Recently Seen Movies

Persepolis (B+)

This is an amazing animated movie about a girl named Marji growing up in Iran during the Iranian Revolution and the Iraq/Iran war. She is raised into an extremely progressive family whom supports the revolution. Yet following the dismantle of the Shah, Iran turns into an extremely repressive state. Shortly after the revolution, Iraq invades Iran in September of 1980, in an atrocious war that that lasted nearly 8 years. During this time Marji is sent away from Iran to study abroad in Austria. Here she begins to find her identity, befriending anarchists, and becoming very independent. Living in Europe she takes in tons of culture, yet also discovers that she shouldn't be ashamed of her Iranian heritage. It is an incredible animated story about a girl growing up in the backdrop of a terrible time. Also a very interesting historical period in the Middle East.


The Wackness (B)

It's hard to think that a film set in the 1990s could be considered a period piece, yet it was a good ten to twenty years ago, so I guess its about time. This one was incredibly done, set in New York City, where hip hop and rap music were king. Josh Peck, the former Nickelodeon star, delivers an amazing breakthrough performance as a drug dealer trying to find some summer love. Opposite him is his weird pyschiatrist played by Ben Kingsley whom trades therapy for marijuana. As well as his love interest the psychiatrist's step-daughter played by Olivia Thrilby. Its an all around great independent film, with especially stellar performances from Kingsley and Peck.

District 9 (B-)

When watching the previews for this one I wasn't sure what to think. Sure it was produced by Peter Jackson, and although he created a masterpiece in Lord of the Rings, he disappointed me with King Kong. Well after seeing this one nominated for so many awards, I was definitely interested. The movie is very different, filmed like a documentary. It is set in South Africa, Johannesburg where a mother ship of aliens has landed over the city. For the past 20 years the aliens have been evacuated from their ship and sent to a refugee camp away from the rest of civilization. A government agent named Wikus is put in charge to relocate the 1.8 million alien residents out of District 9. During the project, he inhales an alien fluid and slowly begins to transform into an alien. He thus becomes hunted by the government to utilize his new-found strength. Wikus must escape the government and find safe refugee within his new species in District 9. The film has an exciting story and great special effects.

Appaloosa (B-)

I've never been a big fan of Western movies, yet this one directed by Ed Harris was very suspenseful. Its a story about two lawman who come to the town of Appaloosa to protect the town, and bring justice to a recent murder. Ed Harris plays the lead as the stubborn Marshall Cole and Viggo Mortensen plays his loyal deputy. Both men are ruthless and without emotion until a new girl played by Renee Zellwegger wins both their affection. The two men eventually capture the murderer played by Jeremy Irons, yet have to deal with his entire gang trying to free him. The film has an incredible ending, with a classic Western-style shootout, and a heroic moment from Viggo Mortensen. Definitely worth checking out!


Waltz with Bashir (B)

This is another incredible political animation, with amazing artistic visuals. It tells the story of a veteran in search of his lost memories from the Lebanon War of 1982. He visits many of his old friends to try and discuss the war and put together a vision he constantly has of the Sabra and Shatila massacre. The animation is unlike anything I've seen before, full of 3-dimensional flash animation. The movie takes you up and down through incredible visuals from one extreme to the other. As well as an enticing soundtrack to compliment the stimulating visuals.


Gone Baby Gone (C-)

This one sadly to say was quite boring. Directed by Ben Affleck it had a long list of big name actors, and was said to the next Mystic River, yet could hardly compare. It's a mystery case in search of a missing girl. Casey Affleck takes the lead in this one as a private investigator who uses his knowledge of the streets to find answers. He eventually discovers the scheme of the kidnapping. The girl's grandfather goes to the police to help her granddaughter find a better life. The chief of police (Morgan Freeman) takes her in secretly away from her mother. Although his intentions are for the best, it is a corrupt move and the chief of police is arrested while the child is returned to her terrible mother, played by Amy Ryan. Not even strong performances from Ed Harris and Amy Ryan could save this painfully dry film.

