In my district in San Diego Country it is theoretically possible to show 'R' films, but only after securing parental authorization and creating an alternative assignment. Of course, it has to be approved by the principle. Perhaps the same policy exists in your district?
I finally had the chance to sit down and watch this film. I was excited to see it because I read the book some time ago. As usual, the book wins, but this movie does provide a rich visual tapestry of information. Because I teach middle school grades, I think there are a few points of the movie that would be difficult to show in a class setting. The Geisha auctions off her virginity to the highest bidder and earns a high status in the community because the price paid for her is a record. It would be touchy to discuss this in a 6th grade class, a little easier in an 8th grade class. The costumes are beautiful, the social rules interesting. The separation of the two sisters at the beginning of the movie is tragic and would be easily understood by students, but you would probably need to explain why they were sold off and why this was practiced by families. In my opinion the movie doesn't give enough details for middle school students to understand how the girls wound up there in the first place. On the other hand, the girl's feelings for the chairman because of his kindness towards her inspire her to find success in life despite the hand she has been dealt. It is an example of human spirit, making the best of a difficult situation, always a welcome theme.
So, should I really review this movie? I did watch it, and the thing is, it is not suitable for a classroom setting. It is an incredibly fun and corny comedy movie about a bad guy gone good... essentially a guy wants to become part of a mean scary gang. He is essentially laughed at, but then later, he ends up fighting them. He kicks some crazy fun booty too. The movie has a lot of special effects, and the affect of them is that it appears kind of dream like, with exaggerated fighting scenes and goofy moves. It is all in subtitles (at least the version I saw), so you also have to be able to read and watch at the same time. My students still have to think too much about reading, so they probably would not enjoy the silly dialogue. However, the physical acting would be appreciated... I imagine it would make them laugh in parts, but in general would just leave them confused.
The only thing you could really get from this movie with a class, is to discuss the types of entertainment appreciated in modern day China. It would be good if your point is to show similarities between our entertainment styles if you just showed a part of it, and then part of... say an American Jackie Chan movie. His movies are often corny with fun action... pretty similar, very fun, and many of the kids do like them. I even showed my sixth graders a Jackie Chan movie (Around the World In 80 Days) as a reward during lunch. They liked it, and so did I.
I listened to the recommendation of a fellow student and rented this movie through Netflix. I really enjoyed this tale of a low ranking samurai and his struggle to take care of his family in the face of uselessness. The samurai must struggle with traditions and being a fighter when he no longer has the heart to do so. In the beginning of the movie it shows him at work with his colleagues. They leave to go out and have drinks, but he must go home and care for his mother and two small daughters. His wife has died and he is all they have left. He is a kind hearted man and makes cricket cages at night in order to supplement his meager earnings. His two daughters help him around the house a little, but he is barely managing to scrape out a living.
There is a love interest in his life, but he passes her up because he knows the struggle of being a low class citizen. He talks about the struggle with his late wife as she married below her station. He is a simple man and wants to enjoy life. He cares nothing of riches or a name in the kingdom. The climax of the movie is when he must fight a mad samurai in order to keep his family name. What will he do? Risk death to save his honor? You will have to watch it to find out.
About a year ago, I viewed an interesting Japanese movie at an independent movie theater that would be appropriate to show in the high school classroom for a purposeful discussion. It was an old movie probably filmed in mid 60s, but is the kind of movie that makes an impression on the viewer and would be reflected upon when the viewer finds himself in a similar situation.
“IKIRU” meaning “To Live,” (director: Akira Kurosawa; starring: Takashi Shimura) is a somber but warm movie that touches the audience’s emotions about human motivation.
The story takes place in the mid 1950s, post WWII Japan. The movie depicts a man who works as a city employee, leads a boring life, and has a repetitive bureaucratic job that doesn’t bring any motivation to his life, and especially after his wife dies. One day, he finds out that he has only a few months left to live his life. After he overcomes his initial depression, he becomes constructive and feels the need to accomplish something meaningful before he dies. His actions influence many people’s perceptions and passions. However, after his death, people, who were moved by his action, get back to the same old bureaucratic way of life fulfilling their responsibilities minimally. Most Hollywood movies please the audience with a happy ending. What I liked about Kurosawa’s however, is that he goes beyond the happy ending into a more realistic circumstance about how one’s life might affect others.
There were many sad, funny, annoying and touching scenes that were intertwined in human emotion. How each person deals with their own situation was interesting. Even though it was a Japanese movie using an entirely Japanese cast, the plot, depicting the reality of human nature, enables the audience to transcend their own cultural and racial awareness.
Overall, the movie is very well made with a strong emotional presentation. I recommend this movie for higher-grade multicultural students.
I was so excited about seeing this movie. The book was absolutely fabulous, despite the cries and questions of "accuracy" of a man writing about a woman's perspective. Yet the movie came and went in theaters and I missed it. Today I finally had the chance to see "Memoirs" and I was happy I did. Though the book was far superior, I thought the movie version did try to make the book and the time in history come alive onscreen. The costumes and scenery were amazing, as I'm sure most would agree. But I must say, I did have a problem believing the lead actress was Japanese (knowing full-well that she is a Chinese actress (who was incredible in "Crouching Tiger..." and "The Red Jacket"). I almost wish I didn't know the background of the multinational cast. Maybe that would've made this just that more authentic??? Other than that, I enjoyed watching a film that not only came from a good book but that tried to give a Western audience a small look into the art of geisha.
This movie follows the story of a High School kid who can't keep from getting into trouble with cars. As a last resort his mom sends him to Tokyo to stay with his dad where he gets into all kinds of trouble with the Japanese Mafia. The movie is full of action packed car racing and pop culture. I found it to be interesting because it takes a look at the excitement of fast cars and getting into trouble. If you were doing Asia studies of pop culture you could give the movie to your sub or show it on the last few days of class. :-D :-D :-D
I finally had a chance to watch Memoirs of a Geish on DVD. DVD version of rated R movies are always modified. I hope I have not missed much.
I will not talk about the story. Much has been said.But:
The least I got out of this movie was that I learned the true definition of the word Geisha. I always thought it was synonymous to prostitute. Not only it does not mean that, but nothing is worse than being considered a prostitute by a real geisha. I learned that a Geisha is a traditional female entertainer. Geisha literally means "art-person," and the true geisha is above all an artist. She is an accomplished musician, being able to sing, dance, and play traditional instruments like the shamisen, but perhaps most excels in the fine art of making her client feel like a king. It also means;female performers who specialize in entertaining and providing companionship to men at dinner parties and similar venues. They are skilled in classic Japanese arts such as music, poetry and calligraphy.
Being a Geisha was a torturous life style. Resting one's head on a high thin rod(as a pillow) is not comfortable. Not washing your hair for two weeks is even worse. These are the least I could mention.
This movie told me more about Japanese culture. Japanese people like to go beyond perfection in many aspects of life and take it to the point of obsession. That is the reason geishas are not found as commonly as they once did. Another example is their tea ceremony. I might be able to experience their tea ceremony once (4hours), but not twice. I hear that to clean and prepare a certain fish (I don't know which) you have to train for 10 years. This certain fish is poisonous. If it is not done right, and a guest(customer) dies of the poison, the chef will have to kill himself(This is a quote from a visitor to japan).
Here is more interesting cultural point leraned from the movie. To japanese men the more a woman is vovered the sexier she is. Showing off your skin is not considered sexy at all. In fact a geish goes as far as covering her face with powder. The only exception is a tiny spot on the back of the neck (That is considered SEXY), which sends this tempting message: If this much of me is so beautiful, imagine what the rest of me is like!!!!!!
Please let me know if my takes are interesting to you.
The review of this movie reminds me of a book I read, "The Seven People You Meet In Heaven" I believe is the title. It is about a man who dies, and as he travels through heaven he encounters 7 people whose lives he effected in very specific ways during his own life. Not all of the encounters were good, but it brought perspective and a sort of closure to his own life as he traveled through heaven to his ultimate destination. This is not a book set in Asia, or with an Asian author, but I find it very interesting that the ideas in the book and the movie IKIRU transcend culture. The movie IKIRU by Kurosawa sounds so familiar to me, but it is because of this book. Humans are humans, no matter where they are born. A wonderful thing to be reminded of, and to remind our students. High School students might benefit from reading the book and drawing contrasts/comparisons between it and the movie IKIRU.
Daughter Wil is having issues with her traditional chinese family. For one she's 28 and still single, and for another she's a closeted lesbian. This makes for a very complicated situation in this film from Alice Wu titled Saving Face. It showcases many of the issues experienced by American children of native born chinese. The roles of each of the family members are very pronounced with the grandfather at the pinnacle of each families social pyramid. Each level must show respect and follow the wishes of their elders.
I think you could possibly show this to high school if you want to discuss the pros and cons of tradition. Middle school definitely not. There are some racy sex scenes that most students couldn't handle. Actually, you might want to save it for college. Then you could really analyze some of the societal issues presented here in a mature fashion. High school boys and a lesbian love scene don't really mix. The movie was well written and the characters are lovable. Even if you can't watch it at school, try it at home!
I have also had the opportunity to see the film, Memoirs of a Geisha. I truly enjoyed this film for many reasons. First and foremost, I really enjoyed having a look into what the life of a Geisha actually is like. Unfortunately, I am "one of those Americans" who thought a Geisha was something quite different. I think the art of a Geisha is truly unique and provides incredible insight into Japanese culture. I thought that this film provided a good look into the life of a Giesha from childhood through adulthood. The tremendous effort, and perhaps even torture that a Geisha must endure are amazing. It is no wonder that Geishas are held in such high esteem. This film truly portrays the life of a Geisha as an art form. And although it is quite a prestigious position in Japanese society, I found it quite sad at how much of the life and feelings a Geisha must both surrender and supress. The unrequited love story in this film was an excellent example of th fact that a Geisha's life and love are truly not her own. Another great aspect of this film were the costumes and cinematogroaphy. I felt that the costumes were beautiful and traditional, and the setting of the film highlighted the true beauty of Japan. Although, I'm sure that Japan is not all gardens and Cerry Blossom trees, why not focus upon the beauty of Japan? Afterall, I find that films are a form of entertainment and perhaps an escape from reality. As far as the actors were concerned, I felt that they were well cast. Even though the main character was played by a Chinese actress, I found her beauty an performance riveting. My opinion of this film is soley based on my enjoyment of the film, and an escape to a traditional and beautiful Japan. The film was quite entertaining, and provided me with enough insight into the life of a Geisha to reverse a former stereotype.
I decided to review the film Twilight Samurai. I will provide a brief description of the plot and then describe how scenes in the film can be used in the classroom to highlight/illustrate key ideas in Japanese feudalism and Confucius thought.
Aside from having an application in the class, I found the film engrossing and thought it did a nice job engaging the viewer with the story. The story begins by showing the main character’s life, a low-ranking samurai, who supports his two daughters and mother, who suffers from dementia, on a very meager salary. It shows that while he does not present the picture of success to wider society he seems to find contentment in taking care of his family.
The story advances by providing the main character a love interest, in which he shows his until know unknown prowess in swordsmanship by defending her honor against her abusive ex-husband. From this incident comes an order from his superiors to kill a certain samurai who has refused to commit suicide, known as seppuku. For those that have not yet seen this film I will not spoil the ending by revealing if he gets the girl and or kills his adversary.
As far as its applicability in the class, for those teaching Confucius there are many scenes that allow students to see its teachings in action. For example, the Confucius belief that one must show a strong degree of respect for their elders is shown numerous times when we see the main character taking her of his aged mother, and showing deference to his uncle, despite his sometimes abusive behavior towards him. Again, one can see Confucius thought being practiced when the love interest acquiesces and goes against her own feelings so she can show respect and obey her brother and his wife wishes (the Confucius belief society works when people act based on what their role and relationship is to others).
With regards to Japanese feudalism, one can see it in action during the scene when the Japanese lord inspects his keep’s provisions and his samurai show complete deference and obedience to him. There are other scenes that show how feudalism operated in Japanese society when the samurai are working for their lord, like record keeping and inspecting troops training, and when the samurai talk about how one who does not have a lord is basically worthless.
Finally, one more scene that shows both feudal Japan and Confucius thought at work is when the main character’s lord is talking to his samurai. He sets a good example by being kind and wise (which in Confucius thought are part of the duties of rulers) when he could have yelled at his workers, and it also reveals how powerful the lord is in this particular hierarchy when the samurai working for him don’t even make eye contact with him and don’t speak unless spoken to.
