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2015-9-5 00:42 Rui
Going to movies, for Takeshi, his fans, and movie lovers

Hi Takeshi,
Greetings!  
In this thread, Let's take a virtual random stroll into the cinema, and flip through news related to movies.  I will also write my personal review on movies I enjoyed and your work.  It's a homage to movies and your growing body of work.  
Movies can be so trivial, relegated to the "entertainment" section at the back of newspapers.  But, looking at it another way, it can be pretty important.  It's many people's favorite pass time.  It can entertain, educate and engage.  It is an experience, some short-lived, others lingering and thought provoking.  It allows us to get in touch with our own feelings and imagination.  I know of many men who would never cry, except when watching movies.  And thankfully, they would even tell their friends and coworkers they were moved to tears and recommend a movie.  My coworker who is a father in his 50s recently told me he was most moved by a scene in Inside Out when the imaginary friend helped Riley up the mountain...(no more spoilers here, you have to watch it if you haven't yet).  So I'd argue for our society, movies are even more important to men than to us ladies, because it's a safe way for them to get in touch with their feelings and dreams (a little tounge in cheek:) .  As for me, I cry at movies all the time.  I used to be a little embarrassed, but not any more because it makes me feel alive and balanced.  

Because of work and family, I would post when I can.   And it would be kind of random, since I won't spend time organizing topics, rather save time for content.  Today is a good start.  I am taking a day off, sitting in a coffee shop reading newspapers.

There was a recommendation on WSJ this morning on Redcliff, international version it's getting released in blue ray.  I preferred the longer 2 part version. (More later on the movie in future postings).  
There was also an article about Richard Geer making a new movie about homeless in New York City.  He dressed up as a homeless man and shot in a morning with a very long hidden lense.  Nobody even noticed him, no one made eye contact.  He held a coffe cup, and got a dollar and change.  Because he was invisible, no one recognized him.  Some thoughts ran through my head.  The people I pass each day on the way to work.  A few times I helped, most time I did not.  At college, I gave money to some panhandlers, then found out in the local newspaper that panhandlers made 60% more than I did as a poor graduate student in a liberal college town and my friends laughed at me...  In a very very cold evening 2 winters ago, I felt compelled to talk to a woman who was sleeping over a heat vent, because it was so dangerous.  I asked her how I could help to get her to a shelter like getting a taxi for her.  All she wanted was a cup of hot coffeeand she asked very politely.  I never saw her again after that, I hope she went to a shelter. A Reminder to ourselvesthat even though there is no easy and good solutions about homelessness, we should not be content that we already volunteered or given to charity, human interaction sometimes is more important than dollars.  
Which also reminds me of my first Takeshi movie's opening scene.  My introduction to you was Lost and Found, the only movie of yours I was able to see on a big screen (sadly), at International movie night in college. With the sad and beautiful song of "Dance me to the End of Love" by Leonard Cohen in the background, the opening scene was black and white, showing HongKong's street life.  Old men and women, kids, most of them poor and trying to get by.  A great way to show multiple points of view, it could be audiences' POV, Mr Worm's,  or Lam's (Kelly Chan).  At the same time  it introduces us to the poorer section of HongKong, where Mr. Worm works, helps, and most importantly he interacts with many marginalized people.  That's why his character was so likable, he treats all these marginalized people like real human beings.  That's when I became a fan.  Worm was eanest, shy, a little eccentric and with a heart of gold.  my favorite scene:
Worm visiting Lam in the hospital.  You did the scene very subtly and it is more moving because the brave face you put up.  Now in stead of "a wild goose chase" I joke about "a wild duck chase".  
So much for today, going to lunch soon.  

Kind regards,
Rui

2015-9-26 03:26 Rui
Six degrees of Takeshi

I saw your 4G ad on YouTube again recently.  Loved the look w those black rimmed glasses.  Very professorial.  Come to think about it, you sure can look very convincing in a professor/scholar type of role now.  Hope one day you can play such a role.
Then I thought that your fifties look really reminded me of Colin Firth's role in A Single Man.  I did not like the movie very much, mostly because I found the pace really slow.  Colin Firth's and many other performances were really good though.
One thing lead to another! I thought can I play a game like the six-degree of Kevin Bacon? But how about six-degree of Takeshi Kaneshiro and see how I can go from Colin Firth to you via your works.
There may be other solutions, and I invite other solutions.  

