Silky Tofu, 味道好极了!

The 29th San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival

2011-02-27T22:33:00.000-08:00

I have been sick for a few days, so no other updates except posting stuff I wrote about the 29th San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival (SFIAAFF).

The 29th SFIAAFF

With a new logo (see right), a new tagline ("Stories to Light"), a new trailer, a new festival director (Masashi Niwano), and a new Web site, the 29th San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival (SFIAAFF) reveals its new identity March 10-20 in San Francisco, Berkeley, and San Jose.

Despite the freshness of this year's festival, one focus remains the same: "present stories that convey the richness and diversity of Asian American experiences to the broadest audience" and to bring the largest Asian cinema showcase in North America to the audience.

This year's SFIAAFF presents 108 films (including 31 feature narratives and 16 feature documentaries) and 58 programs during its 10 day run.

The opening night film "West Is West" (UK 2009 | 102 min.) is a comedy about a Pakistani immigrant family living in London.

The closing night film "Surrogate Valentine" (USA 2011 | 75 min.) is a docudrama style comedy about local indie musician Goh Nakamura, directed by Bay area director Dave Boyle.

This year's centerpiece presentation is a Vietnamese film "Clash" (Bẫy Rồng | Vietnam 2009 | in Vietnamese | 100 min.). The film is like a marriage between a Hong Kong martial art flick and a Hollywood violent action blockbuster. It tells a story about cracking down a gangster's operation, and it has nothing to do with the Vietnam War, for a change.

Besides these big nights, the festival presents a wide spectrum of recent Asian cinema as well as a few retrospective programs that certainly enchant the sophisticated and diverse cinema lovers around the Bay.

I will write more about those films in the near future.

Let's bring the stories to light. But first, turn off the light and watch some great movies at the 29th SFIAAFF.

My picks of some must-see films at this year's SFIAAFF:

Documentaries at the 29th SFIAAFF

The San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival (SFIAAFF) has a great track record on showing superb documentaries that can be thought provoking, socially conscious, often educational, and surely unforgettable. There is no exception in this year's documentary selections.

These are my picks of documentaries at this year's festival. Any title or film image is linked to the festival Web site that contains showtime and ticket information.

One Voice (USA 2009 | 84 min.)

Is it possible that you are moved into tears when watching a documentary about high school chorus and when listening to their beautiful songs? Absolutely, if you are watching "One Voice," directed by Lisette Marie Flanary whose "Nā Kamalei: The Men of Hula" rocks the audience at the 25th SFIAAFF.
This deeply touching film follows a few leaders of the Kamehameha Schools Song Contest which involves thousands of the students enrolled in Kamehameha Schools in Hawaiʻi. These students embrace the Hawaiian heritage, cherish the Hawaiian culture, discover the Hawaiian identity, and realize older generations' Hawaiian dream by singing in Hawaiian language in the annual song contest.
This enchanting film is not just about a song contest, it is about Hawaiʻi. It is a must-see at this year's festival.
The House of Suh (USA 2010 | 90 min.)

A hard-working Korean immigrant family in Chicago falls apart after the father passed away, the mother is murdered, and the son, Andrew Suh, kills his sister's boyfriend. What happened? Why? Iris Shim's directorial feature debut "The House of Suh" is a solid work that brings this tragic high profile case to the audience. Most importantly, it allows us to know who Andrew Suh really is and why he pulled the trigger on September 25, 1993, when he was only 19 years old.
It is a heartbroken and tragic story for all parties involved. However, behind the headlines, there is a deeper story to be told about the articulate Andrew Suh whose potential is cut short by the event. This film impressively unfolds that unforgettable tale with honesty and intelligence.
Summer Pasture (USA/China 2010 | in Tibetan | 85 min.)

In China, if there is still a piece of sky that is blue all the time, not gray because of pollution, that sky must be above Tibet. However, the lives under that piece of blue sky might be as primitive as hundreds of years ago. A fascinating documentary "Summer Pasture" intimately observes the nomadic life on this breathtakingly beautiful yet uncompromisingly harsh land.
The film follows Locho and his wife Yama who live with their infant daughter in Dzachukha, regarded as the highest, coldest, poorest, largest, and most remote area China. They live in an extremely difficult environment, work hard in a very traditional nomad way, and cope with the fast moving modern world. Yet, their lives are also filled with love, humor, happiness, and hope.
This is truly an eye opener about lives in Tibet on the backdrop of Tibet's splendid landscape.
I Wish I Knew (海上传奇 | China 2010 | in Chinese | 125 min.)

Although in general people are fond of their hometowns, people coming from Shanghai are passionately affectionate about this beautiful city. Therefore, it is only fitting to let Shanghainese tell Shanghai's history in first person for the occasion of World Expo 2010 Shanghai China. Composed of interviews from all walks of life in Shanghai, "I Wish I Knew" is a beautifully photographed genuine love letter to this arresting city. However, it is a surprise that this love letter is directed by the Jia Zhangke, who is regarded as the leading voice of the "sixth generation directors" in China.
If you love Shanghai, you will be delighted by this poetic film. If you love Jia's cinema language, you will be entertained by Jia's reinvention of himself. Nevertheless, you will learn about Shanghai's past, present, and the future through Jia's lenses.
Open Season (USA 2011 | 57 min.)

One documentary I have not seen but looking forward to at the festival is "Open Season" by directors Lu Lippold and Mark Tang. The film is based on a high profile tragic hunting incident on November 21, 2004 in Birchwood, Wisconsin. A Hmong immigrant Chai Vang had a dispute with white landowner. In the end, six people were dead and two were wounded. Chai Vang is sentenced to six consecutive life terms plus seventy years.
As explained in this NPR interview last year, the filmmakers re-examine the case in the scope of culture clash and racial relationship.

Narratives at the 29th SFIAAFF

San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival (SFIAAFF) offers unique opportunity for accessing great Asian films that you will not be able to see on the big screen in the US otherwise. Sometimes, small independent films do not have a distributor even in Asia.

For example, an acclaimed Chinese film "Grain in Ear" (芒种 | China 2005) was only released in South Korea, but we had the luxury to see it at the 24th SFIAAFF in 2006.

The following is my selection of not-to-be-missed narrative features at this year's festival. As always, any title or film image is linked to the festival Web site that contains showtime and ticket information.

Bi, Don't Be Afraid! (Bi, đừng sợ! | Vietnam/France/Germany 2010 | in Vietnamese | 90 min.)

Vietnamese director Dang Di Phan's award-winning directorial debut "Bi, Don't Be Afraid!" is a beautiful, gentle, and poetic film.
Through 6-year-old Bi's observant and curious eyes, the story unfolds in Bi's home that hosts three generations. Like a restless and aimlessly little butterfly, Bi drifts freely and connects other family members—from his ailing grandfather, to his absent and adultery father, and to his unrequited love bearing aunt.
With engrossing characters, lyrical style, terrific performance, and aesthetic cinematography, "Bi, Don't Be Afraid!" promise to be one of the most memorable films at this year's festival.
Dance Town (댄스타운 | South Korea 2010 | in Korean | 95 min.)

Korean director Jeon Kyu-hwan's final installment of his "Town Trilogy" is "Dance Town," an unflinching honest look at the poignant reality for many "invisible" people in a town.
Ra Mi-ran gives a brilliant performance as Ri Jeong-rim, who defects from North Korea leaving her husband and mother behind. Ri Jeong-rim must build a new life in South Korea, but that proves to be almost as difficult as she crosses the border of North and South Korea.
Would she be better off if she had stayed in the North? You can draw your own conclusion after watching the film.
The Piano in a Factory (钢的琴 | China 2010 | in Chinese | 107 min.)

Chinese director Zhang Meng's (张猛) new comedy "The Piano in a Factory" is a delightfully entertaining comedy, especially for those who enjoy the Northeast Chinese dialect, which is frequently used for the comic effect—that is what China's most famous comedian Zhao Benshan (赵本山) speaks.
Chen Guilin (Wang Qian-Yuan) is an ex steel worker turning into a street musician after the steel factory is closed down in Anshan. When his daughter announces that she would live whoever has a piano during Guilin's divorce, he is determined to keep her daughter—he gathers his pals and builds a piano in the abandoned steel factory from scratch, with scrap materials they can find laying around. They end up a piano with a steel body as you can see in the trailer. Hence, the direct translation of film's Chinese title 钢的琴 would be "A Steel Instrument."
The film blends well with its often hilarious comic moments and not always convincing story line, and brilliantly inserts exhilarating surreal dancing routines and constantly amusing Russian (Soviet Union to be exact) songs. However, I am afraid that some of the jokes might be lost in the translation if you do not speak the language.

The following is a few films that I have not seen yet (for some, on purpose), but I am looking forward to at the festival.

Dooman River (두만강 | China 2010 | in Korean | 89 min.)

Besides "Dance Town," another film about crossing the North Korean border is "Dooman River," by Korean-Chinese director Zhang Lu (张律). This time, it's the border of North Korea and China—Tumen River (图们江), director's hometown. The film is about the friendship of two boys from North and South Korea respectively, on the backdrop of waves of the North Korean refugees coming to China.
Zhang Lu's previous films "Grain in Ear" (SFIAAFF '06) and "Desert Dream" (SFIAAFF '08) makes me believe that this is a film I cannot afford to miss on the big screen at this year's festival. A must see.
The Man from Nowhere (아저씨 | South Korea 2010 | in Korean | 119 min.)

Get ready for some action! Award-winning South Korea's blockbuster "The Man from Nowhere" is coming to Castro Theater at this year's festival.
This is the annual so-called "surprise screening" at the festival, which means you will not find this film in the festival catalog and the selection is almost always a crowd pleasing Asian box office hit. And with huge Asian super stars, of course. This year, the star is the one and the only: Won Bin (원빈).
The Fourth Portrait (第四張畫 | Taiwan 2010 | in Chinese | 102 min.)

Winning multiple awards at Taiwan's Golden Horse Award in 2010 and traveling among film festivals, "The Fourth Portrait" tells a story about ten-year-old boy's broken family. This film promises to be a treat that is character driving with powerful performance.
When Love Comes (當愛來的時候 | Taiwan 2010 | in Chinese | 109 min.)

Another big winner, including best picture and best cinematography, at Taiwan's Golden Horse Award in 2010 is a family drama "When Love Comes" that touches the core of the meaning of family in Taiwan today.

From the Mountains, to the Sex on the Beach

2011-02-13T00:19:00.000-08:00

I will do this quick and dirty, with minimum words, since each picture already worths thousand words.

The City has been having fantastic weather the last couple weeks, with beautiful sunny weather and summer like temperatures. Where was I? The beach of course.

Yup, that beach right there in the picture. When I was lying on the warm sand, this is all I see, while hearing the sound of the wave.

Then, a bunch people show up. One of them wants to be like the Little Mermaid.

Then I moved on, went to the highest point, over looking the City.

I have not been back to the Botanical Garden for a long time. It's a perfect time to revisit now because it's the blooming season. Yes, the spring is here, except everywhere else.

The next stop? Asian Art Museum. I noticed this in the grand foyer. "To be content with what we possess is the greatest of all riches." Hmmm... In that sense, I think I am very rich. Isn't that easy to say when you actually possess something? Try to preach this to the homeless people.

Yes, I also went to visit the Aquarium of the Bay for the first time. It turns out that I wasn't missing anything. It's no comparison to The California Academy of Sciences. However, I took couple pictures of the jelly fish, dancing elegantly.

Hong Kong's "Demon Chef" Alvin Leung is in town for the Papillon X event. He is famous for "X-treme Chinese" cuisine. On Friday, when he was making a "Sex on the Foggy San Francisco Beach" from food (yes, even the condom is made from eatable ingredients), I took a photo in action.

I even tried some of the "sand" on the plate, made from some oat meal. Inside the "condom" is some soymilk.

It turns out that sex won't just be on the beach. Today, I visited "On the Edge: Erotic Photography Exhibition," very briefly, out of curiosity. Oh, boy. My eyes hurt. I have never seen so many vaginae at the same time (nor separately).

This is also why I love this City.

Tomorrow, I will go back to the wild to take more pictures of the wild flowers and enjoy the beautiful weather before the rain returns next week.

I know, I overloaded the pictures this time.

Oh, almost forget, a film review I wrote a week ago.

Sanctum

By now, anybody who has even just heard about the movie "127 Hours" probably already gets the message—bring a sharp knife when you go explore in a never never land (or the lack of). Some cave divers indeed bring a sharp knife with them. However, that does not seem enough to save their fate during their adventure in director Alister Grierson's 3-D thriller "Sanctum" (USA/Australia 2010 | 109 min.). Nor will it save the film from sinking into the deep cave.

Frank McGuire (Richard Roxburgh) leads a National Geographic team inside South Pacific's underwater Esa-ala Caves that is regarded as "the mother of all caves." His resentful 17-year-old son Josh (Rhys Wakefield) comes for a visit, joined by an uppity financier Carl Hurley (Ioan Gruffudd) and his equally arrogant girlfriend Victoria (Alice Parkinson). After they reach inside the cave, a heavy storm causes a flash flooding and cuts off the route for getting out of the cave. They must find a new way to escape the sanctum with limited resources, supplies, and few options, if any at all. During the struggle for survival, all hell breaks loose gruesomely, both in natural and in human.

Although we are expecting danger when a parachute is needed for falling into the cave, the film is still a hair-raising experience. It reminds us that we should leave the nature alone sometimes. Occasionally, the film displays great visual of underwater and inside the cave. The film would have been fascinating if it were a documentary about surviving on National Geographic Channel.

Unfortunately, no. The film wants to create some human drama. Actually, lots of them. Although it is produced by the creator of "Avatar," James Cameron—"the king of the world," but this film has a different writing team. Yet, this film's cheesy dialogues are just as laughable as in "Avatar," if not worse. As for the 3-D, when it is all dark in a cave, why is it matter if it is 3-D or 2-D? Unless, the film crew turn on the superb lighting.

Most of the characters are stubborn and ego driving. Whenever they escape from a terrifying episode in the extreme condition, they shout at each other, quarrel with each other, when they are not trying to kill each other. Here is my advice for them: next time when you dive into that mother of all caves, you should learn from James Franco in "127 Hours,", go by yourself, and do not tell anybody where you are going, but do bring a sharp knife, just in case.

"Sanctum" opens on Friday, February 4, 2011 at Bay Area theaters.

Happy the Year of Bunny!

2011-02-11T21:42:00.000-08:00

Ops! It's almost 10 days after the Chinese New Year! The year of rabbit. I made a rabbit shape with my hands to celebrate the holiday.

Happy the Year of Bunny!

On Chinese New Year's Eve, I made eight dishes and one soup, besides the midnight dumplings. I want to celebrate it just the way when I was a little kid. Although I didn't cook as many dishes as mom did.

Roma tomato marinated with olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, basil, pomegranate, and red onion.

Lotus root and pine nut.

Slow braised pork shoulder.

Stir-fry garlic leek.

Stir-fry mixed veggies and mushrooms.

Of course, I must have fish.

And chicken soup.

Forgot to take others, but anyway, a very festival feast to celebrate Chinese New Year.

After finished dinner, I started to make dumplings, with chive and pork fillings.

That comes the grand finale at midnight. Now I am complete and I will have a very happy and prospering new year.

On Chinese New Year Day, I bought more colorful fruits, mango and pineapple.

Happy New Year!

What happened to the color "red?"

2011-01-30T22:47:00.000-08:00

Remember Zhang Yimou's directorial debut "Red Sorghum" (红高粱 | China 1987 | in Chinese | 91 min.)? There is that word "red" modifying sorghum, although as far as I can remember, the color is actually purple.

I guess whoever comes up with that name is not very good at colors. Similar as "red onion"—all of them are purple, and none is red.

Anyway, I almost forgot what a bowl of purple, hmmm red, sorghum tastes like. It has been a long time since I had it. When I was in Beijing last October, I bought a bag of sorghum. Tonight, I cooked it in my rice cooker.

Well, they are so white.

And it doesn't taste like what I vaguely remembered either. I guess it's just not the same when you take the "red" out of the "red sorghum." It is quite disappointing.

So is China, when she is no longer a red China. Now China is pink—the color of ¥100.

What happened to the color "red?"

Next Wednesday will be Chinese New Year. I wish I were in Harbin. I have been thinking what to cook on the Chinese New Year's Eve...

Barney's Version

Behind every life, there is a story. The life might not be earthshaking, but the story could be fascinating. Based on award-winning Canadian author Mordecai Richler's novel, "Barney's Version" (Canada 2010 | 132 min.) tells a life-long story of Barney, a man who is flawed almost in every front, but never loses his passion for love.

Going back and forth between present time and decades earlier, the film pieces together the life of a heavy drinking, chain smoking, anything but good looking, grumpy Jewish TV producer Barney Panofsky (Paul Giamatti), highlighted by his three failed marriages. Of course, the story unfolds from Barney's perspective, therefore, it's Barney's Version.

Barney's first brief marriage is with Clara (Rachelle Lefevre) when they experiment the lifestyle of hippies in Rome, Italy. After he moves back to Montréal, he gets married with his second wife (Minnie Driver), who is from a wealthy Jewish family. On the wild Jewish wedding night, he notices the gorgeous Miriam (Rosamund Pike), who is a guest attending his wedding. He falls for Miriam immediately, during his own wedding with another woman. He begins his persistent courtship with Mariam. Miraculously, he wins her heart and marries her. After Barney cheats on her, Miriam leaves him, but he never stops longing for her.

Barney is a complex character that is strange and unusual, unlikeable yet unforgettable, unfaithful but romantic, obnoxious whereas pitiful. Paul Giamatti's terrific performance already wins him a Golden Globe Award last week. However, regardless how passionate Barney appears to be when he is pursuing Miriam—and no one doubts his love for Miriam—it is almost impossible to comprehend why Miriam falls in love with Barney.

Despite the long running time filled with higgledy-piggledy happenings, the film provides plenty laughter and entertainment, especially from the Barney's offbeat father Izzy (Dustin Hoffman).

Barney might not be the decent guy by any means, but he certainly lives a larger life, loudly and resolutely.

"Barney's Version" opens on Friday, January 21, 2011 at Bay Area theaters.

The 13th San Francisco Independent Film Festival

On the Chinese New Year's Day—February 3rd, 2011—the 13th San Francisco Independent Film Festival (SF IndieFest) will open at the Roxie Theater. During its two-week long running period, the festival will present 39 features and 50 shorts. In conjunction with the film festival, 50 rock bands will be playing at the 2nd San Francisco Winter Music Festival (SF Winter Music Fest) and promise to offer two-week long exciting parties and entertainment, until the Chinese New Year Treasure Hunt and San Francisco Chinese New Year's Parade take over.

Perhaps it is pure coincidence that this year's SF Indie Fest and SF Winter Music Fest overlap with the Chinese New Year celebration, but it is no accident that the festivals have been drawing large crowd and contributing to San Francisco's film and music culture over the years.

SF IndieFest's films used to be so independent that they made Sundance look like Hollywood. Time has changed, so does Sundance, as well as SF IndieFest. Films at these festivals become more mainstream and more commercial, although that is not necessarily a bad thing.

However, many films at SF IndieFest are still as indie as they can get—you probably will not be able to see on the big screen anywhere else, for most of them. Of course, that does not apply to two high profile films at this year's festival: "Kaboom" (USA 2010 | 86 min.) and "Heartbeats" (Les amours imaginaires | Canada 2010 | in French | 102 min.).

Kaboom

The director of "Mysterious Skin" and "Totally Fucked Up," Gregg Araki has been a poster child for indie films. His latest film "Kaboom" has been touring many film festivals, including the Sundance at this very moment. It is the opening night film at this year's SF IndieFest.

"Kaboom" is a melting pot of over the top goofball comedy, soap opera melodrama, sexual identity bending story, and wacky sci-fi adventure. The plot involves several overly sexed college students who try to sleep with each other, solve a mystery, and even save the world. If nothing else, the film is definitely indie and shows plenty facial hair—in this film, you will not see typical twinkie guys from a typical college campus.

Heartbeats

Talented 21-year-old Canadian director Xavier Dolan impressed the world with his terrific drama "I Killed My Mother" (J'ai tué ma mère) before he can legally drink in the US. After shown at many prestigious film festivals around the world, including Bay Area's Mill Valley Film Festival, his latest film "Heartbeats" (Les amours imaginaires) will be screened at this year's SF IndieFest.

