Saturday, August 25, 2012

Suburbia

In south lies the crescent moon,
Floating dexterously on the  cosmos' starry lagoon,
Staring at earth in full brilliance,
Making all of it's spectators, feel in trance.

The silhouettes of human society cock overhead the slumbering earth,
Esprit couches shadowy, adverse the enkindled hearth,
Concord enshrouds terra firma with dense ligature,
While divergence roams, inquest for nonchalance in human's nature.

Peace slithers beneath the streets,
Among the houses, under the lamp posts, everywhere, amistice hits.
Accord is an unsang transcendent subjugator that hinders the isolated society,
It is a patronizing metaphorical entity that brings humans' sodality into deep harmony.

Yet, unbefitting all the imperturbability, roams hostility,
Underneath silence screams humans' careless cry,
An urban jungle concealed under the darkness of silence,
Obscured, yet, made legends out of its absence.

Man's vague notion furnishes it's fallible polish,
It brings the world an amalgam of both allure and blemish,
It cultivates tradition and culture, intertwining the past, present and the future.
It, then, just goes to show 'change' and 'difference' is the blood of human's nature.

Glee Summer Nights (Official Music Video)



I just love listening to this song. It reminds me a lot of a stereotypical musical high school movie.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Oracle: The Message Of Iris

The blessings of Iris shall soon be here,
Be brought to a girl, who lives in fear.
A cloud of golden plumage shall mark its coming,
Soon, thy maiden's wounds will be closing.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Troy: Heel’s Ran Red


Obvious and evident from the story or the screenplay of the movie itself, Troy is an epic story based on one of Greece’s National Epic—Iliad— which is written by the infamous Blind Poet, Homer. The story follows a young Trojan prince, Paris, who abducts the wife of King Menelaus, Helen. The aftermath of Paris’ actions is the Trojan War which ends up on the bloody death of Patroclus, Hector and Achilles, and the burning of the city, Troy.
            From time to time, I have witnessed lots of epic movies which feature the amazing myths and wars of Greece. However, no Greek-action movie— besides Wrath of the Titans and The Lightning Thief—has ever captured my attention and put me into a deep trance of amazement like this. The whole movie taught me how much could a father do and risk for his son’s sake, morale indisputable on the scene where King Priam—Hector’s father— ransomed his son’s body— A dramatic scene where King Priam even had to lose his pride and kiss the hands of the man who killed his son, just so he can get it. Beneath all the action and romance that the movie conveys, lays a drama about how much a person could do, just for the sake of the one he loves.
            Romance was incontestably evident in the movie. As witnessed, love between Paris and Helen, Hector and Andromache, and Achilles and Briseis was present.
On my perspective, I consider the affair between Paris and Helen, foolish. No matter how much they truly loved each other— whereas, both felt mutual— it still seemed that they were taking things too fast. Paris, abducting Helen— considering that Paris is even said a PRINCE of Troy— it was a very absurd thing to do for someone who is august. Then again, keeping in mind the mythological background of Iliad, the root cause of this problem is Eris, and her Apple Of Discord. Her actions during the wedding feast of Thetis and Menelaus resulted into war that led to a bloody ending, therefore, Eris, is to say, the one to blame.
The strength and the passion of the love of both Hector and Andromache to each other are unambiguous to the movie. When Hector was about to go to a duel with Achilles, he gave Andromache one last farewell. He was sure of the probability that he might not return again after his fight with Achilles— he was aware that his wife might be widowed afterwards, leaving his son, a life without a father.  By means of this, I am able to see how much Hector loves his wife, how much he is passionate about giving his family a happy life. Unfortunately, he died on his duel, living his Andromache lamenting for his poor husband who was given a miserable fate.
The romance between Achilles and Briseis somehow shares the same fate of the affair Hector and Andromache. When the Spartans have invaded or ambushed the city of Troy using the wooden horse, King Agamemnon kidnapped Briseis. When Achilles went to save Briseis, he was shot in the heel— the very weak spot of Achilles, in spite of his invincibility and invulnerability to physical weapons— resulting to his death, the death of this fine hero whom has exhibited strength, courage and goodwill throughout his time in the battlefield. Nonetheless, his death was not worthless, for his sacrifice led to the greater good of Briseis. Therefore, this proves a quote that I once read from the book Kane Chronicles: The Red Pyramid; “There is no losing… NOT EVEN IN DEATH”
            Another thing that I witnessed on the movie was how much Achilles valued his friendship whit Patroclus. A stereotypical warrior to me is someone who never even heard the word “friendship”. When Achilles have decided not to join the battle anymore— nonetheless, Patroclus wanted to fight— Patroclus dressed up as Achilles and went to fight Hector and his troops. That scene on the story reminded of a part of the book Percy Jackson and the Olympians 5: The Last Olympian where Silena Beauregard, daughter of Aphrodite, dressed up as Clarisse La Rue, daughter of Ares. It was exactly similar to the story of Patroclus; because Clarisse didn’t join the battle in front of the Empire State Building, Silena dressed up as her and led all the cabin members of Ares to the battlefield. Silena too, sharing the same fate with Patroclus, was killed by the enemy. It took me some time only to find out that the part where Silena dressed up as Clarisse was based on this part of the epic, where Patroclus dressed up and moved like Achilles. Having killed by Hector, Achilles was enraged that his cousin and his bestfriend was killed by Hector. Achilles’ anger resulted to his duel with Hector, ending into the bloody, but noble death of the Trojan prince, Hector.
            The last part of the story was about the Trojan horse. It appraises the infamous folly of the Trojans when they brought the wooden horse— obviously, a creation of their enemies— to Troy. It shows the ambush of the city of Troy by the ingenious Spartans, and the poor fate, the burning of the city. Moreover, it brandishes the death of poor king, Priam by the hands of, in which I find greedy, King Agamemnon. Agamemnon was killed by Briseis— a simple act of defense of the poor maiden, whom from the start was kidnapped by the Spartans. The ending also commences the story of Aenid, the epic of the Roman writer Virgil. I am pleased to see that they were able to exhibit the exit of Aeneas on the burning of Troy. However, I find the artist who played the role of Aeneas a bit too young for his character. When I read a summary of Aenid, I always pictured Aeneas as a middle aged man. Moreover, I wasn’t able to see Ascanius, his son— whom was supposed to escape with him. Nonetheless, I’m still delighted that they are able to link the movie to the preceding story, Aenid.
            Troy is a successful epic movie in which, I know, people will love to see over and over again. It is a movie that is able to showcase drama, romance and action and is able to showcase the value of friendship and family. I know, someday, this movie will have a remake, in which I assure now, will be as successful as this one.
            What’s more, the creation of the Greek writer, Homer, truly is a sight to see, and a note to never forget. I will be expecting for more movies which is, one way or another, similar or related to this. As for now, I am pleased with what I saw here, and on the other Greece-related movies that I watched. Kudos to Wolfgang Peterson for this wonderful movie.

