Movie Review: C.R.A.Z.Y. (2005)

Rating: 5/5

Just the other day, i watched a movie with my girlfriend, that she thought was wort watching. Although the poster and the synopsis did not give me a big "YEAH!", it finally came with a bit of a delay.

This Canadian production (French) is worth going to watch. It not only shows an issue's point of view that a few gay people would be able to relate to, but also creates quiet a realistic way of "dreaming", if that makes sense. The cinematography, the special effects and the fashions are very well reinterprated. It made me remember what "ugly" trousers and fashion i used to wear back then in the 80s....

Zachary Beaulieu (Mark-André Grodin), one of the 5 sons, who is on the path to discover his inclination to the male gender in a very indirect way. By living his own world, which is being influenced by the 70s and 80s, he encounters diverse adventures with male friends and the boyfriend of his cousin. At the same time, his relationship between his father and him goes from good to very bad to very good again.
The story looks closely into how this relationship evolves and gets distroyed and to be reconsiled after the eldest of the sons dies.

The relation to the Christian ideals and believes gives the drama film a very nice and comfortable feeling, with a bit of humoristic touch, that is subtily done. The emotional level is very realistic, because i believe that every gay person in this world can somehow relate to the story and the relation one has to his or her parent. At some point of the movie, my girlfriend and I felt so moved by a particular scene, that we both started t cry quietly in our little corner of the seat, wishing for a similar ending.

Bottom line: Mark-André Grodin acts really well in his second film and his sexy look throughout all the eras between the 60s to the 80s (yum!) is worth sitting in a freezing cold cinema for 2 hours. Thus, if you get the chance to see this movie in your country, please go and have a look at this 5 times awarded drama... that's C.R.A.Z.Y.!!

Rating: M18
Consumer Advice: Mature Theme
Language: French with English Subtitles
Genre: Drama
Director: Jean-Marc Vallee
Cast: Michel Cote, Marc-Andre Groudin, Danielle Proulx

It's a story of two love affairs. A father's love for his five sons. And one son's love for his father, a love so strong it compels him to live a lie. That son is Zac Beaulieu, born on the 25th of December 1960, different from all his brothers, but desperate to fit in. During the next 20 years, life takes Zac on a surprising and unexpected journey that ultimately leads him to accept his true nature and, even more importantly, leads his father to love him for who he really is. A mystical fable about a modern-day Christ-like figure, "C.R.A.Z.Y" exudes the beauty, the poetry and the madness of the human spirit in all its contradictions.

Official Selection at Singapore International Film Festival 2006.

Awards:
13 Nominations - Quebec's Jutra Awards
Nominated - European Film Awards - Screen International Award
Won - 43rd Gijon Film Festival - Best Director
Won - 43rd Gijon Film Festival - Best Script
Won - 43rd Gijon Film Festival - Best Art Direction
Won - Young Jury Prize - Best Feature Film
Won - Toronto International Film Festival 2005 - Best Canadian Feature Film

News: MAC Users

Hellos to all MAC users out there in Singapore, of course...

I am sure, i am not the only one, who had to spend a lot (!) of money for MAC products *sigh*. I am also sure, that a few of you had to go for servicing and repairs of all kinds and thus, spent quite a bit of heartaching money. Now.. here is a little story that will change a bit of your.... wallet life.

Has any of you had to buy a whole new set of power cable, because it was dangling right at the tip of the charging head and all the people working at the Apple Centers said:

"Sorry ah, must buy a new set. Can't repair."?

I did. Once. It cost me S$240 *heartache*. It was my mistake for having put my laptop (17" PowerBook) on the bed edge (!) and walking pass by it, my foot got tangled in the power cable and *BANG!!*... the head of the power cable was dangling onto 1 single tiny string. *sob*. It hurt me some more to realise the financial consequences later *still crying*.

Just recently, almost the same scenario happend to me *NOOO!*. My power cable was dangling again. This time, i do not know the reason of it, because it did not fall from where ever and i did not get stuck in the cables. Just 2 days ago, it did not want to charge anymore. *heartbeat racing*

Firstly i thought there might be something wrong with my PowerBook *shreek*, but after walking into one of the Apple Centers in Singapore, it came out that it is my cable's fault... again... I almost fainted when the guy told me i had to buy a new power cable.
"S$240 AGAIN?!?!?! YOU'RE KIDDING ME?!?!" [We now know where Apple gets its money, too...!]

