This short film, Black Button, has been around for awhile. It's a bit scary, but the message is clear. The young man must make a choice. What choice would you make?
1. What does the man behind the desk have in the briefcase?
2. What must the younger man do to receive the briefcase?
3. What other object does the older man offer?
4. What does this object do?
5. What are three questions the younger man asks before making his decision?
6. Do you like the ending? Why?
7. Is there anything you would give up for a lot of money?
Showing posts with label Movies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Movies. Show all posts
Friday, March 16, 2012
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Toy Story: Andy's Toys
Toy Story 1, 2 and 3 are three popular animation movies. Andy grows up in these movies. He starts as a young boy in Toy Story 1. In the final movie, Andy is getting ready to go to college. Woody and Buzz Lightyear are Andy's favourite toys.
Many children had these toys when they were growing up. Here is a comparison of the old and new Woody and Buzz. Which do you prefer? The old or new Woody? The old or new Buzz?
Many children had these toys when they were growing up. Here is a comparison of the old and new Woody and Buzz. Which do you prefer? The old or new Woody? The old or new Buzz?
Toy Story 1, 2, 3
Did you see all three animation movies? I did and so did my children. My teenage kids grew up on Toy Story. Around fifteen years ago, Toy Story 1 was introduced. In 1995, computer animation was new and exciting. Toy Story 2 came to the theatres in 1999 and the final movie came out in 2010. In the first movie, the main character, Andy, is a young boy and in the last movie, Andy is all grown up and ready to go to college. In real time, the young viewers of the first Toy Story are about college age now.
For many North American children born in the nineties, their childhood memories include Andy's toys. Toy Story 1, 2 and 3 are about the adventures of Andy's toys. In Toy Story 3, the toys are worried because Andy must decide what to do with his childhood toys.
Here is an introduction to Andy's toys. Try this quick quiz on Toy Story.
1. The director, Lee Unkrich, says
For many North American children born in the nineties, their childhood memories include Andy's toys. Toy Story 1, 2 and 3 are about the adventures of Andy's toys. In Toy Story 3, the toys are worried because Andy must decide what to do with his childhood toys.
Here is an introduction to Andy's toys. Try this quick quiz on Toy Story.
1. Woody is a cowboy. True/False
2. Buzz Lightyear is an action figure. True/False
3. Buzz and Woody are Andy's favourite toys. True/False
4. Mr Potato Head is married. True/False
5. Rex is a dinosaur and Ham is a pig. True/False
5. Rex is a dinosaur and Ham is a pig. True/False
6. Woody's girlfriend is the cowgirl called Jessie. True/False
Was this an easy quiz? I hope so because all the sentences are true!
In this video, you see the people behind Toy Story. They talk about making Toy Story and enjoy being back together for Toy Story 3. Like Andy, they too are a lot older. After you watch this, try the listening quiz below.
a) Toy Story is a classic.
b) I love these characters.
c) The actors are old now.
2. The producer, Darla Anderson, says
a) Woody and Buzz Lightyear are a great duo.
b) The characters are beloved.
c) Both of the above.
3. The actor, Tom Hanks, says
a) The story is full of misadventure.
b) Toy Story has humour and love.
c) Playing Buzz has been fun.
4. The actor, Tim Allen, says
a) The actors have become friends.
b) The characters are part of the culture.
c) Hanks doesn't know his lines.
5. Woody, Andy's oldest toy, says
a) Some day Andy will finish college.
b) Some day Andy might return home.
c) Some day Andy might have kids.
Monday, August 1, 2011
At the Movies:E.T.,1982
E.T. is almost thirty years old. Here is an advertisement for when the movie became twenty years old. Steven Speilberg is the director and the young girl in the movie, Drew Barrymore, has become a famous American actress.
Movies are a part of our culture. We talk about the movies we watch and two generations have seen E.T.. I saw the movie and so did my kids. Also, movies show the behaviour of people. For example, you see a family in this movie, a separated mother and her three children. The kids order pizza, and ride bikes. The mother reads a child's story, Peter Pan, to her young daughter before she goes to bed. In this movie, the family enjoy a popular celebration in October called Hallowe'en. Understanding the culture makes learning English easier.
