Everyone should journey into the Labyrinth

To celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the release of Labyrinth, Fathom Events is showing the film on screens throughout the US for two days on September 11th and 14th.

This film is a great memory from my childhood. I feel very lucky that this film was my first introduction to David Bowie. I've always enjoyed musicals. Fantasy films are also a favorite of mine so Labyrinth was right up my alley. It is also amazing to me that the premise of the film comes from a young girl who falls for a story or legend she found in a book like a lot of my favorite stories.

The power of the Labyrinth is that is works as a whole, but it's components are strong artistic endeavors on their own. If you search for the book, which has just been released in hardback by Jim Henson Archives, you will find a novelization that clearly stands on it's own. With the themes of responsibility, love, loyalty, and friendship, it really makes for a great read. As for the music, it is amazing. This is the first soundtrack that I have ever bought. (Now, I have quite a few.) It really works well on its own. The lyrics and music are a moving combination that speak to the soul. The beats in some of the songs are just inspired. I really melt every time I hear "As The World Falls Down".

While the film is full of pomp and spectacle, as only Jim Henson and David Bowie can produce, at its heart, there is a simple story of a young girl finding her way in the world as she becomes the best version of her self - thanks to friends.

I am really looking forward to seeing this film with fellow fans and enjoying another journey through the Labyrinth.

A Storyteller's Ode: Kubo and the Two Strings

There weren't a lot of movies for me to get excited about this summer. However, when I saw the trailer for Kubo and The Two Strings, I knew that my summer movie going would end on a high note.

On a side note, I was able to enjoy the Laika experience here at Universal Studios Hollywood before the movie came out so I was super excited to see how all of the advances in 3D printing and other technology have pushed stop motion animation even further than Coraline and The Box Trolls. I'm really glad I got the chance to go and see this mastery is used to make these amazing movies. 

(see some exhibits pictures below taken by me with permission)

As I watched the film, the first thing that really stuck me was how perfectly matched the story was to the art form. The type of magic that Kubo and his mother were able to wield with the help of a few pieces of origami paper just came to life through the animation beautifully. The style was fluid, graceful and mesmerizing. For animation, as with other art forms or special effects, the details are where the success lies. For Kubo and the Two Strings, from the characters' facial lines to the threads of the strings for Kubo's shamisen, there is no visual detail that is lacking. 

What really draws me to this movie, however, is the story. I feel it is a really a story about the power of stories as memories, and inspiration. Stories help us hold onto our past, remember where we came from and why we are who we are. They also inspire us to reach beyond the past to a something more. To go further then we imagine to achieve feats that, although they may seem impossible, are just more challenging. Kubo's strength as a storyteller not only fuels his own new path to the future; it inspires those around him to reach for more in their own lives. This is the power of a story.

I'm really glad I was able to see both the exhibit and the movie. I hope you venture out to listen to Kubo's tale and "Pay careful attention to everything you see and hear. No matter how unusual it may seem."

Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo

There are just some stories I CANNOT WAIT to see come to life. There can be many reasons for this: the production value, the actors involved, the story itself, the source material (books, manga, anime, folktales, songs, etc.), the original storyteller or the new one. Either way, the passion of my Leo nature comes out as my excitement builds. I want to share these stories with you.

First up is the South Korean Drama, Scarlet Heart: Ryeo.

Here is a short preview. Stay tuned for the longer version at the end of my post.

There are a few things from the above list that have lead me to this production. I am a fan of several of the actors and actresses involved in the portrayal of the story. I am also a fan of sweeping historic epics and this will definitely hit the bill. At the heart of it all, though, is the story.

This is the third adaptation of the this particular story. The first adaptation, or I should say a loose imagining, is the 2011 series, Palace. Now, this is how I was first introduced to the concept of a modern women returning to the past and being stuck in a battle for a throne and eventually her love. This production, however, is a lot less politically minded. There is a happy ending as well as a bit more humor involved. Luo Qingchuan uses her 21st Century smarts very effectively in this series and it leads to a bit more of an enjoyable watching experience, if you are looking for something a bit more on the lighter side. However, there is a beheading or two because well, it's the times, right?

The second adaption, Scarlet Heart was on Hunan Broadcasting System (HBS) in China beginning in September 2011. It's original source is the Chinese novel "Bu Bu Jing Xin" by Tong Hua about a modern woman who travels back in time. This particular production is beautiful to behold, but the tragedies that befall Zhang Xiao are just too much for this hopeless romantic. She is often put aside by those who are meant to cherish her for worldly gains that come to isolate them and magnify their own weaknesses. There seems to be an attempt made to rectify Zhang Xiao ill fate in Scarlet Heart 2, but I cannot verify this as yet. I'm still trying to find the last half of the series in English subtitles.

While I can't review this new production yet, I can tell you I have been waiting ALL SUMMER for August 29th. I'll be ready to stream the first episode and will die waiting for the next one to be released. I'll be sure to update my post once the series is over with a couple of thoughts. Until then, this Leo is gonna wait with baited breathe to see the opening credits of Scarlet Heart: Ryeo.

Here is the longer preview I promised.

The Beauty of Martial Arts

This is just the final scene of the Korean Film, The Duelist.  I am very proud to say that this is one of the first foreign film DVDs in my collection.  It is a must see for anyone who appreciates the power, form, beauty and poetry that can be found in great martial art films.  The pictures created throughout the films many battles are amazing until themselves.  I fall in love with the majesty of the lyrical element in the scenes every time I view the film.  If you have a chance, find this film and watch it.  It is worth it!

A Guaranteed Giggle...

I was in conversation with a friend on Facebook a few weeks ago when I got reminded about this guaranteed giggle.  I just wanted to share with you. It is one of my favorite animation segments showing How It's Done.  Thanks again Disney. WARNING: Be sure you aren't eating or drinking anything while watching this clip. It could be dangerous to your health!

The Artist - Perfect Relationship between a Film and the Audience

The Artist

Directed by: Michel Hazanavicius

Released on: May 15, 2011

When you watch The Artist, you are whisked away on an amazing journey of storytelling. Using the creatively rich history of simple film making to touch the audiences of today's technology-crazed moviegoers is a feat unto itself. Though an individual's imagination is formed by their own experiences, the genius of this film is that it can reach and connect with everyone. Each element from the camera angles, lights, sound, acting, etc... played the right tone individually and as an ensemble to engage the audiences' imagination in the journey of a man looking to find his true self.

How It's Done

I wanted a section of my website where I could show the work that inspires me to create; to show the moments in TV and Film that ignite my imagination to new heights.  Maybe, they can do the same for others.