Stalking Cinema 2009

Went to watch The Proposal yesterday. All for Sandra Bullock, lol. It's entertaining. Not fantastic, but that was expected. Watched it alone, and I realized I've been too used to watching things on my computer, because I commented to myself and physically reacted to the movie as though I were in my own room. ^^;;;

Saw the trailer of The Blue Mansion, which has Adrian Pang and Swee Lin + Kay Siu, among others. Immediately had my eyes set on it! =D The narration in the trailer (see website) has that humorous-thriller Desperate Housewives feel (um, based on what I remember of that series, having watched, like, one or two episodes ^^0) and I think the plot development would be interesting.

...Then, that reminded me of another trailer that really impressed me a while back:


十月围城 (Bodyguards and Assassins)

I went through a few versions to find the exact one I meant (as above) =D; because at that time the powerfulness of the sequence really captured me -- particularly around 0:58 onwards. But teasers aside, I'm not quite into the genre so I'm not planning to watch it, but maybe we'll see. Big-name cast, big budget and all, and I have a soft spot for Donnie Yen, though that hasn't stopped me from missing many of his movies, ahaha...

Also saw the trailer for 余命1ヶ月の花嫁 (Yomei Ikkagetsu no Hanayome / April Bride) starring Eikura Nana and Eita. The original title literally translates to "Bride with a Month to Live" so the story is obvious enough. Ah well... I like both leads, but there have been many tear-jerker movies from this country, and this movie doesn't seem to have anything new. But I am still quite touched by the very first dialogue (see website for trailer):
Taro: What do you do from day to day?
Chie: (ponders awhile) Live.
So somewhere at the corner of my mind there is a tiny bit of expectation that it may have something different. Hm. =)

So far those are the ones that caught my eye from the theaters... As for TV series, I have made the mistake of starting on Orthros no Inu while it is still on-going, so now I'm quite impatient waiting for the next episode sub to be out. xP It is intriguing and has good moral points in my opinion, though I guess stalking-wise I should go for Mizukawa Asami's variety shows more than her dramas because while she is an okay actress, she is really so much more interesting in real life. ❤ Experience it here if hopefully you can be bothered to, and maybe I can drag you down this fandom hole. =)P

君へ 私へ 明日へ

苦しみもあったけど
記憶は全て 優しい 楽しい
やはり
最後までも
本当にありがとう。

Theory of Happiness

When I didn't pause to think, when I just went with the flow,
I fell hard when things swerved off course.
When I started reasoning, when I started justifying,
I was full of spite trying to defend my pride.
When I analyzed situations, when I sought solutions,
I guess I simply didn't love enough to forgive.

When I stop asking life to play nice,
when I stop holding you responsible for my feelings...
I finally remember that happiness never does have a philosophy.

---

Shiina Ringo, "Koufukuron (Theory of Happiness)"
-- Adapted from the translation by Emily Horner


When I searched for true happiness,
I started to think I wanted to love and be loved in return;
and then I caught on to your strength, and the weakness you try to hide.
I burn with energy at how you laugh and cry honestly
at the flow of time and the color of the sky,
as if you don't wish for anything more.

True happiness cannot always be seen;
it was right by my side, and I didn't even notice.
But when I realized that what my numb fingers needed was your familiar hand,
I decided I wouldn't mind trying a little
to protect your melody,
and all your words and philosophy.

Because I love you just the way you are, laughing and crying honestly
at the flow of time and the color of the sky
as if you don't wish for anything more--
I'll do what it takes to protect your melody,
and all your words and philosophy.
Just the fact that you're alive here, that's happiness.

What's So Great About Sunshine?

Everytime it rains
I listen to the sky
And wonder what's so great about sunshine

When it was getting dark
I didn't need a match
I never needed light to see you

So love me 'cause you can
And not because you should

Everytime it rains
I know it's good to be alive...


Take out the needy parts (Honestly. I wish I could feel that deep), and it feels like this song says all I want to say right now. I guess this means she wrote from the heart.

C'est la Vie

My conscience says I'm not making enough effort,

my insecurity says I'm making all the wrong moves...

my ego says they are being read all wrong.

*sigh*

I'm needing assurances I'm not sure I deserve.

puntung

di lembar langit awan tertumpah
warna cahaya
di papar hati tuan mendarah
sengat aroma

hilang pandang terjelang petang
tak ayal esok berulang
luntur rasa terluruh masa
tak pelak ingat tersisa

...be, nineteen years from now...

Early celebration of Angie's birthday yesterday. Much fun and sore throat had been had... and I think the 'plot-holed' attempt at making it a surprise just made it all the more memorable. =D It was nice to see Mal again too.

Maybe it is to be expected when it's someone like Angie, but I am still quite amazed to find 'lessons' to bring home from a birthday party. Was really touched when she talked about the founding days of Buddhist Fellowship 21 years ago, including the wavering period 11 years after, and how all of us wouldn't have been gathered there were it not for the few graduate students who themselves had never thought their simple target of "one project a year" would see a future as what BF is today.

Soracco itself has gone through many regenerations that it may not be as 'nostalgic' as say, a persisting friendship of the same people, but to many of us it is still something we are glad to be part of, something we watch grow with a heartwarming fondness... and I suppose its 'survival' is really thanks to the music foundation that Mal laid down and Aug carries on, Angie's lift and push, Ai Ling's loyal lead throughout.

Also, a good reminder of the Buddha's words from Dr Ang Beng Choo, relating people's contradicting opinions about Angie that she overheard:

"There will always be differing perspectives about anything. When the sun shines from the east, the tree casts a shadow to the west. When the sun shines from the west, the tree casts a shadow to the east. There is no need to worry about the shadow. Just make sure your tree grows strong and upright."

As Angie said, "If even someone like me can grow, there must be hope for all of you too." So... will keep working on it! ^^

士别三日

三日不见面，不作旧时看。

Would I rather you be consistent,
Would I rather the warmth of familiarity,
Would I rather know you always?

Would you rather I have surprises,
Would you rather the excitement of change,
Would you rather find me grown?