Film Review: The Fall (Dont miss this!)
Current mood: ecstatic
Category: Movies, TV, Celebrities

The Fall

Rest assured, once the word of mouth begins to permeate through the grapevine; barely a soul will escape its many, brilliant charms. The Fall will escalate from cult gem to one of cinema's greatest achievements.

This is as complete a film as one could hope for, succeeding on all levels; it is a visual feast, but never for its own sake. More than once I was reminded of Baraka with its exotic imagery, there's no CGI here but The Fall is also layered with humor, drama and poignancy. In essence, it is a film about storytelling, about imagination and the power of fantasy to heal and transpose us out of the ordinary, all hinged on the brilliant performance of young Catinca Untaru, her first film. I can't imagine any Hollywood studio casting a lead with a strong Bulgarian accent, let alone a child. Thankfully they weren't involved. Singh funded much of this himself, tacking onto international commercial shoots. Catinca gives the most naturalistic and truthful performance of any child actor on film. She's wonderful.

In essence, the tale weaves around a 6 year old Bulgarian immigrant with a broken arm who meets an injured stuntman in a hospital in Los Angeles in 1915. It is the silent era but she confesses, 'I do not know this, moving picture.' Beginning innocuously, Ray begins to tell the girl a story, based in part upon her reactions. Director Tarsem Singh incorporated Catinca's actual responses into the story itself, an epic fantasy. Both the fantasy and the hospital scenes are revealed concurrently. It all seems simple enough, but this is just the beginning, as we are drawn into the rich layers of the story and the people telling them. In a way, it is reminiscent of the Wizard of Oz, the real people and their more fantastic alter ego's. There are no name actors in this film but better for it. Each character is memorable, reinforced by the haunting sounds of Beethoven's No.7.

It's been a long time since a film has been so pitch perfect. I search for flaws but cannot find them. Shot over four years in eighteen countries, The Fall is the little engine that could and somehow did, while the other shiny engines were too busy blowing steam, this one snuck past them all.

96%

Currently watching : The Fall Release date: 2008-09-09

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Chinese child singer ’too ugly’ for opening ceremony

Chinese child singer 'too ugly' for opening ceremony

The pretty girl who had the starring role at China's Olympic opening ceremony was a photogenic front for the real singer, who was rejected appearance-wise in the "national interest".

Nine-year-old Lin Miaoke has been celebrated across China. In a red dress and pig tails, she sang Ode To The Motherland at Friday's opening extravaganza.

But a director of the opening ceremony, Chen Qigang, has told state television Lin was miming to another girl's voice. That girl was seven-year-old Yang Peiyi who, according to state media reports, has a chubby face and uneven teeth.

She was dropped after a senior member of China's ruling Communist Party attended a rehearsal and said "there was a problem".

"Yang Peiyi missed out ..ion [to appear at the ceremony] because of her external appearance. It was for the national interest," Chen was quoted as saying by the government-run China News Service.

China has gone to extraordinary lengths and expense to ensure a picture-perfect Games.

An official disclosed on Wednesday that some of the scenes of fireworks broadcast at the opening ceremony were pre-recorded.

Among sections pre-recorded were parts of a stunning series of firework "footprints" across Beijing that led to the Bird's Nest stadium where the four-hour spectacular was staged, Games executive vice-president Wang Wei told reporters.

But getting one child to appear as the face of another was a step too far, according to comments posted on the internet.

"Why worry so much about appearances? All seven-year-olds are angels," said one Chinese national.

- *ABC/Reuters*

Currently listening : Parallel Play By Sloan Release date: 2008-06-10

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What the Chinese Think of ’Us’... A POEM FOR THE WEST - Author unknown

A POEM FOR THE WEST - Author unknown -

When We were called Sick man of Asia, We were called The Peril.
When We are billed to be the next Superpower, We are called The threat.

When We were closed our doors, You smuggled Drugs to Open Markets.
When We Embrace Freed Trade, You blame us for Taking away your jobs.
　　
When We were falling apart, You marched in your troops and wanted your "fair share".
When We were putting the broken peices together again, "Free t¡bet" you screamed, "it was an invasion!"
( When Woodrow Wilson Couldn't give back Birth Place of Confucius back to Us,
But He did bought a ticket for the Famine Relief Ball for us.)

So, We Tried Communism, You hated us for being Communists
When We embrace Capitalism, You hate us for being Capitalist.
　
When We have a Billion People, you said we were destroying the planet.
When We are tried limited our numbers, you said It was human rights abuse.

When We were Poor, You think we are dogs.
When We Loan you cash, You blame us for your debts.

