Part 2: Paikea and Mulan

We all need role models nowadays. Boys have a plethora Marvel and DC comics heroes. What about girls? Wonder Woman is not enough for the girls. Well... let's give a tremendous applause to Disney and Niki Caro! Thanks to these amazing individuals, girls NOW have excellent role models (heroines) that seem more realistic than boy's heroes. Who are our heroines? There are multiple! Imperator Furiosa, Rey, Jyn Erso, Katniss Everdeen, Malala Yousafzai, Emma Watson, and more incredible women (fictitious and real). I have an extensive list of feminist characters, but I am going to talk about two female characters that resemble. Who are these heroines? Ladies and gentlemen (specially the ladies), meet Mulan and Paikea!

Mmmm... Interesting... Why Mulan and Paikea are similar? First, let's point out the obvious elements:

• They are girls! (it is pretty obvious)
• Their ages are pretty close (Mulan is a teenager and Paikea is prepubescent)
• They are non-Caucasian characters
• The tomboyish style
• Patriarchy is part of their cultures
• They are progressive within a traditional society

These are just a few similarities between these two ladies, but they are extremely important for an analysis. Yes, they are girls, but what does gender mean to their societies. First of all, gender dictates the advantages and disadvantages of a person. For example:

If Mulan was a boy, there wouldn't be a movie (technically, it would be a different movie). What Mulan did was the bravest action ever! She knew the risks of war and men, but her love to her father was greater than her fear. Let's remember that it's still a Disney movie, so expect a some fantasy. With Paikea is different. She was born a girl. Well, there is nothing wrong with that, right? Oh... I forgot to mention that this baby will be the chief of the Maori clan. Again, there is nothing wrong with that. Unless, this baby is supposed to be a boy. Boy are stronger than girls. Even intelligent, according to some men. Poor Paikea, we are on her side. Like Mulan, her gender was the biggest obstacle to overcome. 

Also, these two women are proud of their own culture. Mulan saved China! Paikea learned the Maoiri traditions! They had the option to turn their backs to their countries. For example:

Mulan could have not intervene, and let her father dies. No, she isn't like that. She is brave, compassionate, and perseverant. Same with Paikea. She could have just follow the female traditions, you know. Just give up, Paikea, you are a woman after all (her grandfather was an obstacle too). Why did they sacrifice their comfortable life style as traditional women? If you think about it, Mulan could have married a noble man and have a secure life (isn't this what women are supposed to do?) Paikea could have chose to be a common girl. Why didn't they do that? Because they are visionaries, they are ahead of these traditional and patriarchal cultures. They want to do something remarkable, meaningful in their lives. Another reason why these amazing women are similar is their ethnicity (non-white characters... Finally!) Mulan is Chinese and Paikea is Maori. Two different cultures that share the same obstacles: patriarchy and traditionalism. 

Both characters have a tomboyish look, not very feminine. Paikea wears plain shirts with a skirt. That symbolizes the gender idenity issue that she is going through (most of us went through that). With Mulan, it is the same. She wear the armor, because she doesn't have a choice, but when she is seen as "Mulan," she doesn't wear any make up and her dress is not colorful (there is nothing wrong with that). Mulan, like Paikea, is facing gender identity too! 

So there you have it! Two female characters that rebel to their traditionalist cultures who happen to be patriarchal too. Although, Mulan and Paikea are from different countries and cultures, they showed me that these issues such as patriarchy and gender identity are universal. These feminist characters taught me that gender is not an obstacle, it is tool to make a remarkable change. Just think about Joan of Arc! Mulan and Paikea will always be in my heart. Thanks, ladies.

Feature Blogger Question (El Laberinto del Fauno)

 

Pan's Labyrinth  is an ambiguous film. Many people would say that Ofelia's fantastic perspective was real. But some of us are a 100% that Ofelia had a creative way to cope with the harsh reality. There are several instances in the film where the audience can see that Ofelia is imagining her version full with fantasy. The part where General Vidal is seeing Ofelia talking with Pan is the biggest revelation! My question is:

Do you think that Pan's world exists only in Ofelia's mind?

