SCHINDLER, OSKAR SCHINDLER

I've just finish watching "Schindler's List", also directed by Steven Spielberg. in 1993.

It is another very touching movie, about the holocaust and Nazis. I love to watch movies or documentaries and read books on Nazis and the Holocaust. I just find them really interesting. NO! I don't find the horror interesting. The cruelty of Adolf Hitler is beyond human. I just like to know about the holocaust and the cruelty of those times because I feel those terror gives us something to reflect on, and a lesson to learn.

I think that movies like this are the most inspiring and they give us something to ponder on. We should sometimes look back in the tragic historical events and only then will we feel the gratitude of being here today.

After watching this movie, I think that this man - Oskar Schindler is a true hero, not only to the Jews, but I guess to many as well. The sacrifices and the things he had done to save the lives of the Jews at that time, there is no bigger word to describe the kindness of his soul. So, let's take some time to pay tribute to this man, who has rescued 1,100 Jews. Because of him, there are now actually more than 6000 of Schindler Jews.

Oskar Schindler - the man!

"Schindler's List" is a black and white movie and I must admit that it is so difficult to decipher the dialogues because of the German accent. Plus, I watched it on Youtube and the quality of the movie is terrible. But I appreciate the one who posted it though. It would also be helpful if u actually go to Wikipedia and search for the brief synopsis first, if you don't mind it spoiling the suspense.

If you plan to watch the movie, you might be interested to know this. Poldek Pfefferberg is the name of the man who brought up Oskar Schindler to Thomas Kenealley, who wrote the book "Schindler's Ark" and also persistently persuaded Steven Spielberg to make the film. He was also the adviser for the movie. And i love Pfefferberg's quote:

"Schindler gave me my life, and i tried to give him immortality"

Pfefferberg has definitely done so. Like how Steven Spielberg put it in his Oscar acceptance speech - he owes Pfefferberg such a debt because Pfefferberg has carried the story of Schindler to all of us....very very true indeed....

TC-My Rating:

Til next time ;P

With LoTsa Love,

TammyC d awesomist....

TO SAVE A LIFE

First of all, I have to say this - I can’t believe that I actually did not watch the greatest war movie (in Hollywood that is) until now.

I’m talking about “Saving Private Ryan”, which I guess many of you guys out there had already watched it. Well to be honest, I’m never a fan of war films. Sorry, but they are kinda boring. I mean, guns, tanks, weapons and ammos (which are supposed to be bullets, right? Is that even the word?) are so not my thing. Haha…

I mean, what we see in war films are all the soldiers in war, and them bombing each other. But war films are usually very touching and inspirational, and that’s the only thing I like about war films. (Besides all the darn hot, macho and good-looking soldiers that is) So of course not being a war film fan just subdued my drive to watch "Saving Private Ryan".

When it was broadcasted on TV, I chose to go online and watch Youtube instead. But come on, it’s “Saving Private Ryan”, an Oscar-winning film! People talk about it and being a broadcast student, how can I not watch a movie like this, right? Plus it’s Steven Spielberg's, one of the greatest and most brilliant directors to ever grace our planet…

Okay, so no regrets watching, though yes, I still stand by my point of view that there were some really boring fighting and bombing sequences that I feel like fast-forwarding haha. Okay, so I’m a peaceful person, alright...but then again the storyline was brilliant and the war scenes were perfectly portrayed to mirror the real war situations.

I also watched the making of the movie and I can’t believe that all the actors actually went through a boot camp and was trained by a real Captain. Apparently, boot camp was hell! Yeah? (sounding sarcastic)...what a ‘shocker’!

Haha. But yeah…even Tom Hanks had to go through those training, when he can in fact pull out. I guess these actors are really committed. One thinks that being an actor/actress is all about glory and fame, but I guess there are some really brilliant and professional actors/actresses out there who take their professions seriously, unlike Paris Hilton...ahem…did I just say that out loud? Oops!

Anyway when I hear them describe boot camp, I know one thing - I can NEVER attend a boot camp! Imagine sleeping outdoors, even under the rain and eating whatever there is to be eaten and still have to undergo tremendous hardcore physical training, plus learning about weapons! Definitely not something I can imagine myself surviving through.

Then you think, last time, men were forced to undergo these training, whether they like it or not. All of them have to serve their nation, whether they are willing to or not. In war movies/films, there is always one character who is struggling because of their timidness. It’s like they are angry at themselves because they just can’t go out there and do great things like their mates. I guess I can somehow understand that feeling. I mean, how can you be one of them if you are not like them? You try to be brave but the truth is, how? Some people are just not born to fight.

The movie also almost accurately portrayed war because the director really did his research and the veteran soldiers actually helped with the description of war. The opening scene at the Omaha Beach was the highlight to many because of it’s intensity in depicting the real Omaha Beachhead assault which happened in June 1944.

