Cast Away

A modernize Robinson Crusoe story.
A crash landing on the deserted island, and he begin his amazing journey.

The main character's name is Chuck Noland, played by Tom Hanks.
If you take the first word from Chuck, then add in to his surname,
it reads "C.Noland"
"See No Land!!!"
Sacarstic?

Allright,my opinion to this movie....
I like Tom Hanks' performance in this movie.

Overall, this is a boring movie with not much use of sound, not much use of visual effects, and not much use of excellent cinematography.
After the plane crash, you can only see one man show.

Man to watch~ Tom Hanks~
He steal the show, and it's like watching HIS SHOW on HIS STAGE.
Tom Hanks' outstanding performance support the whole movie.

No music used in almost the entire movie.
Trust me, this is a movie that you are not going to watch together with your friends or family, because it is so quiet.
Overall, this movie is so boring and dull.

Without the music to carry audience emotion,
it allows Tom Hanks to has his very own space, to fully utilized his great acting skill.
Tom Hanks carry the audience mood all by himself.

Beside, Chuck Noland do not has any friend in the island, which mean....
there is no acting opponent for Tom Hanks, only a volleyball, called Wilson.
How amazing is this, to see a volleyball co-starring with a top-class actor.

I know many people do not like this movie, and many people will not like this movie.
But, if you only seek for a good acting, you should watch this movie.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Being born as an old man, but must live his life reverse,
and get younger with time.

Before I watch this movie, I have already attracted by this story.
How amazing is this story?

Benjamin Button's diary recount his entire extraordianry life.
It's like we all (as audience) moving forward together with the plot, but he is moving backward.

But, actually, I think it is not.
If you realize his mentallity and intelligence, he is moving his life forward too.

The "reverse" part is the most interesting part.
But actually, this is only happen to his physical appearance.

Is his life extraordianary?
Is his life amazing?
Is his life so special?
Is his life really that curious?
YES....

But, the way Benjamin Button grow, old and die, is pretty similiar with ordinary people.
"We all end up in diapers."
right?

In the end, eventhough he is growing younger, but still,
he lost his memory, he gots bad temper,
he lost his ability to speak, walk, and write,

just like an old man.

The most important thing is, due to his physical appearance,
he is able to see everything by his own point of view, in different angle and different dimension.
And these....are the moral issues that worth for us to think and think again.

Ofcourse, due to the fate that he has to start his life aging backwards,
there are alot of contradict, complex and sad consequences that he has to face.

I really cannot share much with you about this movie,
I do not know how to describe my feeling after I watch this movie.
I do not know how to explain the complex plot.
because it is too amazing, and you really have to watch it yourself.

This movie is a multi-nominated film in Oscar.
Critically, it receive positive comments.

I like the cinematography, screenplay and music.
Absolutely beautiful.

The make up and CGI of Benjamin Button are very convincing and good.
But you cannot give full credit only to behind the scene,
as this character cannot played by any Tom Dick or Harry.

Did Brad Pitt act well?
I have no extreme comment to this.
But I think his acting is quite mature, not bad.

And Cate Blanchett's great performance, really can see some chemical effects between Brad Pitt and her.
But personally, I found that Cate Blanchett looks so similiar like Tilda Swinton (another female character in this movie, the actress who played the white witch in Narnia).
I get confused, I admit.

Watching "Curious Case of Benjamin Button" remind me of some movies.
there are some similiarities between these movies.

"Forrest Gump",
for their (Forrest and Benjamin) amazing journey.

But Forrest is a much more "real" character.
You probably can see a Forrest in real-life.
Tom Hanks portrayed this character with his natural and "naughty" performance.

Benjamin is darker and mysterious,
you can't find any Benjamin in this planet.
Brad Pitt lets you feel heartbreaking and numb.

If I have to choose one of them to be my friend, I would choose Forrest.

This movie also remind me about Adam Sandler's "Click".
Another meaningful movie that makes you think about your life.
It teach you how to appreciate every single moment in your life.

We can see, Benjamin struggle for his entire life to be with Daisy.
He grow younger and she grow older.

When they met at the age of 40+ , it is the perfect timing for them to live together.
These are the most precious moment for them, but it only happen for a very short moment.

The movie tell us, learn to appreciate.
it is worth for you to struggle your entire life, just to get a short but lovely happiness.

Not forget to mention Andy Lau's "Wait Till You Are Older".
Also a serious movie that talk about life and death.

Ofcourse, unlike "Wait Till You Are Older",
this movie didnt explain much about how come Benjamin Button is born like this and why he need to live his life reverse.

Luckily they didnt, because if they did, it will definitely spoil the movie.
I am sure the reason or cause would be a "childish" and ridiculous one,

just like how "Wait Till You Are Older" get fucked up.

It also remind me about Tom Hanks' earlier movie "Big",
I can't actually recall the plot of the movie, will talk about it nextime.

The flashback narration is like "Titanic", anyway, this is just a minor part of the movie, not so important I know.

Allright, I guess I talk too much,
before I end, I wana recommend you all to watch this movie, that's all!!!

Gladiator

A general who became a slave.

A slave who became a gladiator.

A gladiator who defied an emperor.

"Gladiator" is one of my favourite movie all the time.
Everytime I watch this movie, again and again, I never get bored....

The story is great.
You can always feel the excitement when you are watching a revenge movie.
The character, Maximus is develop well.
How he falls, and rise again, but then, a great death conclude the story beautifully.

Russell Crowe won the Academy Award by playing Maximus.
His performance is indeed very stunning and absolutely top-class.

Credit to the director, Ridley Scott,
a master who know how to shoot visually unique image,
a talented story-teller who know how to make good use of classical music.

Hans Zimmer once again mentioned in my blog,
indeed he is a great music composer.
The sountrack is spectacular.

Ridley Scott often use strong female portrayal.
Lucilla is not a major character, but definitely a tough one.

For a year 2000 film, the CGI used by Ridley Scott is acceptable.
Obviously, the CGI is clearly seen in the movie,
but the visual effect is still considered good.
Massive setting of Germania battle, Ancient Rome, Colosseum and crowd are all well-done.

A very strong relationship linkage between Maximus and the Emperor, Commodus (played by Joaquin Phoenix).
Commodus want to kill Maximus, because he hate Maximus.

