Ideas to live by

Spitalfields market at night

Last week, I attended a D & AD event hosted by the School of life and one of the speakers, John-Paul Flintoff, mentioned something quite timely and intriguing. He suggested that we should live each day as if it was our last and he used the Buddhist philosophy to illustrate his point: the fact that we never know what will happen next, we should appreciate each moment of our lives. Ironically, his point was made when disaster struck Japan the next day...

What would you do if you find out that today is your last day on earth? Would you still be bothered by the annoying remark made by your colleague the day before ? Would you still fuss over the bad service your received at lunchtime? Sometimes we are so bogged down by the minor discomforts or insignificant events in life that we lose perspectives of the whole picture. Sometimes we need to step back and not take everything so personally and seriously, life is really too short for that!

For the past week, my sleep has been greatly disrupted mainly due to the psychological effect of watching the continuous media coverage on Japan. Hence it's hard to imagine what it must be like for the victims who survived the disasters or just ordinary Japanese citizens who have no idea of their country's future. But I also received good news from my Japanese friend in Toyko... she gave birth to a healthy baby girl one day after the earthquake! She assures me that the Japanese people are stronger and more resilient than ever and they are all helping each other out during the most difficult time even though they know it may takes up to 10 years to rebuild their country. Her reassurance makes me admire them even more, and I am hopeful that they will be able to get through this eventually.

Despite all the unsettling news around the world at the moment, life has to go on... In London, sunny blue sky has been seen on and off for the last 2 weeks, so perhaps spring is really just round the corner? Seeing cherry blossoms around town is uplifting and they add colours to the dull winter cityscape. As usual, I have been busy attending cultural events around town but many of them were less £10, proving that there are still bargains to be found in the midst of cuts and recessions... From now on, I will include the prices I paid for each event just to give people an idea of what I get for my money...


A sunny day in London


Exhibitions

One of the most cost-efficient way to enjoy the cultural side of London is to become members of major institutions or museums. Since I joined the Art Fund a few weeks ago, I have been enjoying exhibitions around town for either 1/2 the listed price of free of charge. I just wished that I had discovered this earlier!!

British Art Now 7: In the days of the comet @ Hayward Gallery (£5 with Art Fund membership)
It got pretty good reviews by critics but I have mixed feelings towards this show. I think some of the work are incomprehensible and a bit pointless (i.e. the naked guy watching the fire on a bench!) but there are some memorable ones like American artist Christian Marclay's The Clock. Personally, I think that Newspeak: British Art Now Part 1 at the Saatchi Gallery was better and now I just need to see Part 2 before it ends next month.

Robert Mapplethorpe: Night work @ Alison Jacques gallery (Free to all)
Mapplethorpe was huge and influential in the 80s and this exhibition curated by the Scissor sisters featured his artwork for the Night Works album. Divided into two locations on Berners Street, the exhibition included photographs, sculptures and installations. Some of the photographs are still shocking after all these years and they remain as powerful statements that reflect the political, cultural and sexual climates of the time.



Robert Mapplethorpe

Gabriel Orozco @ Tate Modern (£5 with Art Fund membership, normally at £11 each!)
Although I enjoyed the exhibition, I honestly think that £11 is too expensive... after paying £15 for the Gauguin exhibition, I was determined not to be ripped off by Tate Modern again!
Otherwise, Orozco's work is playful, insightful and diverse, ranging from photographs, paintings, sculptures to large installations. My favourites include 'La DS', a car sliced lengthways but put back together as a long one-seater without the engine and 'Ventilator', a ceiling fan with rolls of toilet paper attached to it. Unlike many other contemporary artists, Orozo doesn't create art to shock, instead he reinvents everyday and found objects that we can relate to. If you are not familiar with Orozco's work, then this exhibition will be a good starting point.


Talk

D & AD president's lecture: School of life - Ideas to live by @ Logan Hall (£10 for non D & AD member)
This sold-out talk was a taster for the School of life and was divided into 4 segments: 'How to spend your free time' by Cathy Haynes, 'How to be cool' by Nick Southgate, 'How to live with technology' by Tom Chatfield and 'How to change the world' by John-Paul Flintoff. Entertaining, thought-provoking and relevant, the popularity of the School of life may indicate that our hedonistic society or culture is finally coming to an end...

D & AD sharp'ner: What is a great idea? @ Vibe bar (£5 for non D & AD member)
What makes an idea 'great'? It's quite hard to define but the four speakers from the creative industry came together for one evening to try and answer this question.

Buddhist sculpture: Antony Gormley @ British Museum (£5 for non museum member)
Who would be more qualified than Gormley to give a talk on Buddhist sculptures? Probably not that many. However, I don't think he is the most engaging speaker, so there were some flat moments during the hour long talk, having said that, it was still a great opportunity to hear about his journeys around Asia and his views on Buddhist sculptures.


Antony Gormley


Theatre & dance

The red shoes @ Battersea Arts Centre (freebies from Timeout! Otherwise it's £17.50 each)
Every now and again, I would enter certain Timeout competitions to try and win cinema or theatre tickets, and I got lucky this time round! Since this show received many positive reviews, my friend and I were really looking forward to it. We love the venue (an old town hall) and the informal setting of the stage and seating area, though our backs did get tired and achy by the end of the show. It all started off well, quirky, funny and energetic but it kinda lost the plot and went down hill half way through. As the storyline got darker, it got messier and a bit out of control, it was a shame because it could have been better. However, the overall performances were great and it was refreshing to see something unconventional in this wonderful building.



A bold stroke for a husband @ Bridewell Theatre (£6.50 for online booking/ £7 at the door)
I have never been to a lunchtime theatre show before... now I think it's a fantastic idea and would definitely go again in the future! I sometimes find theatre shows overpriced and too long, so it's great to go to a one-hour show with excellent performances and under a tenner! This debut production by Little bear is fun and uplifting, and it makes you want to escape the cold weather in London and fly to Spain right after the show!!

Connect festival: High Res @ Sadler's Wells (£5)
This bargain show provided us a chance to see professional choreographers working with local people including employees from the Islington Council and youths from housing estates. Highlights of the evening: Octomino performed by Rough Youth dance company and Man alone/ A Night up West! by Dancers from Company of Elders (whose average age is 79!). A sharp contrast between the youth and the elderly but both equally inspiring and engaging, Octomino was energetic and powerful whereas the elderly ones were humourous and entertaining.


Tango

Alejandro Ziegler Quartet @ Conway Hall (£5 for the 30 min pre-milonga concert or £15 for the whole evening including milonga with 2 sessions of live music)
This relatively new but talented Argentinian tango ensemble performed only one night at their debut in London and there were less than 30 of us at the pre-milonga concert. Where were all those tango music lovers? If this had taken place in Asia, the tickets would have been sold for a lot more and would probably be packed... it's times like this that makes me appreciate the cultural diversity of cities like London and New York. Yet it is also a shame because with so many cultural events going on in these cities, it's easy to miss them as well!


Alejandro Ziegler Quartet


Films

Mapping Subjectivity: Experimentation in Arab Cinema from the 1960s to Now @ Tate Modern (£5 per ticket)
A special film season that celebrates the talents from the Arab World since the 1960s, the timing is perfect as we observe the unsettling political conflicts and crisis unfolding in many of the Arabic countries at the moment. A good opportunity to see films that don't get general releases in cinemas or on DVDs.

The Tangier 8 (Morocco / France 2009)
In 2009, Tamaas, an international non-profit arts organisation, invited eight poets and filmmakers from France, Lebanon, Mexico, Morocco, and the United States, to Tangier to make short films about the city. Experimental, artistic, haunting, subtle, emotional and dreamy... not every film works but it is the concept and feeling that matter most.

Cracks/ Fissures (Morocco 2010)
I want to like this film but I find it hard to partly because it is too suffocating and distressing for me. There is nothing wrong with the acting nor directing, but pain and neediness of the characters is quite unbearable. Perhaps the director has succeeded in pushing the boundaries but it was too much burden for the audiences to carry. An emotional draining film.

Norwegian wood (2009)
I usually try not to read film reviews before seeing a film but I couldn't help noticing the mixed reviews for this highly anticipated film. Despite being a fan of Murakami for almost 20 years, it has been a long time since I read Norwegian wood, so my memory of the story has faded over the years. I wasn't quite convinced by the choice of director when I first heard of the project. Although I knew it would be a beautiful and sensual film, I was afraid that it would be too artistic and self-indulgent. However, in this case, perhaps self-indulgence is needed to convey the messages of loss, pain, narcissism and self-destructiveness. Ignoring the original novel, I actually think that this film works on its own and was quite pleasantly surprised by it. Not only it is beautiful and raw, but it also captures the loss of innocence and the pain of growing up and bereavement. Perhaps my opinion will change when I re-read the novel but I think the director's brave attempt has paid off even though many others might disagree with me.