When We build our industries, You called us Polluters.
When we sell you goods, You blame us for global warming.
　　
When We buy oil, You called that exploitation and Genocide.
When You fight for oil, You called that Liberation.
　　
When We were lost in Chaos and rampage, You wanted Rules of Law for us.
When We uphold law and order against Violence, You called that Violating Human Rights.

When We were silent, You said you want us to have Free Speech.
When We were silent no more, You say we were Brainwashed-Xenophoics.
　　
Why do you hate us so much? We asked.
"No," You Answered, "We don't hate You."
　　
We don't Hate You either,
But Do you understand us?
　　
"Of course We do," You said,
"We have AFP, CNN and BBCs…"
　　
What do you really want from us?
Think Hard first, then Answer…
　　
Because you only get so many chances,
Enough is Enough, Enough Hypocrisy for this one world.
　　
We want One World, One Dream, And Peace On Earth.
- This Big Blue Earth is Big Enough for all of Us.

Thoughts?

Currently listening : @#%&*! Smilers By Aimee Mann Release date: 2008-06-03

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Randy Pausch Inspired Millions, including Me

Randy Pausch, the professor at Carnegie Mellon University who inspired countless students in the classroom and others worldwide through his highly acclaimed last lecture, has died of complications from pancreatic cancer. He was 47.

Also a Carnegie Mellon alumnus, Pausch co-founded the Entertainment Technology Center and led researchers who created Alice, a revolutionary way to teach computer programming. He was widely respected in academic circles for a unique interdisciplinary approach, bringing together artists, dramatists and designers to break new ground by working in collaboration with computer scientists.

Outside the classroom, he gained public fame for delivering what would come to be known as "The Last Lecture." On Sept. 18, 2007, only a month after doctors told him that he had three-to-six months to live following a recurrence of pancreatic cancer, he presented a lecture called "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams" to a packed auditorium at Carnegie Mellon.

The moving and often humorous talk recounted his efforts to achieve such childhood dreams as becoming a professional football player, experiencing zero gravity and developing Disney World attractions. In the process, he shared his insights on finding the good in other people, working hard to overcome obstacles and living generously.

"If you lead your life the right way, the karma will take care of itself," Pausch said. "The dreams will come to you."

The video appeared on countless websites and has been viewed by millions. Appearances on the Oprah Winfrey Show, ABC's Good Morning America and the CBS Evening News followed.

A book version, "The Last Lecture" co-written by Jeff Zaslow of the Wall Street Journal (and a fellow Carnegie Mellon alumnus), became a best-seller upon its release this spring.

"Randy had an enormous and lasting impact on Carnegie Mellon," said Carnegie Mellon President Jared L. Cohon. "A brilliant researcher and gifted teacher, he was a key member of our Human-Computer Interaction Institute and co-founder of the Entertainment Technology Center. His love of teaching, his sense of fun and his brilliance came together in the Alice project, which teaches students computer programming while enabling them to do something fun — making animated movies and games. Carnegie Mellon — and the world — are better places for having had Randy Pausch in them."

Pausch was also a pioneer in the development of virtual reality, including creating the popular Building Virtual Worlds class.

A memorial service at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh is being planned; details will be announced at a later date.

He is survived by his wife, Jai, and three children: Chloe, Dylan and Logan. The family requests that donations on his behalf be directed to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, http://www.pancan.org/ 2141 Rosecrans Ave., Suite 7000, El Segundo, CA 90245, or to Carnegie Mellon's Randy Pausch Memorial Fund, which the university will use primarily to support continued work on the Alice project.

source:

http://www.cmu.edu/homepage/beyond/2008/summer/an-enduring-legacy.shtml

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Does it really need a Film Review?: The Dark Knight...

It does seem a little pointless reviewing this film but it needs to be said, its strength lies in its intelligent characterisation. Indeed the 'plot' hinges on the molding of a particular individuals personality. This depth of study makes 'Knight 'stand out amongst others of its type, providing the weight to allow the performances to shine.


The villians should always steal the show and Heath Ledger does so here. The power of his intepretation is built upon the aforementioned strengths, but I have no doubt, had he lived, this film would have lifted him into A star status. Morbid aspects aside, he really is that good. Many actors take the safe route, waiting until they are proven before tackling more independent roles, ala George Clooney etc but Ledger did the reverse. His legacy is the diversity of his roles, an incredible range in less than ten years.


What a talent in Christopher Nolan, who co-wrote the screenplay with his brother. He also is the director who can do no wrong. He stays clear of obvious cgi effects, overwhelming music and tricky cutting. Along with his characters he keeps it real. He's raised the bar on genre films. Hollywood take note.

