h u i p i n g

2009-05-15T21:11:00.003+08:00

X Men Origin: Wolverine Movie Review

The comic movie tie-in started off with a bloody scene where young James Howlett killed his biological father after witnessing a family tragedy. James then activated the mutation: bone claws protruded from his hands. He and his half-brother Victor Creed escaped and hence the tale of the X Men began. Both lived for a century before being recruited by Major William Stryker into the X Team consisting of many men possessing similar qualities as him.

However, James left the team alone and lived with his girlfriend Kayla. The real action took place after six years, when James misunderstood that Kayla was killed by Victor, resulting in him taking revenge on him. Further events revealed Major Stryker to be the villain in the show as well.

Although the pace of the movie is generally alright, there was a big loophole on the reason as to why James took revenge. The foundation of the relationship between James and Kayla was quite weak given that there was no real chemistry between the pair. Moreover the typical conversation lines in the movie made it even harder to strike a chord of sympathy with the audience. Since the relationship of the couple seems questionable to the audience, it will be natural when one is bemused by the extreme end of actions taken by James.

The milieu of fast paced scenarios is nevertheless satisfactory to audience who gets a kick out of fighting scenes. However, for others it may simply be a cheap thrill. Generally speaking, the lack of character development is the biggest fault of it all. Sundry characters-whether good or bad ones appeared for a flitter of a moment and the next second, they expired. There was just not enough depth or explanation on the various mindsets of different characters. Though there are some plausibly touching or contemplative scenes, like the one in which a kind couple helped James, it was vehemently put to an end by another fighting scene. It just seems as though that James was on the path to seek vengeance just for the sake of doing it, with no logical thinking at all. One is just sucked in the whirlpool of perpetual fighting, bereft of the chance to make all the linkages and connections. Hence other than the fighting scenes, the relationships of various parties seemed pretty much spurious and bogus to me.

One may also ponder upon the notion of revenge, whether it really brings one peace and console which one ultimately seeks after the blood oath. The orthodox way of thinking will definitely be no, which is what the pg rated movie sent across in some meaningful scenes. It is therefore incumbent of the audience to decide who should be the arbiter of melting out punishment.

The ending of the movie is bittersweet and predictable in its own way. It leaves me with a troubled mind over the entire plot sustained by the weak character development and myriad of fighting scenes.

2009-01-04T00:48:00.002+08:00

Sosuke

Ponyo's father

2009-01-04T00:40:00.002+08:00

Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea Movie Review

Warning: Spoiler ahead-Below is my review of the movie. For those who plan to watch it, please do not read it.

Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea is a movie about a goldfish born with a girl’s head, Ponyo, who runs away from her home at the bottom of the sea and falls in love with a 5 year old boy Sosuke. She then aspires to be a human being.

This movie is produced by Japanese Director Hayao Miyazaki who has churned out other critically-acclaimed animations like My Neighbour Totoro, Spirited Away, and Howl’s Moving Castle. The story unfolds from Ponyo and Sosuke’s point of view and is the all-time box office winner in Japan for Year 2008.

Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea is loosely adapted from Hans Anderson’s The Little Mermaid. It didn’t follow the original story, which is more sombre, strictly but instead injected more whimsicality and life into it. It is simple but not to the extent that will strike people as being childish. The natural simplicity of the movie makes it a great hit not only with the kids but also the adults and people of all ages. The catchy tune of the main song and the innocent lines “Ponyo likes Sosuke” “Ponyo wants to become a human” spoken by Ponyo, shown in the trailer, leave much of an impression on one as well.

This movie also differs from previous hits of Hayao Miyazaki because it is done completely in traditional hand-drawn pictures-2D. Although I initially harboured the thought that this 2D -movie might not look realistic, that thought soon went right out of my mind after I became caught up in the plot. The opening part at Ponyo’s home is extremely delightful. The vivid, lucid display of the sea creatures, plants as well as the environment is an eye opener. Furthermore, the realistic sounds of the sea and those made by the sea creatures serve as a great booster to my overall enjoyment of the movie. The ambiance created by this 2D-film is surprisingly soothing and, in my opinion, on par to that of a typical 3D-movie.

