Detachment: I highly recommend it

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When someone asks me, "What kind of movies do you like?" I have a hard time answering. I usually start off by saying I don't care for the Hollywood flicks, and then go from there. For the most part Korea gets only just the Hollywood "Blockbuster" movies from the West. While the more thoughtful and dramatic ones don't cross the ocean.

To get my movie kicks I first see what's up for grabs in iTunes and then take a pick. I recently decided to give the movie "Detachment" a try after feeling compelled by the trailer.

I did think that it would be another "teacher movie", where a good guy type teacher comes to a bad school and fixes everything up just right. But, boy was I wrong. For one the movie starts off like a documentary with profiles of several teachers spilling out why they became teachers. Turns out they became teachers because that basically was all they had to do. Even though I haven't been a real teacher back home, I know from other people's tales and what I read that it's a tough and thankless job.

For sure we all have heard about the teacher's troubles and the rotting education system in America. But even though this movie touches on the hardships of teachers and the education system, it mostly focuses on the human condition. 

I don't want to talk too much and end up causing you to not watch the film, because I truly feel this one is worth the time. 

The memorable parts for me are when the red-head actress, who is one of the teachers at the school, says something like, "When Friday comes I don't want to go home. What will I do without all those students in my classroom?" Something like that! Anyway, I feel the same way. I get so energized and alive in the classroom that when I'm out of it I feel like I'm missing something. 

Another dialog in the movie I enjoyed was how the main character was talking about how teachers don't really care. Like they are just floating from one period to the next. It made me think of our teaching job's out here, when at times it feels like your just trying to fill the space till the next class. However, I definitely feel I try my best to give each class the attention they need, all be it a very tiring task. 

Anyway, it's a "thinker" type movie and one that is quite on edge, so give yourself the brain space to watch it. If you have seen this movie I would love to get your feedback about the social issues raised and also any other thoughts.

Bonus: I also enjoyed the soundtrack to this movie. During one scene this song "Empty" by Ray LaMontagne came on. Now I'm a fan!

Oasis (오아시스): Korean Movie Review

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Oasis, the movie directed by Lee Chang-dong, is an incredible piece of work where you can see a very acute and tactful observation of the human condition. The kind that is brought on by the people in society who are forgotten and at the very end of the line. Scenery within the movie evokes emotions ranging from rage to sympathy, and yet you don't want to stop watching. 

The story focuses on the retarded character Jong-du who was recently released from prison, and finds himself back at home amongst family who doesn't want him. Scenes show how as outcasted from family and society, not just for the way he acts but also his reputation. The crime in which he was involved (sort of) takes him to the victim's family, where he meets the physically disabled Gong-ju (Korean name for Princess). 

source (I didn't know this but apparently after you get of prison your suppose to eat a block of fresh tofu.)

What happens is they fall in love, but their relationship is of course not favored. However, you can't help but feel your heart swell when he makes the poor girl happy and imagine that she isn't disabled. 

There is a lot intertwined in the plot of this movie and you realize that the misfit of the film is really just a victim of his family's shameful actions, along with the girl whose family takes advantage of her disability. 

I don't want to give too much away, because not knowing key elements of the film, I feel are important to thoroughly enjoying this movie. That is why I highly recommend accessing it and giving it a try. It's not going to be a blockbuster-blow-your tv out, sort of movie. But will give you insight into the fringe side of Korea. Here's the trailer to get you ready:

Pancake Brunch

One could go to Butterfinger Pancakes or some brunch place, but the best pancakes are homemade and enjoyed with a friend. Yesterday, I ventured over to my friend's place. She recently moved to my area and so we were excited we could get together so easily. I brought over a Red Mill Organic pancake mix I bought from a foreign food online seller, along with frozen blueberries. We picked up a few extras, too.

Sorry for the blurry photos, I forgot to change it from "manual focus" to "auto". Oh well!

The mix came out pretty thick when we followed the instructions, so along the way I added some water. But overall the smell of cooking pancakes and sizzling bacon made this Saturday afternoon quite pleasant.

We enjoyed our brunch while watching the new movie, "Midnight in Paris" by Woody Allen. I highly recommend this to other people, as it was funny and cooky. Certainly, made for a great addition to our scrumptious meal.

I look forward to more brunch adventures at my pals place in time to come!

