Madness of the Square (April 2009)

Post event rating: 4.5 out of 5

We have high expectation of this play because it is produced by the same group that presented the unforgettable play "Nanking Winter" last year.

And our expectation is met. The Madness of the Square tells the story of 4 students and their involvement in the events that led up to the June 4, 1989 incident in Beijing where the Chinese government used force to break up a student demonstration.

We personally feel this is a must-see for all Hong Kong Chinese living overseas e.g. Canada, US, UK, Australia, Singapore and New Zealand. This incident is not only a significant event in recent history, but also has a huge impact in our teenage years. Although we happily call Toronto our home now, there is a hint of sadness every time when we explain to others why our parents uprooted the family at the time.

Before we can create a better future, we need to embrace our past. Thank you Marjoie Chen and her team for the great work!

Jade and CHRIS

Movie - Welcome Back, Mr. McDonald (April 2009)

Organizer: Canada Japan Society
Post-event rating: 5 out of 5

This is an old movie (in the 90s) but it is hilarious -- whether you are seeing it the first time or the 10th time!!!

But do not just write it off as a comedy only. Underneath the laughters, there is a profound message: The struggle to find balance between striving for one's ideal and making compromise to please everyone.

I perceive the pressure to conform and agree to the higher power is greater in the Japanese culture with its high emphasis on unity and hierarchy. But I think people from other cultures appreciate this to a certain degree as well.

Should I...

join the office gossips or hide in my studio/cubicle/office?
give favours to VIPs or uphold the rules?
adopt the mentality of "let life unfolds itself" or continue to "go for the gold"?

Should I stay inside the line (just like the main character in "Doing Time") and have a comfortable life,
or
keep chasing after my dream and risk falling flat on my face?

CHRIS

Career talk (Nov 17, 2008)

Event: “Making a Radical Career Change After The MBA” Speaker: Daniel Porot (pioneers in Career Design and Job Hunting for more than 30 years)
Organizer: UT Rotman business school
Cost: $19 for UT alumni and $29 for guests (plus GST)
Pre-event estimate: 3-4 out of 5 - based on sample MBA class organized by the school before.
Post-event rating: 4 out of 5

Daniel is a excellent speaker. He guides us through the steps to reach your dream/ideal position. His "PIE" method is simple and provides you with concrete ideals of what to do. I feel empowered and hopeful after his talk. I also enjoyed the intelligent conversation with the other participants.

What an enlightening evening for your mind!

CHRIS

Movie: Train Man (Nov 7, 2008)

Event: Movie Train Man
Organizer: Canada Japan Society
Pre-event estimate: 5 out of 5! - A good friend said she laughed and cried so hard when she first watched it. It's a romantic movie with an inspiring message.
Post-event rating: 5 out of 5!!

Special thanks to Snoopy for this review

To some people, this is a (late) coming-of-age movie. To some, it gives them a glimpse of the unique culture of otoku (Japanese geek). But I think there is a deeper meaning behind it.

This is a story of a young man stepping out of his comfort zone and overcoming the biggest challenge of his life. He receives many suggestions and encouragement from peope on the forum, and his experience gives them hope and in turn motivates them to make changes in their own life too.

I laugh whole-heartedly when I see the silly things he does. I cry with him when he is rejected and feels he cannot live on. I cheer for him as he literally chases after his dream. I am deeply touched by the his courage and perservance. This movie gives me hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

If you still want to debate whether this is a true story or not, or how likely a girl would fall for a geek, I think you are missing the point. The big debate should be this question: Are you ready to face the challenge in your life?

**********************************************************************************

A short note from Jade & CHRIS

It is interesting to see how Internet can alienate people (like that couple in the movie) but can also connect people in different places and situations and bring them closer.

It is also interesting to see when the girl recounts why she likes him. She is able to appreciate his unique qualities and little surprises he brings to her. Who in the world has no shortcomings? Who are we to judge that a "geek" cannot find the love of his life?

There are always two sides of a story!

Star gazing (Oct 31, 2008)

Event: Halloween Star Party
Organizer: Ontario Science Centre and Royal Astronomical Society of Canada
Cost: Free!
Pre-event estimate: 3-4 out of 5: Learn more about astronomy, hear haunting stores, games, prizes and more!
Post-event rating: 3 out of 5

This was a perfect Halloween night: It was a Friday and the weather was warm. We had many event invites but both of us decided to do something different.

The night started off with some haunted stories by a great story teller (sorry we couldn't remember or find the name on the website). It was like Stuard McLean in Vinyl Cafe (CBC radio) without special sound effects. But we were mesmized by the magic of spoken words.

It was not ideal for star gazing in a cloudy night in the city, but a couple members of Royal Astronomical Society of Canada set up their telescopes to share their interests with us. Looking through powerful telescopes, stars were still tiny circular objects smaller than a dime. We learned that you can use computerized telescopes to locate a star, but enthusiasts enjoy the process of finding a star manually. We asked a member what she likes about star gazing. She said it is interesting to see how big the universe is.

Indeed, we are humble living objects in the universe full of mysterious possibilities. We realize the most precious part of our life journey is the opportunities to experience the unknown. We do not know where the unknown will lead us to, but we are thankful that we are not alone. Besides, there are many stars watching over us in this long, and sometimes difficult, journey.

from Jade and CHRIS

Empty Orchestra Exhibition (Oct 16, 2008)

Event: Empty Orchestra Exhibition Opening

*Exhibition runs from Oct 16 to Nov 13
Organizer: Reel Asian
Venue: Justina M. Barnicke Gallery
Time: 5-9pm
Cost: free
Pre-event estimate: don't know
Post-event rating: 1 out of 5

It's a small gallery with 5-6 installation art exhibits. It gives you a intimate art experience. However, movie bluffs may be disappointed as only one exhibit is closely related to films. Those who do not know what karaoke is may need some explanation to appreciate the exhibit as well.

CHRIS

Nuit Blanche (Oct 4, 2008)

Event: Nuit Blanche
Cost: free!
Pre-event estimate: 4 out of 5
Post-event rating: 2 out of 5

I had great expectations for Nuit Blanche.

The program booklet was 80 pages long and the event extended from the downtown core to the west end of the city. I was fascinated by the picture showing a big eye on the glass exterior of a high rise and was looking forward to see how City Hall would be transformed (Stereoscope). I wanted to see Michel de Broin's visual representation of "resistance, reorganization and chaos" (Overflow). I watched a televised interview of the creator promoting the House of Leaves. I imagined how I would feel to walk under "Earth and Sky" under the overpass in the moonlight. I also wanted to check out Into the Blue, Zombies in Condoland, 15 seconds, Light up the night: Sitting ducks, and many more.

I read through the program and planned out the route. I wore my winter coat and gloves and packed two water bottles. I was ready to experience arts in Toronto all night long. I expected I would be inspired by novel ideas, impressed by breathtaking art works, and intrigued by the greatness of human mind and creativity.

I had great expectations that it would be as wonderful as last year.

Memories are sweet. Reality is harsh. Expectations are treacherous.

Jade