Here is mine.  1. Colin acted in A Single Man, which was scored by Shigeru Umebayashi.  2. Mr. Umebayashi is one of my favorite musicians working in films and has scored both Sleepless Town and the House of Flying Daggers, 3. Which leads me to Our Mr. Kaneshiro!  
Just amusing myself on my daily commute...  

Speaking of the House of Flying Daggers, it is arguably The movie that introduced most Western audience to you.  I liked many aspect of the movie, many nuggets of your performance.  The scene when you first realized you were fooled, you looked both surprised and truly hurt.  Maybe that was the first time Jin realized he had true feelings for her, because of the extent of hurt.  Well done!  The part when you looked back after you were freed not executed.  Well the DP really know how to manipulate my heart rate:loveliness:   And also the part you said good bye in the beautiful birch woods.  The color and scenery was just breathtaking.  
The only part that prevented the movie from achieving a greater level was the plot and dialogue appearing a bit thin and stretched towards the end.  I later learned about the weather challenge and your injuries.  Finishing a movie under these circumstances, you have my respect.  It is a very enjoyable movie for your fans. For a totally biased fan, every frame of you in that movie was simply ravishing.  Happy Weekend!

2015-10-3 20:19 Rui
The Martian

I love going to movies, but have not been this excited to see a new movie for a long time.  We will be seeing the Martian this afternoon.  The story of scientific problem solving is the key selling point, and I think it's a first for a major movie to focus on problem solving.  
At least science fiction fans will love this and I have a good feeling that wider audience will too.  I believe truly innovative topics, or ways and angles to tell stories (often starting with great scripts or source materials) make the most interesting movies.  Their success will spawn numerous imitations.  Imitations will appear to be safer, since they can be broken down to elements that have shown previous success.  For example after the Gladiator, sandals and swords movies are suddenly hot again...  But none of the imitations tend to surpass the original.
So just excited to see innovation pushes.  will report back after the screening.

2015-10-4 19:35 Rui
回復 #3 Rui 的帖子

Exhilarating!  That's how I felt when the closing credits rolled.  The movie really captured how scientists and engineers can be so passionate about what they do, and that it is absolutely moving!  I am glad the movie is so restrained, and not focusing on the emotional side of the rescue.  Instead, it realistically showed how scientists and engineers are at their best--unde pressure, they can still focus; they are not overwhelmed by the enormity of the problem; they stay rational, as cool and collected as they can be, break the problem down and work on the solution.  In showing problem solving under stress and their duties to each other, the audience can truly see the nobility of these scientists/astraunomers.  
I think it's the best movie I have seen this year!  Trying not to give away the plot here too much.  Takeshi and fans, I highly recommend it.

2015-10-14 23:57 sparkling
回復 #1 Rui 的帖子

I watched "Lost and Found" many of times since I was in high school student.  This movie still keeps in my shelve and not willing pass to anyone else. :L  
   
Even though that movie was released back in 1995, there are still some touching scenes that keep in my heart and ever.  
Talking about life, miracle, disappointment, believe, love and courageous.  I am totally agree with you could see the movie of the marginalized people how hardly to survive in the cruel society.  Yet, they still believe our life has a miracle and a ray of light in the darkness.  

Where can we find Mr.Worm such a lovely and warm-hearted character or person, he(Takeshi) believes and helps what we were being lost and we can be found in one day.:handshake  :)

2015-10-15 09:17 Rui
I totally agree!  Two years ago, I was asked what is my favorite movie.  It's a hard question for me, I had a short list of favorites.  But when I started thinking what movie touched me most.  I thought about Lost and Found that I watched so many years ago...  It just jumped out after so many years.  I then bought a DVD copy, and would watch it from time to time now.  Loved the story lines, characters, and it's musing about life.  Life is far from perfect, but it's about how we live it.  :handshake

2015-10-22 06:18 Rui
回復 #6 Rui 的帖子

It's been a really tough day at work.  Likely the long day is not over yet, more work tonight.  I usually work during my commute, but now I needed a bit down time.  

Lately, I have been thinking about a movie I saw in mid 2000s, or actually I have been thinking about a speech in the end of this movie.  It is a speech given to honor a politician at a victory of passing a bill.  So I am going to look it up, since it really resonated with me.

