O.U.R BALLS - S.H.E. Balls!

S.H.E. BALLS! - Our baby - our final project...


First of all, I wanna kudos to JT for his fab reviews on all our works. I think JT could be one of the best movie reviewers in future haha.

JT’s BLOG LINK: www.jiatengmovie.blogspot.com
(Read it to understand where I’m coming from)

Every review is a statement of personal opinion, and even JT himself agrees to that and has made it SO CLEAR in his blog.

So, I guess I am also entitled to counter-comment his comments right? Prepare for a long post here. ;P

First, I'd like to point out that JT had used the wrong poster in his post. He had posted the yellow one and our new one is red. Besides, the old one had some grammatical errors on it and we just had to alter it. The yellow poster didn't fit our image for the movie and therefore, we got someone to design a new one, so remember to update ya JT.

*TA DA* the final poster!

Back to JT’s comments. JT is always short and precise = good. No wonder our lecturer, Ms. Ras also like his answers.

I appreciate his comments on S.H.E. Balls…I truly do because they are honest.


EDITING OF S.H.E. Balls!:
" The opening sequence is well-done. Editor deserved the credit. The technique they used is good,and they fully utilized their limited and normal footage. I admit I never learned to edit video in that kind of style before. But, the same editing technique continued to be used in the entire movie." - JT

I agree with JT on the editing. Maybe we didn’t realize it but yeah, we did repeat the editing techniques multiple times.

The beautification scene (in which KF was turned into a horrific version of Rainie Yang) and the volleyball training scenes were supposed to be montages. It was basically my fault for wanting so many montages. But the reasoning behind it is that, for a 20 to 30 minutes short drama, we have too many things to convey – so we packed it into a montage. Besides, that’s how teen flicks usually do scenes like this.

KF after 'beautification'

Example of a montage we use

But then again…like JT say, I think the editing team is fantastic because they managed to come out with a product like that, seeing that we really have very limited shots.


TOO MUCH TOO HANDLE:

I think people are right if they say that we are greedy. I totally AGREE! Haha…We are a bit too ambitious in the sense that we wanna do everything.

I guess, in some ways it’s a good thing because we really got to try various stuff, which was indeed an experience for us – for example, Bollywood style, love & romance, comedy and though we failed, we did try to do sports oriented film.

There's Bollywood flavour....

Dances....

Romance...

Sports....

Butts....!

I think we failed because we should know that we can't include so many different elements in such a short film. The theme should be simpler and more focused. I've learnt that a good movie may just need one or two themes, which should developed in thoroughly and comprehensively to make the themes more memorable.

And usually meaningful movies do not need fancy fancy editing to compliment the storyline, because it stands alone. That I know because I love movies with simple but inspirational and momentous storyline – such as Kite Runner, Music & Lyrics etc.


THE TWISTED END:
I think the movie is nice in the beginning, boring in the middle part.
But the twist ending really rescue the movie!!!
I didnt expect thiskind of ending....
(round of applause) - JT

I’m really glad that you like the twisted ending because Mr. Jerry didn’t. We all wanted an unexpected ending because we know S.H.E. Balls! is predictable all the way. Mr. Jerry wanted the lead actor & actress to end up together, (according to YY since I wasn’t there for the evaluation) which in my opinion, would make S.H.E. Balls REALLY PREDICTABLE ALL THE WAY & IN OTHER WORDS BORING! If I was there during the evaluation, I’d make that super clear to Mr. Jerry.

The 'twisted' end

IS IT FUNNY?:
“You laugh because you are entertained by their make up and acting, in fact, there is nothing to laugh with.”

I actually want to seek some explanation from the person who made this comment. I don't really understand what you meant by, "...there's nothing to laugh with."

If just understanding the front part of the comment, I don't understand why we can't be entertained by the make up and acting. I think when watching a comedy, you’ll be entertained by either one or all of these - the lines, the acting or the make-up. So, we’ve fulfiled 2 out of 3 criteria, right?

Well, a comedy aims to make people laugh, regardless the means, if it makes you laugh, it’s a comedy, right?

Ya, we look funny, but we just wanna play ball!

For example, during my internship, I was working on the set of “Duhai Si Pari-Pari” (Hello, Dear Fairy). In the movie, the fairy’s father appeared every time in ridiculous outfits. Like once, he wore an alfro hairdo, once he was Elvis, once he was a cowboy…etc.

