Entertainment – Page 2

Silence – Of Persecuted Christians and their Silent God

Silence is about the dangers and sufferings of early Christians in Japan. It also shows how the local government reacted to this Western religion and the lengths they’d gone in order to break Christian priests. At length, it narrates how these Christian priests have fallen for and from their faith, either through death or great torture. It features their moments of doubt both in themselves and in their God.

The film have stunning landscapes and great photography. Every detail is made to be pleasing to the eyes. Even character deaths are made poignant to a fault. I won’t go on about how visually appealing the film was. Let the technical critics deal with that. I want to talk about how Silence presented Japan and Christianity.

JAPAN AND CHRISTIANITY

Though not mentioned in the film, there could be so many reasons that the Japanese government had to be vigilant of this religion.

The 1600’s is the height of the Age of Exploration. European countries are going out to the New World, to discover new frontiers and of course, establish their claim to these lands. More often disguised as missionary voyages, these trips are actually economic exercises, designed to increase the wealth of their country of origin. At this time, Japan has one of the most advanced societies in the East. They may have seen through the movements of European countries and recognized Christianity as a ploy to invade their land.

Also, Christianity may cause structural strain because of the doctrines it preaches. For the Japanese peasants during the 1600s, Christianity is a most agreeable prospect. In the strict caste system of their society, they’re people who were born to do hard labor. It’s their duty to pay taxes and endure worst living conditions. They were serfs, subject of daimyos who claim to give them protection. Apparently, they didn’t feel secure at all, as they seek solace in the idea of a God who’ll reward them a place in Paradise after they die. While the daimyo’s demands are too high, God only requires faith. While they were raised to believe that not all men were created equal, here’s an idea that all men were created in the likeness of God. It’s a clear choice for this people.

In a worst case scenario, this might even lead to rebellion. Christianity worships Jesus, son of God, whose reign is prophesied to be supreme among all peoples of all nations.

WHAT SILENCE TELLS ME:

Silence shows what these early missionaries lack – a deep understanding of the current culture and customs of the people they wished to convert to Christianity. They failed to understand the workings of Japanese society. They failed to anticipate the interpretation of these doctrines in the Japanese point of view. It seems that the promise of Paradise have become more important than any other Christian teachings.

Japan and Christianity is like oil and water. In fact, even today, only 1% of Japan’s population are Christians. This is a strong proof that even after centuries of crusading for this faith, oriental beliefs and religions still dominate this eastern country. I’m afraid it is what as the film says, Japan is like a swamp. Nothing can grow there (in terms of propagating Christian beliefs). At least, that 1% now enjoys the freedom of religion. This film was made to commemorate and honor the brave men and women of faith who faced persecution.

MOST MEMORABLE PART:

“Before it’s all right to be a Christian. It’s so unfair that I only get to live now [when Christians are being persecuted].”

This is Kijichiro’s lament. I’m not sure how to interpret his presence in Padre Rodrigues’s life. Sometimes, I look at him as temptation personified, and sometimes, I see him as the personification of Hosea’s* wife. He commits sins again and again. Then he repents again and again. And the Lord (thru Padre Rodrigues) pardons his sins again and again. He’s an authentic human being – always prone to committing mistakes, contradicting himself, feeling guilty and wanting to repent.

*If you’re familiar with the Christian Bible, Hosea is a prophet with an unfaithful wife. She commits adultery again and again. But Hosea takes her back every time. Their relationship symbolizes the love that God has with His chosen people (Israel). No matter how many times they’ve sinned, God’s always willing to take them back.

MOST HEARTBREAKING PART:

“It took four days for Mokichi to die.”

In a manner that’s very reminiscent of Jesus’ last moments, Mokichi’s persecution included being tied to a cross until he dies. This cross stood on a rocky coast, facing the ocean. It left him, and two others, exposed to the strong waves and the hot sun. And when his fellow believers died, he begged God to welcome their souls and to get a place ready for them in Paraiso.

Check out the complete cast and characters here.

Credit goes to Teaser-Trailer.com for the featured image on this post.

The 21st Hot Air Balloon Fiesta – A Weekend Of Everything that Flies

Hot air balloons are always fascinating for me. The sheer size of it demands attention. It makes you long for the skies, to be up there, touching the clouds and braving the winds. I heard so many fun tales of people who ride hot air balloons, though I never knew all the technicalities that went behind it. That’s until the 21st Hot Air Balloon Fiesta.

