Skin

I usually try to watch a movie on Sunday.  A good sistren of mine has had the most wonderful recommendations of late and, in fact, she gave me a list of great (mainly foreign) films that I will share.  But yesterday, I happened to just be browsing through the new Netflix play now offerings and found this movie Skin.  My eyes were drawn to it because one of my favorite actresses, Sophie Okonedo, stars in it. 

 

The movie, based on a true story, is quite interesting:

SKIN is one of the most moving stories to emerge from apartheid South Africa: Sandra Laing is a black child born in the 1950s to white Afrikaners, unaware of their black ancestry. Her parents are rural shopkeepers serving the local black community, who lovingly bring her up as their ‘white’ little girl. But at the age of ten, Sandra is driven out of white society. The film follows Sandra’s thirty-year journey from rejection to acceptance, betrayal to reconciliation, as she struggles to define her place in a changing world - and triumphs against all odds.

I found the story to be quite sad.  It hurt to watch some parts of it.  But I'd recommend it because it's a poignant story that really grapples with the complexities of family, race and identity.  And because Sophie is an excellent actress, she draws the viewer in.  I couldn't help but place myself in Sophie's shoes.  And I am not totally sure that Sandra triumphs at the end.  

One thing that really struck me was that at the end of the movie, as with most movies based on a true story, there's an "update" on the characters.  Turns out Sophie's brothers, all these years later, do not have contact with her.  It made me realize how strong an impact parents have on their children--whether positively or negatively.  As Sophie notes to her daughter: You never stop needing your parents.

So here's the list my sistren gave me.  I have watched Electric Shadows and boy, did I enjoy that.  The storytelling is masterful.  So I'm going to work my way through all these movies and hopefully be able to share my thoughts on them.

After the Wedding (Efter Brylluppet)

2006 R 124 minutes, Danish

To save the failing orphanage he runs in India, Danish transplant Jacob Petersen (Mads Mikkelsen) returns to his homeland to meet a self-indulgent businessman named Jørgen who's offered a generous donation -- and represents everything the noble-minded Jacob abhors. Complicating matters further are the unusual strings Jørgen has attached to his so-called gift. Rolf Lassgård co-stars in this Oscar-nominated emotional powerhouse of a drama.

As It Is in Heaven (Så som i himmelen / As in Heaven)

2005 NR 126 minutes, Swedish

This Oscar-nominated Swedish drama tells the story of Daniel Dareus (Michael Nyqvist), a small-town boy who escaped his tiny village to become a famous conductor. A tragic mishap sends him back home in search of a fresh start, and he ends up leading the local choir. Frida Hallgren, Helen Sjoholm and Lennart Jahkel co-star in writer-director Kay Pollak's (Children's Island, Love Me!) heartwarming tale.

Seraphine:

2008 UR 120 minutes, French

Awestruck by the vibrant and imaginative artwork of uneducated housekeeper Séraphine Louis (Yolande Moreau) -- who spends her days doing menial chores -- German art critic Wilhelm Unde (Ulrich Tukur) takes the promising painter under his wing. Though her neighbors and others dismiss Séraphine's work, Unde is determined to turn the obscure French artist into a star in this revelatory biopic also starring Geneviève Mnich and Nico Rogner.

Kabei: Our Mother

2008 NR 133 minutes, Japanese

When her husband is jailed for radical scholarship and accused of being a Communist, Kayo Nogami (Sayuri Yoshinaga) faces the daunting task of raising two daughters -- and enduring the biting cruelties of neighborhood gossip -- all on her own. Yoji Yamada directs this 1940s period piece set in the shadow of a rising tide of Japanese nationalism, a heartfelt family drama based on the writings of Teruyo Nogami.

The Red Balloon (Le Ballon Rouge)

1956 NR 34 minutes, French

A young Parisian boy (Pascal Lamorisse) finds a balloon -- or does the balloon find him? Together, boy and balloon wander the streets of Montmartre and the adjacent neighborhoods, encountering adults and gangs of local kids as the balloon becomes the boy's inseparable companion. Directed by Albert Lamorisse (who won a Best Original Screenplay Oscar), the fanciful 34-minute film also won a special BAFTA Award.

