My Favorite Movies

Can't imagine how this subject can be transformed into such a beautiful film. Daigo Kobayashi (Masahiro Motoki) struggles in taking the job of "Nokanshi" till he finally discovers the pride in his work and the respect for the deceased through his profession. Love the beautiful scenery and music when he plays his cello in the field during his reflection.

The plot in having his father's face blurred reflects Daigo's hate and suppression of father's memory in childhood. When he finally discovers the "stone letter" in his father's hand while preparing his father's body, he realizes that his father has never forgotten him. He forgives his father and the blurred image of his father's face is transformed and finally recalled. Daigo doesn't stop at this and pass on the "stone letter" to his to-be-born baby, symbolising the love and life passed on from generation to generation. This is quite warm and encouraging. Life should be lived with joy and meaning.

The relatives are so relieved when the deceased is well prepared by the "Nokanshi". Is it exaggerated? Being unfamiliar with japanese culture, I have no objection to this.

Thought provoking about the despise and judgement of certain profession. Good cinematography and natural plot of the story. I highly recommend this film.

The film opens my horizon of the life and tragedy of many impoverished Indian children. I'm thankful of the childhood my parents provide for me.

The story links up the questions of the contest to the moments of life and sometimes inmost wounds of Jamal Malik in a carefully crafted way.

Jamal is stubborn in pursuing his love Latika, which motivated him to find her after all the years. He believes she is his destiny. It is rare for people nowadays to be like Jamal. At one point I think he is too crazy and unrealistic and goes beyond a perfectionist.

The dramatic contrast between Jamal's endeavors in getting the grand prize of "Who wants to be a Millionaire?" to prove his love for Latika versus Salim's quest of wealth/power sacrifices all including his life affirms the belief of destiny to each's motives. Salim's end of life is a tragedy of many alike. Jamal fulfills his destiny exceptionally and wins his life with Latika with a happy ending.

Really admire Chris Gardner not for his success, but for his endurance, patience, EQ and hope during those difficult days, without the support of his wife. I just don't know where he got the power to endure, maybe faith or religion, "the pursuit of happiness" but I think the most important source is the sacrifical love towards his son. Salute to this great father! It really inspires me on being a good father.

Excellent performance by Will Smith and his son Jaden Christopher Syre Smith. Excellent film about love between father and son seen so far.

Although I don't have any interest in Peking opera, I am attracted to the film by the romance line of Mei Lanfang and Meng Xiaodong. The short coverage of their romance in the film didn't disappoint me. Director Chen Kaige gives different stages of Mei's life a special highlight so the audience has a glimpse of the life of the late Peking opera master.

I think Yu Shaoqun has a unique character and appearance that is most suitable to cast as the teenage Mei. His Peking opera performance as a female role is marvelous. Sun Honglei succeeds to make the person of Qiu Rubai in life. You can feel the passion and emotions of a real person that influences Mei most. His performance makes the film watchable.

The romance between Mei and Meng is the highlight of Mei's adulthood and the selling point of the film. Zhang Ziyi's performance is overall good, particularly in the farewell while Leon Lai's performance is comparatively disappointing and needs improvement.

I notice that director Chen Kaige is very careful on every detail of the film from the bonus features of the DVD. I think this contributes much to the success of the film.

The story is quite different from previous version. Twisted to an impressive love story ... possession vs sacrifice ... passion vs commitment ... distinction between good and evil? Both Zhao Wei and Zhou Xun are great. I love the theme song by Jane Zhang. Her voice is so beautiful ... particularly the part of the high notes.