I thought it was lame. Wat’s so funny about that? Then, I saw passersby laughing. It could be because of the bounciness of the alfro hairdo. Maybe for me, I was immune because I saw that shot like multiple times that day, but I realized that comedy can be as simple as that. It made people laughed, it could have made somebody’s day better.

It can be an extremely stupid method, but I really don’t see any problem with making people laugh using make-up and acting. In fact, I thought if the acting makes you laugh, it means the comedy had worked.

I admit though that the lines weren’t exactly witty, but I can say we tried our best with it. ;P Maybe there’s nothing to laugh with (actually not sure what that means…sorry I’m so shallow), but there is, hopefully, something to laugh at. Haha…


LAUGHING ONLY BECAUSE YOU KNOW THE CAST:

I’m really sorry but I really dislike the fact that everyone keep saying that S.H.E. Balls! is funny only because they know the cast members. I don't think it's true at all.

We’ve run tests around with our other friends and family, who has no relationship what-so-ever with the casts and they actually laughed too. I just want to make that clear. Most of them liked a few parts – YY’s fan scene, Bollywood scene, KF vomit scene.

YY's fan scene, where she tries to seduce someone...

The Bollywood dancing scene...

KF's vomit 'cuz he's pregnant scene....

If you ask me, it would be much more accurate to say that only Malaysian audiences will laugh at the show because I can assure you the ‘kwai-loes’ (foreigners) won’t understand the comics in the show, because of culture differences.

We laugh at different things. I’ve experienced these a couple of times. I realize that Malaysians are sometimes more lame and goofy in their presentation of comedy. Some American and British comedies are wittier, but for those that are not, they are even lamer and stupid.

But no matter how lame, if the comedy makes people laugh and had entertained a few good people, I think it’s good enough. Like “Don’t Mess With the Zohan” is one of the most repulsive, lame comedy I’ve watched this year, but many liked it. I like Zohan because of its meaning, but some like it because they were humoured. The conclusion – different people, different opinions.


THE DRAGGY VOLLEYBALL MATCH:

I agree with JT, and I believe that the whole group agrees that the volleyball match part was too long and draggy. Personally, I know that it is the truth, but I really credit KF and Eugene because I know that doing that part is not easy at all. It might look easy but that part was the most screw up part because we really have very very limited shots. And with what we have, KF managed to arrange all the shots to make the whole match come together. Maybe it’s just me, but I’m impressed because if you ask me, I wouldn’t have the patience to do that. The match scene itself took almost 3½ days…

Though it turned out to be one of the worst parts in the movie, I still credit KF and Eugene for making the best out of what we have. Everyone can criticize that part, but since I know how hard they worked to make that part work, I think for me, their efforts had made that part great in its own way.

We had taken some time to re-edit some parts of SHE Balls during the beginning of the semester, and mainly what we did was try to cut short the match scene and do some minor lighting adjustments.


THE LIGHTS:

Lighting is something that I don’t like at all. I don’t like studying it, and I don’t like applying it in theory.

For extremely good lighting – you need good lighting equipments. For us, it’s difficult because we don’t have that. The production crew I worked with has an entire truck packed for all lighting equipments, and all we have was…well 2 small 800 W lights.

Then again, lighting is again something so subjective. An extremely bright scene can be criticized for its bad lighting, but also can be credited for its ability to create certain moods in a particular scene. There’s nothing perfect about lighting, just how you see it and of course, who is directing it haha. If Steven Spielberg includes a blindingly white scene in his movie, viewers will perceive it as good, brilliant technique used to enhance the scene etc etc. It’s usually like this, when a person of authority/credentials says or does something, usually people will highly credit it.

So, for me, I again credit the team for doing our best we can with the lighting. However, I know we still have loads to learn in future...which is good :P!


WHY S.H.E. BALLS!?

In the industry, producers usually make a movie for commercial reasons and that is to make $$ (My company’s producer always wants that).

Personally, from a producer’s point of view (I dunno about my other groupmates), my aim with S.H.E. BALLS! is first to challenge myself. Secondly, I want to do something different from the artistic movies that our seniors presented to the lecturers each year.

