Why all women need not be overachievers

Tweet

Before going any further - I am all for women who are ambitious. So there's no debate needed on that. My problem is with women's movements that focus completely on how women "should be" ambitious, how women are "not doing enough", why women should "aim higher" and yada yada. Specially a plethora of literature of late focusses on how we must catch up with the men, how we should not let go of opportunities in favor of family etc. It just leaves me more fatigued than energized.

Don't get me yet? Read the latest bestseller - Lean-in. For some reason, I wasn't convinced about the messaging in the book. Maybe it is just me but I don't buy this propaganda about pushing ourselves to be ambitious on every turn. That's the first red flag on your way to stress-ville. And it just got worser when it became women specific (it is quite clear that on average, women have more responsibilities in most households than men do). All that argument to be treated as equals with men, in my opinion, is now being abused and creating more stressful conditions for working women.

I understand where this is coming from - there are still plenty of women facing equal opportunity issues at work. I don't deny that. And so far as this movement is aimed at helping women realize their strengths and moving forward, I am all for it. The problem comes when it conflicts with family and personal health.

When did we last have fun and do something just because we enjoyed it?

When did we last sleep a full 8-9 hours without anything about work/personal issues on mind?

When did we last prioritize family over work or other personal pursuits?

In short, when did we women, last feel like a human and less of a robot?

As it is being a woman, and supporting family and kids and doing a great job at work should get us gold stars.  

So in this context I want to ask the Sheryl Sandbergs of the world who are hell-bent on "doing it all" - "Why isn't being good enough, good enough?" Going after something and pushing ourselves is a matter of personal choice. If that works for some, that's good. If that doesn't work for some, that's good too.

An average working woman might not have the money nor the inclination to put her child in a day care. She (hopefully) loves her children as much as she loves her work. And she wants her time to be divided equally. Nothing wrong with that. It is that tad little thing called balance and women are hardwired for it. Making compromises is not necessarily bad either, if you know what you want. And in such cases it is a healthy choice to make. Not all of us have supporting partners, families or kids - so it is quite clear that every woman's life is distinct and doesn't need to revolve around maximizing career prospects.

Instead of recognizing the already fantastic jobs that women do, we suggest she start focussing on work & career (regardless of whether she wants it or not) and put herself up as a leader. I want to ask - is being a mother less of a leader? Is rearing a family a chore? Some women find meaning in taking care of their family. They want to spend time with parents, spouse and kids, they want to keep their home happy, healthy and joyful. They are celebrating life just like other women who love their lives in a high flying corporate job. And there is nothing wrong with either. It is a personal choice we make.

Women shouldn't feel less of a leader if they are not overachievers or ambitious. Like anyone else - men or women - they should aim to do what makes them happy. It serves as a good reminder that life is not a competition, it is a celebration.  If being good enough makes women happy, so be it. If living a contented life and doing meaningful work and investing in family is what women like to do, so be it. 

So to all the women out there, I want to tell you this - You are doing a great job!

Because guess what is the single most important leadership job (performed under incredible pressure and constraints and the most hard to perfect)? Its motherhood.

Get busy living or get busy surviving

Tweet

Yes, I know that line from Shawshank Redemption. But wait, there is probably a more horrible thing than death - the act of surviving.  Because honestly you or me or anyone who is alive has no idea of what death really means. Maybe few of us do. But that's just that. 

We go through our daily grind trying to survive. This is what we call the "busy work". What can be worser use of our time on earth than that?

Each of us are capable of so much more valuable stuff - but we are getting busy - surviving. We create the false hope that someday we will break free and build a life we want. We assure ourselves, every single day of our lives this: It takes only so much saving up of money, or sacrificing love or time with family and friends. But we miserably fail to get out of that rabbit hole we have dug for ourselves.

What are we afraid of? Why only so few people inhabiting this world, have the courage and willpower to be honest with themselves?

Many times it is that job you don't want to quit, the marriage you are trying to keep afloat, the society you don't want to offend.  Who are these fictional people and why does their importance vaporize when you are faced with death? 

What does it really take to follow your passion? Or make your days exciting? Or appreciate the beauty around you? Or live in the moment and forget about retirement?

What's stopping you? What's terrifying you?