But thankfully to his honesty, he sent me 2 shops next to the Apple Center, where the guy there repairs all sorts of cables. I showed him my beloved dangling cable with a glimps of hope in my eyes and asked generously for a little hope of rescue.
The guy looked at me with those cruel eyes telling me that he could not repair it. A lady came out of the back of the shop giving me the same look... I started to sob uncontrollably...

Suddenly, a shiny knigth in his big posture came out of the back of the shop, looked at my poor cable dangling in my hands with such confidence. He touched it with his soft and gentle hands when he looked at me with those hopeful eyes and said:

"Can try, ah? Cannot work anymore, ah? Can cut cable, ah? Got light, ya? Ah.. ok ok.. Can cut, ya?"
I nodded with a racing heart and my tearing eyes full of hope. I watch him fiddling and tearing my cable in two pieces and more, when he suddenly said the magic word of hope:

"S$20, ok?"
"YES! Can, ya?". He nodded. "YES! CUT! Do what you want, just cut!"
My eyes were shiny and my heart suddenly felt lighter, floating in financial heaven...

It took him about half an hour, but it was worth the wait and the money. Now, my MAC is happily enjoying full power again and (!) glowing its green and orange light some more.

Thank you, oh shiny knigth!

Funan IT center, #05-03 (i think).
Basically next to the Apple Center in Funan.
He repairs almost everything that is called "a cable".

Worth it for MAC users! Literally.

News: Tattoo

Hello Peeps!

Well, guess what.. I have a new tattoo!! Actually... it is my first *shypretendcuteactingblinnkeyes*.

How do you like it? I love it!

Yes, it was painnful, especially her legs, because they hit my bone... but oh well.. it is an amazing tattoo! Refining will be on 14th of July... *painagain!*

*whisper* shall i do the wings with a bit of red or leave it black? a touch of red does look nice, although it is my blood on the picture... lol

Tata!

News: Issues 3

Sitting at a cafe, listening to the ambient noise. The wind blowing in the trees around you, a bicycle passing by, the sun touching your skin softly, the typing of your keyboard or flipping of the page of your book. Birds tweeting and flying off.
What you don't hear, are cars in mass, heavy traffic in front of the cafe area, crowded area, no music or soft in the background of the cafe and people or children talking/screaming as loud as they can.

This, does not exist in Singapore. I am a fan of open cafe places with a terrasse or a balcony. I can enjoy a sip of my drink, working quietly on my stuff and enjoy my quiet moment.

I have not found it here. Not even at home. Not even when i sleep.

Quiet Singapore? Nowhere.

Read on this issue on my blog and leave me a note for any comments. Thanks!

The silent Fruit.

News: U4Ria

Ever wanted to know which sex shop has the best discreet service in Singapore? Well, my partner and i found it!

Yes, i must say that i am some kind of a "sex lover" and an experimental person. Going to a sex shop is part of a hobby and my every day life, to be really honest.

"The Quest of the Holy Sex Shop in Singapore", shall i call it.

I have searched for the best* sex shop all over Singapore for the past 5 years now. And just recently i have discovered only one, which provides the service i was looking for:
friendly discreet very knowledgable about their products not shy when informing you about the product honest and trustworthy reliable and most importantly they remember you and welcome you like you were part of their family. *all the above

Isn't that, what you were looking for too? Seriously.

My partner and i have been going there regularly, eventhough it does not mean we come out of the shop buying something, but it is just to have our regular "shopping time".

The funny girl working there is really really open and recognises us immediatly. She introduces us to the latest thing, let us try the toys (try, meaning, we can touch the toy. Don't worry.. nothing else! Hehehe), even demonstrates it on herself (if necessary) and if we ask her precise questions on how to maintain a dildo, for example, she is able to give us a few answers and possibilities on how to and what are the best products, which ones are more reasonable, etc. You tell her your budget and she will definitely not bother you with the range of products not on your financial list.

