My Man Sixto

I love my generation. 

Usually people are always saying how they belong in the past, and our generation is not as fun and cool as the previous ones. I don't agree at all. I think living in the 21st century rocks.

I live in Istanbul, Turkey. In recent news, CNN published that it is the city with the most traffic jams in the World. Am I proud? No. But did it help me to discover something amazing? Absolutely.

"Searching for Sugar Man"

I was stuck in traffic per usual, and was going through all the saved radio stations one by one to catch a good song to pass the time with. Thats when I heard an incredible voice and had to Shazam ( music identification app) it. Just after I got home and Googled the artist, I came across a Documentary about the artist, and Had to watch it. 

The song was Sugarman by Rodriguez.

Searching for Sugar Man is an incredible documantary about 70's greatest rock icon who never was. Rodriguez was discovered in a bar in Detroit in the late 60's by two well-known producers. They were struck by his prophetical lyrics and soulful melodies. They were 100% sure that the album they were recording was going to be the greatest record ever. Unfortunately, the record did not get where they were initially forseeing, and Rodriguez disappeared into the rumors of  a terifying on-stage suicide. 

Somehow, the record found its was to South Africa and for the next 2 decades, he became a sensation. The documantary happened with 2 South African fans set out to find out what really happened to their hero. Their research and dedication leads to a story more extraordinary than any of the existing myths.

The film won an Oscar for Best Domumentary in 2013. But unfortunately, the  Swedish director, Malik Bendjelloul, commited suicide in 2014.

The songs throughout the movie touched my soul like it did for the South Africans. Do watch if for a great journey to find out what really happened to Rodriguez.

ENJOY

xx

A for Effort

Fridays are for staying in and watching a good movie.

After a week of busy working and all the stress, I prefer just putting on something cozy and watching a movie on my couch.. NOT. But thats what happened last friday.

"Nightcrawler"

I think I'm getting old since a plan at home sounds more appealing to me than going out getting hammered.

On friday, we were home trying to decide what to watch while popping some pop-corn. Not the microwave kind, real legit popcorn made in a pan. Delish! 

I've heard about Nightcrawler after the Oscar Nominees were revealed. Some people were pretty upset that Jake Gyllenhaal was not nominated with his performance in Nightcrawler. And I totally agreed after watching it.

Lou Bloom ( played by Gyllenhaal) is a young driven man desperate for work, finds the most thrilling job as a Crime Journalıst. As a freelance cameraman, he listens the police radios to go to crash scenes, fires, murders and other mayhem grounds. Being a workaholic (worst I've seen), he goes overboard to search for the most revealing footage of accidents and sell them to Nina - local TV news host-.

The plot story is not a typical one that you see in every thriller, crime movie. The effort and time put in the research the writer has put is obvious and well recognized. Dan Gilroy not only wrote the screenplay, but also directed it.

I was sitting in the edge of the coach, stuffing my face with popcorn while watching it. Hope it'll give you the same effect.


ENJOY

xoxo

Winner Takes it All

FINALLY!

I have been waiting for the Academy Awards ceremony since last year. One of my favorite events to watch and maybe one day it will be my fave event to attend (one can dream, shh).

I was away on a skii trip for the weekend and arrived back home on sunday night and passed out. Also due to the time difference, the ceremony started local time at 04.00 am and ofcourse I couldn't wake up. :(

BUT, as soon as I woke up I went online to see the winner and was super happy with The Academy's choices per usual. If you haven't seen the list yet, you can now;


Best Picture: "Birdman"
Best Director: Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, "Birdman"
Original Screenplay: Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, Nicolas Giacobone, Alexander Dinelaris, Armando Bo, "Birdman"
Achievement in Cinematography: Emmanuel Lubezki, "Birdman"

Best Actor: Eddie Redmayne, "The Theory of Everything"

Best Actress: Julianne Moore, "Still Alice"

Best Supporting Actor: J.K. Simmons, "Whiplash"

Achievement in Sound Mixing: Craig Mann, Ben Wilkins, Thomas Curley, "Whiplash"

Achievement in Film Editing: Tom Cross, "Whiplash"

Best Supporting Actress: Patricia Arquette, "Boyhood"

Best Original Score: Alexandre Desplat, "The Grand Budapest Hotel"

Best Production Design: Adam Stockhausen, Anna Pinnock, "The Grand Budapest Hotel"

Achievement in Makeup and Hairstyling: Frances Hannon, Mark Coulier, "The Grand Budapest Hotel"

Achievement in Costume Design: Milena Canonero, "The Grand Budapest Hotel"

and more...

