Children of Heaven (1998)

I cried watching most parts of this movie. The plot is very simple, but will leave a lot of things for us to ponder.

Nine-year old Ali takes his younger sister's shoes to be mended by the cobbler. On the way back home, he somehow lost the shoes. Knowing that his parents would be upset and do not have any money to buy his sister, Zahra, a new pair of shoes, he keeps the matter from his parents. To solve this problem, Ali asks Zahra to wear his sneakers to school in the morning, while he wears it to school in the afternoon. In that way both of them can still go to school. Ali then finds out that a marathon tournament will be held in the town. He promises Zehra that he would win the third place to get a pair of new shoes for her.


What amaze me the most in this movie is how mature Ali and Zehra are. Growing up in a poor family, both of them know how to not let their parents feel sad and upset. Ali is a responsible brother, looking after his family at such a young age. He knows it was his fault, and he is not hesitate to apologize from his sister. He gives Zehra a pencil, and then a pen (that he gets from his teacher for getting a high mark in a test) to make her happy. Looking at the other students who wear nice shoes, Zehra is sad that she has to wear her brother sneakers to school. She also has to run everyday after school to meet with Ali and give him the sneakers. But she endures it, so that her parents are happy. I believe a normal little girl would have thrown a tantrum if she has to do that.


They are indeed the children of heaven.


Some of us are so lucky. We have many shoes that sometimes we can't choose which one to wear. But, we have to realize that in some parts of this world, people are struggling to survive and some people can't even afford to buy a pair of shoes. 


10/10. Love it so much.

2012 (2010)

I really like this movie. Although the science in it is very exaggerated, but the film is still enjoyable. After all this is a story that brings all the worst-case scenarios together, so some unbelievable, hypothetical, and exaggerated scenes are unavoidable. 

The Earth is acting strangely lately. Earthquake, hurricanes, and several other disasters occur around the globe. While the majority of people are not aware of what is happening, several keen observers, scientists, and average citizens know that the world's leaders are building ships to survive the catastrophe. However, not everyone has the chance to be on the ships. 

Government conspiracy + natural disaster + human will to survive = an awesome movie

8/10 

Royal Peanut Mochi

This evening I bought a box of mochi from an International Market. Mochi is a Japanese rice cake made of glutenous rice. They are also common in Hawaii, South Korea, Taiwan, and some other places. The one that I bought were made in Taiwan.

Talking about mochi, I remember Shin Chan and Doraemon ate them in some episodes of Crayon Shin Chan and Doraemon.

This is a mochi with peanut filling. Besides peanut, there is also mochi with red bean filling at the store. I like it so much because it is sweet but not too sweet. Before this, I have also eaten mochi without any filling in it. It seems that there are indeed, many kinds of mochi.

The Great Match (2006)

This is by far, one of the most interesting and entertaining movies that I have ever seen. One that do not leave me with any regret.

It was the day of the 2002 FIFA World Cup finale. While some people have the opportunity to watch it easily, it is not the case for others. Three groups of people from three different parts of the world - the Mongolian nomads, the Sahara travelers, and the Amazon Indians, try their best to make sure that they don't miss the highly anticipated match between Brazil and Germany.

http://ekjon-cinemaal.blogspot.com/2009/03/la-gran-final2006.html

I was so excited when I watched this movie because I did watch the 2002 World Cup on TV and I still remember how great Micheal Ballack and Oliver Kahn were during the games =)

This movie is so hilarious and it is rich with culture. I found the Mongolian nomads very cute, and I had the same impression of the Mongolian when I watched "Babies", which is a documentary about how babies grow up in different parts of the world.

I would say that the Amazon Indians are the most funniest characters in this movie. They'll do anything to watch the match from stealing the cable to climbing up the tree for reception.

The Sahara travelers are funny as well, they'll argue about everything. But it is really amazing to see how people interact/deal with each other to survive.

Overall, 9.5/10.

Internal Affairs (2002)

An angel disguises as a devil and a devil disguises as an angel. 

Who do you think would win the deduction war?

This story is about a police undercover who infiltrates a gang to uncover their crime, and a gang member who joins the police force to assist the gang's activities. The police department and the gang later finds out that there is a spy within their organization. Therefore, they have to find out the identity of the mole and the cop.

This is one of the best deduction/game theory film that I have ever seen.
It gave me the same feeling that I had when I watched "Death Note" where you don't know who would make a move, and what move would he make.
It's so interesting.

There are so many familiar faces in this movie and that just makes me feel so excited - Andy Lau, Tony Leung(ftw!!!), Eric Tsang, Edison Chen, Sammy Cheng, Kelly Chen, and some others whose names I don't know.

The ending is unexpected to me. I don't really like it, but it is not bad either, not lame at all.
To those who like lame, normal ending like me, there is an alternative ending available in the VCD.

Overall 9.5/10.

I shouldn't be watching movies right now, with all the assignments that is waiting to be completed and submitted. But this movie is worth to be reviewed.

