13th November 2008

Recently I had a chance to watch “The Shawshank Redemption” starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman. This movie is basically about the lives of the prisoners in Shawshank prison. Well interestingly, I do notice one thing about prison movies – they always portray those inmates as nice and good people, usually treated unfairly by the prison guards.

I recently also watched a documentary on an American Prison (I forgot which one) and apparently, the most ruthless and dangerous criminals inhabit that place. I guess everyone knows that prison isn’t what you call a fancy place. You get beaten up just like that if you are in the wrong place, wrong time or just because you’re in the wrong gang. According to the documentary, the inmates all say that it is important to have a gang, so that ur butt is protected. And also, it is important to do whatever the gang leader tells you to, if not you’re dead. So basically, if your gang leader asked you to beat someone up, you have to, even though you risk being caught and then be sentence to a few more years in prison. In prison, you have to get your hands dirty for survival.

Also, there are transparent lines in the fields of the prison. According to the prisoners, each gang has their own areas, and they have to stick to their own areas. If they cross the invisible border, they will get beaten up, and that’s when fights among tribes happen. For example, the basketball court belongs to the African-American, the baseball to the Latinos etc.

Basically when I watch “The Shawshank Redemption”, it does give a similar depiction of what a real prison is like, except that in the documentary, the warden is kind but in the movie, the warden is evil. Well, usually in all prison movies, the warden is the villain. Remember “The Longest Yard” and “The Last Castle”?

But at least justice is served at the end of “The Shawshank Redemption”. Yes, although we all know that in reality, sometimes there is no such thing. People with power and money usually control the weak and the poor. If injustice is really going on in those prison, who knows right? In the movies, yes, the lead actor manages to escape from prison, with a new identity and a luxurious life in some beautiful island. Well, we still watch shows like this to feel better about life, to give ourselves hope. In fact, the most memorable line from the movie is actually the lead character saying to Morgan Freeman “Hope is a good thing.” Believe or not, I really believe that. Even though sometimes, when hopes get to high, you’ll feel a much deeper hurt. But sometimes, when we wish or hope, we might just get what we want. Sometimes I guess, we should never stop believing. Besides I really like these prison movies. It shows us that there’s a thin line between evil and good. You think that the cops are good people? Well they can be as merciful, or even worst that the criminals. People make mistakes and I guess that these movies also remind us to understand these inmates. They too are normal human beings, and sometimes, they deserve a second chance.

I truly admire how smart the lead character is in the movie. I mean, it’s his preserverance and his wisdom and intelligence. That’s what got him out of jail. He might be the mysterious, quiet type, who doesn’t know how to express himself, but deep down is a darn intelligent man. And to think that he was in jail for a crime he did not commit, that’s just so unfair. Sometimes, you watch those crime & justice shows and it really makes you laugh. They create the stories as though justice is served everytime. The characters talked as if they would do their best to find the truth and evidence. I’m so sorry but the truth is, sometimes you just get tortured during investigation and you have to admit it just because you can’t take it. Or worst, you are just freakin’ unlucky and all evidence just happens to point at you. Whatever it is, I just pray that I don’t have to land myself into these situations. I’ve heard stories about lock-up. Cops ain’t friends.

“The Shawshank Redemption” is also about friendship. Let’s just say that, I think that some of the best friends are made with those who had actually gone through hard times with you. And true friends are also those who don’t run away when you are in trouble. I think that I’m lucky enough to have a few of these really good friends. But anyway i really really love the ending. Thank God Morgan Freeman didn’t kill himself like Brooks.

The part which made me cry like hell (excuse me for being such a loser, but I can’t stand watching old people sad) was the part when one inmate, Brooks who was release on parole, committed suicide. He was old and he just ain’t used to the life outside of prison. I guess I can totally understand that. He has to try to fit into society that is new to him, he goes home to a lonely four-walled bedroom, lonely and I think also missing all his friends in prison. Plus it is true when they say, in prison, he is a librarian, but outside, he is really nobody, or worst, perceived as an ex-convict. Even for me, fitting in a new place and being lonely is hard to bear, let alone an old man, like him. I can totally relate to Brooks though I am maybe multiple years younger than him. Let’s just say for me, loneliness is my biggest fear haha.

