SVong-Along

If you are a weeabo fan of Hayao Miyazaki and happen to be in LA before June 5, 2022, I recommend checking out the Miyazaki Exhibition at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures .  The Academy Museum is also cool for avid-movie fans, although parts are still being built so it currently feels a bit incomplete. What to expect for the Miyazaki Exhibit:  No pictures are allowed inside, but there's a few stills of films and a preview of the themes to explore: flying in a fantasy world and experiencing perspectives of protagonists that deal with real human issues of "industry, war, and pollution." The whole experience felt like a journey back into childhood as you enter the exhibit leaving a sense of fantasy when you exit. I felt a wave of nostalgia as I heard Joe Hisaishi's memorable soundtracks and gazed at beautiful sketches of concept art and watched powerful scenes from Miyazaki's films. One of my friend Betty's complaints was that some of the film screenings ha...

In short: the movie is very #Extra , with some unnecessary scenes, but still nostalgic, entertaining, with some love-able cast members and great themes. (image from imdb) While Disney's remakes have not been particularly memorable, Aladdin managed to keep some of the Disney "magic" in the live-action version, despite some unnecessary scenes and acting that made the movie feel a little too over-the-top. There's a wistful and whimsical feeling listening to a modern "Arabian Nights" and "One Jump Ahead." But sometimes the music- i.e. the bridge of Prince Ali (and the overall acting/directing) felt like the movie was trying too hard. Despite this, the modern version is at times awe inspiring- the setting of Agrabah is beautifully brought to life and some of the cinematic scenery has a very nice aesthetic. The first few chords of "A Whole New World" always move me, and I still felt the feels during the song despite a mega-cheesy harm...

The Great American Lie (GAL), is a documentary by Jennifer Siebel Newsom, First Partner of California (thus, wife of Governor Gavin Newsom). I attended a screening in Sacramento through my yelp friend Gregg R., where Jen introduced the movie and afterwards had a quick Q & A with the infamous Pam Wu (yay UC Davis connections). The documentary opens with a scene in Oakland of a child from a poorer neighborhood talking about what they perceive the "American dream" to be. The film is more of a sociological examination of American's problems with some political commentary, as experts (professors, lawyers, economists, and Gavin Newsom) explain how "a majority of Americans have been failed by the myth of social mobility." The film follows various American's struggles: from a Oakland principal to an Ohio steelworker to a white lady in Louisiana with a racist mother and other people in the "majority." This touches on many themes: education, inco...

I was on twitter this morning when I saw that it was Hayao Miyazaki's 77th birthday. Out of all the filmmakers in my life (including Disney), none have had a profound an impact as Miyazaki. Growing up, I loved cartoons, and even though Disney has the characters and catchy songs, Miyazaki's movies told stories that moved me and shaped my identity. While he covers a multitude of important themes, a few are especially important to me. This Miyazaki movie symphony in Shanghai was the best symphony I've experienced. Cherishing your inner Child-at-heart If I had to pick a favorite Miyazaki movie, it would be "My Neighbor Totoro." It may not be the most compelling, but there's so many memorable moments such as the iconic bus stop scene or the girls yelling at dust bunnies in the attic. Being the older sibling to a younger sister, I resonated with Satsuki being responsible but also playing make believe with Mei and laughing at the silliest things. Miyazaki ...

Pixar takes us into unbelievable worlds of living toys, monsters, and flying houses, yet their movies resonate with relatable characters experiencing a range of human emotions; and that is the secret to their movie magic. (If you can't tell yet, I'm a pretty big fan of Pixar, and if you know anyone who is able to give tours at the HQ in Emeryville plz plz plz ask for a tour and invite me). Their newest film, Coco, keeps this magic and tradition alive by taking us into the world of the dead and Mexican customs while following the struggles of Miguel, who is torn between his passion for music and his music-hating family. While the animations are colorful and visually stunning, the themes of music, family, and culture really make this a memorable movie. Music: For Miguel, music is his passion, how he is able to communicate with others, and a tool to help him form his identity and grow his self-confidence. Pixar is a master at evoking emotions with music, and this is espec...