Monday, May 7, 2012
Winter
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Film Review: Cold Souls
“Cold Souls ”(2009, directed and written by Sophia Barthes) is a comedy-drama film based on a philosophical idea of soul storage that was inspired by a dream of Woody Allen’s discovery of his chickpea soul. The film’s plot is about an anxious actor, Paul Giamatti (Paul Giamatti as himself) who extracts his soul after he feels stuck distinguishing his acting character, Uncle Vanya, and himself. The film starts with Paul struggling to express the character and stores his soul as life without it “makes so much more sense.” He becomes disappointed that his soul came out as a tiny chickpea. When his 95% of his soul is stored, he goes through troubles in his career and marriage. Then he consumes a soul of a Russian poet that plays the soul’s memories and helps him in Paul’s play. However, a Russian soul trafficking mule, Nina (Dina Korzun), steals Paul’s soul to give it to her boss’s wife, a soap opera actress, whom believes that it is the soul of Al Pacino. Later, Nina helps Paul to get his soul back in Russia and Paul finds out his soul donor has committed suicide. After reconnecting with his soul, Paul returns to New York happily while he is unable to recover Nina’s soul.
Barthes is praised for its cinematography in portraying and analyzing the complex and philosophical idea of extracting souls. The scenes are balanced with bright and dark lights that helps the audience to contrast the scenery and see the visual differences of reality and fantasy. He also uses dark lighting for reality of the night life in the Paul and Nina’s rooms. When Paul looks into his donor’s soul, Barthes uses blurry bright lights that makes the effect of the scene. Barthes does not significantly change the mood of the film after Paul extracts his soul. Paul does not show much of a free life from worries and trouble. Paul is in a constant trouble and is going through bizarre situations of changing souls. Therefore, Paul shows his complex emotions through confusion and unconsciousness. Barthes clearly shows the bizarre situations by the meeting of Paul and the soul doctor, Dr. Flintstein (David Strathairn). The soul doctor contrasts Paul as the doctor is serious about the whole soul extraction process while Paul is dumbfounded. The editing of the film is somewhat rough that uses many different angles in small scenes. When Paul looks into his soul, he walks in a place where there are bald people and sees a pregnant woman, baby and a little boy. The sharp editing of this scene makes the perfect effect of uncertainty and the complex character of Paul. Also Barthes clearly depicts the cold weather of Russia with the icy setting and Paul’s hat.
“Cold Soul” won and received many awards from film associations and film festivals. At the Independent Spirit Awards, the film was nominated for best cinematography and best first screenplay. Also, Dina Korzun was nominated for best supporting female.The budget for the film is low and the gross is around $900,000 (www.imdb.com). It is an odd movie that brings a new kind of feel in the categories of film. As Paul looks into his soul to solve his problem, it is a good didactic film that shows the audience to understand their own struggle in life and shows the uniqueness and necessity of souls. It is a soul searching comedy that is rated PG-13 for nudity and brief strong language.
Film Review: 50/50
“50/50”(2011, directed by Jonathan Levine) is a film based on the a inspired true story of the screenwriter Will Reiser. The film’s plot is about an ordinary man, Adam Lerner (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), a 27 year old radio journalist, who finds out that he has cancer in his spine that has survival rate of 50/50. The film starts with healthy Adam jogging in the morning in which foreshadows his back pain. After he finds out that he has cancer, he goes through conflict with himself. He goes through shock, denial, resistance, and acceptance. Levine clearly illustrates the unique and odd characteristics of the characters: anxious and controlling mother (Anjelica Huston), vulgarizing best friend Kyle (Seth Rogen), disloyal girlfriend Rachel (Bryce Dallas Howard) and inexperienced therapist Katherine McKay (Anna Kendrick). He tries to find imminent comforts in marijuana and sex. However, he overcomes the struggle as he realizes that the importance of relationships with his close people. In the end, tumor is successfully removed and Adam goes on a date with his therapist, Katherine.
Levine is praised for its cinematography in perfectly portraying and analyzing Adam’s life. The scenes are usually bright lighting that fits the setting of the normal daily life of an American man at his work and the hospital. He also uses dark lighting for reality of the night life in the club and the streets. The changing mood of the effects from camera and editing perfectly contrasts the life before and after having cancer. Kyle assists him in getting high and getting “laid.” Levine uses comedy by using sexual jokes and strong usage of profanity while sticking to the main cancer thesis. When Adam first hears his cancer diagnosis, Levine shows the common effect of the shock by muting the sound and focusing on the dumbfounded face of Adam. Levine uses one take when Adam shaves his head in which shows the effect of no turning back. With the explicit languages and expressions, Levine portrays the different characteristics of each character. He clearly shows the reality of the awkwardness between people by not placing background music. For example, audience can feel the awkward conversation between Adam and Katherine. By progressing in the natural steps of the cancer reactions, the audience is able to see the change in Adam. These depictions shows the true effect of how painful cancer is like with chemotherapy. By showing Adam’s friends with cancer, mom going to support group, and Kyle and Katherine helping him, Levine shows that Adam is not alone in the fight. In the end, Adam gets support from the people he really cares and he realizes that he cannot live without them. Levine uses slow and blurry images to show the affect of drugs in Adam. Although conflicts grow between the relationships, Adam can see that they are his healers.
“50/50” won and received many awards from film associations and film festivals. At the 69th Golden Globe Awards, Joseph Gordon-Levitt was nominated for Best Actor and the film was nominated for Best Picture. The budget for the film is estimated to be $8 million and the gross is around $35 million (www.boxofficemojo.com). It is a great movie that gives tribute to the patients fighting cancer around the world. The film depicts the fear and chemotherapy that shows that is is indeed deadly. It portrays the difficulties that they experience that has changed them from being ordinary human. “50/50” is a powerful film that leaves the audience with a strong message of relationship as ”it takes a pair to beat the odds”(50/50 tagline). It is a touching films and is rated R for profanity, use of drugs and partial nudity.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Where art thou? My Romeo?