Adapted Screenplay: Graham Moore, "The Imitation Game"

Best Original Song: Common, John Legend, "Selma"

Best Documentary Feature: Laura Poitras, Mathilde Bonnefoy, Dirk Wilutsky, "Citizenfour"

Best Animated Feature Film: "Big Hero 6"

Best Animated Short Film: Patrick Osborne, Kristina Reed, "Feast"

Achievement in Visual Effects: Paul J Franklin, Andrew Lockley, Ian Hunter, Scott R Fisher, "Interstellar"

Achievement in Sound Editing: Alan Robert Murray, Bub Asman, "American Sniper"

Best Documentary Short Subject: Ellen Goosenbery Kent, Dana Perry, "Crisis Hotline: Veterans Press 1"

Best Live Actiron Short Film: Mat Kirkby, James Lucas, "The Phone Call"

Best Foreign Language Film: Pawel Pawlikowski, "Ida"

How many did you guess correctly? Were you happy with the rewards? Share your thoughts!

ENJOY 

xx

Butterfly

I don't like movies that are about sicknesses. I guess it's because I don't want to relate. It's never a nice to leave a theatre feeling like sh*t.

"Still Alice"

Although, Still Alice was nothing like that. It really is a rare pearl. You feel sad and depressed as the film goes along, yet come out of the movies with a smirk on your face.

Alice -played by Julianne Moore-, is an incredibly intelligent University Professor diagnoised with Alzheimer's disease. It's the sickness with no cure that eats your brain, destroying everything you have worked for in life and leaves you with the shell of your body.

The movie portrays how a big family goes through such difficult, stressful and mentally harsh process of loosing a loved one. Maybe how this is different from all same type of movies is that, they can't share your sadness nor comfort you.

Julianne Moore completely slayed the role she was given. An unquestionable Oscar Win is coming her way, She portrayed Alice so perfectly and so realistically that I felt uncomfortable. I was starting to get anxious that I could get Alzheimer's disease (and I'm 22). That is how well she played the character. 

Not only Julianne, but everyone did a great job. Alec Baldwin as his husband, and even Kristen Steward. I was NOT a fan of her but she probably showcased her best performance to date.

After you leave the cinema, you'll agree with me. Absurdly good acting. 

ENJOY

xx

Rushing or Dragging

I think at one point in our lives, we all tried playing an instrument or two. 

I was playing the piano and guitar. 

I loved playing the piano but was kinda pushed into playing the guitar cause my older brother was. I played for years, but like any other teenager (or most), I got sick of it and boycotted it and just continued with my vocal classes. Alone. By myself. Cause no one would listen to me. 

(No hard feeling mom and dad, I turned out great.)

"Whiplash"

Last week my dad had a minor eye surgery, and as his biological daughter, I went over to take care of him and help him out. Little did I know, he already had the evening planned to watch the -recently announced Oscar nominee- Whiplash. 

Luckily I was already super eager to watch it.

Andrew, first year music student in one of the best music conservatory, gets picked to play the drums in the schools best jazz band. The band is led by the most recognized teacher who uses fear as the key to push his students to success.

An example of how much you have to work and sacrifice to get what you want. Nothing comes easy and nothing is forever. Whiplash is proof for hard work paying off. Purely, you only have to stay sane and not over do it.

Miles Teller as Andrew has this unique facial features that is so comforting and sincere. It seems like acting comes so easy to him, so subtle but perfect. J. K. Simmons also performed an acting of a life time. Nomination for the -Best Supporting Actor- will for sure scare the crap out of his competitors.