Plus, I know that with the group members we have, an artistic movie is not a good choice because we are not good at Cinematography and other related aspects. For example, you can’t expect Steven Spielberg to direct an artistic movie too right? They can try and therefore we also can try that some other time. Since it was our only final project, we wanna do something we’re more confident and comfortable with. And I think our group is more suited with the comedy genre.

Thirdly, I just feel that I’d want to produce something that can make people laugh because I always believe that laughter is the best medicine. No matter how sad you are, a good comedy can wash away all of your troubles. For me, when I’m sad, I just go to the comedians in my class haha.

Also, with S.H.E. Balls! (even though it’s a comic all the way) I hope that people would see the implicit meaning in it. Believe it or not, I tend to less stereotype transvestites after the production of S.H.E. Balls! Really!

I somehow understand how it feels to be stared at and discriminated because I have somehow hung out with a few (Sexy, Easy and Honey) of them myself. And even when we were shooting S.H.E. Balls!, you see the public’s reaction towards them. That’s why we usually let them hold the camera, so that people know that they are acting. It’s so sad because Malaysians still finds it hard to accept this group of people. I hope that S.H.E. Balls! does help change our perception on Transvestites, even though it’s like we’re making fun of them also in the movie, but we really mean no harm.


INITIAL SCRIPT:

The idea and script I suggested to my group was for something meaningful - A love, friendship story which touched on various social issues, because like I said, that’s the kinda movie I’d love to someday make.

Mr Jerry (our lecturer) banned it because the scope is too wide. We won’t be able to compact everything in 30 minutes. Again we were too greedy.

So we discussed again the idea and Eugene was joking about this ‘ah-kuah’ (transvestites) and volleyball idea. The girls finalized and realized it! We wrote the script and handed in to Mr. Jerry. Lol…and the guys…well, as you can see in the short film, they are stuck in ‘chick-suits’ for a month hehe. They hated it, but no time to write a new script…sad but good~

Introducing the 'GIRLS'

My advice to guys out there:
Never suggest stupid and lame ideas just for fun, because the girls might like the idea and then finalize it

Never mess with the girls, because when we say we’ll do it, it means we’ll do it. Dressing up you guys in chicken outfits is not easy, but we can still manage hehe


S.H.E. Balls! was definitely a risk. And to be honest, wouldn’t be able to succeed if not for the bunch of people in the group. I can honestly tell you that I am not a person who can come up with comics like that.

Like I said, if I ever become director or a producer, I don’t intend to invest my time on artistic movies, unless they are easy to understand and inspiring. If the whole project were solely mine, it would have been on social issues…because as much as I like comedies, I know I can never pull out a funny movie. Only my friends, with their talents, can.

I would also wanna take this opportunity to give credits to my lovely cousin, Doreen Chew, who is a professional graphic designer-artist-illustrator and I’ll just call her a pure creative-genius. She did the S.H.E. Balls! poster in just a few hours, last minute, due to my desperate pleads and the results were already good. If she had more time, I can assure you that you’ll see a definition of beauty.

Her website link, if you wanna see how cool some of her other works is: www.doreenchew.com

With LotSa Lurve,
TammyC

P/S: I wish I could share the final product with you guys. It's on YouTube, but due to some Copyright problems, you guys won't be able to enjoy the audio. But if you are interested, you can email me.

BODY OF LIES & LEO DICAPRIO

MUST WATCH!



2 days ago, I went to watch "Body of Lies", starring Leonardo Dicaprio and Russell Crowe. I must now say tat Leo Dicaprio is officially my favourite actor, judging solely based on acting.

I mean, of course I still like Jensen Ackles, James Marsden, but Leo Dicaprio is different. Jensen and James, I'm half biased because I am too focused on their good looks to really pay attention to their acting, even though there is no doubt they can act.

But Leo Dicaprio is not just an actor, he is a STAR! I find myself drawn to his expressions, his movements and acting, instead of drooling over his hotness. Leo often acted in movies that required him to speak in various accents. For example: African accent in "Blood Diamond" and in "Body of Lies", he carries a Middle East accent. And I can tell you, he did it perfectly. He's darn good!

"Body of Lies" is about terrorism, about tracking down a Jihad group. It's also about manipulating people in order to achieve your goal. The lesson you learn from the movie is, sometimes, friends also use friends.