Commenting on Lost in Translation, this movie is rated R and released in 2003 by Sofia Coppola. Two Americans meet and become friends in Japan and discover a different perspective on life. The two main characters are Bob Harris (Bill Murray) and Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson). Bob is a movie star shooting a commercial and Charlotte is a young wife of a photographer. They both have some experiences in Japan.
There are some nice scenes that show present day life in Japan. I'm sure they can somehow be used in classrooms.[Edit by="vhui on Jul 19, 8:39:46 AM"][/Edit]
So many of them are films I have seen or heard of but would have never thought of showing it class. You guys have really shown me a new way of seeing a lot of movies. I think I'm going to rent "Twilight..." If I can find it. The idea of a the Samurai is very interesting to students even if they don't completely get the whole scope of the Samurai class. In fact, I wonder how many students know that the Samurai were a whole of people. I doubt a lot did.
Film clips are a mixed blessing, though. I have a friend who one showed 5 or 6 clips in one period. After each class he had to review the videos and that took up the entire passing period.
However, I doubt that we could show as many films as we want. In order to really get the most out of a film shown in class, you have to either stop it periodically and discuss certain scenes or have a long discussion/review/connect the film to our class.
Country Teachers is about a young woman who accepts a position teaching in a poor rural mountain school in China. She lives in the country with her parents, but she has failed her college entrance exams twice. Since she has limited opportunities, she asks her uncle (who has important connections) to get her a job. She is disappointed that the only thing he can offer her is a teaching position at a country school with minimal resources, but since she lacks proper certification, she is not qualified for a position in an urban school, where she feels she would have a better chance of succeeding.
Upon arriving at the school, she meets her three male colleagues, all of whom also lack proper certification but have many years of teaching experience. After observing her colleagues’ classes, she is entrusted with her own pupils, and she shows great promise as a teacher, although she and her colleagues do not know if or when they will be paid for their service, as they must wait for a visit from the government. She helps prepare the children for the government’s visit, but she is shocked when she hears her colleagues falsify their educational statistics to secure funding and salaries. After telling the government the truth, she is shunned by her colleagues. Finally, she is able to save face and they even nominate her for certification when the opportunity arises.
This movie is a great companion to a recent NPR broadcast on rural teachers (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5413877). It would be a great resource to show students how a good education can help people escape poverty. All of the children who attend the mountain school in the movie come from poor families, and many have to stop attending in order to go to work in the fields to help their families. Many students in LAUSD can relate to this, and it would be a great tool to show the struggles of children everywhere to get educated. The young teacher in the movie also illustrates this quite well, as she comes from a poor family who pushes her to excel. They are very disappointed that she has not passed her exams after two tries, and they reinforce the idea that education is the key to escaping poverty. The movie also shows how much many of these parents and teachers must sacrifice in order to educate these children properly. The teachers pass up opportunities to teach in the city where they could earn a better income, because they have become attached the cause of educating the poorer children. This demonstrates how education becomes more of a community endeavor if people are truly going to be “educated.” In addition, the movie explores government involvement and the struggle to fully fund education.
I found this movie at my local Blockbuster, of all places. I'm not sure if all Blockbusters stock it, but I found it at the one at Overland and National in West L.A.
One place for travellers to tie in the Miyazaki films you see with how they are made can visit Studio Ghibli Museum in Tokyo, Japan. My relatives have a hard time finding tickets to get in, but foreign travellers can buy tickets through JTB (Japan Tourism Bureau and other similar org.) before departing for Japan. I always wished Disney had similar things here without the Theme Park or the old, mighty dollar... An animation backround tour without the glitz and glam of Universal Tours... Fun, Colorful, Educational, Inspirational....
Last year when I visited, "Howl's Castle" was the biggest hit in Japan, and in a shoppin center in Japan, they had a promotional booth and display that people were waiting hours for... If you ever see kids run to Mickey Mouse at Disneyland, you should see the full-grown adult fans of anime run up to Miyazaki characters. I personally like magical-reality of his films. The same reasons why we watched cartoons by shutting off our sense of reality for worries and insecurities, we adults sometimes forget what it means to enjoy life, much like an innocent child in all of us...
I recently saw The Twilight Samurai and thought it an excellent movie. I will not summarize it in detail since so many others have already done such a fine job.
I am planning to use the movie with my modern literature class. The movie explores themes that I feel are relevant to modern literature such as making meaning of ones existence in a seemingly absurd society. The protagonist has trouble coming to terms with the death of his wife and his inability to care for his two daughters and senile mother on a meager petty samurai salary. He is trained in sword fighting and yet hides the fact allowing those around him to think of him as unkempt and unmotivated.
The protagonist Seibei Iguchi is a classic underachiever who is very capable of but has no will to rise in social rank. We are led to believe that the death of his wife has resulted in some sort of death in himself. This death of self debilitates him and he seems to only have enough energy to make it through one day at a time.
That is until he reunites with an old childhood friend, the beautiful and recently divorced Tomoe Iinuma. When Seibei defends Tomoe against her violent ex-husband the bond between the two is sealed and Seibie’s life takes on new meaning. This rupture in his daily routine seems to shake him from his depression and he is motivated to act again.
We see so many of our students experience similar scenarios of loss and death that leave them shattered and immobile. I have spoken to numerous students who seem unmotivated and unwillingly and yet through conversation I have found some loss to be at the root of the problem.
I also feel that Seibei Iguchi’s abililty to walk away from a fight and show mercy to his enemies is a very good lesson for our kids. When Tomoe’s ex-husband challenges Seibei to a duel, Seibei shows mercy to the man and does not kill him. He fights him and wins and spares his life. The movie ends with a similar scenario in which Seibei does all he can to spare the life of the man he is supposed to kill.
Recently at VeniceHigh there was a shooting that resulted in the death of a student. And as teachers we all know that this is not an uncommon event. Maybe if these kids see that a skilled fighter is unwillingly to fight and even shows mercy to his enemies, they themselves won’t feel the need to stand so tall and not back down form a fight. Maybe they will look for alternatives that will allow them to save face and/or simply walk away.
I recently saw The Black Rider—Robert Wilson, Tom Waits and William Burroughs. An excellent musical play based on an old German folktale. (I will tie this into Asia soon.) The story is about a young man who sells his soul to the devil to win the heart of the girl he loves. He is given magic bullets that will hit anything he aims at. Unfortunately when time comes for the devil to collect his due another deal is struck resulting in the death of his girl and his confinement to an asylum for the insane. Sad story. So what does it have to do with Asia?
The costumes and the make-up were obviously Chinese militant and Noh/Kabuki/Butoh Theater influenced. Very simple lines, heavy fabrics, military style boots, mask-like white paint on the face with black lines to highlight various features such as long black silky hair, etc. The play has a skewed feeling meaning that everything is off center and not quite balanced. This lends itself well to the whole supernatural motif. I read that Kabuki actually derives form a verb that means “to lean” and that kabuki can be interpreted as bizarre or avant-garde. This is an excellent description of The Black Rider.
The body movements were also very stylized, simple and direct, slow and very reminiscent of Noh Theater. Of course the Beats were heavy into eastern philosophy and Burroughs coming from that probably had some input into the overall look and feel of the thing.
As for the music: Waits chose a jazzy lounge style that often clashed with itself. He employed chromatic lines and diminished phrasing to create an eerie soundtrack for the play. If you have ever heard any of the traditional Chinese and/or Japanese music (maybe in Memoirs of a Geisha?), you might argue that certain styles of Asian music seem to have preceded Stravinsky and the whole 12-tone school just a little bit.
I find it interesting that whenever we want to take a weird postmodern approach on something in contemporary theater we borrow elements of the Chinese and Japanese past. WB Yeats in fact seems to have borrowed somewhat from the Eastern aesthetic in many of his “odd” avant-garde plays and early poems. Could this have been due to his friendship with Ezra Pound?
Anyhow, there are so many more similarities between The Black Rider and ancient forms of Asian theater that I could spend ten pages here, but I won’t. Rather I will strongly suggest that you see it the next time it is in town.
I've had numerous debates regarding the movie Lost in Translation. Many of my Asian American friends found the movie a bit racist. They argued that Bill Murray's character was an arrogant bigot who disrespected the Japanese culture with his horrible jokes and his disregard for cultural norms and customs. They didn't buy into the scenario of two Americans in Japan connecting and conspiring against the Japanese and their version of the English language. I think they missed the point that once Murray's character let his guard down and found a second he actually did enjoy the cultural by way of running around with Charlie Brown and the gang.
A few of my friends from Japan, one guy in particular, loved the movie and thought it was a very accurate depiction of an American actor forced to makes some money in Japan via advertising. My friend made the excellent point that when foreign travelers are here in America they make many of the same jokes as a defense mechanism. It is highly stressful to be inundated with a new language and a new culture while being all alone in a foreign country. He also commented on the practice of Japanese advertisers using American faces to sell Japanese products (e.g. Brad Pitt). He raised the question that if something is equitable for all involved, then who is exploiting whom?
Personally I think the movie is a great lesson in culture shock and an excellent look at the inability of a man to deal with aging, displacement, etc. I think it is a great love story, an excellent travel log, and a wonderful way of addressing ethnocentrism and the ability to have fun and laugh at ones own culture.
As for appropriate content, I teach seniors so the rating is not necessarily relevant. There is a scene in a bar though that I would definitely fast forward through.
And finally, if not a fan of Sofia Coppola or the genre, watch the movie anyway simply for the beautiful shots of Tokyo and Kyoto in particular.
I wanted to review the opera Madama Butterfly. First of all I think it is great that it is the story of a Japanese woman who is married to an American soldier who leaves her, and that it is written by an Italian, Puccini. Talk about multiculturalism.
I saw the LA Opera’s minimalist production of the opera a few months back and I thought it as wonderful. Of course the stage and costume design was highly influenced by Traditional Japanese Noh and Kabuki Theater. The costumes were monochromatic. The make up was white, red, and black and mask-like. The movements were very slow and stylized and quite striking. This of course in contrast to the American costumes which were G.I. chic. When the soldier returns to Japan with his American bride, she is dressed in the classic white wedding gown which is gaudy and bulky compared to the clean lines Butterfly wears.
Plot: Nagasaki. Butterfly is a teenage bride purchased for 100 yen by the American naval officer Benjamin Franklin Pinkerton. He is proud that he can bow out of the marriage anytime, which he does. He returns home to America to marry an American woman and leaves butterfly with child. Also, Butterfly converted to Christianity thinking that her husband was true and faithful to her.
Eventually, three years later, Pinkerton returns with his new wife and wants his child to return to America with his wife and him. Butterfly decides that she will commit suicide and she stabs herself with the same dagger her father used to kill himself with.
Teaching potential: There are so many aspects to discuss—Imperialism, war brides, WW history, elements of tragedy. And of course Memoirs of a Geisha can be discussed and viewed.
With the recent passing of Mako, the Asian-American community has lost an irreplaceable leader among the rising artistic voices of contemporary American. I when I was in high school back in the late 80's, many Asian-Americans seemed so distant from American theater. I think for some, theater was for the older immigrant generations, with their Chinese operas and Japanese Kabuki theater. For an Asian-American student aspiring to attend an acting school was a rare event, and even a rare discussion of possibility among dinner tables at their homes. But I think similar to the reactions to Blaxploitation movies and how African-American artists sought their own path to their visions, Asian-Americans did the same in the late 80's and 90's. For some of you, remember how "Boyz in the Hood" changed perceptions about "ethic" filmmakers. Just like Jackie Robinson in baseball, although perhaps for a smaller community for some, Mako created the first step in colorblind art for some Asian-Am artists. If you look beyond the race of the performer/creator, them people should see the true commonalities in life, not trivial differences. Emotion expressed in a play is no different than any other forms of expression. The artistic living life you create, permanently on the silver screen/TV, is to be seen and perhaps judged countless generations that follow... It is with this understanding that key figures in history demonstrate 'silent fortitude' that create the backbone for future generations. I can't say one film work stands out of Mako-san's performances. Although as a youth, I did enjoy his action-film role in Conan the Barbarian series.
I think the great thing about freedom of art in this country is that we have a bounce back effect on the art of the world. I see art on the continent of Asia becoming bolder and expressive in non-traditional ways. For example, if the Canadian Cirque de Soleil could continually expand and do for stage shows that generate revenue to the awes of many, then imagine a Chinese acrobat/martial arts type show recreated for American tastes. Can you imagine a play such as "Hair" playing live in conservative China, Japan, or Muslim SEAsia?!?... You can't attribute all the progress in society and art to one person. But it is when you can't see the hard work done by that one person, and we revel in the fruits of their work, then we truly live in a society where art can transcend cultural baggage and superficial judgment.
Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War R for strong graphic sequences of war violence
Getting around the ‘R’ rating is the tricky part. My district allows the rating w/ parental permission. The movie itself is highly informative, showing the impact of this civil war on the Korean population. Too often US movies tend to focus exclusively upon the American
The story is built around the plight of two brothers who are forcibly drafted into the South Korean army in the early days of the Korean War. Their experience then becomes the vehicle that carries the movie along.
Given that the movie was filmed in South Korea, Communism gets short shrift. Refreshingly, the U.S.-friendly dictatorship of Sing Man Rhee’s South Korea also gets honest, rough handling. The lack of freedom, red-scares and general injustice are all represented. So is the strong sense of family typical of Korean culture.
In the end, students will understand that the Korean War was essentially a civil war, being vastly destructive to the Korean society.
Other ideas that can be discussed with your students: - limiting freedoms during crises/war - desire for unification amongst Koreans - seeming impossibility of reunification given the current Communist regime in the north - US involvement in the form of material & financial support during the war as opposed to simply portraying US soldiers (the South Korean uniforms are all 100% GI issue) - greater Cold War conflict within which the Korean War occurred
I found your information and review of Twilight Samurai very informative. I would like to see the movie. Is it available for rent at traditional movie rental stores?
A movie I viewed last night, Quitting, was extremely interesting and informative. This movie is about a young Chinese man who decides to leave the country for the city to find an acting job/s. He finds acting jobs, and experiences success in this endeavor. At one point, he is able to purchase a large apartment in the city. Unfortunately, he also finds drugs, especially heroin.
The movie begins with his parents relocating to the city in order to help their son recover from his addiction. Throughout the movie, our protagonist experiences ups and downs associated with drug addiction. Ultimately, he struggles with country versus city life, drugs versus abstinance, and a desire to find a place in between all of these.
In the end, our "hero" finds a sort of peace in compromise. It is an exceptional movie if you teach modern world cultures, IB, or health. This movie was especially relevant for me, one of my own brother's experienced almost exactly what this young Chinese man did. In other words, drugs transcend ethnic, linguistic, and economic boundaries.
One very unique component of this video in particular is that this story is true. All of the actors are real people portraying themselves as they are in real life, in the video.
A quick review of the Film “Quitting’ by Rocky Parker ★★★/★★★★★
In the East Asia in my Classroom Summer Session 2006, I was afforded the opportunity to watch a contemporary film on drug addiction in China. Personal knowledge of Chinese films for me personally mainly focused on martial arts classics and so the thematic change from kung fu to heroin addiction was a welcomed change. Quitting was released in 2003 and was directed by Yang Zhang.
Although the film was a commercial success and is readily available on DVD, I was disappointed in the film. I felt the film was not a realistic portrayal of heroin addiction in China as it only shows heroin use by the rich and affluent. The main character in the film is a successful young actor who in order to better understand his characters and ‘expand his mind’ began to experiment with drugs. Ultimately this experimentation, coupled with the actor’s personality, leads to heroin addiction and a troublesome and destructive lifestyle. Although the actors portrayal of the addiction is commendable, Zhang’s setting of an affluent actor residing in a highly westernized apartment in downtown seems unrealistic.
Moreover, the fact that the young actor’s choice in music and art work is reminiscent of the 1960’s seems to be a subtle attempt to link drug addiction to the west. Interestingly, even though this being a true story, the youth actor’s return to normalcy also seems to be out of place in this dark and depressing film. Still, despite its’ negativity, this is an excellent film for the non-sinologist to get an insight in to Chinese relationship and parental love.
I appreciate your review. I see uses for the film in showing everything you mentioned. Also, it demonstrates the sclerotic nature of the samurai class by the mid-1800s. Clearly they are salarymen much like today's businessmen, very few actually being trained in the use of the sword. The wealth gap between some samurai and the farming poor is noexistent. The main character's struggle between duty to clan and justice is illuminating.
This film is an effective answer to the romanticized view of samurais portrayed by The Last Samurai. They were hardly heroes.
i was saddened to here of Mako's demise. What I'm concerned the world will never know are the contributions he and other Asain performers made behind the scenes. We still live in a world of limited opportunities for Asian artists. I think of the Jonathan Pryce fiasco in Miss Saigon. We need to either choose to be color blind or we need to open up more roles for performers.[Edit by="ccarter on Aug 8, 3:44:35 PM"][/Edit]
I also read the article on the LA times. I am happy that there is some Asian-American talent on America's Got Talent. I am always wondering where the Asian pop artists are? Specially after watching some on foreign cable broadcasts . They are around, why not here? It is up to us as teachers to motivate students to explore their talents, specially in a town with so many opportunities. I was recently present at a retreat where a 10 yr. old Filipino boy played the violin incredibly. He has won contests against adults with no problem. It is important to incorporate the important role the arts have played through out history to diffuse ideas, values through plays, music, poetry, sculptures,and today's myriad technology.
This afternoon, I had the priviledge of watching the Korean movie, "The Way Home." The movie begins with a young boy being taken to his grandmother's humble home located in the Korean countryside. His mother has fallen on hard times financially, and needs time to look for a job so that she can once again take care of her child.
Of course, her version of "taking care of" seemed to be leaving him to his own devices for much of the time. He is an exceedingly rude child, but it most likely isn't his fault. His mother is not the most devoted parent, and has probably neglected her son.
Throughout the movie, you will learn to really hate the boy. His behavior towards his grandmother is horrible. He speaks so incredibly disrespectfully to her, even going so far as to call her "dummy." At one point, she asks him what he wants to eat. He replies, "Kentucky chicken!" She sets out early one morning, acquires a chicken, and boils it especially for him. He cries when he realizes that it is not fried. But, in the end, he eats it anyway.
By the end of the movie, the boy has changed. Although some people would probably want to the debate the degree to which he has changed. In the end, his mother comes back to get him. He is quiet, sad, and reluctant to leave. But, he must leave. He leaves with his grandmother the precious post cards he was so proud of upon his arrival to her home. Upon the cards, he has written messages which she can then send to him.
I could use this movie several ways. One would be to use it as an introduction to modern Korea. There is so much in this movie which the typical American child could relate to. I could also teach my students to make comparisons in cultures, both Korean and American, city versus rural.
Overall, I thought this movie was poignant, because it crosses cultural barriers with its univeral themes: conflict between generations and conflict between cultures, urban and rural life, poverty and material wealth.
After watching a movie called The Way Home, I was struck by how well, we as parents, can really mess up our children. As parents, we want what is best for our children and will give them almost anything to please them. After watching this movie, I realize how this can backfire. The little boy in the film was given whatever he wanted by his mother, such as fast food and electronic toys, while living in the city. He didn't know how to handle things when he was transported from the city to the country to stay with his poor grandmother. He expected to get the same kind of treatment from his grandmother that he got from his mother. If his grandmother could have given it to him, I am sure she would have, and she tried hard to make him happy. He soon found out though that life here would be forever different and a grandmother's love could tame the most unruly beast; the beast that was in him. He was able to think of someone besides himself towards the end of the movie and learned to care about his grandmother. The sad part was however, his mother came back for him after he had come so far on his journey of enlightenment. I am hoping the change in him will last and his grandmother's teachings of love with endure.
I was deeply moved by the movie, "The Way Home" and would certainly show it to my students. The harshness of country life in comparison to the conveniences of city life would be only one of the many topics for discussion. After viewing the movie, I would probably have students form a socratic seminar to analyze the characters and their motivations. The unconditional love that this grandmother expresses is amazingly believable. Unlike the total humiliation that the father tolerates in "Quitting," which I personally find unlikely and a sign of weakness, the strength of character that this grandmother possesses is remarkable and highly believable. I wouldn't consider the journey "delightful" or the performances "charming" or "humorous" as stated in the movie synopsis, but it certainly is powerful and memorable. Oh the simple things we take for granted: electricity, batteries, soft pillows, TVs in every room, refrigeration, and yes-- most especially indoor plumbing! This grandmother should be cannonized just for her attempts to provide KFC alone! I know what it takes to catch, defeather and clean a chicken and it is one arduous task!
I found a pricelist on Paramount.com: 19.99 for DVD and 95. for video which I think is strangely overpriced.[Edit by="bdiaz on Aug 9, 11:36:32 PM"][/Edit]
Despite my calls for corporal punishment directed at the boy, the movie The Way Home did move me, but in ways that may differ from most. I saw in the mother a woman who gave things, not love, and in the grandmother I saw a woman who gave love, and things when she could give them. I think my insights as a parent are probably nearly universal, and the movie caught it, too. We don't give children what we want them to have. We give our children who we actually are. If we are shallow and self-centered, trading things for time, then we imprint selfishness on our children. If we show love, children learn love. The one proviso being that indulgence is not love. Sometimes denying our children things that will ultimately harm them is more loving than stuffing them full of choco-pies.
Anyway, the movie is touching. I think most teenagers will 'get' the movie, perhaps even identifying selfish behaviours in themselves along the way. If it causes a student or two to hug their parents, there is success in that.
As for academic use, there is the stark difference betweeen the techno-savvy urban Koreans and the rural roots of the culture. The contrast is enormous. Perhaps a message is a warning to Koreans that, in their head-long pursuit of economic development, a vital part of Korea's soul is being sacrificed. THe countryside is so old and slow, yet good and wholesome. It seems forgotten by urban Korea, lost in the recesses of the mountains.
As a person born and partially raised in Korea, it was interesting to see my seminar colleagues' reaction to this movie. Since I consider myself rather “Americanized”, it was quite a realization to discover deeply embedded Confucian values in me. While most of my colleagues at the seminar antagonized the boy and wanted to have him spanked, I found myself putting all the blame on the mother of the child. The boy is young and behaves the way he does due to lack of proper upbringing. His mother failed to educate him and instill proper values and manners in him. Not only does she not educate her son properly, she is a very irresponsible daughter to her mother. She has her mother completely abandoned and obviously does not even maintain contact with her unless a need for it arises. She needs to be struck by a lightening.
Unlike the US and many Western countries, there is no social security program in place in Korea to take care of the elderly. Sons and daughters (especially the oldest son) are expected to take care of the parents. There is a growing concern about traditional values being replaced by self-centeredness and materialism, as more and more young people in Korea start to consider elderly parent care burdensome in their modern day life. I think this movie reflects that concern.
