Romance In The Air ... And In China!

By Jasmine

Hey everyone, I wanted to share with you some of my favorite Asian films, particularly some of my favorite romantic movies :-) hope you enjoy.

A diary with tears (2005)

Not really a happy ending love story, but a true tragic story.  It is a diary written by a Japanese girl named Aya Kito, this diary was published soon after her death of a disease. A Japanese drama filmed her real life story, “A litre of tears” is the film version of the drama. Aya had written down all the things she went through as teenager with this disease, she also described in her diary that she still writes because it is the evidence that she is still alive. With the support of family and friends, she stood strong against her sickness as a very happy and positive person, in her last year to live at the age of 25, she can no longer cope with her body, she was unable to talk, walk or eat, but still insisted to write in any possible ways. This movie was an inspiration to many people, including me. It raises a lot of questions, but definitely a great movie to watch and learn from within.

200 Pounds Beauty (2006)

A Korean comedy love story of a 200-pound girl, Ha-na was overweight but had a beautiful voice. She sang for popular singers at the back, but always wished to become a singer, but she was told she does not have the appearance to become a singer. The company’s director didn’t look down on her because she wasn’t beautiful; Ha-na developed a crush on him as they work together. Ha-na knew she wasn’t good enough for him, so she went for a plastic surgery for a make over. Ha-na pretended to be someone else, went through awful things to become the popular singer. Soon, the company director had recognized her and distanced away from her…..

What’s next? See for yourself!

Happy Birthday (2007)

Happy birthday is a Hong Kong production movie, Lam and Mi had been more than friends for many years, but were never officially together. Lam left the country for his further education after graduating from university with Mi. After many years of separation, Lam told Mi he was getting married. Lam and Mi’s relationship was never official for 10 years, even after Lam’s marriage, he never stopped loving her, their only love connecting them are the letters wishing her happy birthday each year. But one secret was kept behind them, hurting them…

They say “the person lying next to you is never the one you love the most. “ what do you think? 

Asian Film Review - 十二生肖

By Lilian

HO-HO-HO, IT’ TIME TO WATCH “ASIAN MOVIE”.

Firstly, kungfu lovers have to pay attention to this. I am continuing to share famous Chinese movies with you, only this time it is the recent Kungfu starring Jackie Chan.

十二生肖 (Chinese Zodiac)

I just watched this movie on reading week. It was so amazing, Jackie Chan was movie director, and he claimed that this would be his last major action movie. 

Jackie Chan acted as Asian Hawk, who leas a mercenary team to recover several lost artifacts from the Old Summer Palace, the bronze heads of the 12 Chinese Zodiac animals which was looted by foreigners in the 1800s. Assisted by a Chinese student and s Parisian lady, Hawk stops at nothing to accomplish the mission.

This movie conveys that we should respect cultural relics and mutual property and go against any staling or plundering out of personal desire.

By the way, because of this movie, Jackie Chan has two Guinness World Record certificates, "Most Stunts Performed by a Living Actor" and "Most Credits in One Movie".  In Chinese Zodiac, Chan holds 15 credits to his name with writer, director, lead actor as Asian Hawk, producer, executive producer, cinematographer, art director, unit production manager, catering coordinator, stunt coordinator, gaffer, composer, theme tune vocalist, props and stuntman.

周末刚看完这部电影，就忍不住要分享给大家。这部电影还是延续成龙的一贯风格，武打动作场面自然是少不了的，还增加乐很多幽默的的元素。当然其中是少不了感动的场面，当成龙从火山上，在没有降落伞的情况下急速下坠的那一刻，感觉我的鼻子一阵酸楚，有一股暖流就像是从鼻腔涌上眼睛。不是被这剧情感动，而是这样的成龙，或许见一次少一次。

Go and check out the trailer here and let me know in the comments if you've seen it and what you thought :-)

Late Night Netflix

By Ryan


       Hey everyone, It's Wednesday night, just got home from a late class, no early class tomorrow morning, and I won't see my girlfriend until friday evening, all that means only one thing ... NETFLIX time!

   
        Let's see what we have, House of Cards, that awesome new show produced by Netflix themselves, a remake of a classic British TV series of the same name, featuring a pilot episode directed by David Lynch (Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, 2011), arguably one of the best directors in Hollywood, and it stars Kevin Spacey, and features an HBO like mentality for cursing and nudity ... all sorts of win!