15th November 2008

I guess I’m certified a boring person or maybe couch-potato is the better word that should be tagged on my forehead. Yesterday, or rather this morning, I went to “Zuok (or Zouk, no idea…see I can’t even spell Zuok *slaps head*) KL” with a bunch of friends to celebrate my friend, Siew Lai’s birthday. This isn’t my first visit to clubs, before this I had been to Maison, so ya…this is my second only la…haha. But of course there was excitement before the party because, come on! I mean, it’s Zouk, it’s like one of the most popular clubs in town lar…at least one I’ve heard of. It should be classier.

The moment I reach the entrance of “Zuok”, the first thing that came to my mind is – “I’m going die of chills tonight man!” It’s so cold and these women are wearing practically ahem…nothing. Strapless tubes, barebacks, lowcut haute, shorts, micromini skirts… you name it. I suddenly have great admiration towards these beautifully gorgeous women surrounding me who can look so hot and sexy despite the cold.

The 2nd thing was that, “please please, I just recovered from fever and cold, so please don’t let the cigarrette smoke get the best of me – I DON’T WANNA BE SICK AGAIN!!!!” You might also wonder why do I have to go in the first place if I’m sick…well that’s because I PAID RM30 beforehand and whatever it is, I have to at least consume something from inside or just smell the contaminated air inside Zuok just to get the RM30 worth of money. But at the end of it, it’s to celebrate Siew Lai since she wanted to go to Zuok. (And also to buy the privilege of being able to say “I’ve been to Zuok KL” haha)

Anywayz when I’m in Zuok, I felt like a little kid who’s out of place. I wouldn’t say that it’s culture shock because I have seen all what it’s like in clubs on TV before, haha, but experiencing it is a different thing. Well, Zuok is definitely a nicer place compared to Maison (I also dunno if I got the spelling of this club right) but basically everything is the same. It’s just that I think Zuok plays better music and there were a lot more hot Eurasians there. But sorry la, I’m true to Chris Richardson. ;P

Jokes aside, I must say you have to be extremely confident and extremely open-minded when you visit these clubs. I mean, you’ll be dancing on the dance floor and people will be all around you, watching. Guys especially are fishing for girls and suddenly they’ll just dance by the girl of their choice and have their hands all over. I actually embarrassed myself when I tried to save a friend from being... erm….the better word maybe is ‘admired’. The guy gave me that freaky look, as if I’m being the obstacle of his delicious ‘meal’. Sorry dude! How would I know? I saw him behind her and I pulled her away just like that. I didn’t know there’s a more not-so-obvious way of saving a friend. But then I ask my friend if she was ok with the guy behind her and she say it was fine so I just glide off la… I don’t wanna be the light AGAIN haha.

At around 2 a.m., I felt the exhaustion creeping over me. Usually 2 a.m. is the peak hour of my life, that is, if I’m in my room or house haha, on the Net or maybe watching movies. In the club, it’s like I can’t wait to head home. Okay lar…some might say I don’t enjoy it because there wasn’t any action going on for me haha…true lar, but then, those are not exactly stuff that you would want going on for you right? Not something you can be proud of, right? Haha… Besides, there were some great actions going on for others which I can watch okay…haha…like how JC and Nic got drunk. It seems so easy for the liquor to defeat them haha… Then there were 2 guys who almost fought in the club, and there were some lovey-dovey couples in the club also. IT’s like going to the movies…but it’s just that the storyline is not as interesting as “Tropic Thunder” haha…

Since I’m from a very conservative family background, it’s really hard for me to suddenly transform myself into such a socially-open culture. I mean all girls love to have guys admiring them, of course, we can’t lie right, but then I don’t think being groped by strangers is a form of admiration, at least not in my dictionary. I don’t know the facts, but I think more than half of those who after visiting the club get laid. Girls get drunk just like that. I see them all around, and next to them – the ‘nice’ guy. It’s so dangerous for them and they don’t know it. But that’s just how I see it, my opinion. Some would love clubs for the music, the freedom to express themselves through dancing, liquor and also opportunities. I love to dance and I love music but I think I’ll save all this within the confinement of my room.

