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Sunday, March 25, 2012

The Living Bride Returns - Story continues

This is my writing process. I start out with notes and then I illustrate the characters and create thumbnail drawings of the scenes. That one sitting on the side is from the first chapter / scene I wrote. I am about to start up again. Laying it out makes it easier for me to see it. After I finish the story, I should have illustrations that can be translated in the style of Chinese illustrations. One could only hope.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Madam White Snake Movie Retrospective


When I start watching something, I can get real fixated. It happened when I finished watching the old 1962 Madam White Snake movie starring the memorable Linda Lin Dai.

I had put it off for some time. Near the climax of the picture, I realized that it had a more things in common with the 1956 Japan produced The Legend of the White Serpent, than Shaw Brothers Studio.

The latter movie was co-produced with Japan's Toho Company. It starred actress Li Xianglan / Shirley Yamaguchi whose work I have been following in recent years.

Even though these movies were made 6 years apart, I understand why the quality was similar. The 1962 movie included the same footage of the flooding of the Jinshan Temple. The scene comprised of miniature effects married with the live action of both films. It was enough for me to screen the 1956 movie as well.

Aside obvious differences with the two films aside from language, both remained faithful to the original tale. Based on the legendary story of the enchanted white serpent's love for a mortal man, both depict a struggle for happiness. They would only find it after death.

Unfortunately, it will be quite difficult to find these movies on DVD. I really do need subtitles to enjoy the experience.

In my search today, I came across an interesting rendition of the Japanese movie theme performed on a theramine.

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Toronto Comicon 2012

My legs had not ached so much since last summer, for Fan Expo. This weekend seemed like a shock to my system, because I've been such a couch potato lately. The allure of Star Trek was just too big. For this I was willing to stand in a long line both days. There may be two more conventions to go to. I realized it was going to get costly, as the year progresses, so I only got one autograph.

Highlights:
I saw him in the line waiting to pick up my ticket. I saw him walking around the dealers' room and interacting with a Dalek and Batman. I even spoke to him. That him was a very good impersonation of Kermit the Frog.

I found out that Polaris TCON in July was going to have Wil Wheaton and other Star Trek stars for the upcoming 25th year anniversary celebration for Star Trek The Next Generation. Now, I have to start planning a day trip.

All of this I happened before my first celebrity Q&A. I made a point not to stay later than 4pm. I regret having to miss out on some of these talks.

It was a real treat to see Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca) act out the chess scene from A New Hope. The best story was the one John DeLancie (Q) told. He shared with the audience how he chose to be an actor. You would not have guessed that the man had dyslexia.

While it was handy to have a video recorder, it's not the same as a real digital camera. I made do with what I had and made a slide show video for all of you to enjoy.

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Hong Kong Remakes: Some Like It Hot


With Some Like It Hot featured tonight, on TCM, it's a reminded me of all the Hong Kong remakes I grew up with. As you will know, I am particularly nostalgic for these movies.

The film is called Happy Ding Dong (1986) and stars Michael Hui Kun Man.

I thought it would be too obscure for the search engine, but I was able to find the trailer and a review for this. I remember seeing this before Some Like It Hot. Watching a clip today, I still find it funny. Michael Hui has a deadpan humour unmatched by anyone else.

I first caught this movie on TV years ago, however I am not sure if the DVD is still available for sale online. If you wish to find this movie, I suggest you go to the local Chinese video store in your area. They might be able to order the title for you.

Links:

IMDB

Hong Kong Cinemagic

Trailer on Youtube

Far East Films Review

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My aspiration is to be better at telling stories. I only need a pencil and paper.