New Experiences #64 - #66
N.B. Even in this age of globalisation and worldwide communication, I am constantly aware of how easy it is to restrict ourselves to our own culture, traditions and language. Some of my new experiences have reflected my desire to look further culturally, e.g. I've watched an anime film, made Jewish food and have attended Welsh language theatre and music events. This week I continued on this mission, firstly in the comfort of my mate's sitting room and then in a pretty town in rural France...
W/C 16th July 2012
New Experience #64: A Swedish Film
What better way to mark a Wednesday than with the famed Swedish film, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo? (Or, in Swedish, Mn Som Hatar Kvinnor - The Man Who Hates Women). A vicious, dynamic thriller both beautifully and shockingly shot, the chilling film boasts some of Sweden's most dramatic scenery and most accomplished actors. Based on the smash-hit novel by Stieg Larsson, which I would now love to read, the plot is laced with murder, violence, sexual abuse and revenge and a very large and scary tattoo. However, somewhere under all this darkness there is a layer of raw humanity and the film ends on a surprisingly uplifting note. As a whole, perhaps not a true reflection of Swedish culture but if it says anything about Scandinavian film making then count me in.
Rating: 4/5 Subtitles, as always, can prove hilarious; when the bluntness of 'Bloody hell' simply cannot match the dramatic onscreen reaction and horrified Swedish screech, it is hard not to giggle.
New Experience #65: A Certificate 18 Film
After much consideration and forced recollection, I can confidently say that the above film, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, was the first 18 I have ever seen. Yes, I've got The Godfather, Trainspotting, Clockwork Orange and many more yet to enjoy...
Rating: 4/5 It was so freaky that my walk home in the dark proved somewhat uncomfortable. Certainly deserved of all the plaudits and its 18 rating.
New Experience #66: An Agricultural Show/Trade Expo
On the second day of a family holiday in La Loire, we happened upon a uniquely rural event at the nearby ville. Even for a Sunday, the town of Mayenne seemed extremely desolate (I may have spotted tumbleweed rolling down a side street) so it came as no great surprise when a poster headed 'Fete de la Madeleine' directed us to a large exhibition ground filled with thousands of inhabitants and visitors. From horses to vacuum cleaners to fine cheese and tractors, the four-day festival was a combination of an agricultural show showing off the very best in local farmyard animals and a trade expo featuring any number and nature of businesses. Add to this a load of fairground rides for les enfants and French market stalls for anyone not interested in buying a washing machine, a bull or house insurance, the afternoon flew by very pleasantly.
Rating: 4/5 Like an alternate universe to the sleepy town, there was a family-friendly buzz to this at times surreal event, which could be likened to a real life, try-before-you-buy CompareTheMarket for the rural community. A wonderfully different way to begin a holiday.
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Related Article: Flick Flak: The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo
IMAGE: New by chrisinplymouth
2 Comments – Postiwch sylw
CeefaxOfLife
Rhoddwyd sylw 46 mis yn ôl - 24th July 2012 - 16:59pm
If you're interested in Swedish films, I can't recommend Let The Right One In enough. Superb film.
Tom_Bevan
Rhoddwyd sylw 45 mis yn ôl - 15th August 2012 - 10:13am
Thanks, I'll check it out.