Omaha Beach (1944)

Omaha Beach Scene from "Saving Private Ryan"

When I saw the making of the movie, they showed a clip of a documentary which showed the Omaha beach event, and it was so similar to how Spielberg made it. Spielberg then combined this incident with a true story about the Niland brothers, which in the movie, is altered to the Ryan brothers.

Briefly, the story is about how 3 Ryan brothers were killed in combat and the authority plans to save the 4th and last brother of the Ryan family so that the mother wouldn’t have to lose all her sons. The authority made this decision because prior to this case, there was a case of the Sullivan brothers, in which 5 brothers in battle were on a same ship, and when the ship sank, all 5 of them drowned and died. The grief bore by the Sullivan and the Americans were so deep that a rule was initiated to not allow brothers to serve under the same company or mission.

The Sullivan Brothers

The Niland Brothers

In the Ryan’s case, all 3 brothers in all 3 different companies died in 3 different battlefields. Therefore, the Army General orders that the 4th brother be brought home to the mother safely, if possible. It’s what they call a public relations mission – very aptly named.

I am a broadcast student but honestly haha, I’m not good with all those cinematographic aspects (yet, I hope). I prefer to explore the themes and meaning of one particular movie. The making of the movie however gave me an in-depth insight into the whole production of the "Saving Private Ryan" and I am truly awed. It is definitely a huge huge production, one I believe that is hard to find in Malaysia.

The largest one produced in Malaysia was Puteri Gunung Ledang, but still, I think nothing compared to this. I saw how there were so many extras involved, the costumes itself were all made especially for the movie; then there were the firearms which were a combination of real and rubber weapons, which looked real.

Then, there were also the explosive, stunts and wow! To ensure safety of every cast member, the crew were only able to take a few shots a day and I kinda understand how that felt. During internship, I always hope they can finish taking their shots so that I can go home early. I think working in a movie like “Saving Private Ryan” would be far more exhausting than “Duhai Si Pari-Pari” (the one I was training in). But I guess seeing how amazing the whole production was is so interesting that I guess I’d really wanna be part of some of these productions.

The great thing about this movie is that everything is so particular and precise.

SOUND EFFECTS:
These people really studied the sound of the firearms, the environment, and even how each *ping* sound of the gun matches the scene. Also they reference from documentaries and other movies to try and make it more surreal for the audience. It’s Crazy!

SET DESIGN:
They actually went to France and select some buildings and built the models in England. Then they carve the shape of the ruins and stuff. I truly am amazed!

MUSIC & SCORE:
They have an original score composed for the movie.

OTHER DETAILS:
Every single detail of the movie is done based on research, even the Abraham Lincoln letter. The preparation for the movie itself I think can take months or even a year. If I’m doing it, probably it can never be completed since I’m quite the “hangat-hangat tahi ayam” type haha. That means I am enthusiastic in the beginning, but the fire just mellows half way through haha.

The opening scene at the Normandy memorial in France was breathtaking!

Normandy Beach

Notice how the crosses are perfectly aligned and straight. That is actually my favourite scene because of the breathless view and the emotional delivery from the old man who plays the old Ryan. The look in his eyes is so significant and you can tell the pain and gratitude through the eyes. I think anyone who actually visits that place, whether or not they have relatives buried there, will shed a tear or two. Even I can’t hold back my emotions when watching the last scene. I hate to cry when watching movies. Sigh but had to.

THEMES:

"The Insanity of war" - War is insane? Any question on that?

"Sacrificing a hundred for ONE?" - Tom Hanks said in the movie: "When he kills an enemy, his rational is, he kills one to save 10 or 20 or maybe 20 times more. But when he sets out on the mission to save Private Ryan, he is sacrificing his team and himself for one." Of course saving this Ryan will earn him his rights to go home, but then again, as soldiers one cannot actually question the orders of the authority right?

Private Reiben played by Edward "HOTTIE" Burn also said is this private worth risking 8 men’s live for. Even Matt Damon who played Ryan was curious. Why does he deserve to go home and not any of his brothers? (meaning other soldiers) I guess he was partially right.

"What is right? What is wrong?" - It's difficult to determine right and wrong when it comes to saving the ONE and only Ryan. For one thing, the Army has to consider the private’s mum…the consequences if she loses all her sons. But then, did they consider James Ryan’s decision; he doesn’t want to go home yet. He feels he has responsibilities as a soldier and he wants to fulfill them. He cannot leave his remaining ‘brothers’.

"How to find decency & civilization in war?" - According to Steven Spielberg the main theme of the movie is how you find decency in war. I guess it’s true. It’s hard to be human when in the battlefield. If you don’t kill others, others might kill you. But to Tom Hanks who plays Capt. Miller and his rangers, maybe saving Private Ryan is one decent thing that they can do.