Hot Air Balloon Fiesta Only Happens in February

We can’t have hot air balloons festival anytime that we want. We were told that air and weather conditions are major factors in the success of hot air balloons. Here in the Philippines, the balloon festival happens only in February because it’s the coldest time of the year. This cold temperature is essential in helping the balloons inflate and float in the air. There’s only a short window time that the team can take advantage of so that the balloon can take flight.

We're favored with clear skies and cold morning. All set for the 21st Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. — We’re favored with clear skies and cold morning. All set for the 21st Hot Air Balloon Fiesta.

These two coast guard planes will take the sky divers in the sky. One of them carries the Philippine flag to official begin the festivity. — These two coast guard planes will take the sky divers to the sky. One of them carries the Philippine flag to official begin the festivity.

Filled with Air, Full of Colors

International teams participated in the fiesta. There were groups coming in from France, Switzerland, Germany and Japan. Each of the team first filled the envelopes with cold air. Hot air is then fed to the envelope once it’s had enough of the cold air.

Some of the balloons seen at the 21st Hot Air Balloon Fiesta.

It’s amazing to see the envelopes form into fun shapes and familiar faces. There was an animal, a car, and a cartoon character. But mostly they were of local brands. Each one is colorful though. The group of hot air balloons floating against the clear skies is truly a wonderful sight.

We would have preferred to see more balloons up in the air, but it's only this set and then some that were able to take flight. — We would have preferred to see more balloons up in the air, but it’s only this set and then some that were able to take flight.

Some balloons never made it to the air that day, despite the effort of its crew. The Coca-Cola blimp, though very impressive, just stayed on ground. Same fate with the car and the beagle.

Not Made to Be Enjoyable for All

I’ve been highly involved in similar events. The work of handling around 50,000 patrons, plus coordinating with the sponsors and performers are certainly not to be trifled with. Add to the fact that pretty much everything highly depends on the weather. So kudos to the team for that.

However, as a first time participant, I expected more. The long waiting time at the start of the show is fine. We understand that the teams were waiting for the perfect weather conditions to happen. But the activities that took place after that are of entirely different matter. I’ve heard negative comments about this event before. Now I know what they’re talking about.

Increase Display Screens or Monitors in the Field

The crowd can be as good as 50,000 strong, the event hosts mentioned it a couple of times. The field can take in such amount of people, all right. But to build a little stage at the far end of the field isn’t the best idea. Yeah, I get it, that it must be close to where the divers would land or whatever. But it’s size is so inadequate. That stage is only good for 5000 people.

They may also try to increase visibility of air shows on the ground, maybe through projectors or big screens situated at several places in the field. The crowd may be big, but if they can give their sponsors such large space to display and sell products, surely they can also have the same privilege. Since most activities are air shows, people on ground would have wanted a clearer view of what’s happening. The crowd will appreciate that more.

This twin tandem gave a spectacular air show during the event. — This twin tandem gave a spectacular air show during the event, though.

What of the skydivers doing acrobatics in the air, when you couldn’t see their moves clearly? Where’s the wow factor in that? How do the spectators share that experience? Do you expect people to be happy just by taking photos or videos of another person enjoying himself in the air?

That’s why most people just while away their time flying kites or going to the sponsor booths, instead of going to the stage and actually enjoying the lineup of activities that the host prepared. Some may have even went to other tourist attractions nearby.

Still, organizers may argue that if they really want an awesome experience, they should have paid for the hot air balloon ride. To this, I say, you’re missing the point. What, you think all those people went there because they actually want to ride the balloons? That they can actually pay for that? No, these people want to be entertained with an air show. At least give us that.

Also, can you like have a display of at least 5 air crafts at a time? That’d be miles amazing compared to a single plane, taking up more divers in the air.

Make the Advertisers’ Balloon More Entertaining or Creative

We appreciate the A-380 during the show. But that’s a blatant advertisement. Same as the balloons of local brands. Maybe you can ask your advertisers to be more creative with their balloons, like the one that Coca Cola has. It did not fly, but the impact was there. Everybody saw Coca Cola, even though it’s Pepsi that has a booth on the ground. I got a more favorable brand experience with the soda brand, than with a local media station balloon that looks dirty and ready to retire any minute.

So to the organizers, maybe I’m asking for too much, but you can also ask yourself if you can just give us less. If you can just make good on the hot air balloon display, then please just focus on that. Don’t try to prolong the spectator’s day with activities that will not enrich their experience. It’s so hot out in the field. There were children and old people, too. Yes, the environment is something you can’t control. But you’re not giving the spectator’s any comfort at either.

Also, I know, that after 20 years, you’ve seen this pattern: Parking area full before the hot air balloon activity. Number of cars in the parking area reduced to 30% just after 9am. It’s time you do something about this.

