Shallow Grave, Downton Abbey Episodes 1- 2- 3

Shallow Grave to me is a film that is a keeper. Tidy, very good cinematography, lots of close up and to the faces of the actors too, great actors (with one of my faves Ewan McGregor) and a decent story of human greed.

I have finally started Downton Abbey and it is very good and kept me interested but I find the whole thing a bit shallow quality wise. Everyother BBC period drama I have watched were heavier than this. Well I guess reading Thomas Hardy is probably not helping me either I guess. I like it but I'm not in love with it - so far that is-.

The Woodlanders is getting worse and worse and wores. Giles died and for such a stupid reason too. Yes men are usually very selfish but once in a while they are good guys but also stupid. Marty was only a secondary character and Grace will probably go back to her husband now and even be happy meanwhile poor Giles. But I'll wait until the book ends before commenting more. Let's say I'm not very fond of Grace right now.

The Girl Who Played with Fire

The Girl Who Played With Fire This is the most action packed book of the triology. As a film it is average though since the action scenes were ordinary (at least to this viewer, spoiled by East Asian and U.S.A films) and the rythm of the whole thing was off. Some of the scenes were very good though (Lisbeth trying to lift her arms and level her gun to correctly shoot at her half bro all the while she is covered in dirt and her own blood - Lisbeth questioning a corrupt journalist while wearing face paint) but overall this film was not as exciting as the book (despite being pretty loyal to it)

Meanwhile The Woodlanders took unexpected - for me that is- turns. Poor kind hearted Marty is out of the picture for now and the whole thing revolves around Giles, Grace, Edred and Felice.

At least Grace had the good sense to realise the true nature of her husband. But her marriage is an unhappy one with the infidelities of her husband and she now understand the good nature and worthiness of Giles.

Client

Client Well there was not much into it aside from the hot guys who are also very good actors. I enjoyed it but cannot recommend it.

Meanwhile The Woodlanders is still strong. Giles is finally told by Grace and her father that he is no longer wanted as son in law. And he also lost his houses (Marty's dad has passed away and no one actually thought of poor Marty - who has sort of shown a mean streak, scribbling away that poem in Gile's wall) Actually that poem may have gotten Giles and Grace together since Grace actually has written on it, changing it to Giles benefit but Giles never knew Grace was the one who changed it. Anyway now the Doctor is physically included in the story and is very interested in Grace.

King 2 Hearts - End, Başkaldıran Kurşunkalem - End, Quicksand- End, The Woodlanders, The Illusionist, Friends with Benefits

First the films

The Illusionist I remember not really caring for this film the first time I saw it but this time I enjoyed it very very much and not just because it stars Edward Norton (my crush on him is probably as tall as he is) but I have managed to overlook Rufus Sewell (seriously that man is a huge turn off whenever I watch him at a film, even when he is a villain) and was entertained.

Friends With Benefits just when I thought they don't make good rom coms anymore (all of them stupid films starring Katherine Heigl) I watched this one and it was instant like on my part. Even when JT is not that good an actor, the real rom com actor is the female one anyway and Mila Kunis knocked it out of the park. Great chemistry between the leads, great use of locations, a good story, lots of close up shots on the actors's faces = one happy viewer.

Now on to the books

Başkaldıran Kurşunkalem  Didn't dissapoint and I'm looking forward to the next book. I love Ferhan Şensoy more as a novelist than a theater actor - not that he is a bad actor, he is OK- and that book is no exception.

Quicksand Ok Junichiro Tanizaki is the man who made reading a sleazy plot with superb and masterful writing possible. It is not a guilty pleasure anymore. The Makioka Sisters is still my fave of his but this one was a nice little novel.