The movie is basically between the two actors. Written and Directed by Damien Chazelle, a 30 years old.

"There are no two words in English Language more harmful than 

GOOD JOB."

ENJOY

xoxo

P.S Go follow the blogs Instagram Account: @awkward.monster

Free Tilly

I'm very mad.

I'm mad at the fact that there are still people around wearing blinkers so they don't have to face the reality. 

When I was a little girl, I was the type of kid that would chase after frogs, catch them, and take it to the school to show it to her friends. True Story. The time when I was in India (around the age of 8), I was the one running after monkeys and jumping on the elephants. 

 I can't stand animal cruelty for the sake of it. I'm not a vegetarian, but nor do I wear fur. I don't and I won't. Take note future Hubby!

"Blackfish"

It's a documentary on orcas -killer whales- in water parks and the danger its causing for humans, other whales and themselves.

So many interviews with former instructors, performers and fishers has been made to show the world the barest- most direct story of the captive animals.

It is the story of Tilikum, the deadliest orca in the business with killing the most performers, working in SeaWorld. He's the father of many other whales in many attraction parks around the world.

"Never capture what you can't control."

SeaWorld

Director Gabriela Cowperthwaite and her crew did an amazing job finding former employees in the business and families of the deceased.

Blackfish is a wake up call for the people who were not aware how *excuse my language* FUCKED UP this whole thing is.

It's never too late to take action and to share your knowledge with the others. 

Confront those who still goes to such parks to swim with the dolphins.

Check out the link below to see how you can help and the organizations supporting animal freedom.

http://blackfishmovie.com/Take-Action

xx

Food vs Food

Food.

I.

Love.

You.

If we didn't have taste buds, and were only eating to survive, would it still count as living?

My love for food has been my best friend and my worst enemy. Food has that affect. If something tastes amazing, go ahead and enjoy. But if you enjoy it too much, the scale will probably not be on your side. 

(let's be real)

2 weeks ago I went to Barcelona to visit my friends. And with all the luck I have, it was raining. On the other hand, it was the perfect weather to go to the movies. After an intense Trailer watching on Youtube, we found the one.

"The Hundred-Foot Journey"

The story is about an Indian Family -The Kadams- moving in a small town in Southern France to open a restaurant. Because that wasn't hard enough for them, they have to suffer from their Michelin Starred Neighbor. The story continues with Kadam family's chef, Hassan's incredible cooking journey and the never ending dialog between the rivalry neighbors. 

Oscar-winner Helen Mirren with her exquisite acting along side Om Puri. Most of the actors/ actresses to me are not known. Maybe because its most of theirs first American Movie. Considering they're French and Indian.

Originally a book written by Richard C. Morais, it was executed beautifully.

Directed by the great Swedish Lasse Hallström. Produced by Steven Spielberg and Oprah Winfrey !!!!

Excuse me but if this isn't good enough to watch it, I don't know what is.

Go see it with your family, go see it with your friend, go see it with your partner. It addresses to everyone.

ENJOY

xx

Picture Perfect

I was Youtube-ing the other day, and some how ended up on the documentary part of it. So happy I did and so happy to be able to write about it.

"Born Into Brothels"

Getting the chance to live abroad for a quiet a long time, I got to meet incredible people around the world. The different cultures and beliefs were the two things that mesmerized me the most. Especially the Hindu religion. 

They believe; if you were to born as a cleaners son, you WILL be a cleaner. End of story. Your destiny was written long before you were born.

The name of the movie scared me a little, but after seeing the poster for it, I decided to give it a shot. 

The documentary is narrated by the Director / Writer of the story, Zana Briski. Zana is a photographer and is especially interested in the lifes on women in the Red Light District of Sonagchi, Calcutta, INDIA.

Imagine a building complex just for prostitues, illegal alcohol, drugs and gambling. 

While Zana was living in Sonagchi (yes, she moved into the complex), she starts providing cameras for the children of the prostitutes and gives them photography classes. It's amazing how you can help them connect with the world and with each other through art. 

Very funny and amazing kids indeed.

These Kids!!

