David M. Brown's Blog, page 31

The Best Books I Read This Year (2013)

I suddenly became a voracious reader in 2013. Not that I didn’t love books before but this year I have read paperbacks, ebooks and enjoyed audio books as well. Consequently, I have had the luxury of enjoying far more books than I normally would and audio books, in particular, have certainly made household chores a pleasure rather than an annoyance.

By the time the clocks struck midnight on 31 December 2013 I had read 178 books, many of them fantastic, others very disappointing given the hype they have previously enjoyed. I’m not sure what it is about Booker Prize winners but I struggle to find any that I really enjoy. Not that it’s been all doom and gloom this year. I have read some stunning books, at least two being so good that they may have even earned a coveted place in my top 10 favourite ever novels where the likes of Norwegian Wood, The Lord of the Rings and Brave New World can be found. 

Of the 178 I read, there were 17 that reached the dizzy heights of a five star rating from me. I do not hand that top rating out often so all 17 that achieved this mark really are special. What are the best books you’ve read this year? Feel free to comment and let me know which ones have moved you the most and left the greatest impact.

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All But My Life: A Memoir (1995) – Gerda Weissmann Klein

Gerda Weissmann Klein’s memoir of the Second World War and the Holocaust was wonderfully written but also painfully moving. The amount of detail she could recall in such seemingly trivial things as flowers in a garden really gave her story its resounding impact. Anyone that survived the Holocaust is remarkable and Gerda’s journey is never without its tragedies but, amidst all she suffers, there is a will to survive. After everything Gerda has to go through we can finally feel some relief when she is in hospital and meets an American soldier who simply cannot stay away, the very same man that would become her husband. All memoirs of this time have relevance as important pieces of history but Gerda’s story is easily one of the best I’ve read this year.

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Back Story (2012) – David Mitchell

David Mitchell is one of my favourite UK comedians, whether it’s his rants on panel shows or his starring role as Mark Corrigan in Peep Show. I read a few autobiographies in 2013 but Mitchell’s tale was one of my favourites. His reminiscences were interposed with him taking a long walk and recording the different streets and landmarks on the way. Mitchell is the sort of comedian you can listen to for hours and never get bored and that was the case with this book. There were some fascinating insights, especially his university days when he first met good friend and comedy partner, Robert Webb. While Peep Show looks like it may be coming to an end it seems that Mitchell’s story has only just begun and this is a great place to start the comedy journey.

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The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (2006) – John Boyne

Boyne’s novel about the Holocaust through the eyes of a German boy was brilliantly conveyed, depicting the innocence of a child, Bruno, forced to join his father when he is stationed to work at a concentration camp. Bruno one day ventures outside and comes to a fence where he finds people in pajamas, who are actually the Jews being held prisoner and he befriends a Jewish boy named Shmuel. While some critics have lambasted this book for being implausible, it is a beautifully written story that captures Bruno’s perception of his world perfectly and through his lack of understanding about what the Holocaust is and why the Jews are being persecuted, he and Shmuel are able to fashion an unlikely, but ultimately, moving bond.

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Diary of a Young Girl (1993) – Anne Frank

It’s seems an injustice to give Anne Frank’s diary anything other than five stars. This intimate, sometimes funny, but very often moving account of her many months spent hiding in Amsterdam from the Nazis, is both tragic and fascinating. Anne is thirteen when she begins her diary and as the time passes we can see the change in her as adolescence is left behind and she begins her journey to womanhood, talking about periods and her growing fondness for Peter, the son of another family that is hiding with the Franks. There is something of a cold chill when you read that final diary entry in August 1944, when Anne, her family and the others in hiding were discovered and taken to concentration camps. It’s a tragedy for everyone that perished in the Holocaust but it leaves a bitter taste to learn that Anne died mere weeks before the camp she was in was liberated. Her legacy is without question and it is a thoroughly deserved one.

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Fight Club (1995) – Chuck Palahniuk

Usually I try to read books before I see the film adaptations but in the case of Fight Club I broke my golden rule by quite a few years. Reading Palahniuk’s book, you realise what a fantastic job David Fincher did in adapting the story. The unnamed narrator here is riddled with depression and insomnia but his life takes a turn for the better when he meets the confident and assertive Tyler Durden. Together they form Fight Club and gain a following of equally lost and resentful men, which gradually evolves into Project Mayhem. Fight Club is a short novel but the narration is fantastic and the conclusion, which is different to the film, was also something of a surprise. I’m honestly not sure which denouement I prefer.

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Five Centimeters Per Second (2007) – Makoto Shinkai

I first experienced Makoto Shinkai’s anime version of this memorable love story and it became my film of the year, so there was no question that I would try the graphic novel as well. The book adds a lot of depth that couldn’t be included in the film whose only weakness was its run time of a solitary hour. The book gave more scope to Takaki’s life as an adult, including his attempts to forge a relationship with someone other than Akari, his friend from school and undoubtedly the love of his life. While the novel couldn’t hit you with the same visual beauty as the film, it is still a must read and offers one of the great love stories.

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The Godfather (1969) – Mario Puzo

Not for the first time, I committed the sin of seeing the film before reading the book. I doubt I’m alone in having seen Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather before reading Mario Puzo’s wonderful novel. Again, as with Fight Club, the adaptation is impeccable with scenes and dialogue lifted effortlessly from the pages of Puzo’s book, which adds a lot more depth to the story of the Corleone family with the eventual fall of Vito Corleone and the rise of his son, Michael, as head of the family. One or two elements seemed needless but the overall story is a delightful read as we live with the Corleone family through one of the biggest crises in their history, and look at how they strive to bounce back mercilessly against the rival families in New York. A fast-paced, relentless and fabulous read.

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Gold (2012) – Chris Cleave

The first of two books by Chris Cleave on this list making him something of a rewarding discovery in 2013. Gold is all about the Olympics and cycling with friends and rivals – Kate and Zoe – constantly locking horns on the track but maintaining good relations off it. It is Zoe that wins all the medals while Kate prioritises family with her husband, Jack, and daughter, Sophie, who has leukaemia. With Sophie seriously ill in the run up to the London Olympics, the question is whether Kate will compete against her rival or will family prove to be more important. Chris Cleave carves a complex story between Kate, Zoe and Jack, exploring their affection for Sophie and for glory on the track. It was a great study of priorities between family and work but the revelations along the way made it so much more.

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The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (2005) – Steig Larsson

2013 was certainly a good year for me watching films before reading the books they were based on, wasn’t it? Steig Larsson’s crime trilogy is one I had watched in their Swedish film incarnations back in 2012 but I had always intended to read the books. I completed the whole trilogy in 2013 but only the first instalment was worthy of its place on this list, though the other two were both fantastic. Disgraced journalist Mikael Blomkvist teams up with hacker Lisbeth Salander to solve the mystery of the Vanger family where one of the members, Harriett, disappeared many years before. Whether it was the impact of Lisbeth in this opening book or the more self-contained nature of the story compared to the other instalments, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo was the best of the trilogy by far and, although seeing the film took away the surprises, this remained a fantastic read from start to finish.

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The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared (2009) – Jonas Jonasson

Jonasson’s book was one of my earliest contenders for the book of the year until John Irving muscled his way into my praises, but that cannot diminish the impact of this great book. It’s certainly got to be a frontrunner for longest title of the year. The book is as unusual as the title suggests with 100 year old pensioner, Allan, escaping from an old people’s home at the outset, taking a suitcase full of drug money and making something of a road trip, meeting some interesting people and also taking us back from some interesting incidents in his own life, a bit like an alternative Forrest Gump type story. This is a warm and promising debut effort from Jonasson.

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Jews, God and History (1962) – Max I. Dimont

Dimont’s epic book about Jewish history was well told, informative and simply remarkable at times. I had basic knowledge of the Jews in history but this book really hammers home everything that they have been through for thousands of years and how they are undoubtedly one of the greatest survivors. The Jews have watched empires rise and crumble while they have endured through whatever persecution has been thrown their way. The history of the Jews and their impact on many religions is without question and very sadly, theirs is seldom a tale of peace. If you’re looking for a good overview of Jewish history then this is a fantastic place to start.

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Letters Home (1975) – Sylvia Plath

Sylvia’s Plath’s letters, most to her mother, cover her hopes and aspirations in the early 1950s to her isolation and battle with depression, which led to her death in February 1963. Every letter gives credence to what a great writer Plath was, her effortless use of the English language, coupled with the privilege of her early poems, many being enclosed in her correspondence. Although Plath only reveals what was on the surface, it’s clearly visible in her words of how her life changes. Her romance and marriage to Ted Hughes evokes so much enthusiasm in every line she writes but, almost without warning, the strain begins to show and as the time passes, Plath becomes more isolated and lonely. This was a fascinating insight into the mind of one of the twentieth century’s great poets who died far too young.