This is because we are taught and drilled into our heads again and again that wealth, status and fame are the only "values" worth living for. Everything else, well, we have no place for that. And suddenly just like that happiness evades us, because we are in a mad pursuit of such shallow values. We are constantly bitter about things around us that we fail to embrace who we are and of what unique things we are capable of. 

You live only once and for that you owe yourself an explanation about why you are busy surviving and not busy living, creating wonderful things.

Movie Recommendation: The Great Dictator (by Charlie Chaplin)

Tweet

Note: Ok, after a dose of Chaplin movies, I can honestly say - How the hell did I miss his movies? They are incredible! Each one of them. But this one stands out on its own. The Great Dictator is a genius satire on the Nazi era - only Chaplin can combine comedy with an intense subject like that. This is what cinema should be like! Available on YouTube here (yay!)

IMDB Entry: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0032553/
Genre: Comedy, Drama

This movie is laugh-out-loud, poignant, sad - all rolled into one. You take a serious topic - as intense as the holocaust and the anti-Semitism - and turn it into a political satire/comedy? Well, who but Chaplin can put a fictional spin to it and delight us with a such a piece of art! This is the greatest risk ever taken by a filmmaker in my opinion (the movie was released when the Nazis were in prominence and during World War II!)

Chaplin stars in a dual role as a bumbling Jewish barber and a ruthless dictator (a direct satire on Hitler).  After returning from war (World War I), the Jewish barber is admitted into a hospital and loses memory of the war. He is released from the hospital during the time when Jews are persecuted, only to be mistaken as the dictator himself (due to his resemblance to the dictator)

The best part of the movie? The impassioned and powerful speech given by the Jewish barber at the end of the movie. And just for that, this movie should be elevated to the status of a cult classic.

                  

The Speech in words:

I'm sorry but I don't want to be an emperor.

That's not my business.

I don't want to rule or conquer anyone.

I should like to help everyone: Jew, gentile, black man, white.

We all want to help one another.

Human beings are like that.

We want to live by each other's happiness, not misery.

We don't want to hate one another.

In this world, the good earth is rich and can provide for everyone.

The way of life can be free and beautiful but we have lost the way.

Greed has poisoned men's souls, has barricaded the world with hate, has goose-stepped us into bloodshed.

We have developed speed but have shut ourselves in.

Machinery has left us in want.

Our knowledge has made us cynical, our cleverness, hard and unkind.

We think too much and feel too little.

More than machinery we need humanity.

More than cleverness we need kindness and gentleness.

Without these qualities, life will be violent and all will be lost...

The airplane and radio have brought us closer.

These inventions cry out for the goodness in man, cry out for universal brotherhood, for the unity of us all.

Even now my voice is reaching millions, millions of despairing men, women and children, victims of a system that makes men torture and imprison innocent people.

To those who can hear me I say, do not despair.

The misery upon us is but the passing of greed, the bitterness of men who fear the way of human progress.

The hate of men will pass, and dictators die, and the power they took will return to the people.

So long as men die liberty will never perish.

Soldiers, don't give yourselves to brutes, men who despise you, enslave you, regiment your lives, tell you what to think and feel, who drill you, treat you like cattle and use you as cannon fodder.

Don't give yourselves to these men, machine men with machine minds and machine hearts.

You are not machines, you are not cattle, you are men! You have the love of humanity in you.

Don't hate. Only the unloved and the unnatural hate.

Soldiers, don't fight for slavery, fight for liberty! St Luke says, "The Kingdom of God is within man." Not in one man nor a group of men, but in all men. In you! You have the power to create machines, the power to create happiness.

You have the power to make this life free and beautiful, to make this life a wonderful adventure.

In the name of democracy, let us use that power.

Let us all unite, let us fight for a new world, a world that will give men a chance to work, that will give youth a future and old age security.

Promising these things, brutes have risen.

But they lie! They do not fulfill that promise. They never will! Dictators free themselves but they enslave the people. Now let us fight to fulfill that promise! Let us fight to free the world, to do away with national barriers, to do away with greed, with hate and intolerance.

Let us fight for a world of reason, a world where science and progress will lead to the happiness of all. Soldiers, in the name of democracy, let us unite!

Movie Recommendation: Okuribito (Departures)

Tweet

Note: If you are in a mood to reflect on life, death and family and relationships, this is it. This movie is available on YouTube (yay!) with English subtitles.

