A stream-of-conscious blog about books, movies, music, and other subjects that tickle my fancy.
Schiavo's Journal
It’s a love story and a social commentary. But mostly, this ideological drama is a testament to friendship and the truth that a bond formed out of love, respect and a shared mission, can withstand fear, jealousy and betrayal. Beautifully shot in Bavaria and set to the tune and tone of Leonard Cohen’s hauntingly lyrical ‘Hallelujah,’ The Edukators ’ is the story of Jan (Daniel Bruhl) and Peter (Stipe Erceg), radical youth and fledgling burglars whose anti-capitalist antics take a suspenseful turn when Jan introduces Peter’s girlfriend Jule (Julia Jensch) to their secret world. When that world collides with the rich Hardenberg’s (Burghard Klausner) the movie sets in motion a thrilling confrontation between the powerful and the disenfranchised, the rich and the struggling, the corporate and the ideological. In the end, the characters are propelled by a belief that “the best ideas survive” and repelled by the finding that “some people never change.” The characters are keenly portrayed by actors who take us from the superficial to the deep, exposing strengths and weaknesses, fears and desires through soically-charged rapid-fire dialogue and understated action. This isn’t a Hollywood movie — which may be its greatest asset — so it doesn’t deliver a tidy ending. But it does deliver unforgettable performances and a thought-provoking vision of society that makes ‘The Edukators’ a must see for movie lovers looking for much more than to be entertained.
Check out the clip:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPqeJ8WRpJM
Etta James, the legendary Blues and Gospel singer who brought us timeless hits like “At Last” and “All I Could Do Was Cry,” died today at the age of 73. Since beginning her recording career in the mid-Fifties with Modern Records, she became one of the most influential singers of all time, constantly reinventing herself and covering styles across all genres. She is revered as one of the pioneers who helped to bridge the gap between R&B and rock & roll, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993.
James, who struggled with drug addiction soon after her career began to flourish, suffered from bad health for several years before being diagnosed with leukemia in early 2011.
She’ll be missed. RIP, Etta.
- Jasmine Stein
