Merry Halloween!

Paperman

For those who haven't seen this short film yet, this is a recent animation by the Walt Disney Co. It's quite lovely. It centers around a man striving to get a second chance with a woman. With a graceful mix of fluid lines, light noir, and fantasy, the energy of the film brings delight to the heart. Watch it, and you'll see.

I love films like these, films that cherish good story-telling. Good stories stir hearts and incite empathy. And empathy is the cure for the cynics and the antidote for the wounded. Watching the film again, I had a curious thought. Every love comes with a sense of fate. Yet, it's also a choice. How so?

Strange.

It just happens today's Valentine's day. My phone says it's a holiday back in Canada. But, I'm sure my phone is misinformed because I remember having a midterm on Valentine's day few years back. So much for a "smartphone".

Have a radiant, amorous Valentine's day.

Yellow Boat (Goodbye, Pt. 2 of 2)

Continued from Yellow Boat (Goodbye, Pt. 1 of 2)

She spoke so graciously, thankful for the memories. Not bitter, angry, or betrayed. I found her poise remarkable. I sensed what the memories and Josh had meant for her. But, despite the pain she spoke truthfully and with endearment. However, I had begun to get frustrated. I could not understand Josh's actions. 'How could he have just left her like that? Without a word! She thought of him as her best friend, and he was the world to her,' I thought. 'Where is he now? Did he forget? Did he die? If he weren't dead, the least he could do was say bye,' my thoughts lingered.

Unsettled, I bursted. "Aren't you sad?"

She was a little taken back. She answered, "Of course I am, Luke."

"Aren't you angry?" I expounded.

Emily frowned at me. I had stirred an unchartered emotion in her. I immediately regretted having darted Emily such reckless questions. But, she collected herself and spoke, softly, "I was, Luke. When Josh didn't come back on the fourth summer, I waited and waited desperately. I was worried, tired, and angry. But, not now."

A bit apologetic, I took a moment to approach. "Why not?" I asked her.

"Because I cherish the friendship we had. He had shown me so much. Yes, I was angry and I felt betrayed, thinking that he had forgotten me. At the same time, I was worried sick if he were okay. But, as time grew, I also realised something. Friendship is a blessing, Luke. And you cannot own blessings or make them your own," said Emily. She seemed at peace.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"I loved Josh, and he was my best friend. But, such things as friendship and love are blessings given to you. They are not earned, and they cannot be ransomed. And to have been given an opportunity to experience true friendship, and true love, is a gift in itself. Yes, I've lost Josh, but to have had a friend like Josh and lose him is better than not having had a friend at all," she replied.

It was then. I was moved. I felt my anguish shell crack and give way to chasm of unrelenting memories. I sat there, sobbing. My tears streamed down my cheeks, and I could feel them wash my hands as I pressed onto my face. Drops brushing against my fingers and my palms, and the warmth of the Sun on my back, I sat there crying. I had lost a friend earlier that year in an accident, and I felt the surge of emotions spring up. I found myself lost, again.

When I calmed down, Emily finally spoke. She asked, "Are you okay?"

"I don't know what to do," I cried.

"What's wrong?" asked Emily.

"I don't know what to do," I repeated, "I know it's not my fault she died." I wasn't making much sense.

Before I could continue, she interrupted, "Who died, Luke?"

"My friend, Ellie," I said. Ellie was my friend, and I had known her since I was a kid. She was my best friend. As I told Emily the story of how Ellie died, I couldn't stop sobbing. "It was six months ago. She was just walking home from school, and I know it was a red light and she shouldn't have crossed, but the driver must have not seen her or something. That fucking driver."

Emily listened.

"I know she didn't mean to die. And, she didn't leave me. It just happened. I just don't know what to do. I feel so jaded, angry, and alone. But, then I think I'm being selfish only thinking about my feelings. But, I can't stop. I know she's not the blame. That fucking driver."

More tears came out. It took me a while to calm down, much longer than I had ever imagined. I had never cried much. I felt like a fool who couldn't manage himself. When it was all over, Emily spoke again, "I'm really sorry, Luke." She was deeply empathetic. She understood.

When I've calmed down and came to my senses, I was embarrassed. "This is embarrassing," I regressed.

"No, it's not," she replied.

"I guess I really needed to vent, huh." I shied away.

"It's good," she said, "I think you ought to share. Have you shared how you feel? With friends?"

Unfortunately, I didn't have friends who wanted to talk and my parents had thought I had 'problem moving on' when I had continued to be solemn months after months. "I tried," I replied.