My answer is: Yes. If you don't believe me, take a look at my evidence:

 

Don't you think that the Fallopian Tubes resemble Pan's horns? Ofelia is coping with her mother's pregnancy. Hey! But this is just my opinion. What's yours?

Blog #6: Music from Agora

 

I am a huge fan of the Italian composer Dario Marianelli. His film scores have been nominated by Academy Awards for Pride & Prejudice, Atonement, and Anna Karenina (all Joe Wright's films). It was in Atonement that he won the Oscar for Best Original Score. In Agora, it was no exception. Marianelli's uniqueness enhanced the drama in the film. The whole soundtrack is marvelous! But the ending scene is the most emotional. I've never thought that Alejandro Amenabar (Tesis, The Others, Mar Adentro) and Dario Marianelli would make a great team. 

If you are loking for a beautiful soundtrack (Dario Marianelli), a great cast (Rachel Weisz, Oscar Isaac, Max Minghella), a fantastic direction (Alejandro Amenabar), a controversial theme (religion, feminism) and a great art direction, watch Agora.

*Note: There is a minor whitewashing. You'll see as soon as you watch the film!

Blog #6: A Different Culture (Water)

 

I was 16 years old when I saw Water for the first time. I blamed my mother, because I was traumatized for a week. Chuyia's childhood was unexpected for me (it was the first Indian film that I saw). I didn't know the cultural differences between Mexico and India. Child marriage! Sati! Suicide! Child abuse! No wonder why I was mad at my mother. But I enjoyed the technical elements of the film, such as soundtrack, cinematography, and art direction. I don't regret watching Water at that age. I realized that I am lucky to have the life that I have. In some countries, people don't have a proper way of life.

Blog #5: Special Effects from Tokyo!

If you have seen Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, The Science of the Sleep, and Be Kind Rewind, you probably noticed the visual effects that Michel Gondry used. He is not a big fan of CGI. He thinks himself as an illusionist (not the GOB type though). If you don't believe me, check this out!

This scene is from the film Tokyo! It was disturbing the first time I saw his short film. I was thinking: how did Gondry do it? I've never found my answer, because there is no video explaining how he did it. There is an interview about his short film Interior Design, but it is in French. Please, check his films! He is an old school filmmaker.

Blog #5: Emotional Music (Tsotsi)

As soon as I start watching Tsotsi, I couldn't stop thinking about Slumdog Millinaire. Both films have similar elements: tough childhoods, male characters, poverty, and music. The music in Slumdod Millionaire is fantastic! A. R. Rahman knows how to please our ears. I was surprised that Tsotsi and Slumdog Millionaire has almost the same opening scene. I couldn't find the opening scene of Slumdog Millionaire on Youtube, but if you own the movie, please check it out!

In Tsotsi, I couldn't stop crying when Tsotsi find redeems himself by returning the baby to the parents. The song is beautiful! It definitely adds emotion to the scene. There is no dialogue, just music. What a powerful scene indeed. Despite the fact that the film has many songs, the one that has no lyrics are the ones that I love the most. The whole soundtrack represents South Africa. 

Part 1: Paikea & Mulan

"And he came on the back of a whale. A man to lead a new people. Our ancestor, Paikea. But now we were waiting for the firstborn of the new generation, for the descendant of the whale rider. For the boy who would be chief"

- Paikea, The Whale Rider

Whale Rider is a film that kind of breaks gender stereotypes. In the film,  the  Maori tribe is waiting for the boy who will become their leader. Unfortunately, for them, Pai is a girl and she won't be accepted in her tribe. There is patriarchy in her tribe, and Pai's grandfather doesn't accept her. As a viewer, take the side of Pai, because I am a woman in society where there is still patriarchy. Pai is a strong female character who is willing to be the leader of her tribe, but her grandfather  denies her. Pai is very persistent, a true example for us, women. 