The movie, E.T., won awards for its music, sound and visual effects. The actor, E.T., was a robot which was a big deal back in 1982. It cost 1.5 million to make the robot. It couldn't walk, so a person was used sometimes. They did not want to pay an additional one million to make the robot walk (1) Enjoy the advertisement which is called a movie trailer
Talking about movies. Answer the questions.
1. What kind of movie is E.T? (horror, romance, comedy, sci-fi, action movie)
2. Who is the director?
3. Where does the story take place?
4. What is about?
5. E.T. talks. What does he say in the movie trailer?
6. How does the movie end?
7. What is your favourite English movie?
8. Who is your favourite Canadian or American actor or actress?
9. What kind of movie do you like to watch?
10. How often do you watch movies?
(1) www.fiftiesweb.com
Movies are a part of our culture. We talk about the movies we watch and two generations have seen E.T.. I saw the movie and so did my kids. Also, movies show the behaviour of people. For example, you see a family in this movie, a separated mother and her three children. The kids order pizza, and ride bikes. The mother reads a child's story, Peter Pan, to her young daughter before she goes to bed. In this movie, the family enjoy a popular celebration in October called Hallowe'en. Understanding the culture makes learning English easier.
The movie, E.T., won awards for its music, sound and visual effects. The actor, E.T., was a robot which was a big deal back in 1982. It cost 1.5 million to make the robot. It couldn't walk, so a person was used sometimes. They did not want to pay an additional one million to make the robot walk (1) Enjoy the advertisement which is called a movie trailer
Talking about movies. Answer the questions.
1. What kind of movie is E.T? (horror, romance, comedy, sci-fi, action movie)
2. Who is the director?
3. Where does the story take place?
4. What is about?
5. E.T. talks. What does he say in the movie trailer?
6. How does the movie end?
7. What is your favourite English movie?
8. Who is your favourite Canadian or American actor or actress?
9. What kind of movie do you like to watch?
10. How often do you watch movies?
(1) www.fiftiesweb.com
Sunday, March 7, 2010
The Avatar Director at the Academy Awards
Photo of James Cameron by jurveston, FlickrOkay. So the Academy Awards are for American movies, but a few Canadians make it to the red carpet. For example, James Cameron is the director of the great movie, Avatar.
Did you know Cameron's understanding of avatars come from his love of the underworld? After, Cameron completed the movie, Titanic, he became involved in researching the real Titanic ship. To see around the sunken ship, the Titanic, mechanical movie cameras or avatars were made and they moved around the ship. Cameron felt like he was there exploring the ship even though he was far away. In Avatar, the main character, Jake, has an avatar. His is a ten foot tall blue skinned man who is half human and half alien. This avatar helps Jake explore the planet, Pandora.
If you would like to see more about Avatar, check out an earlier blog called Wanna be Wednesday 1/13/2010
Another Academy Award movie, Star Trek, is part of a post from 2009. The original Captain Kirk was played by a Canadian actor, William Shatner. If you would like to see a short interview with William Shatner and see a preview of the Star Trek movie, take a look at Wanna be Wednesday 6/3.
......and just to end totally off topic. When is Meryl Streep going to win another Academy Award?
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Wanna be Wednesday 1/13/2010
I want to be a native of Pandora. This is the setting of the popular science fiction movie, Avatar, which is written and directed by James Cameron. He won an Oscar for the movie, Titanic. Avatar is best seen in 3D. When you wear the 3D glasses you feel like you are there.
The natives of Pandora love their moon and respect all living things. They have no machines and use powerful creatures to transport themselves. The natives are able to move easily on land and in the air. They move up and down mountains and the tallest trees with ease. They live freely in a forest that they will never leave. They enjoy many stories about their ancestors and live peacefully. Their life has nothing to do with money, but their survival is dependant on understanding nature. They are not the highest creatures on the food chain. There are dangerous animals in the forest, and they must respect them to live safely. Could life really be this pure?
Here is an interview by the actress, Zoe Saldana, who plays the native, Neytiri. Her mother and father are the leaders of the natives called Navi. She describes Neytiri and the culture of the Navi in the movie, Avatar.
