On Friday, April 17, I went with my best friend Anne-Marie to the University of Miami's Bill Cosford cinema to see a movie we had tried to catch earlier (like last month, I think) on South Beach called "Tokyo!"

According to the Facebook invite, "three of world cinema’s great visionaries: Michel Gondry (of "Be Kind, Rewind" & "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" ), Leos Carax (of "The Lovers on the Bridge" & "POLA X" ) and Bong Joon-ho (of "The Host" ) each direct a segment of this surreal triptych set in the ultra-modern metropolis of Tokyo, Japan." For some, it may just be easier to watch the trailer, which you may officially find here: http://tokyothemovie.com/

The movie was almost two hours long (exactly 107 minutes, according to Wikipedia), which means that each director had about 35 minutes - give or take - to present their stories about Tokyo. The first story is "Interior Design" by Michel Gondry, second is "Merde" by Leos Carax, and third is "Shaking Tokyo" by Bong Joon-ho. I'm not going to attempt to summarize each piece, since this movie is best understood when watched. Just my opinion, ma'am....or sir.

"Interior Design" is a story I like very much because I see myself in the main character, Hiroko. I also thoroughly enjoy the fairytale-like quality of the story as she discovers and accepts her role in her relationships, as well as, the world at large. Very cute, yet profound story with a "happy" ending. The third story, "Shaking Tokyo," is definitely my favorite. I was a big fan of "The Host," and thoroughly enjoy the story-telling and characterization of the piece. What I enjoy most is how the main character is a hikikomori (look here for info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hikikomori#Situation) and provides the audience with a glimpse (albeit fictional) into the mind of one of the most recently discovered and debilitating social phenomenons. Towards the end, "Shaking Tokyo" presents the possibility that a hikikomori-esque withdrawal may become more prevalent in Japanese society, resulting in a very desolate...and disturbing...few minutes of an empty downtown Tokyo. My jaw dropped to the floor at the sight of the famous Shibuya station intersection being completely without pedestrian or automotive traffic. The film doesn't explore the reasons for a rise in hikikomori style behavior, but anyone knowledgeable in Asian or Japanese culture should easily be able to come up with a few theories.

The middle movie, Merde, was not bad, but was the most difficult to understand. It was highly surreal with minimal explanation; I can only suspect that it must be discussing an aspect of the Japanese credo that "the nail that sticks out, gets hammered down." If, after watching the movie, anyone has a better theory, I'd definitely LOVE to hear it.

Overall, excellent movie. Great stories and general exploration of Tokyo and Japanese culture. Definitely worth the $6.00 I paid to watch it at the Bill Cosford cinema.

Oh...the...GOD! Best Friday Ever!

I received a letter Friday (April 17) from the copy editor of the "Japan Studies Review" journal that my Asia Through Film professor, Mr. Ian Cohen, had submitted one of the film analyses I had written for his class for publication and that they have chosen to publish it in their 2010 edition!!! The film analysis they're going to publish is a six page essay that analyzes the color symbolism in the movie "Hero" by Zhang Yimou through the "lens" of Feng Shui.

I am so very excited, since this will be my first published work and it will be an invaluable asset to my writing portfolio. For those of you asking yourselves what the "Japan Studies Review" journal is and why you have never heard of it before, don't worry. According to the UCLA Center for East Asian Studies website, the "Japan Studies Review" is a peer-reviewed journal published by the Institute for Asian Studies and sponsored by the the Southern Japan Seminar at Florida International University (a.k.a. my Alma Mater.)

Although it has been 24 hours since I received the news, it still sort of feels like a dream. What's more, I can't believe that my old professor, Mr. Cohen, still remembered me almost a year after graduation, still had my essay on hand, and had the time and energy to submit it for me to the journal. As I've already told him, I am truly in his debt. Hell, I have half a mind to track him down and hug the nonsense out of him! He is SOOO getting a formal, Japanese-style thank you note this Christmas!

I'll keep updating how the editing process goes from here, so wish me the best everyone!

Alright!

After spending the last (soon to be) five months teaching a remedial reading class in a Miami-Dade County high school, I have FIRMLY come to the decision that I would have to be OUT OF MY MIND to think I'd ever be happy with this job.

In lieu of that decision, I am taking steps to begin a freelance writing career. Ideally, as a contributing fashion writer, initially, as whatever I can find!

I plan to use this blog for three things: (1) getting into the habit of writing every day, (2) showcasing my "topic expertise" and (3) as a possible portfolio for any and all freelance writing gigs. My topics of choice will most likely be fashion, the Occult and Asian culture. I'll also see if I can post a few of my college essays and some Powerpoint presentations to spice things up a little.

So, as the Japanese would say, "I will do my very best, so please take good care of me!"