Good Morning. I hope you all enjoyed the Oscars. But, has anyone actually seen ‘Parasite’? Fionnuala and I get to the cinema about once a decade. The last film we saw was ‘Bad Boys For Life,’ and before that I think it was ‘Gone With The Wind.’ Yes, that’s how bad it is. We still refer to the ‘talkies’. The Olympic Flame gets out more than us. Okay, I’ll stop with the rubbish jokes.
I would quite like to see ‘1917’ as I’m a war movie fan. I’ve heard good reviews of it from work colleagues although it would have to be monumentally good to oust ‘Saving Private Ryan’ as the greatest war movie of all time. In my humble opinion. Did you know that the beach landings in it were filmed on the west coast of Ireland? Using real amputees in some of the scenes?
I grew up on war movies, I guess a lot of boys do. My other favourite was ‘Zulu’ starring Stanley Baker and Michael Caine. It retold the Battle of Rorkes Drift, an isolated British outpost besieged by thousands of Zulu warriors during the war of 1879. Apparently it’s considered racist now by the rampant politically correct lobby. Soon, we won’t be allowed to screen any of the old movies for fear of offending someone.
I didn’t watch the ceremony, it’s on far too late for me, but I’m aware there were speeches about lack of diversity amongst the nominees. Certain actors made the most of the opportunity to highlight an issue which they argue needs to be urgently addressed by the Academy. Strong words on big issues. The beauty of the Oscars those is that it has something for everyone.
Yes, there’s the actual movies for the film purists and political & cultural debate galore for those passionate about such matters. But for others it’s the glitz and the gossip which fascinates them. Who wore what and which designer dress will everyone be gushing about the next morning in the office? Did he really say that? Is she really dating so and so? And did you see your man? What was he thinking?
We all appreciate being recognised for our efforts, be it at a star studded awards ceremony or a simple ‘well done’ from your boss at the end of a busy working day. It is human nature to want to feel valued and worthwhile. The large majority of us go out to work and endeavour to do our best. It doesn’t matter if you’re Tom Cruise or working on the checkout at the local supermarket.
It’s not as if we are vain peacocks desperate for attention at whatever cost. It’s a more humbler need than that. Awards ceremonies are probably the extreme form of this, but we almost must learn to praise our own efforts, rather than relying on others to do so. I, for one, used to continually beat myself up and focus on my flaws and weaknesses instead of my strengths and achievements.
My default setting is to view the glass as half empty, especially when it comes to self analysis. I’m regularly putting myself down when there’s really no need to do so. I’m not perfect, but I do the best I can and am always seeking to improve. Are you like that as well? If so, I think it’s about time we awarded ourselves an Oscar – for best portrayal of us. It’s a long overdue accolade but one we should cherish.
Black Thoughts 
I didn’t watch the Oscars, I never do. I watched them once and found the speeches repetitive and boring. Too much pomp and circumstance. I find human interest stories more relevant and far more interesting.
I think the last 2 lines of this blog post sums it up best. Great post as usual. 2 thumbs up. way up!
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I did see Parasite, at the urging of my film geek son who I can see getting an Oscar in 20 years, and can say that as long as you don’t mind subtitles, it was absolutely the right choice to win in my opinion. I’d also seen 1917, JoJo Rabbit, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Joker and The Irishman.
I really didn’t think that 1917 covered any new ground in war movies that Platoon, Saving Private Ryan, etc. hasn’t covered with the exception of better special effects. I was a little disappointed Tarantino didn’t get anything because he said his career is coming to an end and he’s had more influence on filmmakers under 45 than anybody else in Hollywood.
Parasite is absolutely a human interest story. It’s one of those that seem pretty on-the-surface as you’re watching it but you really just how layered it is when you reflect and it doesn’t go away easily. For me, that’s the mark of a great film. As a writer, the best original screenplay is almost more important to me than best picture and Parasite won for that as well. Like I said, if you can tolerate reading for two hours, you’ll be glad you saw it.
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Thank you for the great reviews. We only get to the cinema once a year so I doubt I’ll ever see any of those films. But thanks anyway.