T.V.

Broadwalk Empire (Sky Atlantic) - How overrated is this show? I just can't get into it! Yes, it is nicely executed and well performed but it's hard to feel for any of the characters. The pace and storyline are not the issues here, it's just boring! Disappointing.

The Big C (More 4/ Channel 4) - Surprisingly, this comedy drama about a middle-aged housewife diagnosed with cancer turns out to be better than I expected and this is all due to Laura Linney. She brings joy and energy to the show and now I am hooked!

Wonders of the Universe (BBC2)
Is Brian Cox the new Judd Law? This ex pop-star scientist is using his charm and 'soft' power to change the way we view science and it works! He is making science more accessible to all and apparently, more students are enrolled to study physics at schools! I can't say I am his fan but I think the subject/ programme is very interesting and I am sure it would have been a completely different story if it was narrated by an elderly professor!

Agony & ecstasy: A year with ENB (BBC4)
In the last two years, BBC4 has become one of my favourite T.V. channels. This behind-the-scenes documentary series bring viewers to the English National Ballet where we see the real lives of ballerinas. Forget 'Black Swan', this is the real deal!


Cafes

Fernandez & Wells @ St Anne's Court, Soho
It's easy to miss this small cafe in the Soho alleyway. There are only a few tables but it doesn't feel too packed unlike the always busy Princi nearby. Most of the clients here are in media and film production and so I keep overhearing topics on the showbiz. The coffee here is good but the pastel de nata/ Portuguese custard tart is even better! The texture of the custard is smooth and not too sweet and the pastry is crispy and flaky, probably one of best I have tasted in London!


Coffee and pastel de nata

London review bookshop cafe, Holborn
I wanted to try this place out 2 weeks ago but it was completely packed, so I came back again only to find the place packed again! With the slightly warmer weather, I decided to sit outside in the courtyard with my coffee and cake. I was told that they use organic expresso blend from Monmouth coffee, no wonder this place is packed all the time... it's the Monmouth effect!!


Coffee & cake


Restaurants

Donna Margherita, Lavender Hill
Only because the cafe at the Battersea Arts Centre hadn't opened that we decided to try this rustic-looking Italian restaurant opposite and I was glad that we did. The pizza here was thin and tasty, accompanied by friendly and efficient service, this is a real local gem!

Poppies fish and chips, Spitalfields
London used to have at least one fish and chips shop in every local area, but then most of them closed down in the early 90s... and now we are seeing a mini revival. Unlike other new fish and chips restaurants, this one is owned by a retired fryer who has been in the business since 1953. The 1950s decor and staff outfits seems fun but I didn't see a smile from anyone until they said goodbye to me! In terms of food, the fish was fresh but it was slightly under-seasoned and the batter was not crispy enough. The wine was reasonably-priced and merely drinkable. The prices are not cheap here and with so many competitions in the area, I think it needs to try harder esp. before the novelty factor wears off.



Poppies

Yo! sushi
I usually try to avoid chained restaurants and cafes but sometimes I would pop in if I was in a rush. It has been years since I dined at Yo! sushi but I was hungry and craving for sushi, with not many options in the area, I decided to give this place another try. About 30 minutes later, I left the place feeling that I have been ripped off... £20 for 5 plates of mediocre food was simply outrageous! No wonder tourists constantly complain about the food in London, now I am starting to know why...

HK Asian & German film festivals

It was a bit of a shame that I couldn't attend the London film festival because it is often at film festivals that I get to see 'odd' films that don't get general releases in cinemas. In Hong Kong, the closures of many art house cinemas has caused many art house film lovers to turn to buying dvd/ vcd and watching them at home or going to film festivals to catch up on the latest non-mainstream films.

At the HK Asian film festival this year, I picked this year's Cannes film festival Palme d'Or prize winner, Uncle Boonmee who can recall and his past lives and 2 documentaries, Home for our next generation and Children of the Pyre. At the recent German film festival, I picked Soul Kitchen, When we leave, and The free will. I have become quite a fan of German cinema in the recent years, but felt a bit disappointed with the ones I saw at the festival. But I am looking forward to the upcoming French film festival starting at the end of the month...

Uncle Boonmee who can recall and his past lives (2010, Thailand)
This low-budget Thai film caused a stir when it won the Palme d'Or at Cannes this year. It's hard to classify the genre of the film from it title, but even after watching it, I still struggle to classify it!! I disagree with those who claim that knowledge of Buddhism is required to understand the film because even with some knowledge, I still don't 'get it' completely. The pace and cinematography of the film reminds me of Taiwanese directors such as Hsiao-hsien Hou/ Ming-liang Tsai, yet the storyline is more surreal than David Lynch's films! Overall, the film is poetic, dreamy and meditative but it definitely requires more than one viewing. I was particularly irritated by a bored woman (who obviously was accompanying her boyfriend) next to me because she didn't stop figiting throughout the film. A real spoiler!

Home for our next generation (2010, Taiwan)
This charming documentary is composed of three shorts exploring the relationship between people and the environment. The first short, 'Trashy Treasure' follows 2 film art directors who find pleasure through wandering the streets of Taipei and seeking 'unusual' trash to bring home. It is charming and unpretenious, 'one's trash is another's treasure' is so true in this case! The second short (also my favourite) is 'Paper house', which follows a project led by the famous Japanese architect, Shigeru Ban in Chengdu, China. As an effort to help the elementary school affected by the Sichuan earthquake, Ban proposes to rebuild three buildings made of paper tubes. Ban also hopes that the joint effort by his Japanese architectural students and the Chinese volunteers will change the future relationship between the two countries. Honest and moving. The last one is 'Almost in life' which follows a documentary-maker's personal and spiritual development. By leaving the city behind and embracing nature, she is able to find a more satisfying way of living. Her story is similar to many of my friends and I are going through at the moment. As we know, over-consumption can only bring us more misery and cause more damage to the planet, so in order to have a meaningful life, we need to re-evaluate our lifestyles and beliefs. The three shorts are refeshing, eco-conscious and thought-provoking, a real gem at the film festival!

Children of the Pyre (2008, India)
I didn't know what to expect before entering the cinema but was quite moved by this doc. It follows seven children (named as the 'untouchables') who spend their time by the pyre, stealing used coffin shrouds and selling them cheaply to support their families. Some of the cremation scenes may cause discomfort but it is relatively mild when we realise that these children have to spend their daily lives surrounded by corpses, smoke and ashes. I was particularly impressed by the maturity and intelligence of these children during the interviews at the end of the doc. However, it reveals the problem of poverty, inequality, child labour and human rights in India, one of fastest developing countries in the world. While people in the West focus their attention on the economic growth in big cities like Mumbai, perhaps they should acknowledge and tackle issues going on in the poorer provinces.

Soul Kitchen (2008)
This is a German 'feel-good' film about a German/Greek restauranteur and his struggles with his restaurant business, relationship and family. Even though it is a comedy, it is done in a very European style rather than the American in-your-face style. I think this film is quite well executed but since I am not a fan of 'feel-good' films, I can't say that it's my cup of tea. However, it is quite light-hearted and charming, and it's good to know that the Germans (despite their reputations) are capable of making comedies!

The free will (2005)
This is a very brave, psychologically dark and intense film. It deals with a very sensitive subject... rape and the result is quite mind-blowing. This is not a film for everyone as it is rather depressing and heavy but it is an intelligent film that examines the fragility of human beings and one's internal struggle between will, control and morality. The two leads are shockingly convincing esp. Jürgen Vogel whose subtle but courageous performance is one of the most memorable that I have seen in recent years. There are quite a few disturbing rape scenes but I think they are necessary to show the 'brutal' side of Theo. One can't help but be moved by the suffering carried by Nettie, Theo and his victims. And despite Theo and Nettie's effort to be normal, they are tragic figures who are psychologically damaged and powerless. When compared to 'The Woodsman' (with similar subject matter), this film is far more realistic, rawer and braver.

When we leave (2010)
It's hard to believe that in this day and age, honour killing is still happening in different parts of the world including the UK. I don't doubt the realistic nature of the subject matter (esp. knowing that it is loosely based on a true story), but I think this film is flawed and I find it hard to feel sympathetic towards the lead character, Umay. I think her character is self-centred and irresponsible, I am not sure if this has to do with the fact that the director is Austrian rather than Turkish /Arabic/Indian?! To me, the only victim in the film is her son, who is forced to move from one place to another because of his mother's selfishness. She neglects her son's emotional and physical well-being because she is too self-absorbed and involved with her own suffering. Her irrational behaviour at her sister's wedding demonstrates this perfectly. Perhaps the director wants to show Umay's vulnerability and desperation but I am not so convinced. My problem with this film is that the director is unable to stay objective, apart from the lead, the rest of the casts are too two-dimensional... is this the director's way of trying to win the audiences' sympathy? I totally condemn the inhumane act of honour killing but I have problem with this film's over-sympathetic style and I find many areas unconvincing. Despite all the raving reviews, I am disappointed with the film even though it is not a bad effort by a first-time director. However, when dealing with sensitive subject matter, the more effective approach is to remain objective and allow the audiences to judge for themselves without being overly biased, films like 'The free will'(see above), 'The White ribbon' and 'Lourdes' are good examples.