IMDB entry: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1069238/
Genre: Drama, Family, Japanese

Jumping right in. This is the story of an unemployed cello player Diago, who leaves Tokyo and returns to his hometown to find himself a job. He mistakes an ad in the local paper for a job in a travel agency only to find out later that the job is of a "Nokanshi" or NK agent - a professional who prepares deceased bodies for funeral. He is despised by his wife and friends for taking up such a forbidden job. But in this job Diago finds himself, reconciles with his dad and understands the true meaning of life, relationships and death.

Before I continue, a fair warning that this movie can be slow in parts - but rightly so. It is only by taking time to reflect you tend to appreciate both the beauty and sorrow in life. This movie is in the same genre as Akira Kurosawa's "Ikiru" - a poignant reflection on the meaning of life when you watch death in the face. This is also a story of loss and how painful it is to realize you no longer have that privilege to spend life's cherished moments with your loved ones.

The movie has a soulful background score that elevates the mood in the story. There is also plenty of good old-fashioned humor (specially in the first half of the movie). The movie also uncovers some of the deepest Japanese beliefs and customs on the after life of the departed. I was really surprised by the whole notion of a life after death and how the deceased are carefully prepared for a peaceful journey after death in Japanese tradition. Unlike movies that deal with death with a lot of melodrama, this one is a lot more subtle and less cliched.

The movie also explores in part Daigo's own battle with returning to his origins and his despise for his dad who left him and his mother when he was young. In life we always hold a lifetime grudge and cant reconcile with it, and yet we realize that to forgive and let go of the past is the only way to free ourselves. The movie benefits from some of the fine acting by the cast, stunning direction and beautiful depiction of relationships.

Only in Japan, even a death ritual can be a form of art. The more I see and learn about Japanese culture, the more I am inclined to believe how rich and traditional their culture is. We have all lost or remember someone whom we love and miss and this movie is a tribute to those who have left us. A reminder that life is not all about ourselves, but also the beautiful and long lasting relationships we form.

How to find fulfilling work

Tweet

"Where the needs of the world and your talents cross, there lies your vocation" - Aristotle

Because finding fulfilling work is a bit like finding a lover...

Movie Recommendation: The Kid (by Charlie Chaplin)

Tweet

Note: Got 50 mins? Never seen a Charlie Chaplin movie? Want to see a silent movie? Ever seen a dramedy or don't know one? Got kids and want to watch a movie with them? Then this is the movie to watch! It is available on YouTube here

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0012349/

Genre: Drama, Comedy, Children, Family

I am not sure what took me so long to watch full length Charlie Chaplin movies. Perhaps the stereotype that it is more suited for kids? Or his buffoonery is not for the mature? Or just that Black & White silent movies are not really the trend today. Whatever it was, I am happy I am not under that spell anymore. Because Charlie Chaplin my friends, is a cinematic genius. To really appreciate the dark humor you must watch his movies - trust Chaplin to mix melancholy with slapstick so beautifully. He might as well be called the Father of Dramedy.

                    

More about the movie now. The opening credits roll: "A comedy with a smile and perhaps a tear"

Now that I have seen this movie, couldn't sum it up better! The movie follows the story of an unwanted baby that is found near a garbage can by a tramp (Chaplin). After unsuccessful attempts to get rid of the baby, Chaplin decides to adopt him (calls him John). Chaplin and his son lead a life of poverty masked by strokes of humor that can only happen in a Chaplin movie - dodging a local policeman, getting into street fights, pulling pranks, running on the rooftops etc. For a moment you forget they are tramps - they don't live comfortable lives. The story takes a turn when the kid's biological mother discovers him and the authorities take him away. What will happen to Chaplin and the kid? Will they get back together again?

I don't know who did the role of the kid or what became of him (it is a 1921 movie, none of our parents were even close to being born at the time), he was nothing short of a great actor. There is an endearing scene where the kid is twisted away from Chaplin and the kid breaks into tears. It was just heartbreaking to watch, specially with the kid acting it out so damn well. That too in a silent movie. Remarkable! 

The movie runs barely an hour. Yes, we have seen Chaplin's comedy routines as the bumbling tramp in bits and pieces. But have we watched a full length feature where he also plays a serious role? Nope. For all the lame stuff we pedal to our kids these days, this movie is a far better choice. Do a favor, grab this movie and watch it with your kids - they will love it to pieces.

