Another good movie: The blind side

Today I saw another good movie: The blind side.

It was based on a true story. I believe the movie has been modified to make it more "dramatic", but I think it is a really touching story.

How many minority children or youth could find someone who is willing to give them a hand? to give them a chance for a different?

Of course they need to work hard themselves as well.

In this story, both helpers and the one who being helped had a good heart. Therefore the story had a good ending.

Sandra Bullock earned an Oscar by this film. I think she did her job well in this film.

A-Team: a really enjoyable movie

I have been longing for watching this movie since I knew the production of this movie and I expected very much after I saw the trailer.

Tonight, I went to the theater and I really enjoyed the movie.

It was very funny. Although I did not remember much about the original TV series, I think the movie kept the original spirit but also paid attention to how to attract new audiences.

In short, a really good team.
I am almost sure that there will be at least one sequel.
I'm looking forward to seeing the A-team again.

20100506 Keukenhof

From March to May, the famous Dutch scenic spot Keukenhof is open to the public. It was very popular. Various colors and kinds of tulips, and some other flowers, such as Narcissus, constitute a beautiful view. Pictures say more than words. Just look at the pictures.

20100317-19 Paris

20100317 Rotterdam to Paris
After around 3 months, I took Thalys to Paris again. But this time I was alone.

The first impression was "hot". Paris was around 16C. I wore too much.
After leaving luggage at hotel, I went to Bibliotheqe nationale de France(密特朗國家圖書館). I wanted to visit it when I saw its picture few year ago. It was a long trip from my hotel to it, crossing Paris downtown. It has 4 tall L-shape buildings, like opened books. But it was not as tall as I imagined. It has lower levels, which are under the plaza. I saw the interior, the bright, quiet, and open space that people could enjoy their reading there. When standing on the plaza, I heard noises made by hundreds of birds flying around trees in the middle yard of the library. It's really an astonishing image that among those building, which are made by concrete and glass, are old trees, which are taller than 10 meters. I could imagine that people who sit inside and look outside, they may feel that they are in a forest. This library really makes me amazed.

Then I had dinner in a restaurant nearby. It sales natural, fresh, and ready foods. I had a cup of carrot soup and a pizza with spanize, bacon and goat cheese. Soup was really good. And the pizza, the first bite was not bad. But the special taste of goat cheese became more and more obvious. I think it was too strong to me, but I was still happy that I tried.

Then I walked to Chinatown. It was much longer than I expected. And I needed to climb up to the hill. When I nearly gave up, I finally arrived. It was late, and I didn't have much time to explore it. I went to a shopping center to buy some food for my breakfast. The shopping center is surrounded by tall resident buildings, and there are many Chinese around the area. The shopping center and the surrounding made me feel that I was in HK. I hope next time I would have time to explore this area. I like to see differences among Chinatowns in different countries.

Then a long trip back to the hotel.




20100318 Musee d'Orsay--> Musée de l'Orangerie des Tuileries --> Centre Georges Pompidou

I decided to visit 3 museums in one day. First destination is Musee d'Orsay. I took the metro to metro station Tuileries, and walked across the garden and the river to the museum. It took me more than half an hour waiting to enter the museum(timing is important, when I left around 2, no need to wait). It was a pity that it was not allowed to take photos in the museum. Because it was under renovation, many masterpieces of impressionism are located along a long, narrow gallery. It was very crowded. Several works had been in Taiwan before. I still prefer Monet's work. On the opposite gallery, there are works of Millet, Van Gogh, Gauguin, Courbet,and Manet. Millet's most famous works, are here, such as 拾穗, 晚禱, and 牧羊女. Van Gogh's 午睡,奧維的教堂 are displayer. Some paintings are on loan for exhibition. But it is really amazing to see many famous paintings in a single museum. That's why so many visitors.

After leaving Orsay, I walked to 駐法台北代表處, which is really close to the museum. It became a scenic spot because it was the apartment of 千秋 and 野田妹 in Paris in 交響情人夢電影版. I haven't watched the movie, but I like the drama.

