Review

Review: Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami

It’s been over five years that I’ve last read Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami. I remember then tagging it as coming-of-age – about teenagers who’re lost, confused, angry and irrational. Most of the time, these characters rely on their guts. They always believe the world is out to get them. More often than not, they meet characters who’ll help them shape who they’re going to be at the end of the story. Whether it will be for their better or worse, it’s up to them and the readers to decide.

Kafka on the Shore: The Second Time is the Charm

This story is exciting, kind of like an adventure to the unknown. Both are true in varying degrees for Kafka and Nakata – the lead characters.

It’s a journey that starts from being lost, to finding a safe place and losing it again. The important thing is to keep going until your role is fulfilled.

Rereading the story reminded me of details that I’ve forgotten, meanings I’ve missed and lessons that are very nice to reflect on once again. I used to favor Kafka a lot before, but I’m torn between Oshima and Hoshino right now. These are two peripheral characters who’s influence and help are vital to the lead characters. I also like the contrast between Oshima’s self-acquired knowledge and Hoshino’s willful ignorance.

I didn’t change my mind about this being a coming-of-age story though. But I deeply appreciate Nakata’s role on how the story unfolds. His charm and mystery made the diluted world in the story bearable.

Much importantly, the story’s underlying themes of emptiness, separation, and memories give a good kind of hurt that will make you want to revisit it time and again.

Haruki Murakami

Haruki Murakami is one of most brilliant contemporary writers that we have. Or I don’t know, some identify his works as post-modern. I love his fantastic style, but more importantly, I admire him for how he weaves his themes – powerful, seamless and the uncanny ability to catch you off guard. Like details on a cloth that you’ll only see upon closer inspection or when light hits it at a different angle.

Murakami’s imagined worlds are wonderful to visit sometimes, but a place where you don’t want to stay for long, because more often than not, they’re depressing and confusing.

What makes his stories unique is their knack in blending fantasy and pragmatism, the way he balances the make-believe and real-life worlds. The way he creates a character that speaks to cats but also cooks like any other person puts a vivid contrast in the imagination. I wouldn’t say he’s as great as Tolkien in terms of world-building skills, but I’ll take Murakami’s colors and nuances anytime.

I definitely agree with the author when he says that this story can have different meanings as there are different types of readers out there. Kafka on the Shore is not like some statement novel that opens your eyes to a radical idea, not something that will rally a group of people because they agree on the one, same thing even without further consultation. It has an inward take, a subjective take, a defining characteristic of Japanese literature like In a Grove, where truth or meaning is relevant.

I highly recommend that you read this wonderful story. It’s like an introduction to Murakami’s works. Check out Kafka on the Shore in Amazon.

Just Released

Or if you’ve been a long time fan, Murakami just released another book, Killing Commendatore. Quite sensational from what I’ve heard because of indecency. Oh well, I don’t know how indecent it is. Murakami seems to live for the details. It’s the same relish that he shows when writing about food or sex – basic, primal, and at times, mechanical.

As always, thanks for dropping by!

Featured Photo by Hannah Troupe

Inset by Saúl Venegas

All the Bright Places: Thoughts and Reviews

It’s been awhile since I picked up a young adult work of fiction. I was expecting Jennifer Niven’s All the Bright Places to move along the same cheesy story lines. The ones that follows the plot of boy meets girl, boy loses girl, but boy still wins girl at the end.

But no.

It seems nobody wins at the end of this story. And sadly, it may be happening to someone you know right now.

I never expected the book to be about suicide – a topic that has become so prevalent this past years.

Growing up, I know the issue is real. As real as bullying or domestic violence or cancer. I think every one of us has some level of experience with the topics I mentioned. It may only be the names, places or situations that may be different.

The book is a bit too cruel. Imagine having to deal with deaths that took place within roughly a year of each other? How can you even begin to find the sense in learning to lean onto someone and then having that someone taken away forever?

But as painful as the story is, it also teaches you to hope, to reach out and to move on.

All the Bright Places to Hope For

Going someplace new and different doesn’t just change what’s outside. More importantly, it moves something within us. It allows our minds to open up to new perspectives, to increase our appreciation of what we have and long for the possibilities in the future. It develops our depth as a person and the relationship we have with the person whom we experience them with.

Just like how Violet’s and Finch’s project of wandering over Indiana allowed them to explore themselves, too.

All the Bright Places to Reach Out To

As with Dr. Seuss’ poems, we can’t always expect to win every time. There would be moments when we’ll fall and fail. When this happens, it’s so easy to fall in the trap of negative thinking, to feel like you’re lost and worthless. What the book never failed to show is that there are always, always people and groups who are ready to help you out. It may not be something you will immediately like. But know and remember that you’re not alone.

Sometimes, it can be disappointing that the people you expect help from are the same people turning you away. They may be in denial (like Finch’s family) or they may just be ignorant (like Roamer and his friends). But knowing this doesn’t make the pain any less or the confusion any clearer. I think the key is to never stop trying to reach out to anyone who you think may help you. There would always be other friends, other responsible adults, experts and organizations who’d be willing to hear you out.

There are several organizations that Niven listed in her book. Locally, here are some useful links and hotlines you may check out: Manila Lifeline Center and HOPELINE.

All the Bright Places to Move On To

Niven’s characters are about to graduate high school. Most of them have already submitted applications to different Universities in and out of Indiana. I like how Violet decided to finish the project she started with Finch. She may just be hoping for closure but I knew she was able to find more than that – peace and strength to move on. After all, she still has her own mountain to climb.