The Way Home is an emotional film. After reading my classmates' feelings about it, I thought I'd give a slightly different interpretation. When I was growing up in middle class San Diego in the 50's I was very fortunate to spend summer breaks with both sets of grandparents. My Dad's family still had a farm in Missouri where I milked cows, fed pigs, got lost in corn stalks and took eggs out of the chicken coops. It was a chance to see what rural life had been like not only in America, but in most countries for most of man's existence. My Mom's family had an old house in Texas, near oil fields. The Church was in their front yard, the town was already losing people 40 years ago. Now the house is gone, the Church is a ruin and the town is basically non existient. Both of these homes had out houses and few conveniences and were not close to neighbors. Fast forward to my daughter who is now 25. She has never been to a farm or been around animals, except a few horse back riding lessons in a controlled stable area. Her life in middle class Mission Viejo was modern and easy. She does not remember because she was only an infant, but she met her great grandmother in Jamaica, who was 90, I think. My mother in law's mother lived in a one room hut with a single light bulb hanging from the ceiling. Most of her family had left the island in the 60's, although my mother in law never did adjust to life in the US. The Way Home kept reminding me of my childhood and my daughter's childhood. I contemplated how my deceased father rode his pony to school, after doing the farm chores and how his favorite sister died of diptheria in the 20's. How my Mom has never forgotten the poverty of the depression. How fortunate I am to live in California with all the conveniences and luxuries I need. How much I miss my daughter who lives so far away in Australia and that she does not interact with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. How she may bring up children in Zimbabwe or Botswana where her intended wants to settle in his homeland. He attended boarding school and plans to bring up kids the same way. The relationships of the little boy, his mother and grandmother in this tender film made me think about my own family and how fragile we are all, how important it is to be loving and kind to all we meet, and how critical it is for us, the teachers, to be role models of kindness and generosity to our students, who may have mothers like the child in the film. and who may not know grandparents or neighbors like the village people in Korea. Cathy, Chaparral High, Temecula
Using Clay's suggestion of clips, I think I might use the Quitting during the Opium Wars unit next semester. The whole issue of addiction and the pain it casues families, is, of course, universal. My father died in my arms from lung cancer, after a lifetime of smoking. I am sure we all have stories of sorrow because loved ones have been killed by drunk drivers, and worse. When I tell my high school students that my friend's nephew brutally killed his own mother and aunt while on meth, they are saddened and stunned. I hope they never get near drugs or think one little experiment could never cause harm. I hope teachers remember to relate information and first hand stories to kids to help them have the courage to say no. The Quitting certainly validated my efforts as an educator to always be a role model and to use any opportunity to voice what is healthy and safe to our kids, who, like the protanganist, may not always have a clear mantra to help them make the right decision. Cathy, Chaparral High, Temecula
I enjoy the fantasy style asian movies. So when my husband said "do you want to watch the most expensive Korean movie ever made...its a fantasy sword play..." I agreed. (Now there is one more movie more expensive...Joint Security Area). Well my husband is also a huge comic book reader so no wonder... this movie Bichunmoo is based on a comic book. For those of you who like action this movie has what is called wire-fu. The main character is Jinha who apparently is poor but knows a special type of fighting called the Binchun Secret Arts. Through out the whole movie and in the flashbacks of his family history he is chased and attacked to get these secrets. He falls in love with a girl who looks like the beautiful women he has a picture of in a scroll (which turns out to be a picture of his mother). This girl over time grows into a women and is the daughter of a rich and powerful Mongol general. She ends up moving with her father away from Jinha. In the meantime his uncle is attacked in an awsome scene by masked attackers trying to get the Binchun Secrets. Since time is running out for his uncle to teach him the secrets before they get attacked again they travel themselves. As they pass The House of Yu his uncle reveals that he is not really his uncle but his father's master swordsman. He tells him his parents were not Han or Mongol,but Koryo (from ancient Korea). Their home was attacked by (I think) Mongols tryng to get the Binchun Arts Secrets, and he, Jinha,was the only surviving heir of these secrets. Once he learned them he had to seek revenge for his parents. I was a little curious about the history of Mongols and Koryo. It seems in my research it took Kublai Khan's armies a decade to defeat them, and as their reputation goes... destroyed many temples and treasures of Koryo. By the time he reaches where Sullie is now living it has been 6 months and someone else has asked for her hand in marriage. Jinha befriends this person before realizing it is now his competition. Sullies father has Jinha killed when he learns his daughter would rather marry him than the other man. Therefore she marries the other man and soon has a child. Well we find out later why she agreed to marry him so fast... It turns out to be Jinha's child. This is kept a secret for most of the movie including from Jinha who didn't really end up dying.. when he finally returns years later. I don't want to ruin the story between this and the ending, but I of course cried at the end when Jinha and Sullies husband have a duel over her with some interesting twists. From word of mouth I understand alot of people like the unique way people died in the fight scenes...but thought the acting was lax. I enjoyed it but did have to rewind more than once to re read subtitles and understand what was going on. I don't know how it could be used in the classroom...I just watched it because I enjoy asian cinema.
OK, Rashomon is an excellent Kurosawa film that gets to the point that diiferent people can see the same event and interpret that event in significantly different ways. This is a film that involves rape, so it is NOT for a typical World History class, but I show after-school films for kids, and this one is making the list. It is so very difficult to get kids to understand the subjectivity of personal memory, let alone the bias of memiors. The movie can springboard into a discussion of what history is. Who writes history? Whose version is accepted as fact? How can a person use critical thinking and analysis to determine more and less riliable primary source documents?
A great film in itself. No, a GREAT film in itself, and also useful for teaching about perspectives in history!
For those who are interested , there is a Korean TV Series called "SEOUL 1945" on KBS (try channel 44 though I think this number may vary) every Saturday and Sunday at 8:00 p.m. It is subtitled in English! It's a historical drama about the events surrounding the Japanese occupation, independence, and the Korean War. It traces several characters and their lives, childhood friendship, love, betryal, and their fates marked by political events and their involvements sourrounding the events. Tonight's episode ended with the conflict between the Korean Socialist Party and the American backed what is to be Democratic Party with Rhee Sung Man and Kim Ku. One of the female characters (a famous pianist whose father partnered with Japan to prosper under the Japanese occupation) was trying to befriend Rhee Sung Man to seek revenge on those who she believes killed her father when Korea was liberated from Japan. This series has been on for a while now so, if you are interested in watching in from beginning, you can find the videos at any Korean video stores. If not, you can start watching and recording next Saturday. It is very entertaining and inforamtive.
I enjoyed this action packed movie that revolved around Chinese astrology. For those like myself who didn't know, SPL is the English translation for Sha Po Lang which are 3 stars in Chinese astrology. Near the beginning of the movie and in the bonus features of the DVD it mentions this. However it doesn't go into detail about what those stars mean, and since it was the title of the movie and what seemed to drive the path the characters took, I decided to research these stars myself to see how they might relate or influence the characters actions. Apparently, the stars astrology ties together the characters and effects their destiny and the paths they take and choices they make. Here are some explanations for each star. Sha- Power star Po- Ruinous star, general or army breaker Lang- Flirting star I wish I could have found more explanation because I got the sense that the Asian audience for this movie knew this background information as a given. The movie opens with a detective driving with a family who is going to testify in court that day against a crime boss. The crime boss sends someone to kill this family and their little girl and the detecive survive. He feels so awful he adopts the girl and has it out for the crime boss know released since there is no one to testify any more. This is probably where the astrology takes part because he finds out he is dying of cancer and is going to retire. In the meantime he starts taking the law into his own hands. His team at the police station end up taking a huge bag of money that belongs to this crime boss during a raid and don't turn it in. They plan to give it to the head detective to help raise the girl when he dies of his cancer. The crime boss is obviously furious over this. In the meantime he and his wife have been trying to have a baby for years and finally has one. It is time for the head detective to retire and the new head detective shows up to meet the team. This character is played by Donnie Yen. I was definently impressed by this actor. I looked into what other movies he has been in and perhaps he is more well known than I realized (even for an English speaking audience). He has been in Blade II, Iron Monkey and Hero. All movies I have heard of! He follows around the retiring head detective and his team for the day and catchs on to what they are up to. They frame the crime boss for a murder of one of their undercover agents even though they know he didn't deliever the death killing blow. They have the evidence (a video tape) altered. However, this same night that the crime boss is arrested, he has one of his men go and kill each detective that was involved in stealing his money. The killer finally comes after Donnie Yen's character (the new head detecive)and who is trying to return the money and thus ensues a fighting scene this movie is probably known for. It was amazing. Their weapons were a knief and a baton. Their reflexes were so fast! In watching the extra features on the DVD and through word of mouth, I heard this scene was not even choreographed! Yen's character goes on to have another extrodinary fight scene with the crime boss himself that ends in a great twist that I won't spoil. I would definently reccommend this movie for entertainment and enjoyment of a good story line and impressive fighting sequences. I think I will watch one of Donnie Yen's other movies now. If you watch and enjoy this movie, I just read the other day that they will start production for a sequel next month!
This film can lead students into discussions about woman characters in films, anime, artists, and types of stories used. In my opinion, I didn't like how the characters were drawn but I'm sure the story was pretty good. This is however a film that children and adults can like.
Since this movie is readily available and current, it can be used in class to draw comparisons of how Japan was and is today. There are some shots of modern Tokyo and some of its culture. Most students probably know about this movie and it could probably spark some interest in them.
Gie is a 2005 Indonesian film by Riri Riza. It is about the life of a student political activist named Soe Hok Gie based on his journal entries and the political events of 1960s Indonesia. Apparently, he is a much admired student political leader who had a great part in awakening political involvement within university students. He is said to have written as a student journalist that since students are the lucky group who was able to get better eduation compared to others, they were the ones who had to fight for the nation so that those suffering wouldn't have to commit anything to put their lives in danger. This movie reminded me of THe Motorcycle Diary about Che Guevara's life. It is rather long (about 148 minutes) and slow but, I enjoyed seeing the Indonesian culture and the countryside in this movie, not to mention the historical facts behind this figure I had never heard of. I really admire him for being true to himself and sticking to his principals when a lot of his friends left him for money and power. He worte in his journal " I'd rather be isolated than surrender to hypocrisy". He was also a mountain climber, so you get to see a lot of beautiful Indonesian mountainscapes in this movie. This movie also has some great music it. I don't understand Indonesian but, I would buy the sound track just for the sound of it. You can hear the theme song when you visit the site:
I just purchsed a film on-line that I've been wanting to watch. I thought some of you might be interested in it as well. It is a documentary film about North Korean refugees hiding underground awaiting an opportunity to flee their hunger striken country. Here is a part of the synopsis from the website:
With its riveting footage of a secretive “underground railroad,” SEOUL TRAIN is the gripping documentary exposé into the life and death of North Koreans as they try to escape their homeland and China.
SEOUL TRAIN also delves into the complex geopolitics behind this growing and potentially explosive humanitarian crisis. By combining vérité footage, personal stories and interviews with experts and government officials, SEOUL TRAIN depicts the flouting of international laws by major countries, the inaction and bureaucracy of the United Nations, and the heroics of activists that put themselves in harm’s way to save the refugees.
Today, there are an estimated 250,000 North Korean refugees living underground in China. They escaped a food crisis and other persecutions at home that have claimed the lives of approximately 3 million in the past 10 years. As the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) stands idly by, the Chinese Government — in direct violation of international laws to which it’s a party — systematically arrests and forcibly repatriates hundreds of these refugees each month. Defecting from North Korea is a capital offense, and repatriated refugees face human rights abuses ranging from concentration camps and torture to forced abortion and summary executions.
For a lucky few refugees, however, there is hope. A group of multinational activists has taken it upon themselves to create an Underground Railroad. Via a network of safe houses and escape routes, the activists — at great personal risk — help the refugees on daring escapes to freedom over hundreds (and sometimes thousands) of miles of Chinese territory. This is an odyssey where betrayal and deceit lurk around every corner, and the price of getting caught likely means death. It’s an epic tale involving years on the lam living in underground shelters, North Korean and Chinese agents, double-crossings, covert border crossings, and the terror of what happens if they get caught.
I am in San Diego alot. For anyone interested there is going to be the 7th Annual San Diego Asian Film Festival October 12-19 2006. I believe it is put on by the San Diego Asian Film Foundation. A web site listed on the flyer I read is www.sdaff.org.
I saw this movie for a variey of reasons. 1) It has been on my list of movies I wanted to watch 2)I read the book, and 3)It was nominated for 6 academy awards (it must have done something right).
I definently enjoyed it. I found it very informative. I had allready read the book and others on geisha so I noticed that it did cover many aspects of the culture in a way for "westerners" to become more aware of the culture. My husband watched and realized himself that no...they (or least many) are not prostitutes, but that they are educated in the arts. It was very sad but interesting how the main character's family sold her, and the path her life would lead because of that. I liked how they showed how one becomes a geisha, and how one becomes proud of their art. I was absolutly facinated with their customs. I thought the story flowed well. Apparently one concern that has caused controversy was that the main character was Chinese, not Japanese. This did not bother me at all, but I am interested to research more why it is an issue. One item I came across was if the lead character could really understand and represent the character she was playing. I know this is not nearly enough, however, on the DVD there are the extra features I love to watch when the movie intrigues me enough to be curious about things behind the scenes. The DVD includes these extra features: The look of geisha (Wardrobe, hair & Makeup) ( There are meanings behind how this is done that tell you certain things about the geisha- such as if she has lost her virginity which they refer to as mizu-age, if she is apprentice, real,etc...) (This is also described in great detail in the book.) Music Geisha BOOT CAMP- how the actresses became geisha Geisha dance COmmentary
I found my whole focus on the grandmother and what she had to endure, not only from her grandson and her daughter, but from the harsh conditions in which she lived. She seemed to be all alone before her daughter brought the boy to her. Her daughter was fully aware of how her mother had to toil day after day, just to put food on the table and bring water up from the steep trail. No wonder she walked stooped over from all the years of carrying water back and forth, day after day. We all agree the boy was not a big help to her. He was a pain in the butt. Through her unconditional love, patience and strength of will, she was able to help him grow and flouish. The hard part to watch was when the mother had the nerve to come back for him after such a long time. He was beginning to blossom in his grandmother's care. He was also helping her and making her life easier. She wasn't lonely anymore. She had a purpose in life. It burned me up to think of older people being treated and used like this. I think of my own father who was 86 years old and passed away this past March. I would give anything to have him back on this earth. I treated my father with respect. All grandmothers and grandfathers should be treated with kindness and love, even when they are cranky! A bit of true love goes along way.
In my district in San Diego Country it is theoretically possible to show 'R' films, but only after securing parental authorization and creating an alternative assignment. Of course, it has to be approved by the principle. Perhaps the same policy exists in your district?
