Oh and I'm just waiting till the shine wears off.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Pawnshop Keeper
I've never been able to fully-appreciate Korean films. Too intensive for my liking. I had my reservations with The Man From No Where initially but not anymore. This one is different, one heart-stopping cinematic experience. Haven't experienced this kinda adrenalin rush from the movies for a long time. No regrets! Won Bin matures from a teenage idol to a serious method actor. Won Bin is also a reminder of a varsity joke.
This is the 171th DVD I'm trying to make a record of all the titles I have. I estimate it will go to 250 or even 300. Not sure what to do with them eventually. I can't possibly turn my bedroom into a video library. Get rid of the lesser titles perhaps and keep the good ones? But then again every film is a piece of work that deserves some respect, something to learn about. Even if film connoisseurs from schools may protest, even gems that is Hollywood!
Next time, have a second look at your neighbourhood pawnshop keeper.
The Man From Nowhere (2010) dir Lee Jeong-beom
This is the 171th DVD I'm trying to make a record of all the titles I have. I estimate it will go to 250 or even 300. Not sure what to do with them eventually. I can't possibly turn my bedroom into a video library. Get rid of the lesser titles perhaps and keep the good ones? But then again every film is a piece of work that deserves some respect, something to learn about. Even if film connoisseurs from schools may protest, even gems that is Hollywood!
Next time, have a second look at your neighbourhood pawnshop keeper.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
remembering quentin
"remembering quentin tarantino films make my heart sink."
"how come?"
"the dream is too far away"
"sometimes i feel that myself. in fact, many times... ..."
"how come?"
"the dream is too far away"
"sometimes i feel that myself. in fact, many times... ..."
Pulp Fiction (1994)
Inglourious Basterds (2009)
just do it lah
If I have a million dollars, it would solve everything and I can go out and make a film without having to worry about bills and a day-job. But I don't. I'm also not in the industry to be at the bottom of the food chain and hope for a miracle that someday that opportunity lands on my lap. I've seen too many do that and years after lose sight of that dream. I'm lucky to have come from a middle-class family without debts nor do my parents require any financial assistance from me. In fact, I think they will give me the funds I need to make a film but no, I'm not going to use their hard-earned money in my own 90%-sure-lose-money-venture aka filmmaking.
I've worked on a local feature film set before to know that you can shoot it comfortably for just $100, 000. We've been muddled by the myths of big-budget Hollywood and forget that many modern day filmmaking mavericks launched their career with budgets as low as $7, 000 (Robert Rodriguez) and $28, 000 (Kevin Smith).
So what's the next best thing to do? Take out part of my savings and make a feature film myself.And no, I do not have $100, 000 and neither would I be using that much money to make a film.
I've worked on a local feature film set before to know that you can shoot it comfortably for just $100, 000. We've been muddled by the myths of big-budget Hollywood and forget that many modern day filmmaking mavericks launched their career with budgets as low as $7, 000 (Robert Rodriguez) and $28, 000 (Kevin Smith).
So what's the next best thing to do? Take out part of my savings and make a feature film myself.And no, I do not have $100, 000 and neither would I be using that much money to make a film.
SHT
I made a little promise to myself a week ago, not to be too bothered with politics and sociopolitical blogs in this country. Too infantile, short-sighted and too many self-righteous sheeps that simply mimics what others say. Nothing good ever happens in this country, if you believe everything our swashbuckling netizens say. However, I find it hard not to say something about the Seng Han Thong incident.
"because they are Malay, they are Indian, they can’t converse in English well”
This is the sentence attributed to PAP MP Mr. Seng Han Thong on the Internet and subsequently, made the rounds within the circle of my social media. Friends go up on arms against Seng for making such insensitive and some say, "racist" remarks. The same sentence was copy and pasted onto almost every twitter and Facebook status of our Internet "activist".
The problem is, how many of them actually watch the video and realise that the above comment was taken out of context by a certain socio-political website with other words conveniently left out, just to further their own politicl agenda? There's a lot of difference between
"...because they are Malay, they are Indian, they can’t converse in English well”
and
“And I notice that the PR (SMRT Public Relations) mentioned that some of the staff, because they are Malay they are Indian, they can't converse in English good, well enough, so that also we can learn from. I think we accept broken English.”
The latter was really what was being said by Seng.