Whale Rider

2003 PG-13 101 minutes, New Zealand

A Maori tribe must contend with the distinctly nontraditional concept of having a female leader when the intended heir to the throne dies during childbirth, leaving his twin sister, Paikea (Keisha Castle-Hughes), to prove herself. Rawiri Paratene, Vicky Haughton, Cliff Curtis and Grant Roa also star in this inspiring coming-of-age tale, which earned the then-13-year-old Castle-Hughes an Oscar nomination.

Electric Shadows

2005 NR 95 minutes, China

Set in modern-day Beijing and 1970s Ningxia, director Xiao Jiang's debut feature explores the power of movies in launching dreams and creating memories. After a bicycle collision leaves Mao Dabing (Xia Yu) with a lump on his head, he promises Ling Ling (Qi Zhongyang), the girl he hit, that he'll care for her fish while she's recuperating. When he stumbles across her diary, he learns the truth about her past -- which rekindles his love of cinema.

The Fat Body (In)Visible

I really enjoyed this mini-documentary.  I was introduced to it by one of my favorite posters on Nappturality.

the fat body (in)visible from Margitte Kristjansson on Vimeo.

I think that there were so many valid points made.  And even though I've lost all the weight now, I can appreciate the message that we need to learn how to a) accept ourselves just the way we are and b) work hard and actively to change the prevalent ideas of who can be included as part of the "beautiful people).  Anyone who falls outside of these unrealistic beauty standards is subject to being invisible or being "the freak"--and even those who match the beauty standards to a tee eventually will not.  It's inevitable.

Anyway, I thought I'd share.

Trekkie!!

Folks who love Star Trek in all it's many forms and incarnations are usually thought of as geeky or strange--"Trekkies".  I love Star Trek in all it's many forms and incarnations (although I don't attend conventions and don costumes) and I don't really care what anyone thinks!  It's just so . . . amazing!  

Netflix made the Star Trek: The Future Begins (2009) a "play now".  I have had it on my queue for a long time waiting for the right time to watch it.  I finally did yesterday and I was not disappointed in the least.  I thought it was casted brilliantly and I just tend to love movies in which the concept of time is called into question (which is why I cherished Kindred by Octavia Butler).   I also recently enjoyed Star Trek: First Contact (thanks to Netflix) which also dealt with time travel and changing destiny by changing things in the past or the present.  To me, it's something really interesting to think about because while right now we cannot change the past, it's powerful to be fully aware that what we do know will definitely and without question change what happens next.   

Long and short, there hasn't been one thing I've seen having to do with Star Trek that's left me feeling disappointed. 

I realize that I've loved the science fiction genre (in books and movies) since childhood. For some odd reason, I wasn't introduced to the science fiction genre as a genre until college but I've always like science fiction type stories, shows and movies. Star Trek: The Next Generation was what I grew up watching faithfully.  That is, until we had a houseguest who was an "evangelist" and declared that Star Trek was demonic and un-Christian (because of the aliens) and my parents quickly agreed and banned it sending me underground with my Star Trek love.

I think I appreciate Star Trek even more now that I've read and watched a wide array of futuristic books and movies.  Star Trek manages to create a future world where people of different races, sexes, heck even different species, have successfully figured out ways to coexist and accept each other. Yes, there are hostilities and issues but overall, we get a picture of a world that while not idyllic is a place where racism, sexism and even specie-ism are greatly reduced.  

I tend to prefer the more modern incarnations to the original Star Trek though.  It's hard to get with a future that looks so . . . 60s.  But I'm always intrigued by the plots and impressed by the story lines.  Star Trek: The Future Begins was no exception.  Also, I think Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto are cuties! :)

Photo Credit

Movie Review: The Duchess

I've had it on my Netflix instant queue for a while now but I had been hesitant about watching it because I wasn't sure if I'd like a period movie.  I finally watched it yesterday and I have to say, I really enjoyed it.

The topic wasn't new:  young girl marries into wealth.  The marriage is loveless and the husband unfaithful (and straight up disrespectful).  Wife is dutiful but eventually decides to try to carve out some happiness of her own by having an affair of her own.  Husband won't stand for it and threatens her physically and emotionally.  Wife either gets back in line or risks losing it all.