I finally had the chance to sit down and watch this film. I was excited to see it because I read the book some time ago. As usual, the book wins, but this movie does provide a rich visual tapestry of information. Because I teach middle school grades, I think there are a few points of the movie that would be difficult to show in a class setting. The Geisha auctions off her virginity to the highest bidder and earns a high status in the community because the price paid for her is a record. It would be touchy to discuss this in a 6th grade class, a little easier in an 8th grade class. The costumes are beautiful, the social rules interesting. The separation of the two sisters at the beginning of the movie is tragic and would be easily understood by students, but you would probably need to explain why they were sold off and why this was practiced by families. In my opinion the movie doesn't give enough details for middle school students to understand how the girls wound up there in the first place. On the other hand, the girl's feelings for the chairman because of his kindness towards her inspire her to find success in life despite the hand she has been dealt. It is an example of human spirit, making the best of a difficult situation, always a welcome theme.
So, should I really review this movie? I did watch it, and the thing is, it is not suitable for a classroom setting. It is an incredibly fun and corny comedy movie about a bad guy gone good... essentially a guy wants to become part of a mean scary gang. He is essentially laughed at, but then later, he ends up fighting them. He kicks some crazy fun booty too. The movie has a lot of special effects, and the affect of them is that it appears kind of dream like, with exaggerated fighting scenes and goofy moves. It is all in subtitles (at least the version I saw), so you also have to be able to read and watch at the same time. My students still have to think too much about reading, so they probably would not enjoy the silly dialogue. However, the physical acting would be appreciated... I imagine it would make them laugh in parts, but in general would just leave them confused.
The only thing you could really get from this movie with a class, is to discuss the types of entertainment appreciated in modern day China. It would be good if your point is to show similarities between our entertainment styles if you just showed a part of it, and then part of... say an American Jackie Chan movie. His movies are often corny with fun action... pretty similar, very fun, and many of the kids do like them. I even showed my sixth graders a Jackie Chan movie (Around the World In 80 Days) as a reward during lunch. They liked it, and so did I.
I listened to the recommendation of a fellow student and rented this movie through Netflix. I really enjoyed this tale of a low ranking samurai and his struggle to take care of his family in the face of uselessness. The samurai must struggle with traditions and being a fighter when he no longer has the heart to do so. In the beginning of the movie it shows him at work with his colleagues. They leave to go out and have drinks, but he must go home and care for his mother and two small daughters. His wife has died and he is all they have left. He is a kind hearted man and makes cricket cages at night in order to supplement his meager earnings. His two daughters help him around the house a little, but he is barely managing to scrape out a living.
There is a love interest in his life, but he passes her up because he knows the struggle of being a low class citizen. He talks about the struggle with his late wife as she married below her station. He is a simple man and wants to enjoy life. He cares nothing of riches or a name in the kingdom. The climax of the movie is when he must fight a mad samurai in order to keep his family name. What will he do? Risk death to save his honor? You will have to watch it to find out.
About a year ago, I viewed an interesting Japanese movie at an independent movie theater that would be appropriate to show in the high school classroom for a purposeful discussion. It was an old movie probably filmed in mid 60s, but is the kind of movie that makes an impression on the viewer and would be reflected upon when the viewer finds himself in a similar situation.
“IKIRU” meaning “To Live,” (director: Akira Kurosawa; starring: Takashi Shimura) is a somber but warm movie that touches the audience’s emotions about human motivation.
The story takes place in the mid 1950s, post WWII Japan. The movie depicts a man who works as a city employee, leads a boring life, and has a repetitive bureaucratic job that doesn’t bring any motivation to his life, and especially after his wife dies. One day, he finds out that he has only a few months left to live his life. After he overcomes his initial depression, he becomes constructive and feels the need to accomplish something meaningful before he dies. His actions influence many people’s perceptions and passions. However, after his death, people, who were moved by his action, get back to the same old bureaucratic way of life fulfilling their responsibilities minimally. Most Hollywood movies please the audience with a happy ending. What I liked about Kurosawa’s however, is that he goes beyond the happy ending into a more realistic circumstance about how one’s life might affect others.
There were many sad, funny, annoying and touching scenes that were intertwined in human emotion. How each person deals with their own situation was interesting. Even though it was a Japanese movie using an entirely Japanese cast, the plot, depicting the reality of human nature, enables the audience to transcend their own cultural and racial awareness.
Overall, the movie is very well made with a strong emotional presentation. I recommend this movie for higher-grade multicultural students.
S.P
I was so excited about seeing this movie. The book was absolutely fabulous, despite the cries and questions of "accuracy" of a man writing about a woman's perspective. Yet the movie came and went in theaters and I missed it. Today I finally had the chance to see "Memoirs" and I was happy I did. Though the book was far superior, I thought the movie version did try to make the book and the time in history come alive onscreen. The costumes and scenery were amazing, as I'm sure most would agree. But I must say, I did have a problem believing the lead actress was Japanese (knowing full-well that she is a Chinese actress (who was incredible in "Crouching Tiger..." and "The Red Jacket"). I almost wish I didn't know the background of the multinational cast. Maybe that would've made this just that more authentic??? Other than that, I enjoyed watching a film that not only came from a good book but that tried to give a Western audience a small look into the art of geisha.
This movie follows the story of a High School kid who can't keep from getting into trouble with cars. As a last resort his mom sends him to Tokyo to stay with his dad where he gets into all kinds of trouble with the Japanese Mafia. The movie is full of action packed car racing and pop culture. I found it to be interesting because it takes a look at the excitement of fast cars and getting into trouble. If you were doing Asia studies of pop culture you could give the movie to your sub or show it on the last few days of class.
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I finally had a chance to watch Memoirs of a Geish on DVD. DVD version of rated R movies are always modified. I hope I have not missed much.
I will not talk about the story. Much has been said.But:
The least I got out of this movie was that I learned the true definition of the word Geisha. I always thought it was synonymous to prostitute. Not only it does not mean that, but nothing is worse than being considered a prostitute by a real geisha. I learned that a Geisha is a traditional female entertainer. Geisha literally means "art-person," and the true geisha is above all an artist. She is an accomplished musician, being able to sing, dance, and play traditional instruments like the shamisen, but perhaps most excels in the fine art of making her client feel like a king.
It also means;female performers who specialize in entertaining and providing companionship to men at dinner parties and similar venues. They are skilled in classic Japanese arts such as music, poetry and calligraphy.
Being a Geisha was a torturous life style. Resting one's head on a high thin rod(as a pillow) is not comfortable. Not washing your hair for two weeks is even worse. These are the least I could mention.
This movie told me more about Japanese culture. Japanese people like to go beyond perfection in many aspects of life and take it to the point of obsession. That is the reason geishas are not found as commonly as they once did. Another example is their tea ceremony. I might be able to experience their tea ceremony once (4hours), but not twice. I hear that to clean and prepare a certain fish (I don't know which) you have to train for 10 years. This certain fish is poisonous. If it is not done right, and a guest(customer) dies of the poison, the chef will have to kill himself(This is a quote from a visitor to japan).
Here is more interesting cultural point leraned from the movie. To japanese men the more a woman is vovered the sexier she is. Showing off your skin is not considered sexy at all. In fact a geish goes as far as covering her face with powder. The only exception is a tiny spot on the back of the neck (That is considered SEXY), which sends this tempting message: If this much of me is so beautiful, imagine what the rest of me is like!!!!!!
Please let me know if my takes are interesting to you.
The review of this movie reminds me of a book I read, "The Seven People You Meet In Heaven" I believe is the title. It is about a man who dies, and as he travels through heaven he encounters 7 people whose lives he effected in very specific ways during his own life. Not all of the encounters were good, but it brought perspective and a sort of closure to his own life as he traveled through heaven to his ultimate destination. This is not a book set in Asia, or with an Asian author, but I find it very interesting that the ideas in the book and the movie IKIRU transcend culture. The movie IKIRU by Kurosawa sounds so familiar to me, but it is because of this book. Humans are humans, no matter where they are born. A wonderful thing to be reminded of, and to remind our students. High School students might benefit from reading the book and drawing contrasts/comparisons between it and the movie IKIRU.
Daughter Wil is having issues with her traditional chinese family. For one she's 28 and still single, and for another she's a closeted lesbian. This makes for a very complicated situation in this film from Alice Wu titled Saving Face. It showcases many of the issues experienced by American children of native born chinese. The roles of each of the family members are very pronounced with the grandfather at the pinnacle of each families social pyramid. Each level must show respect and follow the wishes of their elders.
I think you could possibly show this to high school if you want to discuss the pros and cons of tradition. Middle school definitely not. There are some racy sex scenes that most students couldn't handle. Actually, you might want to save it for college. Then you could really analyze some of the societal issues presented here in a mature fashion. High school boys and a lesbian love scene don't really mix. The movie was well written and the characters are lovable. Even if you can't watch it at school, try it at home!
I have also had the opportunity to see the film, Memoirs of a Geisha. I truly enjoyed this film for many reasons. First and foremost, I really enjoyed having a look into what the life of a Geisha actually is like. Unfortunately, I am "one of those Americans" who thought a Geisha was something quite different. I think the art of a Geisha is truly unique and provides incredible insight into Japanese culture. I thought that this film provided a good look into the life of a Giesha from childhood through adulthood. The tremendous effort, and perhaps even torture that a Geisha must endure are amazing. It is no wonder that Geishas are held in such high esteem. This film truly portrays the life of a Geisha as an art form. And although it is quite a prestigious position in Japanese society, I found it quite sad at how much of the life and feelings a Geisha must both surrender and supress. The unrequited love story in this film was an excellent example of th fact that a Geisha's life and love are truly not her own. Another great aspect of this film were the costumes and cinematogroaphy. I felt that the costumes were beautiful and traditional, and the setting of the film highlighted the true beauty of Japan. Although, I'm sure that Japan is not all gardens and Cerry Blossom trees, why not focus upon the beauty of Japan? Afterall, I find that films are a form of entertainment and perhaps an escape from reality. As far as the actors were concerned, I felt that they were well cast. Even though the main character was played by a Chinese actress, I found her beauty an performance riveting. My opinion of this film is soley based on my enjoyment of the film, and an escape to a traditional and beautiful Japan. The film was quite entertaining, and provided me with enough insight into the life of a Geisha to reverse a former stereotype.
I decided to review the film Twilight Samurai. I will provide a brief description of the plot and then describe how scenes in the film can be used in the classroom to highlight/illustrate key ideas in Japanese feudalism and Confucius thought.
Aside from having an application in the class, I found the film engrossing and thought it did a nice job engaging the viewer with the story. The story begins by showing the main character’s life, a low-ranking samurai, who supports his two daughters and mother, who suffers from dementia, on a very meager salary. It shows that while he does not present the picture of success to wider society he seems to find contentment in taking care of his family.
The story advances by providing the main character a love interest, in which he shows his until know unknown prowess in swordsmanship by defending her honor against her abusive ex-husband. From this incident comes an order from his superiors to kill a certain samurai who has refused to commit suicide, known as seppuku. For those that have not yet seen this film I will not spoil the ending by revealing if he gets the girl and or kills his adversary.
As far as its applicability in the class, for those teaching Confucius there are many scenes that allow students to see its teachings in action. For example, the Confucius belief that one must show a strong degree of respect for their elders is shown numerous times when we see the main character taking her of his aged mother, and showing deference to his uncle, despite his sometimes abusive behavior towards him. Again, one can see Confucius thought being practiced when the love interest acquiesces and goes against her own feelings so she can show respect and obey her brother and his wife wishes (the Confucius belief society works when people act based on what their role and relationship is to others).
With regards to Japanese feudalism, one can see it in action during the scene when the Japanese lord inspects his keep’s provisions and his samurai show complete deference and obedience to him. There are other scenes that show how feudalism operated in Japanese society when the samurai are working for their lord, like record keeping and inspecting troops training, and when the samurai talk about how one who does not have a lord is basically worthless.
Finally, one more scene that shows both feudal Japan and Confucius thought at work is when the main character’s lord is talking to his samurai. He sets a good example by being kind and wise (which in Confucius thought are part of the duties of rulers) when he could have yelled at his workers, and it also reveals how powerful the lord is in this particular hierarchy when the samurai working for him don’t even make eye contact with him and don’t speak unless spoken to.
Commenting on Lost in Translation, this movie is rated R and released in 2003 by Sofia Coppola. Two Americans meet and become friends in Japan and discover a different perspective on life. The two main characters are Bob Harris (Bill Murray) and Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson). Bob is a movie star shooting a commercial and Charlotte is a young wife of a photographer. They both have some experiences in Japan.
There are some nice scenes that show present day life in Japan. I'm sure they can somehow be used in classrooms.[Edit by="vhui on Jul 19, 8:39:46 AM"][/Edit]
I love reading these reviews!!!!