The movie is so surreal, thanks to Leo Dicaprio's fantastic portrayal of the torture scene at the end. I wonder why he hasn't won any Oscar for any of his acting yet...He so deserves it!

This is also one movie that doesn't have those lovey-dovey kissing scene. Due to Titanic, many see Leo as a 'salty wet' (translation - a pervert) guy, but in this movie, Leo is just sweet.

I surrender! I'll admit that I'm the best actor!

In "Body of Lies", Leo's love interest is a sweet Muslim girl and they can't even hold hands. Haha...pathetic? Tell me about it. But what to do? One has to conform to culture. There's one scene where they so wanna hug each other, but both has to hold it. It's so sad. Even a friendly embrace is forbidden.

We can still have dinner you know (even though no dessert...)

Overall, I think it is a brilliant movie, especially if you are those who love more serious and analytical, political movie. Just make sure you bring a clear mind because to understand movies like these, you have to concentrate. It's not Madagascar 3, you know...haha.

But the fun part of this movie is that you can see Russell Crowe as a fatty. He is really FAT in the movie. I have nothing against ahem…larger size people ('cuz I’m one myself)…but still, it’s just interesting to watch a man who has a body to star in “Gladiator” and “Cinderellaman” wear an extra extra extra extra extra few pounds.

The 'Extra' Crowe

My conclusion however is...."Body of Lies" - thumbs up!


TC-My Rating:





With LotSa Lurve,
TammyC

DEFINITELY OR MAYBE??

A feel good romantic movie.

I also rewatched "Definitely, Maybe" for the second time, not on purpose. The thing I love most about this movie is the cast.

I really love Isla Fisher. She's so beautiful. But I just don’t like her directionless characteristic at the beginning of the movie. Overall, though, I like her live-life-as-it-goes thinking and I like how she always smiles so sweetly.


I also love Rachel Weist, even though in the movie, her character isn't one that many like. I mean, she plays a really strong, flirtatious, career driven woman. She is a journalist who wants to expose the truth and because of that, had caused her boyfriend's career. Well, I think I admire some parts of her character. I mean, she's a successful journalist and a very strong lady.


Ryan Reynold is quite hot...and I still think that he's just too young to be a father in the movie. Therefore, a chemistry is lacking between him and his daughter, played by Abigail Breslin.

Storybook title?: "Who's my Momma?"

The way the storyline is presented is also very interesting and creative. A father (Ryan Reynolds) tells a story about 3 women and have his daughter guess who her mother is. At least it is not a conventional and predictable storyline. It really kept me guessing also who the mother is.

Most memorable quote from the movie is made by Isla:

"It's not the right person, but the right time"

This is a quote which I have to agree, even though I hope is not true. Sometimes, even if you love someone with all your heart, if the timing is not right, you won't end up with that person. You will end up with someone you meet when you feel you're ready. So SAD...isn't it?

Well, I can only hope that the person I truly love will appear at the exact time when both of us are ready. If you are in actuarial science, could you be kind enough to tell me the probability of that happening? Lol

Anyway, I think this movie will be a great company on a lonely or dull Saturday or Sunday night. It is not like a great blockbuster, but it is mellow and sweet enough to get you all mushy and dreamy.

One thing though, IT IS NOT WHAT I'D CALL A ROMANTIC COMEDY...just Romantic...


TC-My Rating:








With LotSa Lurve,
TammyC

MIDNIGHT WITH TWILIGHT

Yesterday midnight, I went with my cousins to re-watch 'Twilight' in the cinemas. Yes - Call me crazy but I also have a bunch of crazy cuzzies - we are all watching the movie for the 2nd time except my bro.

Is "Twilight" that good that it deserves a second watch?

Well, it is good. But when you watch it the second time, I must admit that the first 40 minutes will be kinda draggy. I just don't get the silent eye contact between the two lead characters, especially Edward (the lead guy). I saw a guy, sleeping in the cinema behind me, even though his girlfriend was so into the movie. I guess he doesn't get the eye contact either. Haha...

Edward is like so weird; not because he's a vampire, but because he is temperamental. One minute he wanna be close to the girl and another he acts cool and tells the girl to stay away from him, when in fact he was the one who is always going to the girl. But you really have to bear the first 40 minutes in order to understand the movie. The movie starts to get interesting when they start dating.