She remained silent. Naturally, I thought she'd console me then. Having understood my pains, I believed she would help. But, she didn't. Instead, she surprised me. "Luke, this might sound strage to you," she said, "but pray your tears."

"Pray?" I asked. That did sound strange.

"Yes, pray," she confirmed.

It might have sounded lesser strange the second time, but I didn't understand. "Pray? As in pray to God?" I asked, "I don't believe in God."

Emily gave a slight smile. Then, she said, "Prayer is just a petition your heart makes, Luke." She continued, "Petition brings pain of its own, because it's a struggle. That is unfortunately so. But when you have declared your pleas, confessions, and pains, you'll find peace. You'll see that prayers help you grow. You'll find strength. And peace is a kind of inner strength."

"What.." I stumbled. My thoughts were in disarray. Nevertheless, I reacted. "But, who do I pray to?" I asked.

"Be honest, and someone will always listen," she affirmed. "Don't hold them in or try to vent. Sometimes, it doesn't make any sense but just be honest, and you'll always have someone who will listen." She paused, then continued, "Fortunately, Luke, I believe in a God who will listen even if you don't believe him, or even if everyone turned back on him and nobody believed him."

I sat there, struck by her words. I was confused, but part of me believed her. I had always tried to push my emotions and pains aside. I had always tried to ignore or rid them. I had never taken time to confront them and be honest to myself. A picture entered my mind. There was a pair of hands, bleeding, as it picked up broken shards of glass. There were piles of them, but the hands would continue to pick them and continue to bleed. I thought how utterly stupid it was to pick up pieces of glass by hand, but I understood. I wished those were my hands. And I sat there, thinking. My heart resonated.

In silence, time passed. I looked up. The sun had moved well past its meridian, and I could see it glaring behind shields of clouds. It must have been around three or four o'clock, I guessed.

Eventually, Emily spoke. "You're quiet, aren't you?" she asked.

"I am," I replied with a slow nod.

"But not shy," she added.

"No," I answered.

"Josh was quiet, too. He had a nickname at school. They called him the Lone Wolf," she said, "I didn't like it, because I didn't think it suited him. Plus, I don't like wolves. But, he took it as a compliment. He said lone wolves tend to be older and wiser."

I don't know why that was funny, but I was a little amused. I let out a chuckle. And, Emily smiled.

We continued to talk for hours. She told me more stories of Josh, and I shared my stories of Ellie as well. We found a commonplace in each others' hearts and rested there. Time flew. And soon, the moon began rising at opposite end. Air chilled and its scent became fresher. The blue skyline darkened into a dark indigo. I saw the stars envelope the atmosphere, and I dreaded the thought of heading back to the deck. Eventually, I did. I said goodbye to Emily, to which she simply said, "See you later." I rowed back with dim light from the light stand by the deck as my only guide. My heart still heavy, I felt uneasy. I felt perplexed and my thoughts continued to wander. But, I sensed hope. Without knowing how or where, my heart had already begun its course. I didn't know where I was, or where I was going, but my heart was in pursuit. Paradoxically, I felt lost but not without an intent.

I pulled the boat into the bank and onto the deck. As I pushed the boat into its rightful place I found that morning, I felt the engraving at the boat's right rowlock again. "Emily", my fingertips reminded me. I wondered if Emily knew that Josh had engraved her name on the boat.

Again. "Emily".

I pictured two hearts engraving each others' names as they communed. And, I wondered if that is actually what we do when we care, love, and understand one another. With each passing moment, we etch deeper. When one of us goes away, we are left with a void. The largest void would hurt the most. Then, I wondered if I should be in joy that it had hurt so much for me. All the while, I thought how ridiculous it was to imagine hearts with arms and legs etching names onto each other. But, I understood the sincerity. And, I wished one of those hearts were mine.

The end

Excerpt from Casino Royale

174 EXT. CLINIC PORCH -- ANOTHER DAY

Bond wakes in a wooden lounge chair. His stubble has turned into quite a well trimmed beard. Vesper sits beside him, more beautiful than ever.

Bond: Are you alright?

Vesper: (re: her bandaged fingers) Nothing that can't heal. (looks at him) I'm being awful. I can't resist waking you. Every time I do, you look at me as if you haven't seen me in months. It's so lovely. Makes me feel... reborn.

Bond: If you were just born wouldn't you be naked?

Vesper: See, you have me there.

A moment, now admits.

Vesper: The truth is... you can have me anywhere.

Bond: (a little surprised) I can, can I?

She climbs onto the arm of his chair and drapes her arms around his neck.

Vesper: Yes. Here. There. Anywhere you like.