The film is about a love triangle among three close friends. That is a perfect story to be told in a city like San Francisco which is famous for its romantic sceneries, sexually (among other things) liberal spirits, and left-behind hearts.

The 13th SF IndieFest will take place February 3-17, 2011 at Roxie Theater. The 2nd Winter Music Festival will take place February 3-17, 2011 at CELLspace.

Blue Valentine

For some odd reasons, some people fall in love, some people fall out of love. Most often, the processes are equally intense and profound human experiences. Yet, very few can figure out those odd reasons behind the mysterious transformation in mind. In "Blue Valentine" (USA 2010 | 120 min.), director Derek Cianfrance intimately tells such a story about a couple's falling in and out of love. This film readily becomes one of the best films from last year, with the brilliant performances by Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams who both deserve an Academy Award nomination.

The film intertwines the current and past relationship between Dean (Ryan Gosling) and Cindy (Michelle Williams). When Dean first meets Cindy, he is charismatic and persistent, chasing after Cindy. It is sweet and romantic. They passionately fall in love. After they get married, the magnet disappears. Dean feels content to be with Cindy and their daughter, but Cindy expects Dean to have bigger goal in life and feels suffocated by the marriage life. It is devastating and heartbroken. The marriage is falling apart.

This is definitely not a pleasant, rather poignant, film to watch. If you can slice the movie into pieces and only watch the part how Dean and Cindy fall in love, that would be a funny and charming romantic comedy and a entirely different film. Instead, the harsh reality that the love between Dean and Cindy is fading away always emerges and gets into the middle of their earlier courtship. Like in real life, you wish the problem goes away, but it keeps coming back.

However, regardless what stage their relationship resides, the emotion is always raw and honest, touching and absorbing. As if you are watching two close friends' ups and downs, but you are unable to offer any comfort or to take a side. Moreover, you care and feel for them.

They are not living an easy life, but also not out of ordinary.

"Blue Valentine" opens on Friday, January 7, 2011 at Bay Area theaters.

Top Ten Films in 2010

2011-01-17T18:52:00.000-08:00

Once again, it's time for me to compose my top ten films in 2010.

During the entire calendar year of 2010, I watched 215 feature films. I was planning to watch 20% less films compared to the 208 feature films in 2009, but accidently, I watched more instead. Ops.

Again, my top ten films are selected from the films I saw in 2010, not based on when they are released in the theaters. Why? Because this seems the best way to define "a film in 2010." We are living in a small world now. If I fly to Beijing or New York to see a film that has not opened in San Francisco, does this film belongs to 2010 or 2011? Why should a film's year be based on the US release date?

Enough said.

Therefore, "Mother" (마더) is on my Top Ten Film in 2009, while it appears on many critics' top ten lists for 2010.

So, these are the top ten films I saw in 2010.

The Good, the Bad, the Weird (좋은 놈, 나쁜 놈, 이상한 놈 | South Korea 2008 | in Korean | 130 min. | My Review)
Solitary Man (USA 2009 | 90 min.)
Rabbit Hole (USA 2009 | 91 min. | My Review)
Blue Valentine ( (USA 2010 | 120 min. | My Review)
Inside Job (USA 2010 | 108 min.)
The Man Who Will Come (L'uomo che verrà | Italy 2009 | in Italian | 115 min. | My Capsule)
Agora (Spain 2009 | 127 min. | My Review)
The Disappearance of Alice Creed (UK 2009 | 100 min.)
Aftershock (唐山大地震 | China 2010 | in Chinese | 135 min.)
Undertow (Contracorriente | Peru/Colombia/France/Germany 2009 | in Spanish | 100 min. | My Capsule)

Until next year...

Another Year

One of my top ten films in 2008 "Happy-Go-Lucky" is notoriously overlooked by the Academy Awards last year, so are the director Mike Leigh and the leading actress Sally Hawkins. Like the protagonist in that film, acclaimed writer/director Mike Leigh does not seem to be affected by this a bit. Just look at his new film "Another Year" (UK 2010 | 129 min.). This delight film is jammed with charm, affection, and humor.

The film is divided in four seasons. In each season, it tells a story inside the cozy nest of Tom (Jim Broadbent) and Gerri (Ruth Sheen), where their adult son Joe (Oliver Maltman) and Gerri's co-worker Lesley Manville occasionally visit.

Tom and Gerri are a happily married couple and live together almost perfectly. Every single moment they spend time together, you can sense their content and appreciation to each other, regardless they are cooking or gardening, reading or chatting, even when they are just having a cup of tea on the back of their truck. Sharply contrary to their happiness, restless Mary is lonely and unhappy, drinks a bit too much, and lacks of social etiquette from time to time. Mary is the one who generates the most comic moments in the film, but the jokes are at her expense. Tom and Gerri warmly provide nonjudgmental support to Mary's immature behavior, until Mary shows jealousy toward Joe's happy-go-lucky new girlfriend Katie (Karina Fernandez). Of course, being Tom and Gerri, they forgive any missteps Mary may have, and embrace her again with warmth and kindness.

Director Mike Leigh does not explain the magic behind Tom and Gerri's bliss, nor does he need to. He simply presents and adores these lovely life-affirming characters as the way he creates them. He shows the world that people can continue to have a fulfilled joyful life even when they grow older, unless you are like Mary who is getting old alone.

Constantly, Tom and Gerri irresistibly charm us with their amiable attitude. Don't blame on Mary, who would not love to have friends like Tom and Gerri? Being grumpy and bitchy is never attractive, even you are Lewis Black. However, compared to Tom and Gerri, Mary is absolutely miserable, especially in the later half of the film, when she is not even funny any more.

The film tells its stories that seem ordinary and uneventful, as the title implies that this is just another year. However, these stories reflect the reality how happiness can be found and lost in these daily routines. It is up to us to find the joy of living, either you already find it like Tom and Gerri, or you are desperately searching for it like Mary.

And, you might want to find a truck and sit on the back to sip a cup of tea. Oh, in the rain too. In the film, Tom and Gerri surely make it look like the best thing to enjoy in life. It probably is if you enjoy doing it.

"Another Year" opens on Friday, January 14, 2011 at Bay Area theaters.

The Illusionist (L'Illusionniste)

It has been awhile since Animation is no longer an art format reserved just for entertaining children. For example, the profoundly moving Japanese drama "Grave of the Fireflies" (火垂るの墓,) should be on everybody's must-see list. And, who would not be delighted by French director Sylvain Chomet's feature debut "The Triplets of Belleville" (Les Triplettes de Belleville)? His second feature "The Illusionist" (L'Illusionniste | UK/France 2010 | 80 min.) is truly a visual poetry for all ages.

The film is based on a semi-autobiographical screenplay written by the late legendary filmmaker Jacques Tati. With little dialogue, if any at all, the film elegantly tells a heartwarming yet melancholia story between an aging magician and an innocent country girl, and the magician's performance partner—an energetic rabbit.

The film's protagonist is a French magician named Tatischeff—Jacques Tati's full last name. He clumsily staggers with stiff feet, but smoothly executes his magical routines, even his magic performance's appeal is fading away fast in the late 1950s when rock 'n' roll takes over the center stage. He travels from place to place and struggles to find gigs. When he performs in a small coast village in Scotland, he meets an innocent girl Alice who is fascinated by his magic. She follows him to Edinburgh and stays with him in a hotel. Quickly, Alice gets comfortable with the city life, and Tatischeff can no longer keep up with her desire for things she thinks the magician produces with magic; therefore, he continues his journey to keep his magic alive.

The film is a remarkable achievement for creating lovable characters and telling a touching story, all by hand-drawn fantastic animation and beautiful music scores, which is composed by the director Sylvain Chomet as well. Each frame, especially of those landscape sceneries, is perfectly marvelous as if it is a Chinese ink-and-wash style painting from a museum. You wish the animation would stop and freeze, so not only you can take a detailed look at the painting, but also allow the magician and his performance art to stay at the time being eternally.

In an age that computer generates everything, including real person in a live action film, it is extremely refreshing and gratifying to see such a high quality animation like this. Perhaps soon, films like "The Illusionist." might become a nostalgic art form in memory, just like Tatischeff's magic performance, but not before enchanting the audience.

"The Illusionist" opens on Friday, January 14, 2011 at Bay Area theaters.

Hello, 2011!

2011-01-01T23:41:00.000-08:00

The winter break is almost over. I didn't do much during the break. To me, that is precisely what a break is designed for, to take a break. I didn't write much, didn't travel, get up late, and cook a lot. Very relaxed and enjoyable. I particularly enjoyed Edison's visit. We laughed so much that my face felt sore.

A few days ago, for the first time ever, I visited the Coit Tower. I don't know why it took me so long to come here, although I see it quite often, and it's not too far from me. However. the top of the tower is closed, due to the renovation of the elevator.

Then the rain returns, and it's cold outside. Well, for San Francisco standard, in the 40s. I think the best way to be cozy and warm inside is to cook a big pot of chicken dumpling soup. As always, everything is from scratch. I boiled the whole chicken, with mushroom, carrots, potato, frozen tofu, purple onion, courgette, and flour dough. About an hour later, the bones are falling into the soup and I just pick them out of the pot. Even the entire apartment smells wonderful.

It's my way to say, "Hello, 2011!"

Films I Saw in 2010

This is the list of feature films I saw during 2010. Hopefully, I did not miss any. Each film's score is at the end of the title, out of 10. If my review is available, the score will link to it.

December

Mongolian Ping Pong (绿草地 | China 2005 | in Mongolian | 102 min.) 9
Shinjuku Incident (新宿事件 | Hong Kong 2010 | in Chinese/Japanese | 119 min.) 6
Sacrifice (赵氏孤儿 | China 2010 | in Chinese | 124 min.) 9
If You Are The One 2 (非诚勿扰 2 | China 2010 | in Chinese | 125 min.) 5
Let the Bullets Fly (让子弹飞 | China 2010 | in Chinese | 132 min.) 7
Man of Vendetta (파괴된 사나이 | South Korea 2010 | in Korean | 114 min.) 7
Another Year (UK 2010 | 129 min.) 8
The Housemaid (하녀 | South Korean 2010 | in Korean | 107 min.) 5
Gulliver's Travels (USA 2010 | 85 min.) 4
Winds of September (九降風 | Taiwan 2008 | in Chinese | 107 min.) 7
House of Sand (Casa de Areia | Brazil 2005 | in Portuguese | 115 min.) 9
Crazy Heart (USA 2009 | 112 min.) 6
The Green Hornet (USA 2011 | 120 min.) 7
True Grit (USA 20010 | 110 min.) 2
Le Grand Chef (食客/식객 | South Korea 2007 | in Korean | 113 min.) 2
The Ghost Writer (France/Germany/UK 2010 | 128 min.) 8
Casino Jack (USA 2010 | 108 min.) 6
Moscow, Belgium (Belgium 2008 | in Flemish/Dutch | 102 min.) 5
Get Him to the Greek (USA 2010 | 109 min.) 4
Outrage (USA 2009 | 90 min.) 7
In the Realm of the Senses (愛のコリーダ | Japan 1976 | in Japanese | 108 min.) 8
Rabbit Hole (USA 2010 | 91 min.) 10
The Book of Eli (USA 2010 | 118 min.) 3
The Company Men (USA 2010 | 109 min.) 5
Blue Valentine (USA 2010 | 120 min.) 10
Kung Fu Chefs (功夫厨神 | China 2009 | in Chinese | 92 min.) 2
Black Swan (USA 2010 | 107 min.) 5
All Good Things (USA 2010 | 101 min.) 7

November
Luxury Car (江城夏日 | China 2006 | in Chinese | 88 min.) 8
The Outlaw (무법자 | 93 min) 5
Amphetamine (安非他命 | Hong Kong 2010 | in Chinese/English | 97 min.) 3
71: Into the Fire (포화 속으로 | South Korea 2010 | in Korean | 120 min.) 7
Captain Abu Raed (كابتن أبو رائد | Jordan 2007 | in Arabic | 102 min.) 7
Voice of a Murderer (그놈 목소리 | South Korea 2007 | in Korean | 122 min.) 4
In Your Absence (En tu ausencia | Canada/Spain 2008 | in Spanish | 99 min.) 9
Il divo (Italy 2008 | in Italian | 110 min.) 8
Modern Boy ( 모던 보이 | South Korea 2008 | in Korean | 121 min.) 5
The Doctor (USA 1991 | 122 min.) 8
Sing a Song of Sex (日本春歌考 | Japan 1967 | in Japanese | 103 min.) 5
La Mission (USA 2009 | 117 min.) 6
May 18 (화려한 휴가 | South Korea 2007 | in Korean | 120 min.) 5
Après lui (France 2007 | in French | 94 min.) 3
127 Hours (USA/UK 2010 | 94 min.) 5
The Next Three Days (USA 2010 | 122 min.) 6
Lorna's silence (Le silence de Lorna | France 2008 | in French | 105 min.) 5
Audition (オーディション | Japan 1999 | in Japanese | 115 min.) 7
Cruising (USA 1980 | 107 min.) 6
Law Abiding Citizen (USA 2009 | 108 min.) 8

October
Made in Dagenham (UK 2010 | 113 min.) 5
Vision: From the Life of Hildegard Von Bingen (Vision - Aus dem Leben der Hildegard von Bingen | Germany 2009 | in German | 110 min.) 5
Shanghai (USA 2010 | 105 min.) 2
Monga (艋舺 | Taiwan 2010 | in Chinese | 141 min.) 6
Letters to Juliet (USA 2010 | 105 min.) 2
Toy Story 3 (USA 2010 | 103 min.) 6
Daytime Drinking (낮술 | South Korean 2009 | in Korean | 116 min.) 6
Unstoppable (USA 2010 | 98 min.) 9
Aftershock (唐山大地震 | China 2010 | in Chinese | 135 min.) 9

September
The Other Side of the Street (O Outro Lado da Rua | Brazil/France 2004 | in Portuguese | 97 min.) 5
Wall Street: Money Never Sleep (USA 2010 | 120 min.) 3
You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger (USA 2010 | 98 min.) 3
Inside Job (USA 2010 | 108 min.) 10
Red Hill (Australia 2010 | 95 min.) 5
Conviction (USA 2010 | 103 min.) 6
The King's Speech (UK/Australia 2010 | 111 min.) 5
The Town (USA 2010 | 124 min.) 5
Kabei: Our Mother (母べえ | Japan 2008 | in Japanese | 133 min.) 7
The Birthday (磨剪子抢菜刀 | China 2006 | in Chinese | 84 min.) 5
Roots and Branches (我的兄弟姐妹 | China 2001 | in Chinese | 95 min.) 5
Genghis Khan: To the Ends of the Earth and Sea (蒼き狼地果て海尽きるまで | Japan 2007 | 136 min.) 5
Heartbreaker (L'arnacoeur | France 2010 | in French | 105 min.) 2
Mademoiselle Chambon (France 2009 | in French | 101 min.) 8

August
Buried (Spain 2010 | 95 min.) 9
Blood Simple (USA 1987 | 96 min.) 7
Machete (USA 2010 | 105 min.) 8
An Education (UK 2009 | 100 min.) 8
Flipped (USA 2010 | 90 min.) 5
Red (USA 2010 | ) 9
Going the Distance (USA 2010 | 103 min.) 5
A Woman, a Gun and a Noodle Shop (三枪拍案惊奇 | China 2009 | in Chinese | 95 min. | Sony's US Release) 8
Ip Man (葉問 | Hong Kong 2008 | in Chinese/Japanese | 106 min.) 7
The Sicilian Girl (La siciliana ribelle | Italy/France 2009 | in Italian | 115 min.) 6
Mesrine: Public Enemy #1 (Mesrine: L'ennemi public n°1 | France 2008 | in French | 133 min.) 7
Mesrine: Killer Instinct (L'instinct de mort | France/Canada/Italy 2008 | in French | 113 min.) 6
The Expendables (USA 2010 | 103 min.) 2

July
Mao's Last Dancer (Australia/USA 2009 | in English/Chinese | 117 min.) 8
Dinner for Schmucks (USA 2010 | 114 min.) 2
Freakonomics (USA 2010 | 86 min.) 5
The Extra Man (USA 2010 | 108 min.) 4
The Disappearance of Alice Creed (UK 2009 | 100 min.) 9
Hula Girls (フラガール | Japan 2006 | in Japanese | 108 min.) 6
Sunday Drive (Japan 1998 | in Japanese | 86 min.) 7
Life During Wartimes (USA 2009 | 98 min.) 8
Inception (USA 2010 | 148 min.) 5
The Concert (Le Concert | France 2010 | in French and Russian | 107 min.) 3
Facing Windows (La finestra di fronte | Italy 2003 | in Italian | 106 min.) 4
Scrap Heaven (スクラプ・ヘイバン | Japan 2005 | in Japanese | 117 min.) 5
The Kids Are All Right (USA 2010 | 100 min.) 7
This Is It (USA 2010 | 111 min.) 8
Predators (USA 2010 | 106 min.) 7
Let It Rain (Parlez-moi de la pluie | France 2009 | in French | 110 min.) 4
Where the Wild Things Are (USA 2009 | 101 min.) 8

June
Wild Grass (Les herbes folles | French 2009 | in French | 104 min.) 7
The Last Airbender (USA 2010 | 103 min.) 0
Dream (비몽 悲梦 | South Korea 2008 | 95 min.) 6
Butterfly (Butterfly Tongues | Spain 1999 | in Spanish | 96 min.) 9
Love Ranch (USA 2010 | 117 min.) 2
Ran (乱 | Japan 1985 | in Japanese | 160 min.) 7
Jonah Rex (USA 2010 | 80 min.) 1
The Elephant King (USA/Thailand 2006 | 92 min.) 3
The Killer Inside Me (USA 2010 | 109 min.) 7
Knight and Day (USA 2010 | 110 min.) 7
Agora (Spain 2009 | 127 min.) 8
The Soloist (UK/USA/France | 117 min.) 4
Cyrus (USA 2010 | 92 min.) 5
The String (Le fil | France/Belgium/Tunisia 2009 | in French/Arabic | 93 min.) 4
Chanel Coco & Igor Stravinsky (France 2009 | in French/Russian | 120 min.) 5
Howl (USA 2010 | 90 min.) 4
Animal Kingdom (Australia 2010 | 122 min.) 8
A-Team (USA 2010 | 117 min.) 8
Off World (Canada/Philippines 2009 | 76 min.) 2
Honey and Clover (ハチミツとクローバー, | Japan 2006 | in Japanese | 117 min.) 5
Tropic Thunder (USA 2008 | 106 min.) 8
Children of God (Bahamas 2010 | 104 Min.) 4
Beyond Gay: the Politics of Pride (Canada 2009 | 85 min.) 6
From Beiging to End (Do Começo ao Fim | Brazil 2010 | in Portuguese | 96 min.) 2
Other Nature (तृतीया प्रकृति | Nepal 2009 | in Nepalese | 57 min.) 6
FIT (UK 2009 | 108 min.) 7
Wheat (麦田 | China 2009 | in Chinese | 108 min.) 1