So many of them are films I have seen or heard of but would have never thought of showing it class. You guys have really shown me a new way of seeing a lot of movies. I think I'm going to rent "Twilight..." If I can find it. The idea of a the Samurai is very interesting to students even if they don't completely get the whole scope of the Samurai class. In fact, I wonder how many students know that the Samurai were a whole of people. I doubt a lot did.
Film clips are a mixed blessing, though. I have a friend who one showed 5 or 6 clips in one period. After each class he had to review the videos and that took up the entire passing period.
However, I doubt that we could show as many films as we want. In order to really get the most out of a film shown in class, you have to either stop it periodically and discuss certain scenes or have a long discussion/review/connect the film to our class.
I think the story is not great but there are a lot of nice shots that show the current trends or culture.
I think students will like it but I couldn't get over the way it was drawn to appreciate the story.
Country Teachers (1993); China
Country Teachers is about a young woman who accepts a position teaching in a poor rural mountain school in China. She lives in the country with her parents, but she has failed her college entrance exams twice. Since she has limited opportunities, she asks her uncle (who has important connections) to get her a job. She is disappointed that the only thing he can offer her is a teaching position at a country school with minimal resources, but since she lacks proper certification, she is not qualified for a position in an urban school, where she feels she would have a better chance of succeeding.
Upon arriving at the school, she meets her three male colleagues, all of whom also lack proper certification but have many years of teaching experience. After observing her colleagues’ classes, she is entrusted with her own pupils, and she shows great promise as a teacher, although she and her colleagues do not know if or when they will be paid for their service, as they must wait for a visit from the government. She helps prepare the children for the government’s visit, but she is shocked when she hears her colleagues falsify their educational statistics to secure funding and salaries. After telling the government the truth, she is shunned by her colleagues. Finally, she is able to save face and they even nominate her for certification when the opportunity arises.
This movie is a great companion to a recent NPR broadcast on rural teachers (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5413877). It would be a great resource to show students how a good education can help people escape poverty. All of the children who attend the mountain school in the movie come from poor families, and many have to stop attending in order to go to work in the fields to help their families. Many students in LAUSD can relate to this, and it would be a great tool to show the struggles of children everywhere to get educated. The young teacher in the movie also illustrates this quite well, as she comes from a poor family who pushes her to excel. They are very disappointed that she has not passed her exams after two tries, and they reinforce the idea that education is the key to escaping poverty. The movie also shows how much many of these parents and teachers must sacrifice in order to educate these children properly. The teachers pass up opportunities to teach in the city where they could earn a better income, because they have become attached the cause of educating the poorer children. This demonstrates how education becomes more of a community endeavor if people are truly going to be “educated.” In addition, the movie explores government involvement and the struggle to fully fund education.
Hello
Can you tell us where you found the movie COUNTRY TEACHER?
I would appreciate it.
I found this movie at my local Blockbuster, of all places. I'm not sure if all Blockbusters stock it, but I found it at the one at Overland and National in West L.A.
One place for travellers to tie in the Miyazaki films you see with how they are made can visit Studio Ghibli Museum in Tokyo, Japan. My relatives have a hard time finding tickets to get in, but foreign travellers can buy tickets through JTB (Japan Tourism Bureau and other similar org.) before departing for Japan. I always wished Disney had similar things here without the Theme Park or the old, mighty dollar... An animation backround tour without the glitz and glam of Universal Tours... Fun, Colorful, Educational, Inspirational....
Ghibli Museum
English reference site
Another English reference
Last year when I visited, "Howl's Castle" was the biggest hit in Japan, and in a shoppin center in Japan, they had a promotional booth and display that people were waiting hours for... If you ever see kids run to Mickey Mouse at Disneyland, you should see the full-grown adult fans of anime run up to Miyazaki characters. I personally like magical-reality of his films. The same reasons why we watched cartoons by shutting off our sense of reality for worries and insecurities, we adults sometimes forget what it means to enjoy life, much like an innocent child in all of us...
I recently saw The Twilight Samurai and thought it an excellent movie. I will not summarize it in detail since so many others have already done such a fine job.
I am planning to use the movie with my modern literature class. The movie explores themes that I feel are relevant to modern literature such as making meaning of ones existence in a seemingly absurd society. The protagonist has trouble coming to terms with the death of his wife and his inability to care for his two daughters and senile mother on a meager petty samurai salary. He is trained in sword fighting and yet hides the fact allowing those around him to think of him as unkempt and unmotivated.
The protagonist Seibei Iguchi is a classic underachiever who is very capable of but has no will to rise in social rank. We are led to believe that the death of his wife has resulted in some sort of death in himself. This death of self debilitates him and he seems to only have enough energy to make it through one day at a time.
That is until he reunites with an old childhood friend, the beautiful and recently divorced Tomoe Iinuma. When Seibei defends Tomoe against her violent ex-husband the bond between the two is sealed and Seibie’s life takes on new meaning. This rupture in his daily routine seems to shake him from his depression and he is motivated to act again.
We see so many of our students experience similar scenarios of loss and death that leave them shattered and immobile. I have spoken to numerous students who seem unmotivated and unwillingly and yet through conversation I have found some loss to be at the root of the problem.
I also feel that Seibei Iguchi’s abililty to walk away from a fight and show mercy to his enemies is a very good lesson for our kids. When Tomoe’s ex-husband challenges Seibei to a duel, Seibei shows mercy to the man and does not kill him. He fights him and wins and spares his life. The movie ends with a similar scenario in which Seibei does all he can to spare the life of the man he is supposed to kill.
Recently at VeniceHigh there was a shooting that resulted in the death of a student. And as teachers we all know that this is not an uncommon event. Maybe if these kids see that a skilled fighter is unwillingly to fight and even shows mercy to his enemies, they themselves won’t feel the need to stand so tall and not back down form a fight. Maybe they will look for alternatives that will allow them to save face and/or simply walk away.
I recently saw The Black Rider—Robert Wilson, Tom Waits and William Burroughs. An excellent musical play based on an old German folktale. (I will tie this into Asia soon.) The story is about a young man who sells his soul to the devil to win the heart of the girl he loves. He is given magic bullets that will hit anything he aims at. Unfortunately when time comes for the devil to collect his due another deal is struck resulting in the death of his girl and his confinement to an asylum for the insane. Sad story. So what does it have to do with Asia?
The costumes and the make-up were obviously Chinese militant and Noh/Kabuki/Butoh Theater influenced. Very simple lines, heavy fabrics, military style boots, mask-like white paint on the face with black lines to highlight various features such as long black silky hair, etc. The play has a skewed feeling meaning that everything is off center and not quite balanced. This lends itself well to the whole supernatural motif. I read that Kabuki actually derives form a verb that means “to lean” and that kabuki can be interpreted as bizarre or avant-garde. This is an excellent description of The Black Rider.
The body movements were also very stylized, simple and direct, slow and very reminiscent of Noh Theater. Of course the Beats were heavy into eastern philosophy and Burroughs coming from that probably had some input into the overall look and feel of the thing.
As for the music: Waits chose a jazzy lounge style that often clashed with itself. He employed chromatic lines and diminished phrasing to create an eerie soundtrack for the play. If you have ever heard any of the traditional Chinese and/or Japanese music (maybe in Memoirs of a Geisha?), you might argue that certain styles of Asian music seem to have preceded Stravinsky and the whole 12-tone school just a little bit.
I find it interesting that whenever we want to take a weird postmodern approach on something in contemporary theater we borrow elements of the Chinese and Japanese past. WB Yeats in fact seems to have borrowed somewhat from the Eastern aesthetic in many of his “odd” avant-garde plays and early poems. Could this have been due to his friendship with Ezra Pound?
Anyhow, there are so many more similarities between The Black Rider and ancient forms of Asian theater that I could spend ten pages here, but I won’t. Rather I will strongly suggest that you see it the next time it is in town.
I've had numerous debates regarding the movie Lost in Translation. Many of my Asian American friends found the movie a bit racist. They argued that Bill Murray's character was an arrogant bigot who disrespected the Japanese culture with his horrible jokes and his disregard for cultural norms and customs. They didn't buy into the scenario of two Americans in Japan connecting and conspiring against the Japanese and their version of the English language. I think they missed the point that once Murray's character let his guard down and found a second he actually did enjoy the cultural by way of running around with Charlie Brown and the gang.
A few of my friends from Japan, one guy in particular, loved the movie and thought it was a very accurate depiction of an American actor forced to makes some money in Japan via advertising. My friend made the excellent point that when foreign travelers are here in America they make many of the same jokes as a defense mechanism. It is highly stressful to be inundated with a new language and a new culture while being all alone in a foreign country. He also commented on the practice of Japanese advertisers using American faces to sell Japanese products (e.g. Brad Pitt). He raised the question that if something is equitable for all involved, then who is exploiting whom?
Personally I think the movie is a great lesson in culture shock and an excellent look at the inability of a man to deal with aging, displacement, etc. I think it is a great love story, an excellent travel log, and a wonderful way of addressing ethnocentrism and the ability to have fun and laugh at ones own culture.
As for appropriate content, I teach seniors so the rating is not necessarily relevant. There is a scene in a bar though that I would definitely fast forward through.
And finally, if not a fan of Sofia Coppola or the genre, watch the movie anyway simply for the beautiful shots of Tokyo and Kyoto in particular.
I wanted to review the opera Madama Butterfly. First of all I think it is great that it is the story of a Japanese woman who is married to an American soldier who leaves her, and that it is written by an Italian, Puccini. Talk about multiculturalism.
I saw the LA Opera’s minimalist production of the opera a few months back and I thought it as wonderful. Of course the stage and costume design was highly influenced by Traditional Japanese Noh and Kabuki Theater. The costumes were monochromatic. The make up was white, red, and black and mask-like. The movements were very slow and stylized and quite striking. This of course in contrast to the American costumes which were G.I. chic. When the soldier returns to Japan with his American bride, she is dressed in the classic white wedding gown which is gaudy and bulky compared to the clean lines Butterfly wears.
Plot: Nagasaki. Butterfly is a teenage bride purchased for 100 yen by the American naval officer Benjamin Franklin Pinkerton. He is proud that he can bow out of the marriage anytime, which he does. He returns home to America to marry an American woman and leaves butterfly with child. Also, Butterfly converted to Christianity thinking that her husband was true and faithful to her.
Eventually, three years later, Pinkerton returns with his new wife and wants his child to return to America with his wife and him. Butterfly decides that she will commit suicide and she stabs herself with the same dagger her father used to kill himself with.
Teaching potential: There are so many aspects to discuss—Imperialism, war brides, WW history, elements of tragedy. And of course Memoirs of a Geisha can be discussed and viewed.
With the recent passing of Mako, the Asian-American community has lost an irreplaceable leader among the rising artistic voices of contemporary American. I when I was in high school back in the late 80's, many Asian-Americans seemed so distant from American theater. I think for some, theater was for the older immigrant generations, with their Chinese operas and Japanese Kabuki theater. For an Asian-American student aspiring to attend an acting school was a rare event, and even a rare discussion of possibility among dinner tables at their homes. But I think similar to the reactions to Blaxploitation movies and how African-American artists sought their own path to their visions, Asian-Americans did the same in the late 80's and 90's. For some of you, remember how "Boyz in the Hood" changed perceptions about "ethic" filmmakers. Just like Jackie Robinson in baseball, although perhaps for a smaller community for some, Mako created the first step in colorblind art for some Asian-Am artists. If you look beyond the race of the performer/creator, them people should see the true commonalities in life, not trivial differences. Emotion expressed in a play is no different than any other forms of expression. The artistic living life you create, permanently on the silver screen/TV, is to be seen and perhaps judged countless generations that follow... It is with this understanding that key figures in history demonstrate 'silent fortitude' that create the backbone for future generations. I can't say one film work stands out of Mako-san's performances. Although as a youth, I did enjoy his action-film role in Conan the Barbarian series.
I think the great thing about freedom of art in this country is that we have a bounce back effect on the art of the world. I see art on the continent of Asia becoming bolder and expressive in non-traditional ways. For example, if the Canadian Cirque de Soleil could continually expand and do for stage shows that generate revenue to the awes of many, then imagine a Chinese acrobat/martial arts type show recreated for American tastes. Can you imagine a play such as "Hair" playing live in conservative China, Japan, or Muslim SEAsia?!?... You can't attribute all the progress in society and art to one person. But it is when you can't see the hard work done by that one person, and we revel in the fruits of their work, then we truly live in a society where art can transcend cultural baggage and superficial judgment.