But I'm watching that with the rest of the family so it wouldn't be fair.










       Ooooo, How about Fringe, the amazing, and underrated show produced by J.J Abrams (Star Trek, 2009) which followed on the heels of his incredibly successful series Lost, which is also on Netflix. Stars John Noble who has won many awards for his amazing portrayal of a physiologically damaged mad scientist, and occasionally playing the evil "Walternate" from the parallel universe ... yeah it gets pretty heavy with the sci-fi, and guest starred Leonard Nimoy once too!

Too bad they don't have the last season, season 5, yet, I would have really enjoyed re-watching that.






         Ahhhhh, I know, Sherlock, a modern retelling of classic Sherlock Holmes stories as they would take place in modern London, with Sherlock enjoying text messaging and Watson blogging the whole thing. Written and produced by Stephen Moffat, responsible for the current highly successful Doctor Who revival, plus it's great to see Martin Freeman, who played Bilbo late last year in the new adaptation of The Hobbit, and Benedict Cumberbatch. Who, besides playing host to the most epically British name ever!, will also be voicing the dragon Smaug, for the second part of the Hobbit coming out later this year. OH and can't forget we can catch him as the villain in the next Star Trek film, "Into Darkness" (which just launched a new trailer!) coming this summer, by J. J. Abrams! anyone seeing a pattern here? (hint, its all about British, and remakes)


       Well it's settled, I mean I still haven't even seen the last episode of season 2 yet, it's perfect! I'm off then to enjoy some Netflix, hope I've given you all some good ideas for the next time you find yourselves starring at your computer screen in need of some entertainment. And please feel free to leave a comment about your favorite shows on Netflix, what you're watching right now, or if you've seen any of my suggestions and want to share your thoughts on them, I love talking about movies!

Top 5 Celebrity Couples

By Lilian

I believe most girls love to see the pink news as I do. In my opinion, these are 5 couples that I thought most interesting

1.  TheVampire Diaries

Nina Dobrev-Elena Gilbert

Ian Somerhalder-Damon Salvatore

2. Twilight

Kristen Stewart & Robert Pattinson

She is the star of the Twilight franchise. He is her co-star.

I believe they could be “top one” if Kristen didn’t caught by cheating on Robert.

 

3. Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes

They divorced on 2012 :-(

  

     4. Mr. and Mrs. Smith

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie

7-year relationship with 6 kids, Brad and Angelina engaged in April 2012.

 

5. Kate Moss and Johnny Depp

Kate Moss: I spent years crying over Johnny Depp…

Asian Film Review - 霸王别姬

Asian Film Review - 霸王别姬

By Lilian

相信大家都记得已逝张国荣先生的著名参演作品“霸王别姬”， 此片讲述的是围绕有一部戏剧“霸王别姬”生出的爱恨情仇，并且随着时代风云的变迁不断升级，最终酿成悲剧。

段小楼与程蝶衣是一对从小一起长大的师兄弟，两人一个演生，一个饰旦，一向配合天衣无缝，尤其是一出“霸王别姬’,更是名满天下。为此，两人约定要合演一辈子。但是两人对戏剧的理解有着本质的不同。程蝶衣的人戏不分导致了悲剧的发生。

I believe most people still remember the deceased famous star Leslie Cheung, who was participating in this movie "Farewell My Concubine". This movie I strongly recommend not only because it’s very famous in china, but also the meaning of this movie. This movie is built around a drama "Farewell My Concubine", as the era of the situation’s escalating, its ultimately lead to tragedy.

Xiaolou Duan and Dieyi Cheng grew up together; one acted as male, and the other one act as female. They always fit perfectly, especially a "Farewell My Concubine ', is renowned at that time. They both agreed to work together for whole life. However, they both have different essentially understanding of the drama which causes them to separated.

Iron Man and his Iron Cars!

By Jasmine

Hey all, in honor of the awesome new Iron Man 3 trailer  and the awesome new Audi R8, I wanted to take a look back at the Audi R8 which starred in the last film, Iron Man 2.

