Cloud Atlas - Movie Review

     Based on a 2004 contemporary literature novel by the same name,  Cloud atlas tells a story about how souls drift like clouds through time and how lives intertwine with one another in an intricate plot that sparks curiosity. Starring an ensemble cast including Oscar winners Tom Hanks and Halle Berry, not to mention acting talents Hugo Weaving, Susan Sarandon, Hug Grant, Jim Broadbent, Doona Bae and the list goes on.

    The story shifts between five different timelines, each connected in a mystifying way. Whether it is the adventure of Adam Ewing in 1849 South Pacific or the love letters that musician Robert Frobisher wrote to his lover in 1936 Scotland or the pursuit of truth that Californian journalist Luisa Rey embarked on in 1973 will excite you as much as publisher Timothy Cavendish' struggle to escape his prison in 2012 Great Britain followed by android Sonmi-451's fateful encounter with Hae-Joon Chang in 2144 Neo Seoul and lastly, Zachry's conflict with his inner demon in the post-apocalyptic islands of Hawaii. To say more, dear readers, would count as a spoiler.

    Lana and Andy Wachowski who also directed highly-acclaimed science-fiction flick The Matrix and the nostalgia-inducing Speed Racer managed to faithfully recreate author David Mitchell's whimsical storytelling without making it confusing. All of the starring roles delivered top-notch performance, supported by magnificent makeups and special effects, making it possible for the actors to "live" through different timelines.

    All in all, Cloud Atlas is unmistakeably a love-letter to film-making. A truly spell-binding watch packed with plot twists in an unusually contemporary art-house genre that movie buffs will surely enjoy.

VERDICT:
5/5
Cloud Atlas = cloud nine cinematic experience.

Experience the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWnAqFyaQ5s 

Review by:
Pramudhityo Dewantoro

Film Review "The Three Little Pigs" - Ste

“The Three Little Pigs” is an intense off-the-wall thriller set in an imaginary world in which a bloodthirsty wolf with almost supernatural breathing strength leaves a trail of destruction as he attempts to capture and eat three seemingly helpless little anthropomorphic pigs. He meets his match though in a thrilling climax when sensible building materials and a clever twist involving a chimney ensure that good prevails over evil.

The story opens dramatically with the protagonists being sent out into the world by their mother, to "seek out their fortune". The first little pig builds a house of straw, but a wolf blows it down and gobbles him up after a harrowing chase scene. The second pig builds a house of sticks, which the wolf also blows down, polishing off the pig. A dramatic, powerful and somewhat gory ending involving the third pig ensures that you’ll be on the edge of your seat throughout.

Coming out as it did in 1933 it's a witty satire for the Great Depression, the consequence of no financial planning for a rainy day, the unbreachable gap between the haves and have-nots and the steps we need to take in order to reform the system as Roosevelt's New Deal attempted to do.

This is the kind of film that will appeal to adults and children alike. Although the screenplay is a little repetitive and a touch predictable, it’s definitely a good watch.

 

 

Ste

 

Assignment 8 - Film or TV Series Review

Write a newspaper-style review of a TV programme or film/movie that you've seen, describing:

1. Introduction: this gives an overview of who is in the film and what it's about. It also sums up the reviewer's conclusion about the film (so readers can form an opinion without reading the whole of the review).
2. Paragraph 2: the reviewer then describes the plot and the action, while informing the reader which actor plays which role (make sure you don't give away the ending).
3. Paragraph 3: the reviewer then analyses the film, talking about the director and then the actors, looking at good things as well as bad things (using imaginative adjectives to describe it).
4. Finally: the review informs the reader when the film is out (and sometimes, in a local review, where it can be seen).

1)The Colosseum, or Amphiteatrum Flavium, is the the biggest amphitheatre in the world, located in the centre of Rome, it was built almost 2 thousand years ago during the Vespasiano, Tito and Domiziano's empires. The principal aim of the construction was hosting gladiators' fights as well as public manifestations but today the stadium is unfortunately half-shattered though it still attracts million of tourists every year from all over the world being until now the most impressive proof of the ancient Roman Empire.

2)Saint Mary of flower cathedral is a famous building made in the 15th century and located in Florence, it had been designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, the inventor of prospective but during his lifetime he managed to realize nothing but the chapel, indeed considered the most particular part of the whole building, for this reason the original project underwent several changes before being completely accomplished.

The innovation of this masterpiece can be explained by the  presence of a second internal chapel, whose function was reinforcing the structure's skeleton and extending it longitudinally.

3)The Sistine Chapel is one of the most famous cultural treasures of the Vatican City, it was made by pope Sixtus IV, from which it takes its name, in the 15th century, its big importance is due not only to its monumental aspects but also to the painting it preserves, they're in fact made by the most claimed and skilled artists then such as Michelangelo, Botticelli, Perugino and  so many others.

4)Trevi Fountain is located in the centre of Rome and until now is the biggest in the city so far, the statues and constructions that surround it are aimed to give a sea atmosphere to the whole composition, nowadays people approach it by throwing a coin into it in order to make a wish.

5)Ara Pacis Augustae is an altar made in the roman age by emperor Augustus in order to maintain the peace during his empire, it's not a big artwork but it's historical evidence of the typical art in that period.

Francesca - Six attractions in Italy

1) Colosseum is collocated in Rome, captail of Italy, it is the biggest anphitheater of the world.

It was edificated in 80 d.C., and it is considerated the most important monument coupling to the present day.

2) Duom of Milano is the most important church of the city and one of the Italian symbols. It is collocated in the center of the city, in the square wich have the same name.

To the surface it is the fourth cathedral in Europe after San Pietro in Vaticano, St Paul in London and Seivilla Cathedral.

On the top of the Duomo there is Madonnina statue that everybody can see. If you want to go upstair you'll be surprise because there is a spectacular view and you can see all the city: the lights, the traffic and everything that Milano can offer you.

3)Pinacoteca of Brera: if you like art this is one of the best place where you can go in Italy. It looks like a museum, an art national gallery collocated in the heart of Milano. The museum offers one of the most important collection about Lombard and Venetian painting. In addiction to is possible to find an exposition from the past to the modern art.

4) Park of Monza: is one of the biggest park in the world. It is as large as Central park in New York but includes four different cities. In this place people can walk, run, relax themselves and watch gran prix that there is every year in September.

During this period Monza is full of tourist and the city offers a lot of interesting think to do.

Anyway the best period to visit the park is summers because you can stay there until late and enjoy your vacation in the best way.

5) Lake of Como: Como is one of the best city in the north of Italy. It's not a big city but with a very important lake in which you can across on the boat, do fishing and see a stunning views.

On the side there are a lot of beautiful houses where some of important people live in. Moreover, if you like good food, you can enjoy in one of the 100 restaurants that Como offer you.

During the summer is possible practice some water sports like sailboat, windsurf and surf.

      

6) Arengario of Monza: is an old building in the center of Monza (city close to Milano) where the king usually has gone to talk with people.

Nowdays is a beautiful place, built in stone where it is possible to find different art exhibitions above all christmas time.

During grand prix time, Arengario transform itself in a "show cooking". There are a lot of table, that represent different restaurants,  and they suggest new plates with stagionaly ingredients.

Francesca

Mariza - The six wonders of Angola

The 6 wonders form my country (Angola) are:


1.Serra da Leba, in Lubango

Serra da Leba is a mountain range in the province of Huila, in Angola.

Located near the city of Lubango, Serra da Leba is famous for its altitude, for its beauty and also for the Serra da Leba pass.

Serra da Leba pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1845m above the sea level, located in the province of Huíla, in Angola. The road to reach the summit, a sharply winding and precipitous ascent in a steep and narrow zig-zag road, is a marvel of engineering given the era of its construction.

The surface of the road is asphalted, and chains or snow tyres can be required throughout the year. 

 

The drive is definitely worth it. Legend has it that the Serra da Leba pass is named after a Portuguese woman who designed and built the road, who died after she viewed it on the very day the project was finished. Being one of the country's postcard images for decades, the road is a marvel of engineering given the era of its construction. In spite of its beauty, the road offers little guard-rail protection and has been the venue of many road fatalities; thus bearing the long assigned name 'the beautiful precipice'. 

 

2. Morro do Moco (Mount Moco):

 

Mount Moco (Morro de Moco) is the highest mountain in Angola. It doesn’t so much ‘tower’ as much as majestically punctuate the surrounding grasslands northwest of Huambo, a town centrally

located on Angola’s vast plateau region. Wikipedia reliably informs me that it stands proud at 2640m above sea level which would make it about as high as your top ski lift in an average Alpine resort… Not exactly breaking any records then, but certainly a better effort then England’s most elevated peak. 

The mountain is difficult to get to, tricky to identify, sacred to the local population and has no discernable tracks leading to its summit in an area that is strewn with lost minefields and unexploded ordinance… What better way to spend a weekend than an attempt on the summit! In all fairness, things are always easier than they sound in Angola, despite what people may tell you.

Naturally, a healthy dose of positivity is needed when attempting any new adventure in the depths of this fascinating country, but rarely do things end up getting too pear-shaped so long as you abide by a few standard rules:
1. Respect the weather
2. Respect the mines
3. Respect the local population
With these basic principles in mind, a lot can be achieved anywhere in Angola.





3. As quedas de Kalandula ( The kalandula waterfalls):

Depending on which source you check, the waterfalls on the river Lucala at Kalandula are either the second or third tallest in Africa. Irrespective of ranking, at 105m high and about 400m wide they are spectacular and well worth making the effort to visit them. For best effect, try to visit during the rainy season from September to April (the rains are heaviest between November and January). Until recently the closest place to stay was Malanje, some 85km to the east, but a hotel has now opened in the nearby town of Kalandula. If travelling by taxi from Malanje, allow one hour to reach the falls. Expect to pay around 5,000AOA. There is a small aerodrome close by but it is not served by scheduled flights.




The falls are reasonably well signed in both directions from the main N’dalatando to Malanje road, but look out for the colonial name of ‘Duque de Bragança’ rather than Kalandula on the broken white signposts. Ignore the signs for the pousada (hotel) as it is derelict and the access bridge has been destroyed. The drive across the green and undulating countryside is depressing as the road passes through many settlements that were destroyed in the war. Heavy fighting broke out here in 1984 and Kalandula was occupied by UNITA several times and for long periods. Most of the town’s infrastructure was destroyed and the majority of the municipality’s population moved to the relative safety of Malanje, Cacuso and Luanda. Driving through the town of Kalandula is particularly sad with its bombed-out cinema, houses and shops. 




4.Tunda-Vala


Tunda-Vala (also known as Tundavala) is a breathtaking gorge cut out of the Chela Escarpment looking towards the town of Bibala in the north, and Lubango’s second must-see. Again, there’s no public transport so you’ll need to arrange an informal taxi to get you there. If you have your own car, getting to Tunda-Vala is easy; it’ll take about three hours for a round trip and you can do it in a normal car if driven carefully and if in the dry season. Tunda-Vala is about 17km northwest of the centre of town and you’ll need to leave Lubango on the main road passing the Grande Hotel on your left heading up the gentle hill out of town towards Namibe. About 3.5km after the hotel, Tunda-Vala is signed to the right on a good tarmac road which passes first the N’gola brewery (5km after the turning) and then the Coca-Cola bottling plant 1km further on. Stop for the freshest and cheapest draught beer (40AOA a glass) in Angola at the modest Pérola do Sul bar on the left-hand side of the road between the two bottling plants. 

The road continues and as it ascends, the tarmac disappears and the surface turns first into a gravel road then a dirt track, eventually opening up onto a wide high plain with a moonscape of weird-shaped rocks, many of which have been stacked precariously on top of each other by nature. Tunda-Vala is at the end of this track. A concrete viewing platform has been built at the point where a deep ravine slices into the edge of the vertical cliff. At the bottom of the cliff some 1,000m below is a wide green plateau punctuated with odd-shaped hills that stretches to the sea over 130km away at Namibe. To get a feel for the height of the cliff, toss a stone over the edge and count until it hits the bottom – usually about eight seconds. Here, above the clouds, the air is clear and you may see the occasional eagle and monkey. 



5.Pungo Andongo

 

The Black Rocks are more or less midway between N’dalatando and Malanje. At the village of Cacuso, turn south and follow the road for about 45km. A few kilometres after Cacuso the road rises over the brow of a hill and the rocks of Pungo Andongo appear majestically in the far distance. Later, as you enter a small settlement you will see signs for a visitors’ centre pointing to the left. Follow the signs and park in a natural cul-de-sac between the rocks. The visitors’ centre has long since disappeared but old concrete steps lead to the top of one of the rocks where there is an astonishing view of the countryside for miles around. The colossal blocks of stone that make up Pungo Andongo cover a rectangular area of about12km x 6km and many of them rise 200m above the surrounding flat savanna.

Further to the east is a second group of rocks called Pedras Guingas. Many of the rocks have been described as looking like animals but at least one looks like an enormous circumcised phallus. Geologically, the rocks are a mystery: they are hard sedimentary conglomerates but are out of character with the surrounding topography. The growth of mosses and algae causes them to change colour during the seasons. Pungo Andongo is a place of myth and legend and served as capital of the Kingdom of Ndongo. The footprints of Rei (King) Ngola Kiluanji and Rainha (Queen) Ginga are said to be embedded in the rocks. Legend has it that while the queen was taking a bath in a brook at the foot of the rocks she was seen by soldiers. As she fled she left behind her footprints. Small impressions that, with a bit of imagination, could be footprints are protected by an ugly concrete shelter and can be found a short drive away though you will need to ask a local to show you the exact spot. 



6. Soyo and Congo river

Soyo sits at the extreme northwest of Angola’s mainland at the mouth of the Congo River, barely

above sea level and surrounded by waterways.

Once a sleepy stretch of villages in the low sands along the banks of the river, Soyo is now an important oil town and land reclamation is making room for the influx of oil workers. During the 16th and 17th centuries, Soyo was called Sonyo and rose to become a wealthy and important trading port serving central Africa. Trade passed through its rival M’banza Congo first, then Sonyo. Rivalry between the two towns contributed to the eventual dissolution of the kingdom.







By:

Chiminha Mariza Kintas

Lyna - 6 Attractions in China

1. Zhang Jia Jie

a)  Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

 

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park  is a unique national forest park located in Zhangjiajie City in China.  It became famous since in 2009 from the film Avatar, which won several awards on in the 82nd Academy Awards.   

 

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

 

the film's floating "Hallelujah Mountains”

 

b) Tu Minority Custom - Kujia  

The Tu Minority is one of the ethnic minorities in China, is a group of simple living in the mountain. Before the 70s, marriages are mostly introduced by the matchmaker, the girl has never seen saw her husband before they get got married. They are worried or unhappy about man may bullyied them. Due to transportation isn't convenient, daughter is hardly to go home that crying hysterically.

Girls learn Kujia from 12 years old. They usually start crying a month before the wedding. They invite nine best unmarried friends companion of the bride, accompanied who accompany her crying hysterically at on the official day. Now,  this custom of Kujia only still happens in partial cottage.

2. Qian Tang River Tide  

The Qian Tang River is the biggest in Zhejiang Province, running from the west to Hangzhou Bay in the east. The centrifugal force produced by the rotation of the earth and by the peculiar bottleneck shape of Hangzhou Bay makes it easy for the tide to come in, but difficult for it to ebb.

Annually, millions of people from different places come to watch the magnificent tide on the eighteenth day of the eighth lunar month (also around the Mid-Autumn Day).  When the surging tide comes, the level of water rises up 30 feet and the noise generates sounds like thunder, or thousands of horses running.

 

3. Jiu Zhai Gou Valley 

Jiu Zhai Gou Valley is a nature reserve and national park located in the north of Sichuan, China.  

The Jiuzhaigou Valley is part of the Min Mountains on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau and stretches over 72,000 hectares (180,000 acres). It is known for its many multi-level waterfalls, colourful lakes, and snow-capped peaks. Its elevation ranges from 2,000 to 4,500 metres (6,600 to 14,800 ft).

The Jiuzhaigou Valley was inscribed registered by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1992 and a World Biosphere Reserve in 1997. It belongs to the category V (Protected Landscape) in the IUCN system of protected area categorization.

 

4. Da Hong Pao (tea)  

 

Da Hong Pao trees, the original mother tree produced on top of high rock cliffs in the Wuyi Mountain in Fujian, the number of mother trees extant in existence is six trees. Those trees grow at in an unique environment, year-round water flow from the rock roof. Because the rock in which the position of the plants, is able to block the fierce midday sun, but it reflects the sun's rays to the plants. That’s why Da Hong Pao is extremely valuable.

Wuyishan City government insured one hundred million yuan of product liability insurance for existing six strains Da Hong Pao mother trees.

5. Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor

  

The Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor is located at in Xi’an in China. No doubt thousands of statues still remain to be unearthed at this archaeological site, which was not discovered until 1974. It has known as the "eighth wonder of the world", "one of the great archaeological discoveryies in the history of the twentieth century."

Three Terracotta are ​​over 20,000 square meters pit, the pit is placed with the size of the real horse figurines, pottery horses more than 7,000 pieces of high artistic value.

 

6. Hong Kong 

 

This city of seven million people on the South China Sea coast – its colourful history, diverse culture and East-meets-West character.

Hong Kong can mostly thank its colonial history and international harbour for the rich blend of cultures that give it its unique character. While the majority of the city’s population are Chinese speakers, simply walking the streets will expose you to a medley of Asian and European languages.