One day we asked her about lubes. We were wondering if there were any lubes that are made for sensitive skin. We tried a few before and it really started to itch my partner's private parts to the point that it started to get bad red rashes. The seller started to simpathise with us and introduced us with water-based lubes, non-flavoured and (!!) a lube which not only enhances the passion and lust, but which also can last longer than any other lube after opening. Although the price of it was 3 times more than the durex one, we used to buy at any 7/11 shops, after testing it, we must admit that it is really worth the money.
It's been a year now, since we bought it and we still can use it. The expiry date is still not arriving, the lube still works perfectly and mind you, one drop of it will do the work. Yes. Only ONE DROP. For those who are interested in this lube, check out this site for Astroglide.

For those who are still sceptical (or shy) about having a look at this sex shop, let me give you an other example.

My partner and i recently bought a strap-on and a dildo (cyberskin, very realisitc! *still amazed*). After having used only about 4 times within a month, it unfortunately broke at the base, so that it won't hold on the strap-on anymore. And because it is not very cheap (S$300) we got a bit pissed off... We just hoped that we were able to get a replacement, although we know that sex shops normally don't exchange or take back the toys (of course!). We tried our luck and went back to the shop.
We explained to this girl what happened (in details) and she was really understanding. Thank god the boss was there, so we were able to explain the situation to both. Both were really understanding and we actually received a new one! *YEAH!* We were very surprised and even more when the boss told us that he will tell Hustler about the weakness of the base of this cyberskin dildo.

This experience really made me start loving this shop. It is easy to talk sex and sex toys issues with the people from U4Ria. You guys just rock! Thanks for everything so far. You can literally say:

"You get what you want and when you want it. You'll definitely will be satisfied..."

*wink*

Your fruittilicious Sexpert

News: The Vagina Monologues

"Cunt Talk Now!"

Was one of the play's great sentence about vaginas.

Eve Ensler's famous Vagina Monologue play, which is being performed all over the world and which has been changing and renewing its monologue, finally got to Singapore where i was chosen to sound design the play. I felt it as being a great opportunity and biggest pleasure i could have been given (next to composing a full season of a TV show for kids, of course). From the 2nd to the 4th of March 2006 a group of NUS students decided to organise this play to as a charity to:

• Unifem Singapore
• Aware
• V-Day

My jobscope was to sound design the play and do some VO for special effects. Although most of the casts were beginners, i must say, that at the last performance, they really did improve quite a bit. This is also due to the director, Loretta Tan, who is an amazing and really creative person.

Working with her was really interesting, because she not only gave me the chance to work at a play, but she also gave me a few new views on career options, which i am greatly thankful.
One thing that really made me happy, was to hear from the cast and of a few form the audience, that they not only liked the soundtracks, but some were wondering from which movie or soundtrack 2 particular songs came from. They obviously really liked my composed songs "Purpose" and "Shut Up, The Song", that i composed for the short film of Lisa Cunico "Decay" (2005). It really made my day and it also made me see that i do have potential in this line of work.

Besides that, if the paly comes to one of your hometown, go watch it! It is entertaining and funny, yet dramatic and shows you the real world in a new perspective.

Well done to everyone!! =)

The Fruit

News: Issues 2

How do we perceive music in our own culture? Why do people find music more emotional than others? Is the natural sound of life not interesting? Doesn't it evoque in you certain memories? What do you think? Have a look at my new issue blog and leave me a comment, if you have any.

Cheers,
Fruitty =)

News: Bio

Well... it has been a long time since i've updated my blog. But here it is!

I just came back to my home country, Switzerland, for a few weeks to do my little assignment for school.
I am working on this documentary about the Swiss Guards in Rome, Italy, called "Al Servizio Del Santo Padre" (Italian), which means "At the Service of the Saint Peter".
My friend, Franziska Karpf, has shot it and i am doing the audio editing to it. Strangely enough, this is the first time i am actually working on a Swiss project for a Swiss audience. Until today, all the works i have been doing are done in Singapore and only for a Singaporean audience. This is an interesting new experience for me and that is also the reason why my final research for my BA is going to be a comparison between Swiss and Singaporean audiences and their percpective on music background for documentaries, only.

The reason why i changed my hypothesis is simply because Franziska told me that they have deicded not to use any music in the background for their project. I was a bit surprise, but did not realise that it did make sense to not use any music at all, but the original ambient noise of the St. Peter's place in Rome, Italy. The effect is really different compared to Singaporean local documentaries, where music is being excessively used, in my opinion.