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Life of Mammals (2002) – David Attenborough

Sir David Attenborough is a renowned national treasure in the UK, even though he doesn’t like to be regarded that way. David’s Life series has stretched across many years and this instalment that covers mammals is a sheer delight. Filled with gorgeous photography it also has Attenborough’s trademark informative commentary on every page, every sentence insightful but never becoming so complicated that the reader is in danger of not fully understanding. If the other books in the Life series are as good as this one then I’ll be in for a real treat when I get to them, hopefully in 2014.

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The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner (1959) – Alan Sillitoe

The problem with short story collections is that you often get really great narratives and some that are okay or sometimes even poor. This wasn’t the case with Alan Sillitoe’s The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner. Okay, truth be told, that title story which is far longer than any of the other tales is head and shoulders above the rest as we follow Nottingham teenager, Smith, who is in Ruxton Towers, a prison school, and finds solace in long distance running. He is offered light labour in exchange for winning a race that will give much prestige to the school but what happens during the race is simply wonderful. The other stories focus on hard times for people in and around Nottingham in Austerity Britain and not one tale left me unimpressed. A fantastic collection.

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The Other Hand (2008) – Chris Cleave

The second book by Chris Cleave to appear on this list, The Other Hand is superior to Gold but it’s also unfair to compare them as they are very different stories. This is a moving tale of a Nigerian girl, Little Bee, who comes to England in search of Sarah and Andrew, a couple that she met on a beach in Nigeria two years before. What happened that day is carefully revealed to us and as Little Bee settles in England we wish her and Sarah well for the future but Chris Cleave is not an author that dabbles in fantasy. While some of the subject matter is hard-hitting and the atrocities in Nigeria may be hard for some readers, this is a beautiful and moving story of friendship between a brave girl and a woman who is willing to make many sacrifices to protect her.

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A Prayer for Owen Meany (1989) – John Irving

My book of the year until July, Irving’s A Prayer for Owen Meany was forced to settled for second place in my best reads of 2013 but only just. Told in both the present (1987) and covering the 1950s and 1960s, this is the story of John Wheelwright and his best friend Owen Meany. Owen is something of an enigma being small in stature and having a high pitched voice throughout his life. Despite these constraints and the inevitable bullying that comes his way, Owen has an ability to touch people who come into his presence and John’s cousin, Hester, gradually falls for him. This has all the Irving genius in it, seemingly trivial objects having such paramount importance, brilliantly fleshed out characters, hard hitting moments that leave you stunned and clutching the pages tightly, and a plethora of memorable scenes and exchanges. So far, I have read three books by John Irving and all have been five star efforts for me. A Prayer for Owen Meany, for me, is his second best after The World According to Garp but it is a truly amazing and beautifully told story that needed a very special book to prevent it being my favourite of the year.

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**BOOK OF THE YEAR**
The Silver Linings Playbook (2008) – Matthew Quick

Matthew Quick’s debut novel really came to life with the film adaptation from David O. Russell but, for me, the ultimate experience is to be found with the book. The Silver Linings Playbook addresses mental illness, marriage, family, friendship and football. It is written from the perspective of Pat Peoples who has left a mental hospital, returned home to be with his family and to begin his goal of winning back his wife, Nikki, who no one is keen to discuss. These efforts are scuppered somewhat by Pat meeting Tiffany, who has been widowed and suffered depression herself. Quick builds one of the great friendships and romances with Pat and Tiffany who we want to get together but Pat only desires his beloved Nikki. I loved what David O. Russell did bringing this to the big screen but if I had to choose I would go with the book every time. I didn’t know what to expect when I first began The Silver Linings Playbook, but by the end I was in no doubt that I had just read my book of the year.

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The post The Best Books I Read This Year (2013) appeared first on News of the Worlds.

This Week’s Films (30/12/13)

Man of the Year (2006)

American satirical comedy about a fast-talking TV talk show host who gets more than he bargained for when the audience take him at his word. Robin Williams plays voice-of-the-people talk show host Tom Dobbs, who, suggesting he could do a better job at running the White House, finds himself swept into office on the back of his huge national fan base. It’s not long before he finds out that his win is due to a computer error when the votes were counted, causing him some major soul-searching as he tries to decide whether to continue as the President, or go back to the day job he loves.

Verdict: Starts really well but in the second half the film tries to combine too many elements and loses its way. 5/10

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For a Few Dollars More (1965) 

“The leading icon of a generation” (Roger Ebert), Academy AwardÂ(r) winner* Clint Eastwood continues his trademark role as the legendary “Man With No Name” in this second installment of the famous Sergio Leone trilogy. Scripted by Luciano Vincenzoni and featuring Ennio Morricone’s haunting musical score, For A Few Dollars More is a modern classic one of the greatest Westerns ever made. Eastwood is a keen-eyed, quick-witted bounty hunter on the bloody trail of Indio, the territory’s most treacherous bandit. But his ruthless rival, Colonel Mortimer (Lee Van Cleef, High Noon), is determined to bring Indio in first…dead or alive! Failing to capture their prey or eliminate each other the two are left with only one option: team up, or face certain death at the hands of Indio and his band of murderous outlaws.

Verdict: Another solid Western from Sergio Leone with memorable turns from Eastwood and Van Cleef. 9/10

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** FILM OF THE WEEK ** 

The Skin I Live In (2011)

Dr. Robert Ledgard (Antonio Banderas) is a driven plastic surgeon haunted by personal tragedies. After many years of trial and error, he finally perfects a new skin – a shield which could have prevented the death of his wife in an accident years earlier. His latest “guinea pig” is a mysterious captive whose true identity masks a shocking mystery. The Skin I Live In is a masterful tale of secrets, obsession and revenge from Oscar-winning (Best Writing, Original Screenplay, Talk to Her, 2002) writer/director Pedro Almodovar.

Verdict: Well-crafted and genuinely surprising tale of a surgeon’s obsession to create a new type of skin, regardless of the consequences. 9/10

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One Missed Call (2008)

It happens to one. Then another. And another. College students discover eerie voicemail messages on their cell phones. Each call comes from the near future. Each call has the chilling voice of the student during his or her last moments alive. And each call comes true. Terror is One Missed Call away in this got-your-number shocker based on the hit Japanese thriller Chakushin ari. Does the viral spree of calls have a single source? Is there something that links the victims? Psych student Beth Raymond (Shannyn Sossamon) and detective Jack Andrews (Ed Burns) scramble for answers. And they’re working fast. Because Beth just discovered an ominous message.

Verdict: Manages to do everything that made the original good look really bad. Another disappointing and pointless remake. 2/10

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Confucius (2010)

From the acclaimed producer of John Woos Red Cliff and Jet Lis Warlords, comes this powerhouse biopic of the legendary Chinese philosopher, Confucius. Showcasing a commanding and captivating performance from screen icon, Chow Yun-fat, this epic masterpiece balances breathtaking spectacle, visceral action and heart-wrenching drama to deliver one of this years most unforgettable movies. In 500 B.C., during Chinas famed ‘Spring and Autumn Period’, Kong Ze (Confucius), a commoner reverred for his outstanding wisdom, is made Minister of Law in the ancient Kingdom of Lu. Under his inspired leadership, Lu ascends to new heights but becomes a target of conquest for the warlike nation of Qi. Threatened with annihilation by their powerful neighbour, a desperate people turn to their greatest teacher to lead their most powerful army. When Confucius delivers a stunning victory against all odds, a jealous aristocracy sets out to destroy him, but they should never under-estimate a remarkable man whose wisdom is more powerful than the sword. With breathtaking cinematography from Oscar-winning director of photography, Peter Pau (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon), Confucius is one of Asian Cinemas finest achievements and is a compelling invitation to discover the remarkable story of one of historys greatest heroes.

Verdict: Though beautifully filmed, Confucius falls short of greatness, with some weak narrative threads in the second half. 6/10

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Mystery, Alaska (1999) 

Offbeat comedy directed by Jay Roach (‘Austin Powers’), written by David E Kelley (‘Ally McBeal’) and starring Russell Crowe and Burt Reynolds. The hockey-loving village of Mystery, Alaska may look cold from the outside – but behind closed doors lie all manner of hot scandals and steamy secrets. Things really heat up when the town’s amateur hockey team, a ragtag collection of eccentric locals, accepts a challenge to face off against the legendary New York Rangers. Thrust into the national spotlight, Team Mystery must skate around their own sexy shenanigans to prove they have what it takes to be champions…

Verdict: Pleasant David vs Goliath tale with a pre-Gladiator Russell Crowe leading a good cast. 7/10

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The Guard Post (2008)

Korean horror directed by Su-chang Kong. When a team of soldiers is sent on a rescue mission after an entire military barracks falls silent, what they find there is so horrific that they are ordered to burn the outpost – known as GP 506 – to the ground the following morning, destroying any evidence of the horrors that took place. The team find themselves with only eight night-time hours to explore the maze-like underground tunnels, find their target and uncover the awful truth.