In a way, Pai and Mulan have so much in common: they fulfilled a role meant to be fulfilled only by men. These two characters are passionate, persistent, and strong. They both broke gender role stereotypes, which is something that we, women, need nowadays. In both stories, the character's own cultures are patriarchal. Coincidence? No, I don't think so. Once in a while, there are a couple of films that depict strong female characters. For instance, Imperator Furiosa from Mad Max: Fury Road came by surprise. Women were extremely happy that Furiosa and Max were equals. But some men were not so welcoming to the fact that a woman could be strong and smart. 

It is incredible that, nowadays, there are feminist, or gender egalitarian films that show children that women and men are equals. Mulan and Whale Rider are excellent examples for children; these two films taught me, after all, that women have the ability to be leaders and  warriors.  Pai and Mulan will stay forever with me. And I am positive that I will show these two films to my children.

Blog #3: Paikea: A Progressive Character in a Traditional Society (The Whale Rider)

"And he came on the back of a whale. A man to lead a new people. Our ancestor, Paikea. But now we were waiting for the firstborn of the new generation, for the descendant of the whale rider. For the boy who would be chief"

- Paikea, The Whale Rider

Whale Rider is a film that kind of breaks gender stereotypes. In the film,  the  Maori tribe is waiting for the boy who will become their leader. Unfortunately, for them, Pai is a girl and she won't be accepted in her tribe. There is patriarchy in her tribe, and Pai's grandfather doesn't accept her. As a viewer, take the side of Pai, because I am a woman in society where there is still patriarchy. Pai is a strong female character who is willing to be the leader of her tribe, but her grandfather  denies her. Pai is very persistent, a true example for us, women. 

In a way, Pai and Mulan have so much in common: they fulfilled a role meant to be fulfilled only by men. These two characters are passionate, persistent, and strong. They both broke gender role stereotypes, which is something that we, women, need nowadays. In both stories, the character's own cultures are patriarchal. Coincidence? No, I don't think so. Once in a while, there are a couple of films that depict strong female characters. For instance, Imperator Furiosa from Mad Max: Fury Road came by surprise. Women were extremely happy that Furiosa and Max were equals. But some men were not so welcoming to the fact that a woman could be strong and smart. 

It is incredible that, nowadays, there are feminist, or gender egalitarian films that show children that women and men are equals. Mulan and Whale Rider are excellent examples for children; these two films taught me, after all, that women have the ability to be leaders and  warriors.  Pai and Mulan will stay forever with me. And I am positive that I will show these two films to my children.

Blog #3: Transition from "The Lovely Bones" (2009)

"I wasn't lost, or frozen, or gone... I was alive; I was alive in my own perfect world"

- Susie Salmon, The Lovely Bones

Peter Jackson is a well-known filmmaker. Just think about the trilogy of The Lord of the Rings, and The Hobbit. Beautiful films that have outstanding visual effects. But the one that struck me the most was The Lovely Bones. The scenes when Susie Salmon is in that dream-like place after she was murdered are so powerful to me. When I saw this film in the movie theater, I was mesmerized. My favorite scene from the film is the one where Holly is showing Susie the special place where they can be safe and do what they want. The transition from one scene o another is magical. That place has different environments, weather, and landscapes. It feels like I am in my dreams. I bet you know that feeling. It is an abstract feeling or emotion.

When I read the the novel The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold, I was wondering how Susie's own world looked like. I imagined her world as La Patagonia, which is a real region located between Argentina and Chile in South America. Why did I imagine Susie's own world as a real place? Simple. Because when I saw The Motorcycle Diaries film directed by Walter Salles, I thought that those place where Che Guevara visited with his friend were just visual effects, you know, fake. It turned out that those places where real, existent. I became obsessed with South America: Los Andes and La Patagonia are by far the places that I want to explore in depth. So, I wasn't surprised when I saw the film that Susie's own world resembled South America.

Blog #2: Camera Movement from "Atonement" (2007)

"I love you. I'll wait for you. Come back. Come back to me."

