Life is Beautiful DVD Review (Italy)

Life is Beautiful
DVD Review by Lauren
Country: Italy

Summary from Amazon (Product Description):

An inspired motion picture masterpiece, LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL was nominated for 7 Academy Awards(R) -- winning 3 Oscars, including one for Best Actor Robert Benigni. In this extraordinary tale, Guido (Benigni) -- a charming but bumbling waiter who's gifted with a colorful imagination and an irresistible sense of humor -- has won the heart of the woman he loves and created a beautiful life for his young family. But then, that life is threatened by World War II ... and Guido must rely on those very same strengths to save his beloved wife and son from an unthinkable fate! Honored with an overwhelming level of critical acclaim, this truly exceptional, utterly unique achievement will lift your spirits and capture your heart!


I decided to post that above to help you learn a bit about the overall story, as I wasn't entirely sure how to go about doing it myself. Life is Beautiful was an amazing and powerful film. Benigni did a tremendous job as director and actor. The movie has comedy, definitely, but it also has heart and you realize the sadness and pain behind what Guido's character is not telling his young son.

I've heard various people's thoughts on this film, with some liking it and others thinking it's not appropriate. As you can already tell, I think it's a fantastic film. It still shows the horror of living in a concentration camp, and gives a new view on WWII with the types of lives Itlalians lived.

If you've seen this film, what did you think? If you haven't, I highly recommend it. The beginning is more light then the second half, just to forewarn you (I was told as well, so I was prepared).

I just want to mention that Giorgio Cantarini, who plays the son of Guido, was absolutely amazing. It's hard to remember that he was only about four or five, I believe, when they filmed this movie. He did a great job and was so adorable!

Recommended Film!

The Suicide Shop by Jean Teule (France) + New Blog!!

The Suicide Shop by Jean Teule
Review by: Lauren

The Suicide Shop, set in a futuristic world, is about the Tuvache family who sells the means for people to kill themselves (ropes tied for hanging, poison in bottles, and more). Mishima, Lucrece, and their children Vincent, Marilyn, and Alan are in the business to help others, though they cannot personally use any of their products. When asked why not, their mother replies that “I’ve told you a hundred times: because it’s impossible. Who’d look after the shop?” However, the parents have tried out one item and greatly regret this decision for most of the book. You see, they tested a condom with a hole in it (for those that want to die from an STD) and the product was their last son Alan who is a disgrace to the moody family. After all, he’s just too happy!

Alan is the type of kid who likes to draw fun pictures, sing, and smile at his parents. But if you have parents that are dealing with death everyday, this is definitely not their type of child. The family tries to do all they can to change him and make him just a little bit more morose, but nothing ever seems to work. As time goes on, Alan even seems to be rubbing off on the rest of the family, showing them the good and happy in life. At one point, he’s talking to a customer who believes that they are horrible looking and Alan replies with “How are you monstrous? What on earth are you saying? You’re like everyone else: the same number of ears, eyes, a nose…What’s the difference?”

Each chapter is relatively short and overall, the book reads a lot like little short stories that are all connected. Even though this story is called The Suicide Shop, it’s actually a very amusing read and will most likely have you laughing out loud at some points. It also has a great message though, underneath it all, and that is the love of life, just like Alan is trying to show his family.

I must say though that the ending had me quite shocked. I didn’t see it coming at all, but after some thought, I think it’s fitting. This is a quick read that is definitely recommended!

http://www.gallicbooks.co.uk/
French Novel that was Translated into English for a Publisher in England

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On another note, I wanted to mention a new blog that you should all check out. Authors Toni Hargis and Michael Harling (I've got guest blogs/interviews from them on here) have banded together to talk about an American in the UK and a gal from England in the U.S.

http://pondparleys.blogspot.com/

What Countries Do YOU Want To Know About?!

I've had a lot of people offer to help me out with ideas for other countries and I seriously appreciate it. I'm sure I'll be coming to you all in the future with questions. However, I wanted to give everyone ELSE a chance to learn about other countries....whether it's entertainment related or not.