Other movie posts, 2009:
Wanna be Wednesday 6/3
Music Monday: Disney Nature "Earth"
The natives of Pandora love their moon and respect all living things. They have no machines and use powerful creatures to transport themselves. The natives are able to move easily on land and in the air. They move up and down mountains and the tallest trees with ease. They live freely in a forest that they will never leave. They enjoy many stories about their ancestors and live peacefully. Their life has nothing to do with money, but their survival is dependant on understanding nature. They are not the highest creatures on the food chain. There are dangerous animals in the forest, and they must respect them to live safely. Could life really be this pure?
Here is an interview by the actress, Zoe Saldana, who plays the native, Neytiri. Her mother and father are the leaders of the natives called Navi. She describes Neytiri and the culture of the Navi in the movie, Avatar.
Other movie posts, 2009:
Wanna be Wednesday 6/3
Music Monday: Disney Nature "Earth"
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Today in History: White Christmas
December 1, 1977, David Bowie and Bing Crosby sang White Christmas together. The Christmas celebrations brought together two famous singers from two generations and two different countries. Bowie is British and Crosby was very American. Also, at the time, the younger Bowie was a popular rock n roll singer and Crosby will always be remembered for his role in the Christmas movie, White Christmas. Many people still buy Bing Crosby's Christmas album and listen to his songs at Christmas.
Last December, I featured another song, Little Drummer Boy. It was sung by David Bowie and Bing Crosby. If you would like to watch it, press here
Last December, I featured another song, Little Drummer Boy. It was sung by David Bowie and Bing Crosby. If you would like to watch it, press here
Monday, July 27, 2009
Validation: A Narration
A narration tells a fictional or factual story. It uses time order. Time words and expressions help develop the story. By using some, but not too many time words, the reader can follow the story easier. In this student generated story, you can see a variety of time words and expressions. Also, like any story, there are three parts, the beginning, middle and end. Be sure, your beginning doesn't tell too much of the story.
Before you read this narration, you might like to view the film, 'Validation'. This story comes from the comments after the film. Press here to view 'Validation'.
A young man, Hugh Newman, worked at a validation booth in a parking lot. People came there for their tickets to be validated. However, once they saw Hugh, no one could stop smiling because he always found good characteristics about everyone. Hugh told them they were great and he made them feel glad. Soon, a security person found that people made a really big line up from the validation booth to the parking lot. Then the security informed the supervisors. Everyone including his boss was happy after they met this young man. They all felt they were appreciated.
Hugh continued to say good words that gave people a positive feeling and made them happy. He thought that the people liked to hear the good words and enjoyed their great smiles. Even some presidents of nations like Bush and Saddam smiled. Also, when he was in trouble with the police officer about his driver's license, his positive words helped him get out of an unpleasant situation.
When Hugh went to have his picture taken for his driver's license, he saw a young beautiful girl called Victoria. She was the photographer. While she was taking his photo, he started to smile. However, she reminded him that no one is allowed to smile in a driver's license photo. Hugh went away sadly and came back the next day to have his picture taken. He tried to make Victoria smile, but she didn't want to do it. He felt upset and she took his photo. She was a very unhappy person and this continued to upset him.
Hugh became so sad that he was unable to make others happy. Then he lost his job at the parking lot. However, he found a new way to make people smile. He was a very good street photographer. He talked to many people and made money taking their photographs. Later, he went to the dentist's office. He saw a driver's license photo with a smiling face. After that, Hugh tried to find Victoria at her job, but it was not easy. Victoria had been fired because she took pictures of smiling people. It was not allowed for documents. He sought her everywhere. Finally, Hugh met Victoria in the passport office.
When Hugh found her, she was taking pictures. Victoria was smiling and people were smiling too! Then he asked her about the change. She explained what happened during her childhood. She told him she was always sad because of her mother. Now, she knew her mother had started to smile because of his kindness. Finally, Hugh and Victoria hugged and kissed. The people who were standing there appreciated them and clapped.
Before you read this narration, you might like to view the film, 'Validation'. This story comes from the comments after the film. Press here to view 'Validation'.