May
A Woman, a Gun and a Noodle Shop (三枪拍案惊奇 | China 2009 | in Chinese | 100 min. | China Release) 6
I Killed My Mother (J'ai tué ma mère | Canada 2009 | in French | 96 min.) 8
Plan B (Argentina 2009 | in Spanish | 103 min.) 2
Spring Fever (春风沉醉的夜晚 | Hong Kong/France 2009 | in Chinese | 100 min.) 7
All Boys (Poikien bisnes | Finland/Denmark 2009 | in Finnish/English/Czech/German | 72 min.) 6
Solitary Man (USA 2009 | 90 min.) 10
Ondine (Ireland/USA 2009 | 111 min.) 6
Undertow (Contracorriente | Peru/Colombia/France/Germany 2009 | in Spanish | 100 min.) 9
The Secret Diaries of Miss Anne Lister (UK 2010 | 90 min.) 7
Brothers (Brødre | Denmark/UK/Sweden/Norway 2004 | in Danish | 117 min.) 8
301, 302 (삼공일, 삼공이 | South Korea 1995 | in Korean | 100 min.) 8
MacGruber (USA 2010 | 100 min.) 7
Smiley Face (USA 2007 | 88 min.) 5
Totally F***ed Up (USA 1993 | 78 min.) 6
City of Life and Death (南京! 南京! | China 2009 | in Chinese | 132 min.) 8
Robin Hood (USA/UK 2010 | 140 min.) 5
The City of Your Final Destination (USA 2009 | 118 min.) 7
Wo Ai Ni Mummy (USA/China 2010 | 77 min.) 8
Air Doll (空気人形 | Japan 2009 | in Japanese | 116 min.) 6
Green Green Grass of Home (在那河畔青草青 | Taiwan 1983 | in Chinese | 90 min.) 6
Mother and Child (USA/Spain 2009 | 126 min.) 8
Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work (USA 2010 | 84 min.) 7
Funny People (USA 2008 | 146 min.) 5
Hitler's Museum (Sonderauftrag Führermuseum | Germany 2006 | 104 min.) 4
I Am Love (Io sono l'amore | Italy 2009 | in Italian/Russian | 120 min.) 6
The Wind Journeys (Los viajes del viento | Colombia/Netherlands/Argentina/Germany 2009 | in Spanish | 117 min.) 4
Shirley Adams (South Africa/USA 2009 2009 | in English/Afrikaans | 92 min.) 5
Yellow Sheep River (黃羊川 | China/Taiwan 2009 | 94 min.) 6
Empire of Silver (白银帝国 | China/Taiwan/Hong Kong 2009 | in Chinese | 113 min.) 5
A Brand New Life (여행자 | South Korea 2009 | in Korean | 92 min.) 9
Woman on Fire Looks for Water (遺情 | Malaysia/South Korea 2009 | in Chinese/Korean | 97 min.) 7

April
Last Train Home (归途列车 | China/Canada 2009 | in Chinese | 87 min.) 8
Confucius (孔子 | China 2010 | in Chinese | 115 min. ) 6
12 (Russia 2007 | in Russian | 160 min.) 8
Vengeance (復仇 | Hong Kong/China/France 2009 | in English/Cantonese/French | 108 min.) 6
Everyone Else (Alle Anderen | Germany 2009 | in German | 119 min.) 6
The Good, Bad, and Ugly (Il buono, il brutto, il cattivo. | Italy/Spain/West Germany 1966 | 178 min.) 9
Moscow (양 한 마리 양 두 마리 | South Korea 2009 | in Korean | 104 min.) 6
The Secret in Their Eyes (El secreto de sus ojos | Argentina/Spain 2009 | in Spanish | 127 min.) 5
Of Time and the City (UK 2008 | 74 min.) 5
Harry Brown (UK 2009 | 103 min.) 8
The Good Heart (Denmark/Iceland/USA/France/Germany 2009 | 95 min.) 5
The Eclipse (Ireland 2009 | 88 min.) 1
Lebanon (לבנון | Germany/Israel/France/Lebanon 2009 | in Hebrew/Arabic/French/English | 93 min.) 8
Get Low (USA 2009 | 100 min.) 5
The Good, the Bad, the Weird (좋은 놈, 나쁜 놈, 이상한 놈 | South Korea 2008 | in Korean | 130 min.) 10
Cracks (UK/Ireland 2009 | 104 min.) 5
Eagle Eye (USA 2008 | 118 min.) 7
Bodyguards and Assassins (十月围城 | Hong Kong/China 2009 | in Chinese | 138 min.) 7
Date Night (USA 2010 | 88 min.) 7
Micmacs (Micmacs à tire-larigot | France 2009 | in French | 105 min.) 5
Soul Kitchen (Germany 2009 | in German | 99 min.) 6
Cairo Time (Canada/Ireland 2009 | 90 min.) 4
The Father of My Children (Le père de mes enfants | Germany/France 2009 | in French | 110 min.)
The White Meadows (کشتزارهای سپید | Iran 2009 | in Persian | 92 min.) 8
The Man Who Will Come (L'uomo che verrà | Italy 2009 | in Italian | 115 min.) 9
The Greatest (USA 2009 | 99 min.) 2
Mid-August Lunch (Pranzo di ferragosto | Italy 2008 | in Italian | 75 min.) 9

March
The Sun (Сóлнце | Russia 2005 | in Japanese | 110 min.) 5
Dear Doctor (ディア・ドクター | Japan 2009 | in Japanese | 127 min.) 8
Fog (雾 | Hong Kong/USA 2009 | in Cantonese | 89 min.) 5
Like You Know It All (잘 알지도 못하면서 | South Korean 2009 | in Korean | 126 min.) 1
Make Yourself at Home (시집 | USA 2008 | in Korean/English | 90 min.) 3
The Message (风声 | China 2009 | in Mandarin | 115 min.) 8
Lessons of the Blood (USA 2009 | in Chinese | 105 min.) 6
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Män som hatar kvinnor | Sweden/Denmark/Germany 2009 | in Swedish | 152 min.) 6
Green Zone (USA 2010 | 115 min.) 5
The Box (USA 2009 | 115 min.) 2

February
Hurt Locker (USA 2008 | 131 min.) 6
Up in the Air (USA 2009 | 109 min.) 6
Up (USa 2009 | 96 min.) 7
The Invention of Lying (USA 2009 | 99 min.) 3
District 13: Ultimatum (Banlieue 13 - Ultimatum | Frence 2009 | in French | 101 min.) 9

January
The Green Butchers (De grønne slagtere | Denmark 2003 | in Danish | 100 min.) 6
Mystery Train (USA 1989 | 110 min.) 6
Pauline & Paulette (Belgium/France/Netherlands 2001 | in Dutch | 78 min.) 6
44 Inch Chest (UK 2009 | 95 min.) 5
From Paris with Love (France 2010 | 92 min.) 3
The Last Station (Germany/Russia/UK 2009 | 112 min.) 6
After Life (ワンダフルライフ | Japanese 1998 | in Japanese | 118 min.) 9
Extraordinary Measures (USA 2010 | 105 min.) 2
I Love You, Man (USA 2009 | 105 min.) 8
The Hidden Blade (隠し剣鬼の爪 | Japan 2004 | in Japanese | 132 min.) 6
In the bedroom (USA 2001 | 130 min.) 10
Tulpan (Kazakhstan 2008 | in Kazakh/Russian | 100 min.) 10
The Lovely Bones (USA/UK/New Zealand 2010 | 135 min.) 1
Leap Year (USA 2010 | 97 min.) 7

Happy Hilidays!

2010-12-25T16:59:00.000-08:00

Another year is almost over. It's the holiday season, aka raining season, again. It's really wet outside at this moment.

Last month, for Thanksgiving dinner, I made all vegetarian dishes for the first time. Actually I have been eating less meat lately and it made a huge difference on my cholesterol—it decreased by 25% in a few months.

However, I cannot just eat without meat all the time. Once a while, I have to indulge myself a little. On yesterday's Christmas Eve dinner, I slow cooked for hours to make this pork shoulder tender and buttery on the skin, although it's a little too dark because I reduced the sauce dramatically.

My winter breaks officially starts today till the first Monday after the New Year's Day. I hope it won't be as wet as today. I like rain once a while to clean up the air and streets, as long as it's not too much.

All Good Things

Ryan Gosling is a gifted actor. He has an amazing ability to disappear in the characters he plays and makes them memorable. After couple of years of absence, he returns the big screen with two films during this award season—"Blue Valentine" is among this year's best films, and "All Good Things" (USA 2010 | 101 min.) is a fictional account of real life's chilling stories. Although Ryan Gosling plays two distinct characters in two films, both characters share striking similarity—charismatic and irresistible at first, unpredictable and even violent in the end.

"All Good Things" is inspired by true events surrounding the life of New York real estate mogul Seymour Durst's heir Robert Durst, whose name is fictionized to David Marks (Ryan Gosling) in the film.

Young and charming David Marks (Ryan Gosling) is traumatized by the loss of his mother at a very young age and is not interested in his family's real estate business. In the early 1970s, he meets Katie (Kirsten Dunst) and falls in love with her. They get married and open a healthy food grocery store called All Good Things in Vermont. However, their quiet and happy life is interrupted when David's condescending, stingy, and controlling father Sanford (Frank Langella) shows up. After they move back to New York City, their relationship begins to deteriorate. Followed by Katie's disappearance in 1982, more bodies show up mysteriously and David becomes the main suspect.

Director Andrew Jarecki is well known for his Oscar nominated 2003 documentary "Capturing the Friedmans." "All Good Things" is his narrative feature debut. He definitely continues to exhibit his investigative instinct in finding dark secrets in the story. He offers his own interpretation of what might have happened and skillfully tells a captivating and intriguing story.

However, Andrew Jarecki offers little insight, if any at all, about his protagonist's mindset. In the end, it is hard to grasp who David Marks really is and why he changes his heart to cave in to the family business. Despite Ryan Gosling's great talent, there is no much room for him to shine in this perplexing character. Luckily, you can catch his brilliant performance in "Blue Valentine."

After all, "All Good Things" is far from what the title claims to be.

"All Good Things" opens on Friday, December 17, 2010 at Bay Area theaters.

Rabbit Hole

Grieving is a universal and daunting experience that everybody can relate to sooner or later in their lives. However, grieving a young child must be an traumatizing mind torture that some of us can only imagine. Unfortunately, some have to endure such profoundly miserable human emotion. A burning question these unlucky ones constantly struggle to face is "Now what?" Adapted from a Pulitzer Prize winning play, "Rabbit Hole" (USA 2009 | 91 min.) does not necessarily provide any answer to such a question, but it does give an honest and unforgettable account to a family's coping with a tragedy like this. Nicole Kidman's Oscar-calibrated performance surely secures her another nomination, if not another win.

Eight months after Becca (Nicole Kidman) and Howie (Aaron Eckhart) lose their toddler son in a car accident, they are still overwhelmed by grief in the devastating reality. However, Becca and Howie need resolutions, need to move on, need to get back to their normal lives. They diligently maneuver their interactions with family members, co-workers, neighbors, and support groups, and try to rebuild the relationship between themselves that has been deeply affected by the tragedy.

The film is remarkable for treating such a downer subject matter without being sentimental. It confronts the raw emotion without evoking convenient empathy toward the death of a child, but occasionally with humor and laughter. It creates a few convincing and memorable characters whom we are able to identify and feel with, but not to become sappy with. Among these characters, Becca's mom (terrifically played by Dianne Wiest) stands out. She always has the best quotable lines that are comforting and thought provoking.

The film is a big surprise to the audience who are familiar with director John Cameron Mitchell's previous two films: a transsexual punk rock star's story in "Hedwig and the Angry Inch" and explicit sex congested "Shortbus." It shows the director's incredible range and flexibility in his creativity and style that we can never predict. That is a not a bad thing. In "Rabbit Hole," he takes us to a journey that is hard to forget, even we never intend to take the trip. Along the way, he offers one of this year's best films.

"Rabbit Hole" opens on Saturday, December 25, 2010 at Bay Area theaters.

More Pictures from China Trip

2010-12-11T23:47:00.000-08:00

Hehehhe... It has been so long since I late time updated. I guess I have been too busy with other things, or just too lazy. Anyway, before I forget, here are few other albums of the photos I took when I visited Beijing couple months ago.

Olympic park

Olympic Forest Park (奥林匹克森林公园) is a great place to escape the pollution in Beijing. When the sky is blue, it's absolutely a delight location to walk around, overlooking the bird nest. I went there whenever I get a chance, many many times, only few minutes away riding bicycles.

Climb the Baiwang Hill

On a beautiful clear day, I visited Baiwang Hill (百望山), a quiet peaceful, green park in Beijing. It's refreshing that I actually can find a place inside Beijing where I can truely hike in the wood. Absolutely lovely.

Visit Temple of Heaven

Temple of Heaven (天坛公园) is one of my favorite parks in Beijing. It's magnificent and stunningly grand. A place I can find peace and trace back in history for thousands of years.

Have Fun in the Sculpture Park

On a chilly day, I visited Beijing International Sculpture Park (雕塑公园). I had so much fun, even without the matching making conference that day coincidently hosted on the same day. It's quite fascinating to see so many parents looking for a mate for their children on a chilly day.

The King's Speech

Prince William's recent marriage announcement sets off a new wave of royal frenzy among monarchy loyalties and tabloid, which includes so called mainstream media. His family has been closely watched by the public than any other royal families around the world. Although a film about his mother yet to be made, a film about his great grandfather, King George VI appears to be a favorite among this year's Oscar contenders. Both Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush are almost surely to get Academy Award nominations for their brilliant performance in "The King's Speech" (UK/Australia 2010 | 118 min.).

Queen Elizabeth's father King George VI (Colin Firth) inherits a job that requires much public speaking. This inevitable duty causes great anxiety and stress for him, because he has a stutter disorder. The King seeks help from an eccentric Australian speech therapist Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush). The two develop a unique bond during the struggle to cure King's stammer.

To make a story like this compelling is no easy task, especially not every film goers is a monarchy enthusiast. Luckily, the terrific performances by Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush make the film worth watching and entertaining. Colin Firth is remarkable for exploring the humanity under the shell of a distant royal figure. Geoffrey Rush might just get another Oscar node for creating his unforgettable character in this film.

Unfortunately, the film is doomed by its story. After all, it is a story about the King's stammer. Although we can certainly understand the King frustration because of the stammer, it is hard for us to sympathize him—if he were applying for this job as the King, he would not have got it based on his qualification. However, he is born to be the King. Therefore he gets the job first, and deals with his shortcoming later.

If you are a working class bloke who is struggling to put bread on the table during the poverty and war in the 1930s, a privileged man's stammer probably is the least thing in your mind to worry about. Why should people care that much about the delivery of the King's speech, as shown in the film?

Yet, the film's Hollywood style climax only makes it even more absurd. When the King delivers a speech about his country's going to war, nobody in the film seems pay attention to what the King is saying. Instead, everybody is focusing on how the King is saying and if the King is stuttering. If that is indeed the case, something is seriously wrong about the British people, besides they drive on the wrong side of the streets.

Prince William is luckier than his great grandfather in giving speeches. When it is Williams's turn to give the King's speech, will his followers pay attention to what he has to say? Or perhaps just how much hair he has left and what he is wearing?

"The King's Speech" opens on Friday, December 10, 2010 at Bay Area theaters. It is one of the opening night films at this year's Mill Valley Film Festival.

Eat in Beijing

2010-11-20T22:59:00.000-08:00

Wow! Couple hours ago, not only we got pouring rain, but also plenty lightning and thunders! It has been quite nice most of the week, why does it have to rain on the weekend? Few days ago, when I arrive downtown, before I took the elevator coming up to the office, I saw the bright rainbow shining on the steps, as well as on the store sign.

I wish tomorrow would be dry so I could go hiking again. I guess that probably won't happen.

After I got my haircut today, I stopped by the library to pick up the book "Hawthorn tree forever" (山楂树之恋), and I ran into a DVD laying on a shelf: "Salò o le 120 giornate di Sodoma". It has many extra materials such as couple documentaries about this film in it. Sure, why not? I checked them all out. It's completely odd to put them next to each other, based on their subject matters. How can I not to love San Francisco Public Library!

It has been a month since I came back from China. I miss Beijing. I made some baozi with Chinese celery, woodears, and pork as filling. They are delicious.

But how can I forget the food in Beijing? It's time to look at the pictures I took last month...

Eat in Beijing:

The Next Three Days

For those who cannot get their husbands to pick them up from an airport, as joked by Russell Crowe on Late Show with David Letterman, they should trick or drag their husbands to see "The Next Three Days" (USA 2010 | 122 min.). Based on a 2008 French film "Pour Elle," Oscar winning writer/director Paul Haggis's suspense paints its protagonist as the Husband of the Year.

Community college teacher John Brennan (Russell Crowe) is a normal loving husband living with his wife Lara (Elizabeth Banks) and their young son Luke ( Ty Simpkins). One morning, Lara is arrested and charged for murdering her boss, and later is sentenced to life in prison. Completely believing in Laura's innocence and devastated by the sentence, John starts his own quest to set Laura free, not through the legal system, but in his own terms.

Nobody can doubt John's unconditional love and trust toward his wife Laura—is there any sane person would do what John has been doing? However, the film does not explain where that obsessive mentality comes from, and simply creates a conflicting character for the audience. John seems an extremely intelligent and calculated-minded individual, yet, his actions often seem illogical and against all odds. He is absolutely willing to do anything to free Laura, even that means on every step of his moves he might be end up in jail himself, in separate holding cells from Laura. That does not make sense, does it? The only reason for him to succeed appears to be his incredible luck, and he certainly has it most of the time.

If you can put that skepticism aside, you will enjoy Russell Crowe's performance to carry out John's nail-biting grand scheme. Besides, you might be inspired to watch more Youtube videos instead of attending a class at a college—apparently you can learn more over the internet than attending a class, especially if the class is taught by John.

Although the film is telling a hard to believe tale, it offers ample adventures and suspense to keep you engaged. Even better, it provides an example for a model husband who will not only pick you up from an airport, but also pick you up at a prison. To learn everything else, there is Youtube.

"The Next Three Days" opens on Friday, November 19, 2010 at Bay Area theaters.

Singin' in the Rain

2010-11-14T23:23:00.000-08:00

I am back to the Marin Headlands today, in a very hot summer like day. I spent hours on the newly paved roads. There is no any sign of fall or winter season, unlike last weekend.

Last Saturday, it was really nice. A little cool, but clear. I found this "fall color" in the garden of de Young Museum. This is as colorful as the fall gets in San Francisco.

But last Sunday, it was a completely different day, , which was raining, cold, and wet, of course. A perfect day for visiting museums. At The Legion of Honor, I saw these feet made by Rodin. They gave me chills.

Why? Because the night before, I just watched the Japanese horror flick "Audition."

When I came out the museum, I was back into the drizzling but peaceful rain. In the empty court yard, an old song suddenly came to my mind: "Memory in the Rain" (小雨中的回忆). Subconsciously, I started to sing the song, loudly. The echo in the courtyard makes the sound like in a KTV room.

Then I realized that I was not along, there was another guy in the court yard. I stopped singing.

Then I heard he said: "Don't stop there!"

I turned my head, becoming more embarrassed. He asked, "Was that you voice?"

"Yes." I replied, apologetically, for disturbing the peacefulness.

"You have a beautiful voice." He complimented.

"Thank you." I don't know what else to say except leaving that place quickly. Yes, sometimes I can be shy too. I am glad I only sang, and didn't do the dance as in "Singin' in the Rain."

Speaking of art, 798 is one of the place I must visit each time I go back to Beijing, and I always have a great time everytime. These are the photos I took last month.

Unstoppable

Still soaking in the aftermath of the BP Oil disaster, we are constantly reminded how human errors can often cause far more damages than deliberated terrorist attacks such as "9/11." What is more frustrating and fearful is these cases' unintentional and destructive nature—they can happen anytime without warning. Inspired by a real-life incident in 2001, director Tony Scott's fast paced thriller "Unstoppable" (USA 2010 | 98 min.) skillfully unfolds such a story that starts with an terrible accident and ends with inspiring heroes, without any terrorism involved. And, the excitements in this film are truly unstoppable.

Will (Chris Pine) just starts his job as a young railroad conductor. On his first day on the train, he and his partner, experienced train operator Frank (Denzel Washington), learn that an unmanned, half-mile-long freight train is flying to them head-on at full speed. They must act quickly to divert a catastrophic disaster to happen.

Even the events develop quickly, the film is extremely clear, engaging, and effective. Even you have zero knowledge about train operations, the film keeps you on the edge of your seat at all time. Both Denzel Washington and Chris Pine fully commend their characters and make them believable and human.

What is lacking is when the camera is not aiming at the fast moving train. A train dispatcher Connie (Rosario Dawson) acts like a superwoman; not only she has the time to quarrel with an incompetent and arrogant corporate executive during the urgent situation, she is also able to magically appear at the train in the end. However, it is hard to deny that the communication with the exective is entertaining—in this economy, they everybody would like to take a shot at them when given a chance.

"Unstoppable" opens on Friday, November 12, 2010 at Bay Area theaters.

Photos from Vacation in Beijing

2010-11-06T23:25:00.000-07:00

From Sep 21 to Oct 19, 2010, I had a great time during my month long vacation in Beijing, when its weather is the most gorgeous during the entire year — I actually see some blue sky, a lot of them.

When I don't have to work, just play for a month, I probably love everywhere I might go, but Beijing always has a special spot in my heart...