2015-10-22 06:29 Rui
回復 #7 Rui 的帖子

OK here is the speech to the 2006 movie Amazing Grace, about the passage of abolition of slave trade in Britan.  It was delivered by Michael Gambon:
"When people speak of great men, they think of men like Napoleon -- men of violence.  Rarely do they think of peaceful men.  But contrast the reception they will receive when they return home from their battles.  Napoleon will arrive in pomp and in power, a man who's achieved the very summit of earthly ambition.  And yet his dreams will be haunted by the oppressions of war.  William Wilberforce, however, will return to his family, lay his head on his pillow and remember: the slave trade is no more..."

Any additional words from me is a distraction.  Somehow the memory of this part of the movie made me feel calm and better.

2015-10-22 23:46 阿管
回復 #8 Rui 的帖子

[b][size=3][color=Purple]'Amazing Grace'  - a great story of freedom and courage.:victory:[/color][/size][/b]

[IMG]http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l583/north126miller/Amazing-grace-movie-for-free1_zpsintjabpj.jpg[/IMG]

2015-10-29 07:59 Rui
Out of Africa (1985)

My favorite movie in the early nineties is Out of Africa.  I loved it first because the uncommon beauty of the scenery, music, and language.  The acting by Streep and Redford was charming, and the story unique.

2015-10-30 15:03 阿管
回復 #10 Rui 的帖子

:handshake :handshake :handshake
[b][size=5][color=Purple]I would like to share with you a recent article I read....:lol :victory:[/color][/size][/b]

[IMG]http://i1350.photobucket.com/albums/p764/jsk_kim20022/ming%20bao1_zpstweqz3er.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i1350.photobucket.com/albums/p764/jsk_kim20022/ming%20bao2_zpsppqjxgor.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i1350.photobucket.com/albums/p764/jsk_kim20022/ming%20bao3_zpse0pwufkc.jpg[/IMG]

2015-10-30 15:22 阿管
[b][size=4][color=Purple]THE WAY WE WERE (1973)
ROBERT REDFORD and BARBRA STREISAND:time: :victory: :handshake :lol[/color][/size][/b]

[IMG]http://i1350.photobucket.com/albums/p764/jsk_kim20022/41PwGqXSDmL_zps8x3xsnil.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1350.photobucket.com/albums/p764/jsk_kim20022/Way_We_Were_The_zpsboe4rv97.jpg[/IMG]

2015-10-30 21:21 阿管
[b][size=5][color=Purple]Some memories last forever:)[/color][/size][/b]

[color=Purple][b][size=4]:victory: Robert Redford and Paul Newman:victory: [/size][/b]
[/color]
[color=Black][b][size=4]Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) [/size][/b][/color]
[flash]https://www.youtube.com/v/KyR7XB0VBPM[/flash]

[color=Black][b][size=4]The Sting (1973)[/size][/b][/color]
[flash]https://www.youtube.com/v/EmDQiL3UNj4[/flash]

[[i] 本帖最後由 阿管 於 2015-10-30 21:22 編輯 [/i]]

2015-10-30 21:28 阿管
[IMG]http://i1350.photobucket.com/albums/p764/jsk_kim20022/tumblr_nedgpmMwqe1qbyoq9o1_500_zpsz6pp8efn.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1350.photobucket.com/albums/p764/jsk_kim20022/tumblr_mmliqz0l7y1rovfcgo1_1280_zpsatci3iah.jpg[/IMG]

2015-10-31 20:57 阿管
[b][size=4][color=Purple]Out of Africa (1985)[/color][/size][/b]

[flash]https://www.youtube.com/v/PRMo4iZaNlg[/flash]

2015-10-31 21:02 阿管
[b][size=5][color=Purple]Happy Halloween![/color][/size][/b]:)

[URL=http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/jsk_kim2002/media/corpse_bride_ver4.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k482/jsk_kim2002/corpse_bride_ver4.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

[URL=http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/jsk_kim2002/media/corpse_bride_ver2.jpg.html][IMG]http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k482/jsk_kim2002/corpse_bride_ver2.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

2015-10-31 21:10 阿管
[b][size=3][color=Purple]One of my favorite movies of Mr Tim Burton is: The Nightmare Before Christmas :lol :victory:[/color][/size][/b]

[b][size=3]Top 10 Tim Burton Movies:
[/size][/b]
[flash]https://www.youtube.com/v/khm4jztVVYo[/flash]

2015-11-1 09:39 Rui
回復 #17 阿管 的帖子

Happy Halloween!  Thanks for the pieces on Redford, too.

I was wearing a Venician mask with peacock feathers and handing out candy just now.  I would stand very still next to the corn husks and Jack-o-lanterns, when the kids came up.  Some thought I was a statue, and got a little spooked.  It was fun.  
I would like to watch Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992) tonight.  It's pretty close to the original book.  Even though that book was written more than one hundred years ago, I found the writing style quite modern and a real page turner!

