Korean films

Besides from the obvious few (Infernal Affairs, Kung Fu Hussle, or SPL), how many Hong Kong films made in the last few 5 years, really stand out in your mind?

I can't think of many.

Yet, in that same time period, I can name loads more Korean films which I'd privileged to have in my collection, such as

• My Sassy Girl
• Bittersweet Life
• My Tutor Friend
• Nowhere to hide
• Sympathy for Mr Vengeance
• My Wife is a Gangster

There seems to be (well, in Europe and the U.S) anyway) a buzz about the Korean movie industry right now, and there are some films in the process being re-made by Hollywood (I personally don't mind re-makes - unlike some, I'm quite willing to judge them once I've seen it, rather than just assume that Hollywood automatically butchers anything it tries to remake).

While the "My Sassy Girl" genre is getting a bit overused by the Koreans at the moment, most of the time, the films produced seem to show a bit more imagination and originality than those being chucked out by the HK industry (quality always beat quantity). In South Korea, they have a quota requiring that cinemas show South Korean movies 146 days a year - maybe this has spurned filmakers there to produce high quality movies? I don't know. Maybe its something they put in the water over there!

Maybe its time for the HK movie industry to have a re-think on where it wants to go? I for one, dont want to watch Twins Effect 3.

If anyone wants to borrow some of my Korean DVD's, give me a shout.

Belated Birthday

If Bruce Lee had still been alive today, it would have been his 65th birthday last Sunday.

I wonder what the world would have made of him if he was still around - would he still be revered as the icon that he is now? What kind of films would he have made?

I was watching Enter the Dragon on Sunday night (Channel 5 had dedicated that evening to him), and there was a moment in the film, when I just thought "My god, how cool is this guy" (a bit like Elvis in his leather outfit!). And its those iconic moments that stand out for me - the things he done, were just...cool.

I bet you that in 30 years time, no one will be saying the same thing about any "martial arts" star around now.

Geek Posts

Just some interesting links i found tonight

Who's Afraid of Google? Everyone.

The Mother of All CPU Charts 2005/2006

Ok, the second link is uber geeky, but interesting if you like tech.

Not going too well

God, losing weight is difficult at this time of the year - everywhere I look, I see edible substances.

Ok, brainy people, invent the "Kill Fat Fast" pill please! Something which I can digest at night, and when I wake up, I have skinny hips like Mike. Or snake hips like Simon.

Anyone have any suggestions (besides going to the gym) please?

Xmas Wish List

Ok, due to popular demand (er, Mike in other words), I've put up my Xmas Wish List for those interested in buying me a present (its ok Johnny, you don't need to!) - I've included the links so you can order them online for me.

Dream List

XBOX 360 (it would seem these are quite popular at the moment)
Audi RS4
Short Sun Holiday - not fussed where - as long as its warm!
All expense paid day out to Stringfellows- for research purposes
New PC - sigh, laptop just isn't up for it anymore

Reality List

Box of blank DVD's
Freakonomics
At the Abyss
Tummy Trimmer

Actually, I can't think of anything else at the moment, but I'll add more to my list later.

Rubik Cubes

Read that the world record for solving a Rubik cube is just over 11 seconds! 11 seconds! Thats nuts - bloody hell, thats faster that me putting my jeans on!

Records can be found here (on the left hand side of the page)

http://www.speedcubing.com/

Ok, a bit sadder still, is the fact that the record for completing it one handed is 22 seconds!

Updates

Er, looks like i've forgotten about my promise to update my blog daily!

Anyway, everyone knows what happened this weekend, so I'm not going to go into detail about it, but I'm still knackered from it!

Read this story on the BBC website about a woman who suffered salmonella poisoning after eating a meal at a Chinese restaurant. Poor woman. I caught salmonella 7 years ago, and my symptons were nothing like this woman. Just makes you think about what you're eating while out.

It's Simon's birthday this Saturday (12th), and he's 32 this year. Ignore what he says about him being 25 (yeah right!)