It is not because his father chose Maximus to rule the empire,
but because his father love Maximus.

Firstime they met in Colosseum, Maximus turn his back to Commodus.
Commodus get insulted and wants Maximus to die.
But the crowds want Maximus to live.

Commodus wants to win the crowds, that's why,
in the end, he let Maximus live, because the crowd ask for it.

Secondtime, Commodus arranged a game that is unfair for Maximus, but still Maximus survive.
Commodus tried everything to kill Maximus, but Maximus just simply wont die.

When Maximus request for permission to kill his opponent in the arena,
Commodus granted him, because the crowds ask for it. (again)

But Maximus didnt kill his opponent,
then the crowds called him Maximus the Merciful.

Commodus get even frustrated.
Maximus won the crowd, and that's why he won his freedom.

Thirdtime, Commodus stabbed Maximus before the game.
But still, Maximus able to silent the arena by paying back his revenge, and died with honour.

These are my favourite scenes in "Gladiator".
Every action sequence advanced the plot and develop the characters.

I think only those people who watched this movie will understand what I'm talking about.
Because it's all about Ridley Scott's story-telling technique.

Anyway, another unmemorable scenes that captured my attention is....

1. The Roman Senator admitted that Roman Empire is a mob.
2. Marcus Aurelius wants Roman Empire back to Republic.

Is that true???
frankly, I don't really know.

But, the most important thing is, this movie is amazing.
A must watch movie, a highly recommend movie, a great movie!!!

The Da Vinci Code

The most controversial film of all the time,

since The Passion of the Christ....

Writing a review of the Da Vinci Code is hard for a person like me....
because, I am a Christian.

I watch this movie a couple of times, first time because of movie's popularity,second time because of curiosity.

First time I watch this movie from an audience point of view, but then, I watch it from Christian point of view.

I never read the novel before, I know many of my friends like it.
But if you asked them,majority of them do not like the movie.

Mainly because it is not exciting, and it is not as detailed as the novel did.
But most them clearly know that this is just a novel,with fictional story.

As for me, I got nothing much to say, from an movie audience point of view.
It is a boring movie, messy plot and weak structure.

The only thing I found that is good?
Hans Zimmer's score.

Beside that, I really don't know what is so good about the movie.

Now, from a Christian's point of view.
This is going to be harsh for some people who like it.

The first mistake is the title for the story and film.
Da Vinci Code?
come on, this is Dan Brown Code.

Do you know who is Leonardo Da Vinci?
I bet you don't know.

Because most of us do not even know how to pronounce Da Vinci.
It should be pronounce in Italian, not English.
So,the translation of Chinese is so wrong.
And for your information, Da Vinci is a small town in Italy, not a person's name.

Allrite,maybe you don't care.

Next, I won't say Dan Brown is a devil, I won't say Dan Brown is an evil person who distorted the truth, historical facts and biblical history.
But, I say Dan Brown is a clever author who know how to make money.

Leonardo Da Vinci, probably one of the most clever person in history.
He died, and his name is used by Dan Brown to make money.

What if the novel called "Dan Brown Code"?
it won't sell....because many people called Dan and called Brown nowadays, especially in Western countries.

What if the novel called "Leonardo Code?"
it won't sell....because Hollywood has Di Caprio, and everyone knows that he is an actor.

The story of Da Vinci Code is very interesting indeed.
I admit that.

In the earliest part, a man is pursuaded by an Opus Dei's monk in the Grand Gallery of Louvre Museum.
Then, an Amercian symbologist called Robert Langdon,from Harvard University is contacted to investigate the crime scene.
Then soon, he is confused and seek for the help from Leigh Teabing, a British Royal Historian.

Interesting right???

What if I say,
A man is pursuaded by a psycho killer in Museum Negara Malaysia.
Then, an Malaysian professor, from Kolej Tunku Abdul Rahman is contacted to visit the crime scene.
Then soon, he is assisted by a Indonesian Historian.

Ya, sounds funny,maybe some will laugh.
But frankly, it won't sell.

And nobody will believe the story,
because Museum Negara do not have a large history like Louvre did.
Nobody really care about Malaysian, nobody care about Kolej Tunku Abdul Rahman.
Nobody will believe in an Indonesian historian.

In the Last Supper painting, John is actually Mary Magdalane? and she rest at Jesus' arm?

if you really know Da Vinci's painting, then you will know why John is portrayed that femine.

If he is Mary Magdalane? Where is John then?

Judah, the one who betrayed Jesus is appeared in the painting?

but John, the best student of Jesus, did not?

Ridiculous!!!

I bet John will smack Leonardo da Vinci if he really paint the Last Supper without him.

Why Peter is holding the knife?

because the knife is used to cut the bread,

that simple.

There is no code inside!

Da Vinci will smack Dan Brown if he is still alive.

Da Vinci would be so upset because he was so poor in his life,

but his name is used by Dan Brown to make easy money.

For those who believe in Da Vinci Cide, I do not want to use the word "cheated".
But, which other word can I used?

The main point here is, Dan Brown wants to make money, and he did.
From the novel he wrote and publish.
From copyright he sell to Sony to make movie.

Who buy his books?
I didnt , my friends did.

Who watch the movie?
I did.

So, did he reach his goal?
Yes.

Anyway, for those who spends their money on Da Vinci Code, but they do not believe in the story, you are not cheated.
But yes, you gave your money to Dan Brown.

I think about National Treasure.
The concept they use is absolutely the same.
To use some historical facts, such as scroll and coins, to twist and distorted the truth.

But, the different is.
National Tresure glorify American History.
So, no people will stand up and protest.
People like it, I like it.
I know it is not true, but I feel the concept and story is good.

But, Da Vinci Code has greater controversial.
It tends to convince the reader that Jesus is not a son of God, and He actually marry with Mary Magdalane.

Allright, I don't care about your religion at this moment.
But, Da Vinci Code actually question the most fundamental teaching and truth of Christianity.
So, what do you expect from Christian reaction?

Christian is ALLOW to watch the movie, I make it very clear.
Some of the Christian is NOT ENCOURAGE to watch the movie, because some of them do not have strong beliefs or strong biblical knowledge.

As for me, I don't think movie has such power to affect one person's religion.
Most of us know Da Vinci Code is not true, even the fans.