Then I walked to Musée de l'Orangerie. Some impressionism paintings are here. There are some Modigliani's works. The most famous collection here is Monet's water lily series. There are two oval rooms, around the wall are 4 water lily paintings. Sitting in the middle, watching the paintings with natural sun light, I felt that I was in the natural, surrounded by waters, with mild wind. Very comfortable feeling.

Leaving the museum, walking in garden Tuileries, enjoying the nice view and weather, how wonderful Paris is in spring!

Before entering Pompidou, I had an Opera(a cake) for tea time. It was a little too sweet. At 6th floor of Pompidou, visitors could enjoy the city view of Paris. I saw Montmartre and Notre Dame. I hope one day I could sit in the restaurant at 6th floor to enjoy food and view. The collection of Pompidou are contemporary arts. Picasso, Miro, Matisse, Duchamp and Kandinsky. There is also renovation here so collections after 1945 are closed. At 4th floor are modern female artist exhibition. Various kinds of art are displayer. I have to say I do not really understand the modern art.

I had dinner in a restaurant next to Pompidou. It is a self-served restaurant. Pick what you like. I had a steak, fries, and salads. I enjoyed it.I came back to hotel around 8pm. I was exhausted but fulfilled. All museums are worth visiting.




20100319 Eiffel Tower--> Universitie Paris III and VI --> Galleries Lafayette --> Paris Nord --> Rotterdam

Last time I saw Eiffel Tower at night. So this time I wanted to see it in the daytime. The tower with the blue sky and green in the Mars garden together was a fascinating picture. Then I went to Universitie Paris III and VI. It was a pity that I could only see the exterior. Then I walked along the Seine river to see Pont Neuf(the new bridge, in fact it was the oldest bridge across the Seine) and the Art Bridge next to it. Next time I'd like to take the river boat to enjoy the view. Then I passes by the Paris Opera House to Galleries Lafayette. I had lunch there. It was delicious and I could see Eiffel Tower from my seat. It was a pity that I had no much time because it was on promotion. I only bought small cakes at Lafayette Gourmet(buy one get one free).

The way back was not that good. First, the train was late. Passengers were impatient and rushed to board on the train. The unclear instruction made many people boarded on the wrong train. And finally, it left after half an hour delay. Then I went back with 3-day happy memories.

Next time I want to visit 凡爾賽宮, 巴比松和楓丹白露.

Monga艋舺-何謂義氣?

千呼萬喚 終於盼到了這部電影

從蚊子的角度 看80年代的艋舺的黑道文化
因為一隻雞腿的緣故 蚊子加入了"廟口" 他一直不懂為何要這樣打打殺殺
他只是開心有了朋友 有了結拜的兄弟 常常掛在大家嘴邊的義氣 到底是甚麼 好像對他也不是那麼重要
慢慢的 他開始了解真正的黑道世界
最終捲入了黑道地盤的爭奪
一同結拜的兄弟 竟然倒戈相向
到傷重倒地 才了解自己所謂的義氣 其實就是友情

和尚 一個真正具有才能的人 他看清一切 卻放不下對志龍的情感
也因為他心中還有友情
所以沒有作絕 最後死在他最重要的人手中

兩位主角演出還OK 但我覺得還不夠深刻
陳漢典的角色我覺得詮釋的不錯
豆導和馬如龍的大哥 自然是氣勢十足

片中艋舺的街景
還有燈紅酒綠的寶斗里
在那塊地方
多少人上演著他們的故事

年少的友情是最純真美好的
當參雜入了利益及其他情感糾葛
當年結拜時的義氣
也就一去不回

出乎我意料的身世梗
或許在續集中會有用處吧

不是那麼喜歡這個題材
我的評價是3.5
國片還是要支持的啦

Recently watched Chinese movies

Watched several Chinese movies recently. Almost all worth watching.