2015-11-2 18:54 阿管
:handshake :)
[b][size=3][color=Purple]This story is a vivid parable about the forces of love.
Every one of the four principal actors, gives outstanding performances. :victory: :victory:
[/color][/size][/b]

[IMG]http://i1350.photobucket.com/albums/p764/jsk_kim20022/cover_zpspyxd8vww.jpg[/IMG]

[b][size=3][color=Black]Dracula: Do you believe in destiny? That even the powers of time can be altered for a single purpose? That the luckiest man who walks on this earth is the one who finds... true love? [/color]

[color=Black]Dracula: I have crossed oceans of time to find you.
[/size][/b][/color]

2015-11-5 07:49 Rui
回復 #15 阿管 的帖子

A bit more on why I like Out of Africa:
It's unique not just because it's a sweeping love story in an exotic land.  To me, it is a dialogue about the balance between being alone and preserving one's freedom/original state and entering into something thus being altered.  Redford's character loves the wilderness of Africa, he is somewhat reluctant to alter it too much by being a big game hunter and safari leader. He did not want to teach the natives English or Western culture.  Streep's character also loves the land and people deeply, but she is active in wanting to change things such as having a school for children.  
In love, the tension between them was about possession. He does not want to be possessed, she is pretty independent but want at least some promise about the relationship.  This tension ultimately led to their breakup.  The movie does not shy away from the complex contradiction in both characters.  He said in the end that she ruined it for him (the idea of being free and alone).  It's his way of saying he still loved her and she has for ever changed some part of him.  She always loved him because of his independence, he does not treat her like a possession most men that era do.  There was an interesting scene after he moved "a few things" to her house, he met the estranged husband.  The husband said, "you should at least asked."  Redford's character said, "I did and she said yes!"
I think in looking for love, many of us are looking to be someone who can give us the freedom of being who we are, but at the same time because of love we may be willing to be altered a bit.  It's a dialogue whether explicitly discussed or not.
Speaking of romanticism, as the movie is considered a great romance, I really like how they portray the relationship's development.  It was an attraction of mind and spirit.  When he asked her to join his safari.  He simply said that there were things he wanted her to see.  The script feels real here.  A man like him, he shows his love by wanting to share what he think is most beatiful, he invites her into those moments he previously hasn't shared.  I imagine he found great peace and joy being in nature seeing the animals.  When he invites her, he is looking for someone to be there with him, no conversation is necessary, he is hoping she would just be as entranced standing next to him.
Recently, I thought despite all that's said above, why do I still like this story so much?  It's not a happy story.  She lost everything in the end.  First, her health and marriage, the her love of life and her farm.  It may be more reasonable to love it 20 years ago when it's fashionable to love sad movies as a new movie lover.  Why I still love it now.  Then I realized that it's really about the experience not the end result.  If I were the protagonist, even if I know ahead of time what the losses would be, I'd still want to experience the love and land.

2015-11-13 10:35 Rui
回復 Confession of Pain

It's great to hear that the shooting has concluded for the Ferryman.  Can't wait to hear about the release date.  
This is billed as a comedy.  I hope that both Tony and Takeshi has enjoyed working together again in a fun environment, since they seemed to genuinely appreciate each other and have great on screen chemistry.  
Even though ChungKing Express was the first time they shared leads, their first real collaboration was Confession of Pain (2006).  Today, I'd like to share a few thoughts on this movie.
First, I liked the acting by both male leads.  Takeshi's Bong is persistent and smart, yet deeply wounded.  He gave up some parts of his life after a personal tragedy, but he just can't stop digging for the truth.  Takeshi gave a really layered performance.  
Tony's character started out as a good boss from the first scene, but quickly shocked me with his violence.  unlike usual detective movies, the the suspense was not about who-done-it, but about when Bong will find out, and when we will find out the motive.   It was good to see Tony's character change, sometimes gradually, sometimes suddenly.
Second, I really like The interesting character, Bong.  His inner journey after a sudden tragedy seemed to be a straight decent into alcoholism.  He gave up on his career and gave up on his health.  One thing that seems to consume him is his dogged investigation of WHY.  To the audience, his doggedness is almost a sign of madness.  He most likely would never find out. And the more he digs, the less he can move on.  Yet, truth, however horrible, is preferred by a character like Bong.  Because truth can be understood, and once understood, Bong has the best chance to move on and heal.  I really like how realistic this character is, not one-dimensional as just a damaged person, or just a real strong person who can pull himself out of a depression.  
In the end, Bong is really a strong person.  He dealt with his own anger, jealousy, and guilt, and choose to move on and forgive.
A hopeful message to all.