You don't expect a person to convert to Christian after he/she watch Passion of the Christ.
But, you don't expect a Christian to convert to other religion after he/she watch Da Vinci Code either.

Right????

Why are we talking about Da Vinci Code here?
it is no longer a hot topic.
I just listen to a preach by Stephen Tong Evangelistic Ministries Inthernational on CD, very interesting.

Some might take it seriously, some might not.
But I take it seriously.

Some people said, it is just a movie.
You can avoid it if you hate it.
"you don't have to say too much!"

But, the pastor just voice up the truth and reply the message in Da Vinci Code.
I think it is necessary, and it is reasonable for them to speak something, and to make some response.

Last time, my friends ask me many questions about Da Vinci Code, but I can't reply them much.
Today, I know, and I admit, I am taking this movie seriously.

Yes, the hot topic and hot controversial were what Dan Brown wish to see, because more discussion of this movie sells more money.
I am the best example, I watch it because everyone is talking about this movie.

At this point, Dan Brown has success.
This is the fact.

Jesus will not reborn in this world again.
Leonardo Da Vinci and Isaac Newton are dead.
We cannot prove anything from the person mentioned in the novel.

What left?
Historical location?

More and more people come to visit the church and museum mentioned in the book.
People come to the church and want to see Mary's tomb.

Their intention is influenced by the movie.
But, the church and museum cannot protest much because the fact is,
more people come to visit these location.

So, who do you believe in?
the fictional characters mentioned???
or Dan Brown?

Many people like Da Vinci Code because it hurt Christianity badly.
People who hate Christianity, people who do not belive in Jesus.
They simply enjoy the show and story,
because they feel that they are not alone,
because they feel that what they believe is supoorted by historical facts,
because Dan Brown wrote what they wish to read.

Angels and Demons is coming soon to the silver screen, and it is highly anticipate by many fans.
Frankly, I will go to watch the movie, because I want to know what happen.

I don't know what will happen in Malaysia, as we know, this country's official religion is Islam mah....

The country CAN BAN Passion of the Christ because it is too violence.
But they can allow Da Vinci Code to be screened, and highlighted that it was not censored.

Funny?

The Dark Knight

Absolutely the best film in 2008!!!

The best superhero movie ever,
and the most successful commercialized movie ever!!!

If you ask me, I dont know the best movie in 2007,
but "Transformers" is definitely the best commercialized movie.

But if you ask me the best movie in 2008,
I have no doubt to tell you that "The Dark Knight" is the best!!!
both commercially and critically....

There are too many credits to give, not only Heath Ledger....
Ya, he died, that create greater impact and gain more attraction....

But the movie didnt promote too much to his dead,
and the movie never highlight that this is the last movie by Heath Ledger.

The Joker is an anarchic villain,
Heath Ledger is like being possessed by this character.
His tongue,his lips,his movement,his facial expression,his voice,his laugh,his smile, and his gestures,it is simply so great.

I remember a scene in Bruce Wayne's mansion,
where the Joker came to find Harvey Dent,
he definitely steal the show....
the way he threated the people in the ballroom,
you really can sense his psychology element.

When the Joker saw Rachel Dawes,
he actually clean up his hair and face,
it shows that he is still attracted to female,
it shows that he is still a human with flesh.
I love it....

Talking about Rachel,
I like how she is being portrayed in a superhero movie.
She is tough, she is brave, and she really can do something,
instead of sreaming for help and waiting for Batman!

I just finish my graduation thesis,
doing a research to study Female Characters Portayed in Action Movies.

Some of my respondents doubt that MaryJane Watson is not a weak character.
Perhaps they just don't like the word "weak".
But the truth is, how Dark Knight portray Rachel is definitely better!!!

She stand up to infront when the Joker is threatening others.
She challenge the Joker,and she kick the Joker, with no fear at all.
Atleast she do somthing.

Next thing to talk about is Christopher Nolan.
A great director,a great scriptwriter.

Because of Nolan, "Batman" is a much more mature fim, compare to Tim Burton's Batman.
Because of Nolan, Batman is darker.

We can see the effort they put in scriptwriting of "Batman Begins" and "Dark Knight".
Every single scene and sub-storyline are important to support the whole movie.
You can never miss a single second of the movie, because everything moves so fast.
There are too many thing to talk when you seriously think about the structure and plot of this movie.

I love the editing too.
The way they edit is great.
You seldom see a great editing that is so obvious, visionary and good.

The scene where the Joker killed the the Mayor and the Judge,
inter-cut with the scene in Bruce Wayne's mansion, where he wana find Harvey Dent.

And also the scene where the Joker kidnapped Rachel and Harvey,
while he is detained in the police station.

The inter-cut is so great.
And ofcouse, music play an important role to this movie.

It was composed by Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard.
The action scene's music is composed by Zimmer.
The non-action scene's mucis is composed by Howard.

This is one of the best soundtrack I have ever heard.
Basically, it modified the theme in "Batman Begins".
But they also add in score for the Joker and Two Face,
which are all heartbreaking and breathtaking.

The ending of the movie is great too.
I simply love it.

To use Gordon as the narrator,
and to allow Batman turned become the silent guardian.

Batman is a hero that Gotham deserved, but not what Gotham need at this moment,
that is why,
he ran,
and Gotham chase.

There are alot of things that audiences might not get it, and do not understand.
Christopher Nolan do not explain it too clear, which is a good thing.

For an example, where do the Joker come from?
only the comic fans will know.

The duel between the freaks, is great and exciting!!!

I never read the comics, but I watch Tim Burton's Batman.
According to the earlier movie,
the Joker is actually the same person who killed Bruce Wayne's parents in the valley.
(when he is still young)

Batman hate him,
and he take it personally....
which is why,
he failed....

the Joker do not want to kill Batman,
he just want to play games with him,
this is the two facts I have no doubt at all.

Why Batman do not want to kill the Joker when he have the chances?
(in the movie, he actually have it twice)

I interpret in this way....
Batman hate the Joker too much,
even if Batman kill him,
it won't help Batman to release his anger and hatred.

Batman do not know what to do without the Joker....
Batman is confused, Batman is weak, and he is defeated in this movie.