LA TIMES article by DHWang[Edit by="ssaito on Jul 29, 4:20:47 PM"][/Edit]
Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War
R for strong graphic sequences of war violence
Getting around the ‘R’ rating is the tricky part. My district allows the rating w/ parental permission. The movie itself is highly informative, showing the impact of this civil war on the Korean population. Too often US movies tend to focus exclusively upon the American
The story is built around the plight of two brothers who are forcibly drafted into the South Korean army in the early days of the Korean War. Their experience then becomes the vehicle that carries the movie along.
Given that the movie was filmed in South Korea, Communism gets short shrift. Refreshingly, the U.S.-friendly dictatorship of Sing Man Rhee’s South Korea also gets honest, rough handling. The lack of freedom, red-scares and general injustice are all represented. So is the strong sense of family typical of Korean culture.
In the end, students will understand that the Korean War was essentially a civil war, being vastly destructive to the Korean society.
Other ideas that can be discussed with your students:
- limiting freedoms during crises/war
- desire for unification amongst Koreans
- seeming impossibility of reunification given the current Communist regime in the north
- US involvement in the form of material & financial support during the war as opposed to simply portraying US soldiers (the South Korean uniforms are all 100% GI issue)
- greater Cold War conflict within which the Korean War occurred
I found your information and review of Twilight Samurai very informative. I would like to see the movie. Is it available for rent at traditional movie rental stores?
A movie I viewed last night, Quitting, was extremely interesting and informative. This movie is about a young Chinese man who decides to leave the country for the city to find an acting job/s. He finds acting jobs, and experiences success in this endeavor. At one point, he is able to purchase a large apartment in the city. Unfortunately, he also finds drugs, especially heroin.
The movie begins with his parents relocating to the city in order to help their son recover from his addiction. Throughout the movie, our protagonist experiences ups and downs associated with drug addiction. Ultimately, he struggles with country versus city life, drugs versus abstinance, and a desire to find a place in between all of these.
In the end, our "hero" finds a sort of peace in compromise. It is an exceptional movie if you teach modern world cultures, IB, or health. This movie was especially relevant for me, one of my own brother's experienced almost exactly what this young Chinese man did. In other words, drugs transcend ethnic, linguistic, and economic boundaries.
One very unique component of this video in particular is that this story is true. All of the actors are real people portraying themselves as they are in real life, in the video.
Michele Jones
UCLA Asia Institute
A quick review of the Film “Quitting’
by Rocky Parker
★★★/★★★★★
In the East Asia in my Classroom Summer Session 2006, I was afforded the opportunity to watch a contemporary film on drug addiction in China. Personal knowledge of Chinese films for me personally mainly focused on martial arts classics and so the thematic change from kung fu to heroin addiction was a welcomed change. Quitting was released in 2003 and was directed by Yang Zhang.
Although the film was a commercial success and is readily available on DVD,
I was disappointed in the film. I felt the film was not a realistic portrayal of heroin addiction in China as it only shows heroin use by the rich and affluent. The main character in the film is a successful young actor who in order to better understand his characters and ‘expand his mind’ began to experiment with drugs. Ultimately this experimentation, coupled with the actor’s personality, leads to heroin addiction and a troublesome and destructive lifestyle. Although the actors portrayal of the addiction is commendable, Zhang’s setting of an affluent actor residing in a highly westernized apartment in downtown seems unrealistic.
Moreover, the fact that the young actor’s choice in music and art work is reminiscent of the 1960’s seems to be a subtle attempt to link drug addiction to the west.
Interestingly, even though this being a true story, the youth actor’s return to normalcy also seems to be out of place in this dark and depressing film. Still, despite its’ negativity, this is an excellent film for the non-sinologist to get an insight in to Chinese relationship and parental love.
I appreciate your review. I see uses for the film in showing everything you mentioned. Also, it demonstrates the sclerotic nature of the samurai class by the mid-1800s. Clearly they are salarymen much like today's businessmen, very few actually being trained in the use of the sword. The wealth gap between some samurai and the farming poor is noexistent. The main character's struggle between duty to clan and justice is illuminating.
This film is an effective answer to the romanticized view of samurais portrayed by The Last Samurai. They were hardly heroes.
i was saddened to here of Mako's demise. What I'm concerned the world will never know are the contributions he and other Asain performers made behind the scenes. We still live in a world of limited opportunities for Asian artists. I think of the Jonathan Pryce fiasco in Miss Saigon. We need to either choose to be color blind or we need to open up more roles for performers.[Edit by="ccarter on Aug 8, 3:44:35 PM"][/Edit]
How accurate is the portrayel of a Geisha? :~
I also read the article on the LA times.
I am happy that there is some Asian-American talent on America's Got Talent.
I am always wondering where the Asian pop artists are? Specially after watching some on foreign cable broadcasts . They are around, why not here? It is up to us as teachers to motivate students to explore their talents, specially in a town with so many opportunities. I was recently present at a retreat where a 10 yr. old Filipino boy played the violin incredibly. He has won contests against adults with no problem. It is important to incorporate the important role the arts have played through out history to diffuse ideas, values through plays, music, poetry, sculptures,and today's myriad technology.
This afternoon, I had the priviledge of watching the Korean movie, "The Way Home." The movie begins with a young boy being taken to his grandmother's humble home located in the Korean countryside. His mother has fallen on hard times financially, and needs time to look for a job so that she can once again take care of her child.
Of course, her version of "taking care of" seemed to be leaving him to his own devices for much of the time. He is an exceedingly rude child, but it most likely isn't his fault. His mother is not the most devoted parent, and has probably neglected her son.
Throughout the movie, you will learn to really hate the boy. His behavior towards his grandmother is horrible. He speaks so incredibly disrespectfully to her, even going so far as to call her "dummy." At one point, she asks him what he wants to eat. He replies, "Kentucky chicken!" She sets out early one morning, acquires a chicken, and boils it especially for him. He cries when he realizes that it is not fried. But, in the end, he eats it anyway.
By the end of the movie, the boy has changed. Although some people would probably want to the debate the degree to which he has changed. In the end, his mother comes back to get him. He is quiet, sad, and reluctant to leave. But, he must leave. He leaves with his grandmother the precious post cards he was so proud of upon his arrival to her home. Upon the cards, he has written messages which she can then send to him.
I could use this movie several ways. One would be to use it as an introduction to modern Korea. There is so much in this movie which the typical American child could relate to. I could also teach my students to make comparisons in cultures, both Korean and American, city versus rural.
Overall, I thought this movie was poignant, because it crosses cultural barriers with its univeral themes: conflict between generations and conflict between cultures, urban and rural life, poverty and material wealth.
Michele Jones
UCLA Asia Institute
After watching a movie called The Way Home, I was struck by how well, we as parents, can really mess up our children. As parents, we want what is best for our children and will give them almost anything to please them. After watching this movie, I realize how this can backfire. The little boy in the film was given whatever he wanted by his mother, such as fast food and electronic toys, while living in the city. He didn't know how to handle things when he was transported from the city to the country to stay with his poor grandmother. He expected to get the same kind of treatment from his grandmother that he got from his mother. If his grandmother could have given it to him, I am sure she would have, and she tried hard to make him happy. He soon found out though that life here would be forever different and a grandmother's love could tame the most unruly beast; the beast that was in him. He was able to think of someone besides himself towards the end of the movie and learned to care about his grandmother. The sad part was however, his mother came back for him after he had come so far on his journey of enlightenment. I am hoping the change in him will last and his grandmother's teachings of love with endure.
I was deeply moved by the movie, "The Way Home" and would certainly show it to my students. The harshness of country life in comparison to the conveniences of city life would be only one of the many topics for discussion. After viewing the movie, I would probably
have students form a socratic seminar to analyze the characters and their motivations. The unconditional love that this grandmother expresses is amazingly believable. Unlike the total humiliation that the father tolerates in "Quitting," which I personally find unlikely and a sign of weakness, the strength of character that this grandmother possesses is remarkable and highly believable. I wouldn't consider the journey "delightful" or the performances "charming" or "humorous" as stated in the movie synopsis, but it certainly is powerful and memorable. Oh the simple things we take for granted: electricity, batteries, soft pillows, TVs in every room, refrigeration, and yes-- most especially indoor plumbing! This grandmother should be cannonized just for her attempts to provide KFC alone! I know what it takes to catch, defeather and clean a chicken and it is one arduous task!
I found a pricelist on Paramount.com: 19.99 for DVD and 95. for video which I think is strangely overpriced.[Edit by="bdiaz on Aug 9, 11:36:32 PM"][/Edit]
Despite my calls for corporal punishment directed at the boy, the movie The Way Home did move me, but in ways that may differ from most. I saw in the mother a woman who gave things, not love, and in the grandmother I saw a woman who gave love, and things when she could give them. I think my insights as a parent are probably nearly universal, and the movie caught it, too. We don't give children what we want them to have. We give our children who we actually are. If we are shallow and self-centered, trading things for time, then we imprint selfishness on our children. If we show love, children learn love. The one proviso being that indulgence is not love. Sometimes denying our children things that will ultimately harm them is more loving than stuffing them full of choco-pies.
Anyway, the movie is touching. I think most teenagers will 'get' the movie, perhaps even identifying selfish behaviours in themselves along the way. If it causes a student or two to hug their parents, there is success in that.
As for academic use, there is the stark difference betweeen the techno-savvy urban Koreans and the rural roots of the culture. The contrast is enormous. Perhaps a message is a warning to Koreans that, in their head-long pursuit of economic development, a vital part of Korea's soul is being sacrificed. THe countryside is so old and slow, yet good and wholesome. It seems forgotten by urban Korea, lost in the recesses of the mountains.
As a person born and partially raised in Korea, it was interesting to see my seminar colleagues' reaction to this movie. Since I consider myself rather “Americanized”, it was quite a realization to discover deeply embedded Confucian values in me. While most of my colleagues at the seminar antagonized the boy and wanted to have him spanked, I found myself putting all the blame on the mother of the child. The boy is young and behaves the way he does due to lack of proper upbringing. His mother failed to educate him and instill proper values and manners in him. Not only does she not educate her son properly, she is a very irresponsible daughter to her mother. She has her mother completely abandoned and obviously does not even maintain contact with her unless a need for it arises. She needs to be struck by a lightening.
Unlike the US and many Western countries, there is no social security program in place in Korea to take care of the elderly. Sons and daughters (especially the oldest son) are expected to take care of the parents. There is a growing concern about traditional values being replaced by self-centeredness and materialism, as more and more young people in Korea start to consider elderly parent care burdensome in their modern day life. I think this movie reflects that concern.
The Way Home is an emotional film. After reading my classmates' feelings about it, I thought I'd give a slightly different interpretation. When I was growing up in middle class San Diego in the 50's I was very fortunate to spend summer breaks with both sets of grandparents. My Dad's family still had a farm in Missouri where I milked cows, fed pigs, got lost in corn stalks and took eggs out of the chicken coops. It was a chance to see what rural life had been like not only in America, but in most countries for most of man's existence.
My Mom's family had an old house in Texas, near oil fields. The Church was in their front yard, the town was already losing people 40 years ago. Now the house is gone, the Church is a ruin and the town is basically non existient. Both of these homes had out houses and few conveniences and were not close to neighbors.
Fast forward to my daughter who is now 25. She has never been to a farm or been around animals, except a few horse back riding lessons in a controlled stable area. Her life in middle class Mission Viejo was modern and easy. She does not remember because she was only an infant, but she met her great grandmother in Jamaica, who was 90, I think. My mother in law's mother lived in a one room hut with a single light bulb hanging from the ceiling. Most of her family had left the island in the 60's, although my mother in law never did adjust to life in the US.
The Way Home kept reminding me of my childhood and my daughter's childhood. I contemplated how my deceased father rode his pony to school, after doing the farm chores and how his favorite sister died of diptheria in the 20's. How my Mom has never forgotten the poverty of the depression. How fortunate I am to live in California with all the conveniences and luxuries I need. How much I miss my daughter who lives so far away in Australia and that she does not interact with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. How she may bring up children in Zimbabwe or Botswana where her intended wants to settle in his homeland. He attended boarding school and plans to bring up kids the same way.
The relationships of the little boy, his mother and grandmother in this tender film made me think about my own family and how fragile we are all, how important it is to be loving and kind to all we meet, and how critical it is for us, the teachers, to be role models of kindness and generosity to our students, who may have mothers like the child in the film. and who may not know grandparents or neighbors like the village people in Korea.
Cathy, Chaparral High, Temecula
Using Clay's suggestion of clips, I think I might use the Quitting during the Opium Wars unit next semester. The whole issue of addiction and the pain it casues families, is, of course, universal. My father died in my arms from lung cancer, after a lifetime of smoking. I am sure we all have stories of sorrow because loved ones have been killed by drunk drivers, and worse. When I tell my high school students that my friend's nephew brutally killed his own mother and aunt while on meth, they are saddened and stunned. I hope they never get near drugs or think one little experiment could never cause harm.
