Husbands and Wives

I must say that after watching this film, I have a better understanding about what married life must be like. It's difficult to say you know when you really don't have a clue, but that doesn't mean you don't know what real love and respect is all about, and that with the right tools a beautiful relationship can't survive. This Woody Allen film poses many great questions about relationships and communication in general, however quite a morbid and skewed perception of what marriage and love on the whole may be like. It's probably part of the reason why the film most times were completely hilarious; Woody has that gift of being able to show comedy through tragedy, make it thought-provoking, yet always at the end he is left alone. It seems to me that he likes sad endings, or that's his way of making a twist; because they're always the same outlook. He is completely talented, lovable, but always the whiney, "I don't know why the world hates me" type of attitude, that if you're not careful, viewers also can be sucked into that negative, 'woe is me' kind of outlook for life in general.

This film was extremely clever, as all Woody Allen films usually are, the content and script/dialogue/conversation, extremely brilliant, the camera techniques, deliberately jerky and I completely love the way his characters/actors are always as realistic as humanly possible. I always tend to see New York settings and actors more natural, as opposed to Hollywood style and often incredulously glamorous characters; which isn't wrong or right, but just different. I enjoy both, because you take away singular emotions/feelings with it, but I certainly prefer more natural because it's closer to real life, as even when people pretend their hardest, life isn't always glamorous. I have noticed also that people have used this style in films of interviewing characters on what their feelings are about others, which I absolutely find irresistible because it makes the audience feel as though they're bonding with each person and as though it is even a real situation as opposed to just a director's perspective in a story.

Husbands and Wives was about 2 couples and friends who wondered what it would be like to be single again after spending many years together, about questioning about what their relationship was about, and I would say mostly when hitting that 'mid-life crisis' in wondering if they've still got it and they're insecure on what they have or don't have. I would have loved to play Sally's role, because for me she was the most entertaining character. She was eccentric, funny and well cultured, however someone who definitely needed to be married. After splitting from her husband and dating the yummy Leam Neeson, she realized that she was in fact in love with her pudgy husband all along. The film showed how it was easier for an older man in the dating role than for an older woman, because according to the wives, once they began showing their age, they were just thrown out the window. How the mid-life crisis is probably a quest of unfulfilled dreams or lost youth; of how you become friendly and close with people but in fact you don't even really know them. About how one becomes tired of being corrected and criticized, that it becomes as though one is always on an audition, however once you've had roots planted so deep it's difficult to be set free, however you see who your real mate is when you see how they deal with you in time of crisis and where their priorities may lie. Is work/extra-curricular activities/classes more important than your mate if they need you? It spoke about how Love is not about passion and romance only, but about companionship and communication and about being willing to compromise or change for the better, because if you don't you'll just shrivel up inside. You can't overlook some things because it will never go away; you have to face it head on.

Funny parts of the film I'd like to mention would be:

"Como case women crash their plane and you die along with them because they crash their plane into you!"

"Some people are foxes and some people are hedgehogs!"

"Your IQ is suddenly in remission."

"You should have been born in the 1800's."

"Get in the car, you infant!"

And the last words/manuscript narrated by Woody in the end were quite beautiful and went like this:

"The heart raged and demanded, got melancholy and confused. And to what end? To articulate what nit-wit strategy? It told him something about mind-boggling numbers of sperm that competed for a single egg. It was not the other way around. Of course men would make love at any time and place with any number of women including total strangers. While females were more selective. They were in each case conforming to the demands of only one small egg, while each male had millions and millions of frantic sperm screaming wildly let us out, please, let us out now!

Like those desperate ads in the Personal's column with a dozen requirements and if they were not enough, there was added: Must be a non-smoker. Felman longed to meet a woman who attracted him physically and have a following personality, a quick sense of humour, equal to his love of sports, equal to his love of classical music, equal to his with a particular with a liking to Bach and balmy climates. He thought he wanted himself but as a pretty woman.

Pepkin married and raised a family. He led a warm and domestic life, placid but dull. Nap was a swinger; he skewed nuptial ties and was in bed with 5 different women a week. Students, housewives, nurses, actresses, a doctor, a sales girl. You name it, Nap held it between his legs. Pepkin from the calm of his fidelity envied Nap. Nap lonely beyond belief envied Pepkin.

What happened, after the Honey Moon was over? Did the desire really grow with the years? Or did familiarity cause partners to long for other lovers? Was the notion of ever deepening romance a myth we had all grown up on? Along with simultaneous orgasms? The only time Ripkin and his wife experienced a simultaneous orgasm was when the judge handed them their divorce. Maybe in the end, the idea was not to expect too much out of life!"