Its worthy of an Oscar Nod.

As is Heath Ledger.

92%

5:07 AM - 2 Comments - 4 Kudos - Add Comment

Facebook victim awarded thousands (repost)
Category: News and Politics

A British businessman has won damages against an old friend who put libellous and unauthorised information about him on Facebook .

Mathew Firsht won STG22,000 ($A45,500) in damages against his school friend Grant Raphael after Raphael set up web pages on Facebook that looked as if they had been set up by Firsht.

The pages incorrectly described Firsht's sexuality and political views and alleged that Firsht owed large sums of money. Other pages listed accurate details about his birthday and his activities.

The information stayed on the site for 16 days until Firsht's brother spotted it. Firsht alerted Facebook staff who deleted the pages and told his lawyers they had been posted on the site from a computer at Raphael's home.

Firsht sued Raphael for libel and misuse of personal information

Raphael claimed the fake pages had been created on his computer by people who had gatecrashed a party at his apartment in June 2007 but Judge Richard Parkes, who awarded the damages, said his defence was "utterly far-fetched."

Firsht told the judge he fell out with Raphael, a freelance cameraman, in 2000 over a business dispute. He said that he believed Raphael created the fake Facebook pages to cause him anxiety and embarrassment and damage his company, which provides audience members for radio and television shows.

Parkes awarded Firsht STG15,000 ($A31,000) for libel and 2,000 pounds ($A4,100) for breach of privacy. He received another STG5,000 ($A10,300) for libel against his company, Applause Store Productions

"This decision is likely to send shockwaves amongst the social networking community," said Firsht's lawyer Ashley Hurst.

"There are many similar instances of libel and breach of privacy which go unchecked everyday. People need to realise that libel and privacy laws in the UK apply just as much to online media as they do to newspapers."

source:
aap
http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/mp/4823340/facebook-victim-awarded-thousands

Currently listening : Cease to Begin By Band of Horses Release date: 2007-10-09

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Mini DVD Review: The Eye... (Jessica’s pre-baby foray)..
Category: Movies, TV, Celebrities

The Eye is a remake of the Hong Kong/horror/thriller about a blind woman who begins seeing things after a cornea transplant.

The Americans love all their i's crossed and T's dotted.. or something like that.. with no thread left unexplained, but the curious mystery of this brand of  Asian chillers (see The Ring) adds to the creepiness. Sometimes its better when it doesnt all make sense.

Jessica Alba is great eye fodder, (couldnt resist), but she's too cutesy to carry it off. She's going to have to change her style in a big way if she's to make the transition to serious roles, but at this juncture, I just cant see it. (sorry again).

It has a few creepy moments, but its not a patch on the original.. (ouch)..
I'd turn a Blind Eye to this.... Sorry Jessica, we love you but we just didnt see eye to eye....

63%

12:40 AM - 1 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Funky Film Review: M O N G O L

M O N G O L

A review by Anthony J. Langford

A Man and His Quest for A Better World, Or The Settling of Scores, or Create His Own World or Something like That.

            Temudgin sits in a cage in the middle of the City, a spectacle, his eyes have seen too much, his face ragged.

Reverse Twenty Years to the late 12^th century in the sparse Mongolian Plains as we meet Temudgin as a nine year old. His Father takes him to choose his new bride but before we know it, brutality enters Temudgin's life, firstly in the loss of his father and then his freedom. Soon he will make his escape and destiny will find him in the form of his bride returned, Borte, an important figure in her own right but happiness will avoid them; the bloodthirsty saga is just unwinding.

I couldn't help but be reminded of Braveheart in theme and also, ironically, around the actual time of William Wallace. In that film, revenge was Wallace's last option, here it's the first. Much of the conflict seems avoidable. It's a wonder anyone was left to tell the tale. In fact controversy dogged the beginning of this project with the Mongolians questioning the authenticity of the script with the Russians at the helm. As with most historical pictures, artistic license is taken, though apparently there is not a lot of factual evidence at hand. It certainly feels genuine with filming incorporating Mongolian language and shooting in Inner Mongolia with local crews.

Our central figure is indeed the archetypal great warrior and there are some impressive battle scenes. The photography is particular stunning and it's an interesting insight into Mongolian History. Undeniably there are serious consequences to the East arising from these events.

