Wooh! Watched the bootleg leaked version last night - yippee! Still pretty good for the lack of some special effects. Story was decent, but I think the only thing going for it were the actors who showed up in the film. Disappointed that Ryan Reynolds appeared for only so short a time - he was really good. Daniel Henney on the other hand was surprisingly given a decently-sized role in the film - more than I'd expect for a Hollywood-newcomer. He looked so old and Korean in this film though - maybe because by being surrounded by white people his Asian features are more prominent, while when surrounded by Koreans his European features are more prominent. Decent job acting wise DH - don't pose too much though, you're not in a modelling campaign. Taylor Kitsch as Gambit was mostly horrible and partly ok. Beginning scenes with him was mad cheesy - except for that one scene where he was threatening Logan and didn't see Sabretooth (which was supposed to be cheesy I think) - Kitsch basically played the role like a model. Only his final scenes in the film were good enough and showed more acting skills.
Yeah - I'm writing a review on my Shanghai blog. =PPPPP But that's part of Shanghai!!! Bootleg/pirated DVD's!!!! Next up I need to find Star Trek, and I'll watch the other films online. Tempted to buy the "real version" of Wolverine instead of the leaked online version - but I already spent 5 kuai (a little over 50 cents) - I can't waste it!! And I want to see the Chinese film Nanjing, Nanjing! Supposedly really good and starring a really good actor that I like in Chinese cinema.
Watching a lot of movies mainly because it's a stress reliever. Plus all my shows have had their season finales. I still have work to do. Three more weeks!!!
Ok, must go to class - dang it! Make-up classes are today. =(
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Shanghai Animation Studio
Field trip for our Chinese Film and Society class. I owe you guys pictures, and this is what I have so far!!
This is the old method of filming animation films, with the drawings and the camera hanging above.
The last film made in the traditional style: The Lotus Lantern
Scanning hand drawn images onto the computer:
Artists at work:
This is the old method of filming animation films, with the drawings and the camera hanging above.
The last film made in the traditional style: The Lotus Lantern
Scanning hand drawn images onto the computer:
Artists at work:
Monday, May 11, 2009
There is only so much I can do...
"Yesterday was history. Tomorrow is a mystery. But today is a gift. That is why they call it the Present."
this line came up to me today in film class - because our professor mentioned Kung Fu Panda, of which this line is mentioned in the film. But it has become so relevant now - especially after experiencing Sichuan. We're just taking it one day at a time - I think all the villagers there do that and are thankful for it.
It's going to be my mantra now. I have very few weeks left in Shanghai anyways, but this is my mantra for the coming few weeks - because as much as I did not want to leave Shanghai before, I cannot wait to go back home. I cannot wait to get away from the madness that is Shanghai. I used to say that Shanghai was a dream that I would have to wake up from eventually. And it's true - it still is. However, I feel like it's slowly turning into a nightmare, and I need to get myself out of this toxic mess before I go nuts.
Annie (Gao) and I have definitely grown matur(er) and it's going to be something to get used to *winkwinknudgenudge*to the Crew*. We pretty much agreed on that.
It's toxic because I can feel myself growing more and more bitter. You live with the same people long enough that it can drive you crazy. I gotta admit - it was like that living at home with grandparents during college. But it's the same here - living with the same students can end up driving you nuts. I'll miss everyone here, that's for sure, and I'll be so happy to reconnect with the friends I made here. But distance makes the heart grow fonder as well - and right now we all need some necessary distance.
So expect me to hibernate the next few weeks and envelop myself completely with school until this semester is over. And soon - I'll be seeing you all again in New York!!
I've already compiled a list of things I'm going to do once I get home - one of those things is spend an afternoon in Barnes and Noble. =D
this line came up to me today in film class - because our professor mentioned Kung Fu Panda, of which this line is mentioned in the film. But it has become so relevant now - especially after experiencing Sichuan. We're just taking it one day at a time - I think all the villagers there do that and are thankful for it.
It's going to be my mantra now. I have very few weeks left in Shanghai anyways, but this is my mantra for the coming few weeks - because as much as I did not want to leave Shanghai before, I cannot wait to go back home. I cannot wait to get away from the madness that is Shanghai. I used to say that Shanghai was a dream that I would have to wake up from eventually. And it's true - it still is. However, I feel like it's slowly turning into a nightmare, and I need to get myself out of this toxic mess before I go nuts.
Annie (Gao) and I have definitely grown matur(er) and it's going to be something to get used to *winkwinknudgenudge*to the Crew*. We pretty much agreed on that.
It's toxic because I can feel myself growing more and more bitter. You live with the same people long enough that it can drive you crazy. I gotta admit - it was like that living at home with grandparents during college. But it's the same here - living with the same students can end up driving you nuts. I'll miss everyone here, that's for sure, and I'll be so happy to reconnect with the friends I made here. But distance makes the heart grow fonder as well - and right now we all need some necessary distance.
