One for Sorrow
He’s been on borrowed time ever since Fingon fell and so he falls too. It’s been pain and more pain, watching his brothers die and his people fail over and over again. There can be nothing worse than this. So in the end he surrenders to despair and the flames, welcoming the peace of death and the end of his regrets.
He’s wrong. The ocean of regrets from before now seems like a drop when he realizes his last brother, the one who was always there, the one he loved best of all his family has chosen not to follow him for the first time.
( Read more...Collapse )He’s been on borrowed time ever since Fingon fell and so he falls too. It’s been pain and more pain, watching his brothers die and his people fail over and over again. There can be nothing worse than this. So in the end he surrenders to despair and the flames, welcoming the peace of death and the end of his regrets.
He’s wrong. The ocean of regrets from before now seems like a drop when he realizes his last brother, the one who was always there, the one he loved best of all his family has chosen not to follow him for the first time.
Two for Joy
It’s the worst physical pain he’s ever felt, and he would scream with it if he could spare the breath. As it is, he rubs some salve over the burn, pulls his glove back on and keeps running. The earth is shattering below his feet and he cannot afford to stay here. Twin boys, they deserve better than this, better than being abandoned by their final parental figure. They were never enough to make anyone stay, but they were enough to bring him back.
He’s half-mad with pain by the time they find him, but still alive. His recovery is long, measured in decades, but it’s more than anyone else has ever given them and it’s enough.
Three for a Girl
Later they will say he fell for her beauty, but that was actually a very small part of it at all. She’s not a girl, not a woman, not even a princess. Rather she’s a force of nature, bound up in elven flesh and cloaked in her midnight hair, and he cannot understand how that human is so blind. She could be the ugliest orc to walk Arda, and she would still take his breath away. If only she would see, if only she would join them. It would be worth everything he and his brothers had done. If only she would redeem them.
She never does see. And when his blade slides through the back of her son, he realizes that he never deserved to be redeemed.
Four for a Boy
He laughs when Dior stabs him. He’s been enough battles, he knows the wound is fatal. But the fool dies faster than he does, victim to his brother’s blade. They may not reclaim the Silmaril this day, but neither would Dior hold it any longer. His mother had been worthy of respect, this fool was lower than the chieftains who had betrayed them in the Battle of Unnumbered Tears. They had gambled for the sake of better lives for their people; Thingol’s heir had held onto stolen property for no reason greater than pride.
In the Halls of Mandos, his first words are to his slayer. “I told you so.” And he is not alone in the chastisement. When he finally leaves the Halls, his supporters are a legion.
Five for Silver
When he gets to their rooms he finds his son packing. “You won’t need that.” he seethes. “You’re not coming with us.”
“Of course I am-”
“NO YOU ARE NOT!” He tosses his son's bags back onto the bed and takes a few deep breaths. “What you are going to do is go out there and denounce us.” Tyelpe opens his mouth and he cuts him off before he can begin. “I’ll write your speech for you.”
The Oath was going to kill them all, he would be damned to the Void before it kills his son too.
In the Halls Orodeth asks if his son's rejection was worth what he and his brother had done. “Was Nargothrond worth Turin? My son still lives!” Orodeth is silent.
Six for Gold
It’s irony that ultimately leads to his death. He’s fighting his way up the tower, trying to reach his brother’s side when he sees it. A flash of gold falling down, in the hands of a black-haired, white-gowned woman. The distraction is enough, causing him to miss his parry and receive his opponent’s sword to the throat.
“It was a really stupid way to die.” he tells his twin ruefully. “I grew up playing with Father’s Silmarilli, and one flash out the window, and I forget what I’m doing.”
“There are worse ways.”
Seven for a Secret Never to be Told
He doesn’t think he can do this. All throughout the trip they’d been battling Ossë, but every time he closes his eyes he can still see the blood, hear the screams. He doesn’t smell the salt in the air, he smells death. There’s no rest to be had, not even when they reach the far shore. Everyone else is falling over exhausted on the sand, but if he stops moving he’ll start screaming and he doesn’t think he’ll stop. As the hours pass and his father and older brother argue, he makes a decision. While everyone else is distracted he sneaks back onto the smallest of the ships. He doesn’t care what everyone else does, he is going back.
