Anime of the week (5)

Anime: Red data girl (RDG)
Studio: P.A. works
Genre: Fantasy, mystery, drama
Release date: April, 2013
Episodes: 12
Plot: RDG is based upon the series of fantasy novels by Noriko Ogiwara. It revolves around Izumiko Suzuhara, a 15 year old girl who has had a quiet secluded life up until that age. She was raised at Tamakura shrine by her grandfather. Though Izumiko is very shy, but she wants to go out and explore the world beyond that shrine. So, she cuts her bangs and decides to go to high-school like normal kids her age.

At school Izumiko notices that once more she can't handle technology, when she causes all the computers in the school's lab to stop working. She has always been unable to handle electricity-related devices, not even a mobile phone.
Later on Miyuki, a boy Izumiko knew from her childhood, is forced by his father, Yukimasa Sagara, to transfer to the same school Izumiko goes to, which only increases his detest for her. We find out with Izumiko that all her life she has been raised as a yorishiro, a vessel for a shinto spirit known as Kami and that Miyuki is assigned as her protector.

It was kind of cute watching the relationship between Izumiko and Miyuki flourish. Predictable, yes, but still cute. I really liked Miyuki anyway (he had a bow and arrows, enough said) :D

Izumiku forms friendship with her room-mate Mayura and her brother Manatsu. It seems like Mayura is what makes her feel normal in that crazy life of hers. Of course Mayura and Manatsu are surrounded by a mystery, much like everything here, but we'll find out sooner rather than later.

I've watched this anime almost a year ago and I barely remember the details, but I remember how confused I was the whole time. The story got me interested, but then things got complicated and half of the time I didn't fully understand what was going on. Suddenly everyone Izumiko is surrounded with, is some sort of ancient creature or entity, and that school they go to grows more suspicious with each episode.

I liked it all in all, but I wish by the end we've reached some kind of conclusion, a mini closure even! What sometimes got on my nerves is that they refer to things in their Japanese culture and beliefs that I was oblivious to. Maybe if I re-watch it, I'll understand more after some time away :D

Song of the Day (22)

Song: Sicilienne, Op. 78

Composer: Gabriel Fauré

Year: 1898

Genre: Classical Music

            It didn't take me long to think about today's song, for it has been playing in my mind the entire day. It's not a song, but something much better! I am a fan of classical music. More than anything else, it can change my mood. It has this magical feel.

             Sicilienne, Op. 78 is a piece composed by the French composer Gabriel Fauré for Cello and Piano. It was dedicated, when released in 1898, to the British cellist William Henry Squire.

              How I happened to come by Sicilienne, is another story that proves anime to be something awesome! :D

              I first heard Sicilienne in Hyouka, but then I was not aware it was a classical piece. I knew Hyouka used classical music as soundtrack for the anime, for I recognized a couple of them, but not this one. I was overwhelmed by Hyouka atmosphere and the music was part of it so I didn't notice how especially brilliant Sicillienne was. However, I was watching La Corda d'oro yesterday and Shimizu Keiichi played it in the 3^rd selection of the concours, and I recognized it, immediately, as the one from Hyouka. That's when I realized it should've been a classical piece I didn't know of. The original Sicilienne is played by Cello and piano, so is the one that was played by Shimizu in La corda d'oro. However, the one that played in Hyouka was by flute and piano, and since that was the very first version I hear, of Sicillienne, so I liked it better. May be if I had heard the original version in cello, first I would have liked it more. Whatever is the instrument that plays Sicilienne, It has this very charming effect on me. I can't help but smile when I listen to it.

           That's the version I heard in La corda d'oro played by Shimizu Keiichi. They said he didn't play it very well, though I can't see the difference between it and the original; but then, I am no expert in music, let alone Cello.

           And this the version played in Hyouka, with Flute and Piano. Now, that I've heard both so many times, I think I'm getting used to the cello version, and I'm starting to like both of them equally! :D

Song of the day (21)

I lived

Artist: OneRepublic
Album: Native
Genre: Alternative rock
Release date: March, 2013
About the song: I lived is the sixth single of the Native album. It's a great song talking about how to live your life to the fullest, to accomplish all your wishes, seek adventure and die knowing you had it all :D
I've heard this song hundreds of times as a track on the album, but I never really stopped and listened. The lyrics is so good and expressive, makes you want to jump off your seat and start living ;)

The song was featured in a couple of TV shows such as 90210, The Michael J. Fox Show and commercials for The Office and Parks and Recreation.