A young man, Hugh Newman, worked at a validation booth in a parking lot. People came there for their tickets to be validated. However, once they saw Hugh, no one could stop smiling because he always found good characteristics about everyone. Hugh told them they were great and he made them feel glad. Soon, a security person found that people made a really big line up from the validation booth to the parking lot. Then the security informed the supervisors. Everyone including his boss was happy after they met this young man. They all felt they were appreciated.
Hugh continued to say good words that gave people a positive feeling and made them happy. He thought that the people liked to hear the good words and enjoyed their great smiles. Even some presidents of nations like Bush and Saddam smiled. Also, when he was in trouble with the police officer about his driver's license, his positive words helped him get out of an unpleasant situation.
When Hugh went to have his picture taken for his driver's license, he saw a young beautiful girl called Victoria. She was the photographer. While she was taking his photo, he started to smile. However, she reminded him that no one is allowed to smile in a driver's license photo. Hugh went away sadly and came back the next day to have his picture taken. He tried to make Victoria smile, but she didn't want to do it. He felt upset and she took his photo. She was a very unhappy person and this continued to upset him.
Hugh became so sad that he was unable to make others happy. Then he lost his job at the parking lot. However, he found a new way to make people smile. He was a very good street photographer. He talked to many people and made money taking their photographs. Later, he went to the dentist's office. He saw a driver's license photo with a smiling face. After that, Hugh tried to find Victoria at her job, but it was not easy. Victoria had been fired because she took pictures of smiling people. It was not allowed for documents. He sought her everywhere. Finally, Hugh met Victoria in the passport office.
When Hugh found her, she was taking pictures. Victoria was smiling and people were smiling too! Then he asked her about the change. She explained what happened during her childhood. She told him she was always sad because of her mother. Now, she knew her mother had started to smile because of his kindness. Finally, Hugh and Victoria hugged and kissed. The people who were standing there appreciated them and clapped.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Film Festivals 4: Validation
' are the newest films in the series.
Before you watch the film, do you know what the word, validation, means? The movie starts off with the main character working in a parking garage. His job was to validate parking tickets. When customers shop, go to a movie or eat in a restaurant near the parking lot, they can get their parking tickets validated. Then the parking is free.
This employee has special qualities that make him very popular. He is a very positive person and helps others feel good as well. However, even the happiest people can stop smiling. What will happen to this young man? All I can say is there is a lot of positive energy in this short film and I hope it brightens your day. Enjoy!
Now tell the story. Press "comments" below this post and help tell the story. Each person should write two or three sentences of the story. The first person will start the story and each person will continue the story. If the story finishes, the next person will start the story again.
Remember, you will continue the story from where the last person stopped. Replay the video if you need help. I look forward to reading the story:)
Before you watch the film, do you know what the word, validation, means? The movie starts off with the main character working in a parking garage. His job was to validate parking tickets. When customers shop, go to a movie or eat in a restaurant near the parking lot, they can get their parking tickets validated. Then the parking is free.
This employee has special qualities that make him very popular. He is a very positive person and helps others feel good as well. However, even the happiest people can stop smiling. What will happen to this young man? All I can say is there is a lot of positive energy in this short film and I hope it brightens your day. Enjoy!
Now tell the story. Press "comments" below this post and help tell the story. Each person should write two or three sentences of the story. The first person will start the story and each person will continue the story. If the story finishes, the next person will start the story again.
Remember, you will continue the story from where the last person stopped. Replay the video if you need help. I look forward to reading the story:)
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Film Festivals 3: Signs Part 2
STOP! Signs Part 2 is the ending of the story.
Here are two alternative endings to Signs. Which ending do you like best?
- Please watch Part one of Signs first. It is below this page or post.
- After you watch part one, you will appreciate the ending of this romantic comedy.
Here are two alternative endings to Signs. Which ending do you like best?
Version 2 (by Saba)
Jason slept. The next day, he got up sad and he went to work like every day. But that day, he was a little late. Just as he arrived at work, the men were taking off a note from the window. The note said, "Out of the office a 10:00 am" and she had drawn a happy face.