Verdict: Inferior to Su-chang Kong’s R-Point, The Guard Post is an intriguing horror, let down by a not always straightforward narrative. 7/10

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Educating Rita (1983)

A trio of Oscar nominations and a pair of Golden Globes went to this acclaimed romantic comedy-drama based on the play by Willy Russell. Julie Walters stars as Rita, a witty, 26-year-old working class British hairdresser who decides to seek an education at Open University. Rita needs a tutor, and she selects Dr. Frank Bryant (Michael Caine), an alcoholic college literature professor whose life is a shambles. Divorced, Bryant’s new lover is now having an affair with his best friend and he’s increasingly depressed, seeking solace in whisky. Bryant’s domestic turmoil is mirrored by Rita’s, as she has opted for college over motherhood, a source of friction between her and her husband. As Rita blooms intellectually under the tutelage of Bryant, she realizes that what she really lacks is self-confidence, not education, and a gentle romance blossoms between her and Bryant. At home, however, Rita’s newfound self-respect and intelligence cause her even greater pain.

Verdict: A great script and first rate performances from Julie Walters and Michael Caine make this one a real winner. 8/10

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Cinderella Man (2005) 

Academy Award winners Russell Crowe and Renee Zellweger star in this triumphant, powerfully inspiring true story. In a time when America needed a champion, an unlikely hero would arise, proving how hard a man would fight to win a second chance for his family and himself. Suddenly thrust into the national spotlight, boxer Jim Braddock would defy the odds against him and stun the world with one of the greatest comebacks in history. Driven by love for his family, he willed an impossible dream to come true.

Verdict: Well-acted rags to riches tale of boxing legend James Braddock. 8/10

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Waking Life (2001)

Richard Linklater goes off-kilter with his sixth film, Waking Life. Without a linear plot line, stable images and offering the kind of conversations you normally only find in a University seminar, it’s clear that Linklater–despite his commercial success with independent films–is determined not move into the mainstream. By taking Wiley Wiggins away from his Dazed and Confused life into a dream which has no structure, and flitting from one philosophical question to another, Linklater presents a filmic discussion into the nature of physical awareness, consciousness and unconsciousness that most surrealist artists would be proud of. However, Linklater goes one step further and removes all notions of the real world by filming the actors then transferring them into animation, employing 31 artists to input their vision onto the film.

The result is a startlingly honest portrayal of the confusion we all face about the difference between life and death, dreaming and awareness, and the unknown as a whole. All the characters Wiggins meets seem to have their own thesis on the unknown, just as in life we are all aware or feel differently about our own self. In addition there are discussions regarding film as a dream-like form, with theorists aligning the sensation of watching a film to that of dreaming, taking your own consciousness into the lives of others. This is what makes Waking Life such a brave and well-structured film. By breaking down the barriers of narrative and reality, Linklater has probably made one of the most realistic films in recent history.

Verdict: Well-animated and thought-provoking piece about life and philosophy. 8/10

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End of Days (1999)

Ex-cop-turned-bodyguard Jericho Cane (Arnold Schwarzenegger) stumbles across a demonic state of affairs when he prevents the assassination of his Wall Street employer (Gabriel Byrne). It transpires that Cane’s boss is none other than Satan himself, come to impregnate a young woman named Christine York (Robin Tunney) – who was secretly anointed by a satanic cult at birth – on the eve of the new millennium and so bring about the end of days foretold in the Book of Revelation. With the help of his partner, Chicago (Kevin Pollak), Cane now attempts to protect Christine from both Satan and a group of priests who believe that her death is the only way to halt Armageddon.

Verdict: Badly-acted with disappointing turns from Arnie and Byrne, this good vs evil tale is distinctly lacking. 4/10

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10,000 BC (2008)

From director Roland Emmerich (The Day After Tomorrow) comes 10,000 BC, a sweeping odyssey into a mythical age of prophesies and gods, when spirits ruled the land and mighty mammoths shook the earth.

In a remote mountain tribe, the young hunter D’Leh (Steven Strait, The Convenant) has found his heart’s passion – the beautiful Evolet (Camilla Bell, When A Stranger Calls). But when a band of mysterious warlords raid his village and kidnap Evolet, D’Leh must lead a small group of hunters to the end of the world in order to rescue her. As they venture into unknown lands, the group discovers there are civilisations beyond their own and that mankind’s reach is far greater then they ever knew. With each new encounter D’Leh starts to build his small group into an army. Driven by destiny, the unlikely warriors must battle prehistoric predators whilst braving the harshest elements.

Verdict: The bulk of the budget goes on some good visuals, leaving nothing left for a good story, cast or script. 4/10

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All Quiet on the Western Front (1979)

Taken from the novel by Erich Maria Remarque, All Quiet on the Western Front is a devastating portrait by Delbert Mann (Desire Under the Elms, Marty) of a small group of German soldiers throughout the World War I. The star-studded cast is headed by Richard Thomas (The Waltons) as Paul Baumer, and includes such award-winning actors as Ernest Borgnine, Ian Holm, and Patricia Neal. As both narrator and star, Thomas occasionally seems to reincarnate his familiar John-Boy persona, but creates a character that has many more levels than that television alter ego. Watching Paul as he watches all of his high school buddies die is a highly emotional experience. He returns to his home a different person, conflicted in his feelings about the Army and war, evolving from an idealistic schoolboy to a fearful and humble veteran. The scenery and costuming in this period piece are well done, and surely contributed to its winning the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture Made for TV. Also contributing to the greatness of the film are the exceptional cinematography and special effects that, while realistically gruesome, truly emphasize the horrors of war.

Verdict: Faithful adaptation of Remarque’s novel about the sacrifice and futility of war. 8/10

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Water for Elephants (2011)

ACADEMY AWARD® Winners Reese Witherspoon and Christoph Waltz join Robert Pattinson (The Twilight Saga) for this epic tale of forbidden love based on Sara Gruen’s acclaimed best seller. Against all odds, a veterinary student (Pattinson) and a beautiful circus performer from a bygone era (Witherspoon), meet and fall in love through their shared compassion for a special elephant. But their secret romance incurs the wrath of her dangerously volatile husband (Waltz).

Verdict: Ironically, the romance at the heart of the story is the film’s main weakness. 6/10

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House of the Spirits (1993)

Isabelle Allende’s bestselling romantic novel with dashes of politics and ‘magic realism’ set in Chile, is turned into an international co-production epic filmed in Portugal with an all-star cast. The story follows the lives and loves of several generations of the Trueba family: Jeremy Irons plays the head of the family, ageing thirty years in the film, and during that time having relationships with various women, including a sight-seer (Meryl Streep), and becoming an extremely right-wing politician. His daughter (Winona Ryder), meanwhile, has a passionate affair with her father’s political rival (Antonio Banderas).

Verdict: Despite being overlong with a few weakness, House of the Spirits is still an epic family saga worth consideration. 7/10

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Rain Fall (2009)

In the crime drama RAIN FALL a contract killer must compromise his code of conduct to protect the woman he loves. John Rain (Kippei Shiina) is a master of subtlety able to make his murders look like death by natural causes. He’s very selective about who he chooses to go after only targeting key figures and never women. Things get complicated when he falls for the beautiful daughter of his most recent victim putting her life in danger as the CIA closes in. But is Rain willing to risk everything for love?

Verdict: A weak thriller with a disappointing performance from the usually reliable Gary Oldman. 3/10

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Eureka Seven: Good Night, Sleep Tight, Young Lovers (2009)

For almost half a century, mankind has been at war with a mysterious entity known as the Eizo. It is the year 2054 and human-kind is on the brink of destruction. A select few are evacuated to colonization spaceships and the government is about to fire their doomsday device, the Hammer of God. In the middle of this war are two teenagers, Renton and Eureka; two childhood friends who were separated when Eureka was kidnapped by government forces eight years ago. Renton is now a soldier, piloting the Nirvash, aboard the Gekoo led by Holland Novak but the crew of the Gekko is actually rebels with their own mission. Renton and Eureka are now reunited and fate will test the young lovers as they fight the Eizo, government forces and even Holland. Their love will be the key to mankind’s future and fulfilling their dreams.