The special relationship between young children and their parents stood out in this movie. Sosuke enjoys a close relationship with his parents, especially with his mother Lisa. When he realises that Lisa is upset at her husband’s continuation to work late, Sosuke comforts her. It tugs at one’s heartstrings as earlier on, Lisa is comforting Sosuke when he gets upset over the loss of Ponyo.

On the other hand for Ponyo, things are not going smoothly. She is suffocating under her overprotective father’s wing. Her father actually loves her very much and his main agenda is to protect her from humans whom he views as dangerous. However, his display of love is underappreciated by Ponyo. This strikes a chord with many people as one may find oneself in similar situations. In some cases, a parent’s method of displaying love might not be too suitable and it results in much distress for both parties. At the end of the day though, parents love their children – near the end of the movie, Ponyo’s father finally accepts Ponyo’s decision as he loves her.

Several themes are prevalent throughout the movie. An example is the need to protect the ocean. Humans have been causing great harm to the environment for centuries. The ocean is one of man’s victims. Not being one to swallow his grumbles, Fujimoto, father of Ponyo, plans to take vengeance by garnering magic in a well. Unfortunately for him but fortunately for mankind, his powers are stolen by Ponyo.

Ponyo, on her voyage to look for Sosuke, rides on the friendly-looking waves that are akin to whales. However, to the humans, the whales spell disaster since the storm created by the waves will result in much havoc for those at sea-fisherman, boats and those on land-such as difficulty in commutating. This upset at sea may be a form of a punishment to humans who have been abusing it. It is also a parallel itself- Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

The simplicity of the movie is done with plenty of elegance and grace. The innocent actions of the children like Ponyo dancing and skipping happily when she is finally a human and Ponyo imitating Sosuke’s actions during dinner touch me.
Perhaps the only fault found in the movie is the simplicity itself. To a cynic, it may seem too straightforward and is a minimalism of the real world which we all know is grave, graver and gravest. Nevertheless, most will find this movie heart-warming and interesting.

2009-01-03T22:29:00.000+08:00

2008-12-30T18:21:00.004+08:00

从台湾回来已有两个多星期了，希望现在动笔还不算迟。台湾之旅真的很好玩。我们到了很多地方，不可能一一列出，所以我只会提些很精彩的部分。

食物-我们大多到小餐厅，有时也在宿舍吃饭，价钱方面有些贵-新币7.50左右，它的分量却很大-2，3倍。只有在故宫餐厅时，价钱才偏高-十五元左右，可能是价钱的问题吧，我们得两人食用1人分，有点少，但之前已吃太多，几乎吃到饱，一时半刻清淡，较少份也不打紧。其实，台湾食物与我们的还蛮接近，不会有吃不惯的问题。对了，台湾人大概很爱吃蛋吧，几乎餐餐都有蛋。现在看到蛋，还是会有点害怕。；）

夜市-我们去了很多夜市-士林夜市，逢甲夜市，师大夜市，西门町共4个。其中士林去了共三次。最后第二天，我们又去士林，而且又走同样的路，逛同样的店，有点闷。但是，夜市还是好玩的。也得感谢老师一直带我们去夜市，让我们有机会嫌闷(偷笑）。

去夜市的收获可不小。买了鞋子三双-$50，书包-$20，皮包-$15等等。我们当然也有去书店-共花$120-130左右-9本真的很惊人吧！其实说真的有点惭愧，但又不怎么在乎-因为是父母给的钱，我们又在国外，自然不觉得有什么约束。

对，我绝对要提一个地方-九族文化村。那是最最最好玩的地方。我可没说谎哦！一整个早上至下午3，4点左右，我们都待在那里。早上，有多人打算先拍照，参观台湾九个族群的文化生活等，我与一些人-来自德明的Dina，小又，秀萍，惠文，及同校的天惠，决定脱队-先玩个痛快！

当然，我们真的好好大玩特玩一番。我们玩了UFO，一个从高空急速掉落的玩意儿。最后，只有小又，天惠，惠文及我挑战，Dina和秀萍就帮我们拍照。每个人都必须除下眼镜，除非你戴隐形眼镜。由于我度数过深，几乎看不到东西，在高空停留数十秒时，不会觉得很惊讶。直到突然降落的那一刻，要被抛出位置时才感到恐慌。可很快的，它就结束了。有点意犹未尽。