“I’m sorry. If I had known I would never have burnt the ships. If I could have burnt in your place, I would have.” These are Fëanaro’s first words when he comes to the Hall. Not even to address Mandos, or his father or ask for his mother.
He stops walking away and considers, then turns around. “You did burn.” It’s not forgiveness, not yet, but he would put as much effort into rebuilding the relationship with his father as his father did.
Eight for a Wish
He grew up on wishes. First, he wished to be as good a smith as his father and grandfather were. Then he wished that the Valar from Manwë to Melkor had never interfered with his family’s lives. He wished his father had allowed him to stay with him. He wished they weren’t all dead (he actually got that one, when his cousins revealed they’d been hiding his uncle during Maglor’s long convalescence). He moved beyond wishing and started acting to make his wishes real. He wished to learn new techniques from other elves, other races. He wished to make a kingdom where all people would mix freely. But most of all, he wished he had gone with his first instinct and stabbed ‘Annatar’ in the gut when he first saw him.
He’s the first in his family after Miriel to stay in the Gardens of Lorien. It doesn’t help. He doesn’t want to be told it wasn’t his fault; he wants to do something to repent. But the only thing allowed in the Gardens is passive contemplation.
Nine for a Kiss
He’s not sure what they first expected him to do when he reached the Halls, but apologizing to his son for burning him to death was apparently no it. Nor did he seek out either of his parents. (He was later disappointed to find his mother had already left the Halls.) He also failed to live up to their expectations by not screaming at Mandos. He did ask for explanation for the Doom. And was surprised to receive it. “I did not cause these disasters. I only speak of what I see, and I did not see that until you defied Manwë.” the god clarified. They spoke often as time went on. They did not always agree, but these conversations opened up new perspectives for both of them. The Halls of Mandos became a more compassionate place, and he in turn started to understand how people could have such differing points of view, but not be enemies. It was enough that by the time his brother (half, but hardly his fault) arrives, he was able to give a sincere apology. It took longer for Nolofinwë to accept it, but by the time the younger had left the Halls, they were good friends.
One change he made to the Halls was suggesting that some of the souls would benefit from a less ethereal experience. While some found the cessation of pain and trauma to be a relief and allowed them to think clearly, an equal number were too disoriented and disconnected to interact with other souls or with the Maia. He himself found himself longing for the sensation of touch. Of all the sensations he missed the one he longed for the most was his wife’s kiss.
Ten for a Time of Joyous Bliss
It’s not that she didn’t want to go with them. But she and her husband had discussed this before. When (not if) they went, one of them would have to stay behind to take care of the duties and interests they had in Aman. It hadn’t been certain it would be her, but then Melkor came, and she knew that there was no possibility that he would be the one to stay. So she was the one who returned to hold Formeno.
And hold it she did. Through the displeasure of some of the Valar, through the attacks of the Teleri, the scorn of the Vanyar, and the claims of other Noldor she held it.
(She has a soft spot for Arafinwë. He was one of the first to claim Formenos, but he was the only one to go away after a single conversation. And supported her rule there from then on.)
They all had gone. But she had faith.
And her faith was rewarded. First not-so-little Tyelpe, unable to heal in the Gardens of Healing, with a desperation for activity that she could understand. Then Kano, reluctantly dragged back to Aman by his adopted son. He never expected forgiveness, which helped make it easier to give it. Then Caranthir was released and he came with an army. Then her other sons. And finally, her husband.
She did, however, give him the beating of his second life before telling him she forgave him.
It’s the worst physical pain he’s ever felt, and he would scream with it if he could spare the breath. As it is, he rubs some salve over the burn, pulls his glove back on and keeps running. The earth is shattering below his feet and he cannot afford to stay here. Twin boys, they deserve better than this, better than being abandoned by their final parental figure. They were never enough to make anyone stay, but they were enough to bring him back.