Verdict: An average anime effort, though had I seen the original series I imagine my rating would have been higher. 5/10

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Strait Jacket  (2008)

In a world where sorcery and science co-exist, the power of magic comes with a price: Humans who do not take proper precautions are transformed into horrific demons. Those who destroy these demons and run the highest risk of all are tactical sorcerists known as Strait Jackets . But when terrorists unleash a plague of demonic carnage, the Sorcery Management Bureau must enlist unlicensed assassin Leiot Steinberg to stop the slaughter. Even if this rogue killer and a mysterious young girl can end the outbreak, will they be able to face their own dark secrets? Monsters, murder and redemption collide in this explosive anime written by Ichiro Sakaki (SCRAPPED PRINCESS) and based on his popular light novel series.

Verdict: Action-packed but unfortunately brief anime which leaves a limited story. 6/10

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The Eagle Has Landed (1976) 

Robert Duvall, Michael Caine, Donald Sutherland. The story of a Nazi plot to kidnap Winston Churchill. Based on the novel by Jack Higgins.

Verdict: Begins well but even a top-notch cast can’t prevent the anti-climactic conclusion. 7/10

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Journey to the Center of the Earth (1959)

The accent is on fun and fantasy in this film version of Jules Verne’s classic thriller that stars James Mason, Pat Boone, and Arlene Dahl. With spectacular visuals as a backdrop, the story centers on an expedition led by Professor Lindenbrook (Mason) down into the earth’s dark, threat-laden core. Members of the group include the professor’s star student, Alec (Boone), and the widow (Dahl) of a colleague. Along the way lurk dangers such as kidnapping, death, sabotage by a rival explorer, and attacks by giant prehistoric reptiles. But they also encounter such magnificent wonders as a glistening cavern of quartz crystals, luminescent algae, a forest of giant mushrooms, and the lost city of Atlantis.

Remaining faithful to Verne’s story, this is a sweeping adventure that offers enough thrills and entertainment to satisfy every explorer in the family.

Verdict: Slow going and showing its age with the effects, but still a fun little adventure. 6/10

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The post This Week’s Films (30/12/13) appeared first on News of the Worlds.

This Week’s Books (29/12/13)

Jiang Rong – Wolf Totem (2004)

An epic Chinese tale in the vein of The Last Emperor, Wolf Totem depicts the dying culture of the Mongols-the ancestors of the Mongol hordes who at one time terrorized the world-and the parallel extinction of the animal they believe to be sacred: the fierce and otherworldly Mongolian wolf .

Published under a pen name, Wolf Totem was a phenomenon in China, breaking all sales records there and earning the distinction of being the second most read book after Mao’s little red book. There has been much international excitement too-to date, rights have been sold in thirteen countries. Wolf Totem is set in 1960s China-the time of the Great Leap Forward, on the eve of the Cultural Revolution. 

Searching for spirituality, Beijing intellectual Chen Zhen travels to the pristine grasslands of Inner Mongolia to live among the nomadic Mongols-a proud, brave, and ancient race of people who coexist in perfect harmony with their unspeakably beautiful but cruel natural surroundings. Their philosophy of maintaining a balance with nature is the ground stone of their religion, a kind of cult of the wolf. 

The fierce wolves that haunt the steppes of the unforgiving grassland searching for food are locked with the nomads in a profoundly spiritual battle for survival-a life-and-death dance that has gone on between them for thousands of years. The Mongols believe that the wolf is a great and worthy foe that they are divinely instructed to contend with, but also to worship and to learn from. Chen’s own encounters with the otherworldly wolves awake a latent primitive instinct in him, and his fascination with them blossoms into obsession, then reverence. 

After many years, the peace is shattered with the arrival of Chen’s kinfolk, Han Chinese, sent from the cities to bring modernity to the grasslands. They immediately launch a campaign to exterminate the wolves, sending the balance that has been maintained with religious dedication for thousands of years into a spiral leading to extinction-first the wolves, then the Mongol culture, finally the land. As a result of the eradication of the wolves, rats become a plague and wild sheep graze until the meadows turn to dust. Mongolian dust storms glide over Beijing, sometimes blocking out the moon. 

Part period epic, part fable for modern days, Wolf Totem is a stinging social commentary on the dangers of China’s overaccelerated economic growth as well as a fascinating immersion into the heart of Chinese culture.

Verdict: A fascinating and poignant journey into the Mongolian grasslands. 4/5

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Joseph Heller – Closing Time (1994)

A darkly comic and ambitious sequel to the American classic Catch-22.

In Closing Time, Joseph Heller returns to the characters of Catch-22, now coming to the end of their lives and the century, as is the entire generation that fought in World War II: Yossarian and Milo Minderbinder, the chaplain, and such newcomers as little Sammy Singer and giant Lew, all linked, in an uneasy peace and old age, fighting not the Germans this time, but The End. Closing Time deftly satirizes the realities and the myths of America in the half century since WWII: the absurdity of our politics, the decline of our society and our great cities, the greed and hypocrisy of our business and culture — with the same ferocious humor as Catch-22.

Closing Time is outrageously funny and totally serious, and as brilliant and successful as Catch-22 itself, a fun-house mirror that captures, at once grotesquely and accurately, the truth about ourselves.

Verdict: Disappointing sequel to Catch-22 that retains only a little of what made the original so great. 2/5

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Dave’s Odyssey #3

In May 2008, I went travelling on my own for the first time and was out of England for a month. Along the way I took in Singapore, New Zealand, Australia and Thailand before coming home. I kept a journal of my time on the road, so here’s a day by day account of my trials and tribulations that has the undeserved title of Dave’s Odyssey. 

Day 3 – Singapore

Merlion, Marina Bay with the odd tourist for good measure!

My alarm went off at 7.00 but I fell asleep for an hour. Normally that would have been fine but I still hadn’t had breakfast and the tour started at 9.00. After quickly getting ready I headed for the hotel café to see just what a Singaporean breakfast comprised of. Lucky for me they had just about everything:- scrambled eggs, sausages, pancakes, toast, chips, vegetables and an assortment of fruit juices, tea, coffee, warm milk, or water if you weren’t feeling adventurous. Due to being on borrowed time, I wasn’t able to have much but it was enjoyable all the same. Touchwood I would get my money’s worth the following day.

Our morning tour began with a pleasant drive through the Chinatown area of Singapore. Taking in the sights, I couldn’t help thinking I’d never seen so many beautiful people in one place! We failed to drive on any street where there weren’t at least two or three stunning women wandering around. It was difficult to even focus on the individual buildings and sights being pointed out by the tour guide.

Our first stop was Merlion Park, which includes Marina Bay. From our coach we could see a bridge lined with purple flowers while the scent of the sea was suddenly strong in the air. We passed under the bridge to see the Merlion. This is a statue of a lion’s head with a fish’s tail and acts as a fountain of sorts with water gushing from the lion’s mouth. The spray travelled a bit too far for most people’s liking but that didn’t stop the photo opportunities. If you managed a single photo without a tourist being in the shot, you were considered a veteran.

Inside Thian Hock Keng Temple

From Merlion Park we progressed to Thian Hock Keng Temple, which was worth a few photos. The temple is still used for worship and we were warned not to photograph anyone praying, as they believe being photographed while in prayer will see the camera steal their soul. Thankfully, there were no worshippers around at the time to worry about offending. In the darkest corners of the temple we did see slumbering bats. They were only small and clearly more disturbed by us than we were of them. The bats are said to bring good luck and so are left to reside within the temple. The name of the temple refers to everlasting happiness, which is hardly synonymous with bats.

Every part of the temple was magnificently crafted and all put together without nails. The insides of the doors were adorned with numerous prophets and golden dragons. The rafters were enhanced with elephant heads and a giant drum hung ominously from one side. Mats were laid out for the worshippers and behind these were the figurines of numerous names from history and religion, including Confucius from China. Although there were no worshippers the scent of incense was strong, though not powerful enough to assuage a giant swarm of flies from appearing on one side of the temple. Luckily, their sudden arrival coincided with our departure.

National Orchid Garden

Our journey through the streets of Singapore took us past the richest properties on the island with some worth up to $6 million with most belonging to ambassadors and foreign diplomats. Living in Singapore sounded pretty tricky and that’s not just the difficulty of getting residence. They prefer Singaporean born residents so the only way to win the islanders over if you’re foreign is having lots of money, particularly if you invest in their economy. If those conditions were bad enough then the island’s largest income is from taxes. They seemed to tax just about everything.

The next step on the tour was the National Orchid Garden, which is a sub-division of the Botanic Gardens. We were given around 45 minutes to explore which turned out to be nowhere near enough time. I’m not a garden fanatic but could still appreciate the variety and colour on offer in the Orchid Garden. The wild/rare orchids were kept separate in their own enclosure called the Orchidarium, while the aptly titled Cool House was host to a series of orchids native to South America.