- Cecilia Tallis, Atonement

Ladies, remember this name: Joe Wright. This lovely man has directed successful classics from the Romance genre: Pride & Prejudice and Anna Karenina (Keira Knightley starred on both films). Mr. Wright is the perfect director for film adaptations of Romantic novels. But let's focus on long shots. Yes, we know about the flawless work of Emmanuel Lubezki (The Revenant, Gravity, Birdman, Children of Men, The Tree of Life). His work is breath-taking, and he is one of the biggest names regarding cinematography. Terrence Malick (The Tree of Life, The New World, Knight of Cups), Alfonso Cuarón (Gravity, Children of Men), and Alejando G. Iñarritu (The Revenant, Birdman) have worked with Lubezki for many years. 

Ladies, let me introduce to another flawless cinematographer: Seamus McGarvey. Wright and McGarvey have worked together for many years as well. Pan, Anna Karenina, The Soloist, and Atonement were created by these gentlemen. One of the things that makes this film memorable is the Dunkirk beach scene. It lasts between 5 minutes and 6 minutes without cuts. I bet they rehearsed many times until they master every movement. The outcome is pure gold. Also, the music by Dario Marianelli, who happens to work many times with Mr. Wright as well, adds more sadness, drama, and nostalgia to this scene. The scene is so horribly graphic, yet beautiful.

I highly recommend this film. I guarantee you are not going to stop crying. This movie is based on the best selling novel by Ian McEwan. This is the movie trailer!

*Note* Benedict Cumberbatch is on the film, but his character is creepy and will make you feel uncomfortable! Also, Saoirse Ronan was nominated for an Academy Award for her magnificent performance, and she was 13 years old!

Blog #1: Camera Angle from "Perfume: The Story of a Murderer" (2006)

"For the first time in is life, Grenouille realized that he had no smell of his own. He realizes that all his life he had been a nobody to everyone. What he now felt was the fear of his own oblivion. It was though he did not exist."

- The Narrator, Perfume: The Story of a Murderer

If you have seen Run Lola Run, then you may like this film. Tom Tykwer (Cloud Atlas) did a spectacular job as a director and as a composer. But I highly applaud the cinematographer, Frank Griebe (Run Lola Run, Cloud Atlas). Tykwer and Griebe love to work together, and I can see why: they are true artists. This is one of my favorite scenes from this movie. It is a high angle shot, which awakens anxiety to the viewer. It foreshadows that something bad is going to happen to the plum girl. Let's focus on the color. The color palette from this shot varies: warm colors (the plums and the red hair from the girl) contrasts with the dirty wood from the background. Although it is a frightening scene, it is still beautiful. The whole movie is aesthetically perfect due to its cinematography.

The film is based on the international best selling novel by Patrick Süskind. This is the movie trailer. Check it out!

*** WARNING*** THERE IS A SCENE OF AN ORGY IN THE FILM***WARNING***

Blog #1: Camera Shot from "Far from the Madding Crowd" (2015)

"It is difficult for a woman to define her feelings in a language chiefly made by men to express theirs"

- Bathsheba Everdene, Far from the Madding Crowd

We, women, are surrounded by men. So, I hope that this quote will catch your attention. Far from the Madding Crowd directed by Thomas Vinterberg (The Hunt) is, by far, one of the best cinematographies that I have ever seen in my short life. Charlotte Bruus Christensen (The Hunt, The Girl on the Train) did a marvelous master piece. The contrasting colors (the lavender dress, the red uniform, the grass, and the trees) make this scene stand out. Every time that I look at this scene, I pause it. Just by looking at this dazzling long shot and the contrasting colors make me feel alive. It is like an artistic drug. When I watch this film, I always contemplate this beautiful piece of work that resembles a painting. This is the reason why I love this film. Let me rephrase it: this is the reason why I love films. I always discover myself through old and new emotions and feelings just by looking at the cinematography. Cinematography is the element that makes films an art of expression. A beautiful and flawless moment.

If I did not catch your attention, this film is based on a Thomas Hardy's novel. This is the movie trailer.

If I still did not catch your attention, just look at this handsome gentleman: Gabriel Oaks (Matthias Schoenaerts). I guarantee Mr. Oak will capture all your hearts, just like Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice did and still does.