Here are some pictures I took in Beijing, to begin with a series of photos.

I miss Beijing, and family, friends, and people over there.

Giants' Parade

2010-11-03T23:21:00.000-07:00

Although it's already November, but the weather suddenly becomes warm and sunny. Yesterday, I woke up really early for some reason. I got in the office even before the sun starts to shine. I caught a bright sunrise in the direction of East Bay.

Then I took another picture of the city on the other side. It's interesting that the orange sunlight only lighted up a few buildings.

Speaking of orange, the whole downtown becomes black and orange, because of the giant parade to celebrate the Giants' World Series victory parade. Long before the parade started, the streets were packed with fans who were making a lot noise. I didn't go down to see the parade, just took a few pictures from the top. I figure even I went down there, I would not be able to go up and close anyway withthe amount of people down there.

Finally I am done with uploading the pictures I took in China. Good memories.

Undie, Giant, and 保钓!

2010-10-31T22:03:00.000-07:00

It's Halloween, but I am not going to Castro, because there hasnt any street party for many years. The City successfully crushed the party after the shooting and stabbing a few years back.

It's a nice day though. A nice break from the rain lately. I took a picture this morning from the apartment, of that giant undie displayed on the top of the mountain.

I have a good idea what that is, it has nothing to do with Halloween.

Speaking of giant, the City has been suffering Giant fever lately due to its recent victory. You see orange and black color everywhere. It's quite silly to me. It seems everybody likes a winner. When Giant was losing over the years, I never see this type of enthusiasm. Suddenly, the players become "heroes." Why?

When I walked by the Bank of America Building the other morning, I saw a giant Giant flag were flying. It was indeed giant! I was impressed and had to take a photo of it.

So, China and Japan have not been cozy lately over the territory dispute. When I pass a storefront in Chinatown, I saw an anti-Japanese policy display.

I have to say, today is not 1938 any more. China will stand tall this time and guard her sovereignty and dignity.

However, if there were no country... I can keep dreaming, while organizing my photos taken in China.

Time to Vote!

2010-10-27T00:44:00.000-07:00

Finally, a week after I returned to San Francisco from my month long vacation in Beijing. I think my jet lag is over. Life is back to the routines. Although I am able to breathe rel? fresh air again, I am no longer able to cook fresh vegetables I bought in farmer's markets in Beijing.

I guess I cannot have everything.

I had a wonderful time. I didn't want to leave, despite the air pollution. The time spend with family and friends is invaluable.

Not only I missed all the hot Indian Summer in the Bay Area, I also missed all the annoying political ads on television. Well, almost. The election is one week away, there are plenty ads still in the mail, on TV, and even phone calls. Naturally, I should come up my version of voter's guide as in every election in the past.

California State Election: Officials

Governor: Anybody BUT Meg Whitman. She thinks she has money to buy out voters, keep dreaming. Heck, I don't even have an account on eBay.
US Senator: No Boxer, no Fiorina.
US Congress: Pelosi, you are fired! I know Palin said the same thing, but I am not listening to Palin.
State Controller: John Chiang - the best looking Asian politician, period.

California State Election: Propositions

Proposition 19: YES to legalize marijuana — even I don't smoke, I don't mind to be around by happy people. Cracking down on pot head is the worst way to waste my tax dollars.
Proposition 20: YES to ban elected officials from redistricting congressional zoning
Proposition 21: YES to charge vehicle fees for parks — I hate cars, the more fee on them, the better, especially the money goes to the parks!
Proposition 22: YES
to ban the state from borrowing local funds — if the state don't have money to pay, deal with it at the state level.
Proposition 23: HELL NO on suspension of air pollution law — we need more law to protect the environment, not let BP alike to cause more damage.
Proposition 24: NO on repeal of tax breaks for businesses — it's not a time for tax cut for the big corporations
Proposition 25: YES for simple majority vote to pass budget — it's ridiculous it's ridiculous that every year the state can't have a budget on time
Proposition 26: NO on two-thirds vote for state and local fees — it's not necessary for everything to put up a vote in the city business, that's the jobs for elected officials
Proposition 27: NO on eliminating the Citizen Redistricting Committee

San Francisco 2010 Propositions

Proposition AA: YES on license fee increase — those cars are guilty of messing up the streets, let them pay for repair!
Proposition A: NO for seismic retrofit bond — if the building owners don't want to spend money to make their buildings earthquake safe, why the tax payers should foot the bill?
Proposition B: YES YES for pension reform — it's common sense and Jeff Adachi has my support for standing up to the greedy city employees.
Proposition C: YES on mayoral appearance before Supervisors — if they think it will be political theater, bring out all the drama!
Proposition D: YES on allowing non-citizen voting in school elections — many immigrants have no voice to their children's education, by the time they become citizen to vote, which takes forever, their kids will be out of school already.
Proposition E: NO on Election Day voter registration — if one wants to vote, no excuses for not registering before deadline.
Proposition F: YES to update Health Board member term
Proposition G: YES YES YES on Muni reform — I gathered some signatures myself to put this measure on the ballot. We all know MUNI sucks, it's time to change the rule and get rid of their guaranteed high pay despite their poor performance.
Proposition H: YES on holding multiple offices — if one likes the other position in a party, take that one.
Proposition I: YES for Saturday voting — it's absurd that we are still vote on Tuesday, let's make a trend to move it to a weekend.
Proposition J: YES on hotel tax increase — let the tourists and visitors pay! I cannot get on a cable car sometimes because they are packed by damn tourists! You want to come? Pay up!
Proposition K: NO on hotel tax loophole — this proposition is to kill Proposition J, kill K to save J.
Proposition L: YES on banning sitting and lying on sidewalks during the day — I am so sick of those homeless people and bums all over the sidewalks. It's time to clear them out.
Proposition M: NO on police foot-patrol ordinance — this proposition is to kill L. While I would like to see cops on buses and streets, that not only needs more money, but will not get rid of the homeless people on streets.
Proposition N: YES on real estate transfer tax increase — let those super riches pay more tax when they sell their buildings that are over $5M. I don't have a $5M house to sell, so, why not?

I voted!

Eating Healthy

2010-09-11T00:15:00.000-07:00

A short week is over, very fast. However, it has been a very healthy week in terms of diet. I hardly cooked any meat. Mostly vegetables and fish, and made a few batches of smoothie in the morning. I consider it's my investment for my upcoming vacation in China. I will intake more cholesterol that I should. Therefore, I have to cut down on meat right now when I can.

However, I cooked scallion pancake (葱油饼) three days in a row! So delicious!

Couple days ago, I spot a cruise ship sailing away from San Francisco. I snapped a picture before it left.

Two good films open this weekend, and there are screenings every night next week, it will be exhausting, also fun. Oscar season has started!

Mademoiselle Chambon

It might be more common in Asian culture for people to communicate subtly without many words, contrary to more direct verbal expressions in Western cultures. French director Stéphane Brizé sets a counter example to this in her tender and observant "Mademoiselle Chambon" (France 2009 | in French | 101 min.) which beautifully explores people's desires and feelings.

Based on Eric Holder's (not the Attorney General) novel, the film tells a very simple story that is full of complex emotions.

Construction worker Jean (Vincent Lindon) is a loving father, husband, and son. After he meets his son's school teacher Véronique Chambon (Sandrine Kiberlain), he takes a job to replace her apartment door, and falls for her after listens to her playing her violin. He struggles to choose between his desire for her and his normal happy married life.

Both Vincent Lindon and Sandrine Kiberlain (who used to be married) gives flawless and subtle performance that conveys their characters' layered emotions vividly. And yes, most often, without a word. It is a marvelous pleasure to see an elegant performance in such a simple story.

Not only the film has few dialogues, it also has very little music in the background. However, when the music does come up, it is extremely effective and is brilliantly used as a crucial component in the story development.

With or without words and instruments, the two protagonists embrace their feelings with their hearts and play out a dramatic melody with great sensibilities. The makes a simple story extremely complex.

"Mademoiselle Chambon" opens on Friday, September 10, 2010 at Bay Area theaters.

A Woman, a Gun and a Noodle Shop (三枪拍案惊奇)

Renowned award-winning Chinese director Zhang Yimou (张艺谋) must be the best known director in this world, with the enormous population in China. Not only he has a distinguished filmography including master pieces such as "Red Sorghum" (红高粱, 1987) and "Raise the Red Lantern" (大红灯笼高高挂, 1991), he is also the master mind behind 2008 Beijing Olympics's magnificent opening and closing ceremonies. He is also the creator of a fantastic production of Puccini's "Turandot" inside the one and only Forbidden City (紫禁城).

Understandably, people have high expectations for Zhang Yimou's films to be visually stunning, mentally stimulating, socially provoking, and financially profiting. However, after the Beijing Olympics, Zhang surprises everybody with "A Woman, a Gun and a Noodle Shop" (三枪拍案惊奇 | China 2009 | in Chinese | 95 min.) which is a mix bag of light-hearted goofball comedy including folk art er-ren-zhuan (二人转), suspensive thriller, and stunning visual.

Why is this film a surprise? To begin with, it is a remake of Joel Coen and Ethan Coen's directorial debut "Blood Simple" (1984). Unlike Hollywood, Chinese directors rarely remake American films. Secondly, Zhang does not just follow the story from "Blood Simple," he truly transforms the story into an authentic Chinese fable tale. And the most unusual element of the film is that he adds a great amount of comedy and casts a recently famed Xiao Shenyang (小沈阳), who studies er-ren-zhuan (二人转) from the most popular comedian in China—Zhao Benshan (赵本山). That is similar to invite Tina Fey to play skits in "The Silence of the Lambs."

While the dancing and singing folk art form er-ren-zhuan (二人转) is extremely entertaining and popular in the Northern-Eastern region of China, it is also famous for its often vulgar humor. Because many of Zhang's films are nothing short of being operatic, it is intriguing to see how he mixes Saturday Night Live alike comic into a suspensive thriller.

That is precisely what a master can do, and Zhang does it gracefully in "A Woman, a Gun and a Noodle Shop".

Everything happens in a quiet courtyard located in a gorgeous looking remote dessert, where nothing green grows. Pockmarked Wang (Ni Dahong 倪大红) is a greedy noodle shop owner who abuses his wife (Yan Ni 闫妮) and refuses to pay his employee Zhao (Cheng Ye 程野) and Chen (Mao Mao 毛毛). Wang's wife develops a fair with a fainthearted noodle shop employee Li (Xiao Shenyang 小沈阳). She buys a gun and plans to kill Wang so she can happily live with Li. After Wang finds out the plan, he bribes a patrol officer Zhang (Sun Honglei 孙红雷) to carry out a hitman job. The seemingly quiet place turns very deadly.

Zhang Yimou skillfully composes a terrific thriller with impeccable details. Zhang's version of the story is definitely much superior to Coen brothers' original tale. Plus, the cinematography is breathtaking as always.

For the comedy part, however, Zhang Yimou obviously makes this film for Chinese speaking audience. One of the trademarks of er-ren-zhuan is its rhymed hilarious dialogues, which often cleverly make references to current Chinese pop culture. There is no way to translate these witty and funny exchanges into any other language. As a result, the US theatrical release by Sony Pictures Classics cuts off most of these comic scenes and dialogues.

Unfortunately, the US release also cuts off the delightful dancing scene in the end when the credit rolls. That handkerchief-turning dance is also a signature of er-ren-zhuan, as well as this noodle-making scene is originated from. However, even with all the loss of these comic moments, this US release is still humorous, suspensive, and entertaining.

This film shows what Zhang Yimou can do—just about anything, including having a little fun in the middle of nowhere.

"A Woman, a Gun and a Noodle Shop" opens on Friday, September 3, 2010 in New York City and Los Angeles, and on September 10, 2010 at Bay Area theaters.

Hiking During Labor Day Weekend

2010-09-06T22:43:00.000-07:00

Gorgeous weather during the Labor Day weekend draws me to the Marin Headlands and the beach. Where else would I go if not over there?

When I was hiking yesterday, I saw these wooden sticks written all kind of strange numbers along the road side—the engineers have been working on repaving the roads. I like numbers, but those are totally mysterious. That's why I don't want to be an engineer.

Today, I changed the normal routine a little bit. Instead of going to Marin Headlands, I went to Marshall's Beach, yeah, there are plenty naked people, but no eye candies, except the bridge.

The rest of the pictures I took today with my cell phone:

Foggy Summer Welcomes Machete

2010-09-03T19:40:00.000-07:00

I am steaming baozi (包子, with pork, green onion, and carrots filling) right now to welcome the long Labor Day weekend. While waiting, I will post a picture of the fog I took in the office couple days ago.

And a film review I wrote last night when I really should be going to bed instead.

Machete

Can you imagine how much trouble they can make if directors Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino are put together? Definitely a lot. And it will be messy and bloody, because their films have remarkable resemblance when it comes to sex and violence. Just take a look at "Grindhouse" that they made together in 2007. Before that film(s), they showed a fake trailer to announce an upcoming movie called "Machete." Now, three years later, Ethan Maniquis and Robert Rodriguez expand that fake trailer into a bloody full feature "Machete" (USA 2010 | 105 min.). Right now, it is showing at 67th Venice Film Festival (out of competition) where Quentin Tarantino is the President of the Jury this year, and it opens on this Labor Day weekend to kick in more action and blood for the summer movie season.

The tattooed tough looking Mexican guy Machete (Danny Trejo) is used to be a federal agent. During a fight (what else?), his wife is killed by a drug lord Torrez (Steven Seagal). He escapes into hiding and finds small jobs just like many other illegal immigrant workers, helped by Shé (Michelle Rodriguez, and not to be confused with Che). While immigration agent Sartana (Jessica Alba) takes notice of Mechete, so does a businessman Booth (Jeff Fahey). Booth hires Mechete to assassinate Senator McLaughlin (Robert De Niro) who is running for reelection on a platform of getting tough on illegal Mexican immigrants, not in Arizona, but in Texas.

However, nothing goes according to plans. Mechete has to fight the enemy with the help from Father Padre Benito del Toro (Cheech Marin) and the network—illegal immigrant workers. During the struggle, "he gets the women and he kills the bad guys!"

Even you have seen plenty Japanese gore genre films (if not, just stop by Another Hole in the Head Film Festival in San Francisco next time), you will still be giggling when you see heads rolling on the floor, or nurses shooting machine guns in tiny tight skirt in this film. It is a typical exploitation film, but with cleverly written dialogues that refer to the current politics on immigration issues, and it turns pretty much everything into a comedy, without a limit.

The film is filled with quotable lines that are entertaining and laugh-out-loud funny. However, some jokes do not have to even include words—how can you keep a straight face when you see Lindsay Lohan in her scenes, with or without clothes, and speaking or muting?

Certainly, some of the characters are absurd and their behaviors are laughable. However, when you label the film as a B movie, Robert Rodriguez can have whatever fun he wants, and can get away with it. Meantime, he shows you what will happen if you "fucked with the wrong Mexican!"

"Machete" opens on Friday, September 3, 2010 at Bay Area theaters.

Trip to Vancouver

2010-08-31T19:57:00.000-07:00

During the trip to Vancouver earlier this month, I learned how to cut and eat a mango from A-fei. I was so happy that I could cut just as good as he does few days ago after I bought a few delicious and sweet mango from the market. They are even more sweet than the water melon!

Speaking of the Vancouver trip, here are the slide show of the pictures I took in that laidback, relax, and slow living beautiful city.

Oh, finally I cut my hair after I returned from Vancouver.

A Few Reviews

2010-08-27T00:30:00.000-07:00

Mesrine: Public Enemy #1 (Mesrine: L'ennemi public n°1)

Although "Mesrine: Public Enemy #1" (Mesrine: L'ennemi public n°1 | France/Canada/Italy 2008 | in French | 133 min.) is the second film of French director Jean-François Richet's epic crime drama about Jacques Mesrine, following "Mesrine: Killer Instinct," it is a wise decision to rename the film from its original title "Mesrine: Part 2 - Public Enemy #1," because it can certainly stands alone perfectly by itself. You do not have to watch "Mesrine: Killer Instinct" in order to grasp the dramatic happenings in "Mesrine: Public Enemy #1," however, it helps to understand Jacques Mesrine.

After Jacques Mesrine (Vincent Cassel) reaches his "public enemy #1" status, he seems enjoy the fame and attention, and continues to carry out stunning episodes of bank robberies and prison escapes. He begins to characterize himself as a revolutionary and writes memoirs to advocate his anti-authority belief. Even being locked up in a maximum security prison, he is able to team up with another prisoner François Besse (Mathieu Amalric) and to remain at large. The finally cops realize that the only way to get rid of him is to kill him, brutally in 1979, as the opening scenes of both films.

"Mesrine: Public Enemy #1" is much more focused compared to "Mesrine: Killer Instinct," and a better crime drama. It is intense and captivating throughout. It is quite obvious that the film glorifies Mesrine's crime career and sympathizes his violent death. Once again, Vincent Cassel is brilliant playing this notorious yet legendary gangster.

Despite the fact that the film is still a long way to go to reach the same level as "The Godfather," it tells amazing stories about a maverick gangster that you have not heard much before this film.

"Mesrine: Public Enemy #1" opens on Friday, September 3, 2010 at Bay Area theaters.

Mesrine: Killer Instinct (L'instinct de mort)

It is an undeniable fact that outlaws and criminals sometimes do get their fame in the society and the attention from the public. Perhaps it is due to their stories usually are outrageous, notorious, barbaric, mysterious, rebellious, entertaining, and anything but ordinary. Or perhaps their stories might satisfy the fantasy for many who want to be one of those criminals, but never have the guts, cruelty, or intelligence to act upon it. Their stories continue to be told in books, on televisions, and in films. As a result, many of them have become household names. For example, Jesse James, Al Capone, John Dillinger, just to name a few. Now, a French name is joining the crowd—meet Jacques Mesrine.

Based on Jacques Mesrine's autobiography, French director Jean-François Richet's crime film "Mesrine: Killer Instinct" (L'instinct de mort | France/Canada/Italy 2008 | in French | 113 min.) introduces Jacques Mesrine to the audience as "a man of a thousand faces."

After his service in French Army during Algerian War, Jacques Mesrine (Vincent Cassel) returns to Paris in 1959. He immediately teams up with gangsters and mafias and begins his heist career, and starts to get in and out of prison. His wife leaves him with his young children after he sticks a gun in her mouth and yells at her: "Between you and my friends, I choose my friends."

After he and his mistress Jeanne Schneider (Cécile De France) kidnap a millionaire, he is back to the prison and tortured, and miraculously escapes. Gradually, he reaches to the status as law enforcement's "Public Enemy No. 1."

Although Vincent Cassel gives a memorable performance as Mesrine, he does not generate the charisma as Johnny Depp playing John Dillinger in "Public Enemies," and his '70s-gay-men's mustache does not help either.

The film chronicles Mesrine's crimes in as-it-happens fashion and presents a man with multiple personalities, if not with thousand faces. One minute he can be a devoted loving father, the next minute he appears to be a monster. He is neither a heroic anti-authority figure, nor a hardcore terrifying mafia as in "Goodfellas." At times, you might wonder if you are watching "COPS" on TV.

Yet, you will hardly be bored watching Mesrine's crimes in this film. You might cheer for him when he comes back to the prison to take revenge. After all, he is not somebody you see in your everyday life, and probably you want to keep it that way as well.

The sequel of "Mesrine: Killer Instinct" is "Mesrine: Public Enemy No. 1," what else?

"Mesrine: Killer Instinct" opens on Friday, August 27, 2010 at Bay Area theaters.

Mao's Last Dancer

If you were the best ballet dancer in China back in 30 years ago, how much would you be willing to sacrifice in order to stay in the United States? What if your sacrifice means giving up your home country forever and be separated from your family, perhaps also forever? This is not a hypothetical question, but the remarkable personal story of Chinese ballet dancer Li Chunxin (李存信).

Based on Li Chunxin's autobiography, Australian director Bruce Beresford's new film "Mao's Last Dancer" (Australia/USA 2009 | in English/Chinese | 117 min.) almost guarantees to move you into tears by Li's incredible personal journey, terrifically played by three actors.