The interesting thing is, the Joker has no rule,
he has a complete freedom.
That is why he can appear in anywhere,
even in the TV, with no mask.

But Batman, he has a rule,
He need to save the day, yet hiding the reality from the world.
That is why he has to run,
he cannot take off his mask.

The Joker know his weakness.
He use Batman's weakness to complete himself.
As he said to Batman in the movie,
"You complete me"

In Tim Burton's movie,
he said,
"You made me"

So, a tragedic incident happen to Batman and the Joker.
They made each other, because of hatred.

To make it simple,
without the Joker,
there is no Batman.

Without Batman,
there is no Joker.

So, the truth is,
Batman CANNOT kill the Joker.

That is why,
when the Joker said,
"Come on, I want you to hit me!"
Batman can't do it.

I don't know what will happen in the third installment in Christopher Nolan's era.
But I am sure it would be very reasonable and very great.
Let's wait and see.

Maybe the Batman will kill the Joker???
who knows?

But personally, I don't think so.
I afraid this kind of scenario only has low possibility.
And I prefer to see the Joker win in the battle.

Anyway, it was just a movie.
Some might like it, some might not.
Soem might take it seriously, some might not.

But for me,
"The Dark Knight" met my satisfaction
I love it!

Ip Man 叶问

看了电影“叶问”，第一个感觉就是爽！

电影找来叶伟信导演，是个绝对无误的选择。
选港产片看，一点都不难，只要电影是由好导演来执导，有九成会是部好电影。

至今为止，image keep 到最好的应该只有三个。

陈木胜，叶伟信，杜琪峰。

其余的，都在拍烂片。（吴宇森和徐克例外）

曾经喜欢刘伟强，但等他的好片，实在需要太久了。

曾经喜欢麦兆辉，但他拍太多烂片了，实在对这人没什么信心。

说回电影“叶问”，拍得真的有够好，
相信没有多少个人看了会说闷。

一般人都觉得说武术很暴力，武术片更只是打打杀杀。
没错，“叶问”拍得实在有够暴力，

但，对我而言，

电影却呈现出了应有的暴力美！

今天，在电影院看了第二回，

当然，第一次看永远都是比较刺激。

再看第二次，看到了不少武打场面都有用替身。

不足为奇。

毕竟演员还是演员，替身还是替身，

每个人都有自己的工作岗位。

电影另一个小错误，
应该就是找来了GTO里的坏孩子（不知叫什么名）来演日本的三浦将军。

这演员说得一口流利的日本语。
但怎么看，都不像是个日本鬼。

毕竟这人样子太帅了，眼睛也太大，造型也蛮摩登。

看他被打，实在没什么感觉。

身为华人，

看到日本鬼或老外被一代宗师打，

感觉是最棒的！

相信大家都曾在“黄飞鸿”和“霍元甲”里看过了。

“叶问”里的武打场面要更多，也更暴力。

甄子丹在电影里说，

日本人是永远不会明白中国武术里的儒家思想，

因为他们滥用暴力。

我说，

其他种族是绝对不会明白华人观众在看“叶问”时的感觉，

因为他们不明白华人所受的和所被欺压的。

电影拍得好，

当然得先把功劳归给甄子丹和洪金宝。

武术场面实在设计得太完美了。

甄子丹把叶问一角演的出神入化。

不但只是武打场面，

就连非武打场面也处理得很好。

说到非武打场面，

音乐和颜色用得太好了。

那感觉，很伤感，很悲惨。

更令人眼前一亮的是，

那震撼的场景。

踏入2000年后，

鲜少能在港产电影看到古装片。

“叶问”算是敢敢地放胆去拍。

电影情节是否100%真实？

说真的，谁在乎呢？

能把一个人的生平拍成一部精彩的电影，

很难。

不是说叶问的一生很闷，

只是说电影需要一些假情节来支撑住。

我必须用最好的形容词来结束这篇稿。

我真的想不到。

只能说，

“叶问”拍得太好了。

不能不看。

如果你还没看这电影，

别妄为武术片电影迷。

也千万别告诉别人你爱武术片！

2008 JT movie award

2008 going to end soon, basically my blog in December is all about the four short dramas produced by my friends and me myself.

Now, I'm going to have a mini movie award for all of us.

For those who win, don't thanks me, this is just a fake award, no trophy and price money.
I just voice up my own opinion, who is the best and who is my favourite....
For those who didnt win, you are still good if you think you are.....

Best Picture: Who Will Care? (won) , Jaded(nominated)
Best Original Sreenplay: Jaded (won) , Perfection (nominated)

Best Actor in Leading Role: Kim Fatt in S.H.E Ball (won) , See Yeong in Who Will Care? (nominated)

Best Actress in Leading Role: Szetoo in Jaded (won) , Pai Wah in Perfection (nominated)

Best Actor in Supporting Role: Jing Hua in Perfection (won) ,Eugene in S.H.E Ball (nominated)

Best Actress in Supporting Role: Fang Jing in Who Will Care? (undisputed champion)

Best Art Direction: Jaded
Best Cinematography: Who Will Care?
Best Film Editing: Perfection

Best Sound Editing: Perfection
Best Music: Who Will Care? (won) , Jaded (nominated)

Best Costume: S.H.E Ball (won) , Who Will Care? (nominated)
Best Makeup: S.H.E Ball (undisputed champion)

Best Title: Who Will Care? (won) , Jaded (nominated)
Best Title Design: Perfection

Best Movie Quote: Who Will Care?

滚开啦，连笔都不懂得握的人，注定你一世和狗争饭吃！

Best Character: 寒 in Perfection (won) ,

无名乞丐 in Who Will Care? (nominated)

Best Twist Ending: S.H.E Ball
Best Cameo: Wei Xiang in Who Will Care?
Best Laugh: S.H.E Ball

Perfection

An artist seek a perfect man for her painting, turned become a murderer.

"Perfection" is the short drama produced by me and my friends.
Generally it received mixed reviews from lecturer and students.

To make a horror movie is a challenging task, we never try this before.
In fact, no senior ever try this before.
Mr. Jerry already told us the risk and problem we gonna face before we start our pre-production, but still he support us.

From the beginning until the end, I always know "lighting" is our biggest weakness.
Over-exposure, color is irregular, video noise....it's all because of lighting.
We cannot blame the lighting person, because non of us can do better.