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I did watch most of the Oscars… with long breaks to play with the dogs and eat a bowl of ice cream. Hollywood certainly does love to celebrate itself, doesn’t it? (She?) I like your concluding remark very much. I am daily striving to earn the Oscar for “Best Portrayal of Myself.” Some days I feel I earn it, while other days I am not even in the running.
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You’ve got my vote, Russ. Thank you 😊
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Bravo! You are the best you I know. But that’s no act! Keep doing what you do because nobody else will do it as well as you.
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Thank you Denny 🙂
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I wanted to add my two cents to your comments about war movies. For my money, Apocalypse Now and Saving Private Ryan are in a class by themselves. I saw 1917 and, not to spoil anything for you but, if I was giving it a school mark, I would give it a “B”….a good but, not great, movie. The thing 1917 really has going for it is the much-hyped “continuous shot” style of film-making. It was interesting how they kept the two main characters in motion without edits to change scenes. But, unlike Apocalypse Now and Saving Private Ryan, 1917 seemed a little light on the actual story it was telling. I wasn’t as emotionally invested as I was with the other two movies. Actually, now that I think of it, 1917 came across a lot like Dunkirk did; it should have been epic but was, merely, ok.
On another note, like you, I have not seen Parasite nor, do I know anyone who has. But, it might be awesome!?
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Thank you very much for the great review, Tom 👍🏻
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I concur with Tom’s review. I love history and war movies. I’m usually skeptical of the hype made about movies. I’m not a fan of the Oscar’s. Yet, curious of who “wins”. And yes, give yourself an Oscar!!! “I’d first like to thank God for this award, ….and I couldn’t have done it without the support of my pup, Finley.”……I’m practicing for mine. 🤦🏼♀️
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I’m sure you will get there one day 😂
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I didn’t see the Oscar’s but I’m with you on 1917. I eally want to see it and again, it will have to be great to top Saving Private Ryan.
My hubby is a great lover of all things war and history so in the beginning, I endured hours and hours of the stuff. But now I love it too. We went to the annual Landing on the Beaches in Normandy last year and I loved it.
Hubby also says I’m glass half full but I say I’m a realist lol. He dreams big and I have to bring him back down to earth sometimes. But hey, I’m not perfect either.
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I actually viewed Parasite at the theater. Really a treat for the senses in addition to a well-told and acted story full of twists and rich symbolism and gorgeous cinematography. The best film I’ve seen in a long time.
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That’s a great review. Thank you 😊
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Parasite is just incredible, and as a Kiwi, we just LOVE Taika, and Jojo Rabbit was hilarious and incredibly uplifting ❤
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Thank you for the recommendation 🙂
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I don’t see movies in theaters because of my migraines, and I rarely watch them at home because I don’t find them interesting. There just doesn’t seem to be anything new anymore, lol.
However, I have awarded my almost 9YO several Oscars recently:
Most Aspiring To Have A Man Cold
Most Likely To Make Me Go Deaf
Most Likely To Own The Most LEGOS
Best Performance In Imaginary Grievances
First Class For NON STOP WHISTLING Of A Theme Song
😂😂😂
Plus sometimes I stalk the fashion blogs and secretly judge what people wore: “You wore that?!” It’s fun. 😂
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Oh, I SOOO hope you follow Fashion Critical on social media, TWOM! She’s HILARIOUS!
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Going go look her up now!
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😂😂😂
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Your last paragraph described me to a “T,” cheers to all of us glass half empty folks! 🙂
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I’m glad you could relate, Melissa. Thank you.
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Agreed! Did you want ‘Best Picture’ or “Best Supporting Actress?’
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Both
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😀
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I do not watch the Oscars, way too over the top for me. Loved your post but especially the last paragraph, only you can be you so it might as well be the best you on any given day. I don’t thing any of us wake up in the morning to set out and give anything less then the best we have at that moment in time. I know some days are more of a challenge than others, and regardless of that I still try my best. As Dr Seuss once said – “Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”
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Thank you for your kind words, Deborah
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