Blog Migration!

Due to the launch of celebrity blogs on xin.sg, I've set up a new blog on xin.sg.

My design of the new blog is quite a contrast to this blog. I've yet to master all the functions of wordpress, so I will modify the design bit by bit. For now, please deal with the banal design alright. It will be better!

Check it out @ http://blogs.xin.sg/desmondtan/.

Cheers,
DT

Freedom Writers

By chance, I managed to catch an incredibly moving film on HBO after work this evening. Just before I made a move on my dinner that I longed for since work, the trailer (the making of the film kind) of "FREEDOM WRITERS" caught my attention and glued me to the television set for the next 2hours. The film proves to worth every second of the 2hours!

The film addresses a series of issues that are evident (or sometimes hidden) in most contemporary societies, namely the repression of the minorities, the use of education in teaching 'economics-driven' knowledge vs. teaching wisdom and values, and parent-children relationship. Not forgetting to mention the simple yet appropriate use of cinematography, which I thought fit the theme and approach of the film. It totally appealed to me in terms of the touching story (by the way, it's a true story), acting and camera work. It's one of the most well-made MTV films I've ever watched. The film was screened in Singapore in 2007 and yet I didn't know the existence of this film. How could it be?!

With much said, I think I should at least reveal the plot right? The film is about a new and excited teacher Erin Gruwell (played by Hilary Swank) who begins her teaching passion in a high school at Long Beach. Her excitement very quickly diminished as she realizes that her students are nothing near to what she expected. The students are not motivated and show zero interest in education & their lives at the beginning. Her students of class 203 are also a mix of the minorities, with African-Americans, Latinos, Cambodian etc whom are trapped in their own family problems and undergoing the same repression acted upon them by the society. The passionate Erin did not give up on them, instead she commits all her time to understand all of them, educate them and inspire them. Erin got them to express their innermost feelings by writing journals, and these journals are then compiled to become the book of the original story of this film. Also, in the process of helping these troubled teenagers, she took up 2 more jobs to support her teaching job, she battled with the education authority and losing her marriage. In the end, her effort was all paid off when her students of class 203 are successful in different ways.

To end, I like to mention 2 particular scenes that I thought were exceptionally touching. One is the scene when Erin's dad was praising her for her courage and passion as a teacher, the lines where nicely scripted. Next is the ending sequence with 2 girls (of different races) who were initially rivals accepted each other. One girl offers her makeup powder to the other girl who is tearing, saying, "I think I've your colour". What a smart and heartwarming way to resolute the film.

I wish I could share more about this film but that would be a risk to lose some of you if I were to continue. So I just end by saying this "You gotta watch it to know it!" And I suspect President Obama got the idea of his well known "Yes we can" speech from this film, watch it and you'll know what I mean. I hope you too enjoy this film!

p.s. Obviously I'm still very influenced by the film module I took in school. I can't help it, film is just so addictive!

探索

我们将不停地探索
而我们一切探索的终局
将是到达我们的出发地
并第一次认识这个地方

So much to do, so little time

Just a short update.
I've been very busy with my special semester right after my reservist last month.
Studying during school vacation while peers are having their break is never easy. Studying non-stop without a break is tiring sometimes. Well, looking on the bright side, at least I'm studying a module that interest me. It's none other than "Introduction of Film Art"! In this module, I get to watch (and re-watch) great films,and analyze in greater depth. Some of the films are silent movie and black & white films, and trust me these films are timeless beauty. I never how to or not expose to such movie before, and once I did, I fell deep in love with them. The films that excite me most are those by one of my favourite asian director, Wong Kar Wai. I will talk about his film and psycho you guys to watch them once I'm done with my exam next week alright.
Other than that, I just started filming for a new Chinese drama "Together".
Work and exam combined equal endless work.
I will update more about the film once I'm done with exam next week alright. Wish me luck!

Reservist: 22nd to 26th June

Happy Daddy's Day!

Hey Dad,
Just a short note for a special day.
Thanks for everything you've provided for the family and always unfailingly making our lives the most awesome one!
Especially these weeks when I'm sick, your unconditional love really touched me and reminded me of those days when I was sick when I was a kid. Now I'm a big boy but still you still see me as the little boy in your heart. Yet now when I look at you, I realize how much you have aged (but still looking dashing and healthy, dad!). These marks of age also remind me of how amazing you are as a dad! You've done so much for the family, I hope I could do you proud and at least fulfill half of your accomplishments for the family. You're the most awesome dad! When I become a dad in future, you will definitely be my one and only role model!
Happy Father's Day, Dad!
Love,
DT

H1N1?!

I was down with flu, fever, sore throat etc. However I just refused to see a doctor because I believe in self-recovery mechanism of our body. Whenever I am sick, I will just drink more water and do mild exercises to 'sweat it out'. As such I believe that my body has grown stronger over the years as my body is not reliant on chemical (medicine) to recover. I know this might sound illogical or even sound stupid but I really believe in this. What's your take in this?

Anyway this time round, I was kinda forced to submit to the doctor due to social responsibility, otherwise I would fight the illness to the end. I was ill for almost 2 weeks (one of the longest battle with illness) but I just had to give up in the end due to the possible chances of me contracting the H1N1 virus. I just wanna make sure that what I had was not H1N1 for the benefits of my family, friends and the society. I even wore a mask when I was out for dinner with my friends, and at my friend's place. (Partly, I didn't want to pass on the bacteria to Shadow, the dog) I was surprised that I didn't get weird gazes when I was wearing the mask in public, or maybe I was just too sick to notice that.

Anyway, the medicines are really effective; I am almost 100% recovered. But the downside of the medicine is that it causes drowsiness, I'm almost perpetually sleeping a day round. It’s nice to get some sleep but too much of it isn’t lovely anymore. Therefore I urge you to take good care of yourself, drink more water, consume more Vitamin C and stay healthy alright. Nothing is more important than health. Good health!