Blog #2: The Colors of Love (The Road Home)

"I'll be waiting for you"

- Zhao Di, The Road Home

Colors are around us. We are surrounded by infinite colors that are created by the mixture of three primary colors: red, blue, and yellow. How magic it is the power of colors. In film, colors have the power to determine the mood and the tone of the story. They even make the audience experience an emotion or, a feeling. What did I feel while watching Yimou Zhang's "The Road Home" film? A myriad of emotions and feelings, thanks to the colors. There is a lot of symbolism in the film, mostly objects (brooch, barrette, cup, etc.) But what struck me the most was the use of color as a symbol. 

Zhao Di is always wearing the same color palette in her clothing: pink, red, and green.What do these colors mean? We have to consider the character as well. In this case, Zhao Di is the only one that stands out from the other characters due to the vibrant colors in her clothing. Pink is use for love, romance. compassion, and caring.Well, that is true. There are many instances throughout the film that fit perfectly for these meanings. For example, Zhao Di cooks scrumptious dishes for Luo Changyu, her "crush." Also,she is very passionate about showing her love to him. Isn't red a passionate color? There you go. Red means passion, willpower, and determination. Yes, she is like that. I don't know about the green, but it contrasts with the colors pink and red. Probably the green symbolizes nature. After all, she is surrounded by nature. 

Another use of color that makes the film more aesthetic is the black & white at the beginning and at the end of the film. We all know that black & white is nostalgic, because when the camera was invented, the photographs were in black & white. But why did Yimou Zhang reversed the meaning of these colors?I don't know the answer. Fortunately, he is alive. I'm going to ask him some day.

 

If you are interested in colors, check out the film "Submarine," directed by Richard Ayoade (Maurice Moss from "The IT Crowd"). Jordana Bevan (a female character from "Submarine") and Zhao Di have something in common: the red item in their clothing, and they are in love with guys that wear dark color clothing.

 

Blog #1: Antoine Doinel: A Credible Character (The 400 Blows)

 

"Oh, I lie now and then, I suppose. Sometimes I'd tell them the truth and they still wouldn't believe me, so I prefer to lie"

-Antoine Doinel, The 400 Blows

It is inevitable to not feel sorry for the deviant boy living in the beautiful, yet sketchy, Paris. His parents are living their own lives, while forgetting about their son. His mother is having an affair with her boss, while her husband is desperately looking for his missing Michelin guide. This boy is living a nightmare at school. His teacher and one of his classmates bullies him. The reason? We don't know. Well, at least he has his friend to support him. But that is not enough for this boy. Poor Antoine Doinel. What did he do wrong? What did Francois Truffaut try to convey to his audience? Maybe life is unfair. But, is it unjust to all humanity, or just to certain people? His truest friend, Rene, commits the same "mistakes" as Antoine, but he isn't punished. What is different? The answer relies on each boy's social status. That is the true of life: money changes everything. This is why "The 400 Blows" is the most credible coming-of-age film that I've ever seen in my short life. Well, it makes sense. After all, this is the half-memoir of Truffaut. 

 

This is my favorite shot of the film. The contrast between the "madame" (you have to see the film to completely understand this inside joke) and the background is powerful. Even though it's in black & white, it draws the eye to the madame. The background doesn't matter, it's this character that takes over the scene. The lines from the stairs and handrails make the shot more geometric, which makes it aesthetic and neat. But the real reason why this shot is in my "Top 10: Cinematographic Scenes" (alongside the Dunkirk scene from "Atonement") is the film reference from "The Seventh Seal." The resemblance is uncanny.

 

Do you think that Truffaut was inspired by Ingmar Bergman's "The Seventh Seal," when he shot this scene?