In 1972, China is sinking deep in the tragic Cultural Revolution. In a poor village in Shangdong, 11-year-old Li Chunxin (Huang Wen Bin) is hand picked by a team lead by Mao's wife Jiang Qing, who is in charge of cultural affairs. He is to be trained to be a ballet dancer. He leaves his mom (Joan Chen 陈冲) and dad (Wang Shuangbao 王双宝) and comes to Beijing to start his unbearably hard training. A few years later, Li Cunxin (Guo Chengwu 郭承武) becomes an excellent dancer and performs propaganda plays for Jiang Qing and the party elites.

In 1981, Li Cunxin (Cao Chi 曹驰) comes to Houston Ballet for a three month long cultural exchange program. He is shocked by the tremendous cultural differences first but quickly is drawn into this new world. He wants to stay longer but his request is refused by the Chinese government. He rushes into marrying his new American girlfriend Elizabeth Mackey (Amanda Schull) in order to stay in the US. His defect becomes headline story that affects the US-Sino relation. Although he is allowed to stay in the US, but his Chinese citizenship is stripped away and he is banned from visiting his family in China.

The film walks a fine line between telling a deeply moving story about family and a display of anti-communist propaganda. The film would have failed miserably if it bashes China as Li's aggressor or enemy, although there are moments the film almost slips into that direction. Luckily, the film mostly centers on Li's emotional struggle in his difficult decisions during his teenager years and the time of his defect.

Besides the rich story, the film is beautifully shot with great performances and elegant ballet dance. However, the costume design is a regretful eyesore whenever the Chinese are dressed in the film. They are completely out of the place and show creator's poor knowledge about Chinese history. For example, hardly anybody wears Chairman Mao's head-pin on their clothes in the '80s, but Li Chunxin faithfully wears one when he comes to the US.

The film also shies away from examining the true motivation of Li's defect. Based on the event, Li's defect and marriage make him an opportunist, not an artist with respectful integrity and strong character.

Li Cunxin might have been picked up as Mao's last dancer, but he no longer dances for Mao. When he dances, he dances for his family, and that is precisely why this film touches its audience profoundly, regardless what opinion one might have about Li's defection and integrity.

"Mao's Last Dancer" opens on Friday, August 20, 2010 at Bay Area theaters.

The Expendables

Besides a violent computer game, what else can draw a teenage boy's attention during the crowded summer blockbuster season? How about some loud motorcycles, pretty women, massive tattoos, and a lot guns, knives, explosions? Still not enough? Let's throw in a bunch tough talking and looking guys, led by the Rambo—:Sylvester Stallone. That is exactly the recipe for the action film "The Expendables" (USA 2010 | 103 min.).

For a frozen TV dinner like this with those typical guns and violence ingredients, there is really no need of concern for any nutrition value in the meal, because if you do, you will be completely disappointed.

Therefore, there is no need to describe the plot in this blood soaked, action packed, non-stop exploding film. All you need to know is that Barney (Sylvester Stallone) leads a team of mercenaries to a small island in South America. Their mission is to overthrow a government that is controlled by an ex-CIA officer. However, after he meets the government head's daughter, his mission becomes to save her life.

In the film trailer, a tough guy is shooting a machine gun from an airplane, without even hair on his head. Guess what he puts on before he rides his motorcycles? A helmet! Now you get an idea about the film's logic level.

If you go to see this movie, you know you are not looking for an amazing story or in-dept characters. It is all about the mindless glorious action sequences. Luckily, the film does deliver it, even not all the time.

There are plenty big name actors in this film, including Jet Li (李连杰). While some others' appearances stir a few chuckles, Jet Li's character is utterly offensive to Asians. The martial art master either is beaten up, or talks "funny" emphasizing how small he is. It is one of the worst displays of stereotyping Asians in recent films. It is a shame for Jet Li even to consider to play a role like this.

"The Expendables" opens on Friday, August 13, 2010 at Bay Area theaters.

The Extra Man

It is time for boyish-looking Paul Dano to hire a new agent, because he has been repeating himself and playing similar characters. In this new comedy "The Extra Man" (USA 2010 | 108 min.), Paul Dano plays almost the same character as in "The Good Heart" last year. His character is still shy, awkward, soft-spoken, needing a place to stay, and dealing with a crazy old man under the same roof. The only difference is that this time, his character has a new hobby: cross-dressing.

Based on a novel by Jonathan Ames, the film tells a story about three oddballs living in an old New York apartment, if it were not their cellphones, the story would have been mistaken as in the '50s or the '60s.

Louis (Paul Dano) loses his teaching job and moves to New York City to pursue a new life. When he met the eccentric and slick Henry (Kevin Kline), who has been working as "an extra man" to escort older wealthy women. Henry's estranged mechanic Gershon (John C. Reilly), whose long hair makes him look like homeless, lives downstairs. He occasionally joins Louis and Henry to make the odd couple's daily routines even more bizarre.

The film tries hard to be funny, but hardly succeeds. It awkwardly hustles together three individuals who have completely different personalities, except all lonely, hoping for some magical moments to happen. Those moments never come.

Although three talented actors are casted in the leading roles, they cannot change the fate of these dreadful characters. Kevin Kline never stops talking like Bill Murray and moving like Robin Williams. Paul Dano constantly mumbles like, well, Paul Dano. Unlike the frequent annoying voiceover, John C. Reilly is mute for the most part in the film. Actually, that is pretty funny, especially with the long hair.

New York is a big city that has all walks of life and all sorts of characters. Even so, these characters in the film seem too odd to this city. Indeed, they are extra men to the City, and to each other.

"The Extra Man" opens on Friday, August 13, 2010 at Bay Area theaters.

The Concert (Le Concert)

If a group of people from all walks of lives suddenly sit together and can hold a concert as an orchestra, they are either from a fairy tale that only can be read next to a child's bed, or they have the power to create miracle. Well, that is precisely the story in a French comedy "The Concert" (Le Concert | France 2010 | in French and Russian | 107 min.).

Thirty years ago in the Communist era, a young conductor Andreï Filipov (Aleksei Guskov) is kicked out the (fictional) prestigious Bolshoi Orchestra, because he refuses to get rid of all the Jewish musicians. His musician colleagues move on to driving ambulances, making porn flicks, or patrolling flea markets. Andreï becomes a janitor to clean the Bolshoi Theater.

One day, while cleaning the office, he runs across a last-minute invitation for Bolshoi Orchestra to play at Salle Pleyel, perhaps the most famous concert hall in Paris. What Andreï does next is truly preposterous.

He puts together a "bolshoi" (большой means "grand" in Russian) scheme that nobody can believe even after plenty of vodka—he summons his old pals to pretend the Bolshoi Orchestra; flies the entire flock from Moscow to Paris with forged passports and visa; drinks and parties all night; then plays Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto with the famous Russian born French violinist Anne-Marie Jacquet (Mélanie Laurent), without any rehearsal. Don't you feel lucky that he is not making a bomb?

Besides the implausible plot, the repeated tacky stereotypes about Russian, Jew, gypsies, and the Communists are never funny, but only show film's petty efforts to beg for a comic moment.

However, what is remarkable is that the film is able to divert your attention away from the far-fetched plot to the beautiful classical music. From Mozart to Mahler, from Tchaikovsky to Khachaturian, the terrific soundtrack makes you sympathize these musicians. You want them to succeed, and you want the magic to happen.

The only magic in this film is the music. Everything else is pure illusion.

"The Concert" opens on Friday, August 6, 2010 at Bay Area theaters.

Life During Wartime

A dozen years ago, write/director Todd Solondz created a few unforgettably miserable characters in his shockingly uncompromising, wickedly funny, and profoundly fascinating master piece "Happiness." Some of these miserable characters came back in Solondz's highly anticipated "Life During Wartime" (USA 2009 | 98 min.). In this new film, these characters go on with their lives to "forget and forgive," but they have little luck in searching for a way out of their misery.

"Life During Wartime" is a quasi sequel of the must-see "Happiness," and it has a few amusing references to its predecessor. However, it can utterly stand alone by itself. Although this film is funny, sharp, and full of Solondz's trademark black humor dialogues, it has a mellower tone compared to "Happiness." In addition, Solondz chooses a complete different cast to play these characters, and they are not quite the same any more, even their lives of ten years ago can be easily traced in this film.

The film opens with a painfully funny scene when Joy (Shirley Henderson) tries to break off from her perversive husband Allen (Michael K. Williams). Then, she visits her sister Trish (Allison Janney) in Florida, while she is constantly haunted by her deceased ex-boyfriend Andy (Paul Reubens). After her pedophile husband Bill (Ciarán Hinds) is in prison, Trish is trying to build a new life by dating Harvey (Michael Lerner), under the close watch from her curious young son Timmy (Dylan Riley Snyder).

Trish has been telling Timmy that his father Bill is dead. Of course, Bill is not. He is actually released from prison and pays a surprise visit to his elder son Billy (Chris Marquette), after a brief encounter with a lonely woman Jacqueline (Charlotte Rampling) he met in a hotel.

This brief scrappy description of the plot only indicates how eventful the film is and how many humorous conversations it contains. Nobody writes razor-sharp dialogues like Todd Solondz. He brilliantly injects social and political commentaries into his characters' matter-of-fact yet provocative speeches. He feeds his characters with the most outrageous and quotable lines. Then he directs the actors to speak with maximum sincerity and in a complete earnest manner, which is precisely how he creates those comic moments in his film. He is a master at manipulating his audience to make them laugh aloud as well as feel unease at the same time.

If "Happiness" is about unhappy people, "Life During Wartime" reinforce the fact that their lives are not getting any better, in a very funny way.

"Life During Wartime" opens on Friday, August 6, 2010 at Bay Area theaters.

End of an Era

2010-08-26T23:25:00.000-07:00

Yup. I have not blogged for quite a while. It goes without saying that I am quitting here.

It's just a matter of time when Facebook and Twitter provides instant updates, even it's less structured and much shorter.

But it's undeniable that they are faster and I can spend much less time compared to writing a blog entry, which normally I tried to be more or less like an essay.

I think that's too much on top of other commitments. I want to live as less stress and relaxed as I can be. Therefore, it's logical to either stop this altogether or simply change the style.

Or perhaps both.

I think I will not update here regularly any more, unless something comes up urgently.

I might make this a photo blog, write less, but just a quick photo or two.

However, my film reviews will continue.

So, Facebook and Twitter, and YNOT at the Movies will be my active area, for now.

To start with my so called photo blog, here is a picture I took when I was walking at Pier 39 the other day.

That guy's posture is amazing.

Party, Hiking, Art, FIFA, Observant, and Alien

2010-07-11T23:59:00.000-07:00

Recap of 4th of July

The 4th of July was a lot fun. It wasn't even foggy in the morning, although the fog returned in the evening just in time for the fireworks. So, I skip the fireworks altogether.

I went to East Bay and swam with the boys in an outdoor, but heated pool. The water was fresh, the sun was strong, and the mood was relaxing. I am glad that the pool is heated, because the wind picked up later after I did about 30 laps. By the end of my 50 laps, I could hardly get out of the pool because staying inside the water was the only way to keep myself warm.

The party at Galen's house was crazy. I didn't count, but it seems like almost 100 people. I had blast talking to old friends, and made a few new ones. I probably had too much to drink that night. The next morning, I could not recollect how I got out Alex's car and walked into my apartment, showered, emailed before I went to bed.

But, no hangover.

The next day, I even cooked couple dishes and brought them to Frank's place for a potluck with a bunch friends. So everything is back to normal.

Busy at Work

Although this past workweek started on Tuesday, it seemed incredible long. A few bugs make me even dream about how to fix them. It seemed once I sat into my chair, I hardly got up for a long time.

When I heard some noise at the window, I got up to see what happened—a great time for me to get up and move around.

Two workers were cleaning the office exterior window. I would never ever take a job like that. This is also why I hate those amusement park rides. I am too scared of height.

7974

That's how many steps the pedometer counted today from I got off the bus at Milok Trail, hiked to the top of the hill, then came down to the bottom of hill, and arrived the Rodeo Beach.

I thought it should have been more. It's about 3.5 miles and it took me about an hour.

I am sure my legs and butt will be sore again tomorrow.

On the way, it was quite foggy, but very cool. So it's a pleasant hike. There are more wild flowers everywhere, but this red colored one stands out, as if they group together want to make a statement.

Not sure why, but when I snapped that picture, I thought of them as Lady Gaga. He he...

Being Observant

I like to observe people when I go around in the City. It's fascinating to speculate in my mind what their life stories might be.

Couple stories from last week.

Little Boy and His Bus Pass

One day last week when I was on a bus home, a little 3 or 4 year old Chinese boy sitting on his grandma's lap and holding her MUNI pass. She wants get it from him, he held it tight and wouldn't give it to her. However, after one block, he forgot about the pass. I had a feeling that he would drop the pass eventually.
At next block, his grandma got up and tried to get off the bus with the little boy, and her groceries. Sure enough, the boy dropped the MUNI pass on the floor. I picked it up and gave to her before she got off the bus.
If I had not observing them, she would have lost the bus pass...
Shitty Advice
On Saturday, I was having lunch in a restaurant in Castro. I sat by a window so I can people watching on the sidewalk. Below the window I sat, a blond young guy sitting on the sidewalk panhandling.
However, his tacit is a little clever. He keeps saying this to people walking by:
"$1 for shitty advice, $2 for better ones."

Although not everyone stopped for an advice from him, many did have a smile on their face.
One guy stopped and gave him a cigarette. Then, another Asian girl stopped and handed him $5, also without getting any advice from him.
After she left, I saw him rolling that $5 bill into a roll of cash he took out from his pocket. There were plenty $10 bills in that roll. Hmm... easy money?
During the whole time, this blond kid had no idea that I was observing him behind where he sat.
Oh, I also saw an older guy, perhaps in his 60s walked by. Why is he special? Well, he was wearing regular jeans and button down shirt. However, he was wearing a pair of woman's high heel shoes without socks, showing his pale feet. 10 minutes later, he walked by to the other direction. Same clothes, but this time, he was wearing a pair of slipper sandals. Obviously, he failed both times.

Fisher Collection

Last week, I went to San Francisco Modern Art Museum (SFMOMA) last week to see the newly installed "Calder to Warhol: Introducing the Fisher Collection"—contemporary art works collected by the late GAP founder Donald Fisher and his wife Doris.

I was not impressed. They made billions with GAP and collected these crap? Some of the works look familiar. I have seen them somewhere else before or simply not interesting enough to me.

When I was outside, I saw this girl sitting next to one of the giant painting which is more memorable than any piece in this collection. I snapped a picture.

Now, she becomes my art.

FIFA Final

By now, we all know who won the FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) title on Sunday.

I wasn't rooting for any team before I went to the Civic Center at City Hall, after I returned from my hiking in Marin Headlands.

There were thousands of people already there to watch the game together. Although I couldn't hear the "the greatest silence ever heard," there were not much noise either.

But very quickly, I began to support Spain team. Not only because they had better looking uniforms, they were definitely better and in control. On the other hand, that Dutch team in orange jail jumpsuit played so dirty. Yellow card, red card, and yellow card repeatedly issued to these guys. It shows how desperate the Dutch became. I began to cheer for Spain.

A guy standing next to me was drinking from a can covered by a paper bag, like all the public alcohol drinkers in the City do. He seemed rooting for the Dutch, because I don't hear him cheering when I did.

Suddenly, he asked me with a heavy accent: "Are you gay or straight?"

"Excuse me?!" I was puzzled by where that question came from.

"I want to know if you are gay or straight, because if you are straight, I want to say the girl in front of us has the most beautiful ass, but if you are gay, it's okay." He used his eyes pointing to a teenager girl standing right in front of us with her friends, she was like at most 17.

I didn't say anything to him and I want to him a red card or yellow card if I had one.

Predators

The famous physicist Stephen Hawking warned us not long ago: aliens are dangerous. Obviously, that is an understatement if the aliens are those in the bloody sci-fi film "Predators" (USA 2010 | 106 min.). They are deadly, from hell.

"Predators" is the third in the "Predator" franchise preceded by "Predator" and "Predator 2." However, like many other sequels in recent years, your knowledge about the previous films is not necessary for you to get terrified by this third one.

In "Predators," eight people from all over the world (our world) are mysteriously dropped into a jungle. Luckily they all speak English and there is no subtitle needed for them to communicate. Most of them are heavily armed with guns that can shoot out almost endless rounds of ammunitions. They are confused about where they are and how they get there.

Trying to figure out where they are, led by the Royce (Adrien Brody), they manage to walk to a "higher ground," only find out that they are looking at the earth as if they are sitting in a planetarium—ops, the aliens have kidnapped them to another unknown planet.

The cat and mouse chasing game begins between the invisible aliens and these lucky (or unlucky) chosen eight who run for survival in this absolute hell land, which awfully looks like the earth where trees grow in mud and cockroaches eat fleshes.

However, when the aliens do become visible, they are the usual saliva dripping, big teeth poking, iPad touching, and green blood floating disgusting creatures generated by using CGI. And, they hunt human.

The film is hair-raising terrifying. It graphically depicts what hell looks like. It is a gore genre at its best, minus the humor and comedy.

In between the fast moving action sequences, the film sneaks in a few interesting twists to the characters, but we all know the real message the film is trying to send—it is the same thing Stephen Hawking has told us: run away from the aliens, as well as the hell they live.

"Predators" opens on Friday, July 9, 2010 at Bay Area theaters.

Who Murdered Robert Wone

2010-07-04T08:52:00.000-07:00

I want to be a lawyer lately.

It's not because I think we need more lawyers. Quite the contrary—I think we have way too many lawyers.

To be fair, there are many wonderful and intelligent attorneys who work hard to protect civil liberties of the ordinary people, and to seek justice.

However, more often than not, this world gets lost in legal frenzy. People stop using common sense. They act according to lawyer's interpretation of the law. As a result, the government and the society have wasted tremendous amount of resources not to serve the citizens, but just to avoid being sued. Still, the government even sues the governement itself.

What's even more frustrating is that the government cannot always convict the criminals.

This happened one more time last week on the murder case of Robert Wone.

Robert Wone was an 32 year old attorney. He was murdered on August 2, 2006 in DC. when he stayed over at his friend Joseph Price's house where Price's two lovers Victor Zaborsky and Dylan Ward also lived.

The three men fabricate a theory—:some intruder came to the alarm protected house, didn't touch any valuable in the house, didn't leave any trace of coming and leaving, didn't wake up any of three men, but the intruder did went to Robert Wone's room and stabbed him three times to his death.

If these three men want to cover up their crime, they should have come up a better story. Yet, with this lousy crafted absurd plot, the government failed to put them behind bars.

That stuns me as well as upsets me.

A few years ago, when I first read the "Affidavit in Support of an Arrest Warrant - Dylan Ward" which describe the crime scene, autopsy, and the three men's behaviors after Robert Wone's murder, I came up a conclusion of my own.

This is what I believe what happened.

Joseph Price is the master mind among their threesome relationship. He took the advantage of his friend Robert Wone's trust for staying over, and staged a sexual assault on Robert, after they drugged Robert. The drugging might go wrong or Robert might become aware of the assault that night. To cover up, he (alone or accompany with his two lovers) stabbed Robert to death, then concoct a "theory" about what an intruder.

There is an extensive coverage at this Web site: Who Murdered Robert Wone? However, I cannot keep my blood from boiling due to anger when I read them. I am angry because I am so frustrated with the weakness in the police work and in the government to move this case forward, to solve the murder case, and to convict these three people. I see them all guilty, even not all of them participated in the killing, they are certainly part of the team to cover up the crime.

This must be easier to solve than a mathematical theory I solved in my graduate school homework.

Well, maybe not when all the lawyers are involved. I had to try hard to keep myself calm when I was reading Judge Lynn Lebovitz' Verdict that acquits all three men from the charges of obstruction of justice and tamper with evidence.

Let's hope the justice will be served soon, and the murderer of Robert Wone will be punished.

Speaking of murder trials, not long ago, I was completely captured by a fascinating story on The New Yorker about a murder trial in New York City: "Iphigenia in Forest Hills" by Janet Malcolm (The New Yorker, May 3, 2010, p. 34). Her writing is even more interesting than the murder trial. She exhibits the entire trial vividly on those pages, like a film script. Good stuff, I mean the article, not the murder.

Do I still want to be a lawyer? Nah.

The 4th of July is here. To celebrate it, and my friend's birthday, I will go to a pool party to swim under the sun in a bit. I hope I won't get baked, because it has been quite hot lately. I am also looking forward to Galen's house party tonight, even that means I will miss the fireworks in the evening. The fireworks never last long anyway.