I have friends who commented that Seng's insensitive remarks is a reflection of poor political showmanship. They really must read up on statements made by politicians from Europe, America, Australia and (not too far away) Malaysia (instead of surfing the web for their next holiday destination) and compare them to what Seng had said.
It's hard not to feel pessimistic about the future of this country if the Internet is a reflection of the real society. It's interesting to note how quick we are to jump at every discomfort in our lives as Singaporeans to be a policy mistake of the PAP, as if the PAP can stop the rain. One misconstrued opinion can become "truth" when spread by mouths of hundreds.
Ok back to hibernation and serving the Buddhist community based on Buddhist values. As a heartlander would say, "我不要chup了".
"because they are Malay, they are Indian, they can’t converse in English well”
This is the sentence attributed to PAP MP Mr. Seng Han Thong on the Internet and subsequently, made the rounds within the circle of my social media. Friends go up on arms against Seng for making such insensitive and some say, "racist" remarks. The same sentence was copy and pasted onto almost every twitter and Facebook status of our Internet "activist".
The problem is, how many of them actually watch the video and realise that the above comment was taken out of context by a certain socio-political website with other words conveniently left out, just to further their own politicl agenda? There's a lot of difference between
"...because they are Malay, they are Indian, they can’t converse in English well”
and
“And I notice that the PR (SMRT Public Relations) mentioned that some of the staff, because they are Malay they are Indian, they can't converse in English good, well enough, so that also we can learn from. I think we accept broken English.”
The latter was really what was being said by Seng.
I have friends who commented that Seng's insensitive remarks is a reflection of poor political showmanship. They really must read up on statements made by politicians from Europe, America, Australia and (not too far away) Malaysia (instead of surfing the web for their next holiday destination) and compare them to what Seng had said.
It's hard not to feel pessimistic about the future of this country if the Internet is a reflection of the real society. It's interesting to note how quick we are to jump at every discomfort in our lives as Singaporeans to be a policy mistake of the PAP, as if the PAP can stop the rain. One misconstrued opinion can become "truth" when spread by mouths of hundreds.
Ok back to hibernation and serving the Buddhist community based on Buddhist values. As a heartlander would say, "我不要chup了".
Thursday, December 22, 2011
What are you doing in my park?
I like all these little-known cop drama. Shot in 2009 on a HD camera, most of the time without a tripod. Fluidity of it makes it look like a newscamera or a high-budget TV drama. HD being video means whitewashed when indoors on a sunny day. Perhaps big names on the film won't take the risk of either making it a low-budget hit or an indie-wannabe. Cop drama, turf wars, police corruption and a whole load of mess in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
I actually think this film is a hidden gem. Val Kilmer, 50 Cent and Sharon Stone, plus the technology of HD video. If Gomorrah can be nominated for a Golden Palm in 2008, I think Streets of Blood shot against a realistic New Orleans street without purposeful art direction and minus away all the cheesy Hollywood moments have the makings of a cult hit.
I actually think this film is a hidden gem. Val Kilmer, 50 Cent and Sharon Stone, plus the technology of HD video. If Gomorrah can be nominated for a Golden Palm in 2008, I think Streets of Blood shot against a realistic New Orleans street without purposeful art direction and minus away all the cheesy Hollywood moments have the makings of a cult hit.
Streets of Blood (2009) dir. Charles Winkler
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Maybe you'd like to join me?
Maybe you'd like to join me?
抱佛脚？
Technically观音菩萨 is not a Buddha right?
Eh yah hor. Aiyah, Bodhisattva's foot also counted lah.
Rushes. No colour editing yet. It's back to the drawing board, trying to make it work better. Too much mediocrity to the name.
Organs
43 organisers (and 7 missing ones)
I don't know how to use better words to describe my heartfelt appreciation for the youths of SBM. It's never easy to do Buddhist youth work in Singapore, with the lack of resources and support and the cynicism of "armchair experts'. These kids probably had "better" things to do during their free time. But they spent countless hours for months preparing for the camp. Then on camp day itself, they climbed the stairs and the hill, lugging along tables, chairs and litres of drinking water against adverse weather elements. They chose to spend as little as possible, like renting the cheapest vehicle they can find, which turn out to be a rickety old van with non-functioning breaks. Even when the weather threatened to spoil the event, their mood never dampens. Environment and conditions can challenge them but they realise that ultimately, it's their attitude towards their surroundings that matters most.