The music video was released this month on the 25th. It features a 15-year old fan who has Cystic fibrosis, a disease that attacks the digestive systems and finally reaches the lungs. The boy talks about his condition, then we see him cycling on a mountain road and footage of him growing up is displayed.

Bryan then says that he's expected to live till 36, which makes him appreciate life more and strive to have no regrets. What's great about this idea is that it suits the lyrics and makes the song more inspiring and meaningful.

Character of the Day (6)

Character: Arthur Weasley

Series: Harry Potter

Age: 42 (Debut)

Role: Supporting

Movie actor: Mark Williams

           So, Harry Potter and the deathly hallows Part 1 was playing on TV , and it inspired me to choose a Harry Potter character for the day. I've been thinking a while a go about my favorite Harry Potter characters, apart from the 3 main characters. I could list three as my favorite and Arthur Weasley was one of them.

           Arthur Weasley is a pure-blood wizard. He works for the ministry of magic. He's married to Molly Weasley he's the father of William, Charlie, Percy, George, Fred, Ron and Jenny Weasley, and later on Harry Potter's father in law. So what's special about Arthur Weasley to make him one of my favorite characters?

           In one word, he's adorable! He's a pure blood wizard, but he doesn't regard muggles as some lower class. Actually, he admires how they get along without magic. He works in the misuse of muggle artifacts office in the ministry. That makes him encounter many muggles' artifacts that never fail to cause his bewilderment. His complete ignorance of their use, and his childish excitement at discovering their secrets, is quite amusing. When, we first meet him in the Chamber of Secrets, it's at the Weasley's place. Fred, George and Ron had just sneaked Harry away from The Dursley's in the flying car, which is a muggles' car modified by Arthur Weasley as to fly and fit everyone in. Molly told him the news, expecting him to scold them, but he , instead, ask excitedly how it went with them! Also, when they pick Harry from the Dursley's place, for the Quidditch world cup, he was excited about discussing electricity with them. He, also, states once that his dearest wish is to know how muggles' airplanes stay up! XD

              I ,also, like Arthur Weasley for how he acted like a father figure for Harry. Actually I loved the entire family for that very same reason, but let's talk about Arthur here. I recall very much two occasions: how Arthur was worried about Harry when Sirius Black escaped from Azkaban, in Prisoner of Azkaban. He had harry promise him he wouldn't go looking for him, before he leaves to Hogwarts, though they didn't have the time to explain why. Also, He accompanies Harry to the ministry of magic, in the Order of the Phoenix, for his hearing, as he was charged for using underage magic. He had him stay at his office until it was time for the hearing, he escorts him to the court and waits for him until he's cleared of charges. Arthur also trusted Harry. He told him about Sirius Black's escape in Prisoner of Azkaban, and he was also for telling Harry more about Voldmort in the order of the Phoenix. He opposed Molly in both times, something he rarely did. He also trusted Harry's report on Draco's Malfoy suspicious visit to Borgin and Burkes, based on which the ministry searched the Malfoy manor. One, also, can't recall Arthur Weasley without recalling his continuous feud with Lucius Malfoy. 

            Arthur Weasley was also a member of the order of the phoenix He'd meet with the others at Grimauld place and he participated in the final battle of Hogwarts.Arthur Weasley had almost been killed, in the Order of the Phoenix, by Voldmort's Nagini. However, he's saved as Harry sees him being attacked, in his sleep, and informs the order and he's saved. JK Rowling said about, that that she was intending to kill Arthur then but she didn't have the heart to do it and I salute her for that! That came on the expense of Sirius Black's life as she had to kill someone, apparently, but I'm fine with that. Sirius's death was tragic and all, but Arthur is a father of seven… and he's a much better person than Sirius, it would have been worse! So I thank JK Rowling for that decision!

          Arthur Weasley was played in the movies by Mark Williams who played the role splendidly. He didn't make the character any less likable, though his looks didn't exactly coincide with the book description. It's not like I cared as a matter of fact, he was fine just like that. To conclude this entire thing, Arthur Weasley is the perfect father figure in any fiction I've read!