I'm aware that there have been some cultures throughout history where women were just as valued and powerful as men but those cultures are in the minority.  Speaking strictly as a Westerner, it really made me appreciate how far we as women have come in terms of being able to feel fully human.  The fact that we control so much of our own destiny is amazing especially when you look at how much a woman's life was out of her control just a few centuries ago.   And even now, all this time later women are not completely empowered.  We are still struggling for equality and justice.  But a movie like The Duchess really does give some perspective.

I think Keira Knightly did a fantastic job playing Georgina.  We see a woman who knows and understands that she is not free but who is powerless to do anything about it.   Maybe this is the worst kind of suffering--when you don't know that things should be different, it doesn't hurt as much.  At one point, Georgina says that the only way women have to express themselves is through designing their dresses (which makes you wonder how terrible it was for poor women who probably didn't even have this outlet available to them).  We sympathize with her frustration and pain.  Knightly makes Georgina very real.  

And the costumes and set!  It was just very beautiful to watch.  I mean, really beautiful.  This was one of the best things about the movie. 

Oh, and it wasn't too long.  I can't take long movies.  It wasn't drawn out.  Dramatic without being overly so.  Just a good movie.  I recommend it. 

How long have you gone without . . .

Knitting or crocheting? That is, if you knit or crochet.

It's been weeks since I've picked up knitting needles or a crochet hook. I'm just not motivated right now. It could be because of the heat but also, I'm so busy running around after Z2 who is into everything now that he's gotten the hang to this walking (and climbing) thing. Maybe as the weather cools down, I'll get my mojo back. I have some very cool projects . . . okay, maybe not that cool since my crafting is on a serious budget right now . . . but some great projects in the wings. I also really hope to finish by the end of this year the Sweater for Emma and the Monkey Socks because honestly, it's getting ridiculous.

On another note, I took a walk to "The Avenue" which is basically the main street/business area of the town I live in. A few weeks ago when I was there I noticed that one of the Korean-owned dress stores (you know the kind that sells, for way too much money, cheaply made cute clothes that will only last you this season before they start to disintegrate ) was closing down. Today, what did I find? That store is now replaced by . . . wait for it . . . you guessed it!

Another beauty supply store. Another beauty supply store? Yes. It's mind-boggling. There are about six, yes SIX, beauty stores on the main strip of avenue which, I kid you not, is not even 1/4 mile long. And all are in business and doing smashingly well. What recession (or depression if you want to really be real about it)? Black women must needs their fake hair (that is the main thing these stores sell although you will find cheap makeup and other beauty supplies).

I read this blog entry before over at Black Conscious Thought and I just shook my head. I had seen the documentary before (you should too . . . Von embeds it in the post) and thought to myself what a shame it was. I don't buy many beauty products. I'm really simple when it comes to these things but I do go into these beauty supply stores to get my nail polishes, nail decals, brushes/combs and occasionally some Dr. Bronner's castile soap. Kudos to the Koreans for locking the market down (something Black folks could do if we could get some UNITY.) In Harlem, there is a bustling business area completely dominated by African Muslims who recently immigrated to the U.S. so successful business by Blacks can be done. And, yes, I do understand the differences between Black Americans and recently immigrated Black Africans--all the complexities and histories, etc. I don't necessarily mind these beauty supply stores but it's just so insulting to me the serious over-abundance of these stores. Like that is all Black people in these neighborhoods boil down too, all they are interested in: artificial hair. We couldn't have a bookstore? How about a nice sit down coffee shop, air conditioned with wi-fi?

Anyway, these are the issues facing mostly-Black communities (and my town is a good mix between America Blacks and Caribbean Blacks). We (all Blacks) have some serious issues to tackle . . . especially when it comes to our hair.

The Secret Life of Bees

What a fantastic movie! I watched it a few weeks ago but never got a chance to blog about it. When it first came out, it was reviewed by Anxious Black Woman. I didn't want to read her review though until I actually got to watch it. I mean, if not for this movie, I would say the whole movie industry right now is completely useless but this movie proves that folks are still interested in quality stuff. I highly, highly recommend this movie. Even the hubby who had written it off as a chick flick thoroughly enjoyed it. I am not a movie person by any stretch of the imagination but this is one movie that I would actually buy. It is a powerful alternative to a lot of the garbage out there and provides uplifting and moving images of well-rounded, multi-dimensional, classy and intelligent Black women.

Movies these days . . .

