It's May, 2nd in Jakarta! Europe On Screen will screen its opening film, Philomena, tonight.
What's so special about this filmfest for book lovers? Ok, they got 9 titles of films which are based on novels. Try to watch some or even all of them during these ten days to May, 11th.
Let's start with Philomena! Directed by Michael Frears, Judi Dench and Steven Coogan play the mother in search for the long lost son who is taken away from her and the journalist that wrote the story but also helps her searching as well. The film was nominated for 4 Oscar categories and won Best Adapted Screenplay at BAFTA Film Awards 2014. What's even more special about this film? It makes the world see differently about adoption and motherhood. As told in The Guardian, the real Philomena's daughter, Jane, initiated the Philomena Project that 'hopes to make it easier for families to be reunited by forcing institutions to open up adoption records' together with Adoption Rights Alliance (source).
Searching a missing son led Martin Sixsmith to discover the interesting yet tragic truth. As an atheist political journalist, the life of religious Catholic Philomena opens up another angle of forgiving and accepting reality. Along the way, Philomena gains a different POV for her belief. But at the end, living as the way they are makes the whole story even more beautiful.
Yannis is traumatised by his mother's death and has some kind of difficulties to be with his father. Living in Greek island, he meets Nicostratos, an adorable pelican, and befriends with him. On the other hand, a girl comes up in his life and leads him to move on through the summer.
I'm calling animal lovers to watch this film. It's French family-themed novel written by Eric Boisset adapted to big screen. Mostly we read or watch about dogs who do so much to us humans, now, it's aves---a pelican. Interesting.
Young girl Clara lives in a mountain farm in Swiss Alps. One day, she finds an ancient shoe that brings her a connection to Suzanna, a girl who had lived there too. Suzanna's father caught a baby bear and caused a cursed upon the farm casted by the mother bear. As Clara is the only one who has the sense, then she's the only that can erase it.
A Swiss film based on a book entitled Het Vervloekte Huis by Dutch children's book author, Marian Van Der Heiden. The film is German language, but English subtitle is available. Good acting skills by cute bears is quite the attraction, I guess. So, animal lovers...do watch this one too! The films got 6.6/10 ratings from 71 votes on IMDB, just give it a try.
Ok, I would write in brief about this one, because, of course, you would probably know about this children classic novel. It was written by the legendary Mark Twain. But, film about the Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn's adventure has been adapted in films since 1938. One film was made into musical and both of the previous films were American-made. This Tom Sawyer was released in 2011 by German filmmakers. Well, discover the difference.
Cassandra Clare's The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones as you know it. Haven't watched it a few months ago? Go now! Good news is... it's screening Open Air!
The novel was firstly published in 1990 and now we're about to watch in film adaptions. Thor Heyerdahl, the writer, built a raft and named it Kon-Tiki. Along with some other men, they traveled from Peru to Polynesia. Yes, with only a raft made from wood. Storm, sharks and all threats you may always find if you travel through the ocean are coming your way. This can be an exciting story to watch in big screen, I guess.
French novel La Douceur Assassine initiated the story! Different title and the fictional main character of Francoise Dorner created is changed to American one from French original. Rather than a just a romantic drama, this film feels more like a family one. Even so, The Hollywood Reporter wrote, "The screenplay, written by the director, is very observant here and neatly (if occasionally barely) devoid of cliches" (source). What's good about this film though? Beautiful scenery of the cities where the characters go, guess you might like it.
When his wife committed suicide, Matthew Morgan finds himself in terrible sadness. But his encounter with Pauline changes everything, helping him in growing old and accepting the past. Then...the retired old man in love with younger woman, yet somehow the film is about to bring you another side to look up.
For you guys who are Team Jacobs, or maybe hating Twilight. Alfie, the Little Werewolf can be a little funny distraction. 7-year-old Alfie turns to be a little white wolf. He's trying to hide it from his parents, afraid if they cannot accept the reality change. Hiding identity and wolfy habit controlling struggle create an adorable children story which is enjoyable for everyone. Including you, who hate Jacob Black.
