Mo hup leung juk - Butterfly Lovers

Mo hup leung juk - Butterfly Lovers
Hong Kong (2008)
Starring:  Charlene Choi, Chun Wu, Ge Hu

Butterfly Lovers itself as a movie didn't really "wow" me on many levels.  The story however is altogether something else.  This movie is based on a story that is almost 2000 years old and is a traditional folktale in China.  Liang Zhu as the tale is often referred to, in honor of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai, is a love story that has truly transcended history to bring us a tale of two lovers who are bound by a love so strong heaven itself cast them to live upon the earth and never truly realize that which they sought after most.  It is a fascinating story and may be older then it's Hindi counterpart Heer Ranjha and certainly older then our western Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.  When comparing the similarities of the major characters in these stories the parallels are quite amazing.  It makes me wonder if such stories spread and with a change of characters and local were brought back to life and made famous again in a foreign land, or if the stories have absolutely no connection and from arbitrary chance one story was believed to have happened while something very similar was dreamed up with no influence passing either way.

The main actress and the director in this movie both get slammed in popular reviews citing she is not believable in her role.  There are a few moments where I felt the same way, but there's a few good giggles, a couple decent martial arts scenes, an evil villain fighting to possess a heart that is not destined to be his, and then of course the story that makes butterfly lovers of Butterfly Lovers.  I enjoyed the movie and the history lesson I received while trying to bring you the background on it.  I enjoyed it.  If you're looking for a romantic martial arts flick, I will stand behind this one.

Quote:  Butterflies should be a pair, one left behind will be lonely.  So wait for me.

Wu ji - The Promise

Wu ji - The Promise
China (2005)
Starring:  Cecilia Cheung, Dong-gun Jang, Hiroyuki Sanda
Awards:  Orient Express Section Special Jury Award (Fantasporto 2007)

I looked for this movie because I came across an old review from the LA Times I think that called it one of the most beautiful films imaginable.  The Promise was without a doubt visually striking.  It was worth getting the blu-ray version of it.  From the costumes to the scenes to the story itself this movie was cool all the way through.  It truly is a beautiful story.

In a world where men and gods live side by side a slave from the Land of the Snow and beggar turned princess pick their destiny.  Cheung was promised by a goddess a life of riches, but without love.  Jang was born a more noble human from the Land of the Snow and forced into slavery.  Their paths cross in a complex turn of events and the rest is the story that is worth watching.

This movie was awesome.  Just when I thought that I'd exhausted nearly every major cinematic release from the past decade I found a movie that made me wonder how I had missed it!

Quote:  Destiny can be changed, time sometimes does flow backwards, snow can fall in the spring, and even a frozen heart can come back to life.

Listen to Your Heart

Listen to Your Heart
USA
2010
Starring;  Alexia Rasmussen, Kent Moran, and Cybill Sheperd

The movie concept of a deaf person and a musician falling in love seems to be a recurring theme, though fewer and further between most of today's theme recurrences.  This one was done fairly well, but mostly because of the deep love and life lessons that it presents.  Listen to Your Heart was an awesome movie that was well worth it's time.  It's a good drama, love, life, loss, and inspirationally eye opening movie.  It seems like the budget might have been a little low, but then that makes part of a movie.  

Danny and Ariana meet at the restaurant where Danny, the struggling musician, works.  Though he captured Ariana's attention he does not at all impress her mother.  Where they end up is another place altogether.  Falling deeply in love is where this story begins.  Living through some of life's hard trials and tragedies is the journey that Listen to Your Heart takes the viewers on.

All in all I was anticipating a sappy love story and it proved to be so much more then that; sure there is a sappy love story, but there is also the beauty and inspiration of a love painted tragedy and a story that will make us all think about enjoying the time that we have.  Danny and Ariana are amazing characters for so many reasons. I really enjoyed this movie; I'll warn you though it could possibly have you both laughing and crying.

Quote:  What's one thing you could always use more of?  "Love" -Danny

Saawariya

Saawariya
India (Bollywood)
2007
Starring:  Ranbir Kapoor, Soman Kapoor, and Salman Khan

Saawariya didn't contain anything new for me, but it was still a beautiful movie. The movie was a cross between Pretty Woman and Moulan Rogue, with a little more innocence then either; not saying it directly pulls from the plots, but the Sawwariya reminds me of both.  With that said the scenes are absolutely beautiful; the filming mirrors that statement as well.  They did a great job creating romantic mysticism with dimly lit foggy scenes.  The town itself reminds me of Venice in general appearance and feel, but has a vibrant look to it in the dark that I don't recall of Venice; all of that with a traditional Indian overlay and some custom neon and coloring to finish it off.  If for nothing else then the sheer romanticism created by the sets alone I would watch this movie again.  The scenery in short is poetic.

The acting was good.  Sonam like many Bollywood actresses is just absolutely gorgeous and plays her part well.  Ranbir allso put on a stellar performance.  One of them a hopeless drifter who sings his way through bars and the other a woman awaiting a love who promised to come back to her the following Eid; they meet on a bridge and the stars can tell the rest of the story.  Together they made a movie that reminds you when love is hopeless life will go on.

