Random Thought

Life In Balance.
I have been having thoughts about passion and desire and let me share with you what I know to be true from the Lao-Tzu (the writer of the Tao Te Ching)

Fill your bowl to the brim and it will spill.
Keep sharpening your knife and it will blunt.
Chase after money and security and your heart will never unclench

In dwelling, live close to the ground.
In thinking, keep to the simple.
In conflict, be fair and generous.
In governing, don't try to control.
In work, do what you enjoy.
In family life, be completely present

Once

Every once in a while you see a good movie. Yet, let me ask you a question: "how many times have you walked out of a theatre believing you had just seen the finest piece of art on screen?" Yes, I know it doesn't happen very often, but it did to me.

Once is a beautifully written and directed story of two very gifted and candid musicians who unexpectedly meet and fall in love. Subsequently, we become witness to the process they go through as they write and record music together that reflects on their hurtful past relationships and new-found love for each other. Coined a modern day musical, it is a testament to love, beauty and art. But hold on men! Don’t run away because this is by no means a sappy, romance. Indeed, Hollywood could take a few lessons from Once writer and director John Carney on portraying real, complex, and mature characters.

Though the story is somewhat predictable, the filming of the unique life events and struggles surrounding these two musicians seem totally unrehearsed - as though the audience experiences everything at the same time as the characters. Filmed in a style that feels like Polaroid snapshots, the movie’s camera work and angles pull the audience in and captivate.

However, the real brilliance of this movie begins with the opening of the movie, as a heartfelt and honest song is played out on guitar by Glen Hansard. I will avoid going too much into the musical aspects because words won’t do any justice. If for no other reason you watch this film, go for the music. The soundtrack is inspiring, refreshing and heartening.

Interestingly, I also came away with some valuable life lessons on passion, dedication and responsibility, which added more layers to this apparently simple story. What all of this means is if you are like me, you will be skipping out of this movie yelling "Thank God people out there still know how to make a movie!" Amen.

Sting is Magic

Every little thing Sting does is magic. I say this after watching the Police reunion tour concert on Wednesday night at GM place. I am not a die hard Police fan, but at age 11, I listened to their tape cassettes in my brother's bedroom just before going to bed. Back then, I didn't understand what the lyrics meant, though I bopped my head to the rock ballad of "Every Breath you Take" as well as the reggae sound in "Roxsanne." At Wednesday's concert, I revisted the memory bank of all my first times and happy endeavours, all the while waiting for them to play "Don't Stand So Close to Me" and of course "De do do do, de da da da"

But what I realized from this concert was that the Police are still very talented musicians and take themselves quite seriously. I was blown away by their attempt to bring even more life to the old classics such as "So lonely" and "King of Pain." With the personality of Stewart Copeland's percussion interludes as well as adding soul and funk to Andy Summer's guitar rifts, and playing up the chorus to the point where the audience was singing along, it seemed as though the infamous band and I were sitting alone in the same room.

Thankfully, there was a huge movie screen hanging from the top of the stage - meaning that every nook and cranny of Sting's face fell under scrutiny. His eyes twinkled, his smile communicated a calm, self-respecting manner and he had by no means any problem belting out those long high notes. It was a very personal concert for many and I wasn't surprised when I heard someone behind me crying alongside other members in the crowd to the song "Wrapped Around your Finger." (For me it had to have been the best song of the entire concert.) I don't know if it was the lights, the smoke from the smog machine or the way Sting looked out at the audience swaying in sync, but I probably could have cried too. For me, it was not simply a night of musical appreciation but one of nostalgia and sheer celebration of a good old-fashioned rock band. At the risk of sounding like my parents I must say: "They sure don't make them like they used to!"