And Now...a Film!

"The Impossible" first came to my attention while watching an interview on TV.

The movie,directed by Juan Antonio Bayona (below), chronicles the experience of one family while on vacation in Thailand during the Christmas of 2004.

Ewan McGregor plays Henry Benet, the husband.

Everything seems to be fine. I mean, holiday in paradise. What could possibly go wrong right?

And then the unthinkable happened.

Apparently the family was in Thailand when one of the worst disasters that hit in recent times occurred killing thousands of people.

Due to the tragedy the family got separated. Here's Naomi Watts, who played Maria, with her son Lucas, played by Tom Holland, seeking temporary refuge on a piece of debris.

Along the way they found a missing boy named Daniel and met a couple of locals who helped them recover.

As the movie progresses, it is revealed that the rest of the family survived the tragedy as well and they were reunited towards the end of the film.

Although it maybe difficult to know if some of the details in the film are true or not (like the little boy Daniel), we can be certain that there's the Belons whose story was the basis for the film. According to sources, Maria Belon (pictured with her husband Enrique) is a Spanish doctor living in Japan at the time of the tragedy.

Here's Maria Belon with her son Tomas and her family at the movie premiere with Naomi Watts and Ewan McGregor(below).

Since its a disaster film and based on real life events, the director and his team did a wonderful job of making things as accurate as possible. From the "tsunami"...

To the underwater shots....

To the make-up artists/ hair dressers who in my opinion should have been nominated for an Oscar. (Well, thank God Naomi Watts got a nomination who's delivery of her performance is more seen in her emotions.)

Especially the ones who managed to conceal Ewan's huge tattoo!

I also think actor Tom Holland, who's a revelation in the film and is pretty much in every scene, should've been nominated. I mean, c'mon Academy why limit this film to just one nomination?

As a whole, "The Impossible" is one of those films that depicts the triumph of the human soul and the desire to overcome life's adversities. As the poster for the film says: "Nothing is more powerful than the human spirit." :)

Japan is Design!

A lot has been said about Japanese design and aesthetic which could range from minimal to "kawaii" (Japanese for "cute"). During my visit in Japan I managed to experience (and enjoy) various design forms available.

"Hachiko Overload"! A relief somewhere in Shibuya.

He's even seen on the streets.

A display window in Shibuya.

Outside Bunka.

The sakura which is the national symbol of Japan.

The old clock tower which is the symbol for Ginza.

I so love these prints!

And the works of Japanese artist Junichi Nakahara!

Art is even present on roofing as seen in this temple.

Now, don't you agree? ^_^

OK More Bunka!!!

While I was in Japan I really made sure that I'll drop by Bunka and check its costume museum.

Apparently it was closed the first time I went there.

So I had to return days later in order to view this exhibit:

Poster for the "Weaving and Dyeing" exhibit which ran until the 22nd of December last year.

Basically it was about weaving and dyeing, something which I think is universal in most cultures. The pieces on display were so beautiful and inspiring! I would have taken photos of pieces if only they were allowed!

Outside the exhibit hall were racks of what I thought as sample fabrics as souvenirs until I noticed the price tags!

I saw this another marble "painting" which I think is just beautiful.

So beautiful that I "camouflaged" myself in it! LOL

I'm thinking how this was mounted.Just look at the details!

This one just screams "The Great Gatsby"!

I've also noticed these vintage designer chairs which I've seen before (in photos)and I had to take pictures of first hand! (Forgot the designers behind them.)

Of course I didn't left the museum empty handed. Bought myself the book "200 Years of European Mode" published by Bunka Gakuen Museum.

From Left: First 2 are brochures from the museum, the museum ticket and the book.

The book is so inspiring though mostly written in Japanese.

I mean just look at all these beautiful clothes from way back that they managed to preserve.

I could only wish for a museum like this back in Manila!