I did have to take and download a different subtitle file then the one that came on the DVD and play the movie through an alternate viewer that would let me force overlay subtitles.  The one that came with the movie didn't seem to match the spoken dialog; seemed like a lot more talking was going on then I was reading.  With a different subtitle file I got a much better translation I think and translations of the songs (which are half the reason why I watch Bollywood movies anyway).  If anyone else finds they have the same ailment and need help with the subs let me know, it's a simple process.

My Name is Khan

My Name is Khan
India
2010
Starring:  Shahrukh Khan, Kanol, and Sheetal Menon

Since the day it was released on Netflix on demand service this movie was in my queue; I left it there for months without watching it for one reason or another and I'm sad that it took me so long to watch it.

My Name is Khan is an amazing movie consisting of a well knit web of difficulties.  The movie is centered around the struggles of Muslims and Hindi in America before and after 9/11.  The main character, Khan, faces struggles of his own throughout his childhood and adulthood both in India and in the United States.  The circles of struggles touch on the relationships between Indian Muslims and Hindis, family, religions, countries, cultures, racism, discrimination, acceptance, love, loss, innocence, and so much more.  I don't know that I have ever seen a movie that involved so much that was so well done; I had assumed this movie wouldn't interest me and instead when I started watching it in the middle of the night I couldn't go to sleep until I finished watching it (5am).  This is simply a must see.  

I will be the first to admit that I do not know much about the Great Divide in India, what caused it, or why it still an issue.  I'm not sure if the Great Divide is the same as the Partition of 1947.  But, it is sad that there are so many people who struggle to this day with religion and in the case of Khan's homeland the caste system as well.  This movie didn't involve the caste system, but was but did depict the struggles from two cultures from the same country while in a foreign land.  It also involved the struggles of the Indian Muslim and Hindu population living in the United States and how they also began to divide after 9/11.  This movie is simply and amazingly eye opening and moving.  

There could not have been more horrible things happening to a man who was simply trying to do his best to live in a world where he was different then everyone else.  Khan's struggles with Asperger Syndrome and with his own identity.  Even being shunned by society at large and struggling on so many fronts a warmer heart and soul could not have been written into his character any better.

Through the struggles of one man and his actions this movie reminds us that one individual can be a powerful force, no matter who they are.

While I was in the process of due diligence on this movie I found an article that broke my heart.  While the article is a compilation of stories and says the actions of those involved had more to do with cricket in India than the religious or cultural differences portrayed in My Name is Khan the actions by religious groups shows otherwise in my mind.  It is sad that different cultures struggle for acceptance from each other in their home land and add the struggle of acceptance of a nation to that difficulty when they come here.  As borders grow less obscure in the way the world is trending currently hopefully mankind will learn to accept itself at large no matter what culture or background someone comes from.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/news/2010/02/100212_my_name_is_khan_nh_sl.shtml

Quote(s):  "My Name is Khan and I'm not a terrorist"

Ammi: "This is you Rizvan. And this is the person who has a stick in his hand.  And he is beating you."
Rizvan: "It's bad, beating is bad."
Ammi:  "Yes, it's bad.  Now this is you again Rizvan and this is the person who has a lollipop.  And he gives it to you.
Rizvan:  "Lollipop is sweet.  It's a good thing."
Ammi:  "Good boy.  Now tell me which of these is a Hindu and which one a Muslim?" Looking at stick figure drawings.
Rizvan:  "Both look alike."
Ammi:  "Good.  Remember one thing son, there are only two kinds of people in this world.  Good people who do good deeds and bad people who do bad.  That's the only difference in human beings."

Veer-Zaara

A

Veer-Zaara
2004
India
Starring:  Shahrukh Khan, Preity Zinta, and Rani Mukherjee

This review is biased, mostly because I fell in love with both Bollywood and Preity watching this movie.  In my mind no greater love story has ever been written.  The depiction of honor, beauty, and valor in Veer-Zaara is epic by any standard.  So much did this film move my heart I could write pages on how this movie made me feel, but that would require spoilers :)    This movie was the first Bollywood movie I had ever watched and has eternally earned the spot of the number Bollywood movie ever; I know someone will argue that.  The culture displayed through this movie was quite interesting as well.  This movie depicts in subtle ways the multiple cultures that exist through northern India and Pakistan.

Veer, a pilot in the Indian army, and Zaara, a gorgeous woman from Pakistan, crossed paths in the strangest way as she was fulfilling a promise made to her beloved grandmother.  The most beautiful love that could never have formed began.  The rest is all in the movie.  The love story in this movie is the foundation for one of the most beautiful struggles I have ever seen.  If I could I'd name constellations after this couple.

I recommend this movie 100% and to those who don't like it, well don't watch it twice :)

The most amazing love story that has ever been conceived is right here in:  Veer-Zaara

Quote:  "Give me this, one day from your life.....I know a day is very precious to you.   But, I promise that you'll never forget this day."