Films 2010 (Part 2)

Inception(2010)
I had high anticipation for this film and I tried not to read the reviews beforehand but it was not easy. Honestly, unlike the critics, I was quite disappointed with Christopher Nolan's new film. I think Nolan is a talented director because it must be hard to maintain creative freedom in Hollywood where studios have tight control over every aspect of the production. Over the years, Nolan has proved that big Hollywood blockbusters don't have to follow the same formula and that audiences are more open-minded than the studios think. However, this film is too long, over-complicated (unlike others, the ending didn't bother me much because I had already lost interest by then!) and self-indulgent. Was it really necessary to film in all those locations esp. the snowy one? By that point, it wasn't just the plot that was confusing but I couldn't even figure out who was who because they were all wearing the same gear and goggles! I admire Nolan's vision, creativity and bravery but I think this film is over-rated despite the excellent cast, cinematography and special effects. As a Hollywood blockbuster, this film is a cut above the rest, but it is merely a well-crafted piece of entertainment and nothing more. And regarding the film's ending? Honestly, I don't give a damn.

Un prophete (2009)
Finally I managed to see this award-winning film and it is a powerful film that deserved the raving reviews. Although the storyline is not very original, and the lead is not the typical ‘nice’ guy, in fact, he is a criminal who kills and gets involved in all kinds of crime. However, the film succeeds in making the audiences empathise with this character and we see his action as merely self-defence or a way of survival in a harsh and cruel environment. The acting is convincing and like La Haine and irreversible, this is a departure from the French cinema that we are used to.

The secrets in their eyes (2009)
I was sceptical about this Argentinean film before seeing it because I simply don’t trust the Oscars. After beating ‘Un prophere’ and ‘The white ribbon’, like everyone else, I was curious but quite cynical. I still think that ‘The White ribbon’ should have won, because it is original, powerful but perhaps too subtle for the American judges?! Having said that, this film is dark, artistic, elegant, and emotionally engaging, so it’s unfair to compare it with the other two films because they are very different.
In this film, the story concentrates on a crime/ murder that took place 25 years ago, then as the film unfolds, we learn that there’s also a love affair that never managed to blossom. The film is about love, friendship, injustice, suppressed emotions and regrets. I find the relationship between the 2 leads quite touching, perhaps it’s due to the subtle but excellent performances. However, the overall tone of the film is quite intense, grim and slightly predictable.

Vincere(2009)
I find it hard to pinpoint my feelings towards this Italian film. I think the concept is interesting but in terms of execution, the film is full of flaws. Giovanna Mezzogiorno is excellent as Ida Dalser, but I have reservations about Filippo Timi's Benito Mussolini. He lacks charisma, and even though I know he is playing a larger than life character, I still find his acting over dramtic and lacks depth. I think the film is too long and the style of direction inconsistent, though not a masterpiece, it is still worth seeing due to the unusual concept and high standard of production.

Il gattopardo/ The Leopard (1963, newly restored)
Being named as the most beautiful film ever made, this Luchino Visconti film does not disappoint even after 47 years! I saw this newly restored version at the Los Angeles film festival inside the beautiful Art deco Orpheum Theatre. A perfect setting for this vuluptuous film! And to my surprise, the place was completely packed despite being 3 hours long! The settings, costumes, art direction and cinematography are all superb and the detail is hard to fault esp. the famous ballroom scene. Burt Lancaster excelled as Prince Salina but it is equally fascinating to watch the young, handsome and energetic Alain Delon as his nephew, Tancredi. (I also overheard some guys describing Claudia Cardinale as a 'babe' after the screening!)
Surprisingly, there was laughter throughout the screening... mostly due to the seemingly humourous comments made by Prince Salina and Angelica Sedara.
This is no doubt a classic within the classics, (it has inspired countless of films like The Godfather and many Scorsese films) and it should be best appreciated in a cinema/ theatre setting so that you won't miss out on all the little detail in the background.

Les Herbes Folles/ Wild Grass (2009)
One of the weirdest films I have seen so far of this year! I saw L'année dernière à Marienbad for the first time last year, it took me quite a while to get into that dreamy state, but I also know that it is a film that requires second or even multiple viewings. Although I struggled a bit watching it, I cannot doubt its artistic value and originality. Hence watching the latest film by the 87 year old director, Alain Resnais, I couldn't help but feel slightly disappointed and utterly confused! Perhaps the director is playing a joke on us because the film's plot is almost incomprehensable and as viewers, it's hard to differentiate what is reality and what is fantasy (in a way, it is similar to L'année dernière à Marienbad). The tone of the film is colourful and playful, which I think is the director's attempt to reinvent himself and challenge the viewers' preconceptions esp. those familiar with his older work. It probably requires a second viewing but I honestly don't think I can handle the frustration again. I think Resnais has once again proved that he is still a master of emotional manipulation (I don't mean it in a negative way) and it will be hard to find his replacement when he is no longer with us.

The Ghost/ Ghost writer (2010)
I have always enjoyed Roman Polanski's films, but I think his best films were made about 40 or 50 odd years ago! I watched 'Repulsion' on tv recently and I still find it very cool, creepy and disturbing! Polanski is a master of 'psychological drama/ thriller', but somehow, he has lost his ‘edge’ in the recent years. Despite the critics claiming this to be his best in years, I find it quite disappointing. Yes, the mood of the film is still dark but somehow it feels more mainstream (perhaps because of the all-star cast) and I just don’t think the storyline is that interesting. Will Polanski ever be able to make films like ‘The tenant’, ‘Rosemary’s baby’ and ‘Chinatown’ again? I have my doubts...

True stories (1986)
I saw this at the Barbican's Architecture on film event, but I never expected it to be so bizarre, quirky and funny. This is probably not one of those films that critics like because it is a bit clumsy in terms of direction and quite silly and pointless at times but it reminds me of John Waters' and Jim Jarmusch's films esp. during the same period. It is one of those films that you should watch with your heart and not your head. The most surprising thing about this film is that it is still refreshing to watch after almost 15 years, it is not merely a film but an 'observation essay' on the American culture. Being a David Byrne film, it's hardly surprising that music plays an important part, but Ed Lachman's cinematography is equally compelling. Its style and use of vivid colours are similar to photographs of Martin Parr and John Hinde. I think Byrne's nerdy and weird narrating character works well with other larger-than-life characters in the films. I also love the fact the most characters have no names, they are simply called 'the lying woman' and 'the cute woman' etc, it's so cool! The films touches on consumerism, fashion, architecture, religion, love and dysfunctional families... what more can you ask for in 90 mins?! Despite its obvious flaws, it is still one of its kind. Original and entertaining.

Eccentricities of a blonde-headed girl (2009)
I had no expectations before seeing this, a film directed by the 101-year old Portuguese director, Manoel de Oliveira; yet I was really quite pleasantly surprised by it! Based on a 18th century novel, this film is set in contemporary Lisbon, but the mood, setting and manner feel very ‘old-fashioned’ in a quirky kind of way. I love the cinematography, the nostalgic factor and the ‘odd’ approach. Yes, it’s a love story but it’s also about the reality of ‘love’, i.e. like Macário, we tend to project our ideals onto our those we ‘love’ and inevitably fall out of love when our ideals don’t match the reality. It’s hard to believe that this fun, bizarre and refreshing film was directed by the oldest working director in the industry today! Bravo!

Enter the void (2010)
I attended the screening of the original 160 minute version with Q & A session, although Gaspar Noé attended the event, the Q & A did not take place for some odd reason. A group of us went and apart from 2 who enjoyed it, most of us are not convinced.
In terms of visual or cinematopgraphy, it is very stimulating and original esp. with the typographic opening scene and the use of camera esp. shooting from above. However, the shaky handheld camera style at the beginning made me feel nausea, and I know I wasn't the only one experiencing this at the cinema! Although it eventually stopped, the continuous use of camera from various angles esp. from above becomes repetitive and tedious at the end.
The film is more like an experiment for the director, who uses visual (mostly provocative, sexual, bold and graphic images) and sound to stimulate and challenge the audiences' limits. While some may enjoy the trippy and dreamy experience, I think the film starts to go downhill after the initial 30 mins. And here are the problems:
1. Too long! I realised that there is probably a good reason why the film was cut down to 142 minutes! Honestly, it should have been cut down to 90 mins!
2. Shallow and poor storyline! If a film relies solely on the experience of the senses without a strong storyline or good actors to support, it is a film without substance. The cherry-picking style and implication of Freudism and Buddhism used in the film is quite laughable and totally predictable.
3. Bad acting. Paz de la Huerta 's bimbo (supposedly naive and vulnerable?) character is very annoying and it's hard to believe that she has been acting since a kid. She just can't act!!!
4. The constant use of provocative images i.e. the unnecessary abortion and car crash scenes, and (the almost amusing) virgina scene, is so embarrassingly tasteless that you kinda feel bad for the director! An effort to repackage porn as art has been done before, it's nothing new... but the director's exploitative and manipulative style has put me off his future films.
As a MTV, this is a stunning piece of work, but as a feature film, it is over-hyped, cliched, shallow and narcissistic. It should have been made before the recession and not after... rather pointless.

