Akemi is genuinely lack toast intolerant. If she doesn’t get to eat her toast in the morning, she can get downright cranky. I, on the other hand, never eat breakfast. I’m never particularly hungry in the morning and I always like to work up a good appetite before lunch which is always my biggest meal of the day. I’ve also never been a big fan of breakfast foods. Growing up, I’d always eschew the eggs, cereals, and pancakes in favor of dinner leftovers (steak and pizza were my favorites) or powered donuts in milk. And don’t get me started on brunch. My buddy Robbie loves a good brunch. Me? Not so much. I’d rather wait the extra hour and grab a proper burger.
Of course, the fact that I skip breakfast probably explains my appreciation for a good early lunch (usually around 11:00. 11:30 at the latest). And my early lunches also explains my preference for an early dinner – say 5:30, 6:00 at the latest. Whereas Robbie can enjoy dinners that may run as late as 10:00 p.m., I will simply skip dinner parties that start after 7:00. Or, if I really have to go, will actually eat before I go. Not snack. Actually have dinner.
There are many heinous social transgressions in my books – not wearing a mask inside a shop, talking during a movie, insisting Return of the Jedi was better than The Empire Strikes Back – but top of the list is making me wait for dinner. It’s an offense punishable by me never again taking you up on a dinner invitation – or inviting you to dinner if you show up late.
Just something to consider if we have ever make lunch or dinner plans.
Our Crime Club convenes to discuss 2013 Palme d’Or nominee A Touch of Sin.
Wow. What an indictment of the corruption prevalent in contemporary China, where the connected prosper while everyone else is left to fend for themselves. Driven by desperation, a few respond in violent fashion.
Invariably, in a movie made-up of multiple standalone stories, some will resonate more than others. I quite enjoyed the first story about the villager fighting valiantly for his community in the face of a stagnant and uncompromising ruling structure. His eventual outburst, while not justified, was certainly understandable given the circumstances. The second story was my least favorite as I found it difficult to muster up much sympathy for the main character. The third story was my favorite however. Here, in the character of Vivien, we have a woman with whom we can truly sympathize, someone pushed to the edge both mentally and physically, forced to respond for her very survival. It’s interesting to note that this story (like all the stories featured in the movie) are drawn from actual events, and that this woman was arrested for murder – but following a groundswell of public support, was eventually released. Finally, the fourth story, apparently inspired the Foxconn suicides, is a sad and shocking glimpse of the hopelessness faced by even the youngest of citizens. Ultimately, all offer sobering insights into the inequalities inherent in a system built on the very principle of equality.
It’s bleak and provocative and all the more compelling knowing that all four tales were based on actual events that shocked the communist state. A memorable movie.
omorrow, the #CrimeClub reconvenes to discuss Sergio Leone’s 229 minute (Yes, we’re watching the theatrical cut!) epic crime drama Once Upon A Time In America.
BTW – Sourcing some of these movies may be problematic, so I don’t expect everyone to join in for all of our selections – but do join in whenever possible. If I can’t find the movies on Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Crave (here in Canada), I’ve discovered a surprising number of these movies are actually available through my local library. Something to consider!
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