My ideal spouse is ...hm...maybe someone who is somewhat older than me. He has to be a romantic guy. Let me emphasize that. ROMANTIC. If not...forget about it. I don't want a boring marriage life. I want a marriage life that is like going on a first date all the time. It will be nice if he makes many surprise events that lead to another. Maybe giving hints of where we are going to travel next. He has taller than me of course. May be 6 feet will be perfect. The ideal guy would be Sean O'pry. He is hot and gorgeous. He needs a nice stable job that has great salary. I kinda wanna marry an American or European. I dunno if I wanna marry a Korean guy. I dont like those Korean traditional burden thing that daughter-in-laws are obligated to do. Maybe it is influence from what I experienced. I want a laid back parent in laws. I dont want stressful people in family matters. So no no no. My first husband was Junsu Kim (JYJ). He had the best smile and the best voice. So I guess that adds to my list of ideal spouse. My other ideal celebrity spouses are Marlon Teixeira, WonBin, HyunBin, Christian Bale, MinHo Kim and Daniel Henney.
I want the marriage to be relaxing and affectionate. I dont want the marriage to be so strict or too controlling. There must be some relaxing and free moments in marriage. Sometimes, just let it be. why be jealous of things that is useless. He must be open and understanding. Although he will be sweet, he must be morally right. He must be a musician, able to play guitar and piano. He should not smoke or drink. He has to be a Christian. He must be somewhat liberal but conservative as well. He must not live in Korea cuz I am not living there in the future. I dont really like cooking Korea food. Yes. He must cook. I will bake. House chores should be equally done and taking care of our kids as well. We need to settle down in NYC, San Francisco in US or somewhere in West Europe. He must love dogs cuz I want to have many Siberian Husky! I LOVE THEM so much :) maybe some fat cats too.
I want a guy who will adore and love me. We will grow old together. Seeing old couples always made me so happy. They look so cute together. Where would I find a romantic guy? Italy? Hm... French? LOL In marriage or in any relationship, the guy has to be the guy. I am not gonna be the guy in relationship. I hate when the guy gets mad for something really useless. Come on. Seriously. pisses me off and I am not gonna do anything to make you feel better. My habit when I am mad is that I dont talk. So dont try to piss me off. He has to be honest and should never be dishonest with me. Cheating in marriage is definitely a NO NO. It will be the end if whatever of that happens. He must understand my career and my freedom. I am not gonna be a housewife for sure. love meaning love. not any other love that some men think is love. He must be caring, who is willing to take care of me and be at my side at all time. I dont want my husband to be a baby. Wife is not the one who is raising the husband, she is suppose to raise to kid. Therefore, he has to be mature. mature. mature.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Graduation
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Midnight in Paris
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
A Million Dollars
Monday, April 16, 2012
TVXQ
People always ask me why do I love TVXQ so much. Well, you can not stop loving them! They are hot, best dancers, best singers, polite, cute, adorable, sexy, funny, have great personalities and so much more! But it was not love at the first sight by seeing their posters. I saw their "The Way U Are" and "TRI-ANGLE" posters at my cousin's house when I was in fourth grade. In the beginning, I did not like them because they were looked weird in their customes. When I moved to New Zealand, I found my friend, Min, drooling over them. One day, my sister's friend gave us their CD and I just had a chance to listen to their songs. I listened to Track 1 which was "HiYaYa." It was beautiful. I listened to their songs for the whole day. I went to my friend's house with Min and watched a variety program "X-man." "X-man" was really popular in Korea having all the famous celebrities in the show. Min was screaming as three TVXQ memembers came out. It was Xiah's first time on the show and he sang. His voice was heavenly and he was so HOT and CUTE. I loved the way he danced, sang, and laughed.
TVXQ stands for Tong Vfang Xien Qi (東方神起-"The Rising gods of the East"), 동방신기 (Dong Bang Shin Gi-in Korea), Tohoshinki (in Japan). They are formed under SM Entertainment (one of the biggest entertainments in Korea) in 2003. TVXQ members are Xiah Junsu, Micky Yucheon, Hero Jaejung, Max Changmin and U-know Yunho (leader). They debuted on December 26, 2003 during a BoA and Britney Spears showcase. They debuted with their first single, "Hug" and then they released "The Way U Are." They released their first album, "TRI-ANGLE" (2004) which made it to the 8th top selling records of the year. Then they debuted in Japan with "Stay with me Tonight" and "Somebody to Love" under Avex sub-label Rhythm Zone. They were not famous in Japan at that time. Since they were not fluent with the language, they had hard times.
They came to Korea and released their 2nd album, "Rising Sun," in 2005. This is my favorite album because I was really really obsessed about them. They went back to Japan and worked very hard. They did not reach the top Oricon (Japanese music rank) list. The first Japanese album, "Heart, Mind and Soul' and third Korean alubm "O-Jung.Ban.Hap" were released in 2006. They stayed in Japan for two years releasing their second and third Japanese albums, "Five in Black" and "T." They finally succeeded in Japan with "Purple Line" (16th single-2008) by ranking number 1 in Oricon for the first time and becoming the first foreign male group to rank number 1. Now, TVXQ aka Tohoshinki is one of the top singers in Japan. They are now fluent in Japanese and are loved by the people. They are still in the top Oricon ranks with all their singles and DVD's. They finally came back to Korea with their fourth album, "Mirotic" (2008). They won the best album of the year and the Gold Disc Award. They went back to Japan and released their fourth Japanese album, "The Secret Code" and the compilation album "Best Selection 2010."
But. in reality. they broke up. The SM Ent. did not distributed the earnings fairly. Therefore, they did not break up but are working individually. Xiah, Micky and Hero made their mini group called JYJ (Junsu, Yucheon, and Jaejung). Cassiopeia (TVXQ fan club-colored Pearl Red) are keep supporting them with love. TVXQ made it in the Guinness World Records in 2008 for having the world's largest official fan club: more than 800,000 official members just in South Korea. TVXQ made into the Guinness for being the most photographed celebrity in the world in 2009.