But I think the mini series "Band of Brotherhood" (which is also produced by Steven Spielberg, together with Tom Hanks) explores that theme even deeper. Everyone thinks it's cool to hold a gun, but I think it really takes guts to actually fire the gun at someone.

I can only imagine how it would be like to be in a situation in which you'd have to stay alive under desperate conditions, plan your next strategy to defeat ur enemy while having to carry a heavy load of weapons. When the time comes, you even have to shoot someone.

And when you think again, it's like, the person you shot could be just like you, desperate and afraid and want to survive. But, you have to shoot or die. War brings out the other side of human, I guess one that you, yourself don't know. I reckon that war is something that propels one to do things that they can never imagine themselves doing in a civilized world....it's beyond civilization.

The HOT soldiers, perhaps? - Concentrate for a moment on hot guys in the movie. I recommend you girls to pay attention to Edward Burns. He is so cool in the movie...haha....I dislike him on "27 Dresses", well just because I prefer James Marsden. Anyway, Edward Burns is so stylish and he really has got attitude in this one.

Another must watch! ;P

p/s: THE MAKING OF "SAVING PRIVATE RYAN" - Visit this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWNtZuoFnxE (You Won't Regret watching it)

TC-My Rating:

Take carezzz

With Lotsa Lurve,

TammyC

SERENDIPITY

“Serendipity” is another nice romantic comedy.

The word itself is so meaningful.

“Serendipity” = a fortunate accident or a pleasant discovery by chance.
I guess this word is linked to the word “fate” as well. When I watched this movie, the question that comes to my mind is….do u believe in fate?
If u ask me, YES! Without a doubt but, I’m not those person who will just leave everything to fate.

Kate Beckinsale put it very nicely in the movie: "Fate are signs…we have to read the signs, which will determine what happen." I totally support that.

I always believe that things happen when you least expect it. Sometimes I keep wishing for something to happen, and when I just let it go, it happens. I guess when people are meant to be together, be it in relationship or just friendship, sometimes you really have to leave it to fate.

Like me and my friend Huey Ning. She’s this really hot chick I met during my National Service camp, whom I was intimidated to talk to. And little that I know, she would become one of my closest buddy ever, even til now. Music just suddenly connects the both of us.

Yuin Yue, my college close buddy – I feel tat we have a lot in common when the first time I saw her in class. Well for one thing, we ahem…both are short and have almost the same hairstyle. So from far, we kinda look like twins. But I didn’t really talk to her until 1 or 2 years later and now we’re really close friends. I have a strange chemistry that I felt with both of them.

I don’t know, but I really believe is that if things are meant to be, it’ll be in place sooner or later. But that doesn’t mean that we don’t have to work for it.

Back to “Serendipity” though, it’s a movie in which Kate Beckinsale who plays Sara leaves her love to fate. She doesn’t give Jonathan (John Cusack) her number after their first encounter (in which they had a great time together) because she thinks that if they are destined together, they will meet again one day. She asked Jonathan to write his number on a one dollar note and she then use the note. She told him that if that bill returns back to her hand again, she’ll call him. She also wrote her number on an old book, in which she would sell to a bookstore the next day and if the book lands in the hands of Jonathan, then he could contact her.

Years past and both of them were supposed to get married to someone else….and suddenly they thought of one another and plan to search for each other again. Of course the girl would have to search for the note and the guy for the book. In the end, after some ups and downs finally they found each other.

So, I guess fate brought them together? But they still have to work for it. She has to travel from England to NY in search for Jonathan while Jonathan has to find that book, in whichever bookstore in NY.














To wrap things up, “Serendipity” is also a kinda nice, relaxing romantic movie. My favourite character though is Jonathan’s best friend a.k.a sidekick in the movie – Dean. He’s freaking hillarious. Some of his lines were the best!

Many people on Facebook picked this movie as one of their favourites. I guess if you are one of those who are really into a mushy love story, this one is really not bad. Not as good as my favourite "Music and Lyrics", but it is really worth a watch.


TC-My Rating:





With LotSa Lurve,
TammyC

WATCH IF YOU ARE "ADDICTED TO LOVE"

After Zohan, I then went on to Youtube and watched a few other movies. One was “Addicted to Love”, starring Meg Ryan, Matthew Boderick and Kelly Preston.


This is quite an old romantic comedy but still very nice. Well, it’s the kinda mellow, relaxing movie you watch when you just want to have a good time without having to think about anything.

“Addicted to love” is about how Sam (Matthew Boderick), whose girlfriend (Kelly Preston) left their small town to go to New York to be a teacher. Soon, she fell in love with another guy in NY and breaks up with Sam. Sam then went off to NY in hopes of winning her back. He then resides in a wrecked storeroom-like room below his girlfriend and her new boyfriend's apartment.