Song of the day (20)

Song: Don't Stop (Color on the Walls)

Artist: Foster the People

Album: Torches

Year: 2012

Genre: Indie Pop

         Don't Stop was the Fourth single from Foster the people's debut album torch. This one of the very few albums I knew of as soon as they were released, by coincidence of course. I am not in the habit of following the news of bands, and the release dates of their albums. I'd listen to a song when someone recommends it, or when I hear it somewhere or as a soundtrack in a movie or a TV show. Torches has been recommended to me by my brother. I liked many songs in the album, among which was Don't Stop. I used to listen to it mostly, in my 2^nd semester of my 2^nd year in college. It was my worst semester by the way… bad memories or maybe good, for I shall remember those days and bid them farewell, whole heartedly! Any way within this crappy (excuse the language, it's not my habit to curse but…) semester, there were 2 enjoyable courses; one of them was 20^th century architecture or Contemporary architecture… I forgot! -_- Anyway, the course ends with a project, a video featuring a contemporary building of our choice, in Egypt. Our chosen building was a bit far away in a desert road. We kind of got lost, on our way there, and took wrong turns and things like that. We were in Hend's car, five of us. I was listening to Foster the People back then, and Don't stop seemed so familiar! I heard the song somewhere! So, I had everyone listen to it and tell me if it sounded familiar. They said it did. They told me it should've been in a commercial, possibly green tea or something. We were satisfied with this conclusion. Up to, well, a few moments ago I was almost definite that song was on a Lipton green tea TV commercial. However, it turns out that it was a Nissan's commercial! It was a commercial, anyway, and that's all that matters. I liked that day, and I liked that project...one of the few things I felt proud of and enjoyed working on. Also, I think that was Summar's first time trying Chinese food? Yes, I think I t was that day. I got sauce on my shirt back then, because of the stupid sample! -_- (Again, it's not my habit to curse, but stupid doesn't really count)

The Nissan Versa commercial
with Don't Stop!

Now, that I think about it.. It doesn't look
familiar. May be it wasn't that after all! 

        All that talk has barely anything to do with the song. I know, however part of why this blog exists is to document those, completely, unimportant memories, so bear with me. As for Don't Stop itself, the song was used for the previously mentioned TV commercial, a movie and a video game. Mark Foster , the lead singer, used to write jingles for adds, so Foster the people's songs usually turn out suitable for those kind of things. The song is about how the world would if it were ruled by a 4-year old. However the video clip is completely unrelated. It's kind of weird like all their videos. In the video some girl is having her driving test and her examiner turns out to be a con man, and they run away from the police while fighting over the wheel. The band members are actors in the video. I like the song, not my Foster the people's favorite but I like it. And, generally speaking Foster the people are cool. Their songs are different and enjoyable to listen to. That's all folks!

The kind of weird Video ... the fighting part! That's Mark Foster
on the left by the way, He plays the con man.

Character of the day (5)

Character: Easter Island Head
Known from: Night at the museum
Role: Supporting
Age: About 700 years :D
About the character: I don't know if it qualifies as a character because it's only stone, but I always found it funny and interesting.
The Easter island head is one of the monuments found at the museum were Larry works. Like all the other things in the museum, it comes to life at night time.
Though it doesn't appear in many scenes, it manages to say the perfect lines making it one of the memorable characters in this movie.
This head particularly loves gum and the first time he sees Larry, greets him "Hey Dum-dum, you give me gum gum" XD I just love the voice and the way it says Dum-dum :D

The character's origin is the Moai statues in the Chilean-Polynesian island, Easter island. They are human figures carved by the Rapa Nui people from rock representing their ancestors. They are characterized by their huge faces, broad noses and rectangular ears.

Having no legs made room for a legend saying that the king of the island called upon the Gods and ordered the statues to walk to their positions.

If you found this interesting check out what national geographic said about the island, here http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/world-heritage/easter-island/
And if you're ever there, don't forget to bring gum ;)

Movie of the week (4)

Movie: The pursuit of happyness
Genre: Biography, drama
Starring: Will Smith, Jaden Smith, Thandie Newton
Release date: December, 2006
IMDB rating: 7.9/10
Rotten tomatoes rating: 67%
Plot: The pursuit of happyness is based on a true story of a man called Christopher Gardner. Christopher is a married man with a five year old son who makes a living by selling bone density scanners to anyone he can. At first he thought this project will help him provide a secure life for his family, but this new technology was short lived and he struggled to sell the scanners cramming his house.

Since problems don't come solo, his wife Linda decides to leave Chris because she can't take it anymore. Chris is devastated and through some quarrels he tells Linda to leave if she wants but Christopher, their son, is staying with him.