L’illusioniste (2010)
One of the most complex yet wonderful film released this year! This animation based on a script by Jacques Tati and is beautifully made, although there are some minor flaws, it's hard to not appreciate its sincerity and artistic merits. Instead of Prague, Edinburgh is chosen as the location, it's depicted as wet and gloomy but the details are shockingly realistic. There is hardly any dialogue (mostly in Gaelic anyway) but words are not necessary in this case. There are many humourous moments during the 30 mins of the film, but then the tone changes and it becomes rather heavy as it progresses. The film subtly illustrates the changes in social values and the demise of performance artists such as illusionists and mime puppet artists. However, the film's main focus is on the ambiguous relationship between the girl and the illusionist. Although it'supposed to represent Tati's real-life relationship with his daughter, it's hard to understand the motives behind the illusionist's generousity and tolerance towards the girl. It's also hard to be sympathetic towards the girl because of her emotional and materialistic neediness. Their relationship seems to reflect the reality of many dysfunctional/ narcisstistic relationships. A narcissistic taker who manipulates to get what she wants regardless of the other person's needs and a giver who avoids his own needs by constantly trying to please the taker until he is completly drained and the taker finds a new target. Although Tati learnt his lesson in the end, however, as a piece of animation, it is surprisingly dark and psychologically complex.
Despite all the doom and gloom, I still think it is an outstanding achievement by director, Sylvain Chomet, who has created an animation for adults over 30. You will appreciate it if you have experienced regrets, love, kindness and loneliness, it's sad but extremely realistic.


Documentaries:

The cove (2009)
It's almost impossible to watch this without getting angry and emotional. The cruelty of the Japanese fishermen towards the dolphins shown in this documentary is hard to justify. Some call this act as 'Japanese nationalism', because the Japanese don't like the West interfering with their internal affairs and so they choose to ignore the continuous outcry from West. If that is the case, then it is a very sad one because as we all know dolphins are very intelligent and get along esp. well with humans. Once again, the documentary reveals that humanity's worst enemy is us, human beings. If we carry on destroying our planet and upsetting the ecosystem, we are paving the path for self-destruction. What is the world going to be like in 10/20/50 years' time? I can't even imagine...

Just trial and error (2009)
Despite our advances in science and technology, we humans still don't know much about consciousness. This documentary invites Antony Gormley, two neuroscientists and an internet entrepreneur to explore the complex and mysterious world of consciousness. I attended a screening at the Barbican which included a Q & A session with director, Alex Gabbay, Twain Luu and Brian Butterworth. The subject is extremely fascinating and the film reveals many interesting facts about the consciousness of humans and even bees. However, due to the complexity of the topic, the documentary suffers from information overload... an hour is really not enough for audiences to fully digest the information presented. And this carried on during the Q & A, where speakers talked endlessly about their latest discovery but not fully engaging with the audiences. I feel that it is a missed opportunity to generate more public interests on the most perplexing and yet intriguing aspects of human beings.

Louise Bourgeois: The Spider, the Mistress and the Tangerine (2008)
Most people are familiar with Bourgeois' work esp. her giant spider (I have already seen it in London, Tokyo, Upstate New York and Seoul), but not many of us know what she is really like. This documentary reveals the 'real' Bourgeois: direct, eccentric, difficult and extremely sharp. We also learn about her past, inspirations and how she works. Just like her work, her personlity is a larger than life and it's utterly fascinating to watch her on screen. This documentary is a must for her fans and all art lovers!

Films 2010 (part1)

Since the beginning of the year, I have seen some excellent old and new releases in various cinemas and venues. Here are the memorable ones:

I am love (2009)
The storyline is nothing new but I came out of the cinema in a daze! I can't remember the last time I felt this way after viewing a film... this film managed to evoke something inside... sensuality? desire? Memories? Perhaps a mixture of everything. This is not a macho film, it's feminine, soft, beautiful, stylish and sensual, it's about feeling rather than thinking. Food plays an important part in this, while some may find it shallow, I experienced it as a journey of the senses. Do not try to analyse or rationalise it too much, just feel, I believe this IS the goal of the film.

Lourdes (2009)
I have to admit that I was not expecting much from this before entering the cinema but was so glad that I saw it. This is an excellent film directed by Jessica Hausner, a former assistant to Michael Haneke. Not only does it deal with an unusual topic ( faith, religion and miracle), it manages to stay objective and allows the viewerstointerpret the subject matter and ending according to their own wishes or opinions. Every frame is well-constructed with great use of colours, as well as top-notch permanances by Sylvie Testud and Elina Löwensohn. Thought-provoking, sensitive and unique, a very accomplished film.

Water (2005), free screening at Hampstead town hall
This is not a new release but I have never heard of this film before the screening. It was also my first visit to the Hampstead film society and was glad that I went. Directed by Indian/Canadian director, Deepa Mehta, this third part of a trilogy is set in India during the 1930s about the tragic lives of Indian/ Hindi widows. Due to the subject matter, the film had caused a lot of controversies and was banned in India until 2007. Despite the rather formulaic storyline, it is beautifully shot and deeply moving. The beautiful Lisa Ray is convincing as the vulnerable and tragic figure. The message here is strong, it challenges the old traditions and explores many social issues including discriminations and sexual abuse. A courageous and powerful film.

Play time (1967), free screening at Camden Arts Centre
I have actually never watched any Jacques Tati films before this screening. The free screening took place at the cafe inside the Camden Arts Centre, so we were all able to enjoy our coffees/ snacks at the same time. Great idea!
The film, I thought is funny, colourful, unusual, detailed and surreal. It must have been quite ground-breaking at the time because the storyline is thin with little dialogue yet it is visually rich and precise. It reminds me of the children books I had when I was a kid with 101 things going on and your eyes just can't rest for a minute. This is a film that needs more one viewing because there is so much going on and it's impossible to absorb everything in one go. This is probably not everyone's cup of tea esp. if you are used to the conventional narrative style of film-making, this may seem a bit pointless and odd. However, it film should be treated as an art piece, it is for observation and appreciation... not only it is skillful, it also reflects the society back then... the Bourgeois lifestyle and behaviour is depicted in a comical way, so subtle and clever!

Nightwatching (2007), + Q & A session with Peter Greenaway at ICA
This not-so-new Greenaway is only released here 2 years after it was made, how odd is that?! Well, Greenaway did explain the reason but I still find it hard to understand the distributors here. I guess 'profits' always comes before everything else, unlike the Europeans. I have not seen a Greenaway film for years, I think the last one I saw was 'The pillow book' back in 1996! When I was still an art student, Greenaway's films (together with Derek Jarman, David Lynch, Wim Wenders, Jim Jarmusch and John Waters) were on all our essential viewing list. Greenaway is an ART film-maker, so this film about Rembranbt is perfect for him. The scenes are staged to look like his paintings in terms of the colours, tones and mood. Most the signature Greenaway style is there: the theatre-like settings with some explicit scenes... Although it is closer to his older work, it is too long with too much dialogue (and a lot of foul words). The Q & A session afterwards was very entertaining simply because he is so eccentric and funny. He also showed us the new interactive project that he is working on, it seems like he is moving away from the conventional way of film-making, so it will be interesting to see his future projects.

L'Avventura (1960), BFI
I have seen a few of Antonioni's films including Blow-up and his later ones, though I have never seen this before. This is considered a ground-breaking film at the time and I can see why. It is beautifully shot, slow-paced and emotionally distant yet it is mesmerizing and memorable. Most of the characters are flawed, living empty and shallow lives, with an exception of (the beautiful) Claudia who seems more genuine than the others (probably because she is not from the same Bourgeois background). In many ways, this reminds me of Bergman's films... the use of beautiful nature settings, isolation and loneliness and most of all, the complexity of human psychology and dysfunctional relationships.

Je veux voir (2008), Palestian film festival at the Barbican Centre
I didn't read much about this and so I didn't know what to expect from it before the viewing. The film probably attracts because of Catherine Deneuve and she is on screen throughout the entire film. It is a documentary-like film with Deneuve (playing herself) visiting the war-torn parts of Lebanon. While she is being driven around by a local, nothing much really happens, but the dialogue and scenery is enough for us to meditate on. I thought the ending is a bit awkward but overall, it is a very subtle and thought-provoking film.