待会儿上载照片时要仔细观看-我们4人之前及之后的胜利宣言！

我们也有玩其他的设施，如一个室内过山车，两人坐在一排座位，到了最高点就开始旋转，上下左右等。我们都尽情地喊，尖叫着。过程中，我都不敢开眼睛。反正开眼睛也不会看到什么-里面黑漆漆的。（借口，借口）
这次就写到这里。再见！

2008-12-30T20:50:00.004+08:00

以下是我们必须写的报道。

台湾之旅
今年的十二月份，我与其他来自五所不同学院的学生一同到了台湾。其实，这也是我初次到台湾，所以我蛮期待，也蛮兴奋。一抵达台湾，蓝小姐，台湾救国团所派出接待我们的人，及秉真姐就在机场迎接我们。之后，我们才离开机场，准备去剑潭青年活动中心。可才刚出台湾机场外，一股刺骨的冷风就迎面而来，令我们措手不及。我们赶紧穿上外套，连跑带跳地冲上旅游巴士。

过了几个小时后，我们才到达剑潭年活动中心。剑潭年活动中心其实是个满舒适的地方。在一楼，我们能发现一个福利社，也就是便利商店。已知道有福利社，大家都迫不及待地冲到那儿，以便将里头的零食-泡面，黍片神门的，“抢购一空”。当然，我们也没有忘记购买IDD国际电话卡，方便我们与家人保持联络。

就这样，我们开始了呆在台湾十五天的日子。在那里度过几天，我就发现一些现象。例如，台湾的厕所叫做化妆室。它的马桶也有特殊的一点-那就是不能扔卫生纸在里头。可能是不习惯吧，我与室友都继续扔卫生纸。直到第五或第六天，我们厕所发出抗议-它将水全部都激出来，把地上弄得湿湿的。幸好当时没人使用厕所，否后果不堪设想。

我们通知服务人员上楼修理厕所时，他们透露说起其他房间也面对同样的问题，他们还得赶去修理厕所。这时我们就猜想遇到同样问题的人会不会是与我们一样，来自新加坡，也同样不顾警告，继续扔卫生纸的人。事后想起马桶事件，我还是会仍不住偷笑呢。当然，自此之后，我们都学乖了。

除了马桶事件，我们在台湾还有其他更精彩的事件呢!例如去夜市购物吧。

在抵达台湾的第一晚，我们就到士林夜市购物。士林夜市就在剑潭活动中心的附近，因此我们只须步行，就到那儿了。那天，老师只给我们一个半钟头的时间。因此一听完指示，全体被解散时，我们就直接杀到士林夜市了。由于时间不多，我们分秒必争，赶紧购物。最后，大家的口袋都破了一大洞。

我们也去了其他夜市，如逢甲夜市，师大夜市，西门町等等。在这过程中，我们有了一些新发现。例如，逢甲夜市的东西是最便宜的；师大夜市主要是买食物的；西门町的物品是满美丽，可价钱也相对较高；士林夜市的物价则属于中等。其中，我们到士林夜市有三次之多，因此印象也较为深刻。

除了夜市，我们也参观了不少学院，如台大，师大。我们也到松山高中及复兴中学，了解并体验高中生活。台湾学生对我们真的非常热情。一见到我们踏进课室，他们就好奇地问我们各种关于新加坡的事物。这种热情款待他人在新加坡是不常见的。多数学生看见外国学生或他人参观学院，都不会理睬，更别谈说话闲聊了。

在台湾这么多天，我们也乘搭了多次捷运。捷运就等于新加坡的地铁。有些人也乘搭了公车-巴士。其中，公车与捷运都有个共同点-那就是拥有博爱座-新加坡地铁的优先位置。公车也有特别的一面。在那里，人们是使用后门上车，前门下车的，而车票钱是在下车前才付的。