It is obvious that I am hook, line and sinker for Chaplin after this movie - The Kid is Chaplin's master stroke. If you haven't watched it yet, you should ask yourself - why haven't you?

Five things: My favorite five movies on food

Tweet

My favorite five movies on food. Go!

5. Julie & Julia

A witty, feel-good parallel between lives of Julia Child and Julie Powell with a near mystique ending - will Julie be able to cook through 365 dishes of Julia Child, successfully?

Nora Ephron (the director), synonym with romantic comedies and food - what's not to love about that combination? Plus, Meryl Streep impersonating the legendary chef Julia Child (btw what a perfect last name to complement her child like enthusiasm for food) and Amy Adams (come on who doesn't smile when they look at her?) are top reasons to check out this movie. And of course makes you wonder how all that butter is not making the French any fatter? (My only pet peeve with this movie - it tends to drag in parts)

A word of caution: Eat before you see this movie. It is going to make you hungry.

4. Chocolat

Johnny Depp, romance, lots of chocolate. Go figure.













3. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

A poor boy by name Charlie, wins a ticket to tour the craziest candy factory in the world! Now that premise itself should feel intriguing no? It's successor  - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - is good too but that would be an overdose of Johnny Depp (or maybe that's what you like? Then go for it). Anyway the whole deal about getting lucky and winning that ticket to magic chocolate land sounds so feel-good, if you ask me. We want the underdog to win after all :) And then their is this deal about whether Charlie will win himself a lifetime supply of Wonka chocolate - keeps you guessing. A great movie to watch, specially with kids:)





2. Ratatouille

I am yet to meet someone who doesn't like Ratatouille - can't say that about most of the movies. This  movie makes me want to eat Ratatouille and brings an honest chuckle when I eat one. Remy the rat, winning over Anton Ego, the critic draws me to a feverish crescendo, every single time I watch the movie. And just as inspiring: Remember, anybody can cook! 

One phrase that sums up the reason for loving this movie - 

"soul food".

1. Eat Drink Man Woman

Yes sir, we have a foodie movie from our beloved, Life of Pi famous Ang Lee. Revolves around a family in Taipei (a chef and his three daughters), their dinner ritual and coming together to face ups and downs in their lives. This movie craftily uses food as a metaphor - sour, sweet, spice, bitter -  for the different experiences in life. Watch it and savor it again and again, just like your favorite dish:)









Wait, there are other favorite ones too! Jiro Dreams of Sushi, Tampopo...but some other time:) Although, come to think of it, any favorites in Indian movies? Rajesh Khanna's Bawarchi and Bachchan's Cheeni Kum comes to mind. I haven't seen the more recent Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana. Really, that's it for Bollywood?

Bon Appetit!

Tiny Treats: Crepes

Tweet

For some time in the past I had been obsessed by crepes. To the extent that I scoured local places for creperies. So after a long time when I made it to a creperie recently, I relived this psycho-obsession.

But first, let me tell you how I pronounced it "cray-pay" when I was first introduced to it. Although I have gotta hand it over to another amateur who read it "creep". Haha.

So I haven't ever visited France to familiarize with an authentic crepe. But I can say this creperie (Lucinda Truck) at Grove Street, New Jersey was the best I have eaten. Their veggie crepe was to die for. I mean I could live there all my life just so I can get a bite at their crepes. Priced at a modest 5$ (and large portions!), I think they won my heart, stomach and mind over. (According to Yelp, this location has been closed down. *Gasp*)

The recent visit I made was dicey, on the other hand. This was a Palo Alto joint called Crepevine.

The first order I made was for a Sunset Crepe. Their fancy name for the basic Nutella, Banana and Strawberry Crepe. It came with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream and chocolate syrup garnish. Now you cant go wrong with such a basic one. Glad to note, they got that right. At $7.5 it was delectable, fulfilling and comfort snack at best. And for hours thereafter, I kept dreaming about going back to eat another one of them.

The second time I went I was really hungry. So hungry I could turn into a cannibal and eat a human being. This time I was ready to devour a savory crepe. My personal favorite has always been a smoked salmon (without cream cheese please!), but I gave that a pass this time because my significant other isn't really into ANY kind of seafood (sad, but true). And so I made the rookie mistake of ordering an Indian fusion crepe. Really, who orders an Indian inspired dish at an all-American joint? Yeah, that should be me.