My heart beats only for her (2008), Palestian film festival at the Barbican Centre + Q & A session with director
I found it hard to fully appreciate this film/ documentary, perhaps because I am not so familiar with the subject matter, so the Q & A session was useful and informative. Set in Hanoi, Dubai and Beirut, the film interviews a few people and explores their political, revolution and economic views. The film is not told in a direct format, it is almost like a montage and sometimes a bit hard to follow. I struggled to relate or feel much towards this documentary but it probably means more to those affected by the issues.

Films & documentaries 2009

I love films and documentaries but I am not a fan of Hollywood blockbusters, the films I watch are usually not very mainstream. I find many of the Hollywood films shallow, unrealistic and predictable. Luckily, more independent and foreign films are being acknowledged and appreciated worldwide in recent years, which I think is a healthier sign for the film industry.

Since I am not a professtional film critic, I did not manage to see all the critically acclaimed films in 2009 like Coen brother's A serious man, Von Trier’s Antichrist (which doesn't appeal to me very much), Fish Tank, The prophet, Still walking and The class etc. But hopefully I will get a chance to watch them when they are out on DVD... Here are the ones I did manage to see either in cinemas, on TV/DVD and inflight entertainment...

My favourite 2009 film:

Up
I didn't know what to expect from this animation, but given Pixar's track record, I knew it would be pretty good. Actually it turned out to be my favourite film of the year! It is delightful, emotional and inspirational, it really should have won the Best Film category at the Oscars!

The good:

Let the right one in (2008) - I got free tickets to see this rather odd Swedish Vampire film and was pleasantly surprised by it. It is quirky, original, atmospheric and well acted. This is so much better than Twilight, I just hope that Hollywood will not do a remake on this!

The white ribbon - An ambitious film by Michael Haneke, and quite different from his previous work like Cache, La Pianiste and Funny games. This film is subtle, thought-provoking and it reminds me of 'To kill a mockingbird' or films made decades ago about moral issues and social injustices. It's rare to see a film like this nowadays, the acting, directing and cinematography are all superb. A truly remarkable achievement.

Departures (2008) - This Oscar-winning Japanese film deals with a subject that is still quite a taboo - death, even though it is something that happens around us everyday. The Japanese's professionalism and perfectionism are clearly demonstrated in this film, and even though the subject matter is serious, the direcor managed to add humour into it without making it look silly or disrespectful. Masahiro Motoki is very good in this but I feel that Ryoko Hirosue is a miscast, her acting is quite weak compare to the rest of the cast. However, this is only a minor issue and doesn't affect the overall quality of the film.

500 days of summer - Everyone was raving about this film over the summer period, but I didn't manage to see it until autumn. I wasn't expecting much but to my surprise, I really enjoyed it. It is light, refreshing and very 'now'... the story is simple but told in a rather 'non-Hollywood' style. The plot and acting are convincing, and it shows what modern relationships are really like, which sadly most of us have probably been through at some point in our lives. Hollywood should realise that their audiences no longer want to see 'fairy tale' style romantic comedies, it is films like this that really connects with the audiences.

Is anybody there? (2008) - I actually watched this on a long-haul flight and was rather touched by it! Very well acted by the entire cast and a faultless performance by Michael Caine. A British film that deals with aging, death and dysfunctional family may sound a bit grim, it is actually well-handled without being too sentimental nor depressing. It is probably not a film that will change your life, but it is a quality film about life and death.

Broken embraces - Pedro Almodóvar is one of those directors who keeps evolving and maturing over time. Many of the Almodóvar elements are still here, i.e. the bright colours, glamour, passion and dark secrets... Penelope Cruz really shines in this, partly because she is much more natural acting in Spanish. Almodóvar's style is one of a kind and he is a very good story-teller, although this is not his most creative, it is his most mature film to date.

24 City (2008) - A documentary-style film directed by the 6th generation of Chinese director, Zhang Ke Jia. This film gives us a glimpse of how China has changed over the past few decades through a group of factory (420) workers. It is well-paced, calm and insightful, personally, I think it is better than his critically acclaimed 'Still living'. Zhang is one of the most interesting young Chinese directors at the moment, I just hope that fame will not turn him into another Zhang Yimou!

Slumdog millionaire (2008) - Need I say more about this? I have always liked Danny Boyle's work, but unlike most people, this is not my favourite, I still think Trainspotting and Shallow grave were his best work. Cinematography is his strength, as we can see in this colourful and vibrant film set in India. At the end of day, this is a fairy tale with an unlikely hero... it is more mainstream than his previous work but the acting, directing, editing and cinematography are all excellent. I am not sure about all the Oscars but if you compare this to Titanic, then it definitely deserved the recognition it received.

Cloud 9 (2008) - This film really surprised me! Not only the plot is unusual, the acting is just superb. It feels raw and real. Probably like many in the cinema, the sex scenes did make me cringe at first, but I got over it pretty quickly. The point is not about the sex, it is about aging, emotions, dreams, family, romance and our society today... Is it ever too late to fall in love? Is responsibility more important than our feelings? What are the consequences when we put our self-interest before everything else? A thought-provoking and genuine film.

Grey gardens (TV film)
Despite being a T.V. film, this is a high quality one rather than a cheesy Danielle Steel one. I watched the original documentary about 3 years ago and found it rather depressing. This film provides viewers with a bit more background information on the relationship between Little Edie and Big Edie and it answers a lot of the questions raised from the original documentary. The performances are almost faultless, both Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange are convincing as the eccentric and tragic characters. It definitely makes me want to re-watch the documentary again...

The moon inside you (Documentary)
A very interesting documentary that deals with a still taboo subject, menstration. I attended the screening with a director's Q & A session, and it surprised me so much by the difficulties she faced when trying to get the documentary shown or distributed. The film shows how ignorant and insane some people are... including a famous doctor in South America... shocking and fascinating.

Kim Jong Il's Comedy Club (Documentary)
Unlike Kimjongilia (see below), this Danish documentary adopted a lighter and more unusual approach to reveal the society under the rule of Kim Jong Il. The film follows a Danish film-maker and two South Koreans/ Danish comedians who were granted permission to perform at the National theatre. It is refreshing and informative in a rather amusing manner and it depicts the way things work in their society esp. when it comes to dealing with disabled people. An insightful but humourous documentary that is deeper than it sounds.

Not bad:

Avatar - Need I say more? Technically and visually spectacular, the storyline is very 'now' and carries important messages. However, I am disappointed by some of the cliches in the film, although I haven't seen the Hurt Locker, I am just glad that this didn't sweep all the major awards at the Oscars.

Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008) - Not Woody Allen's best, but it is much better than his other recent films. I find Scarlett Johansson over-rated and annoying, Penelope Cruz is good but not sure about the Oscar. I rather like Rebecca Hall's subtle performance. Not exactly a deep film, but at least it is light and entertaining.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008) - I think Cate Blanchett is one of the most versatile and balanced actresses in Hollywood today. She shines in almost all her roles and this is no exception. Honestly, I don't think Brad Pitt can act, but he is not bad in this one. This is a romance/ fantasy, though not very deep; it is much more engaging than 'The time traveler's wife'.

Accident - I watched this on the plane without much expectation because I was kinda bored of the H.K. crime thrillers! But then I became quite intrigued by the rather unusual plot after the first 10 mins. The storyline is flawed but the overall standard of production is high esp. with the score and cinematography. The acting is subtle but quite powerful, since it's produced by Johnnie To, the film does resembles some of To's films like 'The Mission' and 'Exiled'. Despite the disappointing ending, it is a stylish and dark H.K. crime thriller.

An education - It's hard to dislike this film, it's about dreams, rebellion, love and life. The storyline is quite predictable but Carey Mulligan delivered a strong and convincing performance, probably not Oscar-winning but excellent given her age and experiences. Finally, we are not stuck with just Keira and Sienna...

35 shots of rum (2008)
A homage to Ozu, Claire Denis' slow, meditative and sensitive approach may not everyone's cup of tea. The film focuses on an intimate (almost too intimate) relationship between a father and his daughter, there's little dialogue and nothing much happens. Nonetheless, it is a well-crafted and detailed film, but you need to be in the right mood to watch this, otherwise, it might just send you to sleep.

Soloist:
Despite the mixed reviews from critcs, I rather enjoyed this. I don't think it is a mainstream Hollywood film, which probably explains why it didn't do THAT well at the box office, even with stars like Robert Downey Jr and Jamie Foxx in it. The two actors gave solid and convincing performances throughout and the film shows a very different side of L.A., it's far from the glitzy and glamour of Hollywood but probably a more realistic one. I think this film should have received more recognition than it did.