When will I ever see them like this again?
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Getting Driver License on Saipan
Yesterday, I got my permit for driver license. On Saipan, we do not have driving schools anymore. I had to bring an identification of either a birth certificate or passport. All I had to do was take a written exam that had thirty questions. I passed by getting 4 wrongs and the maximum is 7. After that, I had to pay $20 for the tax and the permit at Saipan’s Congress place. Then I went back and got my permit card and the schedule for the driving test. I have now 59 days until my test. I have to start practicing my parking, parallel parking and etc. I guess Saipan is the easiest place to get driver license. I need it before I go to college so all I have to do is exchange it in the state. I need to start practicing. I will drive as much as I can before I leave. Finally... But I could’ve gotten my license when I was in 9th grade since I was 15.5years old. My mum did not allow me to drive until the end of my Senior Year. It kinda sucks especially when I am going on a date with my bf.
In Saipan, we do not even have transportation. And we don’t have malls. There is nothing to do on this rock. We have Big Dipper, and the movies. That is basically it. We have the ocean but I got tired of it. Now Saipan’s gas price is way up that it is unbelievable. Come on... this is ridiculous. We are part of USA now and Saipan is going down the toilet.
Ah.. I don’t have internet at the moment. I am bored. I like Jian’s nails. They are so colorful. Red, yellow, purple, sky blue, sparkling purple. Alice is taking over Minjoo’s laptop. Sneaky sneaky. She is laughing and she has green nails. She is like the fox in Dora’s adventure thing and Minjoo is the Dora. She is smiling at me and she is staring at me. I do not know what she is typing but she made a black mark on my Hollister hoodie today. Gosh Alice. It is out 102nd day. Today is March 14th 2012, Wednesday on A day afternoon. My laptop’s keyboard protector is really getting on my way in typing. I am getting rid of it right now. Lani’s guy is British by law. So where is he from? Never mind. He is Jian’s guy. One Direction dude-Zayne? He is from Pakistan? No wonder he looked kind of Middle Eastern. Minjoo is back. My keyboard is so much better without the protector. I am sick today. I have been sick for the past week. I fell asleep for four hours after my driving test. Me so tired. I miss Grey’s Anatomy. This is becoming my stream of consciousness. Today is NHS induction ceremony day. I am tired. My voice is gone and I have to say the “leadership” line. “I light this green candle for leadership...blah blah blah.” Minjoo is typing and she just realized I am writing about her. She is writing about Alice and Alice’s metamorphosis. Alice did change a lot. She was really quiet but now she is the opposite. Now I have 521 words. 79 more words to go. Alice is amazed by Minjoo’s writing about her. I just described Alice’s change as the alien in “Men in Black.” I want to go home. I am sick. But I can not skip my film class. I love film class. I cannot miss out. It is only 1.33pm. 17 more minutes until my film class.
At first, I was scared of driving. I literally stopped when a car came behind me when I had to make a sharp right turn. I practiced at the American Memorial Park with Mr. Tessen. I hope I did not give him any heart attacks. Then we moved our practice area to the airport road. Soon...we are going to Garapan! Well... I am back to my topic. But I want to stop here. Saipan is not what it used to be. It is getting dangerous now. Last year, two elementary girls were kidnapped. We are not hearing anything. Last month, a women was kidnapped and murdered. As the economy is going down...crimes are rising on this rock. We cannot even walk around like we used to do. Jian is fixing Minjoo’s grammar. Anyways. I am just letting people know that Saipan is not what it used to be. CUC is like down. It has millions of dollars in debt that public schools cannot afford to turn on air conditioner in the morning and the afternoon that they finish school early. I do not have to worry as I am going to private school. But still... driving is really scary. Accidents may happen within a second. Just FYI.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Are you beautiful?
Are you beautiful? My mum said that if people live up to their passion and do their best, they are beautiful. She was referring to Yuna Kim, the korean figure-skater who won the olympic medal. She worked so hard to reach where she is right now. She is treated as the nation's queen. She is beautiful because of the way she is. But if I say people are beautiful the way they are...I think I am being dishonest with myself. My favorite model is Sean O'pry. He is ranked #1 in models.com for male models. I think he is the hottest man on earth. But my friends' opinions differ as they have different taste in man. My friends find Francisco Lachowski, Marlon Teixeira or Simon Nessman more attractive than Sean.
Oh well. People are different. My definition of beauty differs from another. What can I say? Listen to Lady GaGa's "Born this way." You are born that way. Unless you want to change it and go to Korea's GangNam (Korean Beverly Hills) to get plastic surgery. Or accept it. "I was born this way. "There's nothin' wrong with lovin' who you are. She said, 'cause He made you perfect, babe. So hold your head up, girl and you you'll go gar. Listen to me when I say. I'm beautiful in my way cause God makes no mistakes. I'm on the right track, baby. I was born this way."
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
What is good?