If you ask me, it’s pointless bringing your date to clubs. I think I would be a whole lot better and SWEETER if a couple can talk about music or movies or just about life, somewhere by the beach or under the stars - just somewhere simple and quiet. In clubs, you can’t even talk to one another. This morning, I woke up losing my ‘beautiful’ voice due to excessive but futile screaming in the club trying to communicate with my friends.

2.30 a.m. and I’m starting to think that I’d rather be in a book club. See how desperate I am. The music in our room was “house music”, (if we want good music we have to go to the public room, which is packed and we don’t have seats there) and therefore, it was very boring. Then I start to think, (I think I was crazy then) if Chris Richardson likes clubs (which I’m sure he does), I’m not going to like him anymore haha. All ridiculous stuff just crawls through my head at that moment of desperation to leave.

When the clock strikes 3 a.m., I heard something… “HALLELUYAH!!!! HALLELUYAH!! …I see the lights of hope ….few more minutes left and I’ll be home but my throat hurts like hell. DARN IT! Don’t be SICK, I prayed! 3 a.m. and we still had time for mamak. Sometimes I salute myself for the courage to take my health to the next level. But thank God for the Teh O Panas…it kinda saved my poor throat.

We reached the hostel at 5a.m., half dead. I want to say we had a blast, but even though I can’t say that, I can say that I had an experience. At least now I’ll be able to tell everyone that “MUN YI’S BEEN TO ZUOK!!!” For many years, I’ve been known as the goody-two-shoes and as green as the green green grass of home. Now, officially I’ve been to Zuok. (APPLAUSE!! APPLAUSE)

Next time, maybe you guys can have birthday parties in book clubs instead, so that I can compare. Only kidding haha. But more importantly HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY SIEW LAI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


I mean, whatever it is…maybe clubbing is not that bad, just not for me. Different people have different idea of fun. For me, fun is just chatting and laughing with a bunch of friends, watching some DVDs with a cup of my own made iced-Neslo (yum-mee) and my baby bolster, Stylo, around my arms, blogging (also with my baby bolster, Stylo, around my arms) about my favourite things, music and movies, just loafing in the cinemas (unfortunately can’t bring baby Stylo), watching the latest movies, going for an adventurous outing with a group of good friends or just by hanging out by the beach to some good music in tranquility.

The good news…I woke up this morning…perfectly ok!! Except for the usual sinus, I think I should be good…*touchwood*

So I have energy to write about my favourite things in life! MOVIES!!!
I’ve watched like a few movies these few days but so little time to write about them. Don’t ask me about the progress of my thesis because it is not in progress, that’s why I have time for movies still. Sigh. I know…I’m sorry for being lazy but i still can’t do anything about it. But this is important. The most recent one that I love most is “Kite Runner”.

“Kite Runner” is a movie set in Kabul, Afghanistan and also parts of it, in America. SO the film is in 2 languages. The movie opens in San Fransisco, California, with kites in the skies. Then we see our lead, Amir, finding a box in front of his apartment. Inside the box is his masterpiece – his stories; his book. Then Amir receives a phone call from Rahim Khan.

The film suddenly enters a flashback…with kites again in the sky. We see a few kids playing with the kites. The flashbacks were about Amir as a young boy, with his best friend Hassan. Hassan was Amir’s family servant’s son, and also his best friend. However, they have different status. Nonetheless, Amir’s father loves Hassan and Hassan’s father, Ali, a lot. In fact even more than Amir because he felt that Amir was too timid. Amir is therefore educated and loves to write stories, which to his father, is a total waste of time. The only one who enjoys his story and supports him was his father’s best friend, Rahim Khan. (The caller at the beginning of the film) Also, he always reads his stories to Hassan. That’s what they both enjoy doing together.

This is one film in which you really dislike the lead actor. Amir is really a character that I dislike, for his cowardice. Hassan on the other hand, is what a call a man’s man. Hassan stood up for Amir every single time and he would do whatever it is for Amir. Amir on the other hand…was too afraid to stand up for anything, or anyone. He usually just runs away when he sees trouble.

So, apparently kite competitions were very popular in Afghanistan. They have this competition in which you fly ur kites in the sky and you cut down as many kites as you can and if you are the last kite standing, you win. Hassan was the best kite runner and together, he helped Amir won the competition. After you cut the last kite in the sky…usually your friend would run and catch the falling kite and then pass it to the kite runner as souvenir I guess.

