The Music Machine

I would have never though that I would enjoy cembalo sounds in my life.

Just listening to this after having watched the ceremonie of President Barack Hussein Obama's inauguration.

Pan's Labyrinth...

"...unfolds through the eyes of Ofelia, a young girl uprooted to a remote military outpost commanded by her new stepfather. Powerless and lonely in a place of great danger, Ofelia lives out her own dark fable as she confronts monsters both otherworldly and human after she discovers a neglected labyrinth behind the family home. There she meets Pan, a fantastical creature who challenges her with three tasks which he claims will reveal her true identity." (from the DVD cover).

"Pan’s Labyrinth takes place in a dual setting: Spain in May and June, 1944, during the turbulent period shortly after the Spanish Civil War, and a fantasy world experienced by a Spanish girl, Ofelia, who is given three tasks by a mysterious faun. In the “real world,” Ofelia’s stepfather, the Falangist Captain Vidal, viciously hunts the Spanish Maquis, guerrillas who continue fighting the Franco regime in the region, while her pregnant mother grows increasingly ill. The “fantasy world” is one that Ofelia enters through an overgrown labyrinth garden, where she meets all manner of strange and magical creatures who become central to her story. The film employs make-up, puppetry, and CGI effects to create its creatures." ( from http://darkaeon.wordpress.com/2008/06/22/pans-labyrinth/).

I wasn't quite sure if I really wanted to add this film to this blog, as I stated in my first post, I would put up stuff I like and comment about it. However, after having this experience settled inside of me, I can say after all this is indeed a great film. The way how the director let the girl jump between those two worlds, e.g. how he illustrated both world is phenomenal. The harsh and brutal reality of the facist period in Spain, the violence and sadism executed by Ofelia's stepfather is a world that Ofelia, and probably everyone else in that respect would like to escape. So why not replacing reality with a fantasy world where oneself is reigning a kingdom with ethics, wisdom and goodness, rather than terror and control and exploitation of its citizens.

Why I hesitated to put this film up on here, was that I watched this film, when I already was in a depressed state and didnt know what this film would be about. It's shocking and violent scenes really upset me, but it wouldnt do the film any justice if I wrote "crappy film" just out of my emotional state that time.

Give this film a shot, but preferably when you're in a chipper mood. ;-)
And beware, as there is not really a happy ending to it. This film is all about altruism, according to my partner

もののけ姫 - Mononoke Hime

Set during the Muromachi Period (1333-1568) of Japan, Mononoke Hime is a story about a mystic fight between the Animal Gods of the forest and humans.

On the side of the Animal Gods is San (Mononoke Hime), a human girl raised by the wolf god Moro. On the side of the humans is Lady Eboshi, building a kingdom for oppressed people by cutting down the forest for her iron-making operation.

In the middle of this fierce fighting for survival, Ashitaka, an Emishi boy, struggles to find a way for both sides to co-exist. But the fighting just becomes more and more bloody and all hope seems to be lost... (http://www.nausicaa.net/miyazaki/mh/)

A fantasticly animated fable which sends out a clear message: We should have more respect for nature.

Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amélie Poulain

Amelie Poulain has led a sheltered life - educated at home by over-protective parents, she retreats into a fantasy workd of her own. When she finally leaves home and finds work as a waitress in a Parisian cafe, life is pretty uneventful until a chain of extraordinary events leads her to the discovery of a tin box containing a schoolboy's long forgotten mementos. It is then that Amelie discovers her true vocation in life - helping others to find love and happiness - which she sets about in her own unique and magical way. When Amelie falls in love herself, she realises that making neat solutions is not as easy as it seems...

This film really sucks you into Amelie's own world. You begin to see life through her eyes. A truly magical and colourful film that I can only recommend to everyone.

Love Actually

Now, I know what you're probably gonna say: "What a cheesy film is that?" But what makes this film so special is that there are so many characters and stories cleverly linked to one another. Therefore, I am afraid to not provide a film plot at this point.
Also, it features some fantastic actors, such as Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson and Liam Neeson. And even though I'm not a huge fan of Hugh Grant, I particularly enjoyed his speech to the nation (as the Prime Minister) and his dance.
This is a fantastic addition to your collections of films to watch on Christmas. And to the boys out there: It's perfect to impress your girl on your first date ;-)

Bomfunk MC's

Freestyler is a great and original song that I call a blast from the past. Unfortunately Bomfunk MC's did not continue their success and the following songs just did not have the WOW effect as Freestyler. The video however I've always found a little embarassing...

Time to give this site a little meaning

After my partner set up a blog about his taste in music (see "inner sound network") I thought I should stop posting personal or silly stuff, as I did on previous pages. So this is a blog to widen my knowledge and tastes in music, films, arts, acting and entertainment. This can be through active but decent discussions and further suggestions from other bloggers, so please feel free to add comments, ideas and thoughts.
Aw'ra best ...