How do we determine what is good? I don't wanna write philosophy essays today... What is good? Well...personal morals determine our decisions. If one has a legit brain, he will probably determine the basic morals. But if it gets complicated, then people's opinion collides. People are different. People have different morals. Unless they are mental or dumb, we might somehow have some common grounds or are brainwashed with some weird religious or Nazi ideas. How sad. But it is the reality. How can we even determine what is good when people already start debating on everything? But if I determine what is good it will be something that is indeed moral. The moral that follows my own definition that has been building up since I was a toddler. It is based on my family, religion, school, and mostly society. Altruism is good. Humility is good. Seven deadly sins are not good. So you can guess what is good. I am more of a giver. I like giving things to people. My sister is not really like that. But my mum and I like to give presents to people. This is how I think. Give people what you want to receive. Therefore do good things if you want good things to happen to you. Why live according to evil? Even evil deeds will not satisfy you. I am a Christian but I believe that trying to convert people forcefully is useless. Who wanna believe a religion like that? I hate seeing people going up to people's doors or going up to them in the subways/streets telling them to convert. Those converts embarrass their own religion. Well. If I were in those people's shoes I would not listen to them. Somewhat leaving those people alone are better. I would not bother them if they do not want to listen to me. It is not my business anyways. I am kinda a head strong girl. I would have been Elizabeth Bennet in "Pride and Prejudice." I do not really want to but my prejudice is always right in the end. As an adult, I now have the lawful decisions to make my own decisions. I decide what is morally good to me. I decided to leave my former church to go to a real church. I see there is no good or God in that church so I left. What I determine good is good. I guess that goes with everyone. That is why we have wars and conflict. People are stubborn to listen to others or sacrifice some of their ideas.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Film Review: Platoon
“Platoon”(1986, directed by Oliver Stone) is a film based on Stone’s own experience in Vietnam. The film’s plot is about U.S. soldiers fighting in the bloody Vietnam War but realizing their fight is against themselves than the enemy. The film starts with the scene soldiers coming to their new assigned place on the border of Cambodia. Chris Taylor (Charlie Sheen), a dropout college student who volunteered to participate in the war, narrates the story. He realizes that no one cares for each other and their existence is useless. He suffers psychologically that he tries to recover by smoking pot. He witnesses the unfair justice of Sergeant Elias’s (Williem Dafoe) murder by Sergeant Barnes (Tom Berenger) and the immorality of the war. In the end, Taylor revenges Elias’s death by killing Barnes and goes back to United States.
Stone’ achievement of this powerful film is praised for its cinematography. The scenes usually dark lighting that perfectly fits the setting of the war as the soldiers were usually ambushed in the night. Stone also uses dark lighting in the cabin clubhouse where the soldiers smoke pot and drink alcohol. The act of drinking and smoking depicts the reality where some soldiers took comfort in the war. Stone focuses on Chris Taylor to show how an ordinary man will react to the situations as he is inexperienced. The scene of taking over the Vietnam village crystallizes the cruelty of the war as Stone depicts the immoral death of the chief’s wife’s death, threatening the girl’s life, abuse and burning of the village. From these incident, the conflict grows between Sergeant Elias and Barnes. The setting changes from day to night as they set up for the battle and the actual battle in the jungle. These effects of camera and editing perfectly fits the war scenes in the film. He also uses profanity dialogues that fits the reality of the war. Stone uses silence mostly through the film just like the reality of the war while using dramatic violin music in the death of the soldiers. Oliver makes the audience nervous by anticipating the enemy’s attack. As the conflict of power between Sergeant Elias and Barnes grew, the audience could feel that something was going to happen. When Sergeant Elias finds Barnes in the jungle, Elias feels relieved that he is not the enemy. But as the camera zooms to Elias’s eyes, the realization of his death is shown. As the platoon evacuates on the helicopter, Stone surprises the audience by resurrecting Elias who is running from the Vietnamese soldiers. Stone uses the bird view from the helicopter to show the chase. Elias finally falls after getting numerous shots. The setting of the Vietnam War is almost quite portrayed to reality with jungles as it was filmed in the Philippines.
“Platoon” won Oscar Awards for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Sound, Best Film Editing; it also received nominations for Best Supporting Actor, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Cinematography. The budget for the film is estimated to be $6 million and the gross is around $138 million (www.imdb.com). Also “Platoon” won and had been nominated at many film awards for its outstanding film. It is a great movie that gives tribute to the soldiers who fought and died in the Vietnam War. It shows the horrors of the war as “the first causality of war is innocence” (“Platoon”’s tag line) “Platoon” is a powerful film that leaves the audience with a strong message of the chaos of the war and humanity. It is one of the best war films and is rated R for strong violence, gore, profanity, use of alcohol, drug, smoking, and intense scenes.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Life Lesson
Today, in my AP Literature class, we were discussing "Doll's House" by Henrik Isben. My teacher asked us what ends an relationship. He listed the top three consequences of teenage break-ups.
1. distance
2. time
3. maturity
Since Day-1 of his class, he has taught us life lessons. He is an expert on Dating 101. How do you differentiate love and infatuation? He pointed out that infatuation is "Out of sight, out of mind." So, how difficult is it to forget another? How easy can one move on? Help me to answer this question. Maybe Kelly Clarkson's "Stronger" might be the answer? "What does not kil you, makes you stronger."
Also, a situation was brought up. My friend, you might not understand what it is right now. But you will know. Maybe someday you'll realize. Whatever background a man is raised with, the outcome of man's overcoming matters. I do pity people who were raised in unfortunate background. People have different backgrounds and hardships. Even I have mine. But it depends on how we overcome it. That is life. But if they overcome and become a successful person, I will give kudos to him. But if he takes advantage of that background and does not bother to change and do not overcome, it is his fault. Why try to get pity from others? Why don't you change? Equality of Opportunity. I pray one day, he will understand. I hope. Or it will be just like having pity on Hitler. He was not loved and did not overcome the matter of fact but blamed it on the society. So are we going to pity Hitler because of his background even though he did those horrible things? No way. Out of the questions.
1. distance
2. time
3. maturity
Since Day-1 of his class, he has taught us life lessons. He is an expert on Dating 101. How do you differentiate love and infatuation? He pointed out that infatuation is "Out of sight, out of mind." So, how difficult is it to forget another? How easy can one move on? Help me to answer this question. Maybe Kelly Clarkson's "Stronger" might be the answer? "What does not kil you, makes you stronger."