在台湾待了这么多天，我们也渐渐与各个初院的学生混熟了。每当吃饭时，我们都没按照学校之分，一块儿坐在一起吃，一起聊天。在每天的路程中，我们也时不时聊天说笑的。

带我们到处游玩的司机大哥与我们相处久了也有些感情。我们不知道从何日起开始一块儿称呼他为表哥。每当上车时，我们都乐此不疲的这么做。看见他偶尔露出一丝淡淡的微笑，我们也由不得笑了。

蓝小姐也是个满好相处的人。她每次都忙着帮我们安排好行程等，忙于奔波。至于秉真姐嘛，由于她与我们年龄相仿，我们都有说不完的话题。见她从没到过新加坡，我们都力邀她到狮城走一趟。有人见她目前单身甚至说要帮她在新加坡找个男友！

在一片欢乐的气氛中，我们就这样度过了十五天。最后一天，我们都整理好行李，到机场。蓝小姐及秉真姐都到那儿替我们送别。要分离的那一刻，秉真姐哭了。我们当中也有几人哭了。秉真姐也戏言说我们骗走她的眼泪。不舍，感伤，一切尽在不言中。

再见！台湾，朋友们，希望改日我们能再次踏上这美丽的宝岛，会见所有的朋友！

2008-12-30T20:55:00.006+08:00

接下来的照片是在台湾传统艺术中心及台北101拍摄的。

2008-12-30T19:10:00.009+08:00

2008-12-30T19:10:00.001+08:00

接下来上载的是九族文化村的照片。

2008-11-21T22:32:00.003+08:00

I have just bought Yui's 4th album-My Short Stories. It's a collection of her previous songs, I reckoned. It's more than a pity when I tore open the covering to discover that there's a big scratch on the back of the CD. :(

Besides the CD, I also bought the Physics and Math assessment book-both for my brother. Hopefully, he'll appreciate it. Taking into account the fact that it cost $50 in total, he had better do so!

I also purchased the book titled The Last Lecture by Professor Randy Pausch. It cost under $20, not counting the 20% popular discount. Anyway, it's really a great book. Hope you'll consider buying it or just watch the video online. :)

Well, don't think I have ever mention to you, but my brother's going to Malaysia this Sunday for a undetermined period to work in Aunt's company. It should be something related to commercial. Not too sure about the details.

Bye, at least for now.

2008-11-09T18:26:00.002+08:00

已经要放假了！弟弟也要考完O水准了。这未必是好事--因为之前他要求我在考完试后再给他生日礼物-Rich Dad Poor Dad 书籍。PS到大众书局去找寻，结果发现竟然是40多元！！并不像买给他。我比较喜欢The Last Lecture，这本书的价钱也比较便宜，20元左右。这些还不打紧，最最最重要的是，我还没做生日卡，而他在来临的星期三就考完了。得赶快这么做，否……

我也想乘这次假期，来个大复习，复习考得差劲的科目。如果有朋友在一旁“督促”，相信效果会更佳。
但，至于我是否真的这么做仍是个大问号。希望一切顺利哦。

我也发现自己已很久很久没有运动了。真惭愧。年头还嚷嚷要天天练习瑜伽什么的，现在可没实现。我也许久没有用了。昨晚练习瑜伽时竟发现自己流得满身大汗。倘若平时有练习的话，是不会这样的。

哎哎哎~

2008-11-08T01:20:00.001+08:00

Yeah finally OP ends. Only 1 more week to go!!End of misery and sufferings :) Hoped that all is well with OP.Don't want to think about it anymore.

2008-11-07T11:01:00.001+08:00

Here are some pictures taken with my CCA SLC friends on Braddell Town Day.

2008-11-05T22:24:00.000+08:00

2 more days to OP,hope that everything will go well.

2008-11-02T18:47:00.002+08:00

Hi! Haven't been writing anything here for 6 months plus... Sorry.Anyway,I'm glad that exams have ended and I hope that things will go on smoothly for OP please. I want to score well because this is A level subject. Once done, never erased. It's final.

Don't really want to think anything else on OP.Hoped that I'll be on my best performance on the actual day.I'm not really sure whether I looked forward to end of sch. There's still many events piling up.

