Hayao Miyazaki

Hayao Miyazaki has been dubbed the "Walt Disney of Japan," the title due in no small part to the distribution of his films in America by the company. However, I do not agree with this statement. Simply because the two geniuses both made their name in the art form of animation does not make them cinematic siblings. The only thing comparable between them is their expansive imaginations. Miyazaki's films are all completely original, though they draw inspiration from universal folklore. Not only that, but he tends to dwell on deeper, more complex themes such as preservation of the environment, pacifism, and disorientation in unfamiliar surroundings. His films range from the lighthearted to the positively brutal. I love all of his films (the only one I've yet to see is Kiki's Delivery Service [1989]), and they always refuel my own imagination and remind me why I love film and animation. One only has to glance at a snippet of a Miyazaki movie to grasp the breathless sense of wonder he has created and drawn beautifully.

A Patch of Blue (1965)

The notion that love is blind persists in many stories through the ages, notably with the Greek god of love, Eros, who was portrayed as blindfolded in one incarnation. It is the point tenderly made in A Patch of Blue, set against the backdrop of racial tension. Still, it is not a racially-charged story, but a story of love and accepting the sadness of life, and it was one of the most beautiful movies I have seen.

Movies for a Summer Day

This year, I got released for break a bit earlier than some of my friends from other schools, and their updates about the beginning of the sweltering season got me thinking, Which movies feel summery? By that I mean, which movies make you feel the sun and heat and outdoors without ever stepping foot out of your air-conditioned home? Now, if you're like me and don't go out, these movies may be of interest to you.

Mini Reviews

The speed at which I watch movies and write reviews obviously do not correlate, so I will commence writing miniature reviews for the movies I've watched over the past month or so.

Woody Allen

"I don't want to achieve immortality through my work - I want to achieve it through not dying."

I love every film I've seen of Woody Allen. Granted, I haven't fully delved into all of his filmography, but I've seen enough to write a sizable post about him. Everything about him and his work makes me feel better about life and myself, because the best way to forgot your own troubles is to watch other people going through similar situations. Though he is mostly known for comedy, he has mastered a nice blend of philosophical pondering and nihilism wrapped up in humorous characters and stories (with the exception of a few pure dramas).

Bonnie and Clyde (1967)

"Someday they'll go down together

And they'll bury them side by side

To few it'll be grief, to the law a relief

But it's death for Bonnie and Clyde."

I firmly believe that Bonnie and Clyde is the film that changed American cinema, when the transition from Old Hollywood to New Hollywood was made, and filmmakers have not looked back since (except maybe with the occasional nostalgia). If you look at the Best Picture nominees for '67, the contrast from previous years is striking; The Graduate, which deals with post-grad angst and the isolated youth; In the Heat of the Night, concerning racial tensions; and Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, also concerning the aforementioned topic (a good year for Sidney Poitier, who starred in both, to be sure). Doctor Dolittle was also nominated, but that was more of a desperate attempt to hold on to the old and cherished than for true merit.

The Sacrifices I Make for Academia…

I'm such a genius for creating a blog smack in the middle of finals season, eh? Gape at my astounding foresight, mortals.

…Anyway, the basic gist is that my play is over, and the swirling whirlpool that is exams and crammed-in assignments has replaced it. So, no movies for me, not until the 30th, at least. I'm already anticipating my mental breakdown arriving sometime this weekend.

To think that a few mere months ago I watched fifteen movies in two weeks. We have reached the Ultimate Paradox, friends.

I guess I should make this post movie-related. I'll end with a quote:

"It's all happening."

-Almost Famous


That about sums it up.