Also, a situation was brought up. My friend, you might not understand what it is right now. But you will know. Maybe someday you'll realize. Whatever background a man is raised with, the outcome of man's overcoming matters. I do pity people who were raised in unfortunate background. People have different backgrounds and hardships. Even I have mine. But it depends on how we overcome it. That is life. But if they overcome and become a successful person, I will give kudos to him. But if he takes advantage of that background and does not bother to change and do not overcome, it is his fault. Why try to get pity from others? Why don't you change? Equality of Opportunity. I pray one day, he will understand. I hope. Or it will be just like having pity on Hitler. He was not loved and did not overcome the matter of fact but blamed it on the society. So are we going to pity Hitler because of his background even though he did those horrible things? No way. Out of the questions.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
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Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Film Review: Full Metal Jacket
“Full Metal Jacket”(1987, directed by Stanley Kubrick) is a film based on the novel “The Short-Timers” by Gustav Hasford. The film’s plot is about U.S. Marines training on Parris Island and fighting in the bloody Vietnam War. The film starts with the scene of the recruits getting their heads shaved in Marine Corps boot camp. An intense training of the Marines under Senior Drill Instructor Gunnery Sergeant Hartman (R. Lee Ermey) starts to prepare the Marines to turn the young men into real killers. In the corps, “recruits are humiliated, beaten, exhausted, tricked, lied to, subjected to racial slurs and drilled, constantly drilled, physically and psychologically.” (NY Times) Among those trainees, Private Joker Davis (Matthew Modine), Pvt. Cowboy (Arliss Howard) and Pvt. Leonard ‘Gomer Pyle’ (Vincent D’Onofrio) become the main characters. Because of the fat, hopeless Pyle’s hiding of his jelly donut, his platoon is punished for every mistakes that Pyle makes. After platoon hits Pyle, Pyle’s personality changes but becomes an excellent Marine. Joker notices Pyle’s insanity as Pyle talks to his rifle. Joker witnesses Pyle shooting Gunnery and himself on the last day of training. Then, Joker goes to Vietnam as marine correspondent with “Stars and Stripes” and finally goes into the “shit.” He faces the “shit” and death of many of his colleagues through Tet Offensive and Battle of Hue.
Kubrick’ achievement of this powerful film is praised for its cinematography. The scenes are well handled with many scenes that the camera just follow the actors. Kubrick achieves the characteristics of each Marine in the beginning to show uniqueness of the individual. D’Onofrio’s (Pyle) terrific acting is worth the kudos as the audience sees his progression becoming a deadly monster. The scene of the murder in the bathroom makes the audience to hold their breath. The setting changes completely from Parris Island to Vietnam as if it were two different film as their color of the film changes dramatically. Kubrick also shows the irony of Joker as he is wearing slogan“Born to Kill” on his helmet and the peace button on his uniform as he was suggesting the “duality of man.” When the soldiers move, the camera pans with them to have the effect of the audience to engage in the combat. These effects of camera and editing perfectly fits the war scenes in the film. He also uses profanity dialogues that fits the reality of the boot camp and the war such as “gooks.” Kubrick uses dark lighting and sound to tense the scenes when Pyle is ready to shoot and when the Marines are in combat. The setting of the Vietnam War is almost quite portrayed to reality. Kubrick also uses the camera as the view point of the sniper to have the effect of making the audience to see what is going to happen to the soldiers while the soldiers are unaware. Towards the end, Kubrick tenses the audience with the moral consciousness of Joker to shoot Vietcong Sniper who is begging to “shoot me.” The soundtracks varies as its genre changes and the usage of each soundtrack perfectly fits each scene. Kubrick ends the film with soldiers marching to their next combat singing “Mickey Mouse Club.”
“Full Metal Jacket” received nomination for Oscar Awards for Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium. The budget for the film is estimated to be $17 million and the gross is around $46 million (www.imdb.com). Also “Full Metal Jacket” won and had been nominated at many film awards for its outstanding film. It is a great anti-war movie that expresses the true, horror and nonchalant feelings of the war to the individuals. Kubrick captures an interview scene of the soldiers who have no sentimental attitude toward the war. “Full Metal Jacket” is a powerful film that leaves the audience with a strong message of the chaos of the war and humanity. It is a great film for the general audience but is rated R for violence and profanity.
Before I go to college
Bucket-list for d-day of college life. What should I do before I go to college? The last days before I become a fully grown adult. hm... I was suppose to be in college in 2010 in New Zealand. But oh well. I am glad I am still in high school. More time to enjoy the young life. Before I get off this rock. I have to watch all the classic films for the sake of my college major. I will finish watching Grey's Anatomy then start watching Family Guy or How I met your mother. I have to learn how to swim. I used to swim when I was young. I used to do butterfly. But after few years, I completely forgot how to swim. I want to have a campout on Managaha. I love Managaha at night. The stars and the ocean are beautiful at night with the bright moon shining upon the island. I want to learn how to play guitar. Maybe I will ask my bf to teach me. I want to travel if I can. I am planning to go to Korean "Texas", which is Busan, during summer. Taekhan unni said she will give us a tour. I want to go to New Zealand if not I don't know when else I will go there again. I miss my friends in New Zealand. I wanna go to Europe as well! What a dilemma! I have to do whole bunch of shopping as well! I can't wait to go to college. I am excited and scared at the same time. It will be a big change from a rock to a land. I want to get braces. The invisible ones. I also need to do eye surgery. I cannot live in college with constant contacts. It will be a bothersome. First of all, I do not like the idea of drinking. The only alcohol that I have drank is baileys with coffee. But I know I have to drink because I have to know my limits when I go to college. I don't want heavy hangovers. I need to see my own reaction to my drinking habits. I want to have as many senior parties as possible. We do not have much memories because we are seniors i guess. I want to spend some times around Saipan sites. I know I am tired of it but I will miss it when I leave. I kinda want to scuba dive but I am scared. too scared. I have to eat lots of Coldstone as well. I beg that somewhere around my college has coldstone. I need to buy that store one day. I also wanna go to Pet Cafe or somewhere I can see and play with Siberian Husky.
