what I have seen (and heard) so far...

This is one of the best movie I've ever seen for this year. The film was written by the brothers responsible for the Matrix movies, Larry and Andy Wachowski, and is based on a graphic novel by Alan Moore. Below is the summary of the movie...for those who haven't watched this movie, I suggest to skip this part or if you don't care that much, then proceed.

"The opening scene offers a quick lesson in English history. London in the 17th century is re-created to show infamous saboteur Guy Fawkes foiled in his attempt to blow up Parliament, an act for which he is hanged in front of a mob of thousands. They're almost certainly computer generated, but the special effects aren't obvious. The film is almost old-fashioned in relying on solid storytelling instead of trickery to engage the audience.

Flash forward, way forward, to London in 2020 or so. A totalitarian regime has taken control, terrorizing citizens and routinely lying to them via a government-controlled TV station. It's unclear whether the news readers are telling the truth when they dryly report that the former United States is in a state of chaos brought on by a civil war.

The British people's self-appointed savior (Hugo Weaving) goes only by the letter V. But we know what that stands for. Sure enough, he's hell-bent on bringing down the government by carrying out Fawkes' failed mission. Keep the mental image of Weaving as the "The Matrix's" ubiquitous Mr. Smith, because he's little more than a disembodied voice, albeit one with majestic resonance perfect for intoning the long-forgotten principles of democracy. V is never seen without an eerie Fawkes mask covering his entire face -- the heavy lines of the eyebrows and mustache form semicircles around squinty eyes, with the mouth glued shut. To hear his words coming from some other place takes some getting used to.

Natalie Portman gives her strongest performance yet as Evey, an orphan who slowly comes to understand the truth behind the deaths of her family. Even after Evey's hair is shaved off by torturers, Portman keeps you focused on her words and actions instead of her bald head.

V rescues her from government henchmen. Her deep brown eyes first reflect gratitude, then horror when the terrorist brings her to his safe house and plots to keep her locked up there. Parallels to "The Phantom of the Opera'' are obvious when V plays his jukebox for her ("Cry Me a River,'' of all songs) and invites her for a spin around the floor.

Light moments like their slow dancing or V fencing alongside "The Count of Monte Cristo'' ("the one with Robert Donat,'' he tells Evey, distinguishing it from inferior remakes) come as a relief after relentless gloom and doom. Gruesome torture scenes seem intended to evoke both World War II concentration camps and Iraq. Persecution of gay people, described in long letters written on toilet paper by a lesbian who's been incarcerated, are another reminder of the Nazis, as is England's Hitler-like chancellor (a terrifyingly believable John Hurt). Times do change -- most of "Vendetta'' was shot in Germany to save money.

The chancellor appears on a large screen barking out orders to his underlings to stop V after he blows up the Old Bailey to the accompaniment of the "1812 Overture." Not one to miss an opportunity to show off, V sets off fireworks around the incinerated building as if it were the Fourth of July. A chunk of the budget must have gone into impressively convincing scenes of British landmarks exploding.

To the credit of everyone involved with this movie, it's about a lot more than explosions. Provocative thoughts are what rise up from the ashes." ~~Ruthe Stein

This is one of the movie that makes you think while you watch it. I have to say that the movie has some political message in it that will make you question the amount of involvement of government has in our lives. It also shows how hunger for control and power will put people's lives in jeopardy. The acting is really good and the depth of the story will keep you intrigued because the situations of the story is almost the same as the situations of today's world problems. Overall, I love this movie and I wouldn't mind watching it again.

Sakura - Con 2006

Well, the picture is saying "Sakura-con 2007".. ooppss my bad... but basically it's the same stuff....So, what's Sakura-Con? Sakura-Con is the premier Pacific Northwest Anime Convention devoted to East Asian Culture, with a particular focus on Japanese animation (anime), Japanese Comics (manga), and video gaming. Sakura-Con is the gathering place of thousands of fans who get together to have fun sharing their love for anime. I'm not really enthusiast to go there this year but someone wanted my companion... so what can i say... (i mean i do love manga and anime... so why not?). Anyway... the 2 main reasons for me to go there... first... cosplay... I can't wait to see how people dress up to be like his/her favourite anime/game/manga characters. Let me tell you... I appreciate art...a GOOD one....there were some people out there that I have to give thumps up for their artistic choice of clothing...but most of them are not even close to that level...here are two websites that I found while searching about Sakura con : first website and second one Well, I'll let you be the judge of the cosplay then... :) My second reason is to check some goodies/items....they have so many interesting things inside there but too bad...some of them were pretty pricey....So yeah... I spent my saturday morning by going to University of Washington's quad to see their cherry blossoms... oh my.. they are so pretty... I took couple pictures there (i'll post some in another day) and after that, I went to the sakura con and spent my whole afternoon there. Conclusion... I don't think i want to go there again next year... waste of money i think... not really that worth it....

Here come the best part.... Yesterday, I went to see Russion National Orchestra at Benaroya Hall. They were playing Rachmaninov piano concerto 3 in D minor Op. 30, Rachmaninov's Vocalise op. 34 no. 14, Tchaikovsky's Suite No. 3 in G major, Op. 55, and theme from sleeping beauty as the extra piece. Words can't describe it... It was amazing and superb. The performance was really good. The guest pianist is also really well in playing the piano concerto eventhough the simple tune proves a potent catalyst for astonishingly difficult pianistic gymnastics thoroughout the entire movement. I got to know and love Rachmaninov 3 from movie "the Shine" After watching that movie, I was falling head over heels with that piece and seeing it in live last night really makes me appreciate the beauty of classical music and also the genius minds behind those pieces. Exuberant, larger than life, this febrile music uses further transformations of the concerto's opening theme in demonstrating Rachmaninov's predilection for variation technique. The driving rhythmic intensity of the finale is twice interrupted, once by a deft and delectable scherzando and again by a sad lento, before notching up to vivace, then vivacissimo, and ultimately presto. It was really a night to be remembered.