Thought I'd pop on here earlier than the usual Thursday post, mainly because I'm done my school assignments and can cruise easily into Christmas vacation starting next week... and I really have nothing else to do. :D

Still~ had an amazing weekend (at least, the Saturday), because the much-anticipated Swedish Christmas Festival was on, and naturally, what else could I do except go? This year, we went for the whole day, so we could have lunch there, which was a big mistake, because it was so crowded you couldn't even move around and see anything at the stands. :( The lineup to the food was also massive, but after some waiting, we got our open-faced sandwiches (mom and brother got the meatball and beet salad; I, naturally, got the cheese one XD), sweet buns, and, for dessert, almond tarts and GLÖGG (GLOG)! <3 <3 I don't know why, but it tasted so much better than the pre-fab, add a little wine bottles we buy, but regardless it was all very delicious. ^^; Also got some candies and *squeals* they had a stand of used books in Swedish and I got myself some kids books, so I can read them and help my Swedish progress a little more. I'm so excited! ^_^; Anyways, in conclusion, because uh, that's pretty much it, I bought this little guy to compliment the Lucia girl I got last year:

Isn't he just so adorable? :) They also had the same guy, but with a longer, slimmer body, but my heart was set on the chubby one. He's the best!! ^_______^v And so ends my little story; hopefully, they'll be something to talk about next week... if not, I better think something up. -__-;

Title: 한여학생의일기 (A Schoolgirl's Diary)
Year: 2007
Country: DPRK (North Korea)
Director: Jang In-hak
[IMDB Link]

Tsk, tsk, tsk it's Friday and I'm posting what I did last weekend. *sighs* It's pathetic and a tad bit embarrassing, but yeah, I can proudly say I've almost completed 2/3 of the projects I have for the next week, which *grins* is my last week of school before Christmas vacation. Yeah, a little hard to believe, but it's great! :D

Anyways, last weekend, there was an Asian film festival going on, and fortunately there was one movie with a good time for me and that sounded interesting, so I went to this movie, which yes, is indeed a North Korean movie (if the totally old-school movie poster didn't give it away enough XDD). This is actually the first North Korean movie to be released internationally, so I almost jumped at the chance, not because it sounded super great or intelligent, but because I can now say I've seen a North Korean movie. ^__^;;

The plot involves a girl who lives with her sister, mother, and grandmother in a house outside of Pyongyang, her father being so into his work that he lives by the factory, and she resents her father for not being there and discovers in the end that's he's such a good worker after all and wants to study science too. As the plot may somehow indicate, this movie was just soooo cheesy at times; it wasn't only the propaganda and communist aspect to it (my mom said the style is exactly the same as USSR films), but the whole family friendliness... actually, the people there were having this huge debate afterwards about it on how it wasn't so propagandist (some guy -- one of the few "Western" people that were there, so it was a little embarrassing for us -- was going crazy), but that it could very well resemble South Korean movies from the 80s. Seriously, wtf? This thing was 100% K-drama: the rural setting, the family living all together and facing common problems, obsession with marrying off your daughters, even the corny family moments!

My opinion: seeing as this wasn't really film festival material, but was more there for its uniqueness, I wasn't so wowed by the TV-movie style, although it was interesting to see a portrayal of their life, though a lot of it seems laughably unbelievable (we learn English? O_o). The story was predictable, especially if you've been tuning into KBS a lot, so, given little voting sheets at the film, I gave it a 3/5. Asking my mom what she wanted to give it, she told me to put the same thing as I did... and then she got hurt that I gave it "too low". She liked it; she just doesn't want to admit it. (note: though I'm interested in them, my mom is ADDICTED to K-dramas :DDD)

//end for this week

Ah, it's taken me a few days to plug the camera in and add here the next installment of the Cake Chronicles (c), and of course, it was all the more delicious this time, because I picked it out myself. So, first, the picture:

He he he shameless as it sounds, I'd been waiting to get this cake (called Tutti Frutti), especially because every time we came, they didn't have it. I was thinking of pre-ordering it a week before, but with all the postponing and family issues, it slipped my mind, so yay! for it waiting for me. ^^ I so wish I took a pic of the inside, since it was worth it... except my mom gave me the last piece a few days ago, without telling it was the last slice. *pouts* But I really wanted to show this one off, because it was soooo delicious, although my fave is still the strawberry one. Still, this one had the characteristic soft meringue-y outside with layers of dough (with chocolate flowers and the leaf made of soft, fortune-cookie like dough), berry mousse and tons and tons of fruit consisting of blackberries, raspberries, and black and red currants. *swoons in ecstasy* Yeah, it tasted like the cake version of a berry Yogen Fruz (okay, maybe only for me because I just adore Yogen Fruz .___.;;)! //another Cake Chronicles comes to an end

Anyways, while verifying the date of the Swedish Christmas festival, I was directed to the Swedish embassy website, where they also mentioned that there's going to be an EU (as in European Union) Film Festival. I swear, I had to read that twice... Wow! And even more wow: it's free!!! Now, I just need to figure out how I can get there at night. :/ Plans for this weekend? I'm not saying, because I don't want to jinx anything. ^^;;

Yeah, I realize I haven't updated this last week, like I usually do... these past few weeks haven't been so super (the most impersonal -- meaning, the only thing I'm really willing to share here -- being that mere hours before Halloween, my brother broke his leg and a few days later needed to go into surgery, which is just splendid. That's life, I suppose. :/), so I just didn't quite know what to write, but I'm back and with the promise that I might just update this thing more often. *hears one huge, collective groan*

No, but anyways, it's just been *great*, in the most sarcastic way possible, of course. And you know what, I don't like birthdays, and this is starting to get more and more obvious as each one passes by. Is that a sign that you're growing up, or something, because right now, I can't even remember when I actually looked forward to these things, *sighs* but anyhow....

Okay, all bitterness is aside now and all is done and over with. Yay! There was a Russian film festival going on this past weekend, which I really wanted to go to, since I just want to go to the movies so badly... but no, I check the website Thursday evening and click on the one promising movie (the brand new Anna Karenina movie, which no, I didn't know it existed, but still, I want, HAVE TO see it!! *_____*), only to find the one screening was at 7:00pm. On Thursday. Wtf, whyyyyyyyyy? It was a sad, sad moment for me, and so that was the end of that plan. ;__;

And as an end note, a few of you may have noticed that my rotation hasn't been updated recently, and that's pretty much because I finally, unceremoniously came to the decision a few weeks ago that it's going on indefinite hiatus, pretty much entirely because I want it to. The request to remove a link scared me into realizing that I don't want anything forcefully deleted or anything, so I'm giving it a (much needed, desired) rest. Erm, yeah, the links will remain until they, if, they expire, but I might change the font colour to black, so it's hidden and only those who know of their existence will be able to access them, but I don't know yet... right now, I'm not in the mood to put so much effort into it. :P

And omg, can it be? Not a single real 'smiley' here... that has to be remedied asap. ^__^v

*sighs* I really have nothing to say. My week hasn't been great, and I'm sure will continue to do so, and really not wanting to get into it, I'll just stick up the story and uh, run away. :P

( So~ that's over here! )

Oopsies~ just remembered today (and that being the day I normally update this thing) that this week is a story week and I don't have anything editted at the moment. -_- Now, he he he, it's not as if anyone really cares, but I like sticking to my little schedule and this is really unnerving me now. :|

So, once I get through everything I'll get to it and hey! maybe I'll even do it tonight... okay, that is just not possible, but I'm sure it'll be here this week. And why am I telling everyone this? I really don't know...

Anyways, life: I had a long weekend, I hate long weekends, especially when I don't have classes on Monday, so all a long weekend means is having everyone home ALL the time. It's madness. :( Erm, on top of that, I didn't do anything else of interest. Especially not worth mentioning, but then again, isn't it always like that? But yeah, the story's coming shortly... run away when you have the chance. :DDDD

( And yay!! it's up, it's up! )

This is getting so embarrassing, considering just how old all of this, but I vow to you that this is it. Yes, this is the last bit of photos, and that just makes me want to weep... and I will too. ;___; Erm, anyways, I might keep the comments to a minimum, though taking a look at all those that preceded this one, you *know* that won't be happening. :D Still, I won't talk here anymore, so I can direct you over to:

( The last two days *sniffles*... and *grins* all the goodies I brought back ^.^! )