Honeymoon @ Santorini
I CAN'T WAIT to go to this beautiful place with my love of my life! The most beautiful place on earth? Where can that be? I am already excited. But I have to wait... I want to marry in the mid twenties but before thirties. Ah... :D I will choose Europe. I will narrow it down to Greece. Santorini!! It is where "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2" and "Mama Mia" were filmed. It is like heaven as it is based on white buildings on a high cliff that looks right down on Aegean Sea. It is the most romantic hideaway. It is a place for a perfect rest and honeymoon. The stone terrace of the houses are so beautiful with shimmering crystal water. The Perivolas Hotel is most constructed as white cave that fits the landscape. With the white background, the nature is so blatantly shown. It is a great place to experience Greek culture: food. Also as it is an island, couple can go on a sailboat on a ride on the ocean. The ocean is so blue that makes the place so much prettier. This place is PERFECT. It is peaceful and quiet. It is luxurious and beautiful. I really really want to go to Greece for honeymoon. This is what I insist. It is not a request. But an order. Honey, we have to go HERE. Sometimes I want to live here. I want to imagine as if heaven is like this. It is the beauty of Greece. The tropics of Europe. Laidback luxury.
High School Memories
It is almost the end of my high school year. There are so many memories that I want to treasure. I wish I could have recored our days. I want to see my days in Freshmen. It was the best time of high school year. We had so much fun as we were young. We didn't have to really worry about college and SATs yet. It was time of no worries. I remember that TVXQ came to Saipan. I cried so much after they left. I wasn't able to go and see them. I wish I had time machine to go back and be able to meet them. They are now separated. We used to party often at Andy's house. Watch movies and played pool. Many people are gone now. We used to have Maddie, Sonia, Elizabeth, Annie, Lucas, Bradley, Hunter, Chris, dictator, Toni, Kai and Svahn. In return we got more people. The first two years of high school is how I define FUN. Then the fun goes away in Junior and Senior year. People get lazy and less memories happen. I remember many memorial events in LD debate. Sonia used to tell many jokes about the eggs. I miss her so much. Yishan is behind me. He wants me to write that he is the best. I miss Elizabeth as well. So many things happened. That is why I record everything in my diary. We went to Managaha as well. Also I met my bf in high school so that is one of my fond memory. I am glad I met people in our school. I remember my obsession to Tigger. Tigger. I will not tell you who that is. SECRET :) I had fun and embarrassing moments in volleyball. I had the worst memory doing cross country to get out of PE. I hated that. I remember the freedom that we had when we were in freshmen year. Our school got too strict these days. No music. no earphones. We have detentions now! Aya! What happened to our school? That is what all the gecko graduates say. Now we have zero fun. no more school spirit. Now this is going into stream of consciousness. I am bored. I have to do my physics homework. I am so bad at math. So do not judge that Asians are good at math. Stop staring at me Alice. Go go go go go go go. I want film studies today. I don't care about volleyball players. Seriously. I don't care.... gosh. I love film. Christopher Nolan is just WOW. Watched Prestige yesterday. It is one of the best movie that I watched this year. He never lets his audience down. He has constant surprises. He is amazing. Yishan's laugh LOL. It is 1:38pm on Tuesday of 2.21.2012. I am bored. This is journalism class. This might be one of the memories that will be stored somewhere in my brain.
Three most romantic expressions
Galbi Love
Everyone loves Korean barbecue. My favorite dish is raw galbi (생갈비). Galbi is korean dish made of marinate beef rib. First of all, I love meat. I love going to Korean restaurant and ordering galbi. However, the cost is expensive! :( On Saipan the cost of galbi is around $18 while in NYC is $29. I love the sound when the beef is grilled. I love the smell of its yummy yummy meat smell. The smell is indescribably yummy that my stomach grumbles for it. Since it is easy to make and eat, people have galbi at bbq parties and picnic. It is so juicy and tender. It represents my love for meat. My devotion for meat is eternal. Its sauce is made out of soy sauce and onions. Also, you can eat galbi with vegetable (lettuce, mushrooms, sushi). It melts your heart when you eat it. I do not know how else I am to talk about galbi. Everyone should try it unless they are vegetarians. It is in the top 50 most delicious food from the CNN food poll. I guarantee you that you will love it. I love meat. I love galbi the most. I love it. I love it. I am loving it. Da la da da da I am loving it.
Tiger Mom?
1. Humility
2. Respect
3. Honesty
4. Open-minded
5. Education
6. Passionate
Those six precepts. I learned that when I was New Zealand. I have a friend name Michael Jenkins (in his 60s). He has PH.D from Oxford University (organist). He is the humblest and kindest man alive. He is the definition of an angel on earth. I will never ever find a man like him. I have been close friends with him for three years and I have seen his life. I have always thought someone who is from those world prestigious university would be wealthy. However, Michael devotes his humble life to people. He plays the organ divinely. Living in a small apartment, Michael helps people in church with their English and their lives. He is so kind that everyone who meets Michael melts. He melts people's heart with kindness and honesty. He looks people in the eye that calms them. With his humbleness, he receives great respect from everyone. I have learned from Michael all those six precepts. His open mindedness makes him to open his heart to everyone. However, one can only be respected when educated. Michael is also a passionate man who loves people, music and God. By looking up at Michael as my role model, I want a passionate life as well. I want to do what I love and not what others want me to be. This is what I want to emphasize to my children. Life is short. Do not regret later. Because of Michael, many people come to church. They want to know about Michael's God. He is my dearest friend. I hope I can visit him this summer. I miss him dearly. I want to teach the character of Michael to my children.
Film Review: Precious
Daniels’ achievement of this powerful film is praised for its cinematography. The scenes are roughly handled as it is hand-held camera with rough editing. The camera zooms roughly especially in close-up shots. These effects of camera and editing perfectly fits the dramatic crisis in the film. Precious imagines fantasy, a world of fame, when she is in trouble. Also Precious isolates her mind by setting herself into the television when her mother is abusing her. The lighting is dark in Precious’s dirty apartment with her abusive mother. In contrast, the lighting changes in Precious’s haven when she goes to “Each One Teach One” and Precious’s fantasy. The soundtracks are rarely heard in the film as it it mostly dialogues. Instead, Precious’s mumbling voice-over narrates the her lonely world. Daniels achieves the characteristics of the African American characters brilliantly. Daniel clearly sets the environment of the poor abusive home with physical, sexual and language abuse. Her mother (Mo’Nique) is the villain of the film that makes the audience to flinch in fear and horror. He clearly shows the physical abuse when Precious’s mother, Mary, throws down the television to hurt Precious and her newborn baby. Mary’s frightening violences make the audience to fully engage in the film as they hold their breath.
