Live the Life

** Blossom and open up little by little... it's not a race. It's your life xx

Freedom to be You

What is Freedom? According to the dictionary it’s a state of being free or at liberty, no restraints, no eternal control, no regulations, no bondage, no slavery, no obligations…independence and being true to one’s self. Then why is it lately that some correlate the meaning of freedom to mean something completely different. If someone is to be free to be themselves, then they should not have the pressure to be someone or something they are not. 

Lately, I’ve been hit by bothersome cultural explanations on what people think “freedom” is. One theory is that we are all free because we live in the “land of the free” and home of the brave. This statement is supposed to clarify truth, but If this were indeed true, I think we as individuals would be able to express ourselves completely and be at liberty to think freely and not conform to the constant subliminal messages we are bombarded with through the media everyday. Another theory is that being rebellious in a sense, lying completely naked on the beach or taking nude photos or pushing the envelope with our sexuality is considered being “free”. Putting our bodies up on display for the world to see, in my opinion not only draws attention of the wrong kind, but also cheapens the package on a whole. Because the “majority” like “media” invites us to assimilate and be “free” doesn’t mean that one is more powerful or without restraints. In fact, it is following the trend and accepting what the media teaches us is “cool” or “acceptable”.

This brings me to Freewill. What is Free-will? This is independent mind, independent spirit, independent absence of following the crowd but instead listening to that inner voice of wisdom. It is the will to be free and the freedom to do as you please. Being obligated to become “free” according to society’s definition is a trap. Being free to be as you are, imperfectly perfect and constantly expanding should be the doctrine of remembering what it is to be free. Being “free” to analyze the world and practice what it means to be  you is a beautiful thing. Being “free” to walk the path less traveled and celebrate your uniqueness is peace. Being “free” to discover new ways of expressing your individuality is sexy.

Perhaps society was starved of some things due to strict upbringings, traditions or practices, but does that mean we should tip all the way to the other side to reach satisfaction? Young girls are taught over and over again that sexuality sells? What if, in this patriarchal society, we celebrated women as goddess’ to be revered, appreciated and magnified as a true prize of adoration — the passage of continued life? What are women selling? And when they sell it, what do they receive in return? A label. A measly label. Is that what we want to be? Have we no self-worth, restraint, or mystery anymore? Must we lay all our goods on the table to be accepted, to be welcomed or popular? Or worst yet, to be considered FREE?

You are G-R-E-A-T! Don’t let ANYBODY try to make you feel any less of an individual. Be FREE to BE YOU! No apologies and no excuses :)

Bless-up!

Love Jair

Pay the Ghost

Based on a novel by English Tim Lebbon, this 2015 Horror/Thriller was adapted into screenplay by Dan Kay and was directed by German Uli Edel (Houdini). Not entirely a fan of Nicholas Cage, however this film was a decent one and both Cage and Sarah Wayne Callies, who plays his wife, gave both worthy performances. Besides some small implausible moments, the story’s foundation was strong enough and believable throughout. 

Set in New York City on the night of Halloween, the music, costumes and highlights were wonderfully eerie and the movie brought the fear factor at all the right junctures. It was a lot better than I expected and I was quite happy with the way it progressed. I feel that viewers would be able to relate and because the information presented was so intriguing and structured, it was easy for the audience to share in the tragedy, panic and energy behind the adventure.

An honest film with good story, and just enough fright to keep you on the edge of your seats.

Trash

“You never know what you might find.”

This 2014 Adventure/Crime/Drama was set in the favelas of Brazil and was nominated for 1 BAFTA Film award  and 4 other nominations and had 2 wins that year. Based on a novel by Andy Mulligan and adapted into screenplay by Richard Curtis and Felipe Braga, this touching tale was directed by Stephen Daldry and Christian Duurvoort and was anything similar to it’s title. ‘Trash’ is a treasure that was exciting, riveting, heart-wrenching and eye-opening.

The three young leads Gabriel Weinstein, Eduardo Luis and Rickson Tevez, who play ‘Marco’, ‘Gardo’ and ‘Raphael’ respectively are first-time actors whose acting abilities soar and deliver remarkably to viewers. Hollywood actors Rooney Mara and Martin Sheen also join in but don’t captivate the audience the way the three boys do. 

Poverty and injustice pull heavy at our heartstrings but the film’s message is one that is thrilling and intense but shows that even if one is surrounded by adversity and opportunity can arrive to change your life handsomely forever. With a run-time of 114 minutes ‘Trash’ is the music, the soul, the energy and a pearl of a story, you won’t want to miss!

Keep your truth

**The truth will set you free... Do your part & let the Universe dish out revenge...

Bernie

‘Bernie’ based on the true story of ‘Bernie Tiede,’ was an excellent portrayal of the warm, charming and generous undertaker who got on the wrong path. Although this Crime/Drama ended a bit tragic there was great humor involved and it is probably one of actor Jack Black’s best performances. Shirley MacLane stars alongside him as the ice-queen widow ‘Marjorie Nugent’. 

Written and directed by Richard Linklater, whom worked with Black for ‘School of Rock’ didn’t make as much at the box-office but his film was nominated for a Golden Globe in 2011, and received 16 other nominations and 9 wins that year. Even though it was filmed in Bastrop, Texas, real residents from Carthage, Texas who knew both Bernie and Majorie provided commentary on actual events for the film. Mathew McConaughey who plays attorney ‘Danny Buck’, along with Richard Robichaux who portrayed stockbroker ‘Lloyd Hornbuckle’ added another layer of depth to this quirky tale. Jack Black also spent time with the real ‘Bernie’ to study his mannerisms for the movie and did his own musical renditions throughout the film.

The details throughout were well seamed with reality and the beautiful landscapes of this small-town painted the ideal picture Linklater needed his audience to see. Engaging and delightful, this film isn’t your typical Docu-drama and despite some very grim events, it’s plenty of ‘laugh-out-loud’ fun! 

The Josephine Baker Story

Before there was Madonna, and Marilyn there was Josephine. Few people know that she was the richest woman in the world, and richest black woman in the world at the height of her performing years. She was the first to have exotic pets like her pet leopard Chiquita, and also the first to adopt children from around the world, 12 children to be exact and raise them in her bonafide castle in France. She was truly an international talent and wasn’t always celebrated but loved and adored especially by the French.

’The Josephine Baker Story’ in 1991, although made for television was quite an excellent revival of the life and times of the late and great dancer, actress, singer, Josephine Baker. This Biographical Drama was written by Ron Hutchinson and directed by Brian Gibson. With a run-time of 130 minutes they won 1 Golden Globe, another 8 wins and received 12 other notations. 

Set in the 1920’s until her death in 1968, viewers are given an in-depth quest from her humble and hated days to super stardom. Lynn Whitfield was the perfect choice to portray Josephine Baker’s life as it was probably one of the best performances in her long career. Diana Ross, Diahnne Abbott, Irene Cara, Holly Robinson Peete, Whitney Houston and Neneh Cherry were all considered for the part, but Whitfield who is a native of the Baton Rouge, Louisiana proved to be the perfect fit.

Not only did the audience taste the glamour but they also enjoyed the intrigue and mystery as well as they learned Baker was a spy during World War II as well as an activist for equal rights in America. This is a movie that won’t soon be forgotten.