One thing I admit, we are too ambitious (or "greedy" as I mentioned before), we tend to inject too many things....
The story moves too fast, until there is no room for audience to switch their mood....
Everything in the plot come out too sudden, and it is not smooth.

Mr.Lim said he don't like to see the murderer revealed in the earlier stage, he want more suspense.
Actually we do keep some suspense in the plot, where we didnt show the murderer cut off the victims' body part.
But, most of the lecturers and classmates already know our basic idea before they watch it, which is why, the suspense gone, and this is unavoidable.
Obviously, I see better "suspense" respond in second screening for our junior.


Regarding to the character development (which I care the most, after cinematography), I think it is not bad, atleast we didnt simply throw a bloody character and want the audience to accept her.
In the drama, we actually develop her character neatly, explain her personality slowly, especially at the beginning part.
Scriptwriter deserved credits.

But, as what Mr.Justin comment, if we add more psycho elements to the character, it would be better.
For an example, the artist killed the victims with her anger, then turned smiling for satisfaction, then turned crying for guilt.

Talked about killing scene, it is not managed well....especially the first and second victim.
Many people found that it was so fake,
maybe the props, maybe the sound effect, maybe the acting are not good.

If you asked me, I like the third and fourth victim's killing scene.
Both of these scenes really met our goals.
It was planned and organized to shoot in that way during scriptwriting, and we did it!!!

Another thing to discuss is the music and sound.
I think we did a great job.
One thing I am sure about our drama is....
when there is a music bedding, the scene is nice,
when there is no music, the scene is boring.

The message of this drama is clear, especially when we show the famous quotes by Aristotle and Empedocles in the end.
We give this movie a sad ending, and deliver a meaningful message negatively.

"Perfection",
perhaps it is not a perfect drama,
but atleast, it is a completed one.

Production crew:

Producer: Ai Yin

Production Manager: Chien Yi

Director: JT

Scriptwriter: See Wei

Camera: Yuan Chin and Poh Yi

Editors: Pui Yee and Pai Wah

Jaded

A prostitute, with memories that haunted her.
She wait her life to end, and to die.

"Jaded" is another drama produced by my classmates, the team is formed by many strong crews.

Basically, the drama is all about the story-telling of a prostitute about herself.
Her childhood, her past, her memories, her flashback, and the reason for her being a prostitute.

For me, there is nothing special about the story.
We all know, usually a prostitute become one is cause by "a nightmare".
"SHE DONT WANT TO BE A PROSTITUTE"

But the special thing about "Jaded" is, their story-telling technique is quite different, abstract and heart-breaking.
The character development is very good, her stories and secret is reveal layer by layer.

It's very interesting too to see the first-person narrator to tell her own story.
The tone and voice is so sad, so numb.

One more thing, the still photograph used in opening credit is great.
Very beautiful, it's a work of professional.

That's all for my positive review for "Jaded".

Generally, "Jaded" receive positive comments from lecturers.
Mr. Jerry said, "Jaded is excellent, it already seperate itself with the other 3dramas."
Mr. Lim said "Jaded" is beautiful, nice and details. Bravo!!!

Audience like it or not? I am not really sure.
But I heard Mun Yi said before, she like it, and she cried when she watched.
Now, I have to make my position clear here, I don't like "Jaded".

In fact, I think "Jaded" is the most boring and irritating drama among us.
Why? because it is not dramatic, it is not entertaining.
Their style is more artistic.

I like the music they chose, it fits the image so damn well, but only at the beginning.
Once I realize the bedding is so draggy, I hate it.
It is hard to put full concentration to the story and video if the music makes you feel sleepy.

Mr.Lim also said, the shots of water glass is very memorable, nicely composed and well-planned.
I agree with him. You will never see thiskind of shots in other group's production.

Following of what I write, is based on my own opinion, and definitely didnt concern much to the drama itself.
(DONT SHOOT ME!!!)
It's more towards politics issue and production problems.

Most of us know, there are some internal problems throughout the progress of pre-pro, pro, and post-pro in "Jaded".
Every group have arguement, but normally we can deal with it, and we can reach an agreement and understanding among the crews.

The director of "Babylon A.D." claims that his movie is a disastrous production, because the crews didnt shoot the movie according to his style at all.

Zhang Yi Mou is the famous auterist model director.
His scene is visually unique, and it is used consistently in his movies.

But sometime, I doubt that.
You know, the so called "consistent" could be co-incident.
The so called "visually unique" in a memorable scene could be his crew's idea.

I read a review by Christopher Doyle, the cinematographer of "Hero".
He admit that, why they used green color in "Hero" is because they have no other color else to choose.
In fact, green color did not have any specific meaning,
and it didnt represent "youth", as what most film critics interpret.

So, my point here is....
"Jaded" is considered a lucky and co-incidentally great production.

It is hard to give credit scene by scene to crew by crew.
You cant say, "Wow, this scene is great. Credit to the director!"
"Wow, that scene is great. Credit to the screenwriter, or editors, or actress!!!"

So, if the crew can settle their internal problem among themselves, without spreading to other people, no one knows right???
If you ask me, I really cannot see any weakness in "Jaded".
It is a great movie for artistic movie goers.
But since I know there is internal problem, I doubt that.

The act of "Babylon A.D.'s director is so stupid. It spoils the movie.

That's all for my opinions.
Once again, no offence.
Thank you!

S.H.E Ball

A man who pretend to be Ah Kuah,

in order to approach a woman in volleyball game.

S.H.E Ball is another drama produced by my friends.
Most of the audiences like it, they simply enjoy the show.
But the lecturers found that there are still a lot more room to improve.

~once again I need to clarify~
I am only writing my personal opinion, no offence!!!

For me, this drama is very entertaining.
Frankly, the story is not fresh.
But they really success to make audiences laugh.
Everyone is happy to watch it.

The opening sequence is well-done. Editor deserved the credit.
The technique they used is good,and they fully utilized their limited and normal footage.
I admit I never learned to edit video in that kind of style before.

But, the same editing technique continued to be used in the entire movie.
In the middle part of the movie, I say, "Not again...."
I am sorry to say that I don't really like fancy transition and effects in editing.
S.H.E Ball style is very close to American teenage movie, especially their editing style.

