"Saawariya"

I recently watched the romantic foreign film "Saawariya."

The film is unique. It is based on Fyodor Dostoevsky's "White Nights". It reminded me of an early musical, but with a definite Eastern flair. The lights and colors were similar to Disney's "Alladin". The music had a techno-ether-world feel. I say ether because of its lighter than air sound.

It's the story of a young man who is new in town. He wants to be a rock star. He brings happiness and hope to the women of the area. Then, he falls passionately in love with a beautiful girl. He becomes obsessed with her after their first meeting. Her own love story smolders as an undercurrent. It's worth considering the differences in their love. It's poetic and beautiful.

It's a great date movie if you like its style.

Complaints and heads-up
PG-best suited for adults
This story is set in the red-light district. The women are dressed in bedazzling Indian garb (bare tummy's). There is some reference to their line of work. The young man in the story does a dance in front of a window, in which he flashes the empty street although the audience see's nothing. Some of the hip action in the choreography could be offensive to some if not in a moral sense than in an artistic one.

More reviews can be seen at
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0758053/

Available at the local Nampa Public Library

"Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles"

Another film by the Zhang Yimou the director of "The Road Home."

I really enjoyed watching another of Zhang Yimou's films. It's a modern day story filled with deep and poetic meaning. The landscapes are breathtaking.

I decided to watch it in French w/English subtitles, which just seemed wrong somehow. I suggest you try Chinese. I loved how much of this story was shared through the thoughts of the main character. It seemed to reflect the alienation he felt from both his son and his foreign environment.

About the story...
A Japanese man, named Takata, is estranged from his son. When his son ends up in the hospital, Takata tries to see him, but is denied access by his son. The rest of the movie is about a journey he takes in the effort to do something, anything, for his son. I love the poetic nature of the film. The symbolism, depth, and beauty of the film cuts right to the heart. At the end of the film, I felt like I had just read a poignant haiku.

You definitely want a box of tissues for this one.

PG*****

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0437447/

Inspirational Speech

Ben Carson, the neurosurgeon featured in the film "Gifted Hands", gave a wonderful speech. I encourage everyone to spend a few minutes (55) listening to him.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=451609363450214010#

See his interview at the end of the film mentioned previously for some more inspirational words on how we can be successful in life.

Winter 2009 Movie Reviews

One Good Man
This movie came highly recommended to me. It goes through many of the scenarios experienced by men in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I didn't feel as hyped about it because it seemed so everyday. It is well done and I think people outside of our faith may understand it even if they don't understand the depth of its meaning us.

Gifted Hands
Based on the life of Ben Carson. This is a great story. I suggest watching it before showing it to your children. Their a couple scenes of violence. That aside it is a wonderful and inspiring film. My favorite part are the interviews at the end of the film. There is a great quote about what to do when facing the challenges of your life.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1295085/

Something the Lord Has Made
It is a great little movie about a person who overcame the challenges of prejudice to make a dynamic difference in the history of medicine, specifically in heart surgery for blue babies.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0386792/

A Man Named Peal
This is a wonderful documentary type video about Pearl Fryar who made the most amazing topiary landscape. Very interesting!
http://www.amannamedpearl.com/

T.V. Show Reviews

Dr. Who, BBC
We recently watched the third season of "Dr Who". We skipped the one on Shakespeare. We enjoyed watching the main characters. Some of the stories are a bit suspenseful and scary. I couldn't handle watching them all, but they're great science fiction/action pieces.

Big Bang Theory
A classmate recommended this show. It's very funny! Unfortunately, the girl doesn't always dress well. Also, there are swear words, sexual innuendos and such. I've decided it must be PG-13.

While You Were Away, BBC
Is also a funny show, but also not appropriate for young children.

Fall Semester 2009

I made it through school. I took English Comp I, Communications, Intermediate Algebra, and Psychology. I really enjoyed my classes for the most part. Every couple weeks in Algebra I felt like the world had dropped out from under me and the speeches in communications created a distaste for them. I used love speech class. Somehow, I managed a 4.0. Some people criticized me when I didn't put things off, but had I not done that when I could I would not have done nearly so well in spite of our extreme challenges.

I hope after the incredible and unexpected challenges of the past few months, I will not worry so much, not likely though. I'm thinking why worry when my extent of worry does not even touch the hem of what reality can bring in a blink of an eye?

Enough of that eh?

I hope you are all of to a splendid New Year!

Rich and I were at the temple on Saturday. I couldn't help but feel good about the starting the year off in a great place.

Much Love,
Cindy