NYTimes: Indie Films From a Land Short on Independence

I love the first line of this article about the film industry in China and I am interested to see these films, particularly because of the 'experimental technique' described in the article. I think film is a powerful medium to disseminate information and tell a story and it will be interesting to what stories and angles the Chinese filmmakers have or emphasise.

As a group they give a new and truer meaning to the phrase “independent film."

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/18/movies/18undergound.html?_r=1

*Kick-ass

Not what I was expecting at all!!

Quite honestly, I was expecting a light-hearted, comedic, indie-type film along the lines of Juno or Super Bad.

What I got was a violent, graphic, twisted movie about senseless killings and awkward nerdy kids. And I watched it on Christmas Day. When it was dark and stormy outside. Needless to say, I did not feel warm and fuzzy - I felt very surprised that a 9 yr old girl was cursing up a storm and killing people without any fear or remorse. I guess she'll grow up to a strong, independent Barnard woman...

I only wish I had known the plot of this movie then I think I would have enjoyed it more. As GI Joe used to say, knowing is half the battle.

*White Christmas

These musical-type movies have really grown on me. Sadly enough, the wholesome nature of the song and dance really threw me off. I think that modern day movies are full of sensuality, violence, suspense or drama and I sub/consciously think that those characteristics are requirements for a movie. This movie, esp since it is a holiday movie, is more light-hearted and family oriented. Bing Cosby has an amazing voice! I could listen to him sing for hours and sometimes, I do wish I lived in the 40s and 50s as I love their dresses and clothes. Will thinks their bras are too pointy which is kinda funny and true. I think 'A Christmas Carol' got me more into the Christmas mood than this movie. After watching all these Christmas movies, I do wish for snow! Just a little...

*Ray

What a beautiful story and amazing acting job by Jamie Foxx. This story of Ray Charles, his triumphs and struggles blew me away granted I did not know a thing about him and honestly do not know if I have ever intentionally sought out his music. Even as he is a musical genius, Ray is more impressive for his ability to overcome both racial prejudice and physical handicap. When he refused to perform at a concert in Georgia because the concert hall discriminated against African-Americans, he executes his greatest performance.

At the same time, I am particularly disgusted at his behaviors as a husband as Ray fathered 12 children by nine different women! Even if you are blind to the world, the world is not blind to your actions. This is not a judgment his promiscuity but on his infidelity during marriage. On a positive note, having 11 other siblings would make for a colorful childhood. Either way you feel about him, this movie is a must-see not only to learn about this tremendous musician but also to hear his tremendous music.

*Eat, Pray, Love

I have a difficult time appreciating books that are made into movies. Not sure if it's because when I read a book, I am actively engaged and my imagination creates vividly the cast of characters, scenery, etc. If I already have a vision for what the visual interpretation should look like, the actual movie would then conflict with the movie in my imagination and then I don't like it. Also, I think part of it too is that the movies don't have enough time to tell the full story so pieces, ones that I may have really liked, are cut out so the movie is not a faithful true adaptation of the book. This goes for EPL and for the Twilight movies.

Overall, I thought EPL (the book) was entertaining because when I picked it up, I was unemployed, thinking about my next move (stay in NYC, move to Asia or SF), etc. I found it inspiring - shouldn't we all take an introspective journey and develop ourselves in different aspects of our lives? She took it to an extreme but it was entertaining.

Quote: Tis' better to live your own life imperfectly than to imitate someone else's perfectly.

It's a Wonderful Life

You might be asking yourself, why did you watch this classic American Christmas film in the late summer/early fall? Well, quite honestly - it was the next movie in the queue but this movie couldn't come at a better time for me - just like James Stewart's character, George Bailey, I too have been thinking about finances and dreaming about traveling the world. In this movie, Stewart's character, George Bailey, desires to travel the world but is tied down to his hometown to run the family business. After one particularly stressful Christmas Eve, George is driven to kill himself. A guardian angel who helps George see the true richness of his life and all ends well.

The following points struck me about this movie:
1) Even though this movie did not do well when it was first released, it has since been well received. The plot and theme of this movie has been copied in modern day movies - ie. Family Man.
2) The raven, Billy's pet in the movie, is in many of Frank Capra's other movies!
3) Many of Frank Capra's other movies follow a similar and sentimental theme of championing the common man.

Definitely a Christmas movie and definitely a must-see.

Memorable line: [In book inscription] Remember, George: no man is a failure who has friends.

On the Waterfront

In this black and white film, an ex-prize fighter turned longshoreman, Marlon Brando, struggles with his conscience after he witnesses the murder of another longshoreman, a murder that was ordered by his mob leader boss. As this movie was filmed in 1954, I wondered why the director decided to film this movie in black and white. I think part of the reason why this movie is filmed in b&w is to enhance the gritty and dark nature of the story. The working and living conditions appear bleak when the sun does not sparkle as it is reflected off the water or the flowers and lush vegetation appear monotone in front of the apartment complex. Depicting the rough living conditions of the longshoremen is a key element of the story; this helps explain why the longshoremen comply with the D&D (dumb and deaf) rule – they have to keep their jobs to survive and feed themselves and they turn a blind eye to the corruption of the mob union leaders.

Overall, a powerful movie with a few dramatic shots (the one where Brando and the girls are running down the alley and the truck comes around the corner!).

Quote on repeat in my head: I coulda had class. I coulda been a contender. I coulda been somebody, instead of a bum, which is what I am, let's face it. It was you, Charley.