Sunday, August 19, 2012

We Bought A Zoo: A Movie Worth Paying For

I have watched lots of movies in the genre: Drama. I have loved most of them, for they did not only warm my heart, caused a great change on my emotions, but also, for they have served as an eye-opener for me. You see, that's my basis on whether I like a movie that I watched or not. If it has become an eye opener for me, or made either a minor or major aftermath on my emotions- moreover my life, then, I can say, I like that movie!

A while ago, I have just witnessed an enticing movie entitled We Bought A Zoo. It is a dramatic and a kind-of comedic movie that speaks the story of how a widowed father left with two kids- a young girl and a teen-aged boy- face on the consequences on buying a shut-down zoo. With the money that Benjamin Mee(played by Matt Damon) have earned, and with the help of the old crew of the zoo, they renovated and successfully reopened it, despite the struggles they have faced during the process.

Moreover, beneath the struggles of fixing the zoo and what not, lies a drama between a loving father and a son who seeks for his father's attention. It is a stereotypical story of a father and a son who are in conflict with each other, yet resolves their burden with each other in the end. Also, it is a depiction of how patient a father is to his son, no matter how much unbecoming they may become.

The story gets more conflicted and dramatic when they moved to the zoo, in which, Dylan Mee(played by Colin Ford) did not agree upon. This is the part where he gets mad at his father for forcing him to live there, to live away from his friends. In my opinion, I don't blame him! Putting myself into those shoes, I would've felt the same. I would've been kinda mad at my father too if he'd force me to live on a place somewhere I don't like, moreover, somewhere away from civilization, somewhere away from my friends. The only difference is, if I were forced to live in a zoo, I wouldn't mind. In fact, it would be a privilege to me. Imagine yourself owning a zoo, that would probably the best experience in your life!

Drama is not the only thing that the movie conveys. It also exhibits a romance, in which I find peculiar. And by peculiar, I mean, nothing like I've ever seen. The way Lily Miska(played by Elle Fanning) seemed so perky and all, and was always trying to get the attention of Dylan, it was, I guess you could say: cute. The story between the two, where Dylan ends up chasing Elle was so savvy. I am noted on what Dylan said on the scene where it is raining and he is outside the window of Lily. Whereas, he ended saying the words "I love you". It was so cute! Never have I seen a fine masterpiece that is able to make me feel this way. Kudos to Cameron Crowe for an amazing movie that is able to touch the hearts of more than a thousand.

I shall soon be watching more movies which may be similar to this one. I await for a movie that causes a great causatum in my life. As for now, I am happy with what I've seen. Having said this, I can say, We Bought A Zoo is an enticing, mesmerizing, amazing, touching and satisfying movie that you just can't resist to miss. Every scene is a precious moment captured you sure don't wanna miss.

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Melodramatic Mythological Mania

Readers, it's been a while since I've blogged. I miss this! Throughout the days where I don't have anything to speak my thoughts out, I was in utter disaster.  But now, I'm back. A while ago, I have planned to talk to you about the problems that High School keeps bringing me- I planned to tell you how bad can High School be... sometimes. But after watching the movie Wrath Of The Titans a while ago, things has changed.