I feel like most of the movies produced these days are a waste of time. Like music, very few individuals are interested in putting out quality films: works of art that reflect their heart and soul and demonstrate time, energy and commitment. It's like one huge rush to put out any old garbage and collect lots of money in return. And what does it say about our society that this works time and time again?

Well, yesterday evening the hubby and I watched a movie. Now, I'm not a movie person to begin with but the hubby is a die hard movie fanatic. It was a choice between Not Easily Broken starring Morris Chestnut or Obsessed starring Idris Elba and Beyonce Knowles. We chose Obsessed because I can't take the Christian-themed movies.

Wow. What a disaster of a movie. It was so trite that I had to prevent myself from constantly rolling my eyes. This movie made no sense! If you don't know the plot, let me see if I can break it down for you succinctly. Handsome, successful Black man happily married to beautiful Black woman. One day, this man runs into a White woman who is a temp at his office. From the very beginning, there are hints of "something" going down. But alas, Black man keeps it very professional although he can't help but noticing White woman's "hotness". White woman is crazy as hell and reads all kinds of signals that aren't there. Forces herself on Black man multiple times and is rejected each and every time. White woman goes beserk and even tries to drug Black man into having her. It doesn't work. She tries to kill herself but fails. Black man, all the while, has inexplicably kept mum about White woman's antics telling no one except his immature coworker making himself look incredibly guilty. Wife finds out about the whole "situation" in the emergency room where they are trying to revive crazy White chick. Black woman kicks Black man out of the house, outraged at his betrayal. Eventually Black woman takes Black man back only to find that White woman is really deranged and not out of the picture. White woman "kidnaps" Black couple's son (but not really--she just leaves him in the car--okay, I have to take a break from this narrative to rant . . . I don't know about ya'll but there is just no way in hell some strange White woman would go into my son's bedroom, rouse him from sleep and hold him and caress him and walk out of the house with him without him screaming bloody murder . . . I mean, he'd be hysterical . . . the babysitter would just know something wasn't right . . . but alas, this is the movies and you shouldn't think too hard . . . back to the story). Black woman gets "gangsta" (momentarily) and decides to beat the bitch down. Girlfight ensues. At the last moment when White woman is about to drop to her death, Black woman has compassion and tries to save her (who knows why) but alas, White woman is more "gangsta" and tries to pull Black woman down with her. Struggle ensues. White women eventually falls but is still alive. Until the chandelier drops on top of her. Black woman grimaces and says, "Oh, God." Oh, please.

I kept thinking there would be some kind of twist to this movie, some kind of complexity. Like we would find out that Idris Elba's character really was doing this White woman and that we, like everyone else in the movie, had been fooled into believing he was innocent. That somehow it would come out that he was indeed leading this crazy White chick on. Nope.

I was not sure if the movie producers meant to convey something with the whole Black man/White woman thing. And, man, Beyonce's acting was beyond horrible. I mean . . . wow. I was just floored by the mediocrity. It really was like watching a full-length music video--all her expressions and body movements. Even the way she walked throughout the movie--borrowed from music videos. Was Sanaa Lathan not available? What about Gabrielle Union? These actresses could have perhaps saved this movie. But I get it . . . it was a weak plot and they needed a big name to get folks to see it. Again, money, money, money. Forget about art and telling a good story.

Anyway, I'm not mad. The hubby and I spent a pleasant evening together and got a few good laughs in.

The Business of Being Born

I finally got the opportunity to watch this documentary and I was so pleasantly surprised.  I was worried that it would be heavy handed, preachy or fanatical but it was not! It presented a balanced advocacy for homebirth that appealed to intellect and reason but did not neglect the emotional and psychological aspects of giving birth. It goes into the history of birthing in the U.S., offers comparisons and interesting (sometimes alarming) statistics.  There are some graphic images (like drugged laboring women being tied down to keep them from hurting themselves and others) but there are also very beautiful and sweet images too.  I highly recommend this documentary.  

As a person who has had both experiences of giving birth, I can honestly say both were beautiful and transformative.  But my homebirth was empowering in a way I cannot fully describe.  I wanted to say to every pregnant woman I saw, "Are you low risk?  Is everything going routinely?  Yes?!?  You should have a homebirth!!!!!"  But I contained my excitement and eventually learned that you can't just be telling any and everybody you had a homebirth.  In fact, when you do tell folks you had a homebirth, the response may often be "On purpose?"  It's still viewed a Bohemian.  Backwards. Earthy.  Not cosmopolitan and advanced and chic.  You know, right in line there with breastfeeding.  