Version 3 (by Kiana)
The next day, Jason went to work. He tried to find the girl, but he couldn't get any information. so he got disappointed and felt sad. Finally, one day the girl came to his office and surprised him. They met a couple of times and fell in love.
Related posts:
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Film Festivals 3: Signs
Signs is a romantic comedy directed by Patrick Hughes who is from Australia. It's part of the Shweepes Short Film Festival. It's your typical love story where boy meets girl and falls in love. However, this time its a bit different because they find a fun way to communicate.
Watch part one of Signs. Then go to "comments" and write an ending to the story. What will happen next? Write a few sentences.
To be continued. Part 2 of Signs will be shown tomorrow.
Related posts:
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Wanna be Wednesday 6/3
I want to be the prime minister of Canada. That's what William Shatner, a famous Canadian actor says. Here he talks about being the governor general of Canada who is the representative of the Queen of England, and then the top position in the government, the PM or prime minister.
Our present governor general is Michaelle Jean and the prime minister is Steven Harper. His party, the conservatives are the biggest party in Canada and he is the leader of the conservative party. He leads the country because his party has the most politicians elected to parliament. He has been elected for the second time. In Canada, elections are usually every four years. I didn't vote for Harper and the majority of people in the city of Toronto did not vote for him either. I don't think he cares much about Toronto. Other major parties include the liberals and the NDP.
How did William Shatner become famous?
Television. His biggest claim to fame is the star in a science fiction adventure. He was Captain Kirk of the Starship Enterprise in the T.V. series, Star Trek in the sixties. He has done other series and most recently stars in Boston Legal where he plays a lawyer in his law firm.
Why is Star Trek important?
It started a chain of television programs and movies at the theatre. The latest is an excellent movie called, Star Trek.
Would you like to watch a preview of the movie?
I saw Star Trek and it was really entertaining. This science fiction movie has got a lot of positive reviews. The original character from the sixties television program, Spock, stars in the movie. In the movie trailer or advertisement, you will see two characters with pointed ears, one is the senior Spock and the other is the young Spock character. Spock was second in command and Kirk was the captain of the Starship Enterprise in the original television series. As Spock says, "Live long and prosper."
Our present governor general is Michaelle Jean and the prime minister is Steven Harper. His party, the conservatives are the biggest party in Canada and he is the leader of the conservative party. He leads the country because his party has the most politicians elected to parliament. He has been elected for the second time. In Canada, elections are usually every four years. I didn't vote for Harper and the majority of people in the city of Toronto did not vote for him either. I don't think he cares much about Toronto. Other major parties include the liberals and the NDP.
How did William Shatner become famous?
Television. His biggest claim to fame is the star in a science fiction adventure. He was Captain Kirk of the Starship Enterprise in the T.V. series, Star Trek in the sixties. He has done other series and most recently stars in Boston Legal where he plays a lawyer in his law firm.
Why is Star Trek important?
It started a chain of television programs and movies at the theatre. The latest is an excellent movie called, Star Trek.
Would you like to watch a preview of the movie?
I saw Star Trek and it was really entertaining. This science fiction movie has got a lot of positive reviews. The original character from the sixties television program, Spock, stars in the movie. In the movie trailer or advertisement, you will see two characters with pointed ears, one is the senior Spock and the other is the young Spock character. Spock was second in command and Kirk was the captain of the Starship Enterprise in the original television series. As Spock says, "Live long and prosper."
Monday, April 27, 2009
Music Monday: Disney Nature "Earth"
Tim Allen composed and performed the music in this Disney Nature video.
'Mandy the movie guy' does interviews for movies on T.V. and radio. Mandy moved from the Philippines in 1988. He attended university in America before he started his career. Mandy interviewed the writers/directors of Disney Nature "Earth", Alastair Fothergill and Mark Linfield. They talked about why they chose to make this movie and some of the difficulties in working on this documentary.
Disney Nature "Earth" is in the first week at the movie theatres. "Earth" opened on Earth Day, April 22, 2009. The Disney film is about three mother animals, a polar bear, a hunchback whale and an elephant. Their babies represent the next generation - a generation which will need our protection. I enjoy nature documentaries and I hope to see "Earth" soon.