... Look Closer... at the Color Red

The Use of Color Red in American Beauty

Was it a coincidence that color red is present in almost every scene? I do not believe so. Filmmakers, cinematographers, and production designers are the ones that make important decisions in films. The director, Sam Mendes, directed an amazing cast: Kevin Spacey (won an Academy for this film), Annette Bening (nominated for an Academy Award for this film), Thora Birch (Ghost World), Wes Bentley (Interstellar), Mena Suvari (Factory Girl), Peter Gallagher (While You Were Sleeping), Allison Janney (Juno), and Chris Cooper (won an Oscar for the film Adaptation). We all know what a director does. We also know what a cinematographer does. In this case, Conrad L. Hall (won 3 Academy Awards in the films Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, American Beauty, and  Road to Perdition), was in charge of the camera movements, camera shots and lighting. Hall was a true artist indeed. But what about the art director? Many people do not pay attention to this important role in films. Did you know that the production designer is the one that make the aesthetic decisions in films? Naomi Shohan and Conrad L. Hall were the true artist that make American Beauty memorable and dark. And it is all thanks to the color red.

Do you see something that draws your attention immediately? If no, you might be color blind. Sorry, but you need to go the oculist. If yes, you can continue reading this analysis. What was it? Yes! It is the vibrant color red. There are monochromatic tones in the background... Look closer. Even Carolyn (Annette Bening) is wearing dull colors in her outfit... Do you see that there is a contrast in this composition? The grayish background, Carolyn's white apron, and the red roses. It is one of the best compositions that I have ever seen in a film. Even though Carolyn is in the center of the composition, our attention is the red roses. Symbolism alert! The color red means "strength" to Carolyn.

Unlike the other scene with Carolyn, this one is pretty obvious. It is right in our faces. If you have seen the movie, you know that Lester (Kevin Spacey) is going through midlife crisis. It sounds pretty normal, but, in this movie, it is not. Lester is having sexual fantasies with Angela (Mena Suvari), her daughter's best friend. In every scene where he is daydreaming, the red roses are present in abundance... Look closer. In this scene, again, there is a pronounced contrast between the colors white and red. And again, our attention is in the red roses. What does the color red mean in this scene? Ta-dah! It means "lust" to Lester.

Color red has many meaning throughout the film. For Carolyn, it means "strength," and for Lester, it means "lust." But what about the third member of the dysfunctional Burnhams? Believe me, the movie gets darker with Jane (Thora Birch). Jane is, according to Lester, a "pretty typical teenager. Angry, insecure, confused." Yes, we all have been through in our search of individuality... Look closer. What do you see in this composition? Yes, the are a few red items: the candies, the wall, Jane's sweater, and the piece of clothing... Look closer. What else do you see? Yes, the mirror. If color red in Jane represents "individuality," then the mirror adds more meaning to the point that the color red, in Jane's perspective, means individuality. What do we do in front of  a mirror? Yes, we observe ourselves, our flaws, and our attributes. Jane is self-assessing herself, but she is being way too harsh on herself. 

In conclusion, American Beauty is an american gem. It is a must-watch, because it truly depicts the dysfunctional families at their best and worst. But what makes this film so great is the use of the camera and color. Although I focused my analysis in color, you can appreciate the cinematography at its best in every scene. If you are into photography (cinematography), or psychology (characters), art (color red), or anything else, I highly recommend this film. It is a film that will change your perspective. It is a tragic story of a simple man, who is just trying to be happy... Look closer. Do you see the red door? I am sensing a symbolism of the "American Dream"!

Confessions of an Amant de Film

"Cinema can fill in the empty spaces of your life and your loneliness."
- Pedro Almodovar

The greatest invention of all times will always be "cinema," in my humble opinion. I am always grateful to the Lumière brothers. Merci beaucoup! But I am more grateful to my beautiful mother. Because, without her, I wouldn't be at Alverno College, majoring in English and minoring in Creative Writing, and Film Studies. Maybe I wouldn't even be the same Ana writing my long introduction for this class. The fact of thinking about, "what would have happened if my mother wouldn't love movies?" is an unpleasant and stressful situation that I always want to avoid. Thinking about this "other" Ana, caring less of this form of art, kills me inside. I strongly agree with the Spanish director, Pedro Almodovar. Films do have that effect on me. After all, they are part of me. When my sisters and I were still children, we used to watch one film every two days with our mother. Every movie was a memory, a happy one or a painful one. A film can define you as a human being. Today I watch a film, but tomorrow I will be in one.