The reason why i have been asked to increase the volume (!) of the music background is still a mystery. Hence why, i am trying to understand those 2 different cultures' perception of music and art (maybe) by working with Franziska's project.

Right now, i need to write my little logbook and upload some stuff. I shall be back, when i got more to say.

Cheers! =)

News: Icons

Hello everyone!

Here are some latest icons i would like to introduce you to.

• Firstly, this is going to be my little logo for my future company and other logo characteristics. Suits me? *wink*
  
  
  

• Secondly, this is a little link to one of the most fantastic FREE CALL services i have seen and found so far. You can make free phone calls throughout the world. All you need is a computer, connected to the internet, a microphon and speakers, and voila! You are ready to talk to anyone who has skype, with very very little delay, make conference calls with up to 50 people and... it's all for free!
  
  I repeate...
  
  FREE!
  
  Try me!
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

News: Issues 1

There is some serious business to take care of. Check out the issue blog and read through the HIV case article.

It is really unbelievable to see that the HIV cases are increasing by 100%!! Does that not scare you? Does that not make you question? Why is that so? Go read further and feel free to give me some comments. They are most welcome!

Cheers and be good!
Protect yourself.

The fruit =)

New Links

It has been a while since i updated my little blog here.
Now, i added a few new links. Let me introduce you to them.

Bio & PortFolio
It is a really important site for my business partners and collegues. Important facts are being mentioned. Fru!Track
This is a little project that got started through one of my assignments. It is later on going to be a business page, where my clients will be able to look for more information on what i am doing. Fruittilicious
Recently there has been some missusage of my blog. There are some people who just have so much time as to spam my entire comment forums with their really annoying advertisment on god-knows-what-this-crap-is-about. So please, be aware of those intruders filling your comment posts. So much about the new pages added in here. If you do have some more time to spear, go check this site i recently found out. You can create your own little animations and it's for free! =) (we love this word, do we...)

Here is the link: Flipbook!

And here are the ones i did, heheh:
"Huh??" - This is my first animation. I just wanted to test the site. Thus, the title and idea *wink*
"I love you..??" - This one is for my darling, but the title doesn't mean anything. I swear!! There is a bit of comedy behind the animation and therefore the "??" at the end. REALLY!!

Enjoy!! =)

Issues: A Hot Topic!

Dear All!

Right now, the Issue Articles on my blog is getting hot hot!!! =) Have a look at it and please, do comment if you have something to say! But please, try to keep it to a "diplomatic" way of writting or use some ****. If not, as unfortunate as it may be, i'll have to delete your comment.

Thanks in advance and have fun surfing around.

Cheers,
The Fruit

Welcome Note

Welcome oh dear readers!

For such a long while i should have posted something in here. Now is the day. So first, let me introduce myself.

I am a Swiss female Audio Engineer Student doing her Bachelor (Hons) of Arts at the School of Audio Engineering in Singapore (SAE, Singapore).
Right now, i have plenty of presentations to do and other exercises i can't seem to start with... Anyway...

I have been living in Singapore for the past 4 years and doing so really was a difficult periode for me mentally and emotionally. I am not saying it is not a beautiful hot country here, but after a while, you just miss your cold homecountry, where you used to have snow somewhen, a colourful autumn and a superb flowering spring time. All this, i have been missing for quite some while now and the only moments i go back to Switzerland is for Christmas and New Year.

In 2002 i graduated from the Diploma Course of the SAE and have been working in the local media industry for 2 years now. I finally decided on doing my Bachelor of Arts, because i believe that a degree will help me in finding a more stable job than all those freelance jobs i had so far.

Currently i am working on an assignment regarding issues of all sorts. I will be talking about the debate on "the legalisation of partnerships for homosexuals". I will use this site to make some research and to collect (hopefully) some comments on this issue. For more on this topic, refere to one of the links at the sidebar. I would be more than thankful if you could give me any comments on this topic, which i believe is a very interessting one.

But for now, i shall create this new link, in order for you to leave me some comments.

Have a good day and i thank you for your time reading this! =)

Enjoy!

The Fruit