Like I said, I was too hungry. And you are bound to fail on an empty stomach. 

Bombay, they called it. Hmm, ok. It came with the soggiest fries I ever had and a salad drenched in heavy dressing that I felt I was drinking out of a bottle of Hidden Valley. 

Congratulations, you just made an already mediocre crepe worser. I mean, did I ask you to make a "meal" out of it? (What is this, McDonalds?). All I asked was a crepe - that salad and fries just ruined it. And to annoy me to no end, they splattered a big teaspoon of god-knows-what-curry-paste on top of the crepe. The appearance of it not the least bit appetizing. The crepe itself tasted like mud (yes, I have tasted mud, so I know).

And with that, it put a dent into my crepe obsession, for now. Although, full props to the chalkboard inspired menu display there. Very creative!

That's why there is a reason why it is believed that a best restaurant is one carrying a consistent taste in their dishes. Of course, there is another valuable lesson to be learnt here - Never shop or dine on an empty stomach. You almost always regret later.

Movie Recommendation: Le Ballon Rouge (The Red Balloon)

Tweet

Note: I was specifically looking for a movie that would warm my heart - this one seemed like a custom fit. Thank you Hulu Plus!

IMDB Entry: Le Ballon Rouge

Genre: Children, French

As a kid growing up in an average India middle class family, my source of entertainment (TV/movies) was the national television channel in India - Doordarshan :) Needless to say, I didn't really have a broad exposure to classic children's movies at the time (I think we made do with cartoons then?). Now I wish I had seen a movie, such as this one, then.

The good news is it is available to watch on YouTube (yay to Internet!):

                     

The Red Balloon is a funny, simple story of a red balloon (duh!) that is rescued by a little boy. The balloon dotes on the boy and follows him everywhere through the streets of Paris (to his school, church etc.) and they seem to form a bond that is the envy of the local kids. The kids get fascinated and want to destroy the balloon when it seems impossible to rip it apart from its owner (welcome to the real world! when you cant have it, destroy it). The climax is heartbreaking but also uplifting at the same time.

The camera work is exquisite. I am not familiar with Parisian streets, but it looks like the movie captures a very picturesque 1950's Paris - cobblestone streets, narrow alleys, victorian balconies, old school  staircases, little bakeries with delectable pastries and baguettes. The kid - main protagonist in the movie - is charming and effortlessly carries the film with almost no dialogs spoken in the movie. The movie has a background score that brings out the mood in the film. The movie flows like an adventure - very well deserved Oscar for the screenplay. This movie is definitely a treat to watch - and a masterpiece for short movie making connoisseurs. 

This movie is definitely recommended for young children (and as well for adults if you are looking for a short feel good film).  It stands as a metaphor for hope, love, loyalty and devotion - something we rarely find these days. It is a little reminder that life is all about tiny treats. As kids, we hold on to some things dearly and never let go. Our devotion and love is genuine. It almost melts your heart to see the boy's mother throw the balloon out of the window but the balloon hangs in the air, by the side of the balcony, waiting for the little boy to reclaim it. I think that does dig up our own fond memories of things we possessed as a kid :)

This movie is like eating a warm toasted bread with melted butter on top. Now, who doesn't like that?:)

Movie Recommendation: The Hidden Fortress

Tweet

Note: The movie that inspired George Lucas's Star Wars. Enough said.

IMDB Entry: The Hidden Fortress

Genre: Adventure, Action, Drama, Japanese

Well, by now most of you know my addiction to Kurosawa's creations. See here for an initial list of my Kurosawa favorites. Since then I have almost (yes, I am agonizingly close to seeing all of Kurosawa's movies. What am I going to do after that?) seen all of his movies. And it is just too hard to pick a best one from the lot. But Hidden Fortress was like fresh air to me (I haven't been watching movies for a long time now). Ok, enough of my banter.

The movie follows two greedy (and somewhat gullible) peasants who help a man and a woman cross the enemy lines to a friendly province. The peasants don't realize they are the General and Princess (the last of the Ayizuki clan) gone undercover, with a reward on their heads. The General plans the escape route tricking the enemies at every step while the bumbling peasants turn out to be more trouble than help.