Hassan, after getting the kite, was blocked by the village big bully and the bully ordered Hassan to give him the kite. Hassan was beaten up and also sodomised for not handing over the kite to them. Amir, who saw everything just stood there and watch. And said nothing! His friend was attacked and he just watched there….and even ran away. I mean, at least go get some help! Hassan always stood up for him when the bully tried to hurt Amir but this Amir did not do the same for his friend. After that incident, Amir didn’t mention anything to his father, and neither did Hassan. Hassan just became quieter and though Amir knew the reason and truth, Amir told no one about it. In fact, he wanted to get rid of Hassan. He tried many ways to kicked Hassan out of his house. He accused Hassan of stealing his watch. And because Hassan knew that Amir wanted him out, he admitted. Though Amir’s father forgave Hassan and asked them to stay, Hassan’s father, Ali said they are embarrassed to stay. From that day on, Amir never saw his friend again.

Then suddenly Afghanistan was at war and Amir’s father took Amir and both of them fled to America. 20 years passed, and then we see a grown-up Amir. He then got married and then his dad passed away. The story then continues from where the flashback began – when Amir was on the phone with Rahim Khan.

Rahim Khan then told Amir about the death of Hassan and his wife (because they refuse to listen to the militant’s order) and how he had a son, who is now in Kabul, Afghanistan. Rahim also told Amir a secret about Hassan. Let’s keep the secret a secret. Maybe you should watch the movie to find out. Amir was at first, AGAIN, afraid to go to Afghanistan because of the Talibans. But after he read a touching letter written by Hassan to him (Hassan had learnt how to write for him)…he changed his mind. And for the first time, you see a little courage from this Amir. At least he went all out for his best friend’s boy this time.

In the end he managed to bring the boy to America, and give him a good life.

The most touching part in the movie is definitely when Hassan told Amir, “Do you want me to run the kite for you? For you, a thousand times over…” and at the end of the movie…which once again tear me up….when it was Amir’s who told Hassan’s son…”Do you want me to run the kite for you? For you, a thousand times over…”

If you ask me…the “Kite Runner” isn’t about Amir…it’s about Hassan. It’s about a friend who stood up for another friend. It’s about bravery and integrity. Hassan is the character that carries the movie forward. His character develops Amir’s character and inspires us. I might be critical of Amir, but I mean, maybe I’m as timid as Amir, who knows? When face with war and inhuman militants, how many of us would actually dare to stand in front of a gun just to stand up for righteousness? I think most of us would prefer to save our butts haha. But whatever it is, I know one thing, if my best friend were beaten up or bullied, I won’t just sit there and watch okay. Even if I can’t fight the bullies myself, I’ll get help. The film also gives us an insight of the Muslim culture in Afghanistan and the Taliban laws, which can be ridiculous.

Anyway, “Kite Runner” is of course based on a very popular novel, of the same title. I’ve heard of the book before and I know it is a great book. Then I found out about the movie and I know it’s a must watch. I haven’t managed to get hold of the book but Thank God my friend Sze Too has the film. IT’s a fantastic movie. One I shall never forget. Now, I’ll try to find the book in the library. I’m sure it’s gonna be even better.

So, my 3 movie recommendations for now – “The Shawshank Redemption”, “Kite Runner” and “Tropic Thunder” (It’s hillarious).

Since I’m talking about my favourite things this week…haha…I actually wrote a list of my favourite things:

(In no particular order)
1. My Bed & my home
2. Chris Richardson
3. My Music
4. My movies
5. My Bolster
6. My laptop
7. My Friends
8. My Family
9. KL View
10. The Beach
11. The Stars
12. The Television

We’ll see what I can talk about next time. But definitely not football la…my sis was watching football just now…Arsenal vs. Aston Villa and Arsenal lost 2-0. That should explain my sis’s mood but what’s more important is there’s a new hottie in the club. My sis told me his name is Aaron Ramsey… Sorry la but sometimes I just watch a few minutes of football to check some of those hot people play. I know typically useless b***h haha. Anywayz til next time ya.
Take care……..

~Love ~

tammy