Adinda

Lagu ni... best sangat~

I'm Sorry I Love You (2004)

5. I'm Sorry I Love You (2004)

A man who was adopted by a couple and grew up in Australia comes back to Korea to look for his biological mother. With only three months left to live, he has to use his time wisely. However, hatred, jealousy, and misunderstanding make it difficult for this poor lonely man to live up his remaining days. Fortunately, there is a kindhearted girl who is always by his side.
 

Found this while looking for pictures related to I'm Sorry I Love You. So cute.

I like this drama primarily because it is different from the other Korean dramas. Besides romantic love, this drama also focuses on the mother-son love, which I really like. The ending is acceptable. (7/10)

The Vineyard Man/The Man in the Vineyard (2006)

4. The Vineyard Man/The Man in the Vineyard (2006)

A city girl has to live in the countryside and work in the vineyard for a year before she could inherit the lands from her grand uncle. At first she hates it, but as she learns the hardship and happiness of farming, she begins to treasure her days in the vineyard.

Love it. Many of my friends do not like the lead actor because he is not handsome. I have to disagree with them, I think the lead actor is attractive and he suits the character very well. (8/10)

Couple or Trouble/Fantasy Couple (2006)

3. Couple or Trouble/Fantasy Couple (2006)

An arrogant heiress meets a poor handsome plumber in several unfortunate incidents that leave them hating each other. The heiress then loss her memory in an accident. Taking advantage from this situation, the plumber plans to teach her a lesson by assuring her that she is his girlfriend, and that she needs to baby sit his three nephews.

Not many of my friends like this drama. I'm not sure why. I think this drama is so refreshing and entertaining. Some people question the ending but I actually like it. (8/10)

Coffee Prince (2007)

2. Coffee Prince (2007)

A girl, due to her rough appearance, is mistaken for a guy and hired to work in a coffee house. The girl and the owner of the shop then fall in love, but both of them can't admit it since the girl is afraid of losing her job, while the boss is afraid of being gay.

Love it so much. I usually hate females who pretend to be males in drama because they are usually rubbish, but Yoon Eun Hye did a very good job in this drama. She's so natural. The drama is a bit dull in the middle because the conflicts are being dragged for too long. But I think overall, it is entertaining. (7/10)

My Name is Kim Sam-Soon/My Lovely Sam Soon (2005)

It's been a while since I wrote something about Korean drama/movie.
Although I prefer to watch Japanese dramas than Korean dramas because they are usually shorter, I actually prefer Korean drama than Japanese dramas when it comes to cinematography.
Korean dramas/movies are usually very clear while the Japanese dramas/movie usually look gloomy.
Here are some of my favorite Korean dramas in no particular order (be advised that my taste is sometimes weird, not all people will love my selection of dramas).

1. My Name is Kim Sam-Soon/My Lovely Sam Soon (2005)

What will happen when a young, rich, successful, and handsome man falls in love with an unattractive, but kindhearted and unique woman who is a few years older than him?

I watched this drama twice, and I love it both time. I always root for the supposedly 'unattractive' and 'hopeless' leading actress. I think this kind of character is very interesting. The ending is a bit loose though, but still, it is enjoyable. (7/10)

With Love (1998) II

The internet connects us all.

With Love, Teruterubozu.

I just finished watching this drama again. Really like it.

It is so full of hope. It shows how normal people doing normal office jobs are also important human being that have feelings that need to be treasured.

The only thing that I don't like about this drama is the part where Hata-san and Teruterubozu reciting their e-mails. That was so anti-climax, and not to forget, nagai!!!

Oh yes, the opening song is catchy. I think this is what I remember the most about this drama when I was little. 

Detective Conan 15th Movie

Quarter of Silence

Coming soon.

With Love (1998)

It's a wonder how some things remain in our mind for a very long time.

I still remember, when I was a kid, I like to watch Japanese dramas on TV.
One of them that I still remember until now is the drama 'With Love' starring Tekenouchi Yutaka.

I was 12 when I watched this drama for the first time.
Thinking back, I didn't really understand what the drama was about.
All I knew was, the opening song of this drama is so interesting.
'Once in a Blue Moon' and 'Teruterubozu', I remember these so clearly.
I wonder why.

Oh yes, I realized that when I was young, I didn't care how cute the actors were.
All I care was how pretty the actresses were.

Now, I'm watching it again for the second time. This time, the feeling is different.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

May all my friends in Egypt safe under His care. 

May peace prevails in Egypt.

Picture from Google.

Kamikaze Girls (2002)

This movie is so funny. Not recommended to those who dislike exaggerated scenes.
The story is about Momoko, a lolita girl (someone who is obsessed with the Victorian 1800's fashion) who befriends Inchigo, a Yanki (a delinquent youth).
Despite their differences, these two girls get along really well and become best friends.

This movie is based on a light novel, that was also adapted into a manga.
Although the plot is not similar to the novel, but it is very enjoyable.
The main actress are Kyoko Fukada and Anna Tsuchiya.
Both of them are pretty.
Fukada has a cute face and pretty Asian features, while Anna is gorgeous as she is a Japanese-American mix.