Bond: Would you say you are warming up to me?

Vesper: Yes, that's how I would describe it.

Bond: Because not too long ago I would have described your feelings toward me as.. let me find a better word than loathing.

Vesper: I fear I am a complicated woman.

Bond: That is something to fear.

In-Between

Given that it's my graduation term, I am quite busy these days. But between my work I watch lots of videos. And play some games time to time. This video is a recent find; it's made by a 5-member team from Paris, story of which centers around a shy girl.

I love the color palette. And the crocodile! It's really cute. Do you agree?

The Love Competition

A friend of mine shared me this video. A fun game of whose brain will show most intensity when thinking about your loved ones. I study neuroscience, so while watching this I have a tendency to refute the definition of love, measurements and controls, and sampling size. Don't be like me. Just watch and enjoy!

Lost and Found

I long to be, once again lost and found. I wish to make my home foreign. New pair of eyes to see the old again. I miss Toronto. And my friends. Also, all the non-friends in Toronto who part-take and play the roles of extra in the background in creating the Toronto atmosphere. I like Toronto. I like stop-motion videos. Two likes equal love. Therefore, I love stop-motion video of Toronto.

La Maison en Petits Cubes

My all-time favorite short film. La Maison en Petits Cubes, "The House of Small Cubes", is a 2008 Japanese animated short film created by Kunio Katō with music by Kondo Kenji. It is also the recipient of the Academy Award for the 2009 Best Animated Short Film.

Splitscreen: A Love Story

The Nokia N8 Shorts Competition winner. Via James W. Griffiths

Excerpt from Good Will Hunting

EXT. SWAN POND, BOSTON COMMON -- DAY

Sean and Will sit in the bleachers at the mostly empty park. They look out over a small pond, in which a group of schoolchildren on a field trip ride the famous swan boats.

Sean: I thought about what you said to me the other day, about my painting.

Will: Yea?

Sean: Stayed up half the night thinking about it. Something occurred to me, I fell into a deep peaceful sleep, and I haven't thought about you since. You know what occurred to me?

Will: No.

Sean: You're just a kid. You don't have the faintest idea what you're talking about.

Will: Why thank you.

Sean: It's all right. You've never been out of Boston.

A moment, now admits.

Will: Nope.

Sean: So, if I asked you about art, you'd probably give me the skinny on every art book ever written. Michelangelo. You know a lot about him. Life's work, political aspirations, him and the pope, sexual orientation, the whole works, right? But I bet you can't tell me what it smells like in the Sistine Chapel. You've never actually stood there and looked up at that beautiful ceiling. Seen that. If I ask you about women, you'd probably give me a syllabus of your personal favorites. You may have even been laid a few times. But you can't tell me what it feels like to wake up next to a woman and feel truly happy. You're a tough kid. I ask you about war, you'd probably throw Shakespeare at me, right? "Once more into the breach, dear friends." But you've never been near one. You've never held your best friend's head in your lap, and watched him gasp his last breath looking to you for help. I ask you about love, you'd probably quote me a sonnet. But you've never looked at a woman and been totally vulnerable. Known someone that could level you with her eyes. Feeling like God put an angel on Earth just for you who could rescue you from the depths of hell. And you wouldn't know what it's like to be her angel, and to have that love for her be there forever. Through anything. Through cancer. And you wouldn't know about sleeping sitting up in a hospital room for two months, holding her hand because the doctors could see in your eyes that the terms visiting hours don't apply to you. You don't know about real loss, because that only occurs when you love something more than you love yourself. I doubt you've ever dared to love anybody that much. I look at you; I don't see an intelligent, confident man. I see a cocky, scared shitless kid. But you're a genius, Will. No one denies that. No one could possibly understand the depths of you. But you presumed to know everything about me because you saw a painting of mine and ripped my fucking life apart. You're an orphan, right?

Will nods quietly.

Sean: Do you think I'd know the first thing about how hard your life has been, how you feel, who you are because I read Oliver Twist? Does that encapsulate you? Personally, I don't give a shit about that, because you know what? I can't learn anything from you I can't read in some fuckin' book. Unless you wanna talk about you, who you are. And I'm fascinated. I'm in. But you don't wanna do that, do you, sport? You're terrified of what you might say. Your move, chief.

10cm

10cm is a 2-piece Korean indie band. The name originates from the difference taken from the individuals' heights. That is, one person is 10cm taller than the other. Though they are considered indie music, they've already established their place in the charts as one of the rising talents. Since their debut in 2010, they've been featured in M-net, concerts, and even won few awards with modest profiles. For those who can read Korean, here's their cyworld page and the Korean wikipedia feature. For those who can't read Korean, just wait few more months for the wikipedia page to be translated. Heck, if no one translates it I probably will.