My rating(1~5):
葉問: 4
整部戲節奏流暢 甄子丹的詠春拳自然是最大賣點 因為詠春比較柔 所以感覺不會非常暴力 加上偶爾的一點幽默 讓這部戲感覺非常舒服

殺破狼: 3.5
這是舊片了 因為看完葉問 很想再看武打片 就決定看這部黑暗 打得很暴力的片
甄子丹 洪金寶 吳京 真的看得很過癮 任達華的文戲增添了這部片的可看性
不過黑暗的調性讓我不會特別想再看

建國大業: 4
慶祝PRC建國60周年大戲 賣點就是巨星雲集
雖然有美化毛主席的感覺 但這是一個了解抗戰之後到大陸風雲變色之間幾年的歷史的好機會
唐國強和劉勁是毛主席和周恩來專業戶 精彩表演自不在話下
相比之下 張國立的蔣介石似乎比較沒有抓到神韻
我覺得陳坤的蔣經國還不錯 但是好像還不夠冷?
這部看明星就值得了

聽說: 4
有一段時間PTT上常見到有人說: 聽說"聽說"很好看
親情 夢想 加上淡淡的愛情
的確是一部令人溫暖的小品

不能沒有你: 5
這部一定要推
一個沒受過甚麼教育 在社會底層掙扎 一心一意只有養活自己和女兒的父親
想要爭取女兒的戶籍 卻被公務員當皮球踢來踢去
徬徨無助 到最後走向極端
最後一幕 父女重逢 那個畫面真的讓人鼻酸
很佩服戴導和陳文彬
令人難過的是 這可是真實事件
的確公務員都應該看看

瘋狂的賽車: 4.5
最近看的最好笑的片子 如同蓋瑞奇的偷拐搶騙一樣有多條主線同時進行 彼此相關 我喜歡這種片子
金馬影帝黃渤在片中的一臉衰相 正暗示他在片中多舛的命運
九孔不計形象代價的演出 讓他晉身億萬票房巨星 在片中被整得最慘的其實是他
戎祥和高捷的台灣黑幫兄弟 是另一條主線 加上兩個笨賊 一群警察
彼此命運交錯 構築出這個瘋狂的片子
絕對推薦

風聲: 4
故事很簡單 一群有間諜嫌疑的人被關在一起 邊接受審問 邊互相猜忌誰是內鬼
這種類型的片子必須靠演員的演技撐起來 才有戲劇張力
演員表現都很不錯
在這部片中我認為李冰冰演得比周迅好 金馬影后實至名歸
最令人驚艷的是蘇有朋 我以前並不認為他會演戲 這次戲分不是太多 但展現出截然不同的風貌
張涵予依然是硬漢
因為我看之前已經知道誰是內鬼
如果不知道 看的過程應該會更有趣

十月圍城: 3
之前PTT上一片好評 讓我非常期待
前面帶出各個人物的性格 還有促使他們加入保護國父行列的原因(雖然有的理由實在有點牽強)
後面應該是緊張刺激的動作戲 殺手和護衛的一波波過招 但看完的感覺 卻覺得有點虛
整個節奏好像怪怪的 而且這種刺殺實在是太誇張了
還有一點比較不能忍受的
說實在的 既然背景在香港 用廣東話比較正常
要說國語也行 但曾志偉和梁家輝的是香港腔國語讓我不太能入戲
令人驚艷的 是謝霆鋒
王學圻的表演有一定水準 但我認為還是梅蘭芳裡的十三燕最好
黎明 讓我想嘆氣
對我而言 這部so so


題外話: 本想看刺陵 但如狂潮般的負評讓我卻步 怕看了會對不起自己

Winter Vacation III- Barcelona(20100103-06)

Jan-03-10
We flew from Paris Orly to Barcelona airport. The first impression of Barcelona was good because of the new airport terminal. We took shuttle bus, which took less than half an hour, to downtown Barcelona. The hotel room was nice, much better than that in Paris, and also cheaper.
It was Sunday evening, no many shops were open. Walking on the wide and quiet streets, with temperature around 10, was very comfortable. We had dinner in a Chinese restaurant nearby. It only cost us 13.5 euro to have five dishes(春捲, 雙冬炒牛肉, 杏仁雞 were good).
We both agreed that we liked Barcelona.




