Random fact: Noel and I (and a gaggle of others from our church) spent 10 days in China in 1999. We visited pretty remote mountain villages and small cities in the south-west of the country. Gosh, I love that place. The cities (though I only know a couple of small ones) are crazy, hectic, warm places, and the villages are just amazing. Simply beautiful. I'm tempted to say that all the people are friendly and welcoming and lovely, but i'm sure that's not really true. They are human, after all! We certainly met a whole lot of fabulous locals, though. We hope to take our kids there one day.
Anyway. I've been thinking about all this lately after watching Children of the Silk Road.
As you'll see in that link, the film's official title is Children of Huang Shi, with "...Silk Road" being the Australian title. Strange, considering it was an Australin Film Comission film and released first here. Why did we get an alternate title I wonder?
Apart from reminding me of the gorgeous nation of China and its wonderful people, the film really caught me. The acting performances were spot-on. Chow Yun-Fat, in particular, impressed me, as did Radha Mitchell. Johnathan Rhys Meyers was the hero, though, and he did it so well.
Not to mention all those children! What talented young things!
My thoughts are a little sketchy this evening, sorry. In short, definitely one to see. It's one of those films that really makes you feel blessed to live in a safe, prosperous place... and also makes you wish you were the one on screen... oh is that just me? Hmmm.
Showing posts with label australian film. Show all posts
Showing posts with label australian film. Show all posts
Wednesday, 18 March 2009
Friday, 14 November 2008
I'm still excited
This SMH article has me feeling less worried about the state of "Australia". Particularly, this quote from Luhrmann :
"There was always a struggle within me. There's the way Titanic ends and
there's the way Gone With The Wind ends.
It's neither of those. It's an ending specific to this moment and it's what I want the film to give out and what I need in my own life. It's what I want to feel.
It's neither of those. It's an ending specific to this moment and it's what I want the film to give out and what I need in my own life. It's what I want to feel.
On that level, it's completely personal."
Excellent. :)
Wednesday, 12 November 2008
Pondering Australia
Sorry to have neglected the blog for a while. Noel and I and the kids have all been sick... and it's no fun having to be the mum when you're sick!
I'm looking forward to Baz Luhrmann's new film Australia in the next few weeks. I've been anticipating this one for a long time, having attended a casting back in March 07 , for extra work (at which I was unsuccessful because, as you may recall, I was too big for the 1940s costumes).
I'm a huge fan of Baz. Strictly Ballroom was always one of my favourite films (in fact it was THE favourite for quite a long time, even when admitting that would have meant social ridicule...). So obviously I'm really hoping this one is another piece of wow-worthy cinematic artistry. Baz has stated that it's a departure from the Red Curtain trilogy, a different step into more epic and "landscapey" tales rather than the theatrical bent of those three. (I'm paraphrasing, obviously, although I'm sure Baz wouldn't mind the word "landscapey" too much.) So I'm not expecting it to be the same, but I really am hoping it'll be just as good.
I'm getting a little worried.
A friend linked me to the trailer and pointed out to me how "Americanised" it looks. This is a story set in the Aussie outback, talked up for over a year as this huge, epic, Aussie-est of Aussie films... and I have to say, my friend's comment that it's "an American film about Australia, for Americans".... rings true, just a little, after seeing the trailer.
See for yourself, if you haven't already. The worrying part is the cowboy-esque way Jackman's character comes across (that saloon-door shot is straight out of an American Western!). Drovers may be pretty much the same things as cowboys, but I don't think any Australian would imagine them behaving like one. It's hard to pinpoint exactly what's worrying me (except those darn saloon doors!), but despite all the landscape, the indiginous boy, the locations... it just feels like an American trailer for another one of those "America saves the day" films.
Howver, I am still holding out hope. I have faith in Luhrmann's vision and the fact that he dedicates so much time and passion to making the film he want to make. Don't let me down, Baz!
I'm looking forward to Baz Luhrmann's new film Australia in the next few weeks. I've been anticipating this one for a long time, having attended a casting back in March 07 , for extra work (at which I was unsuccessful because, as you may recall, I was too big for the 1940s costumes).
I'm a huge fan of Baz. Strictly Ballroom was always one of my favourite films (in fact it was THE favourite for quite a long time, even when admitting that would have meant social ridicule...). So obviously I'm really hoping this one is another piece of wow-worthy cinematic artistry. Baz has stated that it's a departure from the Red Curtain trilogy, a different step into more epic and "landscapey" tales rather than the theatrical bent of those three. (I'm paraphrasing, obviously, although I'm sure Baz wouldn't mind the word "landscapey" too much.) So I'm not expecting it to be the same, but I really am hoping it'll be just as good.
I'm getting a little worried.
A friend linked me to the trailer and pointed out to me how "Americanised" it looks. This is a story set in the Aussie outback, talked up for over a year as this huge, epic, Aussie-est of Aussie films... and I have to say, my friend's comment that it's "an American film about Australia, for Americans".... rings true, just a little, after seeing the trailer.
See for yourself, if you haven't already. The worrying part is the cowboy-esque way Jackman's character comes across (that saloon-door shot is straight out of an American Western!). Drovers may be pretty much the same things as cowboys, but I don't think any Australian would imagine them behaving like one. It's hard to pinpoint exactly what's worrying me (except those darn saloon doors!), but despite all the landscape, the indiginous boy, the locations... it just feels like an American trailer for another one of those "America saves the day" films.
Howver, I am still holding out hope. I have faith in Luhrmann's vision and the fact that he dedicates so much time and passion to making the film he want to make. Don't let me down, Baz!
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