      In the superhero movie “Iron Man 2”, starring Robert Downey as Tony Stark, he drives his Audi R8 Spyder in a couple of scenes which has helped brought attention to the growing luxury brand, Audi.  The name R8 derived from Audi’s racecar that has brought many victories in the 24 hours Le Mans.  By using what Audi calls as “Aluminum Space Frame”, the car R8 is known to have a lightweight chassis that allows a more sports orientated driving pleasure for the driver.  Furthermore, with Audi’s renown Quattro, intelligent all wheel drive system and a rear mounted engine, the car’s handling characteristics is superb around the bends and high speed driving.  I personally love the looks of the car due to its sleek and elegant design that does not compromise with the sportiness of the car.  Audi’s design with the LED headlamps incorporated in their recent lineup of cars also catches my attention because the bright white lamps inside the headlight makes the car look very innovative and future like.  Upon the back, paired with either the V8 engine with 420 horsepower or the V10 engine with 532 horsepower makes the car a masterpiece.  From 0-100 km/h, the car only takes 4.6 seconds for the V8 and 3.9 for the V10, greatly helped by the all wheel drive system and dual clutch transmission that helps with shifting and launching of the car. 

What’s your best dress in Gossip Girl? xoxo

What’s your best dress in Gossip Girl? xoxo

 by Jasmine

 

B in white, very classy and cute. Very B in deed!

B in red! Red flower bomb. Myself could never carry something like that.

S, sexy as ever. Beautiful, in a floral yellow pattern dress.

 A color not easily carried, pattern I would never be brave enough to wear. S carried the blue flower dress with her tanned tone, strong and sexy.

 B in white again, her classic touch gives the feeling of ancient queen. Lovely!

 S looks good In anything, it’s true. Look at this dress, this red, leave-like dress, will look ridiculous on someone else. But looks very beautiful on S, as always!

I have to admit, but this looks like my table cloth, but on B, it looks great, classic like women from the 40’s.  

Never been to France, but looks exactly like what girls would wear. Very fashion and cute. Of course, it’s S!

 B in red again, I would say red is B’s color. B has a scent of classic feel, with red lips, white pearls, and black hat. So B!

 S in red? Not classy as B, but S is always the beautiful young women, beautiful in everything. Look at the guy checking her out at the back?!

 Same scene as B’s first white dress, different style different feeling. S gives it a sexy rather than cute look. With matching hair style bun, tall people beauty.

Asian Film Review - 喜宴

Asian Film Review By Lilian 喜宴 此部影片曾获得柏林电影节金熊奖以及金马奖的最佳影片。这部电影的导演是现在刚拍完“life of pie”的国际导演李安。喜宴讲述的是定居美国的高国伟是一名同性恋，他和他的恋人simon同居在美国的曼哈顿。因为不断收到父母催促结婚的消息，伟不得不和同住在一栋公寓的大陆非法女移民顾玮玮假结婚。谁知道国伟的父母闻讯赶来为儿子操办喜事。于是各种各样的情感纠纷，人际冲突便在一个热闹忙乱的中国式喜宴的背后展开了。此部影片上映于1993年，在那个年代，同性恋，非法移民等都是社会比较敏感的话题。同时此部电影所反映的伦理传统还是很有关注力的。 This film that I want introduced today called “Wedding Banquet”, which won the Berlin Film Festival “Golden Bear”and the “Golden Horse” Award for Best film. The director of the movie is Ang Lee who just finished "life of pie". The “Wedding Banquet” is talks about Kwok Wai Gao, who is a homosexual, and he and his lover Simon cohabitation in the United States of Manhattan. Since get the messages from Gao’s parents about asking him to get married, he decided to have fake marriage with his female roommate - Weiwei Gu, who is illegal immigrant. Meanwhile, Gao’s parents heard the news and coming to US to attend his weeding. So a variety of emotional disputes and interpersonal conflict are coming with a busy and hectic Chinese banquet. This film released in 1993, in that era, homosexuality and illegal immigrants are more sensitive topic in the society. Also this movie reflects the ethical traditions are still very concerned by people at that situation.

OSCAR WRAP-UP

By Ryan Muise

Hello everyone, I hope you all enjoyed this past weekend's 85th Annual Academy Awards, I know I did, Seth Macfarlane did a fantastic job, great jokes, great singing, great dancing, just an overall great show, I particularly enjoyed Shatner as Kirk in full uniform and everything, he's getting a bit old and rounded but it was still a lot of fun.