The budget for the film is estimated to be $10 million and the gross is $47 million. It is produced by Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry The film has been praised in TIME magazine as “too powerful for tears.” However, it has received some negative response for degrading African Americans. Its kudos for the actresses and its story are endless. “Precious” has received six nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Film Editing, Best Supporting Actress (won by Mo’Nique) and Best Screenwriter (won by Geoffrey Fletcher) at 82nd Academy Awards. Also “Precious” had won and nominated at many film festivals and awards for its outstanding film. “Precious” is a powerful film that leaves the audience with a strong message, “life is precious.” It is a great film for the general audience but is rated R for child abuse (sexual assault and pervasive language).
What I fear most
Also their friends, gecko, creeps me out as well. Geckos...oh... they are the reasons why I do not living in a tropical island. I was grateful living in New Zealand. Because geckos did not exist everywhere. I am scared that they will attack me somehow like one did when I was in second grade. I was nonchalantly sitting in the front sit while my mum was driving. But we had our window open. Then a truck passed by that a gecko flew in somehow and attacked me. literally. They are everywhere. seriously. they have this round marble eyes that stare into my soul. Like it is going to eat me someday. I get scared when they are in my room or in my shower. They are scary creatures. My school's mascot is gecko. Why?? Out of all the other pretty beautiful animals... Why geckos? We could have been...um... starfish at least... I think that is better than a gecko. I especially fear the geckos that are really transparent. It it really disgusting. I can literally see their internal organs. yuck. yuck. yuck. My sister hates them and fears them. But she catches them in a can and kinda torture them. Even though I hate geckos...I would not kill it. I just want it to be out of my site!! They really truly scares me. They are the monsters that I have to fight in order to go to my house or leave the house. I am scared that the geckos will fall on me. I can not even imagine.
I HATE CLOWNS. I FEAR ITIt is like a devil on earth. It is the devil. I hate it. It creeps me out.
Long Distance II by Tony Harris
Though my mother was already two years dead
Dad kept her slippers warming by the gas,
put hot water bottles her side of the bed
and still went to renew her transport pass.
You couldn't just drop in. You had to phone.
He'd put you off an hour to give him time
to clear away her things and look alone
as though his still raw love were such a crime.
He couldn't risk my blight of disbelief
though sure that very soon he'd hear her key
scrape in the rusted lock and end his grief.
He knew she'd just popped out to get the tea.
I believe life ends with death, and that is all.
You haven't both gone shopping; just the same,
in my new black leather phone book there's your name
and the disconnected number I still call.
Greatest Invention
I wonder what life would be like in the days where there are no Facebook, Skype, Twitter, Tumblr, and so much more. The greatest invention of world is internet. We can access the internet with computer, iPod, Blackberry and Galaxy. Internet connects the whole world instantly. We can keep in touch with friends around the world. With internet, international network has opened so greatly that it is making our world more diverse. Tumblr and Twitter gives updates and people can follow certain people to whom they are interested. With internet, our lives have become more diverse and is making greater innovation to it. Internet makes our world much easier. Good thing that internet was opened to the public as it was first made for government use only. We can send messages through email or Skype with the person on the other side of the world. Recently, I was able to use FaceTime to keep in touch with my bf. It is fast and quite clear as if my bf was close to me than being thousands of miles away. Internet connects everyone into a social network. Old friends from high school and middle school have their union and see how their old friends are doing. They are able to keep in touch that could not have been possible. The "Social Network" movie shows how powerful our social network is. It is instant that people can know what had happened. It stores personal information that people can access. However, social network becomes an addiction to some people. There are more positive sides to it than negative sides. The bad side is often that people become anti-social in reality and become social online. People tend to lose their social skills in real life as they are so used to the social network. Also, internet helps us to have greater knowledge of what is going on around the world. We get instant updates of the world through the news. People have greater space to show their freedom of speech. With internet, we can do online shopping that people in the old days could not have even imagined. Our lives are so convenient. Amazon and Ebay has almost everything that we need. Internet help students and teachers with their research and studies. Now, students can do their research online than going to the library and read everything. Also, Youtube broadens our world with videos that educate and entertain people. Internet broadens our world of entertainment as well. People become famous through internet as well. For an example, the most renown teenager, Justin Bieber was scouted because of his videos in Youtube. With this expansion through internet, more talents are seen around the world. People are able to listen to music online and watch movies as well. With internet, people can see what is new around the world and make their own opinions on it. Like what I am doing at the moment, people are able to write blogs to spread their opinions through the internet. Internet is an amazing invention that brings the world together.
Pride and Prejudice
Jane Austen creates an outstanding conflict and misunderstandings between the two lovers. Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy’s characteristics establish the unique plot and tension to the story that establishes the base of their happiness and marriage.
Mr. Darcy, ideal noble and perfect man, who has ‘ten thousand a year,’ loses the favor from the society as he isolates himself from the assembly. His excessive pride, arrogance and superiority helps him to become the perfect protagonist in the story. The indifference of his attitude brings an angry prejudice from Elizabeth as he ignores to praise the beauty in her and looks down on her social status. Although he leaves an ill impression, he develops his love for her by overcoming step by step. His pure and innocent love for her is honestly confessed in his proposal. Austen shows the hardship of pride and true love that Mr. Darcy has been going on with. Even with the rejection, he tries to make Elizabeth happy by helping Lydia and Jane’s marriage.
Elizabeth tries to make up his character by listening to the rumors. However, her prejudice falls for Mr. Darcy’s pride as she learns the truth after his proposal. She finally admits her love for Mr, Darcy. As Elizabeth has always wanted to marry for love, she finally does in the end.