The title of the posted video loosely translates into 'It's a dark and lonely night'. Some awesome music video eh? Another video I recommend is Americano.

This Must Be the Place

The artist Chong Gon Byun explitly describes his idea of home as an island, a safehouse to ward off others, and a place where one can retain control of his life. Somewhat conventional of an answer but true at hearth. It's a simple question, really. "What is your idea of home?" But in actuality, if someone were to ask me where my home was and how I defined home, I'd probably just try to laugh myself out of the situation, an attempt to evade the question. But if someone were to ask me where I was from and what it's like where I'm from, I'd try to narrate everything I knew about Toronto down into 5 lines. Or if someone asked where I lived, the answer would be much more rhetorical than empathetic. Seoul. I live in Seoul. But suppose that hypothetically I didn't like Seoul and I was reluctant to say that I lived in Seoul for whatever reason. Does that mean I don't consider Seoul as my home? The assumption here would be that home is a place that you connect emotionally, more specifically through positive emotions such as belongingness, comfort, and warmth. But I don't think it's that discrete, because places can grow on you even if you disliked it initially. So then hypothetically I've come to terms with Seoul and now I don't mind calling Seoul my home. Was choice involved? I mean, by merely considering a place as home and then choosing to declare a place as my home by living in it, has the definition of home been reduced to just a choice, and only a choice at that? To reverse the conjecture, would it be strange for someone to have lived at one place his whole life without ever feeling that was his home? I think it would be strange but not impossible. I'd think that for you to feel at home, you'd need to appreciate it first. And not in a way that makes you feel exclusive and special, but kind of more like how a kid might see another kid with the same teddy bear but still takes care, loves, and calls his teddy bear for his own. Ubiquitous, in a sense. Paradoxically, I think you'd need to accept your surroundings before you can accept your room or apartment as your home. An openness to venture and appreciate your local environment for gratitude towards your shelter and closed-ness, perhaps.

So what is your idea of home? To be honest, I wouldn't know how to answer that question. To borrow Heidegger's words, I'd say that the idea of home is an effect of dwelling, or simply one of the modes of humans being, the act of existing. And dwelling is simply a mere goal as to building. In that sense, the physical edifice of a home is not so much important as the one for our mind and soul. That is, the implications of which, if home is the effect of our being then the meanings and the gravity of its essence are implied through our actions. Simply put, the more we enrich our relationship with our surroundings the more consequential our dwelling and our ideas of home will become. But still that's too simple of an answer and in half truth I would've implicitly recited this answer beforehand to have evaded the question to begin with. That is, if you asked me the question and my initial evasive laughter didn't work on you.

But in all likelihood you didn't ask me the question, happy new year!

Ingrid Michaelson

Few months ago, a friend of mine told me about Ingrid Michaelson. She's an indie artist with a soft palette of tones and subtle creativity for lyrics. Her music's cheerful and it makes for a warm coffee-house atmosphere with modern sensitivity. 'You and I' was the first song of hers I ever listened. But when I heard the song for the first time, it had such strange familiarity. And it grew on me instantaneously. Perhaps it was because of the title, which is the same as one of Jason Mraz's singles, or because of the ukelele and the nature of its simple melody. Anywho, I dig it.

Now, the only thing she could do to really hit homerun for me is to write a song about zombies. I wish she'd write a song about zombies falling in love. Oh, how I would swoon.

Top 10 Music Videos

This list is subjective, I understand that. And in any type of arts, or even sciences, I believe how we rate or value things all depend on our scope and emphasis. So it'll be better if I explain how I rate music videos. That'll give you a sense of where I'm coming from.

Music videos, compared to films or documentaries, are relatively simple. But that's not to say it's easier. Compared to films, there are hundred, or maybe thousand, times more music videos on this planet. So it's a highly competitive medium although the production effort may be less. And because a song is much shorter than any film, save for short films, the message and the idea of the music video need to be concise. It also needs to be original, powerful, and entertaining.

There are tons of music videos where the singer or the songstress come on the screen with the band and just sings. It's typical, but that's not to say it's impossible to make a good video out of it. It's just harder because the theme is limited and it has been used so many times. Usually when the artist comes on screen and starts singing or dancing, it's because they know the audience wants it. So it'll sell. Think of any pop idols or boybands. I mean, to be fair, it's highly entertaining, but nothing mind blowing. And half of the time they're really just selling sex, or at best, their charisma. Sex sells, but after certain age I feel like I've bought enough and I don't need any more of it. I especially don't like pop and I'm very cynical about their work. So let me nibble on some pie of optimism to liven up my mood.