Mr. Lim said the shots is not clean, color between shots is irregular.
But I think it's fine, the weakness is not really that obvious.
Just, I found some of the editing is not clean...
if you really watch the video frame by frame, you will realize.
(sorry, I worked as editor before during intern, you know, "editor sickness")

Mr.Lim said research should be done on the volleyball game rule, there are a lot of mistakes shown in the movie during volleyball match.
But I don't think this is a big deal. Nobody really cares you know.

Anyway, the volleyball match is too draggy, and it is boring.
Which is why, I guess this made Mr.Lim realize their mistakes (regarding to volleyball game rule).
Lets say, if they make the volleyball match shorter, use montage or fast cut by editing technique, I don't think anyone will realize their mistakes.

I heard some of my classmates said they don't really like S.H.E Ball,
~you laugh because you are entertained by their make up and acting,
in fact, there is nothing to laugh with.~

But, fongway once told me,
~they had memorable experience, they are having fun~
Yup, one day in future (lets say 20years later), when they look back to their production, they will smile and said,
"Well, those days....when we were young....ahaha"

My opinion?
I think the movie is nice in the beginning, boring in the middle part.
But the twist ending really rescue the movie!!!
I didnt expect thiskind of ending....
(round of applause)

Seriously, I can never make a movie like "S.H.E Ball"
I really don't know how to make people laugh by using video.
~Salute~

Production Crew:

Director: Eugene

Producer: Lydia and Mun Yi

Camera: Nicholas

Starring: Kim Fatt and Yuin Yue

Others: Lace, Elyssa, Victoria

Who Will Care?

A beggar, turned to become a drawing artist....

due to a pencil, due to a humilation, due to a girl....

"Who Will Care" is a short drama produced by my classmates few months ago.

Generally it receive postive comments from lecturers and students after screening.

One thing I wana clarify here....
~ I just write my review based on my personal opinion~
don't shoot me!!!

For me, the story is simple and normal.

If I'm not mistaken, the idea was came from Derique Gan and Andy Yong, who I don't expect them to write such an ordinary story.

I thought they can write a creative and freaking story.

But the result turn out to be good.

A harsh word to describe them is ~ they are not ambitious~

But a good way to decribe them is~ they are not greedy~

Other groups production seems to be "greedy"

They try to inject too much of things inside their story.

And it turned confusing or irritating.

Which is why, I say "Who Will Care?" is the best short drama among us.

No doubt!!!

She said, "Scram, can't even hold a pencil properly, you are destined to live like a dog!"

This line is so important to the story.

Because of her insult, he change!!!

The story fitted the 20minutes feature time just fine and well.

Not draggy, not overcooked.

Mr.Lim said the criss cross between the narrator and dialogue allows the viewers to have a change of mood from time to time.

I agree with him.

But one more thing that Mr.Lim didnt mentioned, is....

~the music~

The music is so beautiful, it melt your heart.

It keep on switching your mood, and playing around with your emotion.

And I admit, I nearly cried when I first watched this video during visited their editing.

Mr.Lim said the the film is clean. Shots, color, brightness is managed and controlled well.

But personally, I think it would be better if there is more varies of camera shots, angle and movement.

Ofcourse, as I mentioned earlier~ they are not greedy~ which is the good thing.

I underestimated their so called "normal" camera shots, which turn out to become "clean" camera shots.

Fishball boy, stationary shop Ma'am, the gangster (who is me), the drawing artist....

All of these small characters appeared in the right time.

It suit the mood, it suit the narration, and it suit the plot.

Miss Lim said there is Jack Neo taste in "Who Will Care?"

I say there are some Stephon Chow's humour inside.

Perhaps the story is simple, but how many chances do you have to see a movie that tell a story from beggar's life and point of view???

I can't recalled any movie.

Why Stephen Chow?

Some of the dialogue and camera shot looks alike.

Why I like "Who Will Care?"

because the message is good, and the story is very inspiring!!!

Soundtrack recommended:

"Erenade to Spring" by Secret Garden

"Poeme" by Secret Garden

"She" by Kris Phillips

"Iris" by Goo Goo Dolls

"刮目相看" by Gary Cao

"Forrest Gump" OST

Production Crew:

Director: Bobet and Hui Hsien

Producer: Derique and Andy

Camera: Wei Xiang

Art, Costume, and Sound: Yoke Man, Chian Lue and Fang Jing

Casino Royale

New timeline, new structure, new James Bond

We can see alot of changes in Casino Royale, no Q from the R&D division, no special weapon, no high tech gadgets, no Moneypenny.

The classic James Bond theme only plays in ending credit, not in the movies.

The opening sequence use playing cards and guns, instead of naked girls in silhouette like previous Bond film.

And if I'm not mistaken, this is the first time they use male singer to perform the title song.

Why are there so many changes?
I have to admit, the first time I watched this movie 2years ago in cinema, I really cannot accept all those changes.

But after I watch it over and over again, I start to like Casino Royale...
and one thing that distinguish this movie wih previous Bond film is
~ they put alot of effort to the script and focus on character development~

Despite the criticsm, I think Daniel Craig did a good job.
Some say he looks like a villain, some say he is not good-looking, some say he is too cold.

But if you realize their intention to make a new and fresh Bond, you will understand why Daniel Craig acting in that way.
And I admit, I actually under estimated his performance at the begin.

The new Bond is more brutal and more emotional. He made mistakes.
The new Bond is inmature and innocent. He learn lessons.

Which is why, in my opinion, his character is developed really well in the whole movie.
And you need solid performance to take this role, and it is not easy.

Pierce Brosnan's James Bond perhaps is more cool, and more clever.
But frankly, there is not much of effort put on scriptwriting.

For me, Casino Royale is the best James Bond movie in recent years.

The dialogue and conversation is fantastic.

The location chosen is really good, Madagascar, Bahamas, Montenegro, and Venice....
it brings you back to Roger Moore and Sean Connery era, different costume in different country...
~~the James Bond feel is back~~

Talking about cinematography, the action sequence in Madagascar is one of the best scene I have ever seen in Bond movies.

The ending is so sad, terrific climax!!!

Perhaps some of the fans still cannot accept the new James Bond....
but it needs time....

Casablanca (1942)

Classic film set in unoccupied Africa during World War 2.