To tell the truth, I'm more in love with Edward's father, Carlisle and his brother, Emmett. They are sizzling HOT!! My two cousin sisters on the other hand was crazy over Edward, especially my cousin Shanice. You hear her gasping every time Edward comes out. OMG, it's embarrassing when she does that in the cinema lol.

But when Carlisle came out, you hear the whole cinema gasping....like shocked by his good looks...yes, i'm not kidding! I also contributed ...haha.

Carlisle Cullen - Awed by his looks!~

Emmett Cullen - Smashing HOT!~

Okay, this might sound lame. The thing I love most about Edward and Bella's love relationship is that they can just sit together and talk to each other all day. They can look at each other with that deep affection, that great depth of love. That's so romantic!

When love is all about looking at each other passionately & just being there

And imagine having a boyfriend who can take you flying up the highest tree, and showing you a magnificent view of the mountain tops...*eyes closed*. Okay, I'm getting too imaginative here. But can you blame a girl for dreaming?

Flying without Wings

But then my other cousin Doreen, who, well is not the conventional romantic lovey-dovey kinda girl, had me listened to her harsh criticism of the movie “Twilight” the other day, even though she hasn’t watch it. LOL…Well her criticism were quite entertaining though, I must say. She calls "Twilight" - Highschool Musical with Fangs. Well...okay. She’s very artistic, so maybe that’s why she has essentric tastes, which is good (sometimes lol).

To wrap it up, 'Twilight' is a movie that most girls (especially those romantic ones) will love and Alpha males won't get. However, it is such a hit in the box-office that one has got to watch it to understand what the hype is all about. It's like, if you don't, you are missing out on something big. Even if you don't like it, it is like a must-watch, just so you can say that you've watched it.

Guys, it might help bring out your softer, more romantic side. Just don't sleep like 'that' guy in the cinema.

Highschool Musical With Fangs??

TC-My Rating:

With LotSa Lurve,
TammyC

'ATONE' WITH ATONEMENT

The first 1 hour of “Atonement” was BORING-G-G-G. It wasn’t that interesting at all for me. In fact, there were moments where I was so lost and had no idea what was going on, or rather, I know what’s going on but I just wouldn’t believe that the storyline is actually that simple. I wanted something more complicated I guess.


So, “Atonement” is a love story between 2 souls – Cecilia and Robbie. However, due to naivety and jealousy, Cecilia’s sister, Briony, told a lie about a crime that Robbie did not commit, which caused Robbie to be sent to jail.

Briony had a crush on Robbie. She was 13 when she saw her sister and Robbie had sex in the library. She thought that he was a sex maniac. I guess she doesn’t understand what was going on and she was also partly angry that Robbie chose her sister instead of her. So, later when her cousin was raped, Briony, who was coincidentally the witness, had pointed the finger at Robbie.

Briony grew up to understand the consequences of her lies. She had prevented the happiness that her sister, Cecilia and Robbie had supposedly deserved. She wanted to atone' for her mistakes, her lie, her sin, but it was too late.

The movie is pretty good if you actually struggle through the first hour. After the first hour, towards the end, things become clearer and you’ll understand why the movie is in chunks – flashback here and there. Sometimes, certain scenes are slotted in, and you just have no idea why the scene suddenly appears at the moment.

At the end, you’ll understand that the movie is actually a true story told by Briony Tallis in her final book – Atonement. The last scene sees Briony in an interview, talking about the book.

In the book, she wrote about her regrets of what she had done to her sister and Robbie. The couple didn’t get the happiness that they dreamed of – both died early and separately. Briony basically had lived her whole life in misery because she knew, she caused the pain and the separation of a couple that is in love.

Therefore, in her book, she gave both of them a happy ending - she said - the happiness that they deserved. That’s how she tries to compensate.

Briony's quote from the movie, which I loved so much:

“What sense of hope or satisfaction could the readers derived from an (sad) ending like that? So in the book, I wanted to give Robbie and Cecilia what they lose out on… I like to think this isn’t weakness or evasion…but a fine act of kindness…I gave them their happiness….”

Briony Tallies

By the end of the movie, you’ll know which part of the movie are fiction, made-believe by the author and the parts that actually happened – the truth. So, it sort of unraveled the “frizzles” I had in my head regarding the storyline.

My favourite part of the movie:
The few minutes at the end of the movie, during the interview with the old Briony.