Oh, stay away, far away, far far far away from "The Last Airbender". Even without taking the controversy on casting into account, I can smell how stinky the film is.

The Last Airbender

Once upon a time, a talented young director made an excellent film called "The Sixth Sense" and rose to the fame. Then, he moved to Hollywood, and began to fit in and live the expensive life style for his films. His characters gradually disappear in his films behind the ostentatious high tech toys. His newest film "The Last Airbender" (USA 2010 | 103 min.) sinks to a new low, as if a painted cardboard display in a store window, lacks of any substance. His name is M. Night Shyamalan.

Since "Avatar" is already established as the king of the box office, "The Last Airbender" must drop the name Avatar from the animated television series "Avatar: The Last Airbender," which the film is based on.

While the film loses Avatar in its title, it also loses many great Asian characters to very white Caucasians. Even the stories are washed away by giant 3-D water balls. Apparently, showing off CGIs outweighs any character development.

Aang (Noah Ringer) is the last Avatar, although the film makes him sound like the Dali Lama. He is also the last "airbender," that is, someone can bend the air as a weapon during a fight. However, he does not know how to water-bend, fire-bend, or earth-bend, because he runs away from leaning when he was younger. Now he is the only hope to fend off the invasion from the aggressive Fire Nation, while he is the most wanted by the exiled son of the Fire Lord.

It is ridiculous to hear these characters speaking like they are reading menus that explain what, why, how they are doing. This is no longer a cartoon show on TV, but they continue to talk like a cartoon. There is absolutely no character development, only cheesy setups and fancy 3-D effects. However, you have seen the visuals in "Red Cliff", "The Lord of the Rings," and of course, "Avatar!"

It is also unclear exactly what Aang can do and what he cannot. In one scene, he is able to fly in the sky and fight an army with his bare hands. The next scene, he is tied up with a rope and hung from the ceiling—with the tattoo on his bald forehead, that can be easily mistaken as a display at Folsom Street Fair.

M. Night Shyamalan just offers us this film as one of the worst films this year. If he does not move out Hollywood any time soon, even this last Avatar indeed turns into the Dali Lama, his films will not be saved.

"The Last Airbender" opens on Thursday, July 1, 2010 at Bay Area theaters. Why bother?

Wild Grass (Les herbes folles)

Perhaps you experience this before when reading a poem—although those lines in a poem do not necessarily connect to each other in a logical narrative sense, but each line connotes feelings in its unique way and constantly provokes thoughts or emotion. You might have a similar experience when you watch renowned French director Alain Resnais's latest film "Wild Grass" (Les herbes folles | French 2009 | in French | 104 min.).

At age 87 (born in 1922), Alain Resnais adapts a French novel "L'Incident" (by Christian Gailly) into this intriguing, stylish, and a little bit strange "Wild Grass." He receives the Lifetime Achievement Award at Cannes Film Festival last year for this work.

The film elegantly opens with two incidents that connect the two protagonists who otherwise would never know each other. Dentist Marguerite Muir (Sabine Azéma) loses her bag and her wallet to a robbery after she purchases a pair of shoes in a store. She goes home and takes a bath, trying to forget about it. Meanwhile, Georges Palet (André Dussollier) finds her discarded wallet in a parking lot, and examines it in detail before returns it to her. However, Georges does not let Marguerite move on. He escalates his expecting a thank-you phone call, to engaging in a bizarre stalking, and to pursuing his unrequited love toward Marguerite, despite the fact that he is married and has two grown children.

With excellent performance, the story unfolds in a deliciously gripping manner, regardless sometimes the characters' spontaneous behaviors are hard to explain and plot development seems hard to believe. The film has its remarkable magic to intrigue the audience from scene to scene, and it rarely goes the way as one expects, until the very end of the film.

Director Alain Resnais explains his leitmotif eloquently:

"To me, this title (Wild Grass) seemed to correspond to these characters who follow totally unreasonable impulses, like those seeds that make the most of cracks in the asphalt in the city or in a stone wall in the country and grow where they are the least expected to."

Certainly, this can be said about his film itself—a poetry that the least you expect to read in a cinema.

"Wild Grass" opens on Friday, July 9, 2010 at Bay Area theaters.

Another Birthday, Another Pride

2010-06-26T21:14:00.000-07:00

Another birthday, another year, another pride, and another celebration. It happens every year today.

The old birthday tradition is to eat noodle during breakfast for longevity. I chopped some vegetables and made a bowl of noodle, with the salty egg I marinated myself. I wish it had more oil in the egg yolk.

But that would be too boring just eat the noodle, especially I didn't cook meat in it. So, I cooked my favorite dish, pan seared potato, and I added some baby carrots and pine nuts, to bright it up a little bit. Oh, I also added a tomato flower to make it colorful.

The weather is better compared to the last couple of days — we even got wet roads and very foggy. Today is a little windy, but at least a little warmer. It makes easier for people to bare their skin at the Civic Center for the pride celebration.

The crowd at the Civic Center is not too big today. That will change tomorrow, with a sea of people. I am ready for tomorrow's parade. I will be on the first float!

Too bad the Russians didn't stay long enough to have all the fun. They left a few days ago when their president finished the visit of the City last week.

I went to Nara Sushi in my neighborhood for dinner. I have been there numerous times, it never failed me, until today! The albacore toro is still sweet and buttery, but the chef forgot to put ginger and wasabi on my plate! It's the small stuff, but it shows the standard has been lowered.

However, that's the small stuff. What disappoints me the most is the quality and quantity in its sashimi deluxe. I had the smallest portion and less tasty fish today, even the soy sauce doesn't seem have the same quality. I don't think it's me. It really has changed. I think I won't go back there anytime soon. It's time to look for a new place. Since I am one year older today, as they say, I should be wiser now.

I surely hope so.

Knight and Day

Tom Cruise is back! Not only he shakes off the "weight" he puts on in "Tropic Thunder," but also he acts like a superman in the entertaining "Knight and Day" (USA 2010 | 110 min.), with a full head of hair and a few more winkles around the eyes.

The amazingly capable protagonist is Roy Miller (Tom Cruise), a formal CIA spy now a fugitive. Under the close watchful eyes from the CIA agents, he meets June Havens (Cameron Diaz) at the airport, who is on her way to her sister's wedding. For reasons unknown to June, as well as to the audience, June is dragged into Roy's mission to recover a super-powered battery invented by geeky Simon Feck (Paul Dano), and to prevent the battery from falling into European arm manufacturer's hand. They travel from Boston to a remote island, to Europe, and back to Boston, in fast moving forms of transportation, including airplanes, trains, cars, motorcycles, even on foot. They are constantly under intense fire. Yet, they are always miraculously on time, appear magically where they want to be, and easily accomplish the mission impossible.

Director James Mangold mixes action, romance, comedy, and suspension all together in this film. It seems that his main objective is to entertain the audience, while he holds his breath hoping that nobody asks any question about the holes in the story. He succeeds in the entertaining part, to a degree. The chemistry between Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz also greatly helps his objective and creates comic moments. Without them, the audience will be left no choice but to focus on the sloppy plot.

During the first half of the film, Tom Cruise manipulates Cameron Diaz's every move as if she is a dummy puppet. Luckily, Diaz emerges and gains control, and shoots. She even tails the incredible Tom Cruise to a restaurant and over hears his whispering behind a closed restaurant window—she must be an undercover spy herself, and she makes Tom Cruise look like a fake, contrary to how he flies around in other scenes!

Wait, let's not pick on those details. Instead, sit back mindlessly and watch Tom Cruise crashing an airplane. It is actually pretty cool, and a lot fun.

"Knight and Day" opens on Wednesday, June 23, 2010 at Bay Area theaters.

The Killer Inside Me

Like the saying goes: "If it disturbs you, it's art." That certainly could be said to British director Michael Winterbottom's controversial "The Killer Inside Me" (USA 2010 | 109 min.). Despite how you criticize or analyze the undertone of the film's graphic violence toward women, you will not leave this film without being eerily shaken by the killer inside the protagonist.

The film is based on Jim Thompson's pulp fiction novel that is written in 1952, but set in 1958 in a small town in Texas, where people speak as if they have marbles in their mouths.

Lou Ford (Casey Affleck) not only speaks as if he hides something in the mouth, but also with a creepy hoarse sound, even he talks politely and calmly. His late father is the only doctor in town, leaves him the house, the opera disks, plenty books, and many dark secrets.

Chester Conway (Ned Beatty) is a powerful owner of a construction company. His son Elmer (Jay R. Ferguson) is involved with a prostitute Joyce (Jessica Alba). To avoid the exposure of the scandal, Chester bribes Lou to drive Joyce out of town. However, when Lou shows up at Joyce's door, he falls for her and begins to have rough sex regularly with her, disregards his long time girlfriend Amy (Kate Hudson).

After Lou learns from a union leader that Chester is responsible for his foster brother's death, he begins plot his masterminded double-crossing scheme to revenge, by unleashing the evil under his dandy appearance. This once quiet little town starts to pile up dead bodies, thanks to the killer inside Lou.

The plot is complex and sometimes confusing. A few flashbacks hardly tell the audiences who they are, much less provide clues for Lou's behavior. Couple overly stretched horrific violent scenes, which causes the most controversy, make the film look like pornography, on violence.

However, Casey Affleck's brilliant portrait of Lou as the cold-blooded serial killer is memorable and chilling. Listening to him talking, you will feel the chill comes up to your head from your spin, especially when he talks charmingly and softly. Some people's strong reactions to the brutality precisely validate the effectiveness of the character he plays. If Casey Affleck does not have a partner in real life yet, he probably never will after this role, because he is so convincing that people will remember the killer inside of him.

The film creates a monster, and the monster upsets people big time.

"The Killer Inside Me" opens on Friday, June 25, 2010 at Bay Area theaters.

Is Vandalism An Human Instinct?

2010-06-21T19:30:00.000-07:00

Last week, I was wondering why the "Three Heads Six Arms," a sculpture by Chinese artist Zhang Huan installed at Civic Center, has only five arms. Then this weekend, I was shocked and disappointed to see a big ugly green fence surrounded the sculpture. The San Francisco Arts Commission are worried about vandalism. They predict that people will climb up the sculpture during the World Cup and the Pride. Actually the poor thing already got marked all over by some morons before the fence was put up.

Is vandalism a human nature? Is it in people's blood, just like shitting in pants without having to learn, but doing it right after people were born?

It upsets me. They leave their ugly marks everywhere, even on the Great Wall described in this article.

Sometimes, I do think human being is an evil creature. They come to this world to destroy everything. Don't believe me? Take a look at the Gulf of Mexico right now.

One way to get away from people is to escape to my favorite place Marin Headlands.

Sunday is much warmer and less windy, a perfect day for a wonderful hike. I got up early and boarded the first bus. I kept my steady pace pretty well hike over the mountain. It took me only about an hour to finish the route and return to the City.

Predictably, I have a sore butt this morning, and I couldn't get off the bed.

When I reached the bottom of the mountain, I was stopped by a park ranger. I am like, "Sheet, what did I do? I didn't even pee in the bushes!"

He said somebody reported that there was an aggressive bobcat on the trail. He asked me if I saw anything like that. Obviously, I didn't see anything. I would have taken a photo if I did, if I didn't get scared to pee in my pants.

The day was still young when I was back in downtown, so I stopped by AT&T Park to check out Urban Eats at the Giants County Fair.

It's amazing that I have never stepped into this side of the Ball Park after been in the City for so long. It's a whole new world here, including a County Fair!

The event is pretty lame, I left quickly, but not before I chowed down a few delicious lamb sandwiches, fresh, flavorful, well balanced with the sauce.

It's too bad that all the calories I burnt in the mountains earlier are put back into my body. However, it's all worth it, because I enjoyed, and lived.

Lived indeed. By this Saturday, I will be another year older. WTF!?

Agora

Undoubtedly, religion is a significant part of human history and it has contributes to the humanity one way or the other. Unfortunately, religion is also the root of much human suffering and killing. It is the origin of many endless wars, even today. In addition, religion rarely stands on the same side of science, but quite often on the opposite. Yet, after thousands of years, people still die for their faith, condemn those who believe otherwise, and refuse to learn from science.

Academy Award-winning ("The Sea Inside") director Alejandro Amenábar's thought provoking and beautifully shot historical epic "Agora" (Spain 2009 | 127 min.) subtly raises philosophical inquiries about religion by telling a story about a legendary Greek philosopher, astronomer, and mathematician Hypatia.

Set in the 4th Century in Alexandria, Egypt, Hypatia (Rachel Weisz) passionately devotes herself to science and teaches her students, both Pagans and Christians, inside the Library of Alexandria. One of her students Orestes (Oscar Isaac), who later becomes Prefect of Alexandria, openly expresses his love toward her, but she declines. Meanwhile, her young slave, Davus (Max Minghella) who later becomes a Christian in order to be free from slavery, secretly falls for her.

Outside the Library, Christians are waging a war with Pagans. The conflict escalates into a killing spree, and Hypatia and Pagans are chased out of the Library and live in exile.

After Pagans are out of the sight, the clash between Christians and Jews breaks out into horrific violence. During all these religious and social unrests, Hypatia continues her research and discovery until she becomes the target to be destroyed, in the name of God, by Bishop Cyril (Sami Samir).

The film intelligently makes its philosophical points through its characters. Hypatia once summarizes the fundamental difference between a religious mind and a scientific mind when she speaks to her student Bishop Synesius (Rupert Evans): "You don't question what you believe, or cannot. I must." That is probably the reason why thousands of years later, science has made tremendous progress, while Christians are still reading the same book.

Besides telling a gripping story, the film is a terrific lesson in both history and mathematics. It is enchanting to get an elegant and intuitive review about basic properties of an ellipse by the brilliant Hypatia in this film.

Imagine what human history might have been if there were no religion. How about dream about it like John Lennon did? "Nothing to kill or die for."

"Agora" opens on Friday, July 23, 2010 at Bay Area theaters.

From YNOT at the Movies

2010-06-14T00:33:00.000-07:00

A few reviews I wrote recently.

The 34th San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival (Frameline34)

It goes without saying that San Francisco is the mother-ship of gay culture in the world. That would make Frameline, the annual San Francisco Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Film Festival, a VIP lounge on this fabulous ship. And, you do not have to be on a special guest list in order to enter—the festival welcomes all with impressive films and parties.

Arguably the world's largest showcase of LGBT cinema, Frameline presents its 34th festival (Frameline34) with 219 films (including 83 features) in 101 programs from 31 counties this year.

As usual, Frameline34 overlaps with the San Francisco Pride celebration—the festival takes place June 17-27, 2010 at Castro Theater, Roxie Theater, Victoria Theater in San Francisco, and Rialto Cinemas Elmwood in Berkeley.

The opening night film is a well-acted British film "The Secret Diaries of Miss Anne Lister" (UK 2010 | 90 min.) about an upper class lesbian's passionate love in early nineteenth century. If this dramatic account of Miss Anne Lister's life is not enough for your appetite, a documentary "The Real Anne Lister" tells more stories about this pioneer lesbian figure.

The closing night film is "Howl" (USA 2010 | 90 min.), a drama about the 1957 obscenity trial on the poem "Howl" by the famous poet Allen Ginsberg.

This year's program shines a spotlight on Latin and South American queer films, including six features and six shorts from Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. I also get the impression that this year's festival favorites films on transgender films, drag culture, and bears (two films bares the name bear).

Frameline's shorts programs never fail to entertain filmgoers. This year, besides the classic "Fun in Boys' Shorts" and "Fun in Gilrs' Shorts," the shorts programs "The Golden Pin" and "Worldly Affairs" offer a few delightful short films.

Boys and girls, and everyone else in between, get ready for a fabulous Frameline34.

Gaysian Features at Frameline34

In comparison, Frameline has not been given strong emphasis on Asian films in its programming. This year, "Spring Fever" (春风沉醉的夜晚) is the only Asian narrative feature. Fortunately, there are a few excellent short films to satisfy your rice craving.

Here is my overview of the Asian feature films at Frameline34.

As usual, film images or film tiles are linked to the Frameline34 that contains the showtime, venue and ticket information.

Spring Fever (春风沉醉的夜晚 | Hong Kong/France 2009 | in Chinese | 100 min.)
Even Chinese director Lou Ye (娄烨) is banned from making film in China because of his previous film "Summer Palace" (颐和园), with hand-held cameras, he makes a new film "Spring Fever" (春风沉醉的夜晚) in Nanjing, China anyway. The film tells a depressing and poignant story about intertwined love affairs among its protagonists.

Although the logic of the plot might collapse under scrutiny and the lighting is frustratingly dark sometimes, the terrific performance, the poetic direction, the beautiful music, and the touchy subject matter makes this film worth seeing.
FIT (UK 2009 | 108 min.)
Based on a play, this electrifying and captivating British drama "FIT" is not necessarily a gay Asian film per se, but the brilliantly engaging performance by Stephen Hoo as Ryan changes that.
A group of high school students (never mind none of them look like one, except Ryan) attend a gay drama teacher's (played by writer/director Rikki Beadle-Blair) dance class. While dancing to Shakespeare (no less), they struggle with sexuality, homophobia, and friendship.

The terrific ensemble performance and catchy hip-hop dance moves might get you up on your feet and "hand out your phone number" to your neighbors in the theater.
Other Nature (तृतीया प्रकृति | Nepal 2009 | 57 min.)
It could not have been a better opportunity to fight for equal right when Nepal is writing a new constitution. Nepal created a third gender in 2007 for transgender people. However, people belong to the third gender do not have the same rights as other citizens, according to a new documentary "Other Nature." The film follows the pilgrimage journey of two third gender human right activists to Muktinath, a temple in the Himalayas.

Regardless if you have faith in believing their praying will actually change the course of equality in Nepal, you will gain a closer look at the struggle of LGBT community in this never rest land.

Gaysian Shorts at Frameline34

As I mentioned in Gaysian Features at Frameline34, there are a few excellent short films to satisfy your rice craving. Here is my overview of the gay Asian shorts at Frameline34.

As usual, film images or film tiles are linked to the Frameline34 that contains the showtime, venue and ticket information.

Just Friends? (친구 사이? | South Korean 2009 | in Korean | 30 min.)
The only Korean film at this year's festival is the tender, sweet, and delightful "Just Friends?" about two young men who are deeply in love. When one serves in the military, the other one packs home baked goodies and pays a visit. Even the director claims to be portraying the true gay life in Korea, it looks more a fantasy. Otherwise, Frameline might just be moving to Korea soon because people will flock to Korea to experience the gay utopia.

"Just Friends?" is part of the shorts program "Worldly Affairs" and its sweetness makes you forgive other shorts in case they are not in your cup of tea.
The Golden Pin (Canada 2009 | 15 min.)
The handsome Long feels the family pressure to marry because he is the only boy left in his family line after his parents escaped from Vietnam to Canada decades ago. That means he has to cut off the love fair with his swimming teammate Ryan. Torn between the family obligation and love, he has to make a decision that echoes his mom's golden pin story.

"The Golden Pin" is the title short film in the wonderful shorts program "The Golden Pin."
Peking Turkey (Canada 2006 | 12 min.)
It is Christmas. Chris brings his white husband Pierre to home to meet with his Chinese parents and his brother Simon. They will announce their marriage over this Chinese household's dining table with a Peking duck and plenty hilarious conversation. "Peking Turkey" is a perfectly crafted comedy. Both Henry Mah (playing Chris's dad) and Anthony Shim (playing Chris's brother Simon) will stay with your memory long after the dinner is over, and Anthony Shim steals the scene every time he gives a punchy one-liner.

"Peking Turkey" is also part of the shorts program "The Golden Pin."
Ajumma! Are You Krazy??? (USA 2009 | 26 min.)
In case you missed this Hawaii flavored comedy "Ajumma! Are You Krazy???" at SFIAAFF a few months ago, Frameline34 offers you another chance to experience the frenzy over a Korean heartthrob's visit to Hawaii.
Three middle-aged women are superfans of a Korean pop star Michael Park (Michael Hsia). After they learn that Michael is coming to Hawaii for a music video production, they try everything to access their idol, despite the fierce competition from some young girls who also fancy him. After this old-school comic short, which could have been made shorter, you might also compete with these ladies. Who knows?

