Last Friday

Oh and uh, we just watched the movie Les Miserables (The Poor) last Friday, January 18, 2013, two days after it premiered here in the Philippines. Well, I was with my lowerclassmen friends (they're in 2nd yr college, and I'm in 3rd yr, but we hang out sometimes because I've got lotsa classes with them, long story why), and Soleil treated me! Yipee, because she just celebrated her 18th bday last December! I say this is such a lovely birthday blowout.

I was thrilled when I found out that Les Mis has its musical film adaptation, and its at the time when the story is still fresh in my memory. I have read the book more than or almost (not sure) a year ago, and I say that I was very touched by the humility and the grandness of the book. What to say? Victor Hugo was one of the primed writers of his time. Anyways, I haven't watched the Broadway musical yet, but every now and then I watch the clips and the song numbers on YT. I just love it really, and then comes this film! 

Some photos and snaps (I do not own them):

Look at these photos! :) they sure did a good job on this, didn't they?
Looks a lot same.

Anne Hathaway as Fantine singing "I dreamed a dream"

Look! Helena Bonham-Carter's there as Mrs. Thernadier. What not to love? 

Please watch this film if you haven't yet! Well, because the production was so ambitious and smooth. The adaptation was good and the gist of the story isn't cropped. I must say I found the casting good. Anne Hathaway and Amanda Seyfried are both revelations, since they do not do much of this kind. Hugh Jackman nailed it! Well, of course, the beloved Eponine character, Sam Barks did well as she did on Broadway.

If you have a knack for classical, musical, historical stuffs, surely you'll love this. 

PS, I blog one time big time most of the time, because of only two reasons:

1. I spend a week in Pampanga w/ nothing to say, and w/ no internet connection

2. I feel lazy most of the time.

The Same Stuff As Stars

The first novel I've read this year:

This was the first book Yna, my college bestie, gave me on my 18th bday (just last Oct). First because she gave me two, one was on the exact date of my bday and the other on the celeb. Anyways, I find this book really cool.

Ever since before, I have a knack on the concept of "stars". I just find it so amazing, being so far away and still being there before our very eyes. Haha. Well, I loved this book because of the innocence, dreaminess, and (touch of) realism on it. It is about a little girl who has a nasty little brother (but really is a good boy within) and a mom who isn't responsible enough to take care of them. Their mom left them under the care of their great-granma since she couldn't take care of them and their dad is behind the bars.

The character, Angel, was only 11 and she had to stand up and be the grown-up. I actually felt guilty, while reading this book, because I know that though this is fiction well-written by Katherine Paterson, there are children who really experience these turns in their lives, while I am slouching in front of my laptop, doing nothing really worthy.

Oh well, the magic of the novel is the comfort and the hope Angel finds in the stars, and meeting people who encourages her on learning about stars. :)

What I've noticed with Paterson's writing is that it always has a deep stab on family matters, and on old people. Well, that's what I noticed with the two books by her I read. Can't really judge just w/ those two, right? 

I find this book really sweet and simple. A very humble book, yet page-turning, I started this last night and finished it just as I reopened it earlier this night, so this is a really easy read. :) 

These are some quotes from the book:

"...people can't always keep their promises. Even when they want to."

"Yeah, we're small, but we aren't nothing."

"The same elements, the same materials that make those stars up there is what makes you. You're made from star stuff."