Chris tries to find ways to sell those scanners to pay the rent, feed his kid and pay his dept. Unfortunately he can't sell anything, his bank account is empty and is forced to leave the apartment he lives in.
Chris and Christopher are homeless now, luckily Chris finds a job a stockbroker that would provide a steady income, but first he has to make it through the interview, a test and then sixth months of unpaid training.
What I think: This movie is one of my favorites ever! It holds so much emotions!!
This is an attempt to guide you through why this movie is special:
1- One of the most famous scenes of the movie is the Rubik's cube scene. Chris was on a cab ride with his employer Jay trying to convince him to give him an interview, when he notices that the guy is only half listening trying to solve the cube. Chris grabs the cube and solves the challenge within minutes which impresses Jay into giving him a chance. I remember once, Will Smith was on Oprah and she was asking him about that scene and she made him do it again live :D Some people will underestimate this because they figured out the algorithm behind the cube, but if you put in mind that this was in the early 90's it will seem quiet smart of Chris.

2- The father figure Chris represents is such an inspiring one. You can actually feel he loves his son so much, maybe his actual son playing that part helped him, but it's still amazing to watch. There's that famous quote as well that I absolutely love, when Chris teaches Christopher to pursue his dream no matter what. Just epic! <3

3- The daycare Christopher went to and the nice Mrs. Chu. I enjoyed those couple of scenes in the daycare and the fact that the kids learn absolutely nothing useful and just watch TV :D Also When Chris sees Happiness written "Happyness", hence the movie's name, his reaction is just funny to me XD.

4- The scene when Christopher loses his Captain America toy when they were getting into a bus and the way he cries for it :'( so innocently beautiful and definitely brings tears to your eyes as it represents Chris losing the comforts of his life and starting a tough one with his father.

5- The way the movie shows that the world has allies and so-called friends. Chris thought his friend Wayne would help him out in his time of need, but it turned out he really can't. Yes, I understand Wayne was in rough financial position as well, but I expected more from him. On the other side they show Ray as an example of a good friend. I love it when they go to that game together, really sweet ^_^

6- The shelter. At some point Chris and Christopher go to a shelter for food and a place to sleep and it was heartbreaking to see them like that, but also seeing those people gives you a glimpse of the real life misery of homelessness.

7- Another scene that is very dear to my heart is in the train station where they spend a night in a toilet stall. No words can do this scene justice so watch it for yourself and judge ;)

8- Chris' interview for the internship was LEGENDARY!! It had wits, humor and greatness.

9- When that homeless guy steals one of those bone scanners XD And Chris running after him to retrieve it. LOL

10- Last but not least what made this movie what it is, is the superb acting along with the great story. Truly one of Will's best! He succeeds in reaching into your heart and grabbing your empathy. It was also smart of him to introduce Jaden to us, because he made his feeling more believable and we also got to see the little boy's talent and cuteness :D

Awards: The movie was nominated for an Oscar for best leading actor. Also nominated for two golden globes, and won an AAFCA (African American Film Critics Association).
My rating: 9/10

J-Drama of the Week (4)

JDrama: My Girl

Genre: Family, Drama

Episodes: 10

Network: TV Asahi

        My Girl is an adaptation of a seinen manga that goes by the same name. I am not sure if it follows the manga though, since I haven't read it. My Girl is about the 23 year old Masamune. It starts with the death of his girlfriend from high school, who was 4 years older than him. That girlfriend had left him suddenly 6 years before and went abroad. Masamune never knew why until after she died, when he met the little girl in the park. She got pregnant and Masamune was too young. So, she left as not to trouble him with the burden. However, now she' dead and her child Koharu is back in Japan. It seemed that Koharu's only consolation to her mother's death was meeting Masamune-kun, whom her mother cared for so much. That's when Masamune decides that he's raising Koharu. Throughout the drama, Masamune faces all kinds of difficulties, while trying to adapt to the new situation; difficulties which he overcomes one by one. There's also his dream of being a photographer.

 My Girl was an enjoyable watch for many reasons:

-Aiba Masaki's acting was good. Little Koharu was very cute.

-The characters were likeable.

-Watching how the relations between Koharu and Masamune's parents, the landlord, Masamune and his both, and the people they meet every day, it was all heartwarming. 

-It was sweet watching them, facing problems that they overcome together, in their everyday life.

-One Thing I, especially, liked about my girl is the soundtrack. The main theme is called "My Girl" by Arashi and it's my favorite Arashi song. The music that played within the episodes was lovely!

       My girl is a heartwarming drama. If I were to describe it in one word I'd say sweet. That's how it was. :)