The highlight of the Orchid Garden was probably the celebrity orchids. Up to this point I’d seen orchids dedicated worryingly to Elizabeth II and Margaret Thatcher. The celebrity section had three notable names – Princess Diana, Jackie Chan and Ricky Martin. It seems that just visiting the gardens is enough to have the horticulturists work on a new one in tribute to you. My concern is James Blunt will be next as posters advertising a concert in Singapore were all over the city!

Little India

Our last stop was Little India. This is a small market, a bit classier than the one in Barnsley but not as roomy. The stalls were so close together that the group had to walk in single file. Little India has added to the ever-increasing list of places with souvenirs worth buying. Alas, with three more countries still to visit and little room in my backpack I’ll have to resist temptation.

The afternoon was free until 6.00 when I had signed up to go on a Night Safari. I took the opportunity to wander Singapore, armed with my camera and this time with a map. Tomorrow I’ll spend most of the day exploring further until we bid farewell to Singapore in the evening.

Two hours worth of wandering allowed my digital camera and I to take in ten so-called areas of interest. Amazing to think yesterday I wandered aimlessly for an hour without taking a single photo. Using the map I found the bulk of these sights were pretty close to the hotel.

War Memorial Park

The highlights were the poignant tributes to the war dead found in War Memorial Park, Lim Bo Seng Memorial and the Cenotaph. For the latter two, I had to cross a field where the locals were playing football. I couldn’t recall if Singapore has a national football team. If they do it’s unlikely they’ll be qualifying for World Cups what with the population and the island being so small.

On my way to Singapore River I passed City Hall, one of the island’s most historic buildings. It was here that the British accepted the surrender of Japan in WWII and where the island gained its current standing as an independent republic.

I only had time for a brief stroll along Singapore River. I bumped into a Scottish couple from my tour group who’d been exploring themselves. They’d met a fellow Scot who worked in one of the high-rise buildings and took this fortuitous couple to the top for photo opportunities completely free of charge. They were warned not to eat in any of the restaurants by the river as well. After comparing notes I found time was getting on. Hopefully tomorrow I can find time to return to the river.

Cenotaph

The Night Safari turned out to be both good and regrettable. I was the only one from my tour group that went on the outing but there were ample tourists from other groups to make up the numbers. Our tour guide – James – was the epitome of enthusiasm, so much so that he revelled in telling us about car licence plates.

On our arrival after 7.00 we made straight for the restaurant to partake of a delightful buffet. Foods from all over the world were on offer. I got chatting with an Aussie couple who were on their way to Switzerland and then England. The husband was originally from Plymouth before he emigrated to Australia. The two of them offered some advice for when I tackled Australia. It would have been easy to sit there and get fat but we had to be back at the coach for 10.00 so everything became a rush.

The safari park is divided into two outings to be honest. The drive through takes about 40 minutes but at the halfway point you can get out and have a walk round to visit the animal enclosures, such as the leopards, which you don’t see on the main tour. The idea is that after a lengthy walk you are picked up again to resume the rest of the tour. It sounds pretty straightforward but, unfortunately for me, it went horribly wrong.

I’m late! I’m late! For a very important date!

I set off on the main tour just after 8.00 and it was quite an experience. You could barely see anything ahead early on but then you’d be told to look left or right and the numerous animals – deer, rhinos, lions, elephants, zebras, giraffes, wolves, hyenas, etc – would be there waiting. Flash photography was not allowed so I didn’t get a single shot during my time there.

At the halfway stage I opted to have a wander round myself and this is where the problems began. There were just too many paths to explore in the time we’d been given but having paid for the trek I wanted to make the most of it. The highlight was when I found the enclosure for the giraffes and zebras. While they were feasting to your right, to the left was a fantastic view between a parting in the trees of a moonlit lake stretching far out to the horizon. Sadly, there were areas of the park I simply didn’t have time to see before I had to get back to the tram.

By 9.30 I was at the station waiting for the tram to pick us up and complete the tour. They had been operating every five minutes or so but this one didn’t show until 9.45. So began a nervous wait for the tour to end. The coach was set to depart at 10.00!

When the tour was over it was 10.05. I raced out of the place but lost my way looking for the coach park. One of the safari staff pointed me in the right direction and it was still just 10.10. There was one coach in the car park and it was smaller than the one we’d arrived on as well as empty. Reality hit home at this stage. The coach had left me behind! I wandered around for another ten minutes in the vain hope the coach or the tour guide would show up and shout “Fooled you!” but it didn’t happen.

Looking back I was wrong to get so annoyed. I still think the coach could have at least hung on for ten minutes but in fairness I was late and that’s life as they say. Thankfully, help wasn’t far away in the form of a bus stop and taxi stand. I didn’t know which bus to catch to the city so had to settle for a taxi.

The best thing I could have hoped for at that point was a sympathetic driver. When I told the young driver about my misfortune he just laughed. In fairness to him, he tried to win back some approval by insisting I looked 18. That did placate me a little I’ll confess but then he ruined my improving mood by telling me of his love for not just football but Manchester United. At least he wasn’t a Sheffield Wednesday fan. That would have been the ultimate insult to a Barnsley FC fan like myself.

The drive back to the city was pretty grim despite the good-natured chat with driver. I watched the meter rising as we made good time reach the city centre. The final fare weighed in at $27. In total I’d spent over $100 on the Night Safari and although it was a memorable experience I don’t think having to rush around the way I did made the excursion worth the money. Hopefully this will be my only bad experience with these optional excursions. I’ll certainly be timekeeping better next time round!

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This Week’s Films (23/12/13)

Bel Ami (2012)

Based on Guy de Maupassant’s classic novel, this tale of temptation and obsession chronicles Georges Duroy’s (Robert Pattinson) rise to power from his meager beginnings as a penniless ex soldier by using the city’s most influential and wealthy women. Set in turn of the century Paris, Duroy seduces Mme de Marelle (Christina Ricci) then marries a former comrade’s wife, Madeleine Forrestier (Uma Thurman). Fueled by his insatiable quest of lustful greed, Duroy conquers Madame Walter (Kristen Scott Thomas), only to learn that every conquest is marred by betrayal and true love eludes him.

Verdict: A great cast disappointingly underachieve in a film that summarises the events and liaisons rather than develop them further. 4/10

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Redacted (2007) 

Inspired by true events REDACTED follows a group of soldiers who are stationed at a checkpoint in Iraq. Angel Salazar is an aspiring filmmaker who is intent on capturing his experience on videotape. His fellow soldiers seem to be surprisingly well-adjusted at first but it isn’t long before their true colours come through. When Reno decides to get drunk and harass an Iraqi family the situation devolves into rape and murder putting an incredible strain on Lawyer who wants to expose Reno but doesn’t want to rat out a fellow soldier.

Verdict: Gritty and often unpleasant, De Palma’s fictionalised documentary conveys many brutal truths about Iraq but some elements, especially the aftermath of the harrowing story at the centre of this piece lack development. 6/10

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Stuck On You (2003) 

“Matt Damon and Greg Kinnear make a terrific team” (Newsweek) in this delightfully demented comedy from the inseparable Farrelly Brothers (Shallow Hal, There’s Something About Mary). Conjoin the fun with Bob (Damon) and Walt (Kinnear) Tenor, two brothers who share a passion for life—and a liver. But their unique bond leads to wild complications when Walt decides to pursue his dreams of becoming an actor and persuades his reluctant sibling to go along for the ride! Loaded with over-the-top humor and outrageous antics, Stuck On You will leave you beside yourself with laughter!

Verdict: Much better than I expected, Stuck On You benefits from the performances of Damon and Kinnear and has enough laughs to make it worth consideration. 7/10

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Angel-A (2005)

From the director of The Professional and The Fifth Element comes a stunning, sexy tribute to the healing power of love. When André, a down-on-his-luck gambler, dives into the icy Seine to end it all, he winds up instead rescuing Angela, a gorgeous, mysterious blonde. Filled with renewed passion for life, they set out to settle André’s scores as they wander the City of Lights. Along the way, André finds himself, but he still has some questions about his leggy, lovely companion -can she really be as heavenly as she seems? Filled with wit, warmth and eye-popping visuals,Angel-A shows just how high you can soar when passion takes flight.

Verdict: A beautifully filmed and unusual story of redemption and love, Angel-A does fade slightly towards the end but overall it’s a good effort from Luc Besson. 7/10

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Incendiary (2008) 

A woman has to deal with feelings of grief and guilt after her husband and son die in a terrorist attack. A young London mother (Michelle Williams) waves her husband and son goodbye as they head off to see a local football match. As soon as they’re gone, she entertains local news reporter Jasper Black (Ewan MacGregor), with whom she’s been having an affair. As the two begin making love, a news flash on the television informs them that a suicide bomber has attacked the stadium which her husband and child were attending. In a blind panic, the woman heads for the football ground, where she runs into her late husband’s boss, police officer Terence Butcher (Matthew Macfadyen). In the following weeks, as she attempts to put her life back in order, she’s introduced to, and befriends, a young boy (Sidney Johnston) whose father was involved in the attack.