                      

The movie is a visual treat like most of Kurosawa's creations - sweeping panoramas and amazing landscapes in frame after frame. However, the comedy in the movie came to me as a surprise. Comedy in Kurosawa's movie, really? I a'int complaining. An epic adventure with humor - what's not to love about it? By now, I have a deep admiration for most of Kurosawa's camera techniques, specially long lens shots of battles and duels. Although Hidden Fortress isn't an all-out samurai movie per se, it has some stunning shots of action - the scene between the General and his arch nemesis is so well shot, I had to rewind it and watch a couple of times to savor it fully. Take a look at the chase scene that leads to a duel between them. The long lens panning of the camera is unheard of for a movie in 1950's!

While there is plenty of adventure (journey through the mountains, digging up gold, setting up traps/escape strategies), the film still explores the deep philosophy of Kurosawa i.e What makes humans happy? Greed? Friendship and loyalty? Trust? Scenes where the Princess first finds herself face to face with poverty and ugliness of human's mind are well-shot. This movie is set in feudal Japan and there is an intense class structure and divide that might be a little new to the Western audience. 

It is simply an honor to watch Kurosawa's movies. Hidden Fortress is one such gem. Take a bow!

Looking back: Go Cherry Blossoms!

Tweet

March is a somewhat of a "nobody" month. I mean really January is when you set resolutions for the year, Feb you fret over them and then comes March. And everything seems to vaporize. Including the month. No holidays either. Ok, we got Women's Day there. But what else. Anyone?

And then today, March reminds me of the impromptu trip I made to Brooklyn Botanical Gardens on one such dull day. Those days I was quite the early riser - 6 am on a Saturday. No joke. Rising early felt like I had so much time at hand! So yeah, got into my jeans and a light t-shirt and trotted from one subway train to another to reach the beautiful gardens.

Let me forewarn you - I am not even remotely a "flower" person. Yes I know what you are thinking. What a thing to brag about huh? I had nothing much to do that day so I thought "Well let's check out this hype about cherry blossoms. They are pink and white. So what? Meh." And so I was there, waiting even before the gates to the esplanades opened - 9 am was opening time.

Boy was I wrong, and how wrong! Let me just say - Brooklyn Botanical Gardens was GORGEOUS! If you have never seen or smelled or walked down a Cherry Blossom esplanade, you couldn't imagine the joy. And that coming from me is ahem, a huge thing. So you got to take my word on it.They apparently have some sort of popular Rose show/display too.

And what better than the cool spring air to break the New York winter season. Felt right out of a Hollywood rom-com.

Apparently Cherry Blossom festivals go by the name Sakura Matsuri (Japanese), so I bumped into several ladies in cute kimonos and umbrellas.

They had a cool lounge and all for family and kids at the entrance. Yeah lot of emoticons!

And before I could enter the esplanade something interesting caught my eye. You see the tree wrapping round that wooden roof? That is a type of Weeping Willow Tree that naturally bends over. I just thought it added so much charm to that roof.

And now...

*Blows Trumpets*

The Cherry Blossom Esplanade. What a sight!

Umm, although not sure what this was about...perhaps a suggestive restroom sign? Pardon my ignorance if this signifies something more important.

But of course, there were fashion models and photo shoots happening at random places. This is New York after all!  She looked kinda angelic. I took this one stealthily ;-)

And then there were some genuine candid shots :-)

And of course, the gardens had their fair share of tulips too. Poor man's Seattle?

And one of those pools where you toss coins for luck. They seem to be everywhere I go in NYC, makes me think it is either some kind of scam or just a feel-good thing for tensed New Yorkers.

Next stop: The Japanese Gardens! 

Just walking through this landscape felt so zen-like. Just makes me want to take the next flight to Kyoto

More Blossoms (white) and red ferns!

Of course, for those who wanted some activities, there were plenty happening - too many to pick.

A guy on a hot spring day demonstrating Origami to an equally inquisitive audience. Loved it. Made a duck. Almost. *Smiles sheepishly*

Then attended a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. It was done with, umm, so much precision. Almost meditative and relaxing to watch it. I had to climb over a hill top to see this (damn NY crowd!). 

And lots of serious board games and Sudoku challenges happened.

 Although, I wonder what these guys were up to? Specially the girl who is giving me the menacing look.

And then there were more artists! And more color!

