“OMG! I have been tagged!”, this was exactly my first thought the moment I saw my name on RyeUrn’s blog on Friday last week highlighted in red. Why the alarm you say? Well… first, I was caught by surprise and this is the very first time I was being tagged. I am practically a Virgin-Meme-Blogger (VMB). LOL. I guess this makes RyeUrn and Bengbeng a VMB too. HahahahaAccording to RyeUrn, 5xmom said memes are good – which got me pretty curious and hopped on to her site for a look-see. There I found out… memes are actually a great way to secure links which helps to propel your blog rank up on search engines (search engines are a sucker for links). Thanks for the tip 5xmon – hence, as you can see here… I am now determined to do my part – linking as many fellow bloggers who has sportingly participated in this meme’s circulation. Being a VMB and clueless about it… I visited most of the links provided by each blogger on the participants of this meme just to get a general idea of things - of which, ultimately served the 2nd and 3rd purpose of a meme i.e. to get higher hit-count and exposures. Wow, do not underestimate the power of memes you guys. Alrighty-then, back to business… here is my Top 5 Favorite Movies (in no particular order, as I still can’t decide which one I like most).1) Farinelli il Castrato (1994)
Farinelli, was a famous opera singer in the time of Handel, the famous German composer. He (Farinelli) was what we call a castrato… in his case; he was castrated by his own brother during childhood in order to preserve his singing voice – it was a popular practice back then in the 16th century in Western European chapel choirs as the Roman Catholic Church had traditionally banned females from singing in church.This movie was actually an accidental stumble or find. I am an ardent fan of Anne Rice a famous author of many bestsellers of gothic theme fiction books and one of them was Cry to Heaven – it’s an intriguing book about castrati in Italy during the 18th century. This book was what has started my fascination with the mystery and allure of a castrato, which had lead me to this wonderful film of breathtaking sights and sounds. I was overjoyed when I found this film some years back in a store while browsing for some movies. At last! I shall have the chance to witness the supreme singing of a castrato again (this phenomenon of castrati has happened centuries ago and there aren’t any form of recording available back then (what I pity), it was in fact a lost art… as part of the arias sung by a castrati are so complex and difficult that they cannot be performed today... unless you decided to lose your manhood to preserve this art. LOL!). This film uses both male and female voices in a unique reconstruction to recreate the sound of Farinelli’s singing voice. I was totally swept off my feet by the beautiful singing combined with the romantic baroque settings. This film shall remain forever special in my heart. On another note, I was delighted when I spotted a fellow lover of this film, Paris Beaverbanks… during my inspiration-seeking-link hopping which I mentioned earlier on this post. 2) Interview with the Vampire (1994)
This film was a movie-tie in for one of Anne Rice’s bestsellers – it was this one book that propelled her to fame. To me, this film was the one that had gotten me hooked on her books thereto and later on... fascinated with the gothic world and all things paranormal or supernatural. For her, I outgrew and abandon chit-lit and romance novels. This film is a about a vampire telling his epic life story of love, betrayal, loneliness, and hunger – centering on themes of immortality, loss, sexuality and power with heavy influence on Goth culture. It was a Hollywood blockbuster starring Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt as the main characters Lestat de Lioncourt and the protagonist Louis de Pointe du Lac, respectively. I fell in love with the character starred by Brad Pitt… hmmm… until now, I wasn’t sure which one I fell in love with... the character or the actor. LOL. But, I am sure of one thing, both are just as endearing. This film has also introduced me to Kirsten Dunst… she starred as Claudia, a vengeful and manipulative but heartrending child vampire. Her acting was so credible that she could rival other strong actresses. I quite adore her since, even before she had rise to stardom. She is now quite well known as Mary Jane, Spiderman’s girlfriend or object of obsession. 3) My Fair Lady (1964)
I believed I shouldn’t have the need to elaborate on this famous piece of all-time favorite Broadway musical. Audrey Hepburn was absolutely radiant and charming in it. Oh yeah, this was the first film which got me acquainted with her. The song ‘Wouldn’t It Be Loverly?’ sung by Eliza (the lead female character played by Hepburn) was my most favorite song in this flick. I am a fan of Audrey Hepburn ever since this film. Am still trying to locate and collect the all of her work especially Roman Holiday (1953) – I think it’s her debut Hollywood film which earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress. 4) Strictly Ballroom (1992)
I can’t exactly remember how I came across this film. All I remember was how badly I wanted to own this video and scoured hi and lo for it back then, until I found it along with a newfound suitor i.e. later boyfriend and sometime later after that… ex-boyfriend (sorry, not going to go into this).Right, back on this film… it’s about a champion caliber ballroom dancer, Scott Hastings who was inspired to dance his own steps which was an idea the Australian ballroom dance community shuns at… at all cost. Together with a beginner dancer and a somewhat ugly duckly, Fran... they were ready to set out to prove em’ wrong for not believing. All in all, this film was an emotional stimulating watch. Plus, it had introduced me to Paso Doble (a lively Latin style of dance modeled after the sound, drama, and movement of the Spanish bullfight). This dancing style is absolutely exciting to watch. The rhythm of its music has the power to captivate one’s soul and body. You could really feel the strong pull of this music and start instinctively moving you body in tune.Oh yes, I was of course, again… drawn to the lead character - this time being a handsome and chiseled, Paul Mercurio. I literary swooned at his perfect dancing skill and good looks. Ahemm… 5) Viva Cuba (2005)
Watched this film with Gina a good friend of mine sometime back in October 2006 last year during the latest 5th Ibero American Film Festival (a celebration of Latin American films). We had both enjoyed it tremendously even though it’s in Spanish with English subtitle. Bits about the story… it is a tale of two good friends, Malú and Jorgito. They had made a pact with each other that they would remain friends for life although both their families are constantly at odds with each other. The girl is from an upper-class family while the boy is from a family of poor but proud socialist. One day, Malú’s mother had decided to leave Cuba thus, Malú would have to be separated from Jorgito if she does. Hence, begin the adventure of both children traveling with each other as company in a loooong soul searching and friendship testing trip to seek for Malú’s father help to prevent her mother from leaving the country. The close bond between these two children is a joy to watch. There are many funny and touching moments which both Gina and I enjoyed very much. It was a refreshing watch, apart from the normal over-commercialized Hollywood films – it was a light yet playful film with a touch of Cuban bureaucracy. ***********************************
Whew! That was it. I had a tough time deciding on which 5 films should make it to this list of mine, as I had quite a long list of favorites. Deciding to adhere to the rules of this meme to list only 5 favorites I had to forgone the rest albeit reluctantly. Pardon me for my lengthily account on each film. I had at first wanted to do a short and direct post like Ah Pek did except, I just can’t help myself but to feel obligated to pay my tribute to each one of these fantastic films. As to keep the ball rolling, I am officially declaring my tag on Gina, Pau-Pau, Che-Cheh, Stev and Tien Soon.RyeUrn, thanks again for the tag. Though I sweat big time doing it but, I had fun. *Wink* there, I linked you again. Ahahaha