Rick Blaine, who owns a nightclub in Casablanca,discover his ex-lover Ilsa Lund is in town with her husband, Victor Laszlo.

Laszlo is a resistance leader, and with Nazis on his tail.

Ilsa knows Rick can get them out of the country.

But will he???



I don't know if writing a review about Casablanca is a suitable act.

This is one of the most prestigious film ever.

Absolutely Classic!!!


I am not a classic movie goers,

I just want to expose myself to other genre,

riding a time machine back to the historical moment that we can see the greatest films of all the time.


Casablanca, a dramatic and romantic war epic film.

Not as sensational as Gone With The Wind, but personally, I like Casablanca more.

A huge signature of Hollywood golden age.


We will all remember Rick and Ilsa, probably the best screen couple ever.

Time goes by, Casablanca still has its charm.


A movie that can survive in history and time.

A movie that will survive for another 100 years.


"We will always have Paris"
Play "As Time Goes By"

Face/Off

In order to trap him, you must find him, face him, and....become him.

It's like looking in a mirror, only not.

Three important people to discuss in this movie~ John Woo, John Travolta, and Nicolas Cage~

Face/Off is considered John Woo's best film in Hollywood, solid directing technique, very cool and stylish...

There is alot of similiarities between Face/Off and The Killer (starring Chow Yun Fatt).

John Woo actually bring his signature image and pioneer heroic bloodshed scene from his earlier HongKong movie.

For those who like action movies, this is a must watch movie!

Following are some of my personal comment, but I think you need to watch the movie first, otherwise you might not get what I meant.

Coz the two main characters and the two actors actually switching each other role in the plot.

The climax part of the movie is the battle in church.

Church, statue of Jesus, Cross, choir, candle light, coffin....and doves....

Doves signify peace, John Woo choose doves as his signature's image.

Next, Mexican-standoff~~ a strategic deadlock of no-win situation.

Multiple opponents with guns aimed at each other.

Neither one of them can take a move.

The destroyed of church artifacts, chair, statue.

Carry a child by your left hand and holding a gun by your right hand, then kick your enemy ass!!!

Slow motion scenes, very stylish, very breathtaking, very beautiful.

We can see all those famous and memorable scenes in his movie!!!

Talking about the story, I think it is ridiculous, and, some people say....it is stupid.....

The movie didnt show us too detailed about the transform of whole body physical appearance, only FACE.

But I think the idea is not bad...just, there would be many weakness in the plot for the story like this.

But who cares?

The starpower of John Travolta and Nicolas Cage rescue all those weakness, with their terrific performance and topclass acting!!!

You can see how Travolta and Cage switching each other role, playing each other character in the movie.

Every single scene. you will definitely reinterpreting their character~ Archer and Troy.

The character name is notable from the Trojan War, the fight between Achilles and Hector.

Face/Off is like a modern Trojan War, where the enemy invade your city by Trojan Horse.

As we can see in Face/Off, the enemy invade your life by the same technique.

How far would you go to kill your enemy?

Put the bullets on his head ??? (wait, that's your face on his head)

It's like pointing the gun at yourself, and yourself are pointing the gun back at you.

I simply love this kind of complex feeling and contradiction shown in this movie.

I like the scene where Archer and Troy face each other in the mirror.

Very brilliant, a superb move!!!

Finally you can see your enemy face, and recognize your enemy once again, to remind yourself who you really are.

That is the only way you can shoot your enemy, pull the fuckin trigger to release all your hatred and anger....

Face/Off~~~ J.T.'s favourite~~~

Lust, Caution 色, 戒

To kill the enemy, she would have to capture his heart, and break her own...

A group of university students carry out an ambitious plan to assassinate a national traitor during puppet government era.

A shy young lady have to transform herself into a seductive woman to approach her prey.

The sexual relationship soon become deeper,stronger and emotional.

The lady tried to avoid from falling into the trap she set, but in the end, she can't resist his love for her.

This movie had create many controversies, mainly because of censorship and sex scenes.

I watched the uncut version, and the sex scene is so real.

I bet you will hold your breath when you watch it, Tony Leung and Tang Wei had a top class performance.

Anyway, I think the audience still able to digest the movie even if they are watching the censored version.

Not to say that the sex scene is unnecessary, but it didnt affect the storyline that much actually.

Ang Lee need sex scene in Lust,Caution because

~it shows audience how struggle and sadistic the lady was.

~then soon, she start to feel the pleasure of having sex with him.

~how he remain suspicious of her when they were having sex.

~then soon, he start to trust her

So, sex scenes would be the best and the "most crystal clear" way to show all those emotional elements.

I watched some Ang Lee's movies before, some are boring, some are good.

But overall, I just don't like his movies.

Lust, Caution is the first Ang Lee's movie that I like.

Despite some criticism that Lust, Caution is too slow or too long,

I think this is Ang Lee's best film.

The cinematography is great. ( I love the last scene)

The music is excellent.

A good movie.