Verdict: Begins well but despite an excellent performance from Michelle Williams the film throws in too many narrative threads with many feeling unresolved by the end. 5/10

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Outrage (2010) 

The king of yakuza epics Takeshi Kitano (Brother, Zatoichi, Hana-Bi, Sonatine) returns with his most violent gangster film yet.  

Mr. Chairman, the head of the ruling Sannokai yakuza clan, suspects that his henchman Ikemoto has struck a forbidden alliance with rival gangster Murase. Ikemoto tries to quell his boss’ distrust by making a move against Murase, marking the start of a ruthless series of conflicts and betrayals.  Before long, several yakuza clans are out for blood in their constant battle for power and money.  The rival bosses fight to rise through the ranks by scheming and making short-lived allegiances.  In this corrupt world where there are no heroes, it’s a bad guy vs. bad guy in a spiralling outrage of gang warfare.

Verdict: Outrage offers a very violent but always intriguing duel between rival yakuza families. 7/10

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Belle De Jour (1967) 

The porcelain perfection of Catherine Deneuve (Repulsion) hides a cracked interior in the actress’s most iconic role: Séverine, a chilly Paris housewife by night, a bordello prostitute by day. This surreal and erotic late-sixties daydream from provocateur for the ages Luis Buñuel (Viridiana) is an examination of desire and fetishistic pleasure (its characters’ and its viewers’), as well as a gently absurdist take on contemporary social mores and class divisions. Fantasy and reality commingle in this burst of cinematic transgression, which was one of Buñuel’s biggest hits.

Verdict: An interesting story of sexual repression and desire with a sprinkling of director Luis Bunuel’s penchant for surrealism. 7/10

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Brick Lane (2007) 

A young Bangladeshi woman, Nazneem, arrives in 1980s London, leaving behind her beloved sister and home, for an arranged marriage and a new life. Trapped within the four walls of her flat, and in a loveless marriage with the middle aged Chanu, she fears her soul is quietly dying. Her sister Hasina, meanwhile, continues to live a carefree life back in Bangladesh, stumbling from one adventure to the next. Nazneen struggles to accept her lifestyle, and keeps her head down in spite of life’s blows, but she soon discovers that life cannot be avoided – and is forced to confront it the day that the hotheaded young Karim comes knocking at her door.

Verdict: Despite some good performances, Brick Lane is unfortunately too slow and ponderous in places. 6/10

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Le Mepris (1963) 

An aspiring playwright, Paul Javal (Michel Piccoli) finds himself caught between the creative director (Fritz Lang playing himself) and the crass producer Prokosch (Jack Palance) on a movie version of Homer’s ‘The Odyssey’. While the director wants to faithfully re-create Homer’s world, the producer waves his chequebook and wants more mermaids. When Paul finds himself swayed by the power of the producer’s money, he finds his wife Camille (Brigitte Bardot) begins to regard him with increasing contempt.

Verdict: A beautifully filmed depiction of both a deteriorating marriage and a reflection on Homer’s Odyssey as the archaic tale is adapted into a film. Well worth a look. 8/10

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Azumi 2: Death or Love (2005) 

Sequel to the Japanese period action film. For their next mission, Azumi (Aya Ueto) and Nagara (Yuma Ishigaki) head towards the Kudo Mountains with the help of a beautiful female ninja (Chiaki Kuriyama) to track down and kill Sanada (Toshiya Nagasawa). On the journey, Azumi meets a young thief, Ginkaku (Shun Oguri), who resembles her first love and friend Nachi, whom she was ordered to kill to prove her worth as an assassin. As Azumi and Ginkaku’s feelings towards each other grow, Ginkaku tries to persuade Azumi to quit her life as an assassin and lead a normal life with him. Nagara is advised by Kozue (Chiaki Kuriyama) to let Azumi go her own way, unaware that Kozue has motives of her own for wanting to split them up. As Azumi draws nearer to her target, she must defeat the armies that have been sent to kill her and learn the awful truth about Kozue.

Verdict: As good as the first film with some even better fight sequences than its predecessor. 6/10

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The End of the Line (2009)

Humans have long regarded the world’s oceans as vast and inexhaustible. Now, we have learned otherwise.

Based on the critically acclaimed book by Charles Clover, THE END OF THE LINE charts the devastating ecological impact of overfishing by interweaving both local and global stories of sharply declining fish populations, including the imminent extinction of the bluefin tuna, and illuminates how our modern fishing capacities far outstrip the survival abilities of any ocean species. Scientists explain how this depletion has slipped under the public radar and outline the catastrophic future that awaits us an ocean without fish by 2048 if we do not adjust our fishing and consumption practices.

An alarming call to action that is already changing the world, the film narrates an escalating global crisis that can only be avoided by recovering and sustaining the incredible vitality of the sea. Beyond detailing the issues at hand, THE END OF THE LINE outlines the solutions, motivating supermarkets, restaurants and individuals to take the necessary steps to save the ocean. Now you can join them.

Verdict: A brief but fascinating warning about the dangers of overfishing across the globe. 8/10

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Ironclad (2011)  

A Medieval Magnificent Seven, Ironclad is a violent action thriller that tells the true story of a motley crew of tough, battle hardened warriors, who withstood several brutal and bloody months under siege, in a desperate bid to defend their country.

Verdict: Plenty of action but the characters are underwhelming and even the usually reliable Paul Giamatti seemed uncomfortable in his role. 5/10

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S. Darko (2009) 

Straight-to-DVD sequel to the cult 2001 film ‘Donnie Darko’. Seven years after Donnie’s death, his little sister Samantha (Daveigh Chase) and her best friend Corey (Briana Evigan), now 18 years old, take off on a road trip to Los Angeles in a bid to hit the big time. When their car breaks down in the small desert town of Conejo Springs, a sequence of bizarre occurences is set in motion that undermines the girls’ friendship and threatens to herald the end of the world.

Verdict: Rather than create a new story, S.Darko revisits many elements of the first film but somehow gets it all wrong and leaves you wondering why a sequel to Richard Kelly’s masterpiece was ever considered. 2/10

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Mr Nobody (2009)

In 2092, the oldest man in the world is 118 year old Nemo (Jared Leto, Requiem for a Dream, American Psycho). He is on his death bed reflecting on the three main loves of his life to a reporter. There was his great but taboo love Anna (Diane Kruger, Unknown, Inglourious Basterds); Elise (Sarah Polley, Splice), whom a relationship was developed with out of circumstance; and Jean (Linh Dan Pham, Indochine), who he shared an impassionate life of luxury with. However, when these stories intersect and overlap, the reporter begins to question if any of these lives and stories are real or just a figment of his old imagination.

Verdict: Visually stunning with a great cast and some moving performances, Mr. Nobody suffers only with its run time of 2+ hours which can be demanding given its many twists and turns. 9/10

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Adam & Paul (2004)

Friends since they were small boys, Adam and Paul have withered into two hapless, desperate Dublin junkies, tied together by habit and necessity. A stylized, downbeat comedy, the film follows the pair through a single day, which like every other, is entirely devoted to the business of scrounging and robbing money for drugs. The difference today is that Adam and Paul, already rock bottom, have finally run out of luck, credit and friends.

Verdict: A day in the life of two Dublin drug addicts has some amusing moments and good performances from the two leads. 6/10

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**FILM OF THE WEEK**

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966)

By far the most ambitious, unflinchingly graphic and stylistically influential western ever mounted, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly is an engrossing actioner shot through with a volatile mix of myth and realism. Clint Eastwood returns as the “Man With No Name,” this time teaming with two gunslingers (Eli Wallach and Lee Van Cleef) to pursue a cache of $200,000 and letting no one, not even warring factions in a civil war, stand in their way. From sun-drenched panoramas to bold, hard close-ups, exceptional camera work captures the beauty and cruelty of the barren landscape and the hardened characters who stride unwaveringly through it. Forging a vibrant and yet detached style of action that had not been seen before, and has never been matched since, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly shatters the western mold in true Clint Eastwood style.

