Red Beard
Another movie by Akira Kurosawa, but one that I watched earlier today. The story opens in 17-18th century Japan with a young doctor, a top student, visiting the practice of another doctor Red Beard (nicknamed so because his beard is a reddish colour). He learns that one of his higher ups has pulled some strings to get him an internship under Red Beard, and absolutely refuses to take part. He was previously slated to be the personal doctor of the magistrate. Red Beard’s clinic is in a very poor district, outsiders frequently remark that they would be better off dead. Red Beard is stubborn and headstrong. The young doctor is extremely disappointed that he will not be the doctor of the magistrate.
Through treating destitute patients and hearing their life stories, the young doctor learns that even people who cannot afford medical treatment are not unworthy of love, and their capacity for sharing what little they have continually astonishes him. He learns there are much more to the seemingly pathetic and incapable patients, and forms strong bonds with the staff of the clinic, his patients, and eventually Red Beard himself. By the end of the story he is offered a position as the magistrates’ doctor and refuses, enraging Red Beard. But he has his way, and continues his work at the clinic.
CONCEPT: 4/5 – I never feel qualified to comment on art obviously much higher than my current station, but I really liked the idea of feudal Japanese doctors.
INNOVATION: 4/5 – It’s ER, but 50 years ago. Although I think comparing Red Beard to ER is something close to blasphemy.
SATISFACTION: 5/5 -It was very satisfying. The highs and lows of human emotion shown in startling beauty. (is that from the box?)
EXECUTION: 5/5 – Highest quality acting, photography, script and direction.
FUN FACTOR: 1/5 – This movies isn’t that fun. It’s over 3 hours long, and most of the themes are very serious. There’s about 2 jokes, but they break such tension and provide such a contrast to the poverty displayed that I found them to be funnier than all the jokes in most comedies. That said, the movie isn’t about fun, it’s about the slow earning of happiness.
OVERALL: 8/10 – Very good cinema.
Listening to Roommates Play a Star Wars RPG
“Come get some, Wookie Boy!” “Now we’re talking!” “He slices into you with a vibro-blade.” “Aw.” Yes, this is the majesty of a Sunday night. Dudes, dice, and droids. I can’t really make fun of them though. I know exactly what they’re talking about when they say “Cortosis Armour” or “Gonk Droid,” even chiming in “Rodians” when someone asks, “What race is Greedo?” Yes, I am a nerd also.
So far on their adventure, a team of a Wookie and two humans, all of which don’t speak at least one of the other’s language, have managed to run two smash-and-grab jobs for the Hutts, and are currently in a bar fight. Jay shouts “You just eviscerated a guy from his belly to his neck! Of course his buddy is pissed!” Frequent first person dialogue is heard: “I close the door.” “What? Why? I open the door and open fire!” “I close the door.” As well as second person narration: “You’re stunned. You fall on his vibro-axe.” “You fail to hack the door. It shuts.” “You trip on the table, your vibro-axe skitters across the floor and stops at the far wall.”
CONCEPT: 3/5 – Friends playing a creative game together! It’s all good fun!
INNOVATION: 4/5 – Not as creative as making their own role playing system, but still requires a good amount of imagination.
SATISFACTION: 4/5 – They seem to like it.
EXECUTION: 4/5 – As opposed to when me and my friends used to play all those years ago, they actually get things done and play at a fairly good pace. But they’ve been playing since 5, and it’s 11 now.
FUN FACTOR: 5/5 – They’re having a lot of fun. If anyone’s “not in the room” they are allowed to play Tetris DS. It’s pretty effective to get them to not pay attention to what’s happening outside their perception, and keeps them entertained.
OVERALL: 7/10 – Better than World of Warcraft!
Tea
Tea is a drink people make out of dried leaves (or in some cases other parts of a plant) which are put in a receptacle, and then have hot water poured on them. This makes the water taste a little like the leaves, and discolours the water.
I like tea, I used to drink it a lot. Probably around 2 cups a day or more. When I got pneumonia last year, any diuretics I drank for several months afterwards would dry out my lungs and make them hurt a lot, so I have to give up tea. I’m sort of getting back into it now, but I enjoy life off caffeine. It’s nice to not need something to help me function.
Tea is delicious, and I like it with milk and sugar. If I was forced to choose a favourite, I’d say probably Earl Grey, but if you’re getting fancy my actual favourite tea so far is a combination of Ms. Grey from Murchie’s tea company and a Mocha Roibos that Rob has. I don’t remember the brand, and I haven’t been able to make my blend since I stopped living with Rob and Jordie.
CONCEPT: 4/5 – A hot drink to calm you while also making you more alert. Very comforting on cold rainy days.
INNOVATION: 3/5 – I’m not sure who discovered tea, but I’m glad they did. There’s so many types and tastes, you could never try them all.
SATISFACTION: 5/5 – Mmmmmm!
EXECUTION: 3/5 – Easy to mess up, but even if it’s not made exactly how I like it’s still pretty good.
FUN FACTOR: 3/5 – Tea can be fun, or facilitate fun between friends.
OVERALL: 8/10 – Great! One of my favourite drinks.
Verdict – Winner: TEA! I shouldn’t have to explain this one. Once again, Kurosawa loses out to a greater cause. Tea has influenced politics, economies, and even civilizations. Sorry, Kurosawa! Better luck next time.