Don't want tot think about it. Instead, I'll concentrate on the number of possible happy moments- I'm so looking forward to meeting my friends and chatting with them!!Can't wait!!I'm also going to have a really fruitful holiday by having many ongoing activities or at least some.

For instance, picking up the habit of swimming and doing yoga again. Ugh. Haven't accomplished what I stated at the start of the year- that is practise yoga daily. Ha ha. It's a joke- I haven't been doing so for months. So much for target-setting. I wondered who'll be able to keep their promises throughout the year.

Perhaps there could be some researches online available that I don't know? Not really sure. Anyway, looking at the small percentage of people who really kept their words will only made my mood worse-because I'm too envious and jealous of them.

Anyway, I would like to ask them some questions. One burning question is how come they manage to keep to their promises? Is there any secret? If so, would they like to share it?

Well, till next time.

2008-09-01T22:45:00.001+08:00

2008-07-17T00:49:00.000+08:00

Here's a test.[given by one of my friends]
1. Which color is better red, black,
green, blue, yellow?
-->green
2. What's your first initial?
-->T
3. What month is your birthday?
--> May
4. Which color do you like more, black
or white?
--> white
5. Name one of your friends.
-->
6. Your favorite number?
--> 26
7. Do you like flying or driving more?
--> flying
8. Do you like a lake or the ocean
more?
--> lake
9. Think of a wish, but don't write it.
-->
1. If you chose:
Red: You are alert and your life is
full of love.
Black: You are conservative and
aggressive.
Green: Your soul is relaxed and you
are laid back.
Blue: You are spontaneous and love
kisses and affection from the ones you
love and give good advice to those who
are down.
Yellow - you are a very happy person.
2. If you're initial is:
A-K: You have a lot of love and
friendships in your life.
L-R: You try to enjoy your life to the
maximum & your love life is soon to
blossom.
S-Z: You like to help others and your
future love life looks very good.
3. If you were born in:
Jan-Mar: The year will go very well
for you and you will discover that you
fall in love with someone totally
unexpected.
April-June: You will have a strong
love relationship that will last
forever.
July-Sept: You will have a great year
and will experience a major life-
changing experience for the good.
Oct-Dec: Your love life will be great,
and eventually you will find your soul
mate.
4. If you chose:
Black: Your life will take you on a
different direction, it will seem hard
at times but will be the best thing
for you, and you will be glad for the
change.
White: You will have a friend who
completely confides in you and would
do anything for you, but you may not
realize it.
5. This person is your best friend.
6. If it is:
1-50 you are a very lovable person and
you have a great life
more then 50 is nothing
7. If you chose:
Flying - You like adventure.
Driving - You are a laid back person.
8. If you chose:
Lake - You are loyal to your friends,
your lover, and yourself. You are very
reserved and not emotional.
Ocean - You are spontaneous and like
to please people sometimes.

2008-06-29T13:49:00.001+08:00

Yeah!At long last, the exams have had ended!!!

2008-05-24T00:35:00.007+08:00

Went to watch The Accuracy of Death with my brother.I've originally planned to watch it on weekdays like Monday and Tuesday,when ticket prices are much cheaper.Unfortunately,the weather was capricious.Not!The truth is that my brother will be going back to school for additional lessons in preparation for O-Levels.Hence,we can't find a suitable time to watch it.In the spur of the moment,I suggested watching it today so that's why we found ourselves running madly,with our hands dangling round our waists[Mind you,it's a comical scene],to catch Bus 53.

It's also maddening to found ourselves arriving right on the dot to watch the show.As it turned out,our stomachs were rumbling so we found ourselves lost in the midst of shops,with no fast food shops in plain view.After much difficulty,we went back to the 5 th level.Confronted with the man who checked the tickets,we surreptitiously hide the outside food in our back.In reality,he already saw us doing that so we must really thank him for sparing us from much chastising.

Anyway,it's a great pity that we missed 10-20 plus secs of the movie and that we had to block people's views when edging and elbowing our way into the seats.Sorry.The main attraction of the movie is the actor,Takeshi.Guess most people went to watch the movie just because of him.