Weekly update from me, though there's nothing particularly wow that I can mention. Saturday was okay, though I didn't do anything out of the ordinary. Sunday, it seemed, was the beginning of a bad week, since we had planned to go an amazing restaurant quite a ways away, but (personal) things came up, so it seemed like it was canceled, and then nope, we ended up going for dinner, and omg, it was SO good. I really thought all the frustration and wait worth it, since I can now say for sure this is probably my fave restaurant, at least Chinese. Anyways, why am I saying this? Because I seem to have the luck that any good that rarely comes along is followed immediately by bad. I woke up at 3 in the morning and pretty much spent my night and then morning puking up everything. x__x I don't even know what it was, since everyone else was fine and I ate the same thing. Must just be *the* curse. -________- And speaking of the curse: guess who has to write a 3 page commentary, in German, on all the cultural assets of German hip hop music? Just shoot me... NOW!!!! Why, what have I done wrong?!?! ;___; ... Anyways, yeah, more annoying complications, but I won't get into them, so uh,

( Just get over to the story, okay? ;D )

This is the biggest folder of pics (for one day), but I'm going to try and go through it as quickly as possible. I really can't believe that it's been a month since I've returned and I haven't finished this yet. -__- But yeah, this was a particularly thrilling day, so~

( Onto the pics of Mimi going to Estonia ^^! )

Title: Mother
Year: 2009
Country: South Korea
Director: Joon-ho Bong
[IMDb Link]

Well, this movie came directly after the first, so as soon as I got my autograph, we scrambled down the street to the next theatre and stood there in line (the line to the first was down the hall, down the stairway and out onto the street) for a good half an hour before being let in. This one was a unversity lecture hall, so it wasn't so comfy, but yeah... we were informed at the very beginning that the director (the amazing Bong Joon-ho, who also directed Korea's #1 grossing movie, The Host) had already flown back to Korea, which was SUPER disappointing, especially when I'd been secretly looking forward to meeting some people, maybe practicing my 'thank you' (which, *grins proudly* I can see almost perfectly*), but no signings this time. :(

Anyways, this was a murder mystery about a mother whose mentally handicapped son is charged with the horrific murder of a schoolgirl and convicted without any sort of investigation or trial. Convinced that he's innocent, she takes on the investigation herself and slowly gets obsessed with finding out the truth. Single, practicing acupuncture without a license, and in debt, she provides servies for information and bribes people with money she doesn't have until she finds out what really happened... and I'm SO not telling what that is, because this was every bit a thriller, with you not being able to wait to see what happens next.

I loved this movie! I definitely found this the better of the two, simply because it was so twisted and suspenseful that I was captivated from the very first shot. The actor playing the son, and of course the mother (who is, apparantly, a hugely popular actress in Korea) were amazing, especially the latter, who really deserves the praise she gets. *nods passionately* Yup, nothing came afterwards, so we went back, and that's it. *sighs* Now I have to wait a whole year for more film festival fun... :( It's depressing!

YAY! Going to break up the vacation post once again to say: Went to the Toronto International Fim Festival (TIFF) on Saturday and had an amazing time! ^__^ Once again, I'm all giddy and excited to share some reviews and *grins* signed tickets with all! Went to two movies in total, so I'll split it up nicely:



Title: Max Manus
Year: 2008
Country: Norway
Director: Joachim Rønning & Espen Sandberg
[IMDb Link]

( Review over here~! )

I really need to hurry up and finish this, especially since *weeps* it'll almost be month since I came back. That is really depressing. Anyways, this is a smaller bit, so hopefully I should get through it quickly and onto the last few days. :(

( Check out the uh, thrilling details of Part 4 :D! )

I promised this would show up here last week, and it just didn't work out like that. :/ Life's been chaotic, mainly because since the last time I've posted a life-related post, I've started up school again... one week before I thought it started. And that is so not my fault. Really, it's not. *sighs* Anyways, I'm going to the film festival this weekend, and I'm all excited about that. So, ha ha, wish me luck. ^^;; That's it, I suppose, so I'll just leave you with the story:

( Aaand, that's right over here~! )

It's taken awhile (and I don't normally get the internet on Sunday, so I thought I'd take advantage of the opportunity and stick this up right away...), but here's the next part of the journey (complete with pics and ranting -___-):

( Yay! I finally got part 3 done! )