They worked at the background, away from the limelight. Perhaps that's how SBM develops our youths. Serving others in unglamorous roles and see how their sacrifices can add happiness to the lives of others. Some of these organizers are as old as the campers but they readily take on responsibilities, putting the welfare of the campers first.
See the value of serving others and the joy you have in your heart, when you realise that your small little actions could generate into something bigger. Build spiritual friendships in a safe place where you can grow. Spiritual friendship also means that you allow your friends to learn new things and give them space to make mistakes. Understand your faith and realise what an inspiring teacher the Buddha is and how His teachings can benefit yourself and other teenagers Take ownership of this the Mission. It belongs to all of us. Look after it well, make your voices heard and let it grow in wisdom and compassion. Continue to serve with passion as servant-leaders and spiritual friends who look out for one another.
"Spiritual friendship is the whole of the spiritual life." - The Buddha
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
VG10
I'm a bit greedy but a Sony NEX VG10 will make a good camera besides the 5DMk2. I don't like big cameras so a small coke can size of the VG10 will fit just fine. The only problem is it still looks like video-like.
Will be even better if Canon can fuse the size of the Canon HV series video with the censor of the latest C300.
Will be even better if Canon can fuse the size of the Canon HV series video with the censor of the latest C300.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
1. The only FT that should remain in Singapore are maids and construction workers.
2. If pay is too low, Singaporeans will not want to do them but we should not hire foreigners to do these jobs. Such jobs include cleaners, coffee shop helpers etc. The elderly should not do these jobs too since they are old and should enjoy their last few years. PRCs should not take up these jobs too since we do not want to see them everywhere i.e. our heartlands.
3. We should not be made to compete with the world. We should hire only locals even though some FT may be better qualified and ask for a lower pay.
4. The government is always to blame if costs are high (cos we keep hiring locals remember?). If locals want to compete with FT and ask for competitive salaries i.e. lower salaries, the government is to blame again.
5. The government is ALWAYS to blame for our predicament. We in no way have control over our own lives. Everything is predestined.
Written by a hall friend.
2. If pay is too low, Singaporeans will not want to do them but we should not hire foreigners to do these jobs. Such jobs include cleaners, coffee shop helpers etc. The elderly should not do these jobs too since they are old and should enjoy their last few years. PRCs should not take up these jobs too since we do not want to see them everywhere i.e. our heartlands.
3. We should not be made to compete with the world. We should hire only locals even though some FT may be better qualified and ask for a lower pay.
4. The government is always to blame if costs are high (cos we keep hiring locals remember?). If locals want to compete with FT and ask for competitive salaries i.e. lower salaries, the government is to blame again.
5. The government is ALWAYS to blame for our predicament. We in no way have control over our own lives. Everything is predestined.
Written by a hall friend.
Cao Cao
"寧教我負天下人，休教天下人負我"
Jiang Wen's portrayal of Cao Cao in The Lost Bladesman struck me hard. Many months later, I'm still spooked by his charisma on the big screen.
He should have been on Red Cliff. Or should I say, Red Cliff's portrayal of Cao Cao as a narrow-minded one-sided villain who fought a war over a woman needs a major revision. A significant yardstick away from becoming a classic.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Xenophobic Shit
I'm tired of this narrow-minded xenophobic shit, coming even from even the mouths of our "elite" undergraduates. I've got no qualms if you want to bitch about foreign talents flooding out Singaporeans for white collar and PMET jobs but seriously, bus drivers? And let's not get started about that particular picture making the rounds on Facebook; a MRT train carriage full of Banglas and Chinamen, the construction kind, and the SAF tagline, "What Would You Defend?"
You find me one Singaporean with a diploma/degree who is willing to build a career as a bus driver. Or better still, find me a young Singaporean who is willing to become a Bangala/Chinaman and work under the hot sun as a construction worker.
Singaporeans are indeed very much ignorant. We don't see the Eurozone Crisis and the American debt and the comfortable jobs we have but complaining about not having enough money when they flock to pamper themselves with the latest gadgets. Now the liberals would say, "it's the PAP gahmen fault la!" Rightly so! Heavy rains, flooding, bus accidents, Slutwalk, December-suddenly-so-hot, it's all the bloody gahmen's fault lah!
I think the Noose Thai correspondent, Pornsak Sukumvit, said it well:
You find me one Singaporean with a diploma/degree who is willing to build a career as a bus driver. Or better still, find me a young Singaporean who is willing to become a Bangala/Chinaman and work under the hot sun as a construction worker.