*Nibble, nibble, nibble.

What separates a good music from bad ones for me are the concepts more so than the visuals. But often the concept of a well-done music video follows with it very stimulating visuals. So they go hand in hand. That's my first criterion.

Another criterion is whether the context and the video align with the message of the music. It makes no sense to make a video representation of a music piece that contrasts the music. Since the point of the video is to promote the music and heighten the experience of the music, the video will always parallel to music. Well, there are exceptions but that's generally the rule.

Third is originality. Being original shows authenticity. And authenticity speaks to us a lot more than the tried-and-done elements in the past music videos. Personally, I'm tired of rap music videos. I want a music video without any booze, fake gold teeth, silver and gold chains, women in their bikinis, raining cash, or over-sized yachts. I guess that's why I appreciate Eminem's music videos lot more than other rap videos, hmm.

Let me nibble on some more pie of optimism.

*Nibble, nibble, nibble.

The next criterion may seem unsuitable, but it's completely legit. It's narration. I look for narration. Or vaguely put, I look for a story when I watch videos. But really, narration is just any sequence of scenes that add up to tell a message. There should be a message and narration is about how that message gets told. All in all, if I'm to watch the video without the music, I should still get the message of the music.

The final criterion is simplicity. This is not to say that it should lack intricacies and layers of meanings. The videos should have all that, but nothing excess. A lot of the times, music videos tend to overwhelm the viewer with cool shots, graphics, and tons of visual effects. It's necessary to use them sometimes, but music videos should strive for simplicity. So, cut anything unnecessary from the video because anything unnecessary is a distraction. Unless that distraction serves a purpose, it should not be there.

So all in all, here's the list of criteria.

1. How good is the concept?
2. How well does the video represent the music?
3. Is the video original?
4. Does it have a narration? Is it good?
5. Is the video simple, without unnecessary elements?

There is one criterion that I considered putting in the list but decided not to. And it's 'how entertaining the video is'. It comes obvious that one of the reasons for making a music video is the entertain people. If a video is not entertaining, people won't listen to the music. However, I realized that the list itself describes my standard of entertainment value. All those criteria add up to how likely I'll be entertained as well.

Anywho, enough talking, let's get to the videos. But give me a second to finish up the pie of optimism. My mom always taught me to clean out my plate.

*Nibble, nibble, nibble. Done.

Here's my all-time top 10 music videos.

10. Justice - DVNO

I tried and I tried to ignore this one, but it somehow crept up in the top 10 list. This video is a feast for the eyes. It splurges on creativity and when watching the video, the word epic comes to mind. The video isn't particularly meaningful or does it have any message. It's a party song. So, it's exempt from receiving criticisms for its poor content. However, other than that the video is original, if not unique, and it does what it's supposed to do; look awesome. Don't think too much about it. Just enjoy it.

9. Supergrass - Bad Blood

This video attacks your visuals, and I like it. Too often, we find ourselves passively watching the video. We feel safe from the things we watch and more often than not, we feel comfortable. But not with this one. The ways in which the camera tilts and rocks, it's nauseating to watch. The singer sings about losing his mind, and the video seems to ensure that the audience knows what that feels like. Excellent video for a small budget and good use of colors as well.

8. Fatboy Slim - Weapon Of Choice

It's Christopher Walken! And he's dancing! Personally, the song is so-so but the video is strangely addictive. Every time I watch this, I enjoy it just as much as I watched it for the first time. And it's no surprise this video won itself a Grammy in 2002. I still don't understand the song or the video all that well, but I'm pretty sure the artist is referring to his voice as his weapon of choice. People have speculated that some of the lyrics are direct quotation from the novel series Dune. Yes, the song is referring to the power of the voice, but I believe there's more. I believe the title Weapon Of Choice is a word play. Literally, choice is the weapon and to live our life, it's the best equipment we have. So, the video goes on about Mr. Walken dancing and exercise his freedom. It's deceptively simple. Initially, he was sitting down but he chooses to get up and dance. And if you watch it further, you'll notice that he does more than dancing. We, as humans, all have our rights to choose in this life. A bit of a stretch? Maybe. But how can you not love Mr. Walken in this video?