"Ajumma! Are You Krazy???" is the title short film in the shorts program "Are You Krazy?" that contains the funniest short film I have seen so far at Frameline34—"Chico's Angels: 24ish."

Not to Be Missed at Frameline34

Rainbow flags are already flying high along the Market Street, the San Francisco Pride is fast approaching. So does Frameline34. Even there is still about a week to go before Frameline34 begins, some films are already sold out and on rush-only status.

Based on the limited films I have seen, besides films I mentioned in "Gaysian Features at Frameline34" and "Gaysian Shorts at Frameline34," here are few more that are worth seeing.

Undertow (Contracorriente | Peru/Colombia/France/Germany 2009 | in Spanish | 100 min.)
One of the Centerpiece films is Peruvian director Javier Fuentes-León's immensely emotional feature debut "Undertow." In a religious and homophobic fishing village on the gorgeous beach in Peru, Miguel (Cristian Mercado) and his wife Mariela(Tatiana Astengo) are expecting a baby while Miguel is carrying on an affair with an openly gay out-of-town painter Santiago (Manolo Cardona). Miguel is devastated when he is confronted by the reality that he cannot have both lovers like in the good old time. His emotional journey to reach his destination is remarkably genuine and profoundly moving.

With superb performances and an engrossing story, the film wins the Audience Award in the Dramatic World Cinema category at this year's Sundance Film Festival. I am sure this film will touch more hearts and bring out more tears at Frameline34.
I Killed My Mother (J'ai tué ma mère | Canada 2009 | in French | 96 min.)
Winning numerous awards around the globe and selected as Canada's entry for the Academy Awards last year, now 21-year-old writer/director Xavier Dolan's remarkable feature debut "I Killed My Mother" is one of the Showcase films at Frameline34.
The protagonist of this semi-autobiographical film is a 16-year-old Hubert (Xavier Dolan), who is tormented by the alienated relationship with his divorced mother (Anne Dorval). After his mom finds out that he is gay, he is sent to boarding school. The tension between him and his mother gets intensified.

With plenty humor and deep affection, this charming film beautifully depicts the love/hate relationship between a teenager and his mom, who both lack necessary skills to effectively communicate with each other. While we watch their quarrels with a smirk, we also feel their unshakable love to each other that is deeply rooted inside these characters.
All Boys (Poikien bisnes | Finland/Denmark 2009 | in Finnish/English/Czech/German | 72 min.)
Young Eastern Europeans boys have been immensely popular in the gay porn market in the recent years. They are only considered to be young if they are under 20. What are the stories about these boys and those producers and directors? While the documentary "All Boys" is not quite hit the mark to explore the truth behind those glamorous pornographic shots, it tells a chilling and poignant story about a once hot Czech porn star Ruda, who is now homeless and wasting away at garbage dumps, and an American porn producer Dan Komar, who exploits these young boys.

It becomes a harsh reality that only the poorest and most vulnerable young boys become porn stars, and they get paid really cheap when these movies are made overseas. When I look through Ruba's "most beautiful blue eyes," as Komar claims in the film, I see a big sign saying: "Thank you for shopping at Wal-mart."

The A-Team

Obviously, neither the President of the United States nor the CEO of BP has a clue about how to stop the devastating oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico that continues at this very moment. Therefore, before the Superman comes to rescue, they should hire the A-Team. If you have any doubt, just watch this new action and fun packed film "The A-Team" (USA 2010 | 117 min.), in which the A-Team promises to be unbeatable if they are given a little time. Indeed, they are incredible, in the film at least.

Based on a TV series, the film tells the adventure of four U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers who would do anything to prove their innocence after they are framed and put in military prison.

Following a spectacle escape from Mexican drug cartels, the A-Team is assembled to execute a mission in Iraq—to retrieve three billion dollars paper notes that Iraq printed, as well as the plate they used to print the money.

The A-Team consists four outstanding members: the brilliant team-leader Hannibal (Liam Neeson), the charming Face (Bradley Cooper), the heavy fighter B.A. Baracus (Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson), and the crazy Murdock Sharlto Copley.

Of course, they amazingly accomplish the task. However, upon their return, they are arrested and sentenced for some ludicrous charges. Predictably, they will escape, revenge, and get their reputation back. Nothing is impossible, even flying a tank.

The outrageous explosions and violence are almost in every scene of the film, but they still do not overwhelm the witty dialogues and impeccable details about A-Team's thinking-out-of-the-box strategies. Despite the fact that the story line is formulaic (what do you expect when it is a remake?), it is refreshing to see how engrossing and how smart the story unfolds. And, most importantly, the film is immensely entertaining.

Please, Mr. President, hire the A-Team. They will stop the oil leak, with or without the airbags they use in the film. We need the magic the A-Team is able to play. Or, perhaps, we need to escape into this film's fantasy from the horrific reality in the Gulf of Mexico. A-Team is what we need this summer, not the nasty crude oil floating in the ocean.

"The A-Team" opens on Friday, June 11, 2010 at Bay Area theaters.

Catch Me If You Can, in the Mountains

2010-06-13T23:58:00.000-07:00

Upcoming Pride and Frameline34

Wow, it has been a week since Memorial Day weekend. Time flies. Obviously, I have been busy on something else instead of updating this blog, as usual.

Covering Frameline34 is demanding and time consuming. Although I am disappointed at low number of gaysian films at this year's festival, I am delighted with a few films I do enjoy. I am looking forward for another Pride and Frameline34.

Speaking of Pride, I have marched in the parade in the past few years. I feel like taking a break and just enjoy it this year. However, I also feel obligated to march, as someone said in a documentary: "remember, you are not walking for yourselves but for the millions of people around the world who can't."

Therefore, I will be marching on June 27.

Hiking in Marin Headlands

It has been unusually warm during the last couple weeks. I spend most Sundays hiking in Marin Headlands for many hours. I feel alive and vigorous, with a spectacular view of the City.

The wild flowers blossom everywhere. One day, I decided to get to the ground to take a picture of them. Somehow I tripped on the ground, I almost rolled off the cliff. I was a little shaky afterwards and couldn't stop thinking what it would be like if I had fallen.

I think I would be happy even I died there. It's somewhere I enjoy to spend time. What's better is that I am just fine. I continued my journey and even enjoyed a "nap" on the road.

I feel lucky, to be able to enjoy this every week, even risking my life. It's thrilling.

Six Arms

Today, on the hiking trail, Peter mentioned to me that the "Three Heads Six Arms," a sculpture by Chinese artist Zhang Huan installed at Civic Center, has only five arms.

I took a look at the photos I took in the past few weeks, indeed, it has only five arms!

Where did the sixth arm go?

Revisit California Academy of Sciences

Yesterday, after a screening of a wacky comedy "Cyrus," Peter and I went to visit the California Academy of Sciences.

I was excited to Planetarium again, but I was so disappointed that they changed the film from "Fragile Planet" to "Journey to the Stars."

It's quite boring, although I wasn't sleeping, we could all hear somebody's snoring.

A new week is starting. Hopefully I will update before too long.

Wo Ai Ni, Beijing!

2010-05-26T23:29:00.001-07:00

During my trip back to China last February and March, I spent most the time in Beijing (北京).

Although Beijing is not as cold as Harbin, but it was quite chilly when I was there. It even snowed a few times, but that didn't stop me from wandering around the city all the time.

Unless the city is covered with fresh snow, winter is not pretty in Northern cities.

Beijing is no exception, especially with a notorious reputation for its air pollution.

The undertone is grey. Most of the time, the sky is grey, the roads are grey, and the buildings are grey. Automobiles on the roads are covered with dirt and dust. The air smells like burning coal.

Yet, life is as usual and never lacks color when the grey cover is peeled off—come inside.

No matter how hush the air quality might be, as soon as I taste the food, hear the sound, see the people, and be with the family, the nostalgia and homesick sentiment immediately takes over, and makes me forget any inconvenience.

Occasionally, the sky is cleared up. I will never miss an opportunity to go out and take more pictures of the beautiful city when that happens.

Or, at night, Beijing becomes a sea of neon lights.

The best way to capture the lives in the city is to take pictures, a lot pictures. As always, I never go anywhere without my camera. I took thousands of photos during this trip, all with my simple small camera. These are some survived my "delete" key, for now.

There are so many stories behind each photo, I can only let the pictures tell the story themselves.

It's quite obvious that the pace of Beijing life is much slower. People walk slow like those people in Chinatown in San Francisco—they always seem blocking my way on purpose. As a matter of fact, when people leave, instead of saying "Goodbye," most people in Beijing say "您慢走." Its literal translation into English means "you go slowly."

Well, all the slowness is changed when people try to get on a bus, a subway car, a train, or even an airplane. They will fight each other and want to get on first at any cost. I can never understand why suddenly people become in such a hurry.

The transportation system in Beijing is much better than San Francisco in my opinion. They are much more frequent unless there is a bad congestion, which is very common. I think MUNI should go to Beijing to learn how Beijing operates buses and subways, economically and efficiently.

Even I spend a long time in Beijing, I don't get to visit every place I want to go. However, one place I never fail to visit every time I go to Beijing is 798 (798艺术区).

I love this place.

However, compared to the past couple years, I feel 798 Art Zone is not as thriving as it used to be. Many galleries are closed. Many art works are removed, although displayed works are constantly changing at this place. The vibe just isn't there this time.

I hope it's simply a seasonal thing. I hope by the summer time, the scene will turn around.

Yet, the bleak outlook doesn't deter some of the love birds from staging their wedding photos at this unique space. I took a picture when they were posing for their photographer.

Of course, there are still plenty intriguing work on display.

Although it's only less than three months since I left Beijing on March 9th, I feel it has been a long time. I already feel that it's time for me to go back again.

I realize that I ask myself the same question from time to time: "Should I move to Beijing?"

It will be really hard for me to give up the life in San Francisco. I love San Francisco, and I love Beijing too. Every time I visit Beijing, I feel like I am being unfaithful and having an affair, because I put myself into a position that is more than just a visitor—I also leave a piece of my heart to Beijing. And, I keep going back again, and again.

我爱你, 北京!
Wo Ai Ni, Beijing!
I Love You, Beijing!

Food Porn in China

2010-05-24T23:29:00.000-07:00

Food. How can I miss terrific food when traveling in China? It's only fitting to dedicate this entry just for food, to continue my previous entry about Harbin.

Coincidently, I just watched the "301, 302" (삼공일, 삼공이 | South Korea 1995 | in Korean | 100 min.) yesterday. So, I am inspired to cook and write about cooking and food, but not in the Korean way as in the film. Ha ha.

Eating in China is an exquisite and privileged experience.

In China, the vegetables are smaller, fresher, and more favorable compared similar varieties in the US. I think most of the vegetables in the US have been generically engineered for the sake of transportation, storage, and sale—for example, the US manages to grow green peppers in homogenous huge size for the stores to sell them individually, but they taste like paper soaking in water.

One thing I enjoy the most is to go to the famer's market to get fresh vegetables everyday. Some of them are not cheap in the freezing winter—almost the same price as in San Francisco. However, they are fresh and beautiful. Sometimes, I simply cannot get them in the US even I am willing to pay more.

For example, garlic scape (蒜苔) is one of the items that I almost cannot find anywhere in the US, yet, it's everywhere in Beijing. I am full of joy when I stir-fry them to satisfy my craving.

It's one of those comforting food that brings back childhood memories while they are also healthy and delicious, unlike the junk food in fast food joints.

On new Chinese Year's Eve, we cooked many dishes to fill the entire table. That's the holiday spirit, even without the turkey and my own kitchen.

However, I eat out more often than I cook at home, because there are just so many sophisticated dishes that are too troublesome to prepare myself, even with my passion for cooking.

The growing gap between rich and poor in China also reflects in food.

I can find excellent dishes either at very traditional hundred-year-old restaurants or at street vendors at dirty cheap price. I might also easily spend an arm or a leg if I walk into a place next door.

One day at a lunch in a restaurant, I am trying to find out why this meatball (狮子头) costs so much—188 Yuan (about $28) just for this single one small ball. It tastes just like a meatball, really. I probably can cook it just as good, if not better.

Fancy or down to earth, expensive or economy, homemade or restaurant ordered, exotic or ordinary, these foods all give me great pleasure, and my food porn photos serve my deep-fried memory.

During this trip, I didn't had a penis feast like last time when I was in China couple years ago. However, I pretty much get a chance to take care all my desires for food with something delicious in my mouth day after day when I travel in China.

We are what we eat. Yes, I know.

Yes, It's Very Cold in Harbin

2010-05-23T23:54:00.000-07:00

While I am thinking to make another trip to China, I just realize that I am still procrastinating about organizing the pictures I took in February/March in China.

It has been more than two months since I came back. The summer is almost here, even I can never feel that summer heat in San Francisco. Nevertheless, it's a good idea to bring ice and snow back from my visit to my hometown Harbin (哈尔滨).

I went back for the Chinese New Year last February, in a record bitter cold. However, that is one of the best Chinese New Years I ever had—with everybody in the family together on Chinese New Year's Eve, just like the old days. It has not been easy for this gathering to happen.

In Harbin, walking on those familiar yet foreign streets in the cold, I am brought back in time. Vast amount of memories flashback into my mind. Some of them are sweet, some of them are poignant, and some of them are blur. However, all of them are precious.

I enjoy the visit, even the freezing cold gets me from time to time. I am glad to be able to spend some time with family, and childhood friends who I have not seen for a long time. I feel sad when I see some neighborhoods are still as shabby as the old days.

Visiting the Ice and Snow Festival is fun, but it is also a torture. Every time I take a picture, I must immediately put my hands back to my pockets to warm myself up. Otherwise, I feel my fingers are about to fall off my hand.

But, it's spectacular. No place is like Harbin. No experience can substitute a visit to this city that has a unique personality.

The ice room at Shangri-La Hotel is a charming gem. The entire place is made from ice, therefore, it's actually outdoors. Ice wall, ice table, ice bench, ice bar, ice piano, and ice me if I sit on that bench a little longer.

No matter where I will go and where I will end up, I will always have a spot in my heart for my hometown—Harbin. Sure it's cold in the winter, but Harbin warms my heart.

Bay to Breakers and Bad News from China

2010-05-22T00:06:00.000-07:00

Asian Heritage Street Celebration

I don't know how many people in the US are actually aware of that May is the Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (APAHM). It's the law, although it's one that is hard to break.

If one doesn't live in San Francisco, this APAHM is probably even more ignorable. In that regard, I am lucky to live in the City, because not only this month is celebrated with a wide range activities throughout the month in the City, also there is a street fair last weekend.

Although it's nothing out of ordinary, but it's simply awesome to get out and to participate, to support, and to celebrate. And, of course, to be proud.

I couldn't stop giggling when I was taking a picture of them holding this sing. Too bad I didn't have a $20 bill in my wallet, and they don't accept credit card.

And yesterday, May 19, was the National Asian and Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. I bet there are even less people know that such a day even exist.

Bay to Breakers

Last Sunday was the 99th Bay to Breakers (B2B). I decided to skip the hiking in Marin Headlands, but to join the fun in the Golden Gate Park intead.

However, I did something different this year. Although I didn't dress up like a salmon, I still went against the flow, starting from the finish point at the Ocean Beach and walked all the way back to the downtown.

This way, I could see most of the crazy costumes and drunken people. Secondly, I would end up closer to home in the end, because fighting with the drunken crowd on a bus is not an easy task.

Like always, the B2Bers just make me smile. There are a lot creative people with amazing costumes. Certainly, there are also plenty who prefer nothing at all.

It had a blast and I am already looking forward the 100th Bay to Breakers next year!

New Toy

Out of blue, I suddenly want a new toy—a handheld blender, to make sauce and purees. The hand held one seems much easier to clean compared to the regular blender I have. Compulsively, I bought one back right the way.

The first dish I made was a carrot onion soup. I always enjoy this simple but flavorful soup on a chilly day. I also like the orange color and the nutrition I think I will be getting.

I have never made a soup like this before, it's definitely not a Chinese dish. But how difficult can this be? It's almost the simplest thing one can do. Yet, the restaurant can charge around $10 bucks per order.

First, pan seared some carrots and purple onion, with a pinch salt and a little bit oil.

Then move them to a pot and add some more water, bring to a boil, and stick my new toy in it and start to destroy! A few minutes later, I got the perfect soup. Creamy, sweet, and delicious.

With some slow braised bayback ribs, pan seared lotus root, mixed rice, dinner is ready.

More Bad News From China

There have been several gruesome killing innocent children in China recently. There is a report that 13 students are slashed by cleavers in another dormitory rampage. Although no report of casualty yet, two of them are in serious condition.

It's extremely terrifying and sad at the same time. You don't expect people come to your dorm and chop your hands off.

People keep saying this is a mental health issue and characterize those killers as "insane" or "crazy." I beg to differ.

They are not crazy. They are reaching the end of the rope and desperate. Their despair overwhelms them and they want to do something unthinkable to draw some attention.

With the gap between rich and poor in China keeps widening. It has reached to an alarming point that Gini coefficient is 0.47 in China. The economical condition will further result in more social problems.

Remember how the communist party overturned the old government and build the new China? Chairman Mao relied on the vast working classes who had almost nothing and demanded a re-distribution of the wealth.

Will the history repeat itself?

More disturbing news I read the last few days.

A 21-year-old young man jumped off the builder to his death few days ago, and became the 9th worker who tried to commit suicide this year (seven died) at Foxconn Technology Group in Shenzhen, China. I feel very sad for these workers and their families.
and a Chinese professor is sent to jail for organizing sex parties at his own house. How is that Chinese government's business?

However China is having all kinds of problems, I still love China. I hope China can overcome and progress. I find some airline tickets that are less than $600 (round trip). I am so tempting to visit China again this Fall. I should go.

The City of Your Final Destination

What would you expect when a group of Academy Award winners and nominees come together to make a film about an upper-class writer's family affair? If Masterpiece Theatre on PBS comes to your mind, you are probably not too far off when you watch the quiet and good-looking melodrama "The City of Your Final Destination" (USA 2009 | 118 min.), based on a novel by Peter Cameron.

After a renowned writer Jules Gund commits suicide, he leaves a remote farm estate in Uruguay to his family. The family members who live a quiet life on the premises include Gund's widow Caroline (Laura Linney), Gund's mistress Arden (Charlotte Gainsbourg) and their daughter Portia, Gund's brother Adam (Anthony Hopkins), and Adam's lover of 25 years Peter (Hiroyuki Sanada) since Peter was 15.

Gund and his mysterious family become the subject of interest for a Ph.D. graduate student Omar (Omar Metwally) who desperately needs the authorization from the family in order to write a Gund's authorized autobiography. After being denied by the family, Omar is commanded by his bossy girlfriend Deirdre (Alexandra Maria Lara) and shows up at the estate hoping to convince the family to change their mind. Omar's unannounced visit not only disturbs the calm country life, but also ignites love interest in Arden.

The plot certainly lacks the gravitation and credibility. Does anybody care one way or the other how the story might turn out to any of these privileged characters? However, the film is still pleasant to watch due to the great performance from the award winning actors, the gorgeous cinematography, and even the beautiful music scores. Watching Laura Linney's superb acting as Caroline, the masterminded, sharp tongued, yet emotionally traumatized widow, you sense the injustice that Laura Linney still does not have an Oscar even she has been nominated for three times.

The film is like an Academy Award after party which full of the awardees and nominees. The film is directed by the three-time Academy Award nominated director James Ivory; written by two-time Academy Award winning screenwriter Ruth Prawer Jhabvala; played by Academy Award winner Anthony Hopkins, three-time Academy Award nominee Laura Linney, and Academy Award nominee Norma Aleandro; original music by Academy Award winner Jorge Drexler; and collaborated with many more award winning artists.

Let's hope Laura Linney will finally get her trophy this time.

"The City of Your Final Destination" opens on Friday, May 21, 2010 at Bay Area theaters.

MacGruber

It is no easy task to spin off a feature film from Saturday Night Live (SNL) sketches, especially to make the film funny. The fact that SNL has been a sleepy yawn during the last few seasons does not help either. Therefore, it is a bold move to turn a not-so-hyped SNL character MacGruber into a motion picture. The gamble pays off. "MacGruber" (USA 2010 | 99 min.) is a hilarious goofy ball that makes you laugh while make your to shake heads in disbelief.