I hope teachers remember to relate information and first hand stories to kids to help them have the courage to say no. The Quitting certainly validated my efforts as an educator to always be a role model and to use any opportunity to voice what is healthy and safe to our kids, who, like the protanganist, may not always have a clear mantra to help them make the right decision.
Cathy, Chaparral High, Temecula
I enjoy the fantasy style asian movies. So when my husband said "do you want to watch the most expensive Korean movie ever made...its a fantasy sword play..." I agreed. (Now there is one more movie more expensive...Joint Security Area). Well my husband is also a huge comic book reader so no wonder... this movie Bichunmoo is based on a comic book. For those of you who like action this movie has what is called wire-fu.
The main character is Jinha who apparently is poor but knows a special type of fighting called the Binchun Secret Arts. Through out the whole movie and in the flashbacks of his family history he is chased and attacked to get these secrets. He falls in love with a girl who looks like the beautiful women he has a picture of in a scroll (which turns out to be a picture of his mother). This girl over time grows into a women and is the daughter of a rich and powerful Mongol general. She ends up moving with her father away from Jinha. In the meantime his uncle is attacked in an awsome scene by masked attackers trying to get the Binchun Secrets. Since time is running out for his uncle to teach him the secrets before they get attacked again they travel themselves. As they pass The House of Yu his uncle reveals that he is not really his uncle but his father's master swordsman. He tells him his parents were not Han or Mongol,but Koryo (from ancient Korea). Their home was attacked by (I think) Mongols tryng to get the Binchun Arts Secrets, and he, Jinha,was the only surviving heir of these secrets. Once he learned them he had to seek revenge for his parents.
I was a little curious about the history of Mongols and Koryo. It seems in my research it took Kublai Khan's armies a decade to defeat them, and as their reputation goes... destroyed many temples and treasures of Koryo.
By the time he reaches where Sullie is now living it has been 6 months and someone else has asked for her hand in marriage. Jinha befriends this person before realizing it is now his competition. Sullies father has Jinha killed when he learns his daughter would rather marry him than the other man. Therefore she marries the other man and soon has a child. Well we find out later why she agreed to marry him so fast... It turns out to be Jinha's child. This is kept a secret for most of the movie including from Jinha who didn't really end up dying.. when he finally returns years later. I don't want to ruin the story between this and the ending, but I of course cried at the end when Jinha and Sullies husband have a duel over her with some interesting twists.
From word of mouth I understand alot of people like the unique way people died in the fight scenes...but thought the acting was lax. I enjoyed it but did have to rewind more than once to re read subtitles and understand what was going on. I don't know how it could be used in the classroom...I just watched it because I enjoy asian cinema.
OK, Rashomon is an excellent Kurosawa film that gets to the point that diiferent people can see the same event and interpret that event in significantly different ways. This is a film that involves rape, so it is NOT for a typical World History class, but I show after-school films for kids, and this one is making the list. It is so very difficult to get kids to understand the subjectivity of personal memory, let alone the bias of memiors. The movie can springboard into a discussion of what history is. Who writes history? Whose version is accepted as fact? How can a person use critical thinking and analysis to determine more and less riliable primary source documents?
A great film in itself. No, a GREAT film in itself, and also useful for teaching about perspectives in history!
Chris Carter
For those who are interested , there is a Korean TV Series called "SEOUL 1945" on KBS (try channel 44 though I think this number may vary) every Saturday and Sunday at 8:00 p.m. It is subtitled in English! It's a historical drama about the events surrounding the Japanese occupation, independence, and the Korean War. It traces several characters and their lives, childhood friendship, love, betryal, and their fates marked by political events and their involvements sourrounding the events. Tonight's episode ended with the conflict between the Korean Socialist Party and the American backed what is to be Democratic Party with Rhee Sung Man and Kim Ku. One of the female characters (a famous pianist whose father partnered with Japan to prosper under the Japanese occupation) was trying to befriend Rhee Sung Man to seek revenge on those who she believes killed her father when Korea was liberated from Japan.
This series has been on for a while now so, if you are interested in watching in from beginning, you can find the videos at any Korean video stores. If not, you can start watching and recording next Saturday. It is very entertaining and inforamtive.
I enjoyed this action packed movie that revolved around Chinese astrology. For those like myself who didn't know, SPL is the English translation for Sha Po Lang which are 3 stars in Chinese astrology. Near the beginning of the movie and in the bonus features of the DVD it mentions this. However it doesn't go into detail about what those stars mean, and since it was the title of the movie and what seemed to drive the path the characters took, I decided to research these stars myself to see how they might relate or influence the characters actions. Apparently, the stars astrology ties together the characters and effects their destiny and the paths they take and choices they make. Here are some explanations for each star.
Sha- Power star
Po- Ruinous star, general or army breaker
Lang- Flirting star
I wish I could have found more explanation because I got the sense that the Asian audience for this movie knew this background information as a given. The movie opens with a detective driving with a family who is going to testify in court that day against a crime boss. The crime boss sends someone to kill this family and their little girl and the detecive survive. He feels so awful he adopts the girl and has it out for the crime boss know released since there is no one to testify any more. This is probably where the astrology takes part because he finds out he is dying of cancer and is going to retire. In the meantime he starts taking the law into his own hands. His team at the police station end up taking a huge bag of money that belongs to this crime boss during a raid and don't turn it in. They plan to give it to the head detective to help raise the girl when he dies of his cancer. The crime boss is obviously furious over this. In the meantime he and his wife have been trying to have a baby for years and finally has one. It is time for the head detective to retire and the new head detective shows up to meet the team. This character is played by Donnie Yen. I was definently impressed by this actor. I looked into what other movies he has been in and perhaps he is more well known than I realized (even for an English speaking audience). He has been in Blade II, Iron Monkey and Hero. All movies I have heard of!
He follows around the retiring head detective and his team for the day and catchs on to what they are up to. They frame the crime boss for a murder of one of their undercover agents even though they know he didn't deliever the death killing blow. They have the evidence (a video tape) altered. However, this same night that the crime boss is arrested, he has one of his men go and kill each detective that was involved in stealing his money. The killer finally comes after Donnie Yen's character (the new head detecive)and who is trying to return the money and thus ensues a fighting scene this movie is probably known for. It was amazing. Their weapons were a knief and a baton. Their reflexes were so fast! In watching the extra features on the DVD and through word of mouth, I heard this scene was not even choreographed! Yen's character goes on to have another extrodinary fight scene with the crime boss himself that ends in a great twist that I won't spoil.
I would definently reccommend this movie for entertainment and enjoyment of a good story line and impressive fighting sequences. I think I will watch one of Donnie Yen's other movies now. If you watch and enjoy this movie, I just read the other day that they will start production for a sequel next month!
This film can lead students into discussions about woman characters in films, anime, artists, and types of stories used. In my opinion, I didn't like how the characters were drawn but I'm sure the story was pretty good. This is however a film that children and adults can like.
Since this movie is readily available and current, it can be used in class to draw comparisons of how Japan was and is today. There are some shots of modern Tokyo and some of its culture. Most students probably know about this movie and it could probably spark some interest in them.
Gie is a 2005 Indonesian film by Riri Riza. It is about the life of a student political activist named Soe Hok Gie based on his journal entries and the political events of 1960s Indonesia. Apparently, he is a much admired student political leader who had a great part in awakening political involvement within university students. He is said to have written as a student journalist that since students are the lucky group who was able to get better eduation compared to others, they were the ones who had to fight for the nation so that those suffering wouldn't have to commit anything to put their lives in danger.
This movie reminded me of THe Motorcycle Diary about Che Guevara's life. It is rather long (about 148 minutes) and slow but, I enjoyed seeing the Indonesian culture and the countryside in this movie, not to mention the historical facts behind this figure I had never heard of. I really admire him for being true to himself and sticking to his principals when a lot of his friends left him for money and power. He worte in his journal " I'd rather be isolated than surrender to hypocrisy".
He was also a mountain climber, so you get to see a lot of beautiful Indonesian mountainscapes in this movie.
This movie also has some great music it. I don't understand Indonesian but, I would buy the sound track just for the sound of it. You can hear the theme song when you visit the site:
http://www.milesfilms.com/gie/
This site also has scenes from the movie, historical context, the trailer and more.
I just purchsed a film on-line that I've been wanting to watch. I thought some of you might be interested in it as well. It is a documentary film about North Korean refugees hiding underground awaiting an opportunity to flee their hunger striken country. Here is a part of the synopsis from the website:
http://seoultrain.com
Synopsis
With its riveting footage of a secretive “underground railroad,” SEOUL TRAIN is the gripping documentary exposé into the life and death of North Koreans as they try to escape their homeland and China.
SEOUL TRAIN also delves into the complex geopolitics behind this growing and potentially explosive humanitarian crisis. By combining vérité footage, personal stories and interviews with experts and government officials, SEOUL TRAIN depicts the flouting of international laws by major countries, the inaction and bureaucracy of the United Nations, and the heroics of activists that put themselves in harm’s way to save the refugees.
Today, there are an estimated 250,000 North Korean refugees living underground in China. They escaped a food crisis and other persecutions at home that have claimed the lives of approximately 3 million in the past 10 years. As the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) stands idly by, the Chinese Government — in direct violation of international laws to which it’s a party — systematically arrests and forcibly repatriates hundreds of these refugees each month. Defecting from North Korea is a capital offense, and repatriated refugees face human rights abuses ranging from concentration camps and torture to forced abortion and summary executions.
For a lucky few refugees, however, there is hope. A group of multinational activists has taken it upon themselves to create an Underground Railroad. Via a network of safe houses and escape routes, the activists — at great personal risk — help the refugees on daring escapes to freedom over hundreds (and sometimes thousands) of miles of Chinese territory. This is an odyssey where betrayal and deceit lurk around every corner, and the price of getting caught likely means death. It’s an epic tale involving years on the lam living in underground shelters, North Korean and Chinese agents, double-crossings, covert border crossings, and the terror of what happens if they get caught.
I am in San Diego alot.
For anyone interested there is going to be the 7th Annual San Diego Asian Film Festival October 12-19 2006. I believe it is put on by the San Diego Asian Film Foundation. A web site listed on the flyer I read is www.sdaff.org.
I saw this movie for a variey of reasons. 1) It has been on my list of movies I wanted to watch 2)I read the book, and 3)It was nominated for 6 academy awards (it must have done something right).
I definently enjoyed it. I found it very informative. I had allready read the book and others on geisha so I noticed that it did cover many aspects of the culture in a way for "westerners" to become more aware of the culture. My husband watched and realized himself that no...they (or least many) are not prostitutes, but that they are educated in the arts. It was very sad but interesting how the main character's family sold her, and the path her life would lead because of that. I liked how they showed how one becomes a geisha, and how one becomes proud of their art. I was absolutly facinated with their customs. I thought the story flowed well. Apparently one concern that has caused controversy was that the main character was Chinese, not Japanese. This did not bother me at all, but I am interested to research more why it is an issue. One item I came across was if the lead character could really understand and represent the character she was playing. I know this is not nearly enough, however, on the DVD there are the extra features I love to watch when the movie intrigues me enough to be curious about things behind the scenes.
The DVD includes these extra features:
The look of geisha (Wardrobe, hair & Makeup) ( There are meanings behind how this is done that tell you certain things about the geisha- such as if she has lost her virginity which they refer to as mizu-age, if she is apprentice, real,etc...) (This is also described in great detail in the book.)
Music
Geisha BOOT CAMP- how the actresses became geisha
Geisha dance
COmmentary
I found my whole focus on the grandmother and what she had to endure, not only from her grandson and her daughter, but from the harsh conditions in which she lived. She seemed to be all alone before her daughter brought the boy to her. Her daughter was fully aware of how her mother had to toil day after day, just to put food on the table and bring water up from the steep trail. No wonder she walked stooped over from all the years of carrying water back and forth, day after day. We all agree the boy was not a big help to her. He was a pain in the butt. Through her unconditional love, patience and strength of will, she was able to help him grow and flouish. The hard part to watch was when the mother had the nerve to come back for him after such a long time. He was beginning to blossom in his grandmother's care. He was also helping her and making her life easier. She wasn't lonely anymore. She had a purpose in life. It burned me up to think of older people being treated and used like this. I think of my own father who was 86 years old and passed away this past March. I would give anything to have him back on this earth. I treated my father with respect. All grandmothers and grandfathers should be treated with kindness and love, even when they are cranky! A bit of true love goes along way.
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