Jadesoturi - Jade Warrior

Jadesoturi - Jade Warrior
2009
Finland
Starring:  Tommi Eronen, Markku Peltola, and Jingchu Zhang

Is a fusion of an epic Finnish poem called The Kalevala and Chinese feudal wuxia this movie is the first from Finland to make it into Chinese cinemas.

Kai, the main character in this movie, remembers his past when he was a master blacksmith in China.  His blacksmith past from another life is riddled with mystery, love, sacrifice, and challenge.

I rated this movie a 3 on netflix because I liked it, but I didn't love it.  This movie wasn't overly spectacular and I was watching a subtitled version, but it did have some cool concepts.  A blacksmith must save the world for his love of lifetimes ago to be his again; can he rise to the occasion?  For the story alone I would rate it a 4 or 5, but I personally have a hard time with most movies from Scandinavia; sad, yet true and I cannot say why.  Even with all that said I would recommend this movie.  The action and intrigue come in irregular intervals and just in time to pull your attention back to the story.  Check it out for yourself and let me know what you think.  In cases like this one I am more than happy to pay for the rental just to do the little I can to encourage the cross cultural collaboration.

Quote:  "That kind of oath should not have been sworn alone.  It becomes a curse."

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Heer Ranjha

Heer Ranjha:  A True Love Story
Punjab
2009
Starring:  Neeru Bajwa & Gurchet Chitrakar

Heer Ranjha is a true love story from Punjab.  The story is said to be over 300 years old.  Heer and Ranjha have a mausoleum shrine in Jhang that is visited by lovers to this day.  Every year to date in this town there is a festival thrown in their honor.

This movie follows the story of this couple dubbed the Romeo and Juliet of the east whose story of love, dedication, pain, and loss has spanned hundreds of years.  The legend of these lovers has only grown in recent years; their story epitomizes what every hopeless romantic dreams regardless of the centuries that have passed.

I do not remember the dance sequences in this movie because they were all overshadowed by the depth of the story.  The cinematography in this movie wasn't super spectacular.  I think the movie was made to carry a small anti-drug message as well; it is the first Bollywood movie that I have seen where they mentioned marijuana and opium then portrayed those who smoked it as slow and dimwitted.  All in all for the story alone this movie is a must see.  Again Bollywood has brought us an epic love story that will make your heart yearn and tears fall; this movie is well worth its time.

Quote:

Samsara

Samsara 2001

Samsara caught my interest because the movie is centered around a  Buddhist monk who questions what he is doing meditating and praying all day.  He questions what it is to be selfless and not have desires.  When he asks his teacher directly one day the response is, "What is better? Satisfying one thousand desires or conquering just one?"  Of course the movie does a good job defining the Buddhist concept of Samsara, the movie is aptly named.

Samsara surprised me as the movie went on.  I was quite bored with the story at first and watched for the amazing scenery.  After a while I found myself watching the story and not the scenery.  In this movie the monk leaves his holy temple, falls in love, has an amazing impact on those around him, changes his life and that of many others.  The movie is not fast paced nor is full of action.  The love story of this movie is not one of timeless love, but instead one of a strong bond that may or may not be broken.  The spiritual love story in this movie is one I am glad I did take the time to watch.  There is one question asked at the beginning of this movie which is answered at the end:  How does one keep a drop of water from drying up?   The answer is so simple..
If anyone watches this and would like to discuss theories on what the ending means I would be more than happy to entertain that conversation.  Do be warned that this movie contains some very sexually explicit scenes, I had to shut it off as my little brother ran through my house when I was watching it.  In the end for me this movie was well worth watching.  It is a little out of my typical genre selection, but amazing in so many ways.  I also give props to the director for putting out such a well composed movie on a small budget; it is deserving of the AFI and Melbourne Film Festival awards.

Maghadeera

Magadheera (2009)  Telugu  Starring:  Ram Charan Teja, Kajal Agarwal and Dev Gill

I saw this title around many times before I decided to watch it; I enjoy Bollywood movies for many reasons, the epic stories, the culture, and the dance.  Magadheera has the same storyline of your typical Bollywood flick.  Two lovers who face difficult odds in making their relationship work is central to the main premise of the movie. This movie does a wonderful job moving from the past to the present and developing the history as it tells the story of these lovers.  The visuals from the past are stunning in composition and a good portion of the present in the movie provides for a chuckle.  The love story in this I really personally enjoyed, it allows for the romantic dreamer of cosmic love to dream.  Magadheera also has some good action in it.  There's a fight scene that is not to be missed!  The dance scenes are fairly entertaining also.

Bhairava (Ram Charan Teja) displays a grand sense of honor in his actions throughout this movie.  Mitra (Kajal Agarwal) is as beautiful and I think plays her part wonderfully.  Retrospectively this movie is among my favorite Bollywood movies.  It rivals almost anything the great Khans have done.  Sure there are a couple parts that I thought were purely silly, but the story itself was one of the best stories of love and honor I have ever seen or heard of.

For any lover of Bollywood or Indian cinema this movie is a spectacular must see.  Months after I watched it, this is still one of my all time favorite movies and love stories.