My final words are, that there must be plenty of truth, however when you've seen relationships that work, when you've been raised in a culture and society where the majority are able to withstand the hurricanes, when you yourself have experienced true love, then no-one can tell you otherwise, because your life is what you want it to be. You have to believe in love if you want it, and when you do find that love, you have to work respectfully and fervently to make it work. True love can stand the test of time; your intuition also never lies, so if both parties are not in it to win it, and do things hurtful and unbelievable, you know that it wasn't true love to begin with. The way you want to be treated, is how you should treat your mate. If your mate is sad or down, offer them comfort, you may not be able to take away their pain or their bruises but can kiss them, embrace them and help them to feel better. If someone breaks that trust or someone doesn't have your feelings/happiness high on their priority list, and cannot make sacrifices for you, then it's not even worth it. Love in a relationship goes way beyond what we see in the movies; growing up with 2 parents who love each other has taught me that. Sure they have opposing views and stop talking from time to time [hahah] but in the end, they're respectful, inseparable, their love is everlasting and they would never do something that would breach that love, trust and commitment to each other; a fire that can burn forever; a love that can never be synched. J

Misery

This 1990 film written by the ever illustrious Stephen King, adapted screenplay by William Goldman and directed by Rob Reiner was a delightful and 'off-the-edge-of-your-seat-covers-up-to-your-eyes' kind of thrillers. It starred Kathy Bates and James Caan, and they did both an outstanding job! Another great American artist both my Dadsy and I enjoy, Stephen King!

Misery is a psychological thriller that jolts its audience's senses as well as their opinion on fans and groupies. Kathy Bates plays a daunting character who is in love with novelist Paul Sheldon (James Caan) and claims to be his number 1 fan. We think he is in good hands when he is rescued by her as his car plummets over a cliff into heavy snow one night, because she is a nurse and wears an enormous smile and uses words like 'cock-a-doodie', however we quickly realize that since Sheldon can no longer use his legs as it would take months to heal, that he is in a prison with a woman who is mentally unstable.

The plot thickens, but with each new scene, you're left biting the hell out of your nails and hoping he won't open the next door; pure, unadulterated horror-full entertainment. It's nice to see most times where respected actors of today start off in their film careers; they kept growing, took on different roles, and formed a good rapport with writers and directors who were also setting the bar of quality film we see not that often today.

The Conversation

The Conversation starring Gene Hackman was unquestionably a creative film; it took its audience into the world of spies and how much they could really find out about a person besides simple pictures. It also shows how one can become quite obsessed with spying on others as well as losing his marbles when he begins to think everyone is against him. It was remarkable to see how young Harrison Ford was in this movie; it must have been back when he first started acting, for if I didn't see his name in the credits I wouldn't have recognized him.

I liked the use of sound in this film, they used many different techniques to muffle and suppress what was being said when they 'tapped' the talk between the young lady and man in the square. There were many different specific and small things I enjoyed as well, like the paintings and pictures on the wall of his apartment, the idiosyncrasies Gene Hackman had, like how provoked he'd get when someone 'called the Lord's name in vain'.

It was interesting to see the colossal twist in the end, when it was already too late for him losing his mind, when things were different from what he had expected. The dream sequence was also quite satisfying and special, because it was the only time the audience was able to learn a bit more about him and his past and what made him the way he was at present.

Change

Yes, it's true, it most times isn't fair. Actually it seems as though it's never fair. Time again and again, you do the right things, give your love, time and effort endlessly and it seems like even with all your faith and trust, you get slapped in the face. You feel drained, used, unworthy, and disappointed; and still somehow you keep moving forward. You try to keep calm and peaceful, you try to regain your confidence and you try to keep positive, but you sigh, you pout, you feel 'weird' and are 'bummed out'. You wonder, "Well…what's next?" You followed the stupid rules, you abided for more than 3 years in unsuitable conditions, compromised and tried to keep the peace, hoping that maybe things will change for the better. Hah! Yea Right! It didn't, and then to top it off, things make a turn for the worst. You're simply tired with the way things are thrown your way, and although you know its right to always do the right things, you wish you could be satisfied with revenge, or see the people/things/situations fall flat on their faces, or maybe have their face slapped as they have done to you. But no; somehow you don't get that satisfaction and you then finally conclude, that this situation and what you're going through isn't fair.