So expect me to hibernate the next few weeks and envelop myself completely with school until this semester is over. And soon - I'll be seeing you all again in New York!!
I've already compiled a list of things I'm going to do once I get home - one of those things is spend an afternoon in Barnes and Noble. =D
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Sichuan Relief Mission
Hi everyone, I'm back from Sichuan.
This is probably going to be a long entry, with a significant lack of photos. However, I think it is vital that you all know what happened when I disappeared from the world for 10 days. (Seriously - 65 new emails in my inbox when I came back!? I was never THIS popular!!! =P)
We left on Thursday night. A few of us left class early to get to the train station, and I have to say, it was a mad dash to get everyone's things together, plus the film equipment. I even left my small Roots duffel bag (with all my clothes!) behind in the student office! Thank God Jie asked me where my bag of clothes were and I managed to run back and get it. Traffic was crazy, and we arrived at the train station with minutes to spare to get on the train. Once we got on, we all started speaking in Chinese, for we didn't want to attract attention at first (as if we already didn't) and be a prime target for thieves. Kevin brought 6 bottles of beer and we toasted the beginning of our journey.
Then the train ride. It was so LOOOONG! 37 hours on the train - two nights on the hard sleepers - one full day of talking and playing cards. It was ridiculous. But at least we were all together. We also took turns in keeping watch both nights, because we were worried that thieves would target our money pouches and our film equipment (which was either rented or borrowed).
When we finally arrived in the city of Jiang You, you have no idea how relieved we were to get out of the stuffy train. We made our way to the inn/hotel and took up four rooms, most of us being bunched together. We also found out that the middle schoolers were going to be in Deng Jia Xiang for only that weekend, and so we had to go and see them right away if we wanted a chance to play with them and give them gifts. So almost immediately after unloading our bags and quick showers, we all took a three hour bus ride to Deng Jia Xiang on the bumpy mountainous road. We got to see them for a couple of hours and got to see the town. There weren't many finished buildings; it was dirt road, construction, dust, rubble, and some run down buildings, surrounded by the bangfangs - which are basically the metal-sheeted houses that the government gave to families who lost their homes. The bangfangs were pretty much separated by village: one village was grouped in one area near Deng Jia Xiang. Deng Jia Xiang was a small town before, and it grew because of all the other victims moving into the area. As we returned home, we passed by a quarry that became a graveyard for all those miners trapped in there.
By the way, we were also the very first volunteers to ever enter Deng Jia Xiang and help the communities there.
The first night was spent at the hotel in Jiang You, and the next day we went to Deng Jia Xiang, where we stayed in guest rooms above a restaurant. There were two paths to Jiang You by the way: the longer, safer, three-hour path, and the faster, more dangerous, two-hour path. We took the two-hour path going (film crew + children's team) while the physical team bought supplies in Jiang You. It was dangerous in that the roads were bumpier, and there was greater risk for landslides. Really uncomfortable too by the way.
Our days in Jiang You were spent in either teaching the children (who were a crazy, rowdy bunch) or going to villages to help distribute the supplies such as cooking oil, canes, t-shirts, and basic toiletries. As part of the film crew, we basically followed either the physical team or the children's team and filmed what they did. We got interviews with the local people, a couple of local village leaders, and some commentaries from the people on the team. It was always a long day for the film crew because we always took a long time. You could say that we held the rest of the teams back in terms of how fast they could move, but it was very necessary so that we could get the best shot and make the best film possible. It was hard for people to understand that in the beginning, but eventually everyone got used to it and would warn us ahead of time so that we could set up shots before they did the activity we wanted to film.
We also tried to get into some *sensitive areas* of which I would rather not name for fear of Chinese censors. =P We were successful, and all I can say is I personally hope we got enough footage for the documentary.
It was a stressful trip in that we were always tired. The film crew always had meetings after meetings and equipment checks. After we filmed the general debriefings, we'd have our own meetings and look over "dailies" - or basically the footage we filmed that day. It was particularly hard on members of the film crew because we had to distance ourselves somewhat from the rest of the team so that we could film them and technically be very invasive on their personal feelings. However, we were also still very much part of the crew as we were constantly being referred to and thought of by everyone else. In addition, Spencer kept speaking up for us in the meetings, further involving us in the team. I tried my best to distance myself from everyone else for the film's sake; I did not want to be in the film and I did not find any need to express my feelings or my reflections of the day. Unfortunately, I have to say I saw everything through the eyes of an outsider - which may be good for the purposes of filmmaking, but I saw it as a way to de-humanize myself. I could not feel the true impact of the destruction of the earthquake on the buildings and on people's lives. In the beginning, there were times when I was very close to crying, but I held it in. And I think by closing myself up emotionally, I appeared cold-hearted and less affected than everyone else, when the truth was: I just didn't know how I should feel. Otherwise, there was a lot of footage and a lot of material for the documentary in Sichuan. If I had a few more days, and I really pushed myself, I feel we could have gotten more. But what is done is done.
