Having joined Lovefilm.com again a few months ago, I'm revelling in the experience of watching many movies that I've been wanting to see for a while. I haven't had much time for the cinema, so I have been able to satiate my love for movies with the excellent service from Lovefilm!
I watched 'The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas" with my wife the other day. It was a very well executed movie, based in 2nd World War Germany. The story is told from the perspective of the child of a Nazi officer as he moves from a position of innocence to one of trying to make sense of the changes occurring in his world. The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas is a moving tale, but not one filled with unnecessary cinematic unpleasantness.
Check out the movie trailer when you can as it will give you a good idea of whether or not this movie is for you. For me, I highly recommend it for the well developed story, believable rounded characters and undisguised message: "Whatever a man sows, this he will also reap."
Wednesday, 26 January 2011
Monday, 10 January 2011
The Perfect Christmas
I've noticed a trend on British TV for things to be advertised using the phrase "the perfect..." as in "the perfect Christmas" or "the perfect kitchen". You might think I'm overstating things, but the unnecessary raising of one's expectations in this way is more likely than not to result in disappointment.
How many of us, I wonder, had "the perfect Christmas?" Indeed, what is the perfect Christmas?! What makes a meal, or a birthday, or a fancy new kitchen installation "perfect"? Are we not more used to that sensation of looking forward to something for weeks or months, only for the final event not to live up to the hype? Is this not a recurring phenomenon? Why do we not learn to reset our expectations accordingly?
I guess that's the difference between optimism and realism. The optimist is always looking on the bright side, regardless of the facts. The realist hopes for the best but knows things could go otherwise. The pessimist... well, let's leave him well alone. I opt for the middle ground on this one.
Human beings are insatiable. We will always want more, no matter how much we get. I think it's important for us to understand that we live in a broken world, filled with both good and bad, and that it's unrealistic to expect things to go "perfectly" for any prolonged period of time.
So, Mr. Marketing Man, please stop trying to sell me "the perfect" anything. I know you're just selling me a lie.
How many of us, I wonder, had "the perfect Christmas?" Indeed, what is the perfect Christmas?! What makes a meal, or a birthday, or a fancy new kitchen installation "perfect"? Are we not more used to that sensation of looking forward to something for weeks or months, only for the final event not to live up to the hype? Is this not a recurring phenomenon? Why do we not learn to reset our expectations accordingly?
I guess that's the difference between optimism and realism. The optimist is always looking on the bright side, regardless of the facts. The realist hopes for the best but knows things could go otherwise. The pessimist... well, let's leave him well alone. I opt for the middle ground on this one.
Human beings are insatiable. We will always want more, no matter how much we get. I think it's important for us to understand that we live in a broken world, filled with both good and bad, and that it's unrealistic to expect things to go "perfectly" for any prolonged period of time.
So, Mr. Marketing Man, please stop trying to sell me "the perfect" anything. I know you're just selling me a lie.
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