Picture me: A model's diary (Documentary)
A documentary on the seedy side of the fashion industry made by model, Sara Ziff and her then boyfriend. This should be shown to all the young girls who aspire to become the new Kate Moss. Since I have attended and worked backstage at fashion shows, I am not surprised by the stories and am glad that I got out of the industry before it drove me insane. I don't think the industry will change just because of this but it's essential for the public to know the reality behind the glamour and glitz.

The September issue (Documentary)
Is this Anna Wintour's response/ defence to 'The devil wears Prada'? How much of the 'real' Anna do we see in this? I think 'real' moments were when she talked about her siblings and when she interacted with her daughter. But the person who really shines in this documentary is Grace Coddington... she seems like a genuine person who is passionate about her work rather than for the fame/ego and money and that is very rare in the articial world of fashion.

Objectified (Documentary)
An insightful documentary on product designs today. It is not exactly cutting-edge, but it is about our society today and the products we use everyday. The part where Jonathan Ive explains his 'Apple' design process is particular interesting.

Mixed:

Inglourious Basterds - Tarantino has proved that he is good at spotting talents and creating 'fusion' films. The best things about this film are 1. Christoph Waltz and 2. Most of the European casts (although I think that Daniel Bruhl was a bit 'wasted' in this). Brad Pitt has proved that he really can't act and honestly, the extreme violence was quite unneccessary. It is a very Tarantino film, but definitely not one of his best...

The headless woman (2008)
Lucrecia Martel's newest film received great reviews from the critics, but personally, I have very mixed feelings about this film. Like her other film, 'La ciénaga', this film subtly reveals issues like family dysfunctionality and class systems in Argentina today, as well as a dark and forgotten history. I understand the director's intentional detached approach, and I think she has succeeded in conveying the confused, distant and dreamlike state that the main character was experiencing. We, as audiences, were constantly trying to figure out who is related to who and what really did happen. It's not just a hit-and-run film, it deals with a lot of deeper social issues but it is not an easy film to like or digest after just one viewing.

Two lovers (2008)
A rather dark and complex love story where Joaquin Phoenix (before he gained weight, grew a beard and turned into a rapper!) is torn between 2 women. There is nothing ground-breaking but the acting is good and consistent throughout. I usually find Gwyneth Paltrow irritating but she is well-casted in this. I hope that Joanquin will end his 'hoax' and start acting again, it will be a shame if he quits for good!

Overheard - A Hong Kong cop thriller that is a bit different from the usual triad theme. The concept is interesting and the acting not bad, but the ending is feeble and mediocre. A bit of an anticlimax.

In the loop - I can't figure out whether I like this political drama/ comedy or not, on one hand, it is brave with very dry British humour, on the other hand, it is also harsh (very in your face) with almost unbelievable characters. The film deals with a very sensitive issue and makes a mockery of the both the US & British governments and politicians. Like it or not, it is definitely one of a kind...

Claustrophobia (2008) - I was quite looking forward to seeing this Hong Kong romance but was left a bit disappointed. The backward sequence style is nothing new but it is not the issue. My problem is with Karena Lam's character, Pearl... I find it hard to sympathise/ feel for her, her sensitivity just gets on my nerves! I don't mind the subtlety and non-verbal moments, but I didn't feel emotionally engaged and wasn't even concerned with whether the affair took place or not because I felt detached throughout. Not a bad effort by the 1st time H.K. director/ script writer, but there is definitely room for improvement.

The Young Victoria - I know that many people like this film, but for some reason, I don't have much feeling towards it. The sets, wardrobe and performances are fine but it just seems rather straight-forward and dull.

Three Monkeys (2008) - Although the Turkish director, Nuri Bilge Ceylan won the best director award at Cannes 2008, I find it hard to like or digest this film. It is atmospheric, subtle, tragic and slow-paced, but I felt quite detached throughout. Although technically brilliant and performances excellent, it didn not move me, unlike his last film, 'Climates', which I thought was excellent and emotionally-engaging.

If you are the one (2008) - This romance about a middle-age man looking for love was a big hit in China. It is sensitive and funny at times with good performances from both of the leads, but I feel that something is missing... Perhaps it tries too hard, at times it just seems a bit awkward.

Coco avant Chanel - A rather flat and safe biopic of an intriguing, unconventional and revoluntionary character. The film completely misses the target, although it is not a bad film, it's just a bit dull and shallow. Audrey Tautou's performance is decent but nowhere near the amazing portrial of Edith Piaf by Marion Cotillard 2 years ago. It is a bit unfair to compare the two but it's also hard not to... it's probably best to read the biography if you want to know the real Coco Chanel.

Il Divo (2008) - I know the critics love this slick Italian political film, but I can't help thinking that it is rather over hyped. Perhaps it is due to my lack of knowledge in the Italian political world, but even after talking to my Italian friend about it, I still felt that something was lacking for me. It is stylish, cool, controlled and ambitious, but I also found it a bit pretentious. After watching 'The Consequences of Love', I realised that it is Sorrentino's cold and rather detached style of direction that bothers me. Perhaps I need to view more of work to be convinced...

Amalfi
This is a Japanese thriller set in Italy about a kidnapping case, yet it feels more like an Italian tourism promotion for the Japanese market. Beautiful setting with a rather unconvincing storyline, but the two leads kept me in my seat (I was on a long-haul flight)! I never used to like Yûji Oda esp. when he did 'Tokyo love story' (a popular Japanese comic/TV series), but he has aged quite well and looks good as a cool and serious diplomat. Yuki Amami is convincing as a desperate single mother and the fact that the writer didn't add a cheesy love story earned it some extra credit.

The age of stupid (Documentary)
This documentary deals with the most talked-about issue of our time: climate change. The film gives a lot of evidence to support climate change and it does contain some thought-provoking information. Although I believe that climate change is man-made and is threatening us and our planet, I can't help but feel that politicians and many others are using this as a propaganda tool. Who is telling the truth and who isn't? Who is secretly profiting from manupulating the public? It's so hard to tell in this day and age...

Kimjongilia (Documentary)
I watched this documentary at a film festival and found it rather disturbing and depressing. The director interviewed many North Koreans who escaped from the regime yet paid huge prices (not just in terms of money) as consequences. The stories are emotional, sad and disturbing and they make you feel fortunate to be able to enjoy freedom, democracy and human rights etc. The film is well made and edited, however, it is very straight-forward and biased, it does not leave room for the viewers to judge or think for themselves. Perhaps the director was strongly affected by the stories told but is this good documentary-making? I have my doubts...

Disappointing:

Public enemies - I think Michael Mann is a good director, but this is another disappointment after Miami Vice. Johnny Depp looks cool (he hasn't looked 'normal' for quite a while!), but the film is just so-so and not outstanding. Christian Bale and Marion Cotillard are wasted in this, such a shame!

The Time Traveler's Wife - This film just didn't do it for me, I wasn't moved at all! And what a waste of Eric Bana!

Visage/ Face - Tsai Ming-liang's latest film is beautifully shot with an impressive cast. There are some memorable scenes, but on the whole, it is inconsistent, pretentious and self-indulgent. It just shows that bigger budgets do not necessarily create better films, he has made much better films with lower budgets.

Duplicity - I like Clive Owen and I thought he and Julia Roberts worked well together in Closer, but this film is too confusing, unconvincing and superficial. There are many 'smart' dialogues, twists and turns and intimate scenes, it is fine as a 'popcorn movie' but do not expect more from it. And personally I think Julia Roberts has lost some of her charm since she became a mother!

Red Cliff (2008) - Very disappointing despite all the big names attached to this! There are just too many unnecessary sentimental cliches (Mr Woo's favourite) and some of the dialogues are just cheesy and silly. If you are a guy and only want to watch battle/ fight scenes, then maybe this is for you, but otherwise there is not much else...

Films and soundtracks (Part 1)

My love and interest in film soundtracks probably started when I was quite young... I remember my dad used to play his soundtrack compilation tape while driving, like Doctor Zhivago, Love story, The Way We Were, The Godfather etc. I hadn't yet seen these films at the time, but I remember how the music lit up my parent's faces, and how my mum used to sing along to Moon River from 'Breakfast at Tiffany's'. I guess this early exposure has had some influence on me. My favourite soundtrack then was of course, 'The Sound of Music', I also loved the film and music from 'Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory' (the Gene Wilder one) and was terrified of the score from 'The Omen'. Though personally I would not purchase this soundtrack, I'd have to say it is one of the most memorable and the film would not be the same without the chilling score.