2015-11-21 08:13 Rui
On Warlord Deleted Scene, reaction to Violence

This past week, I have been mostly angry and sad with the news of the heinous crimes committed on innocent people.  
It made me think about our reactions to violence.  How should civilized people react to unspeakable violence?   For me, the most immediate reaction was being absolutely revolted, disgusted.  Even when I watch movies, certain scenes are so violent, I can't bear to watch them.  
For example, I heard about the great acting Takeshi did in Warlord, the deleted execution scene, death by a thousand cuts.  But I did not dare to watch it for a long time.  Because many years ago, when I was looking through some history book about Qing dynasty China, I stumbled upon a grainy photo of someone executed by death by a thousand cuts.  I almost threw up.  Eventually, I worked my courage to watch the deleted scene.  The closeup of many facial expressions was so well-done.  I wished Director Chang could have melted the close-up with Takeshi's voice over without the last bloody shot...
Ok, my point is barbaric violence should be absolutely rejected, and has in deed been rejected by modern society.  I have ordered on Netflix the Danish movie A Royal Affair.  It's about Dr Struensee.  I read a book about him years ago.  Without going to details about his life, he was the last European to be executed by the Medieval way, very cruel, like in Braveheart...  A passage in the book really struck me, and I thought about that passage when I watched Takeshi's scene.  The book talked about the reaction of the people gathered to watch the execution.  Previously in history, many would cheer on the horrific spectacles.  But this time, after the influence of renaissance and Enlightenment, normal people were disgusted by the violence.  The society have come a long way actually.  We must make sure the enlightened view of humanity does not get eroded by evil forces.

2015-11-21 11:38 Rui
回復 #22 Rui 的帖子

In Celebration of Music:
The Sound of Music, 1965
A Hard Day's Night , 1964

In Celebration of food:
Eat Drink Man Women, 1993
And French food:
Julie & Julia, 2009
Ratatouille, 2007

2015-11-21 12:11 Rui
回復 #23 Rui 的帖子

In Celebration of France:
Amelie, 2001
La Vie en rose, 2007

Music and art in France:
Impromptu, 1991

The beauty of France in the eyes of people around the world:
A Good Year, 2006
lavender, 2000
Before Sunset, 2004

2015-11-21 12:28 Rui
回復 #24 Rui 的帖子

And one of my favorite French movie, the beautiful, romantic, and gallant ---
The Horseman on the Roof, 1995

I am re-watching it tonight!

2015-11-27 09:27 阿管
[b][size=3][color=Purple]I enjoyed your insights into the movies...:) :handshake
Great analysis! :victory:[/color][/size][/b]

2015-11-27 12:22 Rui
Thanks

Glad you enjoyed them.  I have fun writing about movies.  :handshake

2015-11-28 03:57 阿管
回復 #22 Rui 的帖子

[url]http://www.takeshikaneshiro.net/forum/viewthread.php?tid=51943&extra=page%3D2&page=1[/url]
[b][color=Black]#9[/color][/b]
[b][size=3][color=Purple]Braveheart: The film was shot in Scotland and Ireland.
One of the filming locations:[/color][/size][/b]

[color=Black][b][size=3]King John's Castle, Trim, County Meath, Ireland[/size][/b]
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[IMG]http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l583/north126miller/IMG_289_zpscfoh8pp8.jpg[/IMG]

[[i] 本帖最後由 阿管 於 2015-11-28 05:08 編輯 [/i]]

2015-11-28 04:02 阿管
回復 #24 Rui 的帖子

[b][size=3][color=Purple]Thank you for sharing!:victory: :handshake
[/color][/size][/b]

[IMG]http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l583/north126miller/les-miserables_1_zps3d7o5ykv.jpg[/IMG]

[[i] 本帖最後由 阿管 於 2015-11-28 04:39 編輯 [/i]]

2015-11-28 04:40 阿管
回復 #23 Rui 的帖子

[b][size=4][color=Black]In Celebration of food:[/color][/size][/b]:)

[IMG]http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l583/north126miller/81babette_s_feast_scan_hires_zpskwp5drug.jpg[/IMG]

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