Review: Once
written on June 20, published just now

DISCLAIMER: I'm not good in writing synopsis.

The first time I heard the song 'Falling Slowly', I was immediately hypnotized by it. It captivated me and made me want to watch the movie 'Once'. The song stood out from all the Academy Award Nominees. I knew when I heard it, it would win. It did.

After many months of just knowing the song, I finally got a copy of the movie. Today, I bought a VCD of the movie. I actually wanted to get a DVD copy but there are none. But even though that's the case, I still bought it. I don't want to miss the opportunity to watch this movie.

The movie is a story about a GUY who met a GIRL. But, unlike your typical Hollywood boy meets girl kind of flick, the movie's strength lies in the sincerity, and simplicity of its storytelling.

The guy, whose girlfriend left him for London, is a guitarist and a vacuum cleaner mechanic. He sings at the streets to let his songs be heard and earn some money. Then the girl came. She really liked the song of the guy. They strike a conversation and then, she learned that he was a vacuum cleaner mechanic and as fate would have it, she has a broken vacuum cleaner. Then they met again.

She was really very nosy but likeable. She asked him who his songs were for. He said his story - he told how his girlfriend screwed him and who was now in London. During their conversations, you would really see, feel, and hear the chemistry between them. Its impossible not to.

She, on the other hand, is a mother of a little girl. His husband wasn't with them. She tells that their relationship wasn't working, although she wishes that there is a father who would help in raising the child.

The story continues as they create, and record songs with a band. They created a great demo CD.
Now the guy, is to set out for London. He wants the girl to come with him. But she doesn't. Her husband wants to work things out. I know that he really likes her. And, I know that she feels the connection, too.

The movie is so enthralling. The movie was done in such clarity and such honesty, you really believe that this story is happening. You begin to sink into the magic of human connection. You believe that what's happening is real.

My favorite part of the movie were the last 3 - 8 minutes before the credits. It just showed how deep the connection really is between them. The part I loved most was when the guy was walking in the airport. I think he was crying. That really touched me. I think the guy was torn whether to pursue who he loved before or the new found love. That was heart breaking. I loved it.

The picture quality wasn't great, of course. I think they used a regular camcorder, although I am really not sure about that. But I think, that it really didn't matter because you are into the story. Actually, the poor quality of the cinematography added to the truthfulness of the story.

I think that the spontaneity, the build-up of how the songs were sung in the movie were really good. Its not like your typical Hollywood musical where out of nowhere people will sing and dance. Its not believable. Unlike this movie, there's a reason and a story behind every song. I liked the way how the songs were sung and how it was incorporated into the movie.

I love the songs. The songs were great. They have this deep quality to it. The songs that were sung are the type of songs that make your heart ache. You would really feel every word, every melody. Glen Hansard (the Guy) is a great singer-songwriter. I love him!

If you haven't seen this movie, you should grab a copy and watch it. It will make you believe that it is possible to find something great in the simplest of ways.

Is Maria a Kobe?

I am following theWimbledon matches through television and the net. I find tennis very entertaining and intense. I must have gotten the knack for the sport from my father who is a tennis addict.

In the past few weeks (counting the time the Celtics defeated the Lakers), I have been reading a lot of 'hate' articles for Kobe. It feels like whatever team that Kobe is playing against is favored to win. They don't like Kobe. I really don't understand that.

I think that Kobe is just trying to prove himself that he could win a championship without Shaq. It seems that his motivations may not be right, but give him a break. Every player wants to be THE PLAYER to bring their team to victory. Every player has dreamt of being the 'savior' of the team, the 'indispensable' player.

Now, this week is tennis at Wimbledon. Of course, I am rooting for my favorites Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic (who, by the way lost Round 2 to Safin). For the females, I am rooting for the following women (in this particular order: Maria Sharapova, Ana Ivanovic, the Williams sisters, and Daniela Hantuchova).

Here's the thing, I think that Maria is experiencing the same hate articles as Kobe. I couldn't understand why. They whine about her grunting which they think is disrespectful, they complain that she is too hung up on fashion rather than her game. They just diss her - a lot, and its really irritating me. Can't a girl be pretty and have game? Its like stereotyping blond women as airheads. Its so wrong.

This year, Maria, Roger, and Serena, came out the Wimbledon courts sporting cute outfits (although Serena's frock was off track). I think the clothes were really very pretty to the point that they upstaged the game itself. It may sound wrong, but it's inevitable. Sporting tournaments are an advertiser's paradise. Aside from religion, and politics, sports is what most people get passionate about - supporting their favorite team whatever it takes.

Why don't we enjoy the game and stop dissing the players? After all, they are part of the reason why we watch it.

Wow. This has been a rebirth for this blog. I thought I wouldn't be able to write again but I did. I am. This feels weird. Staying at home doing nothing. Wah. I'll write something better. I just need to write again. Even if it's nonsense.