怀恨在心。总之呢，还是少惹事的好。可是，人若不受骂，真的会领悟吗？

-完-

早熟

2008-09-13T22:53:00.000-07:00

昨晚，在家看了早熟这部电影。
很不错。
故事围绕着两位18岁的年轻情侣。主角分别是房祖名与薛凯琦饰演。
女方家庭富有，男方家庭贫穷。闯出“人祸”之后，难免起冲突。最后，两位青年决定私奔。

故事缺乏创意，没有新鲜感。不过，这使得电影更有真实感。
由于观众不必忙猜测下一个情节会是什么，因此，看电影时不必这么紧张。可以很舒服地看完整部电影。
演员方面，主角演技还好。或许因为没什么突出的表现吧。
要说谁是最佳演员，我认为应该就是女主角，若男，的父亲，由黄秋生饰演。
大该是演惯类似的角色，所以我才会觉得他演得很自然。那种焦急的心情，拿捏得很好。

在完这部戏之后，原本对我影响不大。
没想到，我一点半关灯睡觉，却在三点多钟才真正睡着。
我也不是说睡不着，而是半睡不醒似的。
我一闭上眼睛，就想起戏里主角私奔后的生活。
可见，这部电影可对我可造成了一定的影响。
相信是因为戏里的人物怎么说才比我大上两岁，我也认识好几个已满18的朋友。
不过他们分别过的生活简直是天壤之别。
感觉像认识戏里的人物，却有很大的差别。
是一种无法用言语形容的心情！
-完-

最好的歌声

2008-09-12T07:20:00.000-07:00

天冷就回来Return when it is cold - 陈洁仪Kit Chan
请用上4分钟的时间，用心聆听这首歌。

听完了吗？感觉很不错吧。

其中，我最喜欢的的一句话：我问妈妈为什么，伤心想快乐。（还有：幸福不快乐）听了，不敢到伤感，而是一种，想静下来的感觉。唱着唱着，听到这一举话，听了下来。突然，只想听，不想唱。

这首歌我在很早以前就听过了。不过，最近，宣老师在课堂上让我们听听这首歌。最可笑的是，她竟然说陈洁仪的歌声像她的声音。（不是吧！）我一向认为，陈洁仪的歌声是新加坡最美丽的。绝对不能随随便便拿来跟别人相比。她在演唱时，是用尽了百分之百的感情，以及认真的态度。

这，才叫歌手。不知为何，一些歌声差劲，只靠外表出位的人，也能被称为歌手。

我不把陈洁仪称为我的偶像。但我认为，她的作品是值得去欣赏的。

-完-

Army Daze 和美满人生

2008-09-04T09:30:00.000-07:00

前两个星期天晚上，都没错过Arts Central十点播出的电影。
分别是Army Daze 和美满人生。
喜剧。
故事围绕着五个青年男子，在入伍后前三个月所发生的趣事。很有新加坡的特色。
好久没看到这么搞笑的喜剧了。
演员们非常自然，似乎真的是很好的朋友，默契十足。
看了这部电影之后，发现其实在看其它电影时，是有一种压力的存在。或许是感受得到戏里演员的压力。
这部电影可不一样。“轻松喜剧”这个名词，我看只能用在这部电影上。
我完全看不见有任何一个演员在应承，并带着一种死都要观众笑的态度。
我相信他们在拍戏时的态度，就是尽勤地玩乐。
因此当有什么笑话时，我真的是开怀大笑。
相信这部电影是在90年代拍的，生活在2008年的我看着这部电影，真是别有一番风味！

故事讲述一个一开始就不温馨的家庭。因为这个金钱与文品挂帅的社会，使得整个家散了。故事同样很有新加坡风味，不过是坏的那一方面。
电影大致上：还好。
演员演技没怎么特别，故事情节普通。
不过，值得赞赏的是编剧大胆地讽刺了我们所谓的“美满人生”。
就近什么才算是美满？
故事里的小儿子，从美国升学回来，仍找不到想要的美满人生。我认为是贪婪。
大姐与丈夫生活很困难。我想是社会压力。
父亲整日只想着住进公寓。我想是不知足。
我觉得电影里最感人部分是妻子拿到了丈夫送给她的一对耳环。
准媳妇问她怎么不高兴，她说她从来没打过耳洞。
这么一句话简直把我给吓呆了。
这部电影，我对它没什么看法或意见，不过仍值得一看！
尤其是对新加坡人，你不看，就无法发现你的梦想，是无法达成的。
-完-