7. Albert Hammond, Jr. - GfC

This piece is visually astonishing. For such a smooth, melodic song the visuals for this video is incredibly mesmerizing. And it works, too. At first, this video just seems like the usual music industry taking the advantage over millions of kids with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), but it's not. Just when we seem to have got fed up with all the flashes, dizzying graphics, and whatnot, the music puts us back right on the ground. And it respectfully builds up again. The song is probably about having trouble forgetting a girl. I say probably, because the first line is 'Inside me there's a sad machine, wants to stop moving'. And the chorus goes something like 'I want my frustrations to know that you're alright'. Anywho, the first line sets the video in motion, referring to the sad machine that ceases to stop. The video is very mechanical in essence, with repetitions and constant rotations, yet it's not without an emotion. The video is vague, but it's not without a meaning. The visuals are mellow, but that's not to say it's not powerful. It's fragmented, but that's not to say it doesn't flow. The video does all that, and more; it's captivating for your eyes but for your ears as well. And maybe for your heart, too, if you particularly like soft rock.

6. Royksopp - Remind Me

As far as the music goes, there isn't much to listen to. But for this music video, that's its forte. There are vocals, but the title Remind Me is enough to make you understand what the video is about. It's about the little details and the systematic schemes that we fail to see in our everyday life. And it's very clever in how it portrays it. It's a fun, nifty animation of an average day of an average Jane who lives in UK. But there's a much bigger question beneath all that. The video raises questions whether how we're living is environmentally sustainable and whether we understand how our lives are lived out. It also questions whether we understand all the little details that we take for granted, whether it's our transportation, the parts of our body, or the Internet. The consequences of our actions in our daily life are mind boggling, as portrayed in the video. But on the surface, it's cool, neat, and fun, which is a parody in itself.

5. Sia - Breathe Me


This music video used a little over 2500 polaroid pictures, costing roughly $3800. The final product? A harmony of music and video that captures the essence of the song. It's not only a cool concept, but it's visually tasteful. The use of polaroid comes with a soft, disheartening feeling that's amplified by the music. It's nostalgic and the pictures guide the viewers as it recollects the memories and the feelings the artist reluctantly shares. But the main reason the video opted for polaroids is because of the feel of fragmentation it allows to portray. There's a broken spirit found in amidst of the pictures. It depicts the fragmented elements of life and each picture emphasizes the memories in fragments. And if that wasn't enough, the entire music video is actually a snapshot of each polaroid snapshots. The video is alluringly stark, yet beautifully whimsical.

4. Radiohead - Street Spirit (Fade Out)


This is one video that I can't imagine it could've been directed otherwise. Especially, the last scene. It evokes so much power and emotion, and rightly so. Radiohead doesn't write clear lyrics and they are always less than eager to explain their lyrics. But I know this; the song is about death. Having known this, things start to make much more sense. It's done in black and white. It resorts to show feelings through contrast rather than color, because for most of us, it's a clear line between life and death. When we die, or when someone dies, it's clear. There's no ambiguity. You can't be half-dead. Although that expression is used often, the truth is if you're alive, then you're alive. If you're dead, you're dead. It's a harsh reality and a vivid contrast. Black and white are able to portray that much more effectively. The slow motion element, at first, may seem like just a fancy visual effect, but that too has something to offer for the overall video. It emphasizes motion, our actions and reactions. It dramatizes the effects of gravity, which is how the nature of all things work. And in few shots it expresses emotions. Just as the immobile dog seemed to helplessly bark, in the end it's ignored by the boy. The video starts beautifully as Thom Yorke, the lead singer, falls off a trailer and continues to be just as beautiful till the end, where Thom seems afloat, oblivious of motion and the force of gravity. And there, we get a glimpse of what death feels like.

3. Blur - Coffee And TV


I love the milk-carton. I know it's just a milk-carton with arms and legs, but I think it's cute. I especially love all the emotions it shows throughout its somewhat horrific, yet successful journey. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, please watch the video. It's kiddish but it's highly enjoyable. The story of the video is about a milk-carton that goes on a journey to find a missing teen. Aptly, the song is about feeling misplaced in this world and longing to belong somewhere. And where else to feel so 'at home' other than at home? It's funny, original, and cute. But moreover, underneath it, it also carries with it a rich experience of self-identity and the meaning of life. For your info, did you know there's a fan-site made for that milk carton character?

2. Sigur Ros - Glosoli


Perhaps, this is one of the most beautiful music videos I've ever seen. The video revolves around a boy who sets out on a journey only with his drum, his stick, and his beats. As he travels, he makes friends and they join in his journey. That's the synopsis. I'd like to say more but I don't want to spoil the video. It's a very simple narration and concept, but the video lets us connect with the children by accentuating their sensual experiences and giving glimpses of the little details found around them. In a larger scope, the video also carries with it a universal theme of hopes, dreams, and beauty. It's an elegant clash of wondrous imagination, beautiful emotions that come through the song, and flawless cinematography.