What I most like about the book is how Violet’s family is always ready to listen and at the end, all the tragedies have made them better and stronger.

Dealing with Death

Of course you never just get over with a loved one’s death. You just get used to it. And in between life and remembrance, we may find solace on the thoughts and memories they have shared with us. All those times we may never take back but may just give us the push to move on-wards with life.

You can get your own copy of Jennifer Niven’s All the Bright Places at National Bookstore or through Amazon.com.

Add to that Dr. Seuss’ Oh, the Places You’ll Go!

As always, thanks for dropping by!

Featured Photo

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty: Review

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is a short story written by James Thurber. And though the film adaptation has taken liberties with the plot and the details, Walter Mitty’s charm didn’t fade. In fact, the movie has enhanced Walter’s vivid imagination and amplified all the reasons we can all relate to this man.

MEET WALTER MITTY

Walter is given to fantastic daydreaming. And he’s never picky as to where or when he’s going to zone out. He can be at a train station, in a company meeting, in a conversation with the person he fancies or in between the time he contemplates riding a helicopter with a drunk pilot.

He’s been with Life Magazine for 16 years, serving the same department. But it’s now time for the organization to transition to being a full-blown digital publication. He’s got a great working relationship with Sean O’Connell, a world-famous photographer. The two of them have never met in person, though.

Now, Walter has to submit photo 25, the “quintessence” of O’Connell’s work, especially dedicated to Life’s last issue. But number 25 is lost. In his quest to recover this super important photo, Walter is lead to a series of adventure, encounters and discoveries that he never thought he’d ever have.

WHY IT’S WORTHY

The film encourages the audience to dream and pursue those dreams with passion. Whatever handicaps we may have in life, we shouldn’t put off the adventures that our hearts truly desire. We may think that we’re busy with life or fear is so strong but we’re only going to find our release the moment we just up and do it.

Of course, there’d be moments when we’re going to fail. And it will hurt us. But still, we come out as the winner. It’s because we realize that whatever we gained is always better than what we initially strive for.

If you’ve got the time and you want to spend it on something truly worthwhile and beautiful, put this movie on. You’ll never regret a moment of it.

Check out the full cast and crew right here.

I, Daniel Blake – A Social Movie with a Kafkaesque Take on State Welfare System

With his fist raised in the air, Daniel Blake stood before the graffiti he made on the walls of State Welfare. This protest will be his first offense after being a citizen of good standing for 50 years. And some weeks later, he dies.

A sympathizer raises Daniel Blake's hand as he protest in front of State Welfare. — A sympathizer raises Daniel Blake’s hand as he protests in front of State Welfare. Photo downloaded from I, Daniel Blake official Facebook page. No Copyright infringement intended.

OF STATE WELFARE AND SOCIAL CONTRACTS

In a democratic form of government, there exist the theory of social contract, with which comes reciprocated duties. This means that the sovereign is committed to the good of the individuals who constitute it, and each individual is likewise committed to the good of the whole[1]. Having said these, the individuals gather as one to decide which laws to enact, laws which will then give each person equal rights and privileges. In turn, individuals must perform their duty to the sovereign – obeying laws, paying taxes, etc. This seems to be a very noble ideal. And though Rousseau’s idea can optimally work in a particularly small community, the tenets, if coordinated well, may be applied to an entire state or country.

However, it seems that the system, claimed to have been collectively created and agreed upon, squeezes the breath out of the body it desperately wants to keep alive. The processes imposed are often unnecessary, winding and neglect the urgency of need. This becomes especially frustrating in State/Social Welfare.

Daniel Blake’s story is one that you hear any day of the year. Why, people always get into welfare for some reason or another. But the tedious process of finally benefiting from your right and privilege can sometimes be ridiculous and often, delayed. You can’t help but think that maybe the processes they put in place in Welfare came straight out of a Franz Kafka’s book.

But unlike W.H. Auden’s Unknown Citizen, who chose to just go down and live the life of a conformist, Ken Loach and Paul Laverty’s Daniel Blake refused to surrender his self-respect.

MEET DANIEL BLAKE

Daniel tried to bear with the system but was always told that what he’s done isn’t enough. He was even threatened with sanctions. We’re made to believe that the people at State Welfare work for the poor. But it’s looks like they’re just slaves of the system. ~~Funny when we tell politicians what they’re doing isn’t enough, all we ever receive is a shrug. They even have the nerve to plunder.~~ Those representatives know the steps very well, but they cannot identify with the people they’re supposed to serve. Yes, there are people who lie about their conditions, but not everyone should be punished just because few people are crooked. Also they imposed requirements that not everyone is capable of doing so. Or they include steps that require assistance that they actually failed to put in place.

WHY IT’S WORTHY:

The plot of the film is simple, even predictable to some. But the glaring truth in all those scenes is just so hard to ignore. You can see people in need driven further to destitution because the state which promised to take care of them has now become reluctant, even doubtful. How can people live with dignity in a society that tolerates such system? And yet, we see them in every part of the world. Do we just exist to put each other in miseries?

I’ll go as far to say that I, Daniel Blake, is a powerful film on a pressing social issue that most people just shrug off every day. It shows that we must clamor for improvement so that nobody has to sacrifice unnecessarily. So that we know it’s only right to demand for the sovereign’s part of reciprocated duties. And finally, so that we all can live and die with dignity.

Check the full cast and crew of the film here.

BONUS:

Here’s a video from Ted-Ed on what it really means to be Kafkaesque:

As always, thanks for dropping by!

Reference:

[1]Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy

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!