3-Alley Pub Lunch and a Movie

Ever since JH returned from his American vacation he has been craving some of the foods he sampled there. One of which is the American burger. I'm not talking about a McDonald's burger but the kind you get at a mom-and-pop restaurant. One that is thick and juicy with a big bun and fresh toppings.

He realized that the usual places to get a burger in Korea, like Kraze Burger, just weren't cutting it. I told him how this is how I feel about pretty much any dining experience in Korea. But I told him there was hope, for Itaewon was known for good burgers.

With a little inquiring, over at the Seoul Patch, I heard that the 3-Alley pub serves up great burgers. So with much anticipation we headed over to Itaewon to see for ourselves if a truly delicious burger exists in Korea.

The 3-Alley Pub wasn't hard to find as our parking spot was just up the hill. Plus the name of the place and the location match, as it is situated within a narrow back-alley of Itaewon. We came during lunch time and the traffic wasn't heavy. The cool air still lingered as summer isn't fully upon us yet.

JH declared the cheeseburger and I the fish and chips item on the menu.

We waited...

Then finally a beautiful spectacle came before our eyes...

As you can see this looks like a very tasty burger and indeed it was. The bun was fluffy and wholesome, while the meat was juicy and seasoned wonderfully. But the most important part was that JH found himself satisfied that there is an "American worthy" burger here in his country.

The fish-and-chips were pretty good, however I concluded the burger was way better and so next time will get that. JH was so pleased with his meal that he proposed we came here every Saturday! I told him if he wants me to grow more fat than sure. haha

After lunch, we meandered around Itaewon for a little bit before heading to TechnoMart for a movie. 

The above was a sign on the pub's window, asking people to not bring in cakes. I found this especially funny. It is common for Koreans to take a cake with them to a bar or restaurant for a special occasion. I suppose this pub doesn't really want that kind of culture in their establishment. Or they are making a joke?

As we walked down towards the main Itaweon street we passed Tartine bakery, which is very famous amongst the food-Kblogosphere for being one of the best in Korea. I definitely was tempted with their window display of goodies. 

We found ourselves later in the new WhatTheBook store, which is so much bigger and brighter than it use to be.

I loved how this store felt like a cozy book-store from back home, and I was more pleased to find they had the author I was looking for. Now my bedtime reading is very much fulfilled. 

If you notice, in the above picture, I left a little something behind on their bulletin board. ;)

Heading back to the car I spotted these "yellow fruits."

Itaewon is a place for many treasure finds, and I think it offers something for everyone.

The movie we saw was KungFu Panda 2 in 3D, which was pretty fun actually. It was my first time experiencing a movie in 3D, and I found it to be a new and exciting way to enjoy a film. However, I would say that your eyes get use to it and by the end of the movie you don't really feel like you are having a 3D experience. I would recommend seeing this movie, because it is one of those laid-back ones that you can just enjoy and have a good time with.

After the movie JH took me over to his neighborhood where I said hello to Tom's brother Tiger, and had dinner at a nangmyeon place nearby.

All in all, a pretty fun day and one that was very satisfying thanks to the 3-Alley Pub.

Korean Movie Review: Poetry or 시 (Shi)

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The Korean movie, 시 (Shi) or Poetry, caught my attention after I saw an article about in the New York Times. Mostly, the article talks about the lead actress Yun Jung Hee who turns out to be widely acclaimed with a rich history in film.  All of this, has me interested in checking out films from the 60's and 70's with her in it.

The premise of the movie sounds very somber as it details the life of an aging woman who starts to write poetry but doesn't really know why. I have watched my share of Korean movies in the past and the ones that aren't too violent tend to capture a real special sense of humanity and suffering. Today I am going to give a review of Poetry, which I hope will get you enticed to see the movie and window of Korean life it looks into.

Poetry shows the tale of an old women and her encounter with a harsh truth in her life. Yet as she battles the sobering reality that her grandson is a rapist, her focus tends to be more on whether she can write poetry or not. Even though this sounds depressing and strange the movie is produced in a way that is poetic itself and also stunningly beautiful. A lot of it is shot in the country side and small town areas of Korea.

Yun Jung Hee does an excellent job portraying this character and at times you think you are watching a documentary.

I would highly recommend seeing this movie and paying close attention to the bits of poetry that is strung through out it. Although fictitious I do believe it characterizes Korean society and mind when it comes to crime and punishment.

Take the time out of your busy schedule and watch this movie when in need of something contemplative and calm.