He’s half-mad with pain by the time they find him, but still alive. His recovery is long, measured in decades, but it’s more than anyone else has ever given them and it’s enough.
Three for a Girl
Later they will say he fell for her beauty, but that was actually a very small part of it at all. She’s not a girl, not a woman, not even a princess. Rather she’s a force of nature, bound up in elven flesh and cloaked in her midnight hair, and he cannot understand how that human is so blind. She could be the ugliest orc to walk Arda, and she would still take his breath away. If only she would see, if only she would join them. It would be worth everything he and his brothers had done. If only she would redeem them.
She never does see. And when his blade slides through the back of her son, he realizes that he never deserved to be redeemed.
Four for a Boy
He laughs when Dior stabs him. He’s been enough battles, he knows the wound is fatal. But the fool dies faster than he does, victim to his brother’s blade. They may not reclaim the Silmaril this day, but neither would Dior hold it any longer. His mother had been worthy of respect, this fool was lower than the chieftains who had betrayed them in the Battle of Unnumbered Tears. They had gambled for the sake of better lives for their people; Thingol’s heir had held onto stolen property for no reason greater than pride.
In the Halls of Mandos, his first words are to his slayer. “I told you so.” And he is not alone in the chastisement. When he finally leaves the Halls, his supporters are a legion.
Five for Silver
When he gets to their rooms he finds his son packing. “You won’t need that.” he seethes. “You’re not coming with us.”
“Of course I am-”
“NO YOU ARE NOT!” He tosses his son's bags back onto the bed and takes a few deep breaths. “What you are going to do is go out there and denounce us.” Tyelpe opens his mouth and he cuts him off before he can begin. “I’ll write your speech for you.”
The Oath was going to kill them all, he would be damned to the Void before it kills his son too.
In the Halls Orodeth asks if his son's rejection was worth what he and his brother had done. “Was Nargothrond worth Turin? My son still lives!” Orodeth is silent.
Six for Gold
It’s irony that ultimately leads to his death. He’s fighting his way up the tower, trying to reach his brother’s side when he sees it. A flash of gold falling down, in the hands of a black-haired, white-gowned woman. The distraction is enough, causing him to miss his parry and receive his opponent’s sword to the throat.
“It was a really stupid way to die.” he tells his twin ruefully. “I grew up playing with Father’s Silmarilli, and one flash out the window, and I forget what I’m doing.”
“There are worse ways.”
Seven for a Secret Never to be Told
He doesn’t think he can do this. All throughout the trip they’d been battling Ossë, but every time he closes his eyes he can still see the blood, hear the screams. He doesn’t smell the salt in the air, he smells death. There’s no rest to be had, not even when they reach the far shore. Everyone else is falling over exhausted on the sand, but if he stops moving he’ll start screaming and he doesn’t think he’ll stop. As the hours pass and his father and older brother argue, he makes a decision. While everyone else is distracted he sneaks back onto the smallest of the ships. He doesn’t care what everyone else does, he is going back.
“I’m sorry. If I had known I would never have burnt the ships. If I could have burnt in your place, I would have.” These are Fëanaro’s first words when he comes to the Hall. Not even to address Mandos, or his father or ask for his mother.
He stops walking away and considers, then turns around. “You did burn.” It’s not forgiveness, not yet, but he would put as much effort into rebuilding the relationship with his father as his father did.
Eight for a Wish
He grew up on wishes. First, he wished to be as good a smith as his father and grandfather were. Then he wished that the Valar from Manwë to Melkor had never interfered with his family’s lives. He wished his father had allowed him to stay with him. He wished they weren’t all dead (he actually got that one, when his cousins revealed they’d been hiding his uncle during Maglor’s long convalescence). He moved beyond wishing and started acting to make his wishes real. He wished to learn new techniques from other elves, other races. He wished to make a kingdom where all people would mix freely. But most of all, he wished he had gone with his first instinct and stabbed ‘Annatar’ in the gut when he first saw him.
