Le fils de l'épicier (The Grocer's Son)

It has become one of all time favorite films.

A charismatic actor

Often as audience we get confused on actors acting abilities. I adore Katherine Heigl in Grey's Anatomy but NEVER on any of her cinematic works. I think Sally Field was fantastic in Places in the Heart but she's not my favorite as Nora Walker in Brothers & Sisters.

So, as casting agent, director, and producer, how to choose?

Let me paraphrase Yasmin Ahmad -

"How am i gonna choose an actor or actress? I just choose somebody who were born with these "things". I just choose them and I can't take credits from it. And I have to step back as a film director and let people be wonderful. If they're wonderful, take them. If the character you have written, which is pure imagination doesn't suit them, you change it so it suits them because they are God creations. And they are blessed with these things. Who are you? You've just written a semi-fictional character."

And I saw Equus on Broadway with Daniel Radcliffe in it. As much as I've seen him in as Harry Potter or Maps in December Boys or John Kipling in My Boy Jack, this is the closest to his 'natural' personality that I could see in Equus, after all, it's THEATER!

You can watch more here.

One of a hundred reasons

One of a hundred reasons why I am obsessed with, interested in, crazy about Grey's Anatomy is Sarah Ramirez. A two-time Tony award winner, Sara is an amazing stage artist. Shona Rhimes really knows exactly the fictional characters she has in mind in projecting Ramirez's remarkable abilities.

Singing Silent Night beautifully in this scene accompanying Bailey's powerful monologue.

A fierce star moment

And, yes, a true performer.

Did I mention that she graduated from Julliard?

Celebration of ordinary people

This is the latest oeuvres from Yoji Yamada I saw. Thank you to P. Midg for introducing Netflix to me! Super awesome! I've been watching Shakespeare's a lot since I registered.

Okay, back to the film.

Kabei - Our Mother is not like Yamada's brilliant samurai's trilogy - - Twilight Samurai, The Hidden Blade, and Love and Honor, but it hits all the right spots to make me cry like chopping onions. It still deals with Yamada's peculiar observations on humanity, especially family. This is a heart-wrenching tale of a family, in which the husband, a Japanese professor was imprisoned for "thought" crime. Yamada delicately made a searing attack on the stupidity of social system that retained many of the feudal traits of the period depicted in his trilogy. However, beyond these social issues, the story is well-knead to make it a rewarding exploration of a family resilience in the face of distress.

Often when I watch films, I do not always look for brilliant acting, amazing sound effects, beautiful cinematography, etc. Only if the film could move me, then I could start talking about those aspects. Kabei is such an amazing piece for me when I could relate myself to it. It's remarkable that when you watch a film that depicts the actual feelings or stories of humanity, everybody is able to relate themselves in any ways.

p/s: This post could give a glimpse about the film.

Promises

Have we seen enough promises on West Bank conflict, or even the World at large? And how big is our hope towards the peace and harmony? Mine? Bigger when after watching this piece. Personally, for me, Arabs, Jewish, Muslims, Yahudis, Israelis, Palestinians, etc, are just ridiculous labels in this piece.Bones break, organs burst, flesh tears. We can sew the flesh, repair the damage, ease the pain. But when life breaks down, when we break down, there's no science. No hard and fast rules. We have to feel our way through. And you know what? This applies to all the labels stated above. This piece delicately speaks it out to me. Simplicity and ordinary could give greater impact than complexity and extraordinary. Pick our lenses wisely.

Quick update

Wokeh, it's has been a while since my last post. Here you go quick updates:

1. I've been so busy with two stat, two theater, and one dance classes. And again, what's my major?
2. Finally, ended the journey of "Attempts of Her life". Lessons learned ? Tons! Couple pictures follow.
3. Currently, I am working on two monologues, Ariel from Shakespeare's The Tempest and Man from Durang's Laughing Wild. People are afraid of Shakespeare's. Facing off the fear, I found that Shakespeare's are really close to one's heart and mind. EVERYBODY can understand and speak Shakespeare. It's a revelation for me.
4. I've been attending several performances at Purdue. Modern dance rooting on different feelings, theater workshops/productions pertaining various themes and musical performances/gigs in different genres, or all of them combine together.

three important lessons learned:

• As a performer, be true to YOUR feelings in the objectives on being on stage. Don't pretend to be somebody you are not.
• In creating/producing (especially a workshop) a piece or work, start with feelings not ideas.
• Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse and rehearse!

Till then! Later!

....oh wait! Lady Gaga's coming to Purdue? =x

Proud

I'm very proud of 15Malaysia.

I used to believe that there's no hope of returning, but these wonderful characters give me something to believe in.

Check out this video.

The last 30secs really gets trough my veins to my heart.
click here.