The old lady who played Briony is fantastic. Brilliant acting for that part. When she speaks, her blue eyes reflects the sadness and remorse. It’s so expressive that just hearing her talk and say those beautiful words makes one feel her pain.

Yes, she may not be an angel because of what she did, but then again, everyone makes mistakes and everyone had lied before for their own interest. I’ll be the first to raise my hand in admittance that I, too, had told lies due to my own selfishness.

Of course her lie is more serious but she did bear the consequences of living a life so agonizing. The guilt that she felt, I guess was some sort of punishment.

It's sad to live life in such deep regret. I guess, in the end, we just have to stay true to ourselves and not ruin others' happiness for the sake of our own selfishness.

TC-My Rating:

P/S: The ending saved the movie

With LotSa Lurve,
TammyC

LIFE IS LIKE A BOX OF CHOCOLATES

When you hear this:
My momma always said, "Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get."
You'll think of Forrest Gump...



“Forrest Gump” opens with its signture score, so beautiful and lovely to the ears.

I find myself constantly repeating the opening of the movie – not to see the feather fly but rather, to hear the music. Anyway, yes, it’s the end of 2008 and only now did I watch this infamous movie.

Well, sorry all “Forrest Gump” fans, but, I didn't like really LOVE it. I mean it's good, but not exceptional. Haha... I guess I expected too much from it and so, after watching it, I wouldn’t say it is as brilliant as it was known to be.

Maybe in terms of cinematography, it’s brilliant. But the story is just, hmmm….simple but I guess inspiring to those who feel different, like Forrest. Besides, the theme of LOVE and FAITH is also very touching. The ending, which highlights Forrest and his son, is really beautiful.

I must also give credit to certain scenes though. The sceneries in the movie are breathtaking. The most memorable one would be the beautifully captured reflections of the mountains in the lake while Forrest was running. Also, the techniques used to combine the current Tom Hanks with those former US Presidents and John Lennon were really interesting.

Lennon & Gump...Unbelievable

So, now I know that one should watch a movie with no expectations. When you have no expectations, you will tend to enjoy it more haha. Whatever it is, I have no regrets watching "Forrest Gump".

My favourite part & quote in the movie is:
Forrest Gump to Lieutenant Dan: "Lieutenant Dan. Ice-cream."

I can't wait to watch "Mamma Mia". I love musicals and this is one I know I have to watch. Thanks so much Lydia for lending me her DVD...

Til next time ya...

TC-My Rating:

With LotSa Lurve,
TammyC

KITE RUNNER - I'D WATCH IT "A THOUSAND TIMES OVER "

I’ve watched like a few movies these few days but so little time to write about them.

Don’t ask me about the progress of my thesis because it is not in progress, that’s why I have time for movies still. Sigh. I know…I’m sorry for being lazy but i still can’t do anything about it.

But this is important. The most recent one that I love most is “Kite Runner”.

“Kite Runner” is a movie set in Kabul, Afghanistan and parts of it, in America. So, the film is in 2 languages.

The movie opens in San Fransisco, California, with kites in the skies. Then, we see our lead, Amir, who finds a box in front of his apartment. Inside the box is his masterpiece – his stories, his book. Amir then receives a phone call from Rahim Khan.

The film suddenly enters a flashback…with kites again in the sky. We see a few kids playing with the kites. The flashbacks were Amir as a young boy, with his best friend Hassan. Hassan was Amir’s family servant’s son, and also his best friend. However, they have different status.

Nevertheless, Amir’s father loves Hassan and Hassan’s father, Ali, a lot. In fact, even more than Amir because he felt that Amir was too timid. However, Amir is more educated and loves to write stories, which to his father, is a total waste of time. The only one who enjoys his story and supports him was his father’s best friend, Rahim Khan. (The caller at the beginning of the film)

Amir always reads his stories to Hassan. That’s what they both enjoy doing together.

Hassan & Amir reading together

This is one film in which you really dislike the lead actor. Amir is really a character that I dislike, for his cowardice. Hassan, on the other hand, is what I call a man’s man. Hassan stood up for Amir every single time and he would do whatever for Amir. Amir, however, is always too afraid to stand up for anything, or anyone. He usually just runs away when he face trouble.