Now, my idea is to find someone who is from that country (or if we can't, perhaps someone who is living there at the moment or has visited) to answer the reader's questions.

If you fall under any of the above categories and don't mind answering questions, let me know with the name of the country.

As for everyone else, what country do YOU want to hear about? Leave your thoughts in the comments and I'll get to work on the first one as soon as I can!

My Mailbox!

These are the four books that I recieved that fit the foreign criteria for Bridge the Gap: England, Canada, Japan, and Turkey (I believe). I can't wait to read them!! You might remember I posted about Mercury Under My Tongue already, and I got an email offering a review copy...as well as some other random novels that are non-American. I OF COURSE accepted and here you go!

Leave your thoughts and I'll talk more in the comments:

The City in Crimson Cloak by Asli Erdogan

Vibrator by Mari Akasaka

Milk, Sulphate, and Alby Starvation by Martin Millar

Mercury Under my Tongue by Sylvain Trudel

Mike Harling Guest Post (UK)

Cultural Exchange
A Guest Post by Mike Harling, author of Postcards from Across the Pond
Mike's interview!

I was born in America; it seemed the natural thing to do. And there were times, I kid you not, when I would reflect on the rest of the world, marveling at how so many people could lack the good fortune or foresight to not have been born in America. Or at least Canada.

There was also a time when it seemed to me that anyone who really mattered came from America, as well. I shared this observation with my mother, capping it off with, "Even Jesus was an American." I was quite young.

My mom set me straight on the Jesus theory, but couldn't deny that the others on my list were true blue, as was I.

Over the years, I discovered the joys of travel, but never strayed too far from home (in a place as big as America, that's not as contradictory as it sounds) and certainly never considered leaving it. But then I did. (Short version: met a woman. Long version: buy the book.) Now I believe that every American should be required to spend a year living abroad. (In the interest of keeping their “Out of Nation” experience from being too much of a culture shock, however, it might be best if they started off visiting countries with indoor plumbing.)

Even the non-Americans I have posed this idea to think it’s a good one, as broadening the world-view of the United States is advantageous for all concerned, provided the Americans in question don’t come to “visit” as part of a large camouflage-clad group toting rifles and driving armored vehicles.

These days I reserve my wonder for the people in America who have never had the opportunity of experiencing a different culture; and I can’t help feeling a little sorry for them. They will never know the strange thrill that comes from seeing the weather map on the news not showing an aerial view of their own home county (like when you visited Baltimore that time on your school trip). They will never experience the simultaneous shock of astonishment, disbelief and disappointment as they ride down the A-303 and ask their travel companion about those strange rocks in the field off to the right and receive the reply: "Oh them; that's Stonehenge."

England, despite my erstwhile supposition of ubiquitous Americanism, figures large in our culture, or at least it did in mine. Remember that place the lady rode her Cock Horse to? Yeah, it's here. I drove through it a few months back. And the Muffin Man, well, he doesn't live in Drury lane any more, but Drury lane is still there. Also, once you get out of America you start realizing that many notable people (Prince Charles, for instance) are not, in fact, American. I mean, Oasis; who knew they were from Manchester? I thought they came from Seattle.

Even if you can’t arrange to live overseas, you should at least pop over for a visit. The UK is a good place to start because they sort of speak the same language and we share a great deal of heritage. And now would be the optimum time, while the dollar hasn’t free-fallen quite as far as the pound and you can actually get a decent rate of exchange. If you’re on a limited budget, visit London; it’s like New York City in that you can't swing a tea cosy without hitting something famous. On a pleasant day you could go for a stroll and take in Trafalgar Square, The Tower of London, Piccadilly Circus, Big Ben, Westminster Abby and Buckingham Palace and still have time for a pint and a visit to the gift shoppe. That’s value for money, and not always possible in other countries (try visiting Mt Rushmore and Old Faithful in the same day).

So think about it. Come for a visit or, if you can swing it, a longer stay, because nothing compares to the adventure inherent in the daily navigation of a foreign culture. Even after seven years I still, on occasion, look around myself and think, “Holy shit, I’m in England.” And being amazing by your own life is a great way to live.

Mike Harling Interview (UK)

Interview with: Mike Harling
Questions by: Lauren
Website
Blog
Mike's Guest Post

Mike, an American who moved to England, has written a book,Postcards from Across the Pond, all about his experiences there. Truthfully, I have yet to read it myself but I really hope too soon, especially after reading the guest post Mike did as well!

1. What made you decide on the title, Postcards from Across the Pond? Was this a first choice or did it come later? If it wasn't your first idea, what were some discarded ones?

It just seemed natural. It was the first thing that came to mind and I liked it and continued to use it; I have not regretted it.

2. When reading your book, what can people expect to find?

My book is very much like my website and blog; humorous articles on what it is like being an American living in the UK. The essays in the book are not featured on the website, but the style and subject matter is similar. So if you enjoy what you read on the website, you’ll like the book. And vice versa.

3. Do you have plans to write anything else in the near future? Will it be non-fiction or perhaps fiction?

My plan has always been to be a novelist. I fell into humor writing quite by accident and the fact that I have published a humor book still surprises me. I have written several novel manuscripts and my most recent one is still out there looking for a publisher. I am also working on my next novel.

4. For those who don't live in or haven't visited England (especially other Americans), what would you tell them you like the best and the least?

Both are difficult to pin down; there is so much about England that I love and very little I don’t like. And it depends upon the person. History buffs can’t get enough of the castles, Roman ruins and places like Stonehenge, and others might like to tour the countryside and take in the views. And everyone likes the accents. As for me, I like the fact that I can get to so many places without having to drive for three days. What I dislike is the British Yob culture (football hooligans, lager louts, etc.).

5. What other books should everyone be reading these days?

If you like books such as “Postcards From Across the Pond,” there are others out there of a similar ilk. “Rules Britannia,” by Toni Hargis is a good one, as is Chris Rae’s “The Septic’s Companion.” Both are funny and informative.

6. Since Bridge the Gap is about all things non-American, what is something you would like to see featured at some point?

It’s been fun bringing a glimpse of England to your readers, so I would like to see the same done for other countries, such as Spain, Latvia, Holland, Thailand, etc.

Shall We Dansu? (Japan)

Shall We Dansu?
Review by: Lauren
Country: Japan

Shall We Dansu? is the original film which produced the American remake, Shall We Dance?, starring Jennifer Lopez. Shall We Dansu? chronicles a man named Sugiyama, who is not at all happy with his everyday life as an accountant. He has a wife, a daughter, and a nice house, but deep inside, he’s hoping for more. On his way home from work one evening, he sees a young girl gazing out the window of a dance studio. From then on, he’s mesmerized, and soon finds himself signing up for dance classes.

At first, his wife is pleased that he’s getting out, having fun, and being a lot less serious, but as he begins spending more and more time away from home-without revealing the dancing-she soon begins to worry. Thus, she goes to a private detective to find out the true meaning behind her husband’s mood change and sudden disappearances.

I’d seen the American version when it first came out and definitely enjoyed it, but I must say that the original is a lot better. Now, if you see the Japanese version, you might realize that it’s a lot similar to the American one and the language is pretty much the main difference. However, this is the original and I feel it’s worth a watch for simply that, especially if you liked Lopez’ version. You’ll find yourself with many emotions throughout this film: happiness, laughter, anger, sadness, understanding, and more.

Naoto Takenaka did a great job as Aoki, a man who loves to dance, yet can’t bring himself to do so without wearing one ridiculous wig! Aoki is definitely a light and fun character that brings a lot of humor to this film, yet he also shows his own pain and sadness, making you feel for him just as much as Sugiyama and the rest.

This is a simple film, yet is filled with a lot of emotion, and is sure to capture the heart of a lot of viewers. Forget about the subtitles, and simply give this one a chance!

If you’ve seen the American one, now is the time to see the original and if you haven’t seen either, then most definitely start with this one.