I didn't lose any weight though. Despite all the physical strains and such, I think I developed muscles in my legs and arms more than anything else. My appetite has gone all weird because I would eat inconsistently and late, or would eat random snacks for meals. And so tomorrow I have to return to a normal diet!!!
There is nothing more I can say about Sichuan other than that it was ridiculous. It was ridiculously good in that we accomplished a lot. We saw another side of China - probably the real China. I saw how ridiculously spoiled I was with my lifestyle in New York and Shanghai; it made me feel guilty to be craving for bubble tea when people in Deng Jia Xiang probably never had any access to bubble tea. It made me feel spoiled to want a hot shower when it cost 5 kuai to have a hot shower in Deng Jia Xiang because it's so hard to get a hot shower; in fact when I got home and took a shower, I took a relatively cold one. I was used to the bucket showers in the bathrooms of Deng Jia Xiang =P
It was also ridiculously bad - we were climbing dangerous mountains and paths and any of us could have gotten hurt at any moment. I personally tripped/slipped and fell at least twice while in Deng Jia Xiang - I even have a bruise on my ankle to prove it (tripped on a wire that was running through the grass and didn't see it). But we all - the whole team - emerged unscathed, save for the mosquito bites (gosh those buggers are vicious). Several other people were close to getting hurt, but didn't. Thankfully, most of us got sick in the middle to end of the trip, so it wasn't as bad.
We also adopted a puppy! It's mom was killed by a car, and it was lying on the street alone, and so the Lucys picked it up and we cleaned and fed it. We named the puppy Lucky, and he was sick enough that it was clear he needed a vet. Lucky went to Lucy Liu's relatives in Chengdu to be raised and taken care of.
Sichuan was ridiculous, but it was clear that more relief work was needed. It was unfortunate to see them pretty much be left on their own, as the government and sometimes even their own village leaders not take care of them. I am thinking of returning - if relief work is still needed - the summer I graduate from college. I actually didn't mind the living conditions so much. But that's way in the future - and things can change very easily.
As of now, however, I am ridiculously homesick. I miss New York and all my friends back home more than ever. In many ways - I cannot wait to get out of Shanghai. To get out of this toxic environment and this place that feels less and less comforting than ever.
This is probably going to be a long entry, with a significant lack of photos. However, I think it is vital that you all know what happened when I disappeared from the world for 10 days. (Seriously - 65 new emails in my inbox when I came back!? I was never THIS popular!!! =P)
We left on Thursday night. A few of us left class early to get to the train station, and I have to say, it was a mad dash to get everyone's things together, plus the film equipment. I even left my small Roots duffel bag (with all my clothes!) behind in the student office! Thank God Jie asked me where my bag of clothes were and I managed to run back and get it. Traffic was crazy, and we arrived at the train station with minutes to spare to get on the train. Once we got on, we all started speaking in Chinese, for we didn't want to attract attention at first (as if we already didn't) and be a prime target for thieves. Kevin brought 6 bottles of beer and we toasted the beginning of our journey.
Then the train ride. It was so LOOOONG! 37 hours on the train - two nights on the hard sleepers - one full day of talking and playing cards. It was ridiculous. But at least we were all together. We also took turns in keeping watch both nights, because we were worried that thieves would target our money pouches and our film equipment (which was either rented or borrowed).
When we finally arrived in the city of Jiang You, you have no idea how relieved we were to get out of the stuffy train. We made our way to the inn/hotel and took up four rooms, most of us being bunched together. We also found out that the middle schoolers were going to be in Deng Jia Xiang for only that weekend, and so we had to go and see them right away if we wanted a chance to play with them and give them gifts. So almost immediately after unloading our bags and quick showers, we all took a three hour bus ride to Deng Jia Xiang on the bumpy mountainous road. We got to see them for a couple of hours and got to see the town. There weren't many finished buildings; it was dirt road, construction, dust, rubble, and some run down buildings, surrounded by the bangfangs - which are basically the metal-sheeted houses that the government gave to families who lost their homes. The bangfangs were pretty much separated by village: one village was grouped in one area near Deng Jia Xiang. Deng Jia Xiang was a small town before, and it grew because of all the other victims moving into the area. As we returned home, we passed by a quarry that became a graveyard for all those miners trapped in there.
By the way, we were also the very first volunteers to ever enter Deng Jia Xiang and help the communities there.