Verdict: Though not as good as Once Upon a Time in the West, Sergio Leone’s epic western is still engaging and never dull throughout its 3 hours. 9/10

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This Week’s Books (22/12/13)

Wilkie Collins – The Fallen Leaves (1879)

Experience of the reception of _The Fallen Leaves_ by intelligent readers, who have followed the course of the periodical publication at home and abroad, has satisfied me that the design of the work speaks for itself, and that the scrupulous delicacy of treatment, in certain portions of the story, has been as justly appreciated as I could wish. Having nothing to explain, and (so far as my choice of subject is concerned) nothing to excuse, I leave my book, without any prefatory pleading for it, to make its appeal to the reading public on such merits as it may possess. — Wilkie Collins, GLOUCESTER PLACE, LONDON, July 1st, 1879

Verdict: I do like to read the classics but find them hit and miss often. I did see Collins’ work through to the end but it unfortunately wasn’t for me. 2/5

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Antony Beevor – The Second World War (2012) 

Over the past two decades, Antony Beevor has established himself as one of the world’s premier historians of WWII. His multi-award winning books have included Stalingrad and The Fall of Berlin 1945. Now, in his newest and most ambitious book, he turns his focus to one of the bloodiest and most tragic events of the twentieth century, the Second World War.

In this searing narrative that takes us from Hitler’s invasion of Poland on September 1st, 1939 to V-J day on August 14th, 1945 and the war’s aftermath, Beevor describes the conflict and its global reach–one that included every major power. The result is a dramatic and breathtaking single-volume history that provides a remarkably intimate account of the war that, more than any other, still commands attention and an audience.

Thrillingly written and brilliantly researched, Beevor’s grand and provocative account is destined to become the definitive work on this complex, tragic, and endlessly fascinating period in world history, and confirms once more that he is a military historian of the first rank.

Verdict: Beevor’s account of the entire Second World War proves both an accessible and an informative read from start to finish. A great place to start on this brutal period of history. 4/5

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This Week’s Books

Wilkie Collins – The Fallen Leaves (1879)

Experience of the reception of _The Fallen Leaves_ by intelligent readers, who have followed the course of the periodical publication at home and abroad, has satisfied me that the design of the work speaks for itself, and that the scrupulous delicacy of treatment, in certain portions of the story, has been as justly appreciated as I could wish. Having nothing to explain, and (so far as my choice of subject is concerned) nothing to excuse, I leave my book, without any prefatory pleading for it, to make its appeal to the reading public on such merits as it may possess. — Wilkie Collins, GLOUCESTER PLACE, LONDON, July 1st, 1879

Verdict: I do like to read the classics but find them hit and miss often. I did see Collins’ work through to the end but it unfortunately wasn’t for me. 2/5

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Antony Beevor – The Second World War (2012) 

Over the past two decades, Antony Beevor has established himself as one of the world’s premier historians of WWII. His multi-award winning books have included Stalingrad and The Fall of Berlin 1945. Now, in his newest and most ambitious book, he turns his focus to one of the bloodiest and most tragic events of the twentieth century, the Second World War.

In this searing narrative that takes us from Hitler’s invasion of Poland on September 1st, 1939 to V-J day on August 14th, 1945 and the war’s aftermath, Beevor describes the conflict and its global reach–one that included every major power. The result is a dramatic and breathtaking single-volume history that provides a remarkably intimate account of the war that, more than any other, still commands attention and an audience.

Thrillingly written and brilliantly researched, Beevor’s grand and provocative account is destined to become the definitive work on this complex, tragic, and endlessly fascinating period in world history, and confirms once more that he is a military historian of the first rank.

Verdict: Beevor’s account of the entire Second World War proves both an accessible and an informative read from start to finish. A great place to start on this brutal period of history. 4/5

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Dave’s Odyssey #2

In May 2008, I went travelling on my own for the first time and was out of England for a month. Along the way I took in Singapore, New Zealand, Australia and Thailand before coming home. I kept a journal of my time on the road, so here’s a day by day account of my trials and tribulations that has the undeserved title of Dave’s Odyssey. 

Day 2 – Singapore

Sultan’s Palace

On touching down in Singapore I found two old dears who had been sat opposite me throughout the flight were on the same tour. It was thanks to them that I avoided another slip-up. Some chap had come round during the flight and asked if anyone was staying in Singapore. He walked past me without a glance so I assumed it was nothing important. How wrong I was.

Entry into Singapore requires both your passport and an immigration form, which I didn’t have. Thankfully, the two ladies pointed out some that were some nearby. After that, it took a matter of minutes to recover my backpack before uniting with rest of the tour group.

A few things struck me about this bunch I’d be travelling with for the next month. Firstly, only one of them was travelling alone and the youngest amongst them were a couple I put in their thirties. The rest ranged all the way up to their eighties. Even worse, when boarding the coach one chap pointed straight at me as I walked to the back of the coach. I think he must have been admiring the fact I still had all my teeth. I’d assumed this group would have a wide range of ages but I having flown to the other side of the world I had little choice but to carry on.

Sultan’s Mosque

Due to our early arrival in Singapore, our luggage was thrown in a random van that drove off without looking back. Not exactly encouraging! Our tour guide – Margaret – seemed to find the whole thing normal so none of us complained too much, at least on the outside anyway. Our rooms at the hotel were not yet ready so we embarked on a mini-tour, which was just what we needed after all that flying!

My first impressions of Singapore were it was very different to Yorkshire. It was a sunbather’s paradise for one thing. Our first stop was Changhi Village. I’d never heard of the place but know a fair bit now. It began life as a prison for Singaporean criminals but following Japan’s capture of the island during WWII many of the islanders were gathered there and subjected to famine, disease and persecution.

Changhi Village is a lot simpler these days. Saying that, it was unnerving when I rounded a corner and was met by a group of soldiers marching through the streets. The best thing for us to do was give them a respectfully wide berth and, believe me, we all did.

After the village we tackled Changhi Chapel and Museum. Parking the coach was a bit tricky. The driver almost mowed down some schoolchildren! Each of them was dressed the same with light-blue tops, dark-blue shorts and red caps. They were certainly better behaved than many kids back in the UK.

Here’s one view from my hotel room!

Changhi Museum was a real eye opener. There were numerous displays and artefacts from the last century. The most thought provoking were the quotes from the survivors of the torture and slavery at the hands of the Japanese. Only the occasional heart-warming story was told amidst all the brutality. Singaporean men and women were kept apart as prisoners, but each found ways and means to bring hope to the other. The best example was the Singaporean women that were permitted to sew quilts for the men. The women would sew a message for their husbands, family and friends in the form of symbols that the Japanese didn’t understand so production wasn’t halted.

After delving into Singapore’s history we headed for the city centre. Once there we stopped off at Kampong Glam where we saw the Sultan’s Palace and just beyond the Sultan’s Mosque. Further wanderings in this area led us into Arab Street where an assortment of goods could be bought on the market stalls at reasonable prices. That aside we were shown some of the local flora and fauna, and finally some of the residences, including one area that won a UN prize. Symbols on some of the balconies declared the origin and faith of the residents. Red banners surmounting balconies were home to Chinese settlers, while an assortment of plants dominating the balustrades was said to be typical of Muslim settlers from India.

Our belated arrival at the Peninsula/Excelsior Hotel in Singapore gave us a new problem – key cards. The hotel was akin to Alcatraz. You could get as far as the 6th floor unaided but after that only a key card granted you access to the higher floors. The card, when used in the elevator, more often than not required several attempts before it worked.

…and here’s another one!

Despite the drama of an unpredictable key card I was successfully booked into the hotel. My side of the building offered a fantastic view of Singapore. In fact the sight was so good it warranted a couple of photos. I spent the rest of the day wandering the streets and shops.

I seemed to have avoided the jet lag but that was little consolation for the bad night’s sleep I had. In the early evening I’d been documenting the day’s events and found myself nodding off halfway through writing a sentence! Having hastily written down the rest of the day’s events I retired for the night at 7.30p.m. That wouldn’t normally be something I’d be proud of but I hadn’t slept for 30+ hours so now seemed a good time.

I slept until 1.00 in the morning then could not get back to sleep. I couldn’t help thinking I’d wasted the afternoon of day 2 when I went for a wander round Singapore. It was only on returning that I remembered I had a map containing numerous places of interest. Due to fatigue I didn’t go out again but I wished I had.

The post Dave’s Odyssey #2 appeared first on News of the Worlds.

Masterpieces #2: Lost in Translation

About Lost in Translation (2003)
Bob Harris (Bill Murray) and Charlotte (Scarlett Johannson) are two Americans in Tokyo. Bob is a movie star in town to shoot a whiskey commercial while Charlotte is a young woman tagging along with her workaholic photographer husband (Giovanni Ribisi). Unable to sleep, Bob and Charlotte cross paths one night in the luxury hotel bar. This chance meeting soon becomes a surprising friendship as they venture through Tokyo, having often hilarious encounters with its citizens and ultimately discover a new belief in life’s possibilities.