So, apparently kite competitions were very popular in Afghanistan. They have this competition in which you fly your kites in the sky and you cut down as many kites as you can with your kite's string. If you are the last kite standing, you win. Hassan was the best kite runner and together, he helped Amir won the competition. After you cut the last kite in the sky, the kite runner would run and catch the falling kite and then pass it to the kite 'flyer' as souvenir, I guess.

Hassan, after getting the kite, was blocked by the village big bully and the bully ordered Hassan to give him the kite. Hassan was beaten up and also sodomised for not handing over the kite to them. Amir, who saw everything just stood there and watch. And said nothing! His friend was attacked and he just watched there….and even ran away. I mean, at least go get some help!

Hassan had always stood up for Amir when the bully tried to hurt Amir but this Amir did not do the same for his friend. After that incident, Amir didn’t mention anything to his father, and neither did Hassan. Hassan just became quieter and though Amir knew the reason and truth, Amir told no one about it. In fact, he wanted to get rid of Hassan. He tried many ways to kicked Hassan out of his house. He accused Hassan of stealing his watch. And because Hassan knew that Amir wanted him out, he admitted. Though Amir’s father forgave Hassan and asked them to stay, Hassan’s father, Ali said they are embarrassed to stay. From that day on, Amir never saw his friend again.

Then, suddenly Afghanistan was at war and Amir’s father, together with Amir fled to America. 20 years passed, and we see a grown-up Amir. He got married and his dad passed away. The story then continues from where the flashback began – when Amir was on the phone with Rahim Khan.

Rahim Khan told Amir about the death of Hassan and his wife. They had refuse to listen to the militant’s order. Hassan had a son, who is now in Kabul, Afghanistan. Rahim also told Amir a secret about Hassan. Let’s keep the secret a secret. Maybe you should watch the movie to find out.

Amir was at first, AGAIN, afraid to go to Afghanistan because of the Talibans. But after he read a touching letter written by Hassan to him (Hassan had learnt how to write for him)…he changed his mind. And for the first time, you see a little courage from this Amir. At least he went all out for his best friend’s boy this time.

In the end he managed to bring the boy to America, and give him a good life.

The most touching part in the movie? When Hassan told Amir, “Do you want me to run the kite for you? For you, a thousand times over…”

and, what's beautiful is, at the end of the movie, which once again tear me up….

When Amir repeated it to Hassan’s son…”Do you want me to run the kite for you? For you, a thousand times over…”

THEMES:

Hassan - If you ask me, the “Kite Runner” isn’t about Amir, it’s about Hassan. It’s about a friend who stood up for another friend. It’s about bravery and integrity. Hassan is the character that carries the movie forward. His character develops Amir’s character and inspires us. I might be critical of Amir, but I mean, maybe I’m as timid as Amir, who knows? When face with war and inhuman militants, how many of us would actually dare to stand in front of a gun just to stand up for righteousness? I think most of us would prefer to save our butts haha. But whatever it is, I know one thing, if my best friend were beaten up or bullied, I won’t just sit there and watch okay. Even if I can’t fight the bullies myself, I’ll get help.

Muslim culture - The film also gives us an insight of the Muslim culture in Afghanistan and the Taliban laws, which can be ridiculous.


Anyway, “Kite Runner” is of course based on a very popular novel, of the same title. I’ve heard of the book before and I know it is a great book. Then I found out about the movie and I know it’s a must watch.

I haven’t managed to get hold of the book but Thank God my friend Szetoo has the film. It’s a fantastic, beyond brilliant movie. One I shall never forget. Now, I’ll try to find the book in the library. I’m sure it’s gonna be even better.

TC-My Rating:





(Wished there were more STARS)



P/S: Since I’m talking about my favourite things this week…haha…I actually wrote a list of my favourite things:

(In no particular order)
1. My Bed & my home
2. My Music
3. My movies
4. My Bolster
5. My laptop
6. My Friends
7. My Family
8. KL View
9. The Beach
10. The Stars
11. The Television

Anywayz til next time ya.

With LotSa Lurve,

TammyC

THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION

Recently I had a chance to watch “The Shawshank Redemption” (credits to JT), starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman.

The movie is basically about the lives of the prisoners in Shawshank prison. I noticed one thing about prison movies – they always portray inmates as nice and good people, usually treated unfairly by the prison guards.