I'd just like to take a moment to run down a few main categories.


Best Actor

Who won: Daniel Day Lewis

When you lok at his competition, Bradley Cooper is not by any stretch an Oscar worthy actor, he is convincing and charming and gave an entirely unexpected performance in Silver Lining's Playbook, however he had no chance, if he is as good as he is in Silver lining's then we will be seeing more of him in the Oscars the future.  With Joaquin Phoenix and Denzel Washington, these are both great actors who have turned in notable performances both past and present and undoubtedly in the future, so as worthy as they are to win, again, we will always expect to see them at Award's ceremonies going forward.

Who should have won: Hugh Jackman

I've got nothing against the man he gave a great acceptance speech, really heart felt and honest, I just don't appreciate his acting as much as everyone else seems to, don't get me wrong, I LOVED him in There Will Be Blood, he made that film as incredible to watch as it was, I just don't think he pulled it off in Lincoln and especially against Hugh Jackman's breathtaking performance as Jean Valjean was such masterful work it was a crime not to give it to him.


Best Actress

Who won: Jennifer Lawrence

Some see this as a controversial win, unlike Anne Hathaway being a shoe in and totally deserving her Oscar, some people feel Jennifer Lawrence was not the right choice here. I like Jennifer Lawrence, she's a good convincing charming actress, I've enjoyed her in all her films and Silver Lining's Playbook was definitely her best roll yet.

Who should have Won: Anyone except Jennifer Lawrence

Don't get me wrong, she did an exceptional job in Silver Lining's Playbook but only so far as to deserve the nod, NOT the win.  It was an interesting category to begin with very powerful and unexpected performances from powerful and unexpected movies, with leading ladies who gave far better performances than Jennifer Lawrence, I was hoping that coming out of her Oscar nomination we would begin to see more and more impressive performances from Jennifer Lawrence culminating in an Oscar win somewhere much farther down the line as I don't think anyone would disagree that she is an up-and-comer at best, but not an Oscar winner.


Best Director


Who won: Ang Lee 

The man is a super star, when eh makes a movie you better believe it will be monumental in awards season, he fully deserved the award back in 2005 for Brokeback Mountain and once again is accepting a duly deserved award for crafting an incredible motion picture as is his de rigueur.

Who should have won: Ang Lee

... and if not then David O. Russell, he's been making great films in his career so far and Silver Lining's Playbook is definitely the kind of movie you award and finally recognize a talented film-maker with, but it's ok that he didn't win, he has a long career ahead of him and I'm sure we'll be seeing his name on oscar nominations for years to come.



Best Picture

Who won: Argo

Argo was actually my Oscar pool pick, I figured it had the best chance, with Tom Hooper's film winning last year, Silver Lining's Playbook and Beats of the Southern Wild being just a tad too obscure, Amour being the shoe-in for best foreign language film (which it was, as it won.) Lincoln was my second choice (and Daniel Day Lewis my Oscar pool choice) as it seemed perfectly fit to the Academy's tastes, Django Unchained being too distasteful for most people but still a great film (and still honored via best supporting actor and best screenplay) I don't think Tarantino will ever win best picture or director until he makes a film a bit more maturely, and Zero Dark Thirty would have given awards to the same people so soon since Hurt Locker, in summation Argo was the likeliest pick.

Who should have won: Les Miserables

Personally I enjoyed Les Miserables immensely and have seen it 3 times now, incredible follow up by Tom Hooper after his Best Picture winning film The King's Speech (my choice for last year). I would have also been happy to see Life of Pi take it home as it was a glorious movie fully deserving any award.

Let me know what you thought of the Oscars, did you agree or disagree with my take I'd love to hear it. What film you you have given best Picture to? Did you enjoy Seth Macfarlane as a host? Even if not can we agree he was at least better than James Franco?

PS. Biggest Upset: Les Miserables not sweeping EVERYTHING! ;-)

TOP 5: Romantic Movies

Hey everyone, Jasmine here.  From time to time I will be putting together lists of my top 5 anything.  This week, in light of the Valentine's weekend I'm giving you all my top 5 romantic movies to watch with your significant other to extend the love past the weekend :-)

#1.   P.S. I Love you (2007) 

Starring: Hilary Swank & Gerard Butler

Hilary Swank (Holly) was married to Gerard Butler (Gerry), But Gerry had passed away by an illness, Holly was devastated. Gerry knew his death would hurt Holly deeply, so he planned ahead and wrote many letters to guide her to ease the pain of losing him and to start a new life. The letters and guidance gave Holly a big push to move on.