Singaporeans are indeed very much ignorant. We don't see the Eurozone Crisis and the American debt and the comfortable jobs we have but complaining about not having enough money when they flock to pamper themselves with the latest gadgets. Now the liberals would say, "it's the PAP gahmen fault la!" Rightly so! Heavy rains, flooding, bus accidents, Slutwalk, December-suddenly-so-hot, it's all the bloody gahmen's fault lah!
I think the Noose Thai correspondent, Pornsak Sukumvit, said it well:
"Not like Singapore, one day flooding everybody call police."
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Thursday, December 08, 2011
The Limits of Control
The Limits of Control (2009) dir. Jim Jarmusch
Double expresso. In separate cups. Jim Jarmusch made his first feature film for only US$12, 000. Collecting DVDs is not an expensive hobby, unless you consider the fact that films are available for download off the Internet for free. Jarmusch is not common on the shelves so the DVD costs close to $30 one year ago. Pricey, considering that shops sell most DVDs below $20 and when you consider China and Indonesia imports, below $10. Controlled my urge for the annual warehouse sales and I got it for just $8.
I'm not so much a hobbyist, neat-freak, making sure every copy of disc is in air-tight plastic sheets. I just like to watch movies and re-watch them again and again to re-live those cinematic memories.
Wednesday, December 07, 2011
SBM Youth
Introduction video of SBM Youth on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the founding of Singapore Buddhist Mission. Sort of like a "corporate video". It's like being back in WeeKimWee School. Rushed out 3 videos in 6 days. In bed by 0300 and up for the day job by 0730. I think somethings' always in the blood. Pardon the grammatical errors in the subs.
Tuesday, December 06, 2011
Meditation
I think I need to be more discipline in my meditation practice. Train the mind and keep it at bay from monkeying around.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Christopher Nolan
Such indeed is life. One big mystery, psychological thriller. Nolan moment.
Memento (2000)
The Dark Knight (2008)
I've reached my 165th piece of DVD but there are about another hundred more on the shelves. There isn't much space left. Some time later, some titles may have to go, especially those which you would probably not watch again. Maybe I will reach a stage whereby only the top 200 titles will be on the shelves. The rest tucked away in a dry dark corner. Information Literacy professor back in university taught that DVD archives can last only about 20 years. A reminder on the ephemeral existence of ours. Change is the only constant.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Tim Burton
Films by Tim Burton. Only 3 of them. Each work is a reminder of a
certain phase in life, growing up, watching movies, thinking about life.
Big Fish (2003)
I'm not big on Gothic films so Big Fish is for me the favourite Burton film. I think this is one of the most touching film ever made, though it got critically panned by critics and audience alike. Maybe it's just me.
Batman Returns (1992)
Beetle Juice (1988)
I reckon my love for cinema started at a young age. Sometime around 5 to 6 years old, I spent a lot of time with the VCR and the tv. Yes, my mom taught me how to create "bootleg" copies of my favourite cartoons and movies. Had the film on tape and spent lots of afternoons re-watching and re-watching Beetle Juice.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Monday, November 21, 2011
...Straighten Up... Fly Right...
The Tuskegee Airmen (1995) dir. Robert Markowitz
Friends die in our business, and for a lot of reasons. And the only protection you have against losing one is not to have any.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Changi Sunset
Had a "reservist" call-up so I didn't have to work. I don't mind the occasional military obligations. National Service was a significant part of my life, though I reckon I could have done better as a soldier.
Went to Changi Beach in the evening to take some pictures. It rained a bit and so I sought shelter in a verandah. It was the less popular stretch, plus it was a weekday so there was no one else in sight within about 100 metres. Worked on the feature film script for the first time, tentatively titled "Finding Kar-wai".
Refreshing, very liberating. Haven't felt this way for a long time.
Home-cooked Dog Food
Credits go to Pearly Sim. I can only cook Maggie Mee and non-edible jungle-survival food stuff.
The Wee Kim Wee Spirit
One of the perks of working in this wonderful place is your own personal office room. The work is tough but meaningful. On the desk is a SCI mug, a reminder. The Wee Kim Wee spirit lives on in this alumni!