First of all, let me tell you about the movie itself. It is about Perseus saving the world from the wrath of the infamous Greek Titan; KRONOS. Kronos was risen when Zeus( played by Liam Neeson) was captured by Hades, his brother, and Ares, his son. Zeus, and all of the gods became vulnerable to pain, mortality and death ever since the people of Greece have stopped on praying on them anymore- the very act that gives them power. At first, I was astonished to see some of the gods die- turning to ashes then carried off by the wind. My heart sank when I saw one of my favorite gods, Poseidon, die- to be the first one to be deceased among the big three. I know, the Greek Mythology is just a compilation of stories... it's just that, sometimes, I just can't resist on thinking that the deities and the other entities in there are real. Sometimes, I think the gods are real... although I know, there's only one God. And he cannot be replaced.
So, back to the movie, when Zeus was captured, Poseidon told Perseus everything about it. He also told him to look for his son, Agenor, whom he told will help Perseus find 'The Fallen One'. He gives Perseus his trident, the very thing that he used to create the horses in the world... and also earthquakes. When Perseus found Agenor being held as prisoner by the gorgeous, Princess Andromeda, he tells him about his father's death and everything that had happened. So, they set sail for The Fallen One whom Agenor names Hephaestus, the Greek god of metallurgy and fire. They reach his fortress until Ares came in and killed the Forge god- leaving Perseus, Agenor and Queen Andromeda alone on the Labyrinth, which Hephaestus designed himself to keep people from easily going to the deepest part of Tartarus.
Meanwhile, on Tartarus, Zeus apologizes to his dear brother Hades for banishing him in the Underworld. Before Hades could forgive his brother, Ares, blinded with rage and power attacks them all... and that's the part when Perseus, Andromeda and Agenor reached the heart of Tartarus. Even though the three have saved Zeus, it was too late, for Kronos has risen.
When they reach the 'campgrounds' of Andromeda and her troops, Zeus was laid for rest. Afterwards, his brother Hades comes inside on his tent and saves him from the grip of death.
On the other hand, Perseus asks for his brother Ares to duel with him on the place nearest to heaven- Parthenon. They battled to the death until Perseus was able to retrieve the Master Bolt of Zeus. With the Pitchfork of Hades, the Trident of Poseidon and the Master Bolt of Zeus, he was able to recreate the "Spear Of Trium". The weapon that is said, to be used by "The Big Three" to defeat their father, Kronos. Perseus, like any hero, was able to defeat the titan Kronos.
However, in the end, he had to say goodbye to his father Zeus. He used up all his powers on helping Perseus and saving his brother Hades. As for Hades, he lost much of his powers when he saved Zeus from death and when he was helping the mortals on their battle with Kronos.

Now, I know this movie is generally classified as "Action", but, it almost made me in tears. During the whole movie, I was completely mesmerized. Aside from the fact that I'm a complete Greek Mythology fan, the story was awesome.
One of my favorite scenes was when Zeus apologized and forgave his brother Hades on Tartarus. Zeus was very godly and dramatic and all, while Hades was being a young brother who just seeks for his brother's affection. It was very dramatic. It made me want to have an older brother, someone I can all bro and consider as my bestfriend. That scene just goes to prove that no matter how hard brothers fight, in the end, they will always forgive each other... for they love each other.
Another was when Hades saved Zeus from death. He used up most of his powers just to save his brother! It was very touching! No matter how big was the sin of Zeus on Hades- by banishing him on the Underworld- he still forgave him, and in fact, saved him. And the fact that they still managed to joke with each other on that scene, it just showed me how close they were, and they are, to each other. When they set foot to battle the two-headed, six-armed creature- I think they're called Gegenees. I once read about them on the book Heroes Of Olympus: The Lost Hero I think.- I just caught a vision on how much fun it could be hanging out with your brother... having fun and all. I wonder what does it feel to have a brother too.
And of course, on the last part, when Zeus was dying... I felt the pain that Perseus felt. Losing your father on the very last moment, when you're that close to each other... it was just the most painful thing in the world. Although I am not that close to my father too, I still love him... and I don't wanna lose him. I still owe him on my life.

All in all, I can say, Wrath of the Titans is a mesmerizing movie that shows you how much can a father sacrifice and weep for his son. How much he'd rather lose some of his things in life, just to make his son happy. I saw that in the movie. I saw that in Zeus. And now, I wonder, if ever the deities were true, what would it feel like to be a demigod??? Would you be mad at your godly father? I don't know. Moreover, I saw how far can a son go, just to get the attention and affection of his father. As evident on Ares, a son would do anything to make himself his father's apple of the eye.
Truly, a father's love is the greatest pride and honor a son could have.

Time will pass. And I'm sure, the worlds is full of people with creative minds. I will be, and always is, expecting for a movie like this. I hope someday, I will be watching another greek mythology-based movie that is able to exhibit opposite genres such as drama and action and what not. As for now, I am satisfied with this movie. It has left a mark on my heart- about a father's love- and it will remain there as long as reality exists.

I Am Green