Alice in Wonderland

After I've watched the movie 'Alice in Wonderland', I feel that it is much like the book, when Alice, now 19 years old, goes back in to the Wonderland and saw that it is being ruled by an evil queen, the Red Queen.

I feel that the good points of this movie are: The Red Queen and the movie being 'real'. Personally, I feel that the Red Queen is the most interesting character to watch in this film. Though she does heinous things, I think that the audience can feel compassion because they know deep down she’s acting out of the hurt and rejection she’s felt most of her life.

Also, the movie is a pleasure to look at, both in terms of visuals and the characters of the Underworld. I think that the actors and the cast have done a very good job as almost every little action could be seen. It is as if you have entered the Underworld yourself.


However, I think that the character of the Mad Hatter should be improved, and that the movie, at some point of time, is illogical.

Overall, I think that the film has quite a good plot and I would rate it 7 of 10. I feel that if you want to have a taste of 'reality' in movie shows, than this is the one to go and watch!

Animal Farm - The Play

Question 1 : How accurate is the play to the book?

Answer : The play is mostly based on the book, only some parts of the play are made up or not included.

Question 2 : Which one character that you think is most effective on stage?

Answer : I think that Squealer is most effective on stage, as he always gives instructions from Napoleon to the animals and he also plays an important role in convincing the animals what Napoleon says is always true and how Napoleon sacrifices so much for Animal Farm.

Question 3 : Write a review of the production.

Answer : Personally, I feel that the production was well played and it includes many humourous parts, just like in the book. The production is based on the book 'Animal Farm' by George Orwell. The story starts with the animals taking over Manor Farm by chasing Mr Jones out of the farm and renaming the farm 'Animal Farm'. After the rebellion, every animal thought that all of them were now equal. However, that was not the case. The pigs set themselves as leaders and changed most of the rules of the farm. The animals had no choice but to follow and accept the pigs commands as the dogs of Napoleon scared them. Thus, the farm went very quickly from a communist utopia to totalitarian dystopia. It is scary how obedient the animals were to the tyrannical leadership of the pigs, and do not complain when they were unfairly treated while the pigs get to have a good life. I feel that the part which shows how ruthless Napoleon is is when he sent Boxer to the knacks when Boxer was useless and old. Overall, I feel that this book is a good read and I encourage everyone to read it.

Apr 26, 2010

Creature comforts

Strong ensemble performances make you laugh and cry

By adeline chia

Animal Farm may suffer from an inconsistency of tone, but the cast's energy and conviction lift the play. --PHOTO: ALBERT LIM KS

review theatre
ANIMAL FARM
Wild Rice
Drama Centre Theatre, Last Saturday

Great ensemble performances characterise this production of George Orwell's political allegory and the cast's energy and conviction lift it.

Whether handsomely trotting around as horses, strutting about as self- important porcine rulers or darting about as distressed chickens, the actors display tremendous vitality and honesty in performances that should appeal to both adults and children.

Special mention goes to the statuesque Gani Abdul Karim, who shone as the doomed boar, Old Major, and later the unquestioning workhorse, Boxer.

Yet, despite the hardworking and athletic acting talents, there is something unsatisfactory and hollow about this production which has won standing ovations at the Hong Kong Arts Festival, where it was last performed, and good reviews during its initial run in 2002 in Singapore.

There is no denying that this is a slick and entertaining production with resonant themes.

Through various interventions, including mentions of air-conditioning and an unmistakeably imperious and 'R'-rolling accent of alpha pig Napoleon (played by Lim Yu-Beng of the sculpted body), we are sure that this is definitely a Singapore Farm as well.

Under Ivan Heng's direction, the farcical and comical aspects of the script by Ian Wooldridge emerge.

The spin doctor antics of Squealer the pig (an irrepressible Pam Oei), who spontaneously modified the Animalism's seven commandments, playfully underscore the ludicrous ways those in power bend rules.

There are some beautiful and intelligent scenes - including the construction process of the windmill using collapsible air-conditioner ducts, and Boxer's heartbreaking departure - that show Heng's clever use of props in carefully calibrated scenes.

Look out also for a well-judged ending involving Clover (a mare played by Yeo Yann Yann with tragic nobility), which may raise a few sniffles.

But the problem is inconsistency of tone. The play is an indecisive mixture of parody, slapstick, glib political jibes and pathos, whose styles are so at odds that they end up diluting one another.

The darker elements, especially, are toned down.

