Never say "Never" (NO. Not Bieber movie...)

Never Let Me Go is a little known film I stumbled upon. I'll be honest, one of the main reasons why I even decided to watch it was because Andrew Garfield is my newest Hollywood crush and I just wanted an excuse to gawk at his amazingness.


So let's get to it.


In actuality, the film is an adaptation of a novel with the same title by Kazuo Ishiguro, a Japanese-British author. The film follows the lives of Tommy, Ruth and Cathy, three students of Hailsham, a boarding school situated in East Sussex, England. The school seems normal enough, until it is revealed to the students that they are raised for the sole purpose of becoming organ donors. And that they would cease to exist after all their vital organs have been donated.
In spite of this, the friendship between the three becomes a mixed love triangle. As kids, Cathy develops deep feelings for Tommy and it is clear he fancies her as well. But when she reveals her love for him to Ruth, Cathy is betrayed as Ruth and Tommy become a couple soon after.


Eventually as they've grown, Ruth and Tommy finally part and he and Cathy are given a chance at love. But reality rears its head and their lives change drastically.


As weird as this may sound, I really enjoyed the use of drab colours and gloomy settings throughout the movie. What does that mean you might ask. Well, everything was really subdued. The colours were were mainly blues, greens, grays etc., nothing overly colourful. I think it helps to convey the melancholy atmosphere that surrounds the plot. It's a little depressing, but the colours bring so much more meaning to the movie.


Colours are an additive, but what brings meaning to a script is the delivery of the lines. The actors essential. Films would not exist if there wasn't anyone to star in them. Director Mark Romanek cast 3 extremely talented actors; Carey Mulligan, Keira Knightly and newcomer Andrew Garfield (swoon). All of whom have prestigious award nominations to their name. Mulligan and Knightly have both received Oscar nominations, and Garfield is well on his way to one as well. But for now, I'm sure he's content with his Golden Globe nod. 


With talents such as these, the film can't go wrong. The trio has great chemistry and the love triangle is strikingly believable. I'm a huge fan of Keira Knightly, and it was crazy to dislike her character in a movie. Ruth is a sullen, jealous girl and I believe Keira embodied the character fully. I'd like to think that she's not actually like that in real person, but damn, she played that role with ease.  


Andrew Garfield played Eduardo Saverin in The Social Network which was his most memorable role to date. It was different to see him in a romantic scenario -- definitely a change, but a refreshing one. It just goes to show that he will not be typecast to one genre, which will soon be made apparent once his portrayal of the new Spiderman hits theaters.


This was the first film I'd seen Carey Mulligan as a lead role. I had seen the most recent Pride and Prejudice but had no idea that she was one of the Bennett girls till I IMDb'd her later. So I'll be writing as if I never knew that and this was the first film I'd seen her in. I think she is a strong actress. Knowing that she had been acknowledged by the Academy, I'll admit that I had a pre-instigated notion about her. But she did not disappoint. She has proven that she is someone to watch for, as she shows a lot of promise.


Drama, Romance, Andrew Garfield. Seriously, what more could you ask for? Hahaha.
In all seriousness, decent film -- I was pleasantly surprised. May even read the novel.

What's next...

Hello Blogosphere. It's been a while.
I have clearly run out of things to blog about. I need help! Please give me ideas.

But for the mean time, I'll post a song I'm currently obsessed with...

Another one bites the dust...

March 5, 2011 now goes down in history as the day Louis and Eileen became one. My friends walked down the aisle to For Good from Wicked, recited vows, and said "I do" to become man and wife. It was the most special occasion of their lives (as of now), and I felt so honored to be a part of it.

I've known Eileen for the majority of my life, and we've become close in the past 4 years. So much so, that my younger sister and I see her as a mentor, confidante, and jeh-jeh (older sister in Cantonese). She's always sure to free up her weekends just to hang out with us, even if we were just going to sit around and watch a movie or share a meal together. Eating take out became such a problem that Eileen and my sister collectively decided to start working out on Fridays. Thus began "Daily Friday Workouts". The time we spend together is memorable. She's a gift from the Lord and now we share her with another special person.

Like Eileen, when I first met Louie I could not take him seriously! This guy is a joker and he just takes things so lightly and cracks jokes from time to time. However, having gotten to know him due to Africa missions this past summer, I can now see why Eileen fell for him. He's just as caring as she is. His jokes are just as lame as hers are. He's got the same sense of humor as she does (and folks, it's not a good thing. Just kidding haha). He's got a heart for missions, like she does. And most important of all he loves the Lord with his whole being. Lou, you know that I would NEVER admit these things to your face, right?

As sad as I am to see her become someone's lo-poh (wifey),  I'm so glad that these two were brought together. Endless bouts of Lou's (anticlimactic) stories are sure keep her laughing for the rest of her life! They couldn't be more perfect Kingdom Life Partners. They are truly blessed to have found one another.

But seriously. Eileen/Louie, don't expect me to say such things to you in person. I WON'T DO IT!
Sooo... I guess I'll wait to get made fun of by you now. Hate you guys. OH SNAPS!

B-B-B-Brilliant

Nominated for 12 and winner of 4 Academy Awards, Tod Hooper presents his latest triumph -- The King's Speech. A film about a monarch who with a speech impediment who struggles to find his voice. This film follows King George VI on his journey to the throne and how he ultimately overcomes his stutter. 

Concerned for her husband, the Duchess of York stumbles upon Lionel Logue, a speech therapist. She convinces His Majesty to attempt therapy. And what they find is not only improvement in his speech, but an unlikely friendship begins to grow between Lionel and Bertie (King George VI).

After hearing countless good things about this movie, I had to see it. However, with school and a wedding on my mind, it got pushed back. Until I watched the Oscars on Sunday, February 27th, when The King's Speech took home 4 awards, including Best Actor, Best Director aaaand Best Picture. Huge awards. Finally, incentive for me to watch the film.

I was none but pleased with it. The royals always seem to fascinate me. I'm unfamiliar with the history before Elizabeth II (well except for what I've seen on The Tudors), so it was interesting to learn about her father. I gained much respect for the monarch. His story is inspiring not only to stammerers, but to all who suffer from any speech impediments. His first wartime speech was a clear example of his accomplishments.

As the King, I believe Colin Firth delivered the performance of a lifetime. For his efforts, he was awarded both a Golden Globe and Academy Award. Rightly so. He's come a long way from What a Girl Wants. I've seen his talent grow and grow since then, and I strongly believe he is now one of the most talented actors currently in the business. Oh plus the way he pronounces his r's is simply adowable! Wight?!

But he's not the only talented actor in the movie. Both Geoffry Rush and Helena Bonham Carter give notable performances. Geoffrey Rush plays Lionel, who is compassionate for the King, but also challenged him. Because of this, the two strike up a friendship that lasts till the end of their lives. Rush is hauntingly believable, and you'll love his character for never giving up even when achieving results seemed impossible. As for Bonham Carter, it was refreshing to see her with a non-crazy role! Damn, she must be a good actress. She can nail both crazy and non-crazy. I can say with confidence that Rush and Bonham Carter are two of the finest British actors around.

That being said, please check this movie out. It's a drama, but there are a few good laughs. It's enjoyable through and through. You'll learn a lot about the frustrations of stuttering and you will appreciate all the work that goes into correcting it. The King's Speech was no doubt one of the best movies of 2010.