The first night was spent at the hotel in Jiang You, and the next day we went to Deng Jia Xiang, where we stayed in guest rooms above a restaurant. There were two paths to Jiang You by the way: the longer, safer, three-hour path, and the faster, more dangerous, two-hour path. We took the two-hour path going (film crew + children's team) while the physical team bought supplies in Jiang You. It was dangerous in that the roads were bumpier, and there was greater risk for landslides. Really uncomfortable too by the way.
Our days in Jiang You were spent in either teaching the children (who were a crazy, rowdy bunch) or going to villages to help distribute the supplies such as cooking oil, canes, t-shirts, and basic toiletries. As part of the film crew, we basically followed either the physical team or the children's team and filmed what they did. We got interviews with the local people, a couple of local village leaders, and some commentaries from the people on the team. It was always a long day for the film crew because we always took a long time. You could say that we held the rest of the teams back in terms of how fast they could move, but it was very necessary so that we could get the best shot and make the best film possible. It was hard for people to understand that in the beginning, but eventually everyone got used to it and would warn us ahead of time so that we could set up shots before they did the activity we wanted to film.
We also tried to get into some *sensitive areas* of which I would rather not name for fear of Chinese censors. =P We were successful, and all I can say is I personally hope we got enough footage for the documentary.
It was a stressful trip in that we were always tired. The film crew always had meetings after meetings and equipment checks. After we filmed the general debriefings, we'd have our own meetings and look over "dailies" - or basically the footage we filmed that day. It was particularly hard on members of the film crew because we had to distance ourselves somewhat from the rest of the team so that we could film them and technically be very invasive on their personal feelings. However, we were also still very much part of the crew as we were constantly being referred to and thought of by everyone else. In addition, Spencer kept speaking up for us in the meetings, further involving us in the team. I tried my best to distance myself from everyone else for the film's sake; I did not want to be in the film and I did not find any need to express my feelings or my reflections of the day. Unfortunately, I have to say I saw everything through the eyes of an outsider - which may be good for the purposes of filmmaking, but I saw it as a way to de-humanize myself. I could not feel the true impact of the destruction of the earthquake on the buildings and on people's lives. In the beginning, there were times when I was very close to crying, but I held it in. And I think by closing myself up emotionally, I appeared cold-hearted and less affected than everyone else, when the truth was: I just didn't know how I should feel. Otherwise, there was a lot of footage and a lot of material for the documentary in Sichuan. If I had a few more days, and I really pushed myself, I feel we could have gotten more. But what is done is done.
I didn't lose any weight though. Despite all the physical strains and such, I think I developed muscles in my legs and arms more than anything else. My appetite has gone all weird because I would eat inconsistently and late, or would eat random snacks for meals. And so tomorrow I have to return to a normal diet!!!
There is nothing more I can say about Sichuan other than that it was ridiculous. It was ridiculously good in that we accomplished a lot. We saw another side of China - probably the real China. I saw how ridiculously spoiled I was with my lifestyle in New York and Shanghai; it made me feel guilty to be craving for bubble tea when people in Deng Jia Xiang probably never had any access to bubble tea. It made me feel spoiled to want a hot shower when it cost 5 kuai to have a hot shower in Deng Jia Xiang because it's so hard to get a hot shower; in fact when I got home and took a shower, I took a relatively cold one. I was used to the bucket showers in the bathrooms of Deng Jia Xiang =P
It was also ridiculously bad - we were climbing dangerous mountains and paths and any of us could have gotten hurt at any moment. I personally tripped/slipped and fell at least twice while in Deng Jia Xiang - I even have a bruise on my ankle to prove it (tripped on a wire that was running through the grass and didn't see it). But we all - the whole team - emerged unscathed, save for the mosquito bites (gosh those buggers are vicious). Several other people were close to getting hurt, but didn't. Thankfully, most of us got sick in the middle to end of the trip, so it wasn't as bad.
We also adopted a puppy! It's mom was killed by a car, and it was lying on the street alone, and so the Lucys picked it up and we cleaned and fed it. We named the puppy Lucky, and he was sick enough that it was clear he needed a vet. Lucky went to Lucy Liu's relatives in Chengdu to be raised and taken care of.
Sichuan was ridiculous, but it was clear that more relief work was needed. It was unfortunate to see them pretty much be left on their own, as the government and sometimes even their own village leaders not take care of them. I am thinking of returning - if relief work is still needed - the summer I graduate from college. I actually didn't mind the living conditions so much. But that's way in the future - and things can change very easily.
As of now, however, I am ridiculously homesick. I miss New York and all my friends back home more than ever. In many ways - I cannot wait to get out of Shanghai. To get out of this toxic environment and this place that feels less and less comforting than ever.
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