Little of the true grotesquerie of the unfolding plot - increasing exploitation and cruelty, pigs drinking alcohol and wearing clothes - is sufficiently plumbed. When Napoleon stumbles on stage clutching a bottle and a karaoke microphone, he elicits giggles, not horror.

Still, the many laughs along the way make this barnyard drama a smooth ride - a little too glitchless for my liking but a solid production to open Wild Rice's 10th-anniversary celebrations.

The Amish

 LIFESTYLE

Amish lifestyle is dictated by the Ordnung (German, meaning: order), which differs slightly from community to community, and, within a community, from district to district. What is acceptable in one community may not be acceptable in another. No summary of Amish lifestyle and culture can be totally adequate, because there are few generalities that are true for all Amish. Groups may separate over matters such as the width of a hat-brim, the color of buggies, or various other issues. The use of tobaccco (excluding cigarettes, which are considered "worldly") and moderate use of alcohol are generally permitted, particularly among older and more conservative groups.

The Older Order Amish are known for their avoidance of certain modern technologies. Amish do not view technology as evil, and individuals may petition for acceptance of a particular technology in the local community. In Pennsylvania, bishops meet in the spring and fall to discuss common concerns, including the appropriate response to new technology, and then pass this information on to ministers and deacons in a subsequent meeting. Because of this flat governing structure, variations of practice develop in each community.

Petrol-powered farm equipment, such as tillers or mowers, may be pushed by a human or pulled by a horse. The reasoning is that Amish farmers will not be tempted to purchase more land to out-compete other farmers in their community, if they have to move the equipment manually. Amish farmers employ chemical pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and artificial insemination of cows.High voltage electricity was rejected by 1920 through the actions of a strict bishop, as a reaction against more liberal Amish and to avoid a physical connection to the outside world. Because of the early prohibition of electricity, individual decisions about the use of new inventions such as the television would not be necessary. Electricity is used in some situations when it can be produced without access to outside power lines. Batteries, with their limited applications, are sometimes acceptable. Electric generators may be used for welding, recharging batteries, and powering milk stirrers in many communities. Outdoor electrical appliances such as riding and hand-pushed lawn mowers and string trimmers are used in some communities. Some Amish families have non-electric versions of appliances, such as kerosene-powered refrigerators. Some Old Order Amish districts may allow the use of thermal solar panels.

Although most Amish will not drive cars, they will hire drivers and vans, for example, for visiting family, monthly grocery shopping, or commuting to the workplace off the farm — though this too is subject to local regulation and variation. The practice increases the geographic reach of the Amish, and decreases isolation: a horse can travel only about 25 miles (40 km), and it must rest for a considerable period, restricting the Amish to a radius of 12.5 miles (20.1 km) from home. Moreover, a horse and buggy can only sustain 10 mph (16 km/h) over an extended distance, and thus is impractical for emergencies. Regular bus service between Amish communities has been established in some areas, and train travel is accepted.

Restrictions are not meant to impose suffering. Disabled people are allowed to use motorized wheelchairs; electricity is allowed in the home for medical equipment.Those who break the rules may be given many months to resolve the problem so that they can use a computer to complete a business project or remove electric wiring from a new house.

The Old Order Amish tend to restrict telephone use, as it is viewed by some as interfering with separation from the world. By bringing the outside world into the home, it is an intrusion into the privacy and sanctity of the family, and interferes with social community by eliminating face-to-face communication.

ADVANTAGES

The Amish were very eco-friendly as they did not use any machinery. Also, the Amish children grow up on a farm and learn at an early age how to sew, cook, operate tractors and equipment, manage a farm and home. Most importantly, the Amish are also very friendly towards each other. They interact more as they do not use video chat or the telephone.

DISADVANTAGES

If one falls seriously ill, he/she cannot be taken to the hospital quickly. They also have a lack of technology which will eventually cause them to lose out with other countries. The Amish means of transports are also very limited and restricted. For example, the horse cannot bring them to far places quickly. 

MY OPINION OF AMISH LIFESTYLE

Personally, I think that the Amish lifestyle is a good lifestyle, but not a perfect one. Yes, we should try our best not to use technology, but sometimes, we must still use technology as it helps us tremendously. Take the means of transports for instance. With technology (car), we can travel much faster and further than using a horse. Overall, I think that the Amish could use a bit of technology to help them with their daily needs while in the meantime, maintaining their 'green' lifestyle.