One day, out of a sudden, a very feisty woman (Meg Ryan) who rides a cool motorbike just invades his so-called new house. He soon found out that she was his ex-girlfriend’s current boyfriend’s ex-girlfriend…very confusing? Read again to get the picture.

So, Meg Ryan convinces Sam to work with her in her plan to break up the couple. Though reluctant at first, Sam finally agrees in order to win Kelly Preston back, whereas Meg Ryan continues to seek revenge on her ex. She was angry that her ex, a French man, had used her to get a Visa to reside in the States.

To cut a long story short, I’m sure you’d have guessed that Sam and Meg Ryan end up falling for one another. This is a must-have plot in every romantic comedy. It’s a nice movie though. Not one that your boyfriends would enjoy watching if you ask me haha, unless your boyfriend is really sweet and has a softer side. But if you are having a girlie night…you can consider watching this one.

TC-My Rating:






Later ;P

With LotSa Love,
TammyC

MESSING WITH THE ZOHAN

So, what I did during the hols besides playing a lot of The Sims 2? - I watched a few movies.

First, I watched “You Don’t Mess with the Zohan”, starring my favourite comedian Adam Sandler. Now I enjoy most of Adam Sandler’s work because they are all subtly meaningful. For example, “Click”, “Waterboy”, “Big Daddy”, “Chuck and Larry” and even this one “You Don’t Mess with the Zohan”.














However, it’s not that I don’t like Zohan, but I just feel that the jokes are a bit too distasteful. Like how Zohan ‘services’ all the makcik-makciks (old ladies) with his “birdie”. There were a few other disgusting comics, like how he catches his fish in between his a**. Well, maybe it’s just me but I am not really into these comedies. I have to admit though, they are some funny parts that cracked me up.


But every Adam Sandler movie has got its values. This one as well has a beautiful meaning despite some of the unpleasant comics. It is related to the Israeli-Palestinian tensions. I have heard about the Israeli-Palestinian conflicts over land before but I don’t remember them since it is very confusing. One thing is for sure though - the consequences of these conflicts are tremendous.

People kill people from other tribes, ruthlessly and some tortuously. Zohan of course highlights this issue indirectly, using a light-hearted approach.

THEMES:
Ethnicity: Does it matter?

Most memorable quote: "In America, we’re all the same."

Palestinians or Israeli - these people look the same in America. You can’t even tell them apart but they differentiate each other by their tribes or ethnicity. This is similar to the Tutsis and Hutus in Darfur. It’s so ridiculous. Why can’t we live as brothers (or sisters) and help each other?

The Powerless vs. The Powerful - The movie also indirectly criticize those autocratic countries, I feel. When these Arab people are busy fighting against each other, their real enemies are taking advantage of the distrust they have for each other. They should be working together to fight their enemies. In the movie, a big company wants to tear down their city to build a mall. I guess the 'big company' is representative of the big countries with authority in real life.

Of course in the movie, all ends well, but in the real word, there are still some on-going conflicts. I think Tun Dr. Mahathir once pointed out at an OIC meeting to all the Islamic countries about working together and not fighting one another. Going against each other not only provides an easy advantage for stronger countries, but also, these Islamic countries continue to be poor and undeveloped. Then they shall continue to be under those ‘Big Bosses’, who are manipulating them to fight each other and taking advantage of the situation.

Anyway, I guess it is true that war is not a solution to many things. Even a strong commando like Zohan hates war. But then again, it’s just a movie. But let’s just be a bit idealistic and consider the positive hehehe.

Who are we to Judge? - Also, Zohan subtly highlights how Americans misjudge these Middle East nationals. America especially, portrays them as terrorists, which is very unfair. Zohan, in some ways enlightens us that we all humans are similar to each other, regardless of their nationality or ethnicity. Like you and me, they would go to America because of the need to earn a living, a need to survive. Some of their people might be terrorist, but we can't stereotype all of them. I'm glad that there are some Americans who have more sense and many of them are writing movies which in fact criticizes how shallow some of the other Americans are.

There was an episode of CSI, if i'm not mistaken, in which the police had to investigate a murder case of an Israeli teenager who was tortured and raped. The police first suspect was her father because they were stereotyping that Muslims as conservative and strict. They thought the father murdered the daughter because she was a disgrace to the family (she was pregnant before marriage). The truth is, the daughter was murdered by her boyfriend, who is an American.

After the boy was arrested, the girl's mother said that, because of the stereotypes, the cops never once suspect their own people (the Americans). They say that Israelis are heartless and called them terrorists but some of the Whites are also as ruthless. So why aren't we afraid of them? I guess that reminds us that it's not ur ethnicity or where we come from that determines who we are, but rather what we do that identifies us.

So, remember NOT TO STEREOTYPE.
DEFINE OTHERS BY WHAT THEY DO, AND NOT WHAT THEY ARE BORN AS.

TC-My Rating:





;P

With LotSa Love,
TammyC