Long before the faculty takes on the name of Singapore's 4th President, the late Mr. Wee Kim Wee who himself had an illustrious career in journalism, the school was simply, SCI (School of Communication & Information). We are now known as the Wee Kim Wee School. More commonly known for its journalism division than the other concentrations, it's great to see the works of current students in the Broadcast & Cinema gaining some recognition.
On hindsight, I wish I've made better student films.
Who are who are who are we
we are we are Wee Kim Wee!
I "penned" the school cheer, or fondly known as the Weekimwee Cheer, back when I was in the students' club. It warms my heart to hear about it again.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Help make a film!
Crowd-sourcing is big amongst American indie/DIY/micro-budget filmmakers and now it has taken root in my alma mater. Likely to be the first every crowd-sourcing attempt in Wee Kim Wee School. Help my juniors make their thesis film so that they can not only graduate in one piece but most importantly, make an impact and land themselves a coveted job in the tv/film/broadcast industry.
Fast Food High Times
During a Q&A session after a public screening of my short films, the
moderator asked me what would be the type of films I would like to make
in future / or make a name for myself / something like that lah. I said bromantic comedy, something like Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle (minus all the weed and sexual references).
Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle (2004) dir. Danny Leiner
Harold: So what are you in here for?
Tarik: For being black.
Harold: Seriously.
Tarik: I am serious. You wanna know what happened. I was walking out of a Barnes & Noble, and a cop stops me. Evidently, a black guy robbed a storein Newark. I told him, "I haven't even been to Newark in months." So he starts beating me with his gun, telling me to stop resisting arrest.
Harold: Holy shit! What'd you do?
Tarik: I kept saying, "I understand I'm under arrest. Now please stop beating me."
Harold: I don't understand how you can be so calm about all this.
Tarik: Look at me. I'm fat, black, can't dance, and I have two gay fathers. People have been messing with me my whole life. I learned a long time ago there's no sense getting all riled up every time a bunch of idiots give you a hard time. In the end, the universe tends to unfold as it should. Plus I have a really large penis. That keeps me happy.
Harold: Seriously.
Tarik: I am serious. You wanna know what happened. I was walking out of a Barnes & Noble, and a cop stops me. Evidently, a black guy robbed a storein Newark. I told him, "I haven't even been to Newark in months." So he starts beating me with his gun, telling me to stop resisting arrest.
Harold: Holy shit! What'd you do?
Tarik: I kept saying, "I understand I'm under arrest. Now please stop beating me."
Harold: I don't understand how you can be so calm about all this.
Tarik: Look at me. I'm fat, black, can't dance, and I have two gay fathers. People have been messing with me my whole life. I learned a long time ago there's no sense getting all riled up every time a bunch of idiots give you a hard time. In the end, the universe tends to unfold as it should. Plus I have a really large penis. That keeps me happy.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
the Chosen One
Kung Pow: Enter the Fist (2002) dir. Steve Odederk
Master! I was hoping one day I could be the Chosen One!
all you need
All you need to make a film is one car, one HDSLR, 2 friends and many many Buddha's feet.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Failures
"I've missed more than 9000 shot's in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game's winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed."
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Tuesday, November 08, 2011
ND Fader
Lai lai... Another investment, new toy, must-have.
The weekend film adventure turns sour. Must have an AAR. Starting to have the thoughts of "maybe I'm not good enough, this isn't for me". I do not want to grow old and become indulgent/delusional like most..erm.....xxBLANKxx do. If you can't do your best, show your best, you might as well not start.
The weekend film adventure turns sour. Must have an AAR. Starting to have the thoughts of "maybe I'm not good enough, this isn't for me". I do not want to grow old and become indulgent/delusional like most..erm.....xxBLANKxx do. If you can't do your best, show your best, you might as well not start.
Monday, November 07, 2011
Tuesday, November 01, 2011
"Otto, I'm not a Nazi"
Stalingrad (1993) dir. Joseph Vilsmaier
"The best thing about the cold is ..." "... you don't have to worry about sunburnt..."
Supported Zak's presentation of his photography project, Our Gurkhas.
The photographer-turned-Computer-Progammer ended the night by sharing this nugget, "perfect is the enemy of the good."
Monday, October 31, 2011
Capitao Nascimento
Elite Squad (2007) dir. Joseph Padilha
Winner. Golden Bear, Berlin Film Festival 2008. This film ranks as one of my all-time favourite. The Sequel is actually much more explosive and mature though. But nothing beats the first experience of watching the first parter.
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