This humorous and heartfelt story portrays the power of art and the courage of those willing to chage their own lives.

Oh, and, did I mention it won the Oscars for The Best Documentary in 2005? Because it did.

I was super excited to write about this movies, so please please watch it. You can also find out more about what Zana and her others calleagues are doing if you click here.

ENJOY

xoxo

S.H.O.T.G.U.N.

I don't think it's nice to go through other peoples belongings, unless you find something very good.

"C.R.A.Z.Y."

I was in my brothers room the other day, going through his PS3 games to give it to my cousin. While I was at it, I also went through his DVD's (sorryyyy). I found this DVD with a bright color which caught my attention.

It was sitting in my room for a while, until me and my friend decided to have a movie night.

It's a Canadian film from the French side, Quebec. It's a story of a family, with 5 sons.Yes, 5 kids PLUS all of them are boys and all have very different characteristics.
The story is narrated by one of the boys, Zac. The 4th child, and a huge admiration to his father. Only when the father sees Zac (when he was 4-5 years old) wearing his mothers cloths and playing with his younger brother that their relationship goes downfall. A hero figure must have a normal kid.

C.R.A.Z.Y. takes place in the 60's and 70's, when the music was AH-mazing, and homophobia was at it's peak.

Not only it is hard living in a house with high testesteron levels, it is incredible difficult accepting your true self, and your true desires. 

The execution of love in the movie is best described as; beautiful and mad. 

2 hours of an emotional rollercoaster. Perfectly directed (and co-written) by Jean-Marc Vallée.

ENJOY

xoxo

Salut Mikael!

I love French. Anything French is good and you know it.

French Fries, French History, French Fashion, French Kiss, French Art, French Movies, ...

"Tomboy"

I changed 3 schools and 1 country between 1st and 12th grades. Which was crazy.

 First time was when I finished 4th grade. I think it was the hardest since I was pretty young, and my life was all about my friends.

I was feeling very scared, thinking how in the world was I going to fit in with the kids in the new school? Thanks to my delirious self, that never was a problem, I jumped right in.

Although Laure approached a different way. 

After her family moved to a different neighborhood, she had the entire summer to hang out with the kids from the area, and start the new year in a new school with them. 

The story begins when she introduces herself as a boy, Mikael.

Dressing like a boy, acting like a boy, looking like a boy is so much easier when you're 10 years old. 

Being the new kid, spending the entire summer with "his" buddies, playing and laughing around also brings some attention from the girls of the block.

woof! Look at those eyes!

It's not only hard pretending, but knowing your lie will be out once the school starts.

Great movie written and directed by Céline Sciamma. Loving her name (hihihi).

A must see;

ENJOY

xoxo

Challenge Accepted?

CALM YOUR HORSES, I AM BACK.

Woooowww, what a busy year ( it's been 10 friggin months since my last post, kill me) I had. Full of hatred from you guys I am assuming.

I graduated, presented my awesome thesis, moved back to Istanbul, started working and all. So now I'm a grown-up, better start acting like one also.

BUT, I promprom I will write more often. And I keep my promproms.

"Saam Gaang Yi" / "Three...Extremes"

Okay, here we go.

I don't remember how I heard about the "Three...Extremes", but I still carry the effect it had on me. The names is literal, its made up of Three different, EXTREME movies. Three different directors from Three different Asian Countries; Hong Kong, Korea and Japan. 

"Dumplings" , "Cut" , "Box"

Honestly, as I mentioned many times on my older posts, I can't watch horror movies. But "Dumpling" was one of these things that it tortures you, yet you can stop staring at it. It was directed by Fruit Chan.

 Mrs. Li -a thirthysomething- is a former actress with a womenizer husband. One day, she goes to visit Aunt Mei, who makes the most expensive dumplings in Hong Kong which has rejuvenating powers. She digs in it although she knows about the unpleasant main ingredient.

I get nauseous just remembering about it.

"Cut" and "Box" I have to be honest about. I did not watch them. I did NOT accept the challenge. Even though it has been couple of years since I watched Bumpling, I always had this on the back of my mind;

"If this is the first one out of three, I don't think I can continue on."