Related Posts:
Friday, April 24, 2009
Film Festivals 2: A Narration
A narration tells a fictional or factual story. It uses time order. Time words and expressions help develop the story. By using some, but not too many time words, the reader can follow the story easier. In this student generated story, you can see a variety of time words and expressions. Also, like any story, there are three parts, the beginning, middle and end. Be sure, your beginning doesn't tell too much of the story.
The rabbit was running freely in the pasture. It was listening to the birds singing and enjoying the beautiful environment. However, the rabbit didn't realize a calamity was coming! A girl, who had a knife, saw it and chased after it. The rabbit ran very fast to avoid being caught by her. Suddenly, a boy jumped down from a tree and crushed the rabbit.
After that, the boy took the rabbit and went into the house. The girl followed him. When they were inside, the girl cut the rabbit into two pieces while the boy was holding it. The idol was inside the rabbit. The idol had magical powers that could change things to some other things like insects to jewels and cages to pie. He ate jam to get power to make magical things.
When the boy and girl knew the idol could let wasps become jewels, they decided to catch the idol and limit his actions. The girl made a lot of apple jam and put it in a big container. Then they took the container out of the house. The idol followed her outside and ate the apple jam. While he was eating, many wasps and flies were flying around him. The idol made the insects become a lot of jewels, feathers and ink. The boy was happy and took those jewels into their house.
The boy and girl decided to bring all the boxes of ink and feathers to town. They sold them at the store to buy more jam. While they were going to the store, the idol changed things to a crown and a gun at their home. Meanwhile, the rabbit came back to their house and changed into a tiger. It caught the idol. At that time, the children returned home and opened the door.
The children wanted to protect the idol. They took the gun and killed the tiger. After this, the tiger changed into a rabbit. The boy tried to catch the rabbit to kill it, but suddenly a lot of centipedes came out from all the boxes of jewels. The centipedes covered the children. Eventually, the children were not able to defend themselves against the centipedes. Now the rabbit, which had the idol, could regain its freedom and run on the grass.
In conclusion, we should always rely on real things instead of imaginary things. When you achieve something without trying, the probability of losing it quickly is high.
The story teaches us the fact that nothing can be constructed on the basis of a destruction. As it seems, the main figures in this story, the children, were convinced that with little effort they could have much much more. But in the end, they are entrapped in their plan to have unbelievable wealth and power. It also shows that during childhood and adolescence, people tend to think magically and are more interested in accessing big goals with little effort. But in my view, the story was told in an unpleasant style and creates, especially with the disturbing music,a sense of fear and anxious feelings.
To see the first draft of this story go to the comments section of the post, Festival 2. This story was written about the short animation film, "Rabbit". To check out this award winning film by Run Wrake, press here.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Film Festivals 2
"Rabbit" is a short animation film by Run Wrake. "Rabbit" has been shown at film festivals all over the world including Ireland, Portugal, Brazil, Australia and Japan. One of the film's first screenings was at Trafalgar Square in London, England as part of the London Festival. The next summer, in 2006, it was shown on the giant 50 foot open-air-screen in Hyde Park, New York City. "Rabbit " was shown before the main feature film. Run Wrake's film has received many animation and short film awards.
"Rabbit" feels like a 1950's school reader. According to Photoshoppix, Wrake found some old stickers in a junk shop and used them in this film. He started with about 200 stickers and it took him about a year to make this short animation film.
This animation film is not meant for children. While colourful children's illustrations are used, "Rabbit" has a serious tone. The boy and girl in the story have a major flaw and there is a clear moral or lesson for the viewers.
For English language learners, you may like the unusual setting. It's a bit like a picture dictionary. You'll see what I mean by watching it. Rabbit is a strange artistic film.
Now tell the story. Press "comments" below this post and help tell the story. Each person should write two or three sentences of the story. The first person will start the story and each person will continue the story. If the story finishes, the next person will start the story again.
Remember, you will continue the story from where the last person stopped. Replay the video if you need help. I look forward to reading the story:)
"Rabbit" feels like a 1950's school reader. According to Photoshoppix, Wrake found some old stickers in a junk shop and used them in this film. He started with about 200 stickers and it took him about a year to make this short animation film.
