witerary

For the first time in my life as a writer, I won't be writing a lengthy paragraph.

When I saw the movie, I cried for two reasons. One, because I am also an artist, and the sheer beauty of its digital imagery stunned me to tears. Second, with a lesson in environmental concern, the simple story of a lost tribe and their survival moved me so much. I fell in love with such imaginary, admirable characters (both human and Navi). I fell for a sci-fi story with a heart.

So allow me this reluctance to elaborate further. You just have to see it to believe it. Believe that you are in Pandora even for two fleeting hours, and it will be more than worth the trip.

Thank you, James Cameron. Once again, you are king of the world.

I normally write lengthy reviews. With District 9, I can't help remembering the rush I've went through, feeling giddy over each scene, being overwhelmed by each character's desperation, falling in love with a "prawn". Nay, two "prawns" and one first time lead actor.

So I can't say much without being choked up (particularly the very last poignant scene) over a sci-fi flick which doesn't even shout glossy Hollywood all over it. Imagine! Being sentimental over an alien movie? As one critic puts it, "an alien film with a heart." How true.

I wanted to stop watching after the first few minutes of torture and terror over aliens. Those pitiful creatures we glorified as supremely, technologically advanced and non-emotional over us humans. Sadly, I started to question what it is to be human and inhuman. I began to feel for those who weren't.

After watching the film, I forgot myself. I tried to find out who the characters portraying the alien father and child were, completely forgetting they were computer generated.

My hats off to Peter Jackson for giving first time director and screenwriter Neill Blomkamp a chance to show his genius. And then there's Wikus played by Copley...the man you almost hate, then feel sorry for. What a revelation.

Something beautiful came out of so much violence and pain. We learned how the old fashioned values really shape our characters and destiny. We still hope that in the end, everything will be alright.

Though I am an avid Korean film fan (mostly horror and action flicks the likes of Arahan, The Host, and the lovely My Sassy Girl), I have never watched its TV series because they tend to be too long and complicated. Full House (as well as other Korean TV series) became a hit in our country a few years back. I didn't mind it because I already have a big respect and fondness for its film industry.

What got me interested was the young pop idol Rain. After watching his documentary on Discovery channel, and being interested in his skills as a performer (not to mention he's so cute), I started looking for his first TV series because of the good reviews. So I got the complete 20 episodes of Full House. What started off as an interesting journey became marked with sleepless nights (trying to finish at least 3-5 episodes a day), laughter and giggles, sentimental sniffles, excitement, anxiety, you name it.

The story revolves around four main characters. A crazy but beautiful writer girl who owns a house and nothing more, and was duped by friends who sold her house without her knowledge; a movie actor (Rain) who buys the house and treats her like a maid in exchange for a place to stay; a fashion designer who is the superstar's best friend and secret love; and a rich, handsome producer who is interested in the writer girl. Eventually, the first two couple engage in a "business marriage contract" for publicity, while the last two tries to break them apart.

Granted, the show has its flaws in the script. Sometimes, actions tend to be exaggerated. I'd get confused and frustrated with the leading lady's inability to leave Rain when she is totally mistreated. The fashion designer lacks the charm to sweep both men off their feet and is portrayed as a weak character despite her successful career. The other leading man is totally gorgeous and I sometimes wish the writer ends up with him instead. The superstar is quite a bit infuriating with his childish, sneaky ways, his tantrums, his inability to acknowledge love, and his stubborn, rude ways. But when you see him shed a tear in pain, arrrgh. There goes my heart. I believe that's what the writer girl felt too. We just couldn't leave him alone.

Other flaws in the script? There are no violent kissing scenes. Not that I am complaining. From the very start, the show sweeps you off your feet with the development of each character, from the moment they all meet and weave in and out of each others' lives, and eventually becoming more involved with one another. It was one hell of a ride in the senses, to the very end when you would have wanted them to be more passionate physically.

Add to that other characters: the writer's two scheming friends who conned her; the superstar's mom, dad, grandma and levelheaded boss...all have interesting quirks that add to the spice of this romantic comedy.

I may be harping too much about this and leave you disappointed if you watch it. Well, if you're Asian like me, you will most likely relate to it more than the Westerners, who will see this as a bore (staying together in a house with such an explosive chemistry and nothing is ever happening will most likely raise your brows).

I do like the show, though, and it's two thumbs up for me, simply because it draws so much emotion from me (just as it did My Sassy Girl where the odd couple really made me laugh and cry in ways I didn't expect), and it leaves me wanting more. Well, I also did want it to end soon and happily.

I still hesitate to watch another Korean TV series (it drains the hell out of me trying to complete the show in one viewing). I will still prefer watching the movies. But for once, Full House has left me happy and dreaming, and craving for the innocent romance of younger days.