Austen shows the building blocks of marriage as social status, stability and wealth. Austen asserts that, no matter of a person’s birth, love becomes the attracting force between anyone. The two unique characteristics have brought the most difficult characters to fall in love. "Pride and Prejudice" is the foundation of romantic dramas of the world. Austen's Mr. Darcy becomes the ideal man to every woman in this earth. My Mr. Darcy. Somewhat like Romeo. Where art thou, Mr. Darcy?
Also the movie version of "Pride and Prejudice" is my #1 movie. I never get tired of watching it over and over again. The cast is perfect with Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen. It is directed by Joe Wright who is currently making another movie of the book I am reading, "Anna Karenina."
Steam of consciousness: love love love
Love. love love love. Well... first of all i don't know how to define it or describe it. I guess it is something that makes you happy. Like a child eating an ice-cream perhaps? I do not know. my friend told me about her love relationship before. but it seems to be so different compared to mine. it seems she did not like a cheesy boyfriend at all. anyways. living with the matter of fact with love enriches our boring life. I really want to use the backspace button for spelling errors. love is a rose? i say love should be something that must be proud to admit and able to protect it. if not. i might doubt it is not love. When people are in love, they say things that they have never said before. I like to be realistic for one. so i keep it as realistic as possible; not too much of those disney princess dreams. i can see my reflection from my milo's screen; it is one seventeen in the afternoon of January 23rd , Monday. FYI. People tease me sometimes but i guess i am getting use to it. love is something that should make one's heartbeat to beat faster than usual. Without the intensity, i do not know if it is love. It seems boring. Love is timeless for once. as our life is really short. you have no idea how long the relationship is going to work. some people really get tired of their relationship really fast. but if it is love, then i guess it will last more than you think. Alice is wearing baby blue polo and jaehee is wearing baby pink. andy is wearing his usual red shirt and amber wearing our class shirt, unni is sitting next to me and gus is right across from me. anyways back to the stream of consciousness of love, love is something and something. when u re in love you want to do everything together which kinda is a good thing but i also want to spend equal time with my best friends. senior year is going to end pretty soon and i want to enjoy it quite well and have fun. don't be too passive sometimes. it may be quite a no comment. when u are in love, u tend to miss or miss your bf or gf most of the time. unlike my friend who was sick of even seeing her bf in school everyday, i really want to drive. seriously. i need my license. valentine's day is coming up pretty soon. i know what i m getting for my bf. and i think and i will bake something like cookies or brownies. i really want to bake a cake or something but i have a small oven. i want my hollister order to come nowwwwww. seriously. the expected a delivery was on jaunuary 11. i want to watch warhorse. i wanna to watch it with my friend and my bf. but it will not work. that is the bad part in relationship. you have to choose one. anyways, sorry about that i just yawned . seems like i am really talking to myself at the moment. how do people really define love anyways? do they even know what it actually means? yawned again. and again and again and again and again. do do d o do do do do do do do . reminded me of a 2pm song of again and again. anyways. keeping the relationship will be the hardest part and will always be. esp when it is love and not brotherly love or any other kinds of love. i bless you unni, she just sneezed. i kinda want to sleep atm. but i can't. and the worst part of love is telling lies. i repeat that i do not accept lies. it screws up the relationship when one lies as it becomes a habit after once. therefore do not. i want to watch warhorses. i do not know it if the younger kids know about love. i did not date till now but there are many kids who start dating when they are really young. anyways. today is monday. i love 3 day weekend. we should start school after lunch and end at 2.45. i can't even open my eyes in the morning. i love sleeping. that is what i love. love should be exciting. not so informed what you get bored and know what is going to happen. really. i have no idea this is already 2000 weds words. i spy jian typing and her nails are so pick and pink and pretty. loving someone and having a crush on someone have so much difference. boys are not smart and clueless. no profanity. so said not smart. instead. i love my milo because it is so beautiful. love is for dummys because it is something that an regular person cannot understand if he is not in a relationship. if it is indeed true love, then they should be together forever. but nothing lasts forever nothing last forever. my mac has auto grammar or spelling corrections. they should live the util one falls over. a persons commented on love saying it is a hormone effect. man. he should be. he must have a lonely life for one. love is a beautiful thing according to my mother. i will not go against it since it is quite true. yishan is laughing from behind. my eyes are half opened. my hands or fingers are getting tired of this keyboard protector and my brain is not giving me more about love. someday love it is a river that drowns a tender reed. someday love it is a razor that makes the heart bleed. love makes people do thing i do not know what to write it is 1028 words at the moment. need to type as twice as much. love makes people to become soft i guess. it i watch so many movies esp romantic movies. i love my romantic movies as it make people fantasize about their love. but in reality. the fantasy does not work that way so often. notebook, a walk to remember, pride and prejudice, i am reading anna karenina at the moment . quite an interesting novel by tolstory. as it is about lovers cheating on each other. minjoo's face. she made me laugh during my debate. because of love. so happy. i am staring at minjoo and writing this thing down. minjoo's forehead is so shiny. she is has the priceless facial expression . you cannot even describe it. jaehee is saying he is done. i want to finish it too. one minute before class ends. and naked mole rat and biever fever is going into my eyes. this is really really long. i dunno who is going to read this anyways. love is a power thing. minjoo is typing while looking at my face and i am atm. alice bumped into my milo. amber and zoe is fist pounding . i wish i can use the backbuttom. i do not know how to write about it. really. is this what people call falling in olive?love? perhaps. really? olive is spelling replacement for love? i hate olives. it tastes horrible like really bad. even mushroom and sea mussels. when you rare in love or love somebody in secret, do not ever bee a coward. the person will give up on you if oyou are going not going to change. love love love love lovelovel olive lovelovel love i i love you like a solve song baby. and i keep rhittign repeat peat peat peat peat. boy. utu think the class is over but we are not dismissed. what a typical day. i don't know what to write. love is i don't know. literally. that is what i said the thursday of november at the street market. because i do not know. minjoo types her keyboard like she is paying her playing her piano. my lens is dried up. i think we are watching a new movie. WHAT IS LOVE?
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