The film is spoken in Dutch, of course, and is based on Dutch novel by Paul Van Loon. It is actually series of children books, Dolfje Weerwolfje. And, the English subtitle is always there.
Who's interested in getting easy money? Put your hands up! This is how you'll know how. Three main characters share one same objective in having luxuries in their lives. Separated plot tells about JW who is in the search of his sister but end up in an organized crime world; Jorge meets his someone in the past while he's trying to do his biggest criminal plan; and Natalie, a mafia daughter, to rule her father's 'legacy'.
The film Easy Money: Life Deluxe is the third and the last part of Stockholm Noir trilogy. It is based on a novel by Swedish author, Jens Lapidus, and fourth best-seller novel in Sweden. The first novel filmed was also screened at Europe On Screen 2013, but if you haven't watched or read any of this series, the Swedish Book Review convinced us not to worry as "it is not necessary to have read the other two before this one, as the plot and the characters are easy to follow and engaging enough" (source).
What's so special about this filmfest for book lovers? Ok, they got 9 titles of films which are based on novels. Try to watch some or even all of them during these ten days to May, 11th.
1.
Let's start with Philomena! Directed by Michael Frears, Judi Dench and Steven Coogan play the mother in search for the long lost son who is taken away from her and the journalist that wrote the story but also helps her searching as well. The film was nominated for 4 Oscar categories and won Best Adapted Screenplay at BAFTA Film Awards 2014. What's even more special about this film? It makes the world see differently about adoption and motherhood. As told in The Guardian, the real Philomena's daughter, Jane, initiated the Philomena Project that 'hopes to make it easier for families to be reunited by forcing institutions to open up adoption records' together with Adoption Rights Alliance (source).Searching a missing son led Martin Sixsmith to discover the interesting yet tragic truth. As an atheist political journalist, the life of religious Catholic Philomena opens up another angle of forgiving and accepting reality. Along the way, Philomena gains a different POV for her belief. But at the end, living as the way they are makes the whole story even more beautiful.
2.
Yannis is traumatised by his mother's death and has some kind of difficulties to be with his father. Living in Greek island, he meets Nicostratos, an adorable pelican, and befriends with him. On the other hand, a girl comes up in his life and leads him to move on through the summer.I'm calling animal lovers to watch this film. It's French family-themed novel written by Eric Boisset adapted to big screen. Mostly we read or watch about dogs who do so much to us humans, now, it's aves---a pelican. Interesting.
3.
Young girl Clara lives in a mountain farm in Swiss Alps. One day, she finds an ancient shoe that brings her a connection to Suzanna, a girl who had lived there too. Suzanna's father caught a baby bear and caused a cursed upon the farm casted by the mother bear. As Clara is the only one who has the sense, then she's the only that can erase it.A Swiss film based on a book entitled Het Vervloekte Huis by Dutch children's book author, Marian Van Der Heiden. The film is German language, but English subtitle is available. Good acting skills by cute bears is quite the attraction, I guess. So, animal lovers...do watch this one too! The films got 6.6/10 ratings from 71 votes on IMDB, just give it a try.
4.
Ok, I would write in brief about this one, because, of course, you would probably know about this children classic novel. It was written by the legendary Mark Twain. But, film about the Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn's adventure has been adapted in films since 1938. One film was made into musical and both of the previous films were American-made. This Tom Sawyer was released in 2011 by German filmmakers. Well, discover the difference.
5.
6.
The novel was firstly published in 1990 and now we're about to watch in film adaptions. Thor Heyerdahl, the writer, built a raft and named it Kon-Tiki. Along with some other men, they traveled from Peru to Polynesia. Yes, with only a raft made from wood. Storm, sharks and all threats you may always find if you travel through the ocean are coming your way. This can be an exciting story to watch in big screen, I guess.
7.
