Power

Another year rolls to an end and again it is a time of retrospect and review of lessons learnt. We may recall that despite the commercialism of this holiday ‘Christmas’ the truth of what it stands for and that although gift-giving is wonderful that our ‘presence’ is always more significant than our ‘presents’. http://www.journeywithjair.blogspot.com/search/label/presence

In addition to our giving of gifts this holiday; let us also give the gift of spirits! I do not only mean ‘spirits’ as in alcohol! :D But also the spirit of good-cheer! The spirit of forgiveness! The spirit of trust! And the spirit of acceptance! “Happy is the man that findeth wisdom and the man that getteth understanding”. We are all here on a journey through life – all discovering and learning along the way. Which one of us are perfect? Therefore let us embrace our imperfections and embrace and appreciate each other during this season and always.

As one of our heroes Gandhi said: “The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is an attribute of the strong”. And another of our female earth-bound angels, Mother Teresa taught us, that “People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway”. It is through forgiveness that we are able to truly experience freedom, peace and transformation. It is a gift we can give to ourselves and also to others. When we forgive, we in turn are able to be forgiven. My darlings keep being true and listening to your feelings for your lessons and answers lie within them.

As the year also comes to an end, we similarly complete the current spiritual awakening and transformation that has been guiding us to this point. We should give thanksgiving and alms to the poor, helpless and less-fortunate as well practice prayer and meditation. We can trust that we will continue to have our paths guided and that once we are thoughtful, mindful and kind that harmony, inner peace and blessings are sure to follow. J

Wishing all my readers a lovely season and thanking you for your support and dedication by reading and sharing the joys of the film world as well as our journey together here on earth. May your blessings be multiplied and you have the desires of your heart! J Remember that we hold the power within to love and heal the world!

Love Jair

Arbitrage

For those of you who do not know the meaning of ‘Arbitrage’ as I did; don’t feel daft, it isn’t an everyday word for all, but in the finance world it may be more common. It means ‘the simultaneous purchase and sale of the same securities, commodities, or foreign exchange in different markets to profit from unequal prices’.

This 2012 drama-thriller starred Richard Gere and Susan Sarandon and was written and directed by New York native Nicholas Jarecki. Quite a twisted tale with a budget of approximately $2 million USD worth of snazzy camera angles and cinematography and a hold on the audience’s heart-strings wanting justice, empathy and resolution as the web of lies and greed grew larger and larger as the film progressed. I was quite disappointed with the ending – however the film has grossed a cool $7 million USD thus far.

Running for 107 minutes this film has the excitement and delight of the unknown and the film-maker makes it easy for us to connect with the main characters. Fresh-faced Brit Marling and Nate Parker whom you may remember from ‘The Great Debaters’ starring Denzel Washington both ensure outstanding performances. French model turned actress Laetitia Casta also delivered with not only the ‘water-works’ but a marvelous ‘dead-eye’  decease enactment.

Teaching us the many levels of greed and the difficulties and troubles that may come along with it; this film allows for the audience to make their own assumptions on ‘is it really worth it?’ as well as taking their adrenalin for a spin! J

Life of Pi

I remember a couple years ago while taking a needed seat of rest on my jump-seat and peering into the lap of my flight-mate. He seemed lost in ecstasy over a novel and he said when he was through he’d pass it along to me. Turned out they separated us as often times happened; the life of a flight attendant no two days the same, always an adventure, and always alone. He did however, alert me to what the book was about; he told me it was about a boy searching for God, stuck in the middle of the ocean on a small boat with a tiger. I thought, “Preposterous!” – Little did I know that a few years later, film-makers would turn this simple story into one of the best told stories of our time! J

I was mesmerized from beginning till end. The novel written by Spanish Yann Martel and screenplay adaptation by American David Magee both witnessed their marvelous story turn into a thrilling journey thanks to Taiwanese director Ang Lee. Ang Lee whom you may remember from ‘Hulk’, ‘Brokeback Mountain’ and ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’ has continued his streak of well thought-out and exceptional execution when it comes to scrupulous detail in film-making.