As the character MacGruber normally does in SNL, this film also needs him to defuse some kind of explosive. This time, it is a missile smuggled from the Russians.

MacGruber (Will Forte) has been "dead" for ten years since his wife (Maya Rudolph) was blown away on their wedding day by Cunth (Val Kilmer), for a reason that will make you laugh. Cunth obtains a nuclear missile from the Russians and plans to blow up the capital on the night of the President's State of Union address. MacGruber is regarded as the most qualified person to take up the saving the nation challenge. He is back to the action from his death and teamed up with straight-faced Lt. Piper (Ryan Phillippe) and his old friend Vicki (Kristen Wiig).

No matter how dangerous the situation is, MacGruber always remembers to take his radio out of his car and carries it around. Probably everybody, not only the guard in the film, gets surprised when the celery stalks are used creatively. Why celery? Although the jokes are sometimes raunchy, offensive, and even outrageous, they are laugh out funny.

Some scenes might have lingered too long to gross out the audience—if you ever get shot, maybe you just want to leave the bullet in your body if you are with Vicki. However, we all know what to expect in this film if we have seen MacGruber on SNL. Adding video game type of violence and shouting out the f-words on the big screen is what SNL can never come to close. Along the way, the film manages to be funny, that is what really counts after all.

"MacGruber" opens on Friday, May 21, 2010 at Bay Area theaters.

Vote NO on Proposition 16

2010-05-15T01:33:00.000-07:00

Election

I got the mail-in ballot for the June election few days ago. I think the whole primary election process is a wasting of tax payer's money—it always have the lowest turn out, and some measures are able to sneak through without the voters' full comprehension. Therefore, I am writing an endorsement for these propositions.

Vote NO on Proposition 13: Limits on property tax assessment for seismic improvement.
If property owners make their house earthquake safe, it increases the value of the house, right? Why shouldn't they pay tax on the increased value? If they don't want to do it because they don't want to increase their property tax, well, don't. See who the loser is when an earthquake strikes.
Vote YES on Proposition 14: Allow voters to vote on all candidates regardless their party affiliation.
The two-party-system is a joke. Many candidates have different views on various issues that are not necessarily belong to a particular party. Why shouldn't everyone choose one they support the most, if we can not eliminate the primary election?
Vote NO on Proposition 15: Allow public money to be spent on the election of Secretary of the State.
It is complicated proposal and sounds fishy to me, it also favors the two big party candidates. If the voters already voted before baring tax money to spend on campaign, keep it that way.
Vote HELL NO on Proposition 16: Require 2/3 voters approval for a public utility company to compete with PG&E.
I have been disgusted by the constant TV ads, not surprisingly paid by PG&E, that misleads the voters about this proposition's true intension. This proposition, which only needs 1/2 voters to pass, will requires 2/3 of voters to make any changes in the futures regarding if we should use clean energy to compete with PG&E. It has nothing to do if voter has the right to say about how the tax dollars should be spent.
Vote NO on Proposition 17: Allow auto insurance to set base rate based on a customer's continuous coverage.
Even I don't have a car, I will not support the insurance's proposal. I will have to be hooked to a particular insurance even I don't like them or I don't have a car for awhile, otherwise, when I return, I have to pay a higher price because I didn't pay them continuously. Absurd.

Vote!

Signature Gathering for Fix MUNI Now

I have been collection signatures for Fix MUNI Now to put a ballot measure on the November election—get rid of the current requirement that the City must pay MUNI employees the second highest in the nation, no matter how lousy the service has become.

Why do they deserve that? Even the socialism doesn't have that kind of guarantee. No wonder the city is so broke.

I actually went to the MUNI budget hearing at City Hall on Wednesday, but I didn't stay long because there are enough people were there blasting the incompetent MUNI service. What is weird is that there is this guy always come to the speaker whenever a public input is called. He will go up there and sing a song about the subject, pretty badly. This is San Francisco. Crazy but never boring.

Fix MUNI now!

Three Heads Six Arms

There is a new art work by Chinese artist Zhang Huan installed in Civic Center Plaza. This is normally seen at 798 in Beijing. It's a three-story high, 15-ton giant "Three Heads Six Arms" Buddha. It's intriguing and in your face loud.

I am sure it will draw more attention when many events are held at Civic Center.

Speaking of events, I will be going there tomorrow (ops, it's Saturday already!) for the annual Asian Heritage Street Celebration. Then on Sunday, it's the 99th Bay to Breakers! I am so there!

The Good, the Bad, the Weird (좋은 놈, 나쁜 놈, 이상한 놈)

Once upon a time, Hollywood begins to shamelessly remake Asian films. Not surprisingly, few of them, if any at all, have exceeded their originals. Otherwise, Hollywood would have created something original at the first place. What to do? How about get a lesson from an Asian director on remaking a film? Inspired by the classic western "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" (Il buono, il brutto, il cattivo | Italy 1966), acclaimed Korean director Kim Jee-woon writes and directs an over the top Korean style western "The Good, the Bad, the Weird" (좋은 놈, 나쁜 놈, 이상한 놈 | South Korea 2008 | in Korean | 130 min.). The film turns out to be anything but a remake. It is utterly original, immensely entertaining, visually rich, laugh-out-loud hilarious, and outrageously exhilarating. It easily takes a spot in this year's top ten films even the year is still young.

The film is set in the Japanese occupied Manchuria in 1930s, where bandits and ethnic clans appear frequently along the railroad tracks. As the title suggests, the film has three protagonists. However, it is not a clear cut about who is the good, who is the bad, although definitely all of them are a little bit weird. The three Korean men are a bounty hunter Park Do-won (Jung Woo-sung) who captures criminals for money, a bandit leader Park Chang-yi (Lee Byung-hun) who wants to be second to no one, and a robber Yoon Tae-goo (Song Kang-ho) who can sneak out just about any crisis unharmed.

The bandit leader Chang-yi is supposed to bring back a map that has been falling into the hands of the Japanese. However, before Chang-yi can lay a finger on the map, it is stolen by the cunning thief Tae-goo, who believes that it shows the location of great treasure. However, Tae-goo is captured by the bounty hunter Do-won. A cat-mouse chasing game begins, joining in by other gangs and the Japanese army with non-stop actions and explosions. Meanwhile, none of them actually knows what that map is for. Well, there is no time to worry about that. Their lives are always attached by a thin line that might break in any second.

The film's is irresistibly captivating and genuinely funny. At the opening of the film, before the film explains who these characters are, they are already shooting at each other on a train. The director understands the confusion we might have, so he uses one of the Chinese clan leader to speak for us—he asks his assistant in Chinese while observing the battle from afar: "Do you know what is going on?" That is the tune of the humor in the film.

Even this is one of the most expensive films ever made in Korean, its $17 millions budget seems a pocket change in a Hollywood production. It deserves to be seen on the big screen in a theater to be fully appreciated for its magnificence, even one has never heard about the film "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly." This is how a remake should be done. Take notes, Hollywood.

"The Good, the Bad, the Weird" opens on Friday, May 7, 2010 at Bay Area theaters.

Mother and Child

The bond between a mother and a child is probably the most profound and universal human relationship. Some mothers experience this bond with their biological children or with their adopted children, and some others suffer the emotional impact after giving their children up for adoption. From the creator of "Six Feet Under" and "Nine Lives," writer/director Rodrigo García's absorbing drama "Mother and Child" (USA/Spain 2009 | 126 min.) carefully depicts this unique human relationship through a few rich and memorable characters and three intertwined stories.

The film's three subplots are all set in Los Angeles. Elizabeth (Naomi Watts) is a young ambitious and smart lawyer who knows how to take control by using not only her intelligence, but also her sex appeal; Karen (Annette Bening) is a bitter and difficult woman who is tormented by the longing to her never-seen daughter who was given up for adoption at birth by her mother decades ago, when Karen was only fourteen years old; Lucy (Kerry Washington) wants to be a mother but is unable to conceive. Out of desperation, she plans to adopt a child from a college student through an adoption agency.

Believe it or not, the three stories are predictably connected to each other, while sharing a common theme related to motherhood and adoption. However, this convenience in plot is easily forgiven due to the strong characters involved in these stories and terrific across-the-board performance. Well written and convincing dialogues also contribute to the success of shaping these remarkable roles.

Each woman in the film has a strong personality. In particular, Annette Bening's character Karen stands out. Her journey to find peace and closure with her past could have easily become sentimental. Yet, Annette Bening's subtle and calibrated acting perfectly holds the character's balance.

Perhaps Rodrigo García already tells enough stories (also intertwined tales about three families) regarding male relationship in his previous film "Fathers and Sons," in this film, he focuses on female relationship in a family, even he does not choose a title like "Mothers and Daughters." Whether between fathers and sons or between mothers and daughters, Rodrigo García's observant studies about the most fundamental human relationship are worth noting.

"Mother and Child" opens on Friday, May 14, 2010 at Bay Area theaters.

Bon Voyage, Kaiwo Maru!

2010-05-09T23:59:00.000-07:00

Wrap up the 53rd SFiFF

The two week long the 53rd San Francisco International Film Festival (SFiFF) came to an end on Thursday night. It was a good time at Castro Theater screening the closing night documentary "Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work" (USA 2010 | 84 min.).

However, the Q&A afterwards with the directors and Joan Rivers herself was even more fun than the film. It was entertaining and hilarious. One Asian guy stood up and told Joan Rivers: "I came all the way from Palo Alto to see you, and I want to tell you that you are my world!" Joan Rivers replied: "An old Jewish woman?" The audience laughed to the floor. I took a photo of her when she was leaving the Castro Theater.

Honestly, I cared less about Joan Rivers before the screening—to me, she was just a rich celebrity who wants to cheat her age with knives slicing on her face again and again. The film changed my perception about her completely. I learned that she is charismatic, funny, energetic, and strong willed woman, who wants to look young and fabulous regardless the cost. That's a strong and unique personality that very few can compare.

I also want to congratulate Fan Lixin for his superb and poignant documentary "Last Train Home" winning the Golden Gate Award in the Investigative Documentary Feature Category.

After the closing night film, I took the bus to the closing night party. I made a mistake to walk through the shabby 6th Street south of Market Street—many homeless looking people loitering on the sidewalks.

I walked as fast as I could, kept an eye on my surroundings. I was nervous, especially after recent attacks on Asians by black people, and almost all of these people happen to be black.

Perhaps I walked too fast, I didn't get to stop right the way to pickup my film festival badge on my neck that I forgot to put away after the film screening. A black guy on the sidewalk picked it up and ran away with it#&8212;he must have thought there were money in it. No, only the closing night party ticket and my business cards. Although I had no trouble to get in the party even I lost the ticket, I am still annoyed by the episode. What a pathetic group of thugs.

I will remember to avoid that part of the town in the future, as well as Oakland.

I Want to Dance

Saturday was very windy, but that didn't prevent me and thousands of others from sitting at the Yerba Buena Gardens to enjoy the opening performance of the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival—Nā Lei Hulu I Ka Wēkiu.

The performance is charming and contiguous. It makes me want to dance so badly. Before I find a class, I think I will check out some DVDs from the library to learn some hula moves. Actually, during the performance, the director Patrick Makuakāne taught us a few movements and everybody joint the dance. Terrific experience.

The closing song is "I Left My Heart In San Francisco." The elegant movement and soothing music melts my heart. I shoot a video of it, and I will upload to Youtube tomorrow.

Bon Voyage, Kaiwo Maru!

When I heard that the Kaiwo Maru (海王丸) was coming to San Francisco, I wanted to check it out. I am not sure why, but I simply feels this ship is fascinating.

Kaiwo Maru's three day visit to the city is to commemorate the voyage of the Kanrin Maru (咸臨丸), the first Japanese to visit to the United States 150 years ago.

Anticipating many people to visit the ship, I decided to check it out on Friday evening to see if it would be worth to stay in line in case the line is long. Even in the dark, it shows magnificent beauty. I was determined to come to board the ship on Saturday.

I am so right—the tour of the ship is immensely enjoyable. With limited English, the sailors were able to tell me many details about the lives on the ship. As always, I took quite a few pictures on the ship.

In fact, I liked the ship so much that I decided to come back to send it off today. I feel the ship is my newly met best friend.

It's another sunny day today. I came to Pier 27 to see the ship and sailors, mostly young Japanese students, one more time. The sailors were busy on getting ready to leave the port. When finally the ship started to move, the sailors performed a special ceremony called manning the yards.

It was spectacle! It's amazing to see how brave these young men are. They climb to the top of the mainmast, about 160 feet tall, so fast. They spread out entirely on the yards and say goodbye to us, to the city, and to the US.

I am surprised how emotional I was—I was actually in tears, as if a good friend suddenly leaves me, and I know I will not see him for a long time, if ever again. I shot a video of this deeply moving episode until my memory card was full. I will load the video tomorrow as well.

It was nice to meet you, Kaiwo Maru! Bon Voyage!

Dinner

I didn't go to hiking today because of the windy condition, the changed MUNI schedule, and the Kaiwo Maru's departure. That gave me some extra time to shop some groceries. I bought some fresh halibut neck and cooked dinner, with some lotus root, pine nuts, eggplant, and mixed rice.

I also stir-fried some bitter melon. Not sure if it will help to fight my allergy. I hope so.

Breakfast with Me

2010-05-01T23:07:00.000-07:00

I woke up with the aroma from my mixed rice porridge—I set the timer of my rice cooker last night so I can have a fresh porridge in the morning. I got up and pan-seared marinated pork and potato with some pine nuts, cut some orange and mixed with some pomegranate, peeled one boiled salty egg I marinated, made a pot of puer tea (普洱茶), toasted two small rolls. There is my hearty breakfast.

Today is Labour Day. There was a march in downtown that lasted till the afternoon, although it turns into a protest to Arizona's new law regarding illegal immigrants. I wonder if San Francisco is the only city that actually celebrate this "Labour Day," or "International Worker's Day."

I did not go downtown to check the march or protest. It's a gorgeous day: warm, sunny, but a little breezy. After my satisfying breakfast, I went to the gym. I need to burn off any calories that my body doesn't need in order to keep me alive.

Afterwards, on a beautiful day like this, I decided to take a break from the on-going the 53rd San Francisco International Film Festival. I went to visit de Young Museum.

I have seen most of the works there. However, I did find a few new items interesting. I wonder if my butt will get wet if I sit on this chair. Of course, I didn't sit on it.

Another intriguing work is made from photos. But, it was poorly installed in the room, which has another very bright work on the opposite of the wall. It makes a huge glares on this piece. So, I decided to put myself into this work as well, right on top of that glaring spot.

I was going to vent some frustration about the oil spill in the ocean, the hate crimes toward Asians in the Bay area, the tax dollar hogs in the city, the outrageous MUNI service cut next week, the devastating another attack on school children in China...

However, that will be just build up some negative energy inside me and I become angrier. Life is to short to be angry and bitter about the world. Instead, I will let it go and do what I do have control. For example, sing a song, sign a petition, cook a meal, take a hike, and win a lottery.

Tomorrow, it will be another beautiful day. I will go hiking first in the morning, go to Castro for a movie, then cook a wonderful dinner, finish writing a film review, and perhaps catch another film...

The Dream Shall Never Die

2010-04-25T23:36:00.000-07:00

What a fantastic weekend!

It's like a carbon copy from last weekend, only more sunshine and warmer. I didn't go hiking last weekend because I was trying to catch this annual Cherry Blossom Festival Parade. Since I have seen it almost every year, my camera was a little focused this year.

Due to the travel, rain, parade etc, I have not been to Marin Headlands for quite some time. Today, there is no more excuse not to take a hike in a beautiful weather like this.

Obviously, no matter how many times I go to Marin Headlands, never enough. Actually I was there yesterday, not by bus though. I took a pose on the top of the hill when it was a little cooler. Obviously, I have been neglecting my yoga practice for too long.

On the bus going there, I read the heartbreaking story about that gay penguin, Pepper. Pepper was dumped last year by his not so faithful gay-turn-straight ex-boyfriend Harry, who ran away with a widow Linda. It's even more dramatic and traumatizing than a Korean drama! I have to admit, even though it's such a sad story, I giggled on the bus reading it. As soon as I get on the trail, Pepper is no longer in my mind.

The mountain is extremely green due to all the rain we have got last few months. Today is warmer than yesterday on the ocean front. The air is crispy fresh, even it's almost a very hot day. Wild flowers are competing with each other for their beauty, scent, and color. Even my allergy that tortured me last week seems retreat in front of the nature. Perhaps I am only allergic to indoor environment.

I pass a big mushroom next to the trail. I have no idea if it's eatable or not, so all I could do is to take a picture.

It took me only a little over an hour to finish the 5 plus mile trail with up and down hill. I think by tomorrow my butt will be sore, the good kind.

When I arrived home, I saw the building next to my apartment is having an open house for all the units they just built in its four story building. I went in, and took a tour. Very nice! On the top floor, they have the similar view as my apartment, only all brand new and modern appliances.

Since I didn't have $1.3 million in my pocket to get the key for a unit, I came back to my apartment and cooked dinner to wrap up this beautiful weekend.

I pan seared some potato and eggplant. They are so simple yet absolutely exquisite. I have to cook them again.

I have finished a big jar of kimchi. It will be a crime if I throw away the juice in the jar. I made a pot of pork stew with it tonight in my clay pot, with some carrots, potato, and frozen tofu.

My day is definitely complete, with or without the $1.3 million.

Now, I am going to dream about my lottery ticket will win next Tuesday, so I can cook the dinner in the next building overlooking where I just hiked during the day... the dream shall never die.

Silky Tofu, 味道好极了!

The 29th San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival

One Voice (USA 2009 | 84 min.)

The House of Suh (USA 2010 | 90 min.)

Summer Pasture (USA/China 2010 | in Tibetan | 85 min.)

I Wish I Knew (海上传奇 | China 2010 | in Chinese | 125 min.)

Open Season (USA 2011 | 57 min.)

Bi, Don't Be Afraid! (Bi, đừng sợ! | Vietnam/France/Germany 2010 | in Vietnamese | 90 min.)

Dance Town (댄스타운 | South Korea 2010 | in Korean | 95 min.)

The Piano in a Factory (钢的琴 | China 2010 | in Chinese | 107 min.)

Dooman River (두만강 | China 2010 | in Korean | 89 min.)

The Man from Nowhere (아저씨 | South Korea 2010 | in Korean | 119 min.)

The Fourth Portrait (第四張畫 | Taiwan 2010 | in Chinese | 102 min.)

When Love Comes (當愛來的時候 | Taiwan 2010 | in Chinese | 109 min.)

From the Mountains, to the Sex on the Beach

Happy the Year of Bunny!

What happened to the color "red?"

Top Ten Films in 2010

Hello, 2011!

Happy Hilidays!

More Pictures from China Trip

Eat in Beijing

Eat in Beijing:

Singin' in the Rain

Photos from Vacation in Beijing

Giants' Parade

Undie, Giant, and 保钓!

Time to Vote!

California State Election: Officials

California State Election: Propositions

San Francisco 2010 Propositions

Eating Healthy

Hiking During Labor Day Weekend

Foggy Summer Welcomes Machete

Trip to Vancouver

A Few Reviews

End of an Era

Party, Hiking, Art, FIFA, Observant, and Alien

Recap of 4th of July

Busy at Work

7974

Being Observant

Little Boy and His Bus Pass

Shitty Advice

Fisher Collection

FIFA Final

Who Murdered Robert Wone

Another Birthday, Another Pride

Is Vandalism An Human Instinct?

From YNOT at the Movies

Catch Me If You Can, in the Mountains

Upcoming Pride and Frameline34

Hiking in Marin Headlands

Six Arms

Revisit California Academy of Sciences

Wo Ai Ni, Beijing!

Food Porn in China

Yes, It's Very Cold in Harbin

Bay to Breakers and Bad News from China

Asian Heritage Street Celebration

Bay to Breakers

New Toy

More Bad News From China

Vote NO on Proposition 16

Election

Signature Gathering for Fix MUNI Now

Three Heads Six Arms

The Good, the Bad, the Weird (좋은 놈, 나쁜 놈, 이상한 놈)

Bon Voyage, Kaiwo Maru!

Wrap up the 53rd SFiFF

I Want to Dance

Bon Voyage, Kaiwo Maru!

Dinner

Breakfast with Me

The Dream Shall Never Die