He’s the first in his family after Miriel to stay in the Gardens of Lorien. It doesn’t help. He doesn’t want to be told it wasn’t his fault; he wants to do something to repent. But the only thing allowed in the Gardens is passive contemplation.
Nine for a Kiss
He’s not sure what they first expected him to do when he reached the Halls, but apologizing to his son for burning him to death was apparently no it. Nor did he seek out either of his parents. (He was later disappointed to find his mother had already left the Halls.) He also failed to live up to their expectations by not screaming at Mandos. He did ask for explanation for the Doom. And was surprised to receive it. “I did not cause these disasters. I only speak of what I see, and I did not see that until you defied Manwë.” the god clarified. They spoke often as time went on. They did not always agree, but these conversations opened up new perspectives for both of them. The Halls of Mandos became a more compassionate place, and he in turn started to understand how people could have such differing points of view, but not be enemies. It was enough that by the time his brother (half, but hardly his fault) arrives, he was able to give a sincere apology. It took longer for Nolofinwë to accept it, but by the time the younger had left the Halls, they were good friends.
One change he made to the Halls was suggesting that some of the souls would benefit from a less ethereal experience. While some found the cessation of pain and trauma to be a relief and allowed them to think clearly, an equal number were too disoriented and disconnected to interact with other souls or with the Maia. He himself found himself longing for the sensation of touch. Of all the sensations he missed the one he longed for the most was his wife’s kiss.
Ten for a Time of Joyous Bliss
It’s not that she didn’t want to go with them. But she and her husband had discussed this before. When (not if) they went, one of them would have to stay behind to take care of the duties and interests they had in Aman. It hadn’t been certain it would be her, but then Melkor came, and she knew that there was no possibility that he would be the one to stay. So she was the one who returned to hold Formeno.
And hold it she did. Through the displeasure of some of the Valar, through the attacks of the Teleri, the scorn of the Vanyar, and the claims of other Noldor she held it.
(She has a soft spot for Arafinwë. He was one of the first to claim Formenos, but he was the only one to go away after a single conversation. And supported her rule there from then on.)
They all had gone. But she had faith.
And her faith was rewarded. First not-so-little Tyelpe, unable to heal in the Gardens of Healing, with a desperation for activity that she could understand. Then Kano, reluctantly dragged back to Aman by his adopted son. He never expected forgiveness, which helped make it easier to give it. Then Caranthir was released and he came with an army. Then her other sons. And finally, her husband.
She did, however, give him the beating of his second life before telling him she forgave him.
Oh All-Seeing Eye of Eru above
Keep careful watch on those I love
And should the Sky be filled with fire and smoke
Keep watching over Finwe's sons
If this is to end in fire
Then we will will all burn together
Watch the flames climb high
Into the night
Calling out father oh
Stand by and we will
Watch the flames burn auburn on
Cold Himring's side
And if we should die tonight
Then we will all die together
Raise Rebellion high
For the last time
Calling out father oh
Prepare as we will
Watch the flames burn auburn where
Our people cried
Desolation comes from all sides
Now I see fire
Inside Thangorodrim
I see fire
Burning Mithrim
I see fire
Hollowing souls
I see fire
Blood in the breeze
And I hope they all remember thee
Oh should my people fall
Then surely I'll do the same
Exiled from hallowed halls
Held in thrall to the Flame
Calling out father oh
Lost and abandoned
Watch the flames burn auburn where
the Sindar hide
Desolation comes from all sides
Now I see fire
Shine on Helevorn
I see fire
Burning Lothlannn
I see fire
Hollowing souls
I see fire
Blood in the breeze
And I wish that I no longer see
But if the night is burning
I will open my eyes
For if the dark returns
Then my brothers will die
And as the rivers of flame drown
Burning Ard-Galen to the ground