This animation film is not meant for children. While colourful children's illustrations are used, "Rabbit" has a serious tone. The boy and girl in the story have a major flaw and there is a clear moral or lesson for the viewers.
For English language learners, you may like the unusual setting. It's a bit like a picture dictionary. You'll see what I mean by watching it. Rabbit is a strange artistic film.
Now tell the story. Press "comments" below this post and help tell the story. Each person should write two or three sentences of the story. The first person will start the story and each person will continue the story. If the story finishes, the next person will start the story again.
Remember, you will continue the story from where the last person stopped. Replay the video if you need help. I look forward to reading the story:)
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Film Festivals
Film festivals are a great way to bring together the work of many creative people. This short film is from the Wyllie O Hagan Saint Patrick's Day Film Festival. "Yu Ming is ainm dom" is one of the short films from March 2008. This year is the third anniversary for the Saint Patrick's Day Short Film Festival. Each year the festival is held on line at You Tube and at the Roxy Cinema in London, England.
"Yu Ming is ainm dom" is a story about a Chinese lad who decides to learn Irish. What do I like about this short film? It makes you stop and think.
You just watched the longer video. This film has two endings. The filmmaker did a shorter version of the film that ended sooner. It finished after the older man told Yu Ming that in Ireland people speak English. The filmmaker speaks Irish and said this about the shorter version, "
Here are two comments about "Yu Ming ainm dom".
It is brilliant! So, does this make you think of your own life? About experiences learning English? About experiences learning a new culture? What advice would you give Yu Ming? Did you learn something from Yu Ming?
Do you like this post? You can press "subscribe" on the right side bar.
"Yu Ming is ainm dom" is a story about a Chinese lad who decides to learn Irish. What do I like about this short film? It makes you stop and think.
You just watched the longer video. This film has two endings. The filmmaker did a shorter version of the film that ended sooner. It finished after the older man told Yu Ming that in Ireland people speak English. The filmmaker speaks Irish and said this about the shorter version, "
This is a [shorter] video I did to make a certain harsh point concerning the language in Ireland. To see the whole video and the comic punch line check out ..."
Here are two comments about "Yu Ming ainm dom".
"I was taught Irish in school from age of 6 and finished learning it at 16 and I still can't speak it. The government fails. It's taught all wrong."
"Brilliant short movie!"
It is brilliant! So, does this make you think of your own life? About experiences learning English? About experiences learning a new culture? What advice would you give Yu Ming? Did you learn something from Yu Ming?
Do you like this post? You can press "subscribe" on the right side bar.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
May your days be merry and bright,
And may all your Christmases be white.
And may all your Christmases be white.
Those words are taken from a traditional Christmas song, White Christmas. Christmas songs and Christmas carols are popular this time of year. Do you know the traditional Christmas carol, Jingle Bells? My favourite is The Christmas Song sung by Nat King Cole because my father loved it and sang it. My son, Nathan,likes to sing Hallelujah which was written by a Canadian singer/ song writer, Leonard Cohen. Another Canadian singer, Katie Lang, sings a current version and has helped to make this older song popular again. According to the Toronto Star, a recent version of Hallelujah hit number one in the British song charts. A popular older version hit number two and Cohen's version made number forty six. Not bad for an old song, but the holidays have people follow tradition and we look to fond memories from our childhood or our children's youth.
So, turn on your radios and get a flavour of the holiday tradition. If you turn on CHFI, 98.1, on Christmas Eve, you will catch Erin Davis's Christmas party. Her daughter and my son will be singing a Christmas carol together. Also, turn on your TV to catch some of those holiday movie classics. Three of my favourites are It's a Wonderful Life from 1946 with the actor, Jimmy Stewart and his angel, and A Christmas Carol with the character, Scrooge, and White Christmas where Bing Crosby sings White Christmas.
Finally, I'd like to leave you with a song sung by an older Bing Crosby and David Bowie. The song is Little Drummer Boy. It sends a message of peace for us all. May you have peace this holiday and find time to spend a moment with someone you love.
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