Hmm. I could go on. I hopefully captured all the awesomeness of the gardens and the vibe of the festival. Never in my life I saw so much color at one place (ok maybe Holi :-)). So finally I did come out feeling bright and cheery. Not another dull March day after all :-)

PS: If you are ever in New York City this time of the year, this is a must do. Brooklyn Botanical Gardens is like a mini Disneyland. Lots of trees, flowers, gardens, rock structures, conservatories, art installations etc. I covered ~30% of it. I wish I hadn't been so skeptical in the first place. Too bad I moved out of the city and made no time for repeat visits :(

Lesson learnt: When in doubt, just go for it!

Movie recommendation: The Essential Akira Kurosawa movies - Volume I

Tweet

First an introduction to the Japanese legend Akira Kurosawa, one of the pioneers of cinematic excellence. His movies are not your average cinema. This is the compelling kind of cinema - the kind you go back to, again and again. So when Hulu opened up their criterion collection for free viewing on President's Day weekend, I lapped it up. One after another. Like an hungry audience ready to feast. What heaven!

Seven Samurai was my first introduction as a kid to Kurosawa's prolific cinema and storytelling. My dad grunts in disgust whenever Sholay is aired on television and for a good reason - Sholay was inspired from the Magnificent Seven which was in turn a remake of Kurosawa's Seven Samurai. So like all conosseiurs of original cinema, he could never really get around liking Sholay. Of course, there is no comparison with Seven Samurai - it is one of the most legit samurai epics every made.

Finding Kurosawa's early works from 1950's and 60's was tough then. But not any more, thanks to criterion and modern day video streaming! I relished four of the best Kurosawa creations and many more to go. There is really no dearth of reviews on his movies; undoubtedly classics and the stuff of the legends. So this is just a teeny overview of the massive impression his movies have had on me.

Seven Samurai (1954)

IMDB entry: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0047478

Genre: Action, Adventure, War

Seven Samurai is an adventure-warrior movie set in a village of peasants who hire seven samurai to defend their village from bandits. This movie was the lethal combination of groundbreaking camera work (much ahead of its time) and an intense storytelling (frame after frame) that resulted in a 3.5 hour epic cinema. This movie has all elements going for it - incredible story, technique, characters, well executed battle scenes, story of honor, trust and adversity and at the top of it all, a movie with a soul. You can find influences of this movie in so many Western movies (too many to list). If you want to ever buy a DVD for your life, this should be it. This is required viewing. This is cinematic gold.

Yojimbo (1961)

IMDB entry: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0055630/

Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama

So if you haven't had enough of samurai dose (how can you anyway?), another classic is Yojimbo (Japanese for bodyguard). A samurai comes to a town in strife and ripped apart by two resident gangs who fight each other. He plays them against each other to get rid of them and free the town of bad elements.  Yojimbo is entertaining from the word go! A lot of elements and style in the Western movies - like a long lens shot of a cowboy, taut and skillful action scenes and visuals seem to be picked up from this movie. It is entertaining to watch as the story unfolds, as the samurai crafts his devious plans unknown to both gangs and how he methodically takes down each of them. Some amusing scenes and humor are thrown in as well. The movie is such a clever masterpiece and still looks fresh for a 1961 movie. A stroke of genius.

Ikiru (1952)

IMDB entry: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0044741/

Genre: Drama

Ok, I had had enough of samurai flicks. I wanted a good drama and I got more than I wanted from Ikiru. Ikiru was on my "to watch" list for a long long time now. It is the story of a bureaucrat who discovers he has stomach cancer and only 6 months to live. He tries to search for purpose in the time left. Yeah, I know, we have seen maybe a dozen movies on this theme by now. But who knew, this movie would be the most "real" of them all. My tiff with other movies in this genre is they never show a terminal patient battling with finding a purpose. All the focus is on his emotions, past, memories etc. Of course, we have all of them here too, but this movie sucks you in because it makes you think beyond your sympathies for a dying man. This movie is relevant even if you are not battling a life-ending disease. It's sole focus is how we do "busy work" and not really anything credible or purposeful. It is also a satire on human behavior. The last 40 minutes just threw me off - it was a fantastic satire on how average humans are influenced by good things but for short time, they are mostly "all talk and no purpose" and do not have the courage to change things.

The opening lines puts everything in perspective

"Ah, here is our protagonist now 

(Protagonist is seated on a desk, buried behind stacks of paper in a bureaucratic department).