And that Darkness like a shroud
I hear my uncle screaming out
Now I see fire
Inside Dorthonion
I see fire
Burning Himlad
I see fire
Hollowing souls
I see fire
Blood in the breeze
I see fire (oh i saw my people burning out)(fire)
And I see fire (feel the heat upon my skin, yeah)(fire)
And I see fire (uh-uh-uh-uh)(fire
And I see fire burn auburn on
Cold Himring's side
Keep careful watch on those I love
And should the Sky be filled with fire and smoke
Keep watching over Finwe's sons
If this is to end in fire
Then we will will all burn together
Watch the flames climb high
Into the night
Calling out father oh
Stand by and we will
Watch the flames burn auburn on
Cold Himring's side
And if we should die tonight
Then we will all die together
Raise Rebellion high
For the last time
Calling out father oh
Prepare as we will
Watch the flames burn auburn where
Our people cried
Desolation comes from all sides
Now I see fire
Inside Thangorodrim
I see fire
Burning Mithrim
I see fire
Hollowing souls
I see fire
Blood in the breeze
And I hope they all remember thee
Oh should my people fall
Then surely I'll do the same
Exiled from hallowed halls
Held in thrall to the Flame
Calling out father oh
Lost and abandoned
Watch the flames burn auburn where
the Sindar hide
Desolation comes from all sides
Now I see fire
Shine on Helevorn
I see fire
Burning Lothlannn
I see fire
Hollowing souls
I see fire
Blood in the breeze
And I wish that I no longer see
But if the night is burning
I will open my eyes
For if the dark returns
Then my brothers will die
And as the rivers of flame drown
Burning Ard-Galen to the ground
And that Darkness like a shroud
I hear my uncle screaming out
Now I see fire
Inside Dorthonion
I see fire
Burning Himlad
I see fire
Hollowing souls
I see fire
Blood in the breeze
I see fire (oh i saw my people burning out)(fire)
And I see fire (feel the heat upon my skin, yeah)(fire)
And I see fire (uh-uh-uh-uh)(fire
And I see fire burn auburn on
Cold Himring's side
- Current Music:I See Fire (what else would I be listening to right now?)
- Current Mood:
amused
I step outside
The sky is a featureless grey. No sun to anchor it and no shadows to define anything. The air is filled with the smell of wet soil and the indescribable scent of cold. There are no sounds but the rush of the wind and crackle of dead leaves under my feet. From across the street automatic lights flicker on, but not even the shadows of people can be seen through the windows.
For just a moment, it is the end of the world.
The sky is a featureless grey. No sun to anchor it and no shadows to define anything. The air is filled with the smell of wet soil and the indescribable scent of cold. There are no sounds but the rush of the wind and crackle of dead leaves under my feet. From across the street automatic lights flicker on, but not even the shadows of people can be seen through the windows.
For just a moment, it is the end of the world.
Since I’m procrastinating, let’s review the movie ‘Red Line’ today.
Interstellar machine race ‘Red Line’ is apparently the hottest event in the galaxy. Due to a technical ‘malfunction’ devoted racer Sweet JP narrowly avoids qualifying, but lucky for him, he’s voted to take the place of another qualifier, who dropped out after being informed that the race would be taking place on the militant (and extremely hostile) Roboworld. JP’s challenges include his shady partner Frisbee (who has an excellent reason to seem him lose), Machinehead (the 4-time King of the Red Line) and the all the military might of Roboworld itself?
'Red Line' is the masterpiece of Takeshi Koike (also known for 'Lupin III: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine') and was released in 2010 by Madhouse Studios. Taking more than half a decade to produce, the movie proves the old cliche: good things do indeed come to those who wait.
First, the animation. The movie is a visual feast. Everything, from the characters to the cars to the environments, is over the top and brilliantly executed. This is sci-fi at it’s most luxurious. No subtle, next-year-but-not effects,the cars, the spaceliner and Roboworld could have come from the mind of James White (Surgeon General series) or Michael Bay. Perhaps even more impressive, it’s all hand-drawn! Anyone who believes that traditional animation methods are dead needs to see this movie, if only to eat their words.