1. UNKLE - Rabbit In Your Headlights


This video is the epitome of excellent cinematography, perfect use of visual effects, and distinctive narrative style. The video creates a surreal world and tells a story of a man endlessly walking in a tunnel. Throughout almost the entire video, he's doing nothing but walking, getting hit by the cars, and uttering something under his breath. But still, we can't help to be drawn in it's because it evokes our curiosity or because it evokes our empathy. Maybe it's both, so we keep watching, and the ending! Oh, the ending. Nothing quite as powerful. The message is relatively simple, although it may seem confusing. You can take the title, Rabbit In Your Headlights, literally. Think of a rabbit in your headlights. You can't see where you're going, so you can't drive. It's imperative that you remove the rabbit before you drive. It won't be quite a pleasurable process (think of how the rabbit got in your headlights in the first place) but nonetheless, you're impaired from driving with the rabbit in your headlights. As for the curious middle-aged man, the jacket is his 'rabbit'. But at the same time, that man represents us. We all have some kind of 'rabbit' in our lives that inhibit us from truly being who we are. The message is this: we can only be truly free after we lose it all.

That is my top 10 music videos. It was long, but I hope you enjoyed it.

Summer Wars

In the world of animation, creativity is rampant. The possibilities of visual effects are limitless. And technical animation adepts, or professionals, are never scarce. But directors who understand the art of storytelling is scarce. Mamoru Hosoda is one of them.


'Summer Wars' is Mr. Hosoda's latest work and it easily rivals his previous masterpiece, 'The Girl Who Leapt Through Time'. In brief, the movie is a cyber-terrorism story. An internet catastrophe is triggered by a naive high-school boy who accidently hacks into the universal system of database called OZ that hosts every program and website on the net. Social networking sites, internet shopping, traffic controls, banks, and even the military database are all connected through OZ. So when everything fails, when markets collapse and the traffic jams, and an international halt is situated, the Jinnouchi family comes to a rescue.

'Summer Wars' is a light-hearted comedic drama but don't be surprised if you get a thrill out of it. Constantly weaving in and out of the online and the offline worlds, the movie succeeds in portraying the net-dependent society of the 21st century, if not net-obsessed. However, unlike many other postmodern movies that bombard the humanism and the utopia of cyber or artificial intelligence worlds, the movie is rather cheerful and uplifting. Just as the name 'Summer Wars' evokes a sense of brightness and freshnesss, it is indeed a delightful breath of fresh air. I especially enjoyed its mini-tribute to 'Star Wars'.

Although I'd like to keep rambling on, I might have spilled a bit too much already. But may I say a bit more and suggest few tips for watching? Watch it when the sun is up, preferably with a friend or two, and a light snack with this movie will do wonders. It's also a good candidate for a mid-afternoon Saturday date indoors without endangering the perks of a Saturday, including your rights to lazinesss.

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆½ (7.5 stars)

Lego Matrix

'The Matrix' is my personal favorite sci-fi film, and I rank it among other great sci-fi films such as 'Alien' and the recent 'District 9'. So when I saw this lego remake of one of the classic Matrix scenes, I was very, very thrilled.

Bitrebels.com did a coverage article on this video and apparently the video took a stunning 440 hours to make!

Almost Famous

Another one of my latest favorite movies means another movie review.


Rock n' roll. Chicks and booze. Band tours, parties after parties. They're all great, until they get a hold of you and one day, you find yourself in something you cannot get out of. That is the premise of this movie.

It was all about the music to begin with. It was the guitars, the bass, the drums, and the voices that ring the melodies. For the love of music, people started playing and people started listening. And people started cheering and people started following. The music is awesome, but the music industry? Not so much. The music industry isn't too friendly, or rather deceptively friendly, especially if you're naive. And William, the protagonist of this movie, is just that. Naive. I'll explain what I mean.

William enters the music scene first by writing critical pieces on bands for magazines. He loves rock and roll, and he's a gifted writer. Hence, despite his very young age he's even able to score a publishing deal with the Rolling Stones. But where his passion lies is also where the dangers are set. William is set out to do one thing: to get a story out of a band called Stillwater. But the task becomes more and more difficult as time passes. William follows Stillwater on their band tour, and yes, the band is always busy and they have issues within themselves but the movie is about much more. 'Almost Famous' is a story about being able to find and stay true to yourself. In the music scene, it's hard not to have fun but sometimes it just gets too fun. Temptations from sex to drugs, from dishonesty to betrayals, from jealousy to mistrust, we see people fighting to get a grasp of the little life they have. In midst of the chaos, we see people, with their best efforts, fight for their true selves while some have become completely complacent and fully indulge in their temporal desires. Where does William stand in all this mess?