Still, It’s Something to Look Forward To

I came to the event in a public joiners tour. Maybe next year, I’ll go on my own or arranged it with friends with a car. It’s really nice to see those balloons in the air. Check on this website for event updates.

As always, thanks for dropping by!

Paterson – Of Those That We Long For and Those That We Take for Granted

I’m not that into poetry. And there were a couple of poets mentioned in the film that I never heard of before. But I really like how Paterson was presented. Every scene seemed to be full of meaning, each moment seemed to be necessary. This movie may be boring, slow-paced, or even a waste of time for others. But I guess, Paterson would just look away and chuckle on how natural and poetic those reactions were.

Meet Paterson

The movie is about the life of an ordinary bus driver in a city with the same name. A bus driver who also wants to be a poet and has a very beautiful wife. A wife who’s very artistic and great at making black and white cupcakes. A couple who has a pug that the man takes out every night for a walk. A pug who’s so jealous of it’s master’s wife that it tore the master’s secret notebook of poems to pieces.

Paterson’s daily schedule is so predictable. He wakes up between 6:10 and 6:15, eats breakfast, goes to work, and goes home. He walks the dog at night, visits his favorite bar to have a mug of beer, then goes home and sleep. That’s the process, until Sunday, when he can sleep in and spend time as he like – with his wife or taking a walk around the city.

Our main character is also peculiar. He doesn’t own any modern gadgets – no smartphones, laptops, etc. He believes life will work out even without those things. The world worked out just fine before those things were invented. But he eventually need to borrow a girl’s smartphone to report that his bus had an electrical problem and his passengers needed to be transferred to another bus.

The movie is full of scenes taken out of our ordinary, everyday life. They are normal, familiar situations. They’re nothing special. And so, these are also the moments that we likely take for granted. Until we share Paterson’s perspective at the end, “Would you rather be a fish?”

What Paterson Tells Me

Paterson’s poems may not have seen better days. But the blank notebook that he’s given at the end signified hope. That blank notebook reinforces what all humans know:

We can always start over, even after losing something very precious to us. That whenever we’re to begin, lots of possibilities lay in front of us. And no matter how bad it gets, somehow, we’ll never trade places for anything. We’d rather live our lives over, making little or big changes here and there. But we’ll never trade who we are or what we live for.

Oh, the poetry of our mundane, ordinary lives.

Most Endearing Part

The tender kisses that Paterson gives his wife every time he wakes up just shows how he’s so in love with her. Besides the passionate words in his poems, his actions truly proves the depth of his feelings for his wife. Too bad, Laura never get to hear his love poems. All through-out, we’re being shown how Paterson and Laura is perfect for each other.

Most Heartbreaking Part

Laura was trying to comfort Paterson after they found that his secret notebook of poems has been torn to pieces. Paterson told him not worry, because “They’re just words”. But to him who wanted nothing else but put words together, that must have hurt so much. It’s also the part of the film where I realized how deep the understanding goes between the couple.

Check this website if you want to read the three poems featured in the film. For the film’s casts and directors, refer to this page.

Credits to Toronto International Film Festival for the featured image.

As always, thanks for dropping by!

Akira Kurosawa’s Advice on Writing

Akira Kurosawa has been hailed as one of the greatest filmmakers of the 20th Century. Three of his most notable works include Rashomon (1950), Ikuru (1952) and Ran (1985). His career has spanned several decades of tremendous highs and lows. The highs include winning best foreign film in an international festival while the lowest point may be the time when he attempted to commit suicide.

His career and experiences had become an inspiration to young directors. Most of them came to him for advice. In this interview, Kurosawa gives us a piece of his mind, one that heavily leans on writing:

To sum up, there are three important things that Kurosawa urges young aspirants to do:

First, learn to write screenplays. As he said, it costs a lot to create a movie, but with writing you only need a pen and a paper. It’s through a script that beginners learn the structure of the film and what cinema is.

Second, be patient. Write one word at a time. Make it so that it becomes a habit. Do not stop halfway or whenever you feel it gets tough. Hang in there until you reach the end, or you come to a sort of an end. Do not quit.

Writing as Mountain Climbing — Akira Kurosawa thinks that writing is quite the same as mountain climbing.

Lastly, keep reading. While it’s all right to be well-versed with what’s contemporary, a knowledge of the classics can be of great help. Read something, read a lot, read about your land, your culture and that of others. All the little knowledge that you gain will eventually add up. As he said, you can only write about the things that are inside you – whether that’s from something you’ve heard, read or experienced. You can only ever write about the things that you know.