不想受时间的控制

2008-09-02T08:20:00.000-07:00

你“享受”时间的控制吗？
没有啦，其实我要说的是我要不再受时间的控制！

说实在，你是否发现我们的生活都被时间牵着鼻子走。
问问自己，你已经说过多少次“要迟到了！”或“已经没时间了！”

我们真的太忙了。

我平时都告诉自己十二点整要进房间，“准备被入睡”。十二点到十二点半之间，我就躺在床上，阅读Reader's Digest (或是最近在阅读的书籍），让自己放松。这样才能无忧无虑地睡着。天天都是这样，十二点进房，十二点半关灯，五点起床。嗨。
星期五晚上，我突然心血来潮，不想受时间控制。我决定要几点睡就几点睡！最后，我凌晨三点才关灯入眠。
哈哈! 有够无聊的吧！
不过，在那寂静的午夜，我发现我已经好久，好久没那么轻松自在了。
不用担心明天的测验，更不用担心明天睡不醒。
那种感觉，无法形容。

其实，这世上有好多事情，因为有了时间限制，使得我们无法发挥所长。例如，时间表虽然带给我们不少方便，并给大家一种“整齐”的感觉，但它一直在告诉你要做什么事情。

所以，当 Mr Goh 说我们生活少了规划，并告诉我们要好好 "do some planning" 时，我立刻告诉自己我不会这么做。
时间表多有些人来说是好，但我呢？算了吧。

因为，我只想慢慢来。
因为，我不享受时间的控制，也不想受时间的控制。
-完-

Gone Shopping

2008-08-18T04:59:00.000-07:00

昨晚在arts central 收看‘Gone Shopping’。
影评曾说过电影拍得很差劲。
我不以为然。
或许听见了电影的缺点，对它的要求就比较低了。

我认为，故事情节没什么特别。
而且，有些部分对我来说不合情理。
不过，我觉得所有演员的表现都非常好。这是值得赞扬的。
钟琴的演技在这里进步了不少。说实在，我感觉得到角色，Clara Wong, 的心情。
那是一种寂寞，而又渴望某种自己也不知道的东西。钟琴在这方面拿捏得很好。
她虽然无法像一些演员一样，在故事结束后使我感觉‘空档’，但心里还是有种奇妙，而又说不出的伤感。
对于一名非全职演员来说，能做到这一点已经不错了。

里头的印度小女孩，一直没什么机会表现。
可是，到了最后部分，小女孩有一场哭戏。
她从播音机诉苦，哭着问父母为何不要她了。
场面感人，又不夸张。
一切刚刚好。

总的来说，我认为这部戏仍值得一看。
-完-

华人举行的奥运

2008-08-14T02:19:00.000-07:00

八月八日。北京奥运正式开始！
北京奥运开幕典礼实在令人赞叹。
在看典礼的时候，我一直向自己确认，那就是华人。

有烟花，有灯光。
还请来了三把最好的声音。

而且，当奥运五环渐渐被竖起时，
我看见的不是最新的高科技。
我看见的更不是美丽的灯光。
我看见的是中国人的努力。华人的成功。

也不知为何，看见这竖起的五环，我不禁被感动了。
心里有一种说不出的自豪。一种讲不出的快乐。
听见观众们的欢呼声，我忽然发现。这或许是洋人第一次真正在为中国人鼓掌。

北京奥运是否成功了？

目前大家都不晓得。只能希望北京/中国十五天后，一切安然无恙。

-完-

几米

2008-08-12T02:55:00.000-07:00

生命中，不断有人离开或进入。
于是，看见的，看不见了；记住的，遗忘了。

生命中，不断的有得到和失落。
于是，看不见的，看见了；遗忘的，记住了。

然而，

看不见的，是不是等于不存在？

记住的，是不是永远不会消失？

-几米

笑眉今天送了我一张卡片。里头她写了这一段话。

读了一遍，想想，还有什么还更能形容我即将毕业的心情呢？

我从不认真去读几米写的字，只懂得随意看看他画的图。

谢谢笑眉！你再次让我更深一度了解生命。

-完-

Get Entertained!

My Sister's Keeper

おくりびと (Departures)

The Reader

The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas

Fehér tenyér (White Palms)

I Begin

Olivia Ong 与中孝介

海角七号

被骂当然不好受

早熟

最好的歌声

Army Daze 和 美满人生

不想受时间的控制

Gone Shopping

华人举行的奥运

几米

Army Daze 和美满人生