However, unlike the Mel Gibson film, it's hard to feel for Temudgin when his motivation is questionable. Perhaps with a life so violent he knows little else. After all, it appears to be the Mongolian Way, or that's the impression. We're given some insight into a broader picture; slave trading, the Chinese presence, monks and a dose of mysticism, but at its heart is hostility and it beats all too loudly.

This is a sprawling epic and Russian filmmaker Sergei Bodrov delivers his sequences with flair, but this Vengeance is a dish that left me cold.

65%

Currently listening : Let The Blind Lead Those Who Can See But Cannot Feel By Atlas Sound Release date: 2008-02-19

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We may all be space aliens: study (..and I was born only metres away)...
Category: Life

Genetic material from outer space found in a meteorite in Australia may well have played a key role in the origin of life on earth, according to a study to be published on Sunday.

European and US scientists have proved for the first time two bits of genetic coding, called nucleobases, contained in the meteor fragment, are truly extraterrestrial.

Previous studies had suggested the space rocks, which hit earth about 40 years ago, might have been contaminated upon impact.

Both of the molecules identified, uracil and xanthine, "are present in our DNA and RNA," said lead author Zita Martins, a researcher at Imperial College London.

RNA, or ribonucleic acid, is another key part of the genetic coding that makes up our bodies.

These molecules would also have been essential to the still-mysterious alchemy that somehow gave rise, about four billion years ago, to life itself.

"We know that meteorites very similar to the Murchison meteorite, which is the one we analysed, were delivering the building blocks of life to earth 3.8 to 4.5 billion years ago," Martins told AFP in an interview.

Competing theories suggest nucleobases were synthesised closer to home, but Martins said the atmospheric conditions of early earth would have rendered that process difficult or impossible.

A team of European and US scientists showed the two types of molecules in the Australian meteorite contained a heavy form of carbon - carbon 13 - which could only have been formed in space.

"We believe early life may have adopted nucleobases from meteoric fragments for use in genetic coding, enabling them to pass on their successful features to subsequent generations," Martins said.

If so, this would have been the start of an evolutionary process leading over billions of years to all the flora and fauna - including human beings - in existence today.

The study, to be published in Earth Planetary Science Letters, also has implications for life on other planets.

"Because meteorites represent leftover materials from the formation of the solar system, the key components of life - including nucleobases - could be widespread in the cosmos," said co-author Mark Sephton, also at Imperial College London.

"As more and more of life's raw materials are discovered in objects from space, the possibility of life springing forth wherever the right chemistry is present becomes more likely," he said.

Uracil is an organic compound found in RNA, where it binds in a genetic base pair with another molecule, adenine.

Xanthine is not directly part of RNA or DNA, but participates in a series of chemical reactions inside the RNA of cells.

The two types of nucleobases and the ratio of light-to-heavy carbon molecules were identified through gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, technologies that were not available during earlier analyses of the now-famous meteorite.

Even so, said Martins, the process was extremely laborious and time-consuming, one reason it had not be carried out up to now by other scientists.

source:
http://au.news.yahoo.com/080613/2/179x8.html

(A bit of trivia... I was born in Murchison, a small town of 600 people in central Victoria and grew up there. The meteorite made a small impact on our little town, (pun definetly intended.. lol), but as the years wear on, its becoming more well known due its aforementioned properties. My Mother always said I must have came from aliens, but I just assumed she was trying to disown me... Hmmmm...

12:49 AM - 4 Comments - 6 Kudos - Add Comment

I was in the China earthquake Zone..Pt2..Pandas Missing..
Current mood: hopeful
Category: Life

Giant pandas missing after China quake.

Officials in China say three giant pandas raised at the Wolong Nature Reserve near the epicentre of last Monday's earthquake are missing.

There is also no word on the 1,600 rare and endangered pandas that live in the wild throughout the quake zone.

(My Photo-its very hot during summer-the Pandas hang out in airconditioned cages)

The earthquake killed five staff at the reserve and destroyed 14 of the 32 panda enclosures. The rest were badly damaged.

China's Xinhua newsagency says the remaining 60 pandas raised in the reserve are safe.

(My photo).

Emergency supplies of bamboo, apples and veterinary medicines for the pandas arrived over the weekend along with tents food and water for the staff.

(text: http://au.news.yahoo.com/080518/21/16wqm.html)

(my photo-The Panda Reserve at Wolong).

I was in many parts of the Chengdu region (see Part 1 below), now devastated by Earthquake. Most of those suffering are poor villagers. Please donate if you can, even $20 would make a huge difference. The Death Toll is now at 30,000. The injured, 200,000.

If this had happened in the West, we'd never here the end of it. A life is a life, no matter the language. Please Help.

7:10 PM - 1 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment