Thursday March BCB - Schindler's List

Based on the book "Schindler's Ark" by Thomas-Keneally, Schindler's List tells the story of one man's defiance in the face of evil and his sacrifices to save Jewish people during Hitler's reign. It was made into a movie in 1993. Directed by Steven Spielberg and starring well known actors Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes and Ben Kingsley the film won 7 Oscars and more than 60 other awards.

The Girl who leapt through time

Makoto Konno (Emily Hirst) is a little bit clumsy, oversleeps in the morning and loves baseball - your average high school aged girl. That is until she has the worst day of her life. On that day, Makoto really oversleeps, has a pop quiz, starts a fire in her cooking class, is accidental knocked down at recess by some guys tussling and then, when putting away the classes notebooks, she manages to slip and drop them all on her head. But that is not the worst of it. As she cycles home her brakes give out on the hill right as a train is coming through the crossing. And then something strange happens. As she hits the barrier, time stops and she is unexpectedly moved back in time.

Exploring her strange new talent, Makoto begins to correct the mistakes of the day, but with the help of her Aunt, she realises that her traveling is not limitless and is having devistating effects on those around her. Can Makoto make everything right, before she rus out of leaps?

Directed by Mamoru Hosoda

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The Patriot (The Motion Picture)

I just recently enjoyed watching The Patriot. This movie, set in the time of America's revolutionary war, tells how one family perseveres through great loss and hardship.

The oldest son, Gabriel Martin, (Heath Ledger) decides to join the Continental Army against the wishes of his father(Mel Gibson). Soon afterward, Gabriel finds that his father has also joined as a result of his youngest brother being killed by the British Army. Father and son fight side by side through many bloody battles until Gabriel is killed by the same soldier who shot Thomas, his youngest brother.

The movie culminates in a vicious battle where the father ultimately gets his revenge. I enjoyed the movie for its authenticity and attention to details of the Revolutionary War.

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Written by Lisa Keith.

Read it before you see it!

Stephanie Meyer's Twilight
MOVIE RELEASE DATE: 21 November 2008

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The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
MOVIE RELEASE DATE: 19 December 2008

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John Grogan's Marley and Me
MOVIE RELEASE DATE: 25 December 2008

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The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
MOVIE RELEASE DATE: 14 November 2008

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Jeanne DuPrau's City of Ember
MOVIE RELEASE DATE: 10 October 2008

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Ella Enchanted - The Movie

Having read this wonderful reworking of the well known Cinderella story and reviewed it here, I thought to give the film of the same name a try.

Supported by a star studded cast, Anne Hathaway plays Ella: a girl placed under the gift or curse of obedience by her well meaning fairy godmother, Lucinda. The spell forces Ella to obey any command, be it ridiculous or sinister. After being forced to give up her best friend by her horrible step-sisters, Ella decides it is time to look up Lucinda and get the spell removed. With the help of a Benny, man accidentally turned into a book, and Slannen, an elf who wants to become a lawyer, Ella sets off to Giantville. On the road she is captured by ogres, rescued by the prince (Hugh Dancey), then saves him from a royal conspiracy and learns the strength to break the curse must come from inside herself.

Also featuring Vivica A. Fox, Cary Elwes, Minnie Driver, Joanna Lumley and Eric Idle.

As a movie in its own right, this glitzy, feel good story works well. There is humour, evil to overcome and a love story. Unfortunately fans of Gail Carson Levine’s novel are left wondering what went wrong. Gone is Ella’s sassy spirit, her ambition and determination. The friendship between Ella and the prince is put aside for a love-hate relationship and the steadfast King, who governs his lands so well, is put aside for an evil regent.

All in all, if you enjoyed the book, skip the movie, but if you haven’t read it, then you will find this a charming family flick.

Rated: PG.
Run Time: 96 minutes

John Adams - the HBO Miniseries

As a former New Englander, and a Colonial period history buff, I knew that I had to see this movie. What an awesome recount of the life and times of John Adams (Paul Giamatti) and Abigail Adams (Laura Linney). The sets are remarkable in their showing an expert rendition of that time period. From the inception of the Declaration of Independence, to the death of John in 1826, it shows the courage of a man who was hot tempered, yet a great orator in the courtroom and meetings with the delegates. What a thrill to see the White House being built, his being sworn in, and many other tidbits of his life.

As we know from our history books, Abigail was an integral part of her husband's life as a President. While he was in France, Abigail wrote many letters to John, but he was silent. You can see the uncomfortable atmosphere portrayed after their 3 years of being away from each other. Their love for each other through all the hard times keeps them strong for everything that they had to endure.

The author of the book, David McCullough, was on site while the film was being made, and he was really excited at how good the production crew made his book come alive. This movie is not for the faint-of-heart as a man is tarred and feathered and surgeries are done with no anesthesia. It makes me thankful for how far we have come in the medical field. It is for adults and young adults alike. A must see for every history buff.

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