But it would be tiresome to meet him right now. After all he's simply passing time without actually living his life. He might as well be a corpse."

Rashomon (1950)

IMDB entry: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0042876
Genre: Crime, Drama



Rashomon is an experimental movie - four witnesses to a crime tell their own version of what actually took place. Each version differs from the other and is left to the audience to believe which is true. The witnesses testify in a courthouse but the interrogator is never revealed - the camera is always facing the witness. It is as though the witnesses are talking to us, the audience, explaining the series of events that led to the murder of a samurai. The woman who plays the samurai's wife is brilliant. The scene where the dead samurai himself testifies (wtf, i know right!) using the woman's body as the medium, is creepy. Very well enacted by the actress. Other notable features of this movie was the clever camerawork. While each witness's story is played out, the camera is positioned differently to show how a different perspective or angle changes our own perception of the crime. The story takes place entirely in woods and the visuals are so well shot for a 1950 movie.

Apart from the interesting storyline, it was really the underlying theme that interested me more -  Why do humans lie? Do we need to be selfish to survive? Like Ikiru, it questions our weaknesses as a human and our faith in humanity.

PS: If you really have to pick your first Kurosawa movie, I would highly recommend to go with Seven Samurai. Can't go wrong with it! While I can't wait to see four other movies of his I picked for my next viewing.

Looking back: All things Chinatown

Tweet

When the Lunar (Chinese) new year happened this year, I felt nostalgic. I miss just doing the rounds of Chinatown in any city. And tasting a lot of Chinese delicacies. There is something exotic about their food. Of course, I am not too daring to go overboard with their exotic stuff (eels, frogs and the like). But I love some of their seafood variety, fruits and exotic flavored ice creams. And the dragon masks and decorations :-) And I love dumplings. And their herb teas are great for the palate. You know where this is going - I am such a big foodie. Gosh.

I think a fair share of affinity to street style Chinese food comes from my love for Indian dhaba style food. Give me a plate of greasy chowmein, stir fries and lots of sauce and I am good to go. So I was mildly surprised when I saw the real Chinese food taste so different from the Indo-Chinese fast food that's served in India (sort of like Panda Express). A lot of actual Chinese food is broth baised/steamed/lightly cooked.

I am huge fan of dumplings so I made a trip to Prosperity Dumplings in New York's Chinatown. Of course I went alone ;-) I venture out on my own on explore-as-you-go type of food crawls. Because it requires an appetite for patience and handling stomach upsets. And I am not sure how far my company can push. Hence alone.

They are a hole in the wall. But I wasn't too surprised by the long waiting line (and this was on a weekday late noon). They have about a 1000+ reviews on yelp. I have been to some elite Dim Sum places, but they pale in comparison with the dumplings at Prosperity. They are famous for their pork chive fried dumplings - too bad I don't eat pork. So I just went for their steamed veggie dumplings, duck and carrot stuffed sesame pancake (greasiest!) and a noodle soup. Washed it down with a bottle of cold water. All for a total under 10$. Now who could beat that?!

After that I got two scoops of lychee and black sesame ice cream from Chinatown Ice Cream Factory - their asian flavors are the real deal! I then made my way through a whole alley of souvenir shops (btw   this is where you should buy those "I love NY" shirts. A lot of tourist end up buying them from Times Square. Not done :-)) And then reached the open markets to buy fruits and seafood. Btw, you can't bargain with the Chinese - not only because you don't understand their language but also because they are very relentless. You are better off trying but wouldn't guarantee a discount. Haha. So I didn't push the lady in the picture too much and got a bountiful of dragon fruits, cherries and plums.

Then I headed to the seafood stores. Oh what heaven! Picked up some fresh shrimp and snapper (their seafood deals are a steal!). But careful not to get cheated. They mix in some stale fish with the fresh ones. I also always walk up and down few stores to compare prices.

A word of caution to the vegetarians, some of the sights and smells at a Chinatown can be really hard to take in. Because there will be, invariably gregarious window displays of slaughtered animals for purchase. Yeah, the Chinese are all out about displaying meat and not shy in this case. I have seen the ballsiest of my non-vegetarian friends go dizzy in their stomachs, on such sights.

As for me, I was born to walk around Chinatowns in every city :-)