When his wife committed suicide, Matthew Morgan finds himself in terrible sadness. But his encounter with Pauline changes everything, helping him in growing old and accepting the past. Then...the retired old man in love with younger woman, yet somehow the film is about to bring you another side to look up.
8.
The film is spoken in Dutch, of course, and is based on Dutch novel by Paul Van Loon. It is actually series of children books, Dolfje Weerwolfje. And, the English subtitle is always there.
9.
The film Easy Money: Life Deluxe is the third and the last part of Stockholm Noir trilogy. It is based on a novel by Swedish author, Jens Lapidus, and fourth best-seller novel in Sweden. The first novel filmed was also screened at Europe On Screen 2013, but if you haven't watched or read any of this series, the Swedish Book Review convinced us not to worry as "it is not necessary to have read the other two before this one, as the plot and the characters are easy to follow and engaging enough" (source).
Nice artwork, isn't it? Sadly, I don't know to whom I should thank for this perfect interpretation.
By the way, Happy May Day!
Created since hundred years ago, produced many times in various versions and in lots of formats, but still...the story never loses its audience...its beauty...its appeal. This one might be the most interesting and distinguished version of Snow White fairy tale I've ever seen. Blancanieves or Snow White in Spanish, will be available to watch at Europe On Screen 2014*.
Grimm Brothers' version of Snow White might be a little bit dark, but Disney (through their story books or film) has made it much colorful. In 2012, Pablo Berger brought delight in another version of his and mixed up both sides. Pictured in black and white (and yes, it's a silent movie), Blancanieves is a must-watch.
One day in 20s or 30s era in Spain, Antonio Villalta performed his usual show, bullfighting. Sadly, the unfortunate day injured him and it was also when he lost his beloved wife, Carmen de Triana. Yet, his daughter Carmencita was born on the same day, too.
Deep sadness of terrible lost estranged himself from his baby 'Snow White'. Plus, a seemed-to-be calm and caring nurse, Encarna, stood up to stay by his side and cared for him... and then married to him. The tragedy let Carmencita lived with her grandmother without any father figure existed. When finally she was sent to his father's house, Carmencita started to figure out what actually had happened.
The point of the story isn't changed though. Poor little girl who lost her parents and struggle under an evil step-mother's control, later joined a group of traveling dwarves. Well this time, they got 6 of them, instead of 7. Only we won't see any singing or crying in despair scenes, prince charming or talking magic mirror. I won't spoil the whole thing, but there's always the iconic poisonous apple and many unexpected twists. One strong difference I can say is... strength in main female character.
In story book just like The Candlewick version, femininity depicted through Snow White character as soft and kind-hearted woman which make her deemed weak in a way. What saved her then was the cheesy true love kiss and stuff. Compared to Blancanieves, this film brought up bigger picture of femininity. Not just because you're going to see a female bullfighter which was something uncommon at the time (maybe until today), but it's more likely to be seeing how reality might work---and that won't cause you dream too much on something good to come with doing almost nothing. Like Rumplestiltskin in Once Upon A Time TV Show always says that even 'magic comes with a price'.
There she goes, just like in other Snow White scenes, growing up Carmencita or Snow White initiated her freedom by escaping from sort-of the 'huntsman' guy. She kept on surviving with the help of the six dwarves, certainly. My suggestion: It'd be better if you don't miss to see the sassy dwarf, the sweet and infatuated one...and the grumpy too. But no one knew where curveball might take her life path and what could save her life in the end.
Personally I found it quite interesting that this Snow White didn't see any gender burden coming once she stepped on bullfighting arena. Within almost the same background story with strong Spanish touch, this version is a poetic stereotype breaker---showing beauty in bold personality, a dichotomous point most people will argue about. On the other hand, I like the way those characters developed: tortured and enslaved young Carmencita moving on by unspoken forgiveness and mad-then-bored Encarna.