This movie is so touching, made me reflect on losing people we love can leave us standing there alone helpless, refusing to move on without them.

#2.   WALL.E (2008)

Starring: Ben Burtt, Elissa Knight, Jeff Garlin, Fred Willard

The story of two very different robots falling in love, without the common language, they still found a way to connect.

Different species besides human falling in love in their own specific way; warm and touching. An animation that is truly wonderful to watch as a family or couples. Very inspiring.

#3.      50 First Dates (2004)

Starring: Adam Sandler & Drew Barrymore

The love story of Henry and Lucy, when Henry finally thinks Lucy is the one, he realized Lucy has short-term memory loss and will forget him the very next day, and everything has to start all over again.

#4.      Eat Pray Love (2010)

Starring: Julia Roberts, Javier Bardem, James Franco

This movie is not only inspiring, it’s a way to guide us to changing our lives but do not know how to begin. Through a hard time divorce and few difficult relationships, Liz travels around the world to find her true self.

#5.      Going the Distance (2010)

Starring:  Drew Barrymore, Justin Long

This movie is very relevant to many of us, long distance relationships. Difficult and challenging relationship sets a hard time for this couple to keep themselves together.

Are you willing to go the distance for your loved ones?

Hope you all enjoyed my list, let me know in the comments what your favorite romantic flick is to enjoy with your special someone.

REPORT: Weekend Box Office FEB 15 - 17

Well the Valentine's Day weekend has come and gone and our top grosser this week is

A Good Day to Die Hard (I love these titles)

Taking in $24 million, making a 5 day total of $33 Million
Budget: $92 Million

In it's opening weekend the latest actioner starring Bruce Willis reprising his iconic role as John MacLean, the one man anti terrorist group along the likes of Jack Bauer or (pretty much) ALL of Arnold Schwarzenegger's roles.  I've seen it, naturally, thankful to have a girlfriend who enjoys Bruce Willis' antics as much as I, look for my review of it shortly.

Unfortunately, however, it seems there weren't enough lonely men or compromising girlfriends as Fox had hoped would find themselves in theater's over the Valentine's Day weekend, and that's not likely to change much in the coming weeks, does anyone out there think we have a chance to one day see a 6th Die Hard film? I know I'm loving these and hope for more.


Number 2 for the weekend:

Identity Thief

taking in $23 million, down from last weekend's #1 spot adding to it's already impressive take to a total of $71 million
Budget: $35 Million

Well, consider that budget marker hit, never underestimate the power of a comedy early in the year.  In a time typically reserved for an annual hit-or-miss Denzel Washington film and embarrassingly delayed sub par films there sits the perfect spot of an average comedy to come in and take everyone's money.

Is the film any good? Rotten Tomatoes doesn't think so, however people who have seen it tend to disagree, could be people are just desperate for anything from Jason Bateman to tide them over until Netflix releases the new season of Arrested Development

Note to self: Take the day off May 4, I think I'll be busy.


The rest:

Safe Haven - $21
Escape From Planet Earth - $15
Warm Bodies - $8

no one cares beyond this.


So, anyone else see the new Die Hard? What did you think? How about Identity Thief? Or how about anything else you want to chat about in the comments below.

Say Hello to Our Little Blog!

Well, "of all the movie joints in all the towns in all the world, you walked into mine."

Hey everyone, and thanks for dropping by, my name is Ryan, filling the role of the "1 Guy". My helpful companions playing the roles of the "2 Girls", will be Jasmine and Lilian.

This blog represents the first time either of us 3 will be engaging with others online about movies and really our love for all things cinema.

So sit back, grab some popcorn, your 3D glasses, your movie buddy, your computer, your dog, your favorite stuffed toy Hulk ;-) "hold on tight and away we're gonna go, go go."

Oh, and don't forget to share any posts with friends and help spread the word of this fun new movie blog.


P.S. 3 Internet points for whoever can guess the names of the 3 movie's I've quoted in today's post.