Jan-04-10
Our first stop was Casa Batllo--a Gaudi's masterpiece. From the entrance to the roof and backyard, everywhere you could find Gaudi's creativity. No one would deny he was a genius after seeing his works.

We had lunch in a restaurant nearby. We had toasts with tomato sauce as starter, which is typical Spanish. My lamb and chicken grill and Henry's pig feet were both delicious. And I love my dessert--the homemade truffles. Spanish people quite enjoy their life. They had their lunch elegantly, no rush at all. Starter, main dish and then drink and dessert would be a complete menu.

We went Sagarada Familia--another Gaudi's masterpiece. The large cathedral was still under construction. 100 years ago, no one, including Gaudi himself could expect it would take so long to complete. Its complex exterior decorations could reflect Gaudi's religious passion. For the interior, Gaudi was intended to make people feel in the forest. Pillars are like trees keep stretching up. The exhibition inside showed us how Gaudi was good at catch ideas from the Nature and also good at geometry. We took lift up to the tower. There we could enjoy the city view of Barcelona, and also took at a look of ongoing construction. And then we need to walk down--using spiral stairs, narrow and dark. I could tell that Gaudi definitely loved spiral stairs. This ambitious work would be completed around 2040. I feel that Gaudi treated his works as huge sculptures, putting all he thought on them.

We went to see another Gaudi's work--Casa Mila. And decided to have dinner at the same Chinese restaurant. It was open because we were too early. Dinner time here is around 8pm. Life pace here was much slower compared to other European countries I have been. Life expense was also lower. Weather here was much nicer than the Netherlands. Barcelona is really a good place to live.




Jan-05-10
After we booked the tour at 2pm at Palau De La Música Catalana, we went to the port. It was my first time to see Mediterranean Sea. It was a pity that it was raining, or the view will be prettier with the sunshine. There was a monument of Columbus. We walked along La Rambla, the famous entertainment area. Casa Guell was also here. Also a Miro's work, a mosaic on the pavement. There was art everywhere in Barcelona.

The one-hour tour at Palau De La Música Catalana was a great experience. At first we saw a 13-minute video, including a short history introduction and many artists' talks about how they felt when they stood on the stage. The concert hall was amazing. The stained glass ceiling could make natural light penetrate. The decorations were all meaningful, connecting Catalan music with music all over the world. On the stage there were 18 muses, upper half sculptured and lower half mosaic, with instruments from all over the world. The sound of pipes could tell the wonderful sound effect. One day, I want to enjoy a concert here, in such a amazing concert hall. The architect was Montaner(finally not Gaudi). But there were common elements between two architects' works--sunlight,ventilation, and natural elements.

We had tapas(snacks) at a cafe right opposite to the Palau. Then we went to Museu Picasso.(How many artists were Spanish?) The museum contained most of his early works. Picasso's talent was recognized at his teens. You could easily tell the transformation of his works at different periods. The series I liked the most is the recreation and reinterpretion of Velasquez's masterpiece "Las Meninas".

After leaving the museum we coincidentally saw a parade. Then we had dinner at another Chinese restaurant. Then we went to La Rambla again.There were so many people there. Night life at La Rambla just began.


Jan-06-10
We took Funicular railway first then switched to cable car up to the castle at Montjuic. The view was great, and the sunlight made it even greater. Blue sea and blue sky at port. The opposite was hills and mountains. Between was Barcelona downtown. Sagarada Familia was right in the middle.

It's time to say goodbye to Barcelona. We both like Barcelona very much. After 2 hour delay because Schiphol was closed due to snow, we finally flew back and got home. I missed the beautiful sunshine there.