Recently also watched a documentary on an American Prison (I forgot which one) and apparently, the most ruthless and dangerous criminals inhabit that place. I guess everyone knows that prison isn’t what you call a fancy place. You get beaten up just like that if you are in the wrong place, wrong time or just because you’re in the wrong gang.

According to the documentary, the inmates all say that it is important to have a gang, so that your B-U-T-T is protected. Also, it's important to do whatever the gang leader tells you to, if not you’re dead. So basically, if your gang leader asked you to beat someone up, you have to, even though you risk being caught and then be sentence to a few more years in prison. In prison, you have to get your hands dirty for survival.

Also, there are transparent lines in the fields of the prison. According to the prisoners, each gang has their own areas, and they have to stick to their own areas. If they cross the invisible border, they will get beaten up, and that’s when fights among tribes happen. For example, the basketball court belongs to the African-American, the baseball to the Latinos etc.

I don't know why I'm giving you tips on prison life. Haha...really hope you guys don't need to use them. *touch wood*

Basically, when I watch “The Shawshank Redemption”, it does give a similar depiction of what a real prison is like, except that in the documentary, the warden is kind but in the movie, the warden is evil. Well, usually in all prison movies, the warden is the villain. Remember “The Longest Yard” and “The Last Castle”?

But at least justice is served at the end of “The Shawshank Redemption”. Yes, although we all know that in reality, sometimes, there is no such thing. People with power and the $ usually control the weak and the poor. If injustice is really happening in those prison, who knows right?

In the movies, yes, the lead actor manages to escape from prison, with a new identity and a luxurious life in some beautiful island. Well, we still watch shows like this to feel better about life, to give ourselves hope.

In fact, the most memorable line from the movie:- The lead character saying to Morgan Freeman “Hope is a good thing.”

THEMES:
Hope - Believe or not, I really in believe "HOPES". Even though sometimes, when hopes get to high, you’ll get hurt deeper. But sometimes, when we wish or hope, we might just get what we want. Sometimes I guess, we should never stop believing.

Black or White?











I really like prison movies. It shows us that there’s a thin line between evil and good. You think that the cops are good people? Well, they can be as merciful or even worst than the criminals.

2nd Chances - People make mistakes and I guess that these movies also remind us to understand these inmates. They, too, are normal human beings, and sometimes, they deserve a second chance.

Intelligence & Patience - I truly admire Tim Robbin's character is in the movie. His perseverance, wisdom and intelligence - that’s what got him out of jail. He might be the mysterious, quiet type, who doesn’t know how to express himself, but deep down, he is a darn intelligent man. And to think that he was in jail for a crime he did not commit, that’s just so unfair.

Is there such a thing as justice served? - Sometimes, you watch crime & justice shows and it really makes you laugh. They create the stories as though justice is served every time. The characters talked as if they would do their best to find the truth and evidence. I’m so sorry but the truth is, sometimes, you just get tortured during investigation and you have to admit it just because you can’t take it. Or worst, you are just freakin’ unlucky and all evidence just happens to point at you. Whatever it is, I just pray that I don’t have to land myself into these situations. I’ve heard stories about lock-up. Cops ain’t friends.

Friendships - “The Shawshank Redemption” is also about friendship. Let’s just say that, I think that some of the best friends are made with those who had actually gone through hard times with you. And true friends are also those who don’t run away when you are in trouble. I think that I’m lucky enough to have a few of these really good friends.

Friendship...Sweet...

The part which made me cry like hell (excuse me for being such a loser, but I can’t stand watching old people sad) was the part when one inmate, Brooks, who was release on parole, committed suicide. He was old and he just ain’t used to the life outside of prison. I guess I can totally understand that. He has to try to fit into society that is new to him, he goes home to a lonely four-walled bedroom, lonely and I think also missing all his friends in prison.

Plus it is true when they say, in prison, he is a librarian, but outside, he is really nobody, or worst, perceived as an ex-convict. Even for me, fitting in a new place and being lonely is hard to bear, let alone an old man, like him. I can totally relate to Brooks though I am maybe multiple years younger than him. Let’s just say for me, loneliness is my biggest fear haha.

But Thank God Morgan Freeman didn’t kill himself like Brooks.

Do I even have to rate this? One of the BEST movies EVER!! Not watching it means losing out on a classic...

TC-My Rating:





With LotSa Lurve,
TammyC