Change isn't easy. It never is; unless of course, perhaps you've just won the lottery and could build a lovely little villa in the Caribbean. J But no, change usually happens when you're not ready for it, you're unprepared, you feel awkward, betrayed, and pushed into a new direction, whether you're ready for it or not. It has already been understood that this year is all about Change. So despite the sadness that creeps in, the tugging in your heart, or the scare of beginning something new, go with it. The Universe/God is all powerful, all knowing, and all wisdom, and just because part of our human traits are to forget about this heavenly intelligence and fight what we not yet understand, doesn't mean that what's happening isn't good. What is happening to you is a blessing in disguise; keep moving forward even if there isn't ground ahead of you, even if you don't know what direction to head in; ground will appear before you and you will be lead to where you need to be.

Why do we find it so hard to let go what is no good for us. Why do you resist so fervently? Open your eyes, or as a funny comment I heard the other day, "Your eyes are the window to the soul, but it looks like yours need a little Windex!" Don't you wish to be free and happy again? Who likes being around someone that never smiles, that never is positive, that always tries to take, take, take? I don't! Love yourself and value yourself and be gentle, the change is already traumatic, so be gentle with yourself and trust in what the Universe has to offer. If you thought what you had was the best, well think again, because what the Universe/God has in store for you is ten times better! And for all your suffering/prerequisites/lessons weren't in vain; you deserve the good things coming to you. Embrace the change, and know even though you feel like you gave in vain, that you haven't'. And about that revenge or satisfaction, know that "every dog has their day", "everyone has their day in the sun", and they will never forget you. Because you held your light out genuinely and let it shine so bright, overflowing with love, and they'll never find somebody like you. You're a unique being, with specific spiritual duties and desires to carry out and there may be similar beauty, and similar beings, but never completely the same.

Somebody is madly in love with youuuuu! J

So what are you waiting for? Move the hell out of that apartment! Sever, slice and dice that unhealthy relationship! Get rid of that junk in your trunk! And look up and give thanks; even through the tears, it's gonna' get better; blessings will be poured in your direction! J The Universe guarantees it! J

Fanny and Alexander

Fanny and Alexander, or Fanny och Alexander, was for me a marvelous, thrilling and exquisite film. Set in Sweden with a slew of Swedish actors I found it to be immensely thought-provoking and first-rate story-telling. There were dream sequences, reality, dancing, wonderful sets and lighting, and certainly quite regal and sprawling as far as the amount of different emotions that were displayed within the film. Released in 1982 and part of The Criterion Collection director Ingmar Bergman made an intense and rightfully award winning film. It was the winner of the 1984 Academy Award for Best Language Film. I always enjoy watching foreign films because there is always such depth in content and conversation. You learn so much and see how beautifully specific and thoughtful they are with every small detail. Watching this film ignites my urge to travel and explore, and I do know personally some half Swedish, half Trinis, and although we are different cultures, we have more similarities than one may think. I know I was smiling when hearing the forms of punishments for children of being flogged by the switch or ruler and also taking castor-oil, for I also had such strict upbringing. The sights and sounds and lovely architecture and boating intrigued me as well. Oh how I wish now, to visit Sweden!

I found it interesting that the title would accompany both names when the film was mostly about Alexander; however after reading up a bit more on this film, I found out that it was mostly autobiographical and perhaps he wanted to include his sister in the series of unfortunate circumstances which arose. The dialogue, conversation and actually entire script was such a delight because it touched on reality and what we deem it to be, on paranormal incidences and things we cannot explain, as well as on our moral beliefs and decision-making. I did not enjoy most of the transitions though, I feel that they were mostly always loud and startling at the beginning of every scene, but perhaps it was Bergman's strategy to jolt the senses of his audience from time to time. I found the strange, breathing puppets, the whimsical and eccentric characters, and the constant deliberation of good and evil all quite astonishing! I liked that there was order and reverence and truth to this family and that they were really at heart good people as they embraced even their maids. I found that some moments were uncomfortably disturbing with its sensuality as well as depictions of certain characters faces or imperfections, however I do believe that a good director has done his job if he is able to evoke different emotions and have the ability to make an audience member squirm in his/her chair.

It was fascinating the way the film compared life to an actor's role; when they say:

"Some roles are nice, and other's not so nice…there are strange roles to play. Some you cannot control and can shatter reality. Some remain broken, some don't bother to mend it, and nothing makes sense anymore…"

And, "The unknown makes people angry, it's better to blame it on mirrors and magic, because it makes people laugh…you must be gentle with people Alexander."

One of my favourite moments was when Alexander's uncle who was a fun-loving character with a twisty moustache gave a lovely but long speech about life and celebrating it, I was able to capture some of it, which went:

"The world is a den of thieves, and night is falling. Evil breaks its chains and runs through the world like a mad dog. The poison affects us all… no-one escapes… so it shall be… therefore let us be happy, while we are happy. Let us be kind, generous, affectionate and good. It is necessary, and not at all shameful… to take pleasure in the little world. Good food, gentle smiles, fruit trees in bloom, waltzes."