Connected 保持通话

改编自好来坞电影“Cellular"，故事叙说被绑架的单亲妈妈(大S) 必须与财务公司职员(古天乐) 保持电话联络，以免匪徒伤害她无辜的女儿。

电影上半部拍得不错，人物和情节交代得合情合理，故事蛮有张力，大S和古天乐以及张家辉的三线连接也接得不错。

但电影下半部却已经离开了“保持通话”的主题。某些细节方面处理得略嫌马虎，文戏也略嫌罗嗦。

这是香港首次改编美国电影，是否意味着美国故事也有可取之处？还是意味着香港电影人开始忧闷了？

我本身蛮喜欢“保持通话”这题材，电影拍得好当然不能只把功劳归给美国人，毕竟香港编剧们也重新设计了一些人物和细节，并加入了娱乐性的港产片元素。

陈木胜鲜少让我失望，不知不觉这已是我连续六年在电影院看的陈木胜电影。
我觉得目前香港最好的动作片导演非陈木胜莫属。

他可能没有吴宇森的“型”，没有徐克的“潇洒”，没有叶伟信的“暴力”，没有杜琪锋的“男儿气”，也没有刘伟强的“聪明”。

但这又不是吴宇森电影，根本无需拿他来和吴宇森做直接比较。

陈木胜电影有风格，也有活力，却不乏幽默感。
人物塑造得刚中带柔，柔中带刚，也不忘探讨人性一面。

很喜欢陈木胜在“新警察故事”里塑造给吴彦祖的奸角。很有神韵，很坏，很奸，很聪明，也很有神秘感，是个看了叫人痛心的悲剧人物。

刘烨饰演的奸角中规中矩。没什么启发性，没什么爆发力。一名戴着黑眼镜耍酷的坏人角色，根本就难不倒一名专业的大陆演员。

一个好的动作场面除了要带动观众情绪，也必须把一个故事情节引进另一个新情节。
总不能无端端就来个追逐战，无端端又来个爆破场面或是疯狂枪战。

陈木胜在这一点就处理得非常好，节奏快得来让你有少许的屏息空间，再延续另一个动作场面和更进情节。（谷德超和王祖蓝的客串恰到好处〕


情人眼里出西施，西施眼里出什么？
原以为大S会靠着她女儿问的这个谜语坚强下去，直到与女儿相遇后再向她要答案。
谁知，最后却没有交代。

没关系，再说，“保持通话”还尚算是部好电影。
拍得不算很精彩很刺激，但却拍得有节奏有感觉。

不得不赞赏他，陈木胜!!!

Veronica Guerin

Based on the true story of Veronica Guerin,

an Irish journalist, who exposed the largest drug lord and drug dealers in Dublin since 1995.

She has been digging into criminal underworld to find information sources for her stories.

In 1996, she was murdered by two assasins hired by the drug lord.

Veronica is brave, she never give up.

But yet the film shows her weakness and fear too, when she was threatened by violence.

Cate Blanchett potrayed the character with her mature and convincing performance.

Without her, the movie is left with a dull cinema aspects.

Anyway, this movie is still mildly recommend!

For me, it is....

Heartbreaking!!!

God of Cookery 食神

God of Cookery (played by Stephen Chow), a famous chef who know how to use media power to secure his title.

But then, he was betrayed by his business partner and publicly humilated by his rival.

He meet a street noodle vendor, Sister Turkey (played by Karen Mok) . She help him to regain confidence and fight back the title.

But still, he didnt learn his lesson yet....

Some people say Stephen Chow is 无厘头(making jokes for no reason), I disagree that....
There are always some hidden meaning behind his jokes, or behind a movie line.
A message, a moral value, an inspiration.

Well, ofcourse, I am not asking you to purposely concentrate for each scene and dialogue, in order to find the hidden meaning.
If you do so, you will lose the excitement of the jokes.
Yet, not every single joke also has a hidden meaning.

Just watch the show, enjoy it, and laugh....
If you get the hidden meaning, well....that's good for you.
If you do not get it, don't force yourself to.


Following is a conversation between Stephen Chow and Karen Mok in the movie.

Mok: 我山长水远地来到这里, 只是想你帮我画个心, 你这都发我脾气。
你不念我为你做了这么多事，也都念在我为你挡了这么多刀呀。

Chow: 这些事不是我叫你做的，这些刀也不是我叫你为我挡的。

那其实又关我什么事呢？ 如果照你说法，

人人都走来说为我挡两刀，说要这样和要那样的，那我岂不是很麻烦?

(after a moment)

Chow: 很多事是注定的，有就是有，没有就是没有。
是没有的就算你挡多二十刀也是没用的， 你明白吗？


It was one of the most successful movie in Stephen Chow's filmography. He takes his jokes seriously....

He used back most of his standard cast and crew in previous movies.
Alot of funny characters....the ugly chef, the fortune teller, green-haired triad member, and ofcourse the ugly cameo of 八两金.


If you want to know more about 八两金, click this....
http://www.com.cuhk.edu.hk/ubeat/010545/ugly.htm

The Rock

A chemical weapons expert and an ex-con must lead the counterstrike when soldiers threaten a gas attack from Alcatraz against San Francisco

This movie is

SENSATIONAL and BREATHTAKING!!!

if you notice the golden casts and crews of this movie, you will know this is definitely a top class production.

Directed by: Michael Bay

Produced by: Jerry Bruckheimer

Music by: Hans Zimmer

Starring: Nicolas Cage, Sean Connery, Ed Harris


Michael Bay is my favourite director, the best action movie director in Hollywood.

His action sequence is planned so well, fully utilized the chemical effects of video and audio, and it gives visual pleassure to audiences.

Jerry Bruckheimer is the undispute best producer of all time, for his commercially success movies.

"We are in the transportation business. We transport audiences from one place to another."
This is his point of view to film industry.

As we can see, he make movies for audiences, entertainment and excitement are the main concerns.

Hans Zimmer is always great, my favourite music composer....his film score can carry audiences' emotion shot by shot, scene to scene. The original soundtrack of this movis is recommended....

Trust me, this is a movie you don't want to miss!!!

10 minuta

"10 minuta" is a ten minutes Bosnian short-film that won Best Short-Film Award in European Film Awards 2002

This is one of the foreign short films that impress me the most....

it's Huge, it's Impressive, it's Great!!!

"The film's opening scene start at Italy, showing a Japanese tourist go into a photo-printing shop, asking the shop owner is it possible to have his films finish print in 10minutes

The shop owner ensure him that the photo can be done in 10minutes. And so, he wait outside the shop, take his cigarette, and look at his watch, 10minutes on!



Then the film's scene switch to Bosnia, showing a woman ask her son to buy a loaf of bread and fetch some waters home

In order to do so, the little boy must go through a war zone....and so, he walk all the way in the war zone and reach to the breadseller....While he is buying the bread, suddenly the enemy army start bombing to Bosnian

The little boy run all the way back to his home and found his family was dead!!!



The scene switch back to Italy, showing the Japanese tourist's photos are done, 10 minutes end.... "




The cinematography is great!!!

Single continous shot in the Bosnia scene....

Not shaky at all, camera angle and movement is perfect!!!

The setting is massive and excellent....



This film show us the contrast of Rome and Sarajevo....

Perhaps a "10 minutes" doesnt mean anything for the Japanese tourist

But for the Bosnian little boy, a "10minutes" had changed his life forever!!!

Can you imagine??? What a big impact it was!!!!



Highly recommend by JT, must watch....haha!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppAn0LNU_V8