Through silence, we're reminded if Snow White stories we've been reading since kids will remain in fairy tales. Blancanieves has 'talked' so much, including how everything comes more logical apart from the happy ending ones that stuck in our heads for so long...and beautifully pictured the ironic depiction on actual women's struggle not to remain an object. World has changes, so has fairy tale Snow White---Grimm's version to Berger's. For those who has been poisoned by the old version, try this touchy-yet-funny one as your antidote.
*Blancanieves at Europe On Screen 2014
May 6th - 19.30 - Instituto Italiano di Cultura
May 8th - 17.00 - Goethe Haus
There are also other films you can watch for free from May 2nd to 11th 2014 and will be screening in 9 cities, Jakarta, Bandung, Aceh, Bali, Makassar, Medan, Padang, Surabaya and Jogjakarta. Some of the films are based on novels. Will write about it soon.
Title: The Candlewick of Fairy Tales
Author: Sarah Hayes
Illustrator: P. J. Lynch
Pages: 94
Publisher: Candlewick
Rate: 3.5
Grimm Brothers' version of Snow White might be a little bit dark, but Disney (through their story books or film) has made it much colorful. In 2012, Pablo Berger brought delight in another version of his and mixed up both sides. Pictured in black and white (and yes, it's a silent movie), Blancanieves is a must-watch.
 |
| The Candlewick Book of Fairy Tales by Hayes & Lynch - Pg.17 |
Deep sadness of terrible lost estranged himself from his baby 'Snow White'. Plus, a seemed-to-be calm and caring nurse, Encarna, stood up to stay by his side and cared for him... and then married to him. The tragedy let Carmencita lived with her grandmother without any father figure existed. When finally she was sent to his father's house, Carmencita started to figure out what actually had happened.
The point of the story isn't changed though. Poor little girl who lost her parents and struggle under an evil step-mother's control, later joined a group of traveling dwarves. Well this time, they got 6 of them, instead of 7. Only we won't see any singing or crying in despair scenes, prince charming or talking magic mirror. I won't spoil the whole thing, but there's always the iconic poisonous apple and many unexpected twists. One strong difference I can say is... strength in main female character.
In story book just like The Candlewick version, femininity depicted through Snow White character as soft and kind-hearted woman which make her deemed weak in a way. What saved her then was the cheesy true love kiss and stuff. Compared to Blancanieves, this film brought up bigger picture of femininity. Not just because you're going to see a female bullfighter which was something uncommon at the time (maybe until today), but it's more likely to be seeing how reality might work---and that won't cause you dream too much on something good to come with doing almost nothing. Like Rumplestiltskin in Once Upon A Time TV Show always says that even 'magic comes with a price'.
There she goes, just like in other Snow White scenes, growing up Carmencita or Snow White initiated her freedom by escaping from sort-of the 'huntsman' guy. She kept on surviving with the help of the six dwarves, certainly. My suggestion: It'd be better if you don't miss to see the sassy dwarf, the sweet and infatuated one...and the grumpy too. But no one knew where curveball might take her life path and what could save her life in the end.
 |
| Macarena Garcia as Carmen in Blancanieves |
Through silence, we're reminded if Snow White stories we've been reading since kids will remain in fairy tales. Blancanieves has 'talked' so much, including how everything comes more logical apart from the happy ending ones that stuck in our heads for so long...and beautifully pictured the ironic depiction on actual women's struggle not to remain an object. World has changes, so has fairy tale Snow White---Grimm's version to Berger's. For those who has been poisoned by the old version, try this touchy-yet-funny one as your antidote.
*Blancanieves at Europe On Screen 2014
May 6th - 19.30 - Instituto Italiano di Cultura
May 8th - 17.00 - Goethe Haus
There are also other films you can watch for free from May 2nd to 11th 2014 and will be screening in 9 cities, Jakarta, Bandung, Aceh, Bali, Makassar, Medan, Padang, Surabaya and Jogjakarta. Some of the films are based on novels. Will write about it soon.
Title: The Candlewick of Fairy Tales
Author: Sarah Hayes
Illustrator: P. J. Lynch
Pages: 94
Publisher: Candlewick
Rate: 3.5