I honestly feel like if you are able to give birth in a hospital normally, you only narrowly escaped a whole series of interventions and a c-section.  I watched one of my best friends go through it.  She called as they were wheeling her in to have the c-section and I wanted to say, "I told you so" because I told her not to be induced.  Told her to let things take their course.  But it's hard because you're not a doctor and if a woman doesn't trust her own body, she needs someone to trust (the doctor) because this is not just about her--it's about the life growing in her.  I would love to see the business of being born taken out of the hands of medical doctors and put back into the hands of midwives and women.  I'd love to see more women begin to have faith in the process and not in the technology.  Birth is a natural process.  Not to be crude . . . but it's like having a bowel movement in a way.  Sometimes you need help but the vast majority of the time, it just happens.  

Anyway, if you've never read my homebirth story, take a moment to click the link on the sidebar.  And when you get a moment, see The Business of Being Born.  (I borrowed it from my library.)

Consciously Rejecting the "Get More Stuff" Mentality

Get more. Get more. Get more.

This is the message that we are bombarded with every day. There is always something new, something fresh, something "revolutionary" to get. It never ends. It doesn't slow down. The push for more seems to intensify every day.

I found a mini-documentary of YouTube called The Story of Stuff (this is a link to the playlist I made of all 6 parts of the piece). The were two things that struck me the most and that I completely agree with.

1. Planned and Perceived Obsoleteness
In 2005, just before Z1 was born, we bought a digital camera. It was a good buy we thought. We had countless rolls of undeveloped film. We really couldn't even say what was on these rolls of film and we certainly didn't want to pay money to develop them and end up with pictures of random blobs, shadows and white flashes. So we bought a re-furbished Kodak 5MP camera. It's 2008. Our camera is pretty much obsolete technologically speaking because currently you can get a 7 or 8 MP camera that does way more nifty things for much less than what we paid for ours. I mean, that's cool but I'm not a photographer. I just need a camera to pictorially document and keep track of my life. Just because the technology has improved so drastically doesn't mean I need to run out and get a new camera. Except for the fact that now, after owning my camera for 3 years, it has started to act funny. Buttons don't always work. Transferring pictures to the computer requires me holding the USB cable firmly in place. The program the camera works with usually encounters errors. This is planned obsoleteness. The camera is fat. It is bulky and doofy looking compared to newer cameras. I don't have the option of charging i it and it eats batteries and has a small viewing window and very little picture taking options. This would be perceived obsoleteness. Without consciously rejecting the "Get More Stuff" mentality, I would be in the market for a new camera. But the camera works. And I'm going to rock it till the wheels fall off. Happy to hold USB cables firmly in place. ;)

2. Tying up one's self worth in stuff
I think this is the biggest issue we face living in our society. The more stuff you have, the more worthwhile you are. And it's not just about having "stuff". The "stuff" must be the newest funky freshness available. It's not just sneakers anymore. The media feeds you the line that you just have to keep up. How will you look if you don't have the latest, greatest thing? Because so many people tie up their self worth and rest their identity in what they have and what they get, it's crucial to keep on getting. It makes people feel better, feel like they are worth more because deep inside, it's a nagging question we all need an answer to. What am I worth?? Am I worth anything at all? When you know your worth, you don't need to prove it. Consciously rejecting the "Get More Stuff" mentality is an affirmation of the knowledge of your self-worth as well as a revolutionary mindset that puts you squarely outside of the general way of thinking and being. You learn how to make what you have work. You learn to let go of things to clear your space and mind. You determine your needs and become very clear about them. When you do buy things, you don't buy on impulse. You research. You meditate. You *think*. Because you know you won't be buying again any time soon. You buy quality. You buy things you can use and re-use. You eschew the idea of "disposable" because you realize that nothing is actually disposable.

Hmmm . . . just my thoughts and ramblings for today. I'll be taking a trip to the thrift store to donate so more stuff. I'll be looking around in the thrift store because I love to. I won't be buying anything though (unless they happen to have an Omega 8005 juicer!). :) Actually, I could use some short sleeve blouses . . . still waiting on this baby weight to drop off. LoL.