I know many might think it would be similar to ‘Cast Away’ starring Tom Hanks, but surprisingly 2012's 'Life of Pi' is VERY different. For starters there was adequate back-story to ground and make the audience feel closer the our main character, it is tremendously visually appealing and thirdly it is a story of survival, hope, and understanding about the love of the Universe. Let’s just say, Tom Hanks had a basket-ball as his friend, and ‘Pi’ had a stunning 450 pound Bengal Tiger. J

Many may know Indian actor Irrfan Khan whose Bollywood contribution and acting career go as far back as 1988. Some still may be familiar with Indian actress and beauty Tabu whom you may remember from 2006’s ‘The Namesake’. But no-one knows of the first-time 19 year old actor Suraj Sharma from New Delhi India. It isn’t a thing unheard of that Directors choose ‘unknown talent’ to play leading roles in films. In fact many film-makers do; and there is a certain amount of reliance and bonding with viewers that goes along with it. Suraj Sharma certainly gave an outstanding performance and we hope to see much more of him in the film world!

A little bit of ‘Cast Away’, a little bit of ‘Titanic’ and a lot of ‘Life of Pi’ splendor! It will make you laugh, perhaps cry and also have you squirming in your seats. Sheer delight, thought-provoking dialogue and story-telling with a sound-track that'll make your ears happy! Who knew, that a boy searching for God, in the middle of the ocean in a small boat with a tiger could be so good! J

I’ll leave you with some quotes from the book and movie which remind you very much of ‘The Alchemist’ by Paulo Coelho. ‘Life of Phi’ by Yann Martel:

“Life is so beautiful that death has fallen in love with it, a jealous, possessive love that grabs at what it can. But life leaps over oblivion lightly, losing only a thing or two of no importance, and gloom is but the passing shadow of a cloud…”

“Dare I say I miss him? I do. I miss him. I still see him in my dreams. They are nightmares mostly, but nightmares tinged with love. Such is the strangeness of the human heart.”

“If you stumble about believability, what are you living for? Love is hard to believe, ask any lover. Life is hard to believe, ask any scientist. God is hard to believe, ask any believer. What is your problem with hard to believe?”

“I still can’t understand how he abandoned me so unceremoniously, without any sort of goodbye, without even looking back even once. That pain is like an axe that chops at my heart.”

“To choose doubt as a philosophy of life is akin to choosing immobility as a means of transportation.”

UP

**One of my favourite movies ~ showcasing TRUE Love~! :)) Enjoy!

Me Without You

I found this film to be absolutely brilliant. Besides a poor choice in camera; the shots, acting and the story – extremely remarkable! J Written and Directed by English Sandra Goldbacher, viewers went on a journey of the lives of two best friends which proved to be poisonous as the years grew. One is using the other as a crutch because of a less-than perfect and barely present father, and the other because of her unfailing love for her friend’s older brother.

This 2001 drama starred, the adorable and talented American Academy Award nominee Michelle Williams who played Holly, English actress Anna Friel who played the troubled sex-kitten Marina and the devilishly handsome English Oliver Milburn who played the dashing older brother Nat; all three displaying extraordinary acting abilities.

It was a film about love, about trust and about learning to let go when control and jealousy leads you into a trap of unhealthy possessiveness. The audience connects with all three main characters as their ailments and needs are all human and common. The frustration heightens because everyone is afraid of telling the truth and expressing how they truly feel.

Parental guidance is advised as there is drug use, sexual content and foul language displayed as the girls grow together over the years. Trust shouldn’t be taken lightly, say what you mean and mean what you say; otherwise you may destroy a person’s hopes, confidence and reason for living.

Sugar Sugar

** The original video for this tune 'Sugar Sugar' - I loved reading 'Archie comics' as a child :)) ENJOY~!

Fur

This 2006 mystery-drama-biography starring Aussie Academy Award Winner Nicole Kidman and superbly talented Academy Award nominee Robert Downey Junior proved to be quite aesthetically pleasing yet tremendously peculiar. Set in 1958 before ‘Diane Arbus’ (played by Kidman) was divorced, writers Erin Cressida Wilson and Patricia Bosworth collaborated in creating an imaginative biography of what this famous American photographer’s life must have been like. Director Steven Shainberg made sure that in this snippet of inspiration of what jolted Arbus’ photography career unfolded with style, grace and unhurried departures.

