Friday, August 13, 2010

He's a farmer

So far, it has been 17 years together with Ant and Qiang. Usually I would be their part-time companion. I would either be hang-out with either one, unless time allows we will definitely meet up together.

On this special day, we catch our what we missed last weekend. From his conversation, I realize that in his specialism, he's like a farmer. I don't see him so much as what he works as but what he does and how he does it. The process is simple, he plants the seeds and wait for harvesting. But in between this waiting process, he has to take note of many little process, like watering them, look after them, etc...and at the end of harvesting, in fact during harvesting he had to expect couple of failures. Isn't that what life is about or should be?

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Gangs Of New York

Consider the one of the busiest city today, New York had her very own story to tell in the "Gangs Of New York", a film by Martin Scorsese.

This story was told in the time of New York Draft Riots,
that break loose on July 11 to July 16, 1863, where a Irish American young man, Amsterdam Vallon (Leonardo DiCaprio) who held vengeance against his enemy, Bill William Cutting (Cameron Diaz).

Cutting killed Amsterdam's father (Priest) in a battle between the Natives (True Americans) and the Dead Rabbits (Other Races, mainly Irish), and little Amsterdam was locked up in the Hell Gate for 16 years. Cutting was fighting for his father's name as an true American, who hated the
Irish, and the African Americans, whereas Priest fought for his fellows. Amsterdam never understood his father's action, all he cared was to revenge.

On the other hand, Boss Tweet, consider one of the most corrupted politician ever in American history, sided whichever party that benefits him. In order to stay in his post, he had to get votes, which upset the New Yorkers.

This films tells me, at least, about how corruption and racism can overturn a city, which brings death and misery.

However, if the story was meant to be written and presented in a confusing manner, it succeeded. I was lost couple of times during the show. At times I was pretty disturbed by the soundtracks and sound effects, and I realized one part, where sound mis-match.
I wasn't very much impressed by the camera angles, not that it's bad, but it's fair.
As for the ending, it's good but maybe could end in another way.

During the 190mins, as the show proceeding something reoccurring in my mind, the 1964 Race Riots in Singapore (Geyland). I always tell my friends and family that...One day, I'm going to bring this story up onto the screen, to commemorate Racial Harmony Day.
I know it sounds ridiculous and corny, but as much as I concern, it's my dream, not that I'm patriotic but at least to me......

"Our past is the torch that lights our way."





3 and the half pop corns.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRKx7hd3X9k&feature=related

[Link to the Trailer]