The last moment of the film was also quite poignant and ended quite brilliantly, with darling 10 year old Alexander, lying with his head on his grandmother's lap, she is reading from a play that she has to learn to perform in theatre and she says:

"Everything can happen. Everything is possible and probable. Time and Space do not exist, on a flimsy framework of reality. The imagination spins, weaving new patterns."

It makes me reminiscent of what life really is, or in fact what we make it out to be. Of our education at school, by our family, our cultures, our downfalls and those that become victorious by always being resilient, being able to dust themselves off, endure the pain, and still be able to hobble forward with the light within us all that reminds us that nothing can break us instead the more trust and patience we have, the greater our sufferings, the greater also our rewards shall be. J

Flower Drum Song

Flower Drum Song written by C.Y. Lee in the 1950's and adapted into a musical by Rodgers and Hammerstein in 1961 was a compelling story and rather enjoyable despite it being a musical. I tend to usually dislike musicals, the only ones I'd enjoy watching would be 'Pas Sur La Bouche' and 'The Sound of Music'… and well perhaps, 'Beauty and the Beast', but I must say Flower Drum Song was quite a compelling story! I find it pleasing because each singing and dance number made sense, it was called for, people didn't just break into song like some musicals do, which I find quite difficult to relate to, but in this film, whenever the characters sing, it was them actually singing in a night club or to each other to express their feelings more fully.

This film was nominated for 5 Academy Awards, including Best Music, and it is a wonderful tale about the problems with assimilation into the United States, about cultural differences, as well as generational conflicts; I really was able to identify with this story, because I too am a foreigner to America. It is mainly if not entirely an Asian-American cast and depitcts society in San Francisco during the 40's and 50's. It was done in such a beautiful way that even though the set may have been built in a Universal lot in Hollywood, it became so real with the set design and costumes that we felt as though we were in the 'real' China-town in San Francisco in the 1950's as well as being able to experience the way people lived back then.

'I Enjoy Being A Girl', 'Chop Sui' and 'A Hundred Million Miracles' were my favourite singing/dance numbers. The film went from comical, to sweet, to respectful, to uplifting, every moment was relatable I think not only to Asians, but Americans as well. What I found rather interesting though, was that it was an entire Asian cast, rightfully so, as it is a story about their culture, however there was one actress named Juanita Hall, an African American, singer/actress, who got no honorable mention at all, except in the credits. She had a reputable and grand part in the film, many lines and even some singing and dancing, yet even in the behind the scenes features, not one person brought up her name. They even spoke of the extras in the film and all other major characters in the film, but never once was a word uttered about her. The other actors who made a phenomenal and timeless show were Nancy Kwan, James Shigeta, Jack Soo, Benson Fong and Miyoshi Umeki.

I think that nowadays Asian's are still not offered many leading roles; however I believe that Rodgers and Hammerstein who did other great classics like 'The King and I' opened the doors for actors of different races other than Caucasians in a pleasant and grandeur scale. We can see Hispanics and African Americans having much more play in Film and Television these days, and slowly also other races are being able to be brought into the foreground in making their acting debuts.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith

What great fun! I'd been interested to see this film because the tabloids had it that this was the film that ignited the divorce of Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston. Oh Bother! Perhaps it did, what great chemistry Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have. Whatever Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie or Jennifer Aniston does is their own personal business, but I must say that Angelina is a much better actress! Always saucy and fun, strong, exciting characters, not much needed to be said; her electrifying stare does most of the work. And Brad Pitt, never really fancied him; his acting yes of course, quite wide-ranged and reputable, however celebrity crush, never! In this film though, I rather enjoyed him, it must be those close shots and the ripping off of his t-shirt/everything else he was wearing! J

Writer Simon Kinberg and Director Doug Liman certainly delivered monstrous sparks. Action mixed in with comedy, plenty of sexy and although predictable outcomes, still excellent ingredients for a great Hollywood film. Kerry Washington and Vince Vaughn, were warm friends who kept the laughs coming and the neighbour's reactions, in their perfect suburbia when things went hay-wire were also quite classic. I loved the smooth camera transitions and cinematography, as well as the close-ups and wide pans, seamlessly melting between solid objects.

There isn't very much more I can say about this 2005 Regency Films' classic, except that it was quite cute. No philosophical message or serious drama, but empowering and entertaining, and dare I say the recipe to keep long-standing relationships, 6 years and still going, loads of laughter, name-calling, support and an abundance of strength. I got your back and you've got mine – always and forever! J