Starring: Bill Murray, Scarlett Johansson, Giovanni Ribisi, Anna Faris

Directed by: Sofia Coppola

Runtime: 102 minutes

Studio: Universal Studios

 

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Lost in Translation (2003)

I remember watching Sofia Coppola in The Godfather Part III and, like many people, cringing at her less than convincing performance. Many frowned at the fact that she starred in a film directed by her father, nepotism in overdrive you might say, but in 2003 Sofia Coppola was the one that had the last laugh. She directed Lost in Translation which bagged 4 Oscar nominations, winning one for its wonderful screenplay, and it was a huge commercial success.

I remember hearing about Lost in Translation when it was first released and desperately wanted to go to the cinema to see it. For some reason I didn’t, instead buying the DVD when it was first released in the UK. Incidentally, I bought Spirited Away at the same time, and to this day I struggle to think of a better purchase I have made. I approached Lost in Translation with high expectations but amazingly it surpassed all of them.

On the surface you might wonder what all the fuss is about. Lost in Translation is not what you would call an action-packed or even eventful movie. Bob Harris (Bill Murray) is a washed up Hollywood actor who is in Tokyo to film a commercial for Suntory Whisky and to take part in related promotions for the brand. By chance, he meets Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson) in the hotel bar one night. Charlotte has accompanied her photographer husband, John (Giovanni Ribisi), to Japan as he is doing photo shoots for a band. With her husband away all the time, Charlotte is left alone in a very different world to America. Amidst the confusion, isolation and distance from home, Bob and Charlotte strike up a brief but strong connection as they venture out onto the streets of Tokyo together.

Some might call Lost in Translation a romance but it really is about a brief, but profound, friendship between two people. We’ve all felt lost in a foreign land with language barriers, cultures and customs to adapt to, but for Bob and Charlotte, there is so much more to their feelings of maladjustment. They are both lost in Tokyo but lost at home, their lives having taken different turns, but both have been left unfulfilled and uncertain. Charlotte is a college graduate at the start of her life, while Bob is middle aged, his glory days over, but he soldiers on somehow in search of meaning and purpose. The friendship between Bob and Charlotte is both surprising, but at the same time, understandable. They can talk and empathise with one another, there are no restrictions, and their friendship allows them both to try and unravel their respective lives and find clarity.

There is so much to enjoy in Lost in Translation. Not only do we get an insight into Japanese life, which is often chaotic but sometimes tranquil dependent on where you are, we are also treated to a comedy masterclass from the ever reliable Bill Murray. Prior to this film, I had always rated Murray as an actor, but here he pushed himself hard. Yes, there’s the usual humour but Murray also gives us a tender and more serious side to Bob, who appears so fragile and broken at times. It’s a performance that rightly bagged Murray an Oscar nomination which sadly he didn’t win, losing out to Sean Penn for his role in Mystic River. Johansson also excels here as Charlotte who is smart, beautiful but painfully lonely with no one to turn to. Coppola blends the frantic world of Japan with the calm sanctuary of the hotel where Bob and Charlotte stay, and where they often have delicate discussions about their lives, where they are and where they want to be. In such a short space of time, Bob and Charlotte change each other for the better.

Lost in Translation may be one of those films where what is said is more important than what happens, but for me those are the hardest films to get right. Coppola scripted and directed this wonderful film and while many may dismiss her achievements given who her father is, this is very much her own work and an undoubted masterpiece at that. I’ve watched Lost in Translation many times and on each occasion I find myself lost in Japan, privileged to be both there and in Bob and Charlotte’s company for the duration. When it’s over the whole experience is always both beautiful and memorable.

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This Week’s Films (16/12/13)

Busy old week on the film front. Managed to get through 8 films this week:-

The Flowers of War (2011)

It s 1937 and China is on the brink of collapse. Nanking is under siege from the Japanese Imperial Army, the streets awash with violence, the civilians desperate. The protective walls of a western church provide the only haven from the vicious battles outside. Here, an American John Miller (Christian Bale) caught in the midst of the chaos, joins a small group trying escape the violence wrought by the Japanese army. Through one act of heroism, this group of disparate refugees fight back, risking their lives for the sake of others and the nation. Inspired by true events, THE FLOWERS OF WAR tells the incredible story of an unlikely group standing up against an unimaginable and overwhelming evil.

Verdict: This has glimpses of Zhang Yimou’s mesmeric visuals but it pales in significance to his earlier work. 7/10

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** FILM OF THE WEEK **

Pollock (2000)

Ed Harris directed, produced and stars in this drama about the American abstract artist Jackson Pollock who became the first internationally famous artist in the 1940s. His lover-turned-wife, artist Lee Krasner (Marcia Gay Harden) gave up her career to help his, recognising the importance of his work, but with the fame and fortune came Pollock’s self-doubt and ultimate destruction.

Verdict: Directed and performed passionately by Ed Harris with great support from Marcia Gay Harden, Pollock unfortunately lacks depth in conveying the artist’s work. 7/10

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Azumi (2003) 

Cult director Ryuhei Kitamura directs this computer-graphic enhanced big-screen adaptation of Yu Koyama’s samurai manga. Aya Ueto stars as Azumi, a beautiful young femme fatale who, along with nine other orphans, has been trained as an assassin by martial arts master Gessai (Yoshio Harada). To test the fearlessness of his trainees, Gessai orders them to pair off and fight until death – a mission that provokes Azumi to start questioning her role. But, caught in Gessai’s lethal trap, and under orders to kill the evil warlords that are tearing the country apart, she must forge ahead despite the immorality and bloodshed.

Verdict: Azumi offers two hours of bloody battles which are often eye-catching but the characters lack substance, while the story is pretty average. 6/10

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Jerry Maguire (1996)

Top sports manager Jerry Maguire (Tom Cruise) is fired when he suggests to his employers SMI that they concentrate on caring more for fewer clients. He starts up his own company, with only two clients – one of whom double-crosses him by returning to SMI. However, Jerry still has American football player Ron Tidwell (an Oscar-winning Cuba Gooding Jr), plus the unlikely support of fellow former SMI employee Dorothy Boyd (Renee Zellweger), a single mother who Jerry begins dating.

Verdict: Well-acted and scripted, Cameron Crowe’s sport comedy/drama is let down only by being too long, while one or two cheesy moments creep in. 7/10

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Postcards from the Edge (1990) 

Based on actress Carrie Fisher’s semi-autobiographical novel, this darkly comic drama focuses on the strained relationship between showbiz mother and daughter, Doris Mann (Shirley Maclaine) and Suzanne Vale (Meryl Streep). Tensions between the two are brought to a head when Suzanne, fresh out of drug rehabilitation and struggling to revive her flagging career, is forced to stay with her brassy ex-movie star mother during production of a new film.

Verdict: Streep and MacLaine both dazzle in this comedy drama based on Carrie Fisher’s book that explores addiction and the uncompromising acting world in Hollywood. 7/10

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Ghoul (2012)

Something ghastly haunts Golgotha Cemetery – an entity of unspeakable evil…and insatiable hunger. It is the summer of 1984, a time that should be full of lazy, carefree days for 12-year-old Timmy (Modern Family’s Nolan Gould) and his two best friends, Doug and Barry. But when a teenaged couple goes missing among the gravestones of the local cemetery, the bloodcurdling legend of a horrific ghoul begins to seem more like reality than myth. As the body count rises, Timmy and his friends are forced to confront their worst fears when they unearth long-buried secrets and unleash not only their personal demons…but also the one lurking underground! Based on the novel by Brian Keene comes GHOUL, a tale of terror about the convergence of monstrous inhumanity and a ravenous, inhuman monster.

Verdict: A blend of childhood drama and horror that doesn’t quite reach its potential. 4/10

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Sharp Teeth (2006)

Toxic heavy water from a university’s nuclear reactor leaks into its nearby nature reserve marsh changing the local fish. Luscious Lola Dent, mature journalism student gets her teeth into this meaty story to make her president’s honor list.

Verdict: A strong contender for worst film of the year and given that I’ve also seen Suburban Sasquatch, Swamp Zombies and Piranhaconda, that takes some doing! 1/10

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Uncertainty (2009)

The Choice is Theirs…

Every choice has a consequence. But what if the flip of a coin could trigger two separate but parallel destinies? Joseph Gordon-Levitt (500 DAYS OF SUMMER) and Lynn Collins (WOLVERINE) star as Bobby and Kate, a young New York couple at a crossroads whose lives are about to take very different heads/tails directions: A visit to Brooklyn leads them to gentle discoveries about family, loss and each other, while a day in Manhattan plunges them into an urban nightmare of pursuit, suspense and murder. Olivia Thirlby (JUNO) co-stars in this uniquely powerful thriller written, produced and directed by Scott McGehee and David Siegel, the award-winning filmmakers behind SUTURE, BEE SEASON and THE DEEP END.

Verdict: A modern version of Sliding Doors which begins okay but quickly loses its way with only one of the two stories being interesting. 4/10

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