The plot is a bit campy and the characters are all incredibly large hams. It’s a race, and sure their using missiles and bombs on each other and taking everything as serious business, but it’s not like the fate of a world is at stake. Also some of the characters (Machinehead, the Superboins and Gori-Rider) are really just caricatures of stereotypes. But the movie lightens things up with plenty of humor, and frankly, the plot can be a relief from more serious films. There’s a bit of romance attached, but it’s not the main focus and can be ignored in favor of other aspects. All in all the movie is very cheerful (only a few named characters and mooks die, all antagonists) and the ending shows that all the major competitors were graceful losers (despite all the trash talking that went on during the race).
The final highlight is the soundtrack. Every single piece is awesome (Volton Unit) or funny or even sweet (Red Line Day Ending Theme). Even if you don’t watch the movie, you should at least purchase the soundtrack.
But you should definitely watch the movie. Grade: A
Interstellar machine race ‘Red Line’ is apparently the hottest event in the galaxy. Due to a technical ‘malfunction’ devoted racer Sweet JP narrowly avoids qualifying, but lucky for him, he’s voted to take the place of another qualifier, who dropped out after being informed that the race would be taking place on the militant (and extremely hostile) Roboworld. JP’s challenges include his shady partner Frisbee (who has an excellent reason to seem him lose), Machinehead (the 4-time King of the Red Line) and the all the military might of Roboworld itself?
'Red Line' is the masterpiece of Takeshi Koike (also known for 'Lupin III: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine') and was released in 2010 by Madhouse Studios. Taking more than half a decade to produce, the movie proves the old cliche: good things do indeed come to those who wait.
First, the animation. The movie is a visual feast. Everything, from the characters to the cars to the environments, is over the top and brilliantly executed. This is sci-fi at it’s most luxurious. No subtle, next-year-but-not effects,the cars, the spaceliner and Roboworld could have come from the mind of James White (Surgeon General series) or Michael Bay. Perhaps even more impressive, it’s all hand-drawn! Anyone who believes that traditional animation methods are dead needs to see this movie, if only to eat their words.
The plot is a bit campy and the characters are all incredibly large hams. It’s a race, and sure their using missiles and bombs on each other and taking everything as serious business, but it’s not like the fate of a world is at stake. Also some of the characters (Machinehead, the Superboins and Gori-Rider) are really just caricatures of stereotypes. But the movie lightens things up with plenty of humor, and frankly, the plot can be a relief from more serious films. There’s a bit of romance attached, but it’s not the main focus and can be ignored in favor of other aspects. All in all the movie is very cheerful (only a few named characters and mooks die, all antagonists) and the ending shows that all the major competitors were graceful losers (despite all the trash talking that went on during the race).
The final highlight is the soundtrack. Every single piece is awesome (Volton Unit) or funny or even sweet (Red Line Day Ending Theme). Even if you don’t watch the movie, you should at least purchase the soundtrack.
But you should definitely watch the movie. Grade: A
Today I'm reviewing a little known anime series called 'Windy Tales'. This series by Production IG in 2005 (shut up, I know I'm always behind). It's a slice-of-life series about a middle schooler named Nao who discovers a secret about her math teacher; Taiki-sensei is actually capable of manipulating the wind!
First things first, let's go over the part that's probably going to turn most people off: the animation. Another reviewer of the series generously states that the series is "a refreshing departure from the giant-eyed, noodle-limbed characters that are so common in anime." Unfortunately, it looks like the animators were taking cues from the Rob Liefeld school of drawing. Feet that taper to ridiculous points, and eyes with pupils so huge that they swallow the iris and sclera which make the characters look bug-eyed are just some of the flaws of the animation. To be fair though, the animators did manage to avoid Liefeld's more . . . egregious flaws. And the cats are cute.
If you can get past the animation, the series itself is quite sweet and light-hearted. If you're tired of dramatic, must-save-the-world series, or even worse, the dramatic, not-actually-saving-the-world-but-we're-a
This is in no way an epic series; it will never be among the greats such as Evangelion, Bleach, One Piece or Naruto. And at 13 episodes only, it's not a long-runner that you can sink your teeth into. However for those who want something a little lighter, or a little more realistic, this is a good, solid choice.