Study of French Culture

Over the past 2 months now I have emerged myself into a fascination with French History and Culture. It began one night after watching the film Marie Antoniette, that I suddenly realized that there was so much I didn't know about French History. When I think of French History I always think of Napoleon Bonaparte, yet I hardly even knew much about him. I thus made it my goal to read, watch, and study anything concerning French history, art, and culture. I have found that it is such a fascinating heritage full of extreme ups-and-downs, dominance, social upheaval, romanticism, and glorious passion.


French History

Over the past few months I have come to believe that France has had one of the most interesting and romantic of histories. It grew to prominence in the 17th century under King Louis XIV, and became the most powerful nation in Europe. It was the center for the Enlightenment, politics, economy, culture, and scientific breakthroughs.

By the late 17th century King Louis XVI hoped to continue French dominance by aiding America in the Revolutionary War against the British. It was this as well as his frivolous wife, Marie Antoinette, that caused France to suffer economically. It was not long until the people grew tired and impatient with the monarchy and in 1789 they rose up against them, in the epic Storming of the Bastille.

This eventually led to the Reign of Terror from 1792-1794 where many citizens were executed including King Louis XVI and his wife Marie Antoinette. Maximilian Robespierre became the leading revolutionary figure during the Reign of Terror and publicly executed those who were against the revolution. The guillotine thus became a symbol of the Terror.

In 1799 a general named Napoleon Bonaparte took control of France through a coup d'etat and established himself as the dictator of a newly established republic. In 1804 he began a military conquest through Europe, and thus established the French Empire. Napoleon was a mastermind general and conquered many parts of Europe throughout the Napoleonic Wars. It wasn't until 1815 at the Battle of Waterloo, that the Napoleon dominance finally came to an end. The French monarchy was once again re-established.

In 1830 another civil uprising took place against the monarchy, during the July Revolution against King Louis-Philippe thus leading to new constitutional changes to the monarchy.

In 1848 Napoleon III, the nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte, became leader of France, and in 1852 became dictator and established France as an empire once again. In 1870 he was defeated in the Franco-Prussian Wars, which led to the Third Republic.

During World War I and most notably World War II, France became an occupied nation by the German forces, and much of the country was left in ruins. Following this they formed a fourth republic and have slowly been back on the rise ever sense.

French Art

The French are highly regarded along with the Italians as masters of Fine Art. Here are some notable artists and artwork that I have come to appreciate over time.

• Claude Monet (Considered the Father of Impressionism)
• Claude Vernet
• Edourad Manet
• Eugene Delacroix (His painting of Liberty Leading the People has become a defining symbol of France)
• Gustavo Dore (An amazing Sketch Artist, most notable of the Divine Comedy)
• Henri Matisse (The Dance)
• Henri Rousseau
• Jean Leon Gerome
• Paul Cezanne
• Pierre Renoir (The Luncheon of the Boating)

French Literature

• Victor Hugo's novel Les Miserables has been often considered as one of the greatest fictional novels of the 19th century. It is a historical fiction set in Paris meshing themes of revolution, love, redemption, and justice. I've decided to begin reading this as soon as I finish "War and Peace" by Leo Tolstoy, who was also a good friend of Victor Hugo.

French Movies

Marie Antoinette (directed by Sophia Copolla, starring Kirsten Dunst in the title role)

Amelie (directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, starring Audrey Tautou)

Les Miserables (Adaptation of Victor Hugo's masterpiece novel, with Liam Nelson, Geoffrey Rush, Uma Thurman, and

La Vie en Rose (Biopic of Edith Piaf's life, portrayed brilliantly by Marion Cotilliard)

Phantom of the Opera (The story takes place in France, and portrays the brilliance of Opera... I went through a huge obsession with this film back in the wintertime, and is one of the contributing factors of my current fascination with French culture)


French Music

• Edith Piaf (Known as the flying sparrow her voice became the signature music of France, and she became a musical icon back in the 30s and 40s, still considered a legacy to this day)

French Futbol

• World Cup Champions in 1998
• Runners-up in 2006
• Great Players: Zidane, Henry, Ribery, Barthez,

My only real tie to France is my two cousins, Jennifer and Marc who are half-french. I think its safe to say that I've always enjoyed French Culture. It's always been a country high up on my places-to-visit list. The city of Paris is full of classic art and architecture, such as it's signature Eiffel Tower making it the ultimate city of Love and Beauty. Their language is like music to the ears... It is all this that makes French culture one that I highly admire.