Certainly one of the most valued and uncommon American photographers of the twentieth century, any audience would find the little exposed about ‘Diane Arbus’ life fascinating. There was a lot of suppressed sexuality, freakishness and irresponsible behavior portrayed by our main character, and I was a bit disappointed with the way the writers and director chose to tell their story. Although this character had concealed longing and dreams of expressing herself in different ways; because she gave little regard or genuine love to her family it made her come across as a proper sociopath. I wished the film-maker would focus more on what actually took place in her life; and in turn try to piece to together her sadness and demise that ultimately ended in suicide.

Winner of one award and no nominations, and with an estimated budget of $16 million USD and a flat return of $2 million USD worldwide it is true to say it isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Crammed with nudity, even in the film’s very first scenes and plenty of indecent sensual delight – I wouldn’t recommend for a younger audience. 

With an ‘Alice in Wonderland’ sort of effect, lovely colours, wonderful slow moving, close shots and the journey of a lonely, aggravated yet budding artist it was an exceptional visual experience. Phenomenal acting by Kidman, Downey and Ty Burrell, but when it came to the actual story, I sadly was unimpressed.

What is Love

**Remember this catchy tune from 1993? Another talent from none other than the exotic and unique isles of Trinidad & Tobago!! Nester Alexander Haddaway is a Trini representing us in Germany! Enjoy! :))

Charade

When you’re obsessed with something; you’re bound to stir up reminders and in my case; every film I watch, I’m bound to have connections with France! J If you love life; then you’ll love France! J

Oscar nominated 1963 film ‘Charade’ was set in none other than the charming and romantic city of Paris. Written by Peter Stone and directed by Stanley Donen this film not only had lovely cinematic backdrops but also English Cary Grant and Belgium-beauty Audrey Hepburn. Their chemistry was similar to an old married couple – plenty of ‘spit-fire’ and plenty of love! Wonderful story and a scream of a plot unfold in the cleverest of ways. It’s always interesting to see similarities within film styles and influences and being an avid follower of French New-Wave Film; one can clearly see a classic ‘puppet scene’ re-enacted from the French Film ‘ The 400 Blows’ by François Truffaut.

You’ll laugh, you’ll coo and your eyes will grow in thrilling suspense. The audience can assume nothing except the utter danger Mrs. Lambert is in. Is she really, “An agent” or “A Spy”, or simply the unsuspecting newly widow searching for the money her husband had stolen?

“Oh you should see your face!”

“What’s the matter with it?”

“It’s lovely…”

Released on the 5^th of December 1963, only 49 years to the day today; and still possessing award-winning and riveting appeal. J

Perhaps perhaps perhaps

** Doris Day does it again! :)) Enjoy~**!

You won’t admit you love me

And so, how am I ever to know

You always tell me

Perhaps perhaps perhaps

A million times I ask you, and then

I ask you over again

You only answer

Perhaps perhaps perhaps

If you can’t make your mind up

We’ll never get started

And I don’t want wind up

Being parted, broken hearted

So if you really love me, say yes

But if you don’t dear, confess

And please don’t tell me

Perhaps perhaps perhaps

Pillow Talk

“Takes only one sip of wine to know if it’s a good bottle!”

“Oh, this is a good bottle.”

“Well, what are ya’ waiting for?”

Now, that’s what I call a marvelous romantic-comedy! The darling, bright-eyed songstress Doris Day and the frightfully handsome and equally talented Rock Hudson team up with wonderful chemistry to give viewers mischievous comedy and whimsical romance all at once! So bright, light and entertaining, you never want it to end. J

Stanley Shapiro and Maurice Richlin adapted the story written by Russell Rouse and Clarence Green. Winner of an Oscar that year in 1959, and an additonal 8 wins and 8 nominations, ‘Pillow Talk’ delivered everything but the moon. Lovely and simple story well executed with smooth transitions and a remarkable soundtrack, including the songs, ‘Possess Me’, ‘You Lied’ and ‘Roly Poly’ to name a few.

The story’s message teaches the audience despite what you may think of someone, you’re most likely wrong; that people change when they’re ready to, opposites most times attract, and no matter how appalling the argument it’s always wise to talk it out! J 

Delightfully charming from start to finish – certainly a ‘JourneywithJair’ recommendation!