I love music. To be specific, I love classic rock. Led Zeppelin, Jimmy Hendrix, Deep Purple, Rush, ACDC, Pink Floyd, Van Halen, Eagles, ZZ Top, and Lynyrd Skynyrd are some of my favorite bands. In high school days, I'd idolize guitar legends such as Jimmy Page, Alex Lifeson, Eric Clapton, and Eddie Van Halen. And that's how I learned the guitar. And in the movie 'Almost Famous', I enjoyed every bit of the live performance scenes. But the movie is much more than that. Music is just the medium the movie uses to portray something much more universal. Just like the movie 'August Rush', if you've seen it, is really about a lost child searching for his parents through music, 'Almost Famous' is about struggling to fight for one's beliefs, passions, and morals. Because, rock star or not, if you don't have any of those to call for your own, then you're a nobody.

Now, I would've given this movie 6 stars just based on the plot and development. There is nothing magical about the story. The plot is more or less linear. There are no twists or turns. There is no comedy or jazz to brighten things up. There is no sense of suspense or thrill. But the movie, overall, deserves 8 stars because the real magic of this movie lies in the script and the characters themselves. And it's no surprise that Cameron Crowe, the screenplay writer for the movie, won the 2001 Oscars for 'Best Screenplay Writing'.

The characters are real. They are down to earth, real human beings who talk just like the rest of us, only with more efficiency since it's a 120-minute film. Even the rock stars talk like us. Yes, they are cool, but not that cool. Despite how amazingly well off someone seems to be, beneath the surface we are all in the same boat. At least, that's what the writer is saying about the music industry. And the message can't be clearer than in the case of Penny Lane, one of the groupies that follow the band Stillwater, played by Kate Hudson. 'Almost Famous' is a perfect candidate for a good Saturday or Sunday afternoon, popcorn movie.

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ (8 stars)

Into the Wild

It's almost 1 o'clock past midnight and I've been rolling in my bed for the last half an hour, unable to sleep. So I decided to toast some bread, make myself a peanut-jelly sandwich, and eat it with an over-sweetened hot chocolate with lots of whipping cream. It's strange how my food preferences change into the night. I usually don't like sweet stuff nor do I like strawberry jams. Anywho, after my short adventure of preparing the food in my overcrowded-with-ants-kitchen, I've decided to do a film review on one of my latest favorite movies.

Ladies and gentlemen, I present you 'Into The Wild'.


How would it feel to be completely unbound? From the worldly possessions, from all the obligations, from all the prejudice, from all the racism, from all the political warfare, from all the religious ideals and although somewhat seemingly tragic, even from all the relationship bonds? Simple put, what would it feel like to transcend all things physical and cerebral, and truly be free?

This based-on-a-true-story revolves around a recent university graduate, one of the top students in his class, who decide to abandon everything in his life and live the life of a tramp, or a nomad. The reason? One day, he realizes his parents aren't who they say they are. His life isn't what he thought it was. And in rebellion, he leaves his home. But soon, the rebellion turns into something much more. Discrediting himself from all social status, accomplishments, and identity, Christopher goes on a journey to travel from one state to another, to Mexico, and eventually to Alaska. It's a story about soul searching, ambitions, loneliness, adventures, questions, and answers. And he won't rest until he's come in terms with himself.

I've often personally wondered what it would feel like not to be myself. Not because I didn't like myself or anything, but just, not be myself or anybody else. To be free from my own consciousness. A state of being and a place to escape from my own consciousness, where nothing exist. This movie gives me a glimpse of what that would be like.

Cinematographically, 'Into The Wild' is stellar. The landscapes, the mountains, the oceans and the rivers, the moon, and the deserts, are curiously seductive. Like the flies that are drawn to fluorescent light bulbs, I'm always amazed to see nature and its beauty. So, naturally (pun intended), this film gets a high nod from me. But that's not all. 'Into The Wild' has an exceptional story-telling style, and throughout the movie, we're introduced a series of people Christopher encounters whose lives and backgrounds are as diverse as the shapes of snowflakes. Yet, the most compelling character is still Christopher. Layers after layers, the film endlessly reveals the character in depth, continuously enlightening the complexities of Chris while melding all the intricacies into a whole being without missing any detail. I recommend it for everyone, film lovers and the unfamiliars alike.

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ (8 stars)