I love films and I believe that music/ sounds plays an important role in films. A good soundtrack can enhance a film and if the album outweighs the film, it can still be appreciated for its musical merits alone. Ideally, a good soundtrack should be able to transport the listeners back to the film, and the most successful ones are tunes that we recognise immediately like Star Wars' main theme. Originality is not the biggest issue, what matters is whether the music is appropriately used or not. Does it integrate with the scene/ mood? Sometimes a song/ music piece can merge so well that it reminds us of the film immediately when we hear a particular song/ music even though it wasn't written for the film originally. For example, Puccini's "O mio babbino caro" and 'A room with a view'. They are so ingrained in my mind that I can no longer separate the two anymore.

I have around 100 film soundtracks (a very small proportion considering the amount of films I have ever watched), and I rarely buy a soundtrack without watching the film first. Usually it is while I am watching the film, the superb fusion of image, sound and mood that motivates me to purchase a particular soundtrack. I used to be get quite excited after finding a rare/ hard-to-find soundtrack, but it's not the same these days with Amazon and MPS download from the internet. Everything is so much easier and convenient, but sometimes I miss the searching process, the thrill of finally finding something after years of searching...

Classic FM magazine recently conducted a poll to find out the 100 all-time favourite movie classical film music voted by their readers. I have not listened to all the soundtracks on the list, so I cannot judge them but I find the list quite mainstream (most are Hollywood blockbusters), with only a few foreign ones. Hence I have picked my all-time favourites, in no particular order and with some non-classical soundtracks:


English Patient, GABRIEL YARED (1996)
I have read the book and watched the film more than once, although I like the two leads and its cinematography, I fail to connect to the film. I guess I don't sympathise with the characters, so the film does not really move me. However, I think this soundtrack is excellent, and it certainly deserves the Oscar it received. A mixture of Hungarian folk tunes, jazz, classical and original music composed by the Lebanese composer, Gabriel Yared, the music not only incorporates with the ambience of the film, it is beautiful to listen to even if you have never watched the film. The Hungarian vocalist, Marta Sebestyen's voice is captivating and blends surprisingly well with the desert setting. 'Cheek to cheek' is playful and reminds me of that era. 'I'll always go back to that church' does what it says, it always reminds me of Juliette Binoche being in THAT church. Romantic, sad, nostalgic and exotic!

Other GABRIEL YARED recommendations: Betty Blue (1986) - Hazy and a bit melancholy, less 'dramatic' than 'The English Patient'; City of Angels (1998) - Crap remake but very good album featuring artists like U2, Alanis Morissette, Jimi Hendrix and original score by Yared. My favourite is Morissette's 'Uninvited'.


Happy Together Various artists (1997)
The first time I watched this Wong Kar-Wai film (over 10 years ago), I thought it was shot beautifully, but I didn't 'get' it. Then a few months ago, I watched it again and felt quite emotional... Perhaps I am more mature and experienced, so the loneliness, sadness and vulnerability all make sense to me now. However, I didn't need a second chance for the soundtrack, I fell in love with it almost instantly. I love tango and its music, but this album is not just about tango. Apart from Astor Piazzolla, there's also Caetano Veloso and Frank Zappa... everything works amazingly well together. I have never been to Argentina but this album always make me feel like I have wandered the streets of Buenos Aires, and it all blends with the colours and mood of the film. Passionate, nostalgic and sensual, an album for the night... late night.

Other WONG KAR-WAI recommendation: In the mood for love (2000) - This soundtrack combines Nat King Cole's spanish songs with Shanghainese songs from the 30s as well as score by Michael Galasso. Once again, the seemingly odd combo works surprisingly well together. Shigeru Umebayashi's 'Yumeji's theme' is particularly memorable and almost too 'painful' to listen to. Nostalgic (common theme in most Wong Kar-Wai's films), delicate and somber.


Great Expectations, Various artists (1998)
A lot of people don't like this contemporary remake, but I like this film. This is not a deep and intellectual film, but I think Alfonso Cuarón is an interesting and talented director, and has made this film stylish, cool and aesthetically-pleasant. His use of colours in the set and costumes reminds me of Peter Greenaway's 'The cook, the thief, his Wife & her lover'. Although I think Gwyneth Paltrow's acting completely overrated (I also find her bland and irritating), she is perfectly cast as the icy Estella. I love the soundtrack so much that I bought both the Score and album. The album features artists like Tori Amos, Pulp and Iggy Pop etc, both Tori Amos' 'Siren' and Mono's 'Life in Mono' are dreamy and seductive; Pulp's 'Like a friend' is upbeat and addictive and Cesaria Evora's 'Besame Mucho' is unforgettable. Consistent and excellent overall but quite different from the score... the score is more abstract and romantic, yet beautiful nonetheless.


The sound of music Various artists (1965)
Do I need to explain why this soundtrack is one of the best in film history? 'The sound of music' was my favourite film when I was a kid, and I knew all the songs by heart. I even visited many of the film locations when I was in Salzburg (I know how sad and cheesy it sounds), but I guess the film and soundtrack would forever be associated with my childhood, the innocent and carefree days. A wonderful and uplifting soundtrack.


Cinema Paradiso, ENNIO MORRICONE (1988)
One of the most beloved films of our times and one of my favourites, this beautiful and sentimental score is composed by the legendary Ennio Morricone and his son, Andrea Morricone. The final kissing scene is probably the most powerful and 'well-known' scene in contemporary cinema history. Both the film and music is timeless and very moving.

Other ENNIO MORRICONE recommendations: Since he has composed and produced so many soundtracks esp. the Spaghetti Western, it's hard to narrow them down to one or two. For me, Once Upon A Time in America (1984) is another classic and with many memorable and wonderful pieces of music. Just like Cinema Paradiso, it is timeless, nostalgic and beautiful.


Arizona dream, GORAN BERGOVIC (1993)
Before the arrival of internet, it took me years to find this CD! I wanted it after seeing the surreal early Johnny Depp film, but I couldn't find it anywhere in the UK nor Asia. Eventually, I found it on a European online music store about 5 years after seeing the film! Was it worth the wait? Definitely. Like the tone of the film, Bregovic's score is equally dreamy, and with the help of Iggy Pop, this album is eclectic, bohemian and dark. Probably not everyone's cup of tea, but I think this album is great and best be played you are driving through the desert in Arizona!

Other GORAN BERGOVIC recommendations: Bergovic is huge in Eastern Europe and France, and has done a number of soundtracks including Underground (1995) - Another film directed by Emir Kusturica, this soundtrack is equally impressive, and I esp. like the track, 'Underground Tango'.


Cousins ANGELO BADALAMENTI (1989)
This is a lovely soundtrack... heart-warming, sentimental, lavish and graceful. A remake of a French film with the same title, the film is romantic and charming. Not exactly flawless, but it is enhanced by this soundtrack and the radiant and beautiful Isabella Rossellini.

Other ANGELO BADALAMENTI recommendations: Probably most famous for his David Lynch soundtracks like Twin Peaks (1990) and Blue Velvet (1986). Both are great albums but the dark and desolated The City of Lost Children (1996) is also excellent.


Out of Africa, JOHN BARRY (1985)
An Oscar-winning score by the OBE composer, John Barry, this soundtrack is an all-time classic. Beautiful, delicate and soothing, perfect for the African setting. Mozart's Concerto for clarinet and orchestra in A works very well with Barry's original score. A masterpiece.

Other JOHN BARRY recommendations: It's almost impossible to pick one or two soundtracks from a legend who has been composing and producing film scores for over 40 years. My other favourites are The best of Bond... James Bond (1999): Need I say more? With all the classic and well-known James Bond tunes/ songs... this is a collectible item. Somewhere in Time (1980): Like the film, this score is romantic and dreamy, and the main theme is unforgettable. It has been years since I last watched the film, but it makes me sad to think of the late Christopher Reeve and his wife, Dana. I believe their love story was more tragic than the film's... a truly rare modern-day example of unconditional love between a couple.


French Kiss Various artists (1995)
A surprisingly great soundtrack of a typical Hollywood romance comedy. With names like Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Paolo Conte and The Beautiful South, it's hard to go wrong. The mood is lighthearted, romantic and very French!


The Godfather Suite: Music Featured in the Trilogy, NINO ROTA (1992)
The main theme of The Godfather must be one of the most recognisable score in film history, along with Star Wars, Sound of music, Doctor Zhivago and Romeo and Juliet etc. This compilation performed by The Milan Philharmonia Orchestra and conducted by Carmine Coppola is even better than the original film score of 'The Godfather'. The arrangement and performance is excellent, and it will bring back memories of Coppola's masterpieces.


The Sheltering Sky RYUICHI SAKAMOTO (1990)
I am a fan of Paul Bowles and because of this book and film, I went to Morocco for the 1st time in the early 90s. It was one of the best trips of my life, and I never forgot the beauty of the desert and oasis. This soundtrack by Sakamoto is beautiful, exotic and haunting, it completely captures the essence of the novel and film. A truly timeless soundtrack.