Grade: B+
First things first, let's go over the part that's probably going to turn most people off: the animation. Another reviewer of the series generously states that the series is "a refreshing departure from the giant-eyed, noodle-limbed characters that are so common in anime." Unfortunately, it looks like the animators were taking cues from the Rob Liefeld school of drawing. Feet that taper to ridiculous points, and eyes with pupils so huge that they swallow the iris and sclera which make the characters look bug-eyed are just some of the flaws of the animation. To be fair though, the animators did manage to avoid Liefeld's more . . . egregious flaws. And the cats are cute.
If you can get past the animation, the series itself is quite sweet and light-hearted. If you're tired of dramatic, must-save-the-world series, or even worse, the dramatic, not-actually-saving-the-world-but-we're-a
This is in no way an epic series; it will never be among the greats such as Evangelion, Bleach, One Piece or Naruto. And at 13 episodes only, it's not a long-runner that you can sink your teeth into. However for those who want something a little lighter, or a little more realistic, this is a good, solid choice.
Grade: B+
- Current Mood:
hot - Current Music:Iroha (Vocaloid)
I’ve been watching Tiger and Bunny for a while now and I’m just not that into Bunny. Which is weird, since I liked Sasuke from Naruto (at least before he went nuts) and since their essentially the same character (dead family, multiple cases of mind rape by a trusted someone, committing entire life to revenge). But I just don’t like Bunny.
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(To the tune of ‘12 Days of Christmas’)
FFFIIIVVVEEE PILES OF LAUNDRY (Because only 2 of us match but M is female and E is male so they won’t be sharing clothes anyway)
Four personal computers (2 laptops, 1 desktop and 1 desktop shared by the 2 computer-illiterate people)
Three sets of toiletries (1 for the guy with the heart catheter, 1 hypo-allergenic and the last shared by everyone else)
Two types of meal plans (1 for the guy with renal failure, 1 for everyone else)
And one big screwed-up family! (Any robber is going to be seriously confused.)
FFFIIIVVVEEE PILES OF LAUNDRY (Because only 2 of us match but M is female and E is male so they won’t be sharing clothes anyway)
Four personal computers (2 laptops, 1 desktop and 1 desktop shared by the 2 computer-illiterate people)
Three sets of toiletries (1 for the guy with the heart catheter, 1 hypo-allergenic and the last shared by everyone else)
Two types of meal plans (1 for the guy with renal failure, 1 for everyone else)
And one big screwed-up family! (Any robber is going to be seriously confused.)
- Current Mood: amused
- Current Music:12 Days of Christmas
Okay, I have to admit, I originally watched this because I was watching ‘Les Miserables’ with Depardieu, and I didn’t really like that movie (these are both TV series, but whatever, not trying to be professional here). I also saw him in that movie with the imaginary friend, I think I hated that one even more.
This series was far more faithful to the book than some other adaptations I’ve seen (Gankutsuou, anyone?). Depardieu is perhaps a touch too emotional when portraying the count, but it’s pretty clear he’s having fun, which actually makes it okay. Other changes remove most of the Benedetto (renamed Toussaint for some reason) subplot; the Danglars’s don’t even have a daughter for him to marry. Bertuccio and Dantes are much closer; I’m surprised no one has written any Ho Yay about these two already. The plot moves somewhat faster than the book (no surprise, even 4 hours isn’t enough when you have over 1000 pages), which has the unfortunate effect of removing most of the sympathetic traits of the characters. This is perhaps best seen with the Villeforts: Franz d’Epinay is clearly accepting this marriage for the money, Heloise no longer has a son that she is trying to provide for. On the other hand, Villefort himself actually does seem to care more for Valentine and with less time to angst, I felt much less need to strangle Valentine. What I can’t forgive them for is adding Mme. Richardais, she feels less like a character and more someone who they included for a sex scene- which this movie didn’t need at all! Haydee’s role is also diminished, and once again, at the end, Dantes has ended up with Mercedes (but what can you expect when Haydee doesn’t show up until the last part?)
More fluff than introspection, but fun if you have the time.