Overall, 7/10.

Kyoko Fukada

Kyoko Fukada as a lolita girl.

Anna Tsuchiya

Anna Tsuchiya as a Yanki.

Pictures from Google.

Ballad (2009)

Did I tell you how much I like Aragaki Yui? So basically I watched this movie because she's in it.

The story is about a boy named Shinichi and his parents who were "magically" transported to the ancient Japan (around 1600). There they met a fearless warrior and the Princess of the small kingdom. After the Princess rejected the marriage proposal from the ruler of another kingdom, a war started between these kingdoms.

When I heard that the boy's name is Shinichi, I was excited. This is the first time I come across a character named Shinichi besides the one in Detective Conan =)

While watching this movie, I felt that the boy was quite a nuisance. He's annoying sometimes.
Aragaki Yui made a very pretty princess although it is quite irritating seeing her running all princess-like.
Other than that, this movie is OK. Overall 7/10.

One interesting fact that I just learned about this movie is, it is based on the award winning Crayon Shin Chan the Movie. So that's why the boy is quite annoying.
I learned about this while looking for some photos related to this movie.

First, Nakamaru Yuichi appeared in one of Crayon Shin Chan episodes. Now, a live-action adaptation of Shin Chan movie by Aragaki. This just give me more reasons to love Shin Chan.

 

 Pictures from Google.

Picture from www.gakky.org

Picture from www.gakky.org

Picture from www.gakky.org

Picture from www.gakky.org

Haha no Okurimono (2009)

Mother's Gift.

The story focuses on the two mothers of a couple that is about to get married (DramaWiki).
I have to cite DramaWiki because seriously I don't have any idea what they were saying.
That's right, I watched it without Eng sub because I couldn't find the subbed one, and because I couldn't wait for it to be subbed, and I don't think anyone will sub it in the near future since it is not a famous production.

Obviously, I watch it because Nakamaru Yuichi is in it.
I really hope that this Marufever (hahaha) ends soon.

This short movie takes place in the 1970's so that explains why they wear what they wear.
The time setting is about a day like from early morning until the night before the wedding.
Sadly, they didn't show us the wedding ceremony.
I would really like to see Yuichi in his bridegroom attire.

Althought I didn't understand what they said, but I enjoyed it.
For some reasons, I think Yuichi is a bit overacting in this movie.
Or is he supposed to be so?
Yuichi is very suitable acting as an ordinary guy, he looks so natural. Haha.
To me he is an extraordinary ordinary looking guy.

Press conference. Why so serious Yuichi?

He looks so young.

Pictures from Google.

Nihonjin no Shiranai Nihongo (2010)

The Japanese that the Japanese don't Know.

This is like the Japanese version of Mind Your Language, and I like it so much.

The lead actress in this drama is Riisa Naka, the actress in The Girl Who Leapt Through Time.
I like her very much, and I like her in this drama too.

This drama is about Haruko, who has to teach Japanese to a bunch of foreigner, in order for her to get a promotion to be a high school teacher.
It is based on a manga, written by actual Japanese teachers.

At first I thought that the plot is lame, you know, a super teacher who helps her students who are in trouble and teaches them life lessons and that kind of stuffs. Sounds like GTO and Gokusen, right.
But, I still watch it because I like Riisa Naka, plus I'm also learning Japanese, and a bunch of foreigner learning Japanese must be hilarious to watch.

Riisa Naka's acting is so natural and the bubbly character suits her well.

Highly recommended to those who are learning Japanese, or are interested into the Japanese culture.
Overall, 9.5/10.

The Manga.

The live-action drama.

Pictures from Google.

An Italian otaku said that he learned Kanji from manga.

The whole class shouted the name of manga/anime that they read/watch.

Haruko: Ah, that's how foreigners learn kanji. (LOL)

p/s: Should I watch Gokusen 2 and 3? I watched the first Gokusen and I don't really like it.

Tangled (2010)

Many cute and funny scenes.
Many great songs.
Nice animation.

Overall 8/10.

Pictures from Google.

Neko Ramen Taisho (2008)

This movie is about a cat (Taisho) who runs a ramen shop.
It is based on a comic strip, hence, the bizarreness.

One of the comic strips. Picture from Neko Ramen FB Fan Page.

Picture from Google.

Here is what happens.

Jeff was trained to be a cat idol but he failed.

He then found a job at a sushi bar.

Because he couldn't refrain himself from eating the food, he was fired.

He then tried to be a surgeon but failed.

He also tried to be a taxi driver but failed.

What a cool name for a cat.

He's in despair.

First attempt of suicide. Failed.

Second attempt of suicide. Failed.

On his second attempt of suicide, he was saved by a ramen shop owner.

He then learned how to make ramen and opened his own ramen shop.

He even hired another cat as a part time worker in the shop.

Don't ask me how the movie end, it's so absurd that I stopped watching it half-way through.
I wonder how a live-action Doraemon would be.