Other RYUICHI SAKAMOTO recommendations: In my opinion, Sakamoto's created many of his best work in the 80s and early 90s including soundtracks like Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence (1983) and The Last Emperor(1991). The main theme of 'Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence' is probably Sakamoto's most well-known piece, and listening to it 26 years later, it is still remarkable and unique, how amazing is that?!


Amelie YANN TIERSEN (2001)
I have picked hardly any soundtrack from 2000 onwards, but this one is an exception. A well-loved film by the French director, Jean-Pierre Jeunet, this soundtrack is as delightful as the film. Tiersen's score is a fusion of different musical styles (traditional and experimental) and instruments including the accordion. The result is playful, refreshing, fascinating and one-of-a-kind.


A City of Sadness S.E.N.S. (1990)
This CD is from my early soundtrack collection, and I paid a high IMPORT (from Japan) price for it! There are not many tracks but Japanese instrumental group, S.E.N.S (which also produce many scores for Japanese TV dramas) did a brilliant job in creating an atmospheric and harrowing score. The music style is quite Japanese with a touch of Chinese influence, which is perfect for the Taiwanese director, Hou Hsiao-hsien's historical masterpiece.


Dernier Domicile Connu/ La Rapace, FRANCOIS DE ROUBAIX (1968 - 1969 - 1970)
Francois de Roubaix was a French composer whose music was influenced by jazz and electronic. Tragically, he died in a diving accident when he was only 36. A real shame esp. with such talents. Roubaix had produced many film scores during his short life and the score he produced for Jose Giovanni's Dernier Domicile Connu is a classic. The main theme is timeless, it feels and sounds so contemporary even after 40 years, just incredible! Atmospheric, experimental and COOL. Bravo!


The piano MICHAEL NYMAN (1993)
The first time I encountered Nyman's music was through Peter Greenaway's films. His music then was unconventional, experimental, complex and not at all mainstream, sometimes it's almost too heavy and hard to digest. People either love him or hate him. When I saw him performing live in concert many years ago, I was a bit overwhelmed by the intensity of his music. However, I think his score for The piano is more approachable (without being too commercial), it is enigmatic, melancholic and original, one of his best to date.

Other MICHAEL NYMAN recommendation: I would recommend The Essential Michael Nyman Band (1993) because it contains a selection of film scores he composed for Peter Greenaway. This is an essential album for those who enjoy his work.


Stealing home, DAVID FOSTER (1988)
Many critics hate this film, but I remember how much I liked it the 1st time I watched it (around 1990). The reasons are quite personal, partly because of the leads, the seaside setting, also because I was genuinely touched by the storyline. While some might find this film cheesy, I think it's romantic and a bit tragic. The film is about growing up, loss of innocence and dreams. I have watched it many times and I still love it after all these years! Every time I hear the song, 'And when she danced', it reminds me of Jodie Foster and William McNamara dancing together. There are also many great songs from the 60s in this album. Like the film, it's nostalgic, heartwarming and sad at the same time.


La Double Vie de Veronique - The Double Life of Veronika (1991) / Damage (1992) ZBIGNIEW PREISNER
I love Preisner's work, so it's hard for me to choose just one film score from so many of his brilliant scores. The first time I noticed Preisner's music was in Krzysztof Kieślowski's La Double vie de Veronique and since then, I have purchased 6 more of his other film scores. Just like Kieślowski's film, this particular film score is beautiful, haunting and illusive. Damage (directed by Louis Malle), on the hand, is complex, mysterious and sad. Preisner's philosophy background probably has a profound influence on his music because it speaks to our souls, it often captures the human emotions beautifully... sadness, despair, loneliness and passion. A truly remarkable composer.

Other ZBIGNIEW PREISNER recommendations: Kieślowski's "Trois Coleurs" trilogy, esp. Bleu (1993) and Red (1994) and Secret Garden (1993). Because of the subject matter, the score for Secret Garden is much 'lighter' than his scores for Kieślowski and Malle, yet it is still beautiful, refreshing and mesmerising.


A Clockwork orange, Various composers (1972)
A memorable and powerful classic by Master Kubrick, accompanied by an equally powerful soundtrack. Kubrick's decision to use classics such as Beethoven's '9th symphony' and 'Singin' in the rain' and incorporated into the film was simply a stroke of genius. And thanks to electronic synthesizer, Walter (later Wendy) Carlos', who experimented on the classical pieces, made this soundtrack even more appealing. Dated? I don't think so. I think his music style and the film works perfectly together. Remember that this was made almost 40 years ago, and without visionaries like Kubrick and Carlos, the world would never move forward. I have yet to listen to Carlos' original score for the film, which I heard is even better than the soundtrack...

Other Stanley Kubrick recommendations: Do I need to introduce 2001: A Space Odyssey? I doubt it. However, as much as I love Kubrick's films, I have never been able to sit through this film. Maybe Sci-fi films are not my cup of tea, but I really don't get this film! On the other hand, I like his much-criticised last film, Eyes wide shut and its soundtrack (1999). I love Shostakovich's 'Jazz Suite 2 Waltz 2', it's one of my favourite classical pieces. Dominic Harlan's Musica Ricercata No. 2 and Jocelyn Pook's Masked Ball just give me the creeps. And Chris Isaak's 'Baby Did A Bad Bad Thing' works surprisingly well as well amongst other classics like 'When I fall in love' and 'Strangers in the night'. An interesting and atmospheric soundtrack for an underrated film. Another collection for Kubrick's fans is the compilation, Eyes Wide Shut: Music from Stanley Kubrick Movies JOCELYN POOK (1999) which contains 'the best of' from Kubrick's many classics.


Buena Vista Social Club RY COODER, BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB (1997)
Thanks to Wim Wenders and Ry Cooder, forgotten members of the Buena Vista social club finally received the worldwide recognition that they deserved long ago. I wasn't familiar with these Cuban musicians until after watching the film/ documentary, and since then I have bought a bunch of CDs by musicians like Omara Portuondo, Ruben Gonzalez and Eliades Ochoa etc. Their music is full of passion, energy and playfulness, and it's hard not to be touched by their passion for music, esp. in a world where money and status seem to be the drive for many musicians today. This soundtrack is only an intro into the fascinating and wonderful world of Cuban music, most of their members have since launched their solo albums and they are all incredible. I highly recommend them all!

Other WIM WENDERS recommendations: Until The End Of The World Various artists (1991): This has to be one of the best road-movie soundtracks, it is cool, edgy, mysterious and a bit dark. I guess with names like U2, Depeche Mode, Lou Reed, Elvis Costello, R.E.M., Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds, Patti Smith, k.d. lang and Talking Heads, it's hard to go wrong.


Un Homme et une Femme FRANCIS LAI (1966)
A classic and romantic soundtrack by one of the most famous French film score composers who is famous for his scores for Emmanuelle and Love Story. This is the original French version, not the English one! The film is also a must esp. if you like Anouk Aimée. People always talk about how beautiful Sophia Loren and Catherine Deneuve were, but I think Aimée was also stunningly beautiful, elegant and a bit mysterious, yet she never received as much recognition as Loren and Deneuve. Even if you look at her recent photos, you can see someone aging gracefully... without the need of plastic surgery, she still looks good for her age (Isabella Rossellini is another example).

Other FRANCIS LAI recommendations: DES HOMME, DES FEMMES, Various artists (1991): This is a compilation album that I bought in Paris years ago, it contains Lai's most popular work including Love Story by Mireille Mathieu. Everything is in French, beautifully performed and digitally remastered, it's chic and effortlessly cool!


Red Rose White Rose, JOHNNY CHEN (1994)
Probably not many people have seen or heard of this soundtrack, but I think this album produced by Taiwanese musician/ composer, Johnny Chen, is quite outstanding (esp. for a non-Wong Kar Wai Hong Kong film). It won a Golden Horse Award (A Taiwanese Oscar) for best original score in 1994. The film is directed by a well-known Hong Kong director, Stanley Kwan, based on a Eileen Chang novel. The score and songs all incorporate with the setting (1930s) and mood of the film. Performed by Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, the score is influenced by jazz, Broadway, classical, religious, tango, zambra and Chinese music. Atmospheric, intriguing and tragic, you don't need to understand Chinese/ Mandarin to appreciate 'Fragrance of Roses', sang by Hong Kong singer, Sandy Lam. Simply mesmerising!


Music for films, ELENI KARAINDROU (1991)
I bought this film score compilation many years ago without ever watching any of the films and luckily, I was very pleasantly surprised. Greek composer, Karaindrou, has been Greek director, Theo Angelopoulos' longtime collaborator. This compilation contains scores for 3 of his films made in the 80s and 1990, even without watching the films, one could enjoy the beautiful music on its own. In some ways, it reminds me a bit of Gabriel Yared's Betty Blue, perhaps due to the fact that they were produced around the same period. Atmospheric, dark and mellow.