This series was far more faithful to the book than some other adaptations I’ve seen (Gankutsuou, anyone?). Depardieu is perhaps a touch too emotional when portraying the count, but it’s pretty clear he’s having fun, which actually makes it okay. Other changes remove most of the Benedetto (renamed Toussaint for some reason) subplot; the Danglars’s don’t even have a daughter for him to marry. Bertuccio and Dantes are much closer; I’m surprised no one has written any Ho Yay about these two already. The plot moves somewhat faster than the book (no surprise, even 4 hours isn’t enough when you have over 1000 pages), which has the unfortunate effect of removing most of the sympathetic traits of the characters. This is perhaps best seen with the Villeforts: Franz d’Epinay is clearly accepting this marriage for the money, Heloise no longer has a son that she is trying to provide for. On the other hand, Villefort himself actually does seem to care more for Valentine and with less time to angst, I felt much less need to strangle Valentine. What I can’t forgive them for is adding Mme. Richardais, she feels less like a character and more someone who they included for a sex scene- which this movie didn’t need at all! Haydee’s role is also diminished, and once again, at the end, Dantes has ended up with Mercedes (but what can you expect when Haydee doesn’t show up until the last part?)
More fluff than introspection, but fun if you have the time.
- Current Mood: amused
Seventh in the Elemental Masters series, based on the fable ‘Deerskin’. For those of you who don’t know, the fable in question is about a king who loses his wife, then eventually decides to marry his daughter (versions differ on whether it is solely due to her resemblance to her mother, or to fulfill a certain vow). She escapes, hides in a neighboring kingdom, and eventually marries a prince and punishes her father for his sins.
Here, Lackey sets the fable against the backdrop of WWI (for those who have read earlier books in the series, it takes place before ‘Phoenix and Ashes’). Susanne Whitestone lives a lonely, but not unloved existence on her father’s estate, in the limbo between gentry and servants. Her father has all but disowned her, due to grief at the death of his wife in childbirth, but the staff of the household do their best for her. Eventually, he finally takes an interest in his abandoned child. Unfortunately for Susanne, what she doesn’t realize is that Richard Whitestone happens to be a powerful necromancer and his plans for her have nothing to do with fatherly affection …
Another great entry to the series. WWI England is brought back, in both the charm of country life, and the frustrations of the class system. Susanne isn’t necessarily the strongest of Lackey’s protagonists, but she has both her strengths (in serving as a nurse in the trenches) and her foibles (fangirling over her neighbor). Recurring characters include Peter Scott, Dr. Maya, and Peter Almsley, who plays an important role in the plot. Also remarkable for featuring Lord Alderscroft actually fighting, instead of just sitting in the back room of the Exeter club. Worth the time to read.
Here, Lackey sets the fable against the backdrop of WWI (for those who have read earlier books in the series, it takes place before ‘Phoenix and Ashes’). Susanne Whitestone lives a lonely, but not unloved existence on her father’s estate, in the limbo between gentry and servants. Her father has all but disowned her, due to grief at the death of his wife in childbirth, but the staff of the household do their best for her. Eventually, he finally takes an interest in his abandoned child. Unfortunately for Susanne, what she doesn’t realize is that Richard Whitestone happens to be a powerful necromancer and his plans for her have nothing to do with fatherly affection …
Another great entry to the series. WWI England is brought back, in both the charm of country life, and the frustrations of the class system. Susanne isn’t necessarily the strongest of Lackey’s protagonists, but she has both her strengths (in serving as a nurse in the trenches) and her foibles (fangirling over her neighbor). Recurring characters include Peter Scott, Dr. Maya, and Peter Almsley, who plays an important role in the plot. Also remarkable for featuring Lord Alderscroft actually fighting, instead of just sitting in the back room of the Exeter club. Worth the time to read.
- Current Mood:
satisfied
Comments
I have no idea.
STILL.
THIS WAS SO WONDERFUL.
I LOVED THIS SO MUCH. /reads again
I simply love how you write each character (especially Hashirama and Madara), how…