Then I started

The Woodlanders  if I have to name the works of only three novelists to take with me on a deserted island, Thomas Hardy would be one of these names (the other two would be Jane Austen and Haruki Murakami). The Woodlanders is great. I can't believe I have never read it until now and you usually do not get a happy ending with Thomas Hardy and I hope that Giles will end up with Marty and that Grace will be with the -yet- mysterious doctor or something because she doesn't love you Giles and in truth I don't think you love her either. You love Marty and she loves you so much but she doesn't show it. Oh poor, kind hearted Marty.

Anonymous, The Flying Swords of Dragon Gate

First off I have completely forgotten to add Anonymous to the weekend haul.

Anonymous - aaand the reason for that is I have watched the film, liked it a lot and then in the end I have realised that it was directed by Roland Emmerich. Yet another reason not to prejudiced. This is not a masterpiece or anything, I don't think I'll even want to rewatch it again but I liked it. Maybe it is because it is a period film and British actors are in it, maybe it is the great costumes and sets or maybe the story which I have found very interesting. In the end I had a good time watching it and this only ever happened once as far Emmerich films go.

Now last night I have watched

Flying Swords of the Dragon Gate now this one I loved. Whether it is the novelty of filming in 3D or the great cast or something but Tsui Hark has got his mojo back. I have had a great time watching this and most probably will not to watch it again and again.

Now some of the special effects were not flawless but I was caught up in the good parts and totally forgave them. This reminded me of the good old Hong Kong films I love to watch. 

Martyrs, Hanna, Click, Captain America, One Fifth Avenue - End, The Tree With Deep Roots - End, Başkaldıran Kurşunkalem

The Tree With Deep Roots (SPOILERS) was excellent and although it was not a happy end for our fictional characters, as a person who is learning Korean today, Hangul alphabet is a happy ending for me and King Seojong. I love Jang Hyuk and Han Suk Kyu and both were excellent. I didn't like the female lead but this didn't stop me from sobbing my heart out during her death scene. This was a great purchase.

One Fifth Avenue also turned out to be a decent book. It didn't consume me but then again this kind of book usually doesnt.

Currently reading Başkaldıran Kurşunkalem (Rebellious Pencil) this is the second part of an authobiography by Ferhan Şensoy, an actor & playright & writer. I really like his plays and shortstories. His sense of humour definitely appeals to me and this book is no exception. Normally I don't really care for biography/autobiography but this can rewrite a phone book and I'll probably still like it.

Now on to the weekend film haul (now that we have got our TV back all shiny and new)

Martyrs Very good horror film. It was different and interesting. Recommended for the lovers of the genre but stay away from spoilers.

Hanna I have tried to watch that one on the plane but fell asleep but this time I finished it off and didn't really like it or dislike it. It was a so so film. Mostly I don't like the female lead (she was in Atonement and My Lovely Bones)

Click I don't know how many times I have watched this one but I love Adam Sandler and his films for some reason appeal to me. This is no exception.

Captain America I liked the other films better but I didn't fall asleep during or anything.

I have also tried to watch Red Riding Hood but fell asleep somewhere in the middle, woke up and watched the end.

The Tree With Deep Roots Eps-17, Kushiel's Chosen - End, One Fifth Avenue

Well The Tree With Deep Roots was killing me softly and then there came episodes 16-17 where our focus is somehow shifted from Tol Bok to King's debates with Mil Bon (aka the most unintentionally hillarious secret organisation in a K-Drama, why they are almost comic relief!!!)  I love Han Suk Kyu and King Seojong seems to be a awesome guy but I'm kind of invested in Tol Bok now and want to watch more him.

Kushiel's Chosen ended very nicely and I even felt pangs of withdrawal (but not as strong as to start the third book, meanin it is nowhere near Game of Thrones leves).

Instead I have chosen to go to a completely different direction and decided to give Candice Bushnell's One Fifth Avenue a try.  Now obviously Ms.Bushnell is a good writer and I find myself oddly interested with the characters. All in all not a bad choice of book this turned out to be (ironically purchased at a thrift store in SoHo for 1 US dollar)