Here's the summary plot from moviexclusive.com

Adapted from the bestselling novel by Kotaro Isaka “The Accuracy of Death”. Chiba (Takeshi Kaneshiro) appears seven days before a person dies an unexpected death. His job is to observe the person for seven days, and then decide either to ‘execute’ or ‘pass over’. Getting his work quickly out of the way, he goes to the listening booth of a CD shop and indulges in his favorite pastime, listening to ‘humanity’s greatest invention’: music.He is...a Grim Reaper. Today, again, in the rain, he waits. His subject, her death due in seven days, is Kazue Fujiki (Manami Konishi), 27. She works for a manufacturing company, in the complaints department. Exhausted after her day, she emerges from her office. It’s time for the Reaper to go to work.

WARNING:To those unaware,I'm going to discuss the movie at "great lengths" so if you're going to watch it,don't bother about what I'm saying now.As in right now.I think that the show is basically alright.No twists or surprises.The thing that I like best about the movie is the theme song sang by the leading female actress Manami Konishi by the name of Sunny Day.I can't find the lyrics so if you happen to chance upon it,please take it to your mind to tell me so.Thanks in advance.

Anyway,I find the way all 3 different stories[where Chiba had to make 3 different decisions to allow people to live or die]are woven ed into 1 interesting.Though you may be astute enough to spot some hints that all are interconnected,it's only until the last story that all secrets are revealed.No surprise,just heart-rendering.

There are some issues that the movie discussed.For instance,the issue of life and death.The main quote is"Life is something not unique,ye it's important".The ending is considered surprising to those who haven't read the movie reviews.It ended with Chiba watching the sun and blue skies for the first time.Note:it's perennial raining and diabolical weather whenever he appeared.It is hence a pleasant surprise to have congenial weather for a change.This also signifies something-it's not the end of the world when death befalls,possibility of life after death[?suggested by bro]and that there's always the bright side to life.

2008-05-24T01:44:00.002+08:00

More production photos of Shinigami no Seido.

2008-05-03T21:34:00.000+08:00

don't feel like typing,bye

2008-04-30T21:35:00.002+08:00

太久没有上网，但至少没有我另一名朋友来的惨-她有很长很长的一段时间没有上网了。这都要归功于她繁重的功课。只要一想到那一幕，我就不寒而栗！也许我是过于夸张了，但我大致上是这么认为的。得做GPP，再见。

2008-04-27T13:38:00.000+08:00

Haven't studied for History and Math Test.Have to do so by today.There's no tomorrow.

2008-04-23T22:51:00.004+08:00

很久没有写博客了-对不起你们.[其实我并内又感到那么抱歉啦,这只是个假象罢了]对了,这个星期一,突然心血来潮,放学后就跑到游泳池.总共游了22圈.不算多.非常喜欢当时的游泳池-"人烟稀少"就寥寥几人,有点冷清.但是我就是喜欢,毫无理由的喜欢-喜欢它清澈干净的水,喜欢它并没有那么多碍手碍脚的人,挡住我的"光洋大道",喜欢它不温不冷,刚刚好的适中水温,喜欢它......的一切.嘻嘻.不知为何,游完泳后心情特别好特别轻松,由于当初稍有烦躁的心情迥然而异.

在冲凉时,我也霸占整间冲凉室-事实上除了我以外还有几个人,但是我选择不理睬他们.非常喜欢这种寂静,安宁的气氛.平时在周末时游泳池是一片人海,游个泳就会碰撞到人.尤其是因为最近他们将游泳池分隔为几个部分后,普通民众与上游泳课的人,游泳池就变了样.到目前并没去过那么多次,所以不宜置评.少说少错最为妙.但是我就是有点别扭.

还是不提这些不开心,扫兴的事,咱们就光聊些有趣的事物吧!刚在网络上看到一则有趣的调查.调查显示,孕妇的饮食会影响到胎儿的性别.若孕妇常吃较丰富的食物,大致上他很可能是个男婴.反之,若常吃较低卡路里的食物,这一胎很可能是个女婴.

再见!

2008-04-13T19:53:00.001+08:00

Haven't prepared for Math and History Test.Don't feel like doing so.Sigh.