Looks delish, right?

Let's see if you will complete the challenge and watch all three of them. 

Here is a little taste of it;

I'm sorry this is the movie I choose to do my come back with, but it had to be legendary.

ENJOY

xoxo

Wait, What's Going On?

Jezuz!

It's been too long since I typed anything. This is weird. Pre-warning for the typo's that might appear.

I think it's understandable since I graduated! Entire summer without doing anything, but I think I deserved it.

I lied when I said I didn't do anything all summer. I was on holidays. Went to a lot of places, met a lot of people and enjoyed myself by the beach. That might also explain why I didn't post anything, because I didn't have time to sit in front of a computer for more then 30 minutes.

"Trance"

One weekend, I went to my friend's summer house in Alacati, Izmir, Turkey. Too much going on there, and that causes no sleep. So one afternoon, when we woke up, we felt like staying home to recover a little bit. We raided my friends room and decided to watch a movie. 

Trance is about an art auctioneer getting involved in the theft of a painting with a group of criminals. But when he can't remember where the painting is, they decide to take him to a hypnotherapist. That's when things get confusing. I loved the movie so much because, the first half an hour, I had no idea what was going on. The movie evolved and transformed into a whole new thing that made sense at the very end. 

Danny Boyle directed it, and nailed it. James McAvoy, Rosario Dawson and Vincent Cassel are playing. Interesting selection of cast, but all did a great job.

Watch it! Watch it! Watch it! 

ENJOY

xoxo

Love, Love, Love

I'm going to Istanbul for the weekend! 

I've missed my family so much, it will be a great break from all the studying. Mostly what I'll do is; sit back, relax, eat and go to a wedding!

"Across the Universe"

I'm actually going for the purpose of my friends wedding. He'll be the first person among my friends to get married, so it makes this wedding three times more exciting. I'll be dancing like crazy to celebrate the night and probably will cry the next day because my feet will be sore.

I've choose this movie because we are all about the love this week. I wanted to at least share some of that love with you! 

I am a HUGE fan of "The Beatles" and have almost all their songs on my ITunes. In 2008, I was in a small city called Winnipeg in Canada for a month as an exchange student. There I've met a lot of cool, different people. One day we went to a DVD store to check it out and I came across with this movie. When my friends realized I haven't seen it, they made me buy it and watch it. ASAP. I thank them so much for that. A great storyline of the movie with amazingly covered Beatles songs. All night after watching the movie, I was singing the songs. All night long. I feel horrible for my roommates at that time.

A love story between a rich American girl and a poor British boy. You might say it's too typical, but it really isn't. There aren't any crazy parents trying to stop them falling in love. Movie shows how beautiful love is and all the different ways to show your passion. Starring the handsome Jim Sturgess and also Evan Rachel Wood.

Everyone should have this in their movie collection and the soundtracks on their ITunes!

ENJOY!

xoxo

Ain't No Crime

Wow!

I've been away for so long, the senior year in University is pushing me pretty hard and it has been keeping me very busy. Though I am returning for good because at the end, this blog helps me to have fun :) 

Forgive me? 

"Sound of Noise"

I've seen this movie while my brother was visiting me here in Barcelona. He's also very interested in movies and recommended this one. Thank god he did. It was a while since I watched a movie that I laughed and loved a lot. 

The movie is Swedish. Another reason why it's so funny. I love their bold sense of humor, though not everyone appreciates them. Sound of Noise is about a "anarchic" performer band and their crazy plans and shows around the city. It shows that you can make music from anything, anywhere and anytime (I'm NOT suggesting you to do what they're doing, because I don't want anyone to get in trouble!). Written and directed by Ola Simonsson and Johannes Stjarne Nilsson. Enjoyment is guaranteed!

my favorite scene!

The actors are pretty known in Sweden, but first time I see a movie that they're in. Most of the people in the crew are comedians and some even musicians. 

Don't mind the title of the Youtube video, it says 2012 but actually the movie is from 2010. It was the only one with english subtitle, so I had to put this one!

ENJOY

x