Title: 9:06 (aka Ofsajd)
Year: 2009
Country: Slovenia/Germany
Director: Igor Sterk
[IMdB link]

Again, a complete lack of a poster, though this did seem to be shown in Slovenia beforehand (I watched the original trailer on Youtube)... anyways, unfortunately, there was no one here in terms of cast and crew for this movie, but ha ha that didn't disappoint me very much. I wasn't supposed to go to this movie at all, but my brother (the older of the two) was getting all jealous and wanted to check something out at the festival too, so I went with him and we ended up picking this offering from Slovenia, which seemed to most promising in terms of summary. So, this thing started at 9:30pm and went til' 11, which was so tiring for me, but anyways, it was pretty fun, especially when this one was being screened at the opera hall, which was HUGE. It could sit five times more people than those that came, and walking in the red velvet lobby and whatnot made it feel more fancy than it really was. :DDD

The screening started with a Canadian claymation short film, which I really did not like and which pretty much proves to me that I'll never like Canadian movies. ;P A little cruel, yes, but I wasn't as amused by it as other people were. Then, fortunately, the main feature started, and I found that the summary beforehand was a little deceiving in that it really wasn't "police officer investigating strange death becomes so obsessed with solving the case that he slowly becomes the dead person." I mean, it seemed from both the trailer and description to be more of a murder mystery/thriller, but really wasn't, as it focused mainly on the police officer's life with his girlfriend/estranged wife/daughter, etc. Oddly enough, the "strange death", despite the officer finding it suspicious to call it a suicide, sort of disappears from the story line and nothing more is said about it. Similarly, the title time, 9:06, is repeated throughout, but little is mentioned on what it means. Also, "obsessed" seemed a wrong word to use as well, since the the taking on the dead guy's life seemed to come on almost without explanation or just out of necessity... his car breaks down, so he drives the dead guy's. So, for me at least, there was a lot left hanging at the end of the movie, including how the film ended; I suppose it was my least favourite of the three, but at the same time, I must say that it was definitely the one you could most discuss and analyze, because there was so much unanswered. But, despite it being one of the shortest full-length movies I'd seen (70 min.), it seemed to drag on forever and there were still so many unnecessary scenes... but I still enjoyed it, and it was worth it. Maybe 3/4 though, while the Chinese one got 3.5/4, and the Danish 4/4. ^__^ You know, if someone really cares...

//Back to vacation posting

Title: Mi Xiang (aka Death Dowry)
Year: 2009
Country: China/France
Director: Wang Hongfei
[IMdB link]

(no poster... they had one at the theatre, but I can't find it anywhere online) My next movie started at 3:00, which seemed like a lot of time when I planned it, but I had to scramble to get to the other theatre (which wasn't so close) in time. (Un)fortunately, this one wasn't as packed as the first one, which is a little sad since it was a beautiful movie, though I'm sure a lot had to do with the fact that the movie only had French subtitles, but it *was* the world premiere. That's always fun. ^^ Anyways,

( Wrote too much (again) and had to 'cut' it... -__- )



//Part 3 should be coming soon... -__-

So, I'm breaking up my vacation posting with a thrilling bit of news from me. I came back yesterday from Montreal, and from going to the Festival des Films du Monde (aka, the Montreal World Film Festival) and all I can say is: autograph success!! ^_____________^v

Quite honestly, I'm in ecstatic shock from it, since considering it cost the same/less than a normal ticket to the movies, I really didn't expect anyone at all to be there, and I was definitely okay with that, especially since the chance of catching a foreign film here is not very large, and a good foreign movie even harder. I actually feel bad now that we were only there one full day, so I could only squeeze three movies in (one from Denmark, another from China, and a last one from Slovenia) So I nearly screamed with delight when I went to the first one and the announcer presented the cast and crew! Okay, hmmm, maybe I should cut this up into one post for each movie, since I'm going to be going on and on about everything ^^;, so:

( Let's save some space and stick this under a cut... )



Lol, I couldn't help stick this outside... it always ends up looking so impressive. <3 <3 <3


// the next two movie reviews are on their way :)

Wee, finally got on to get this story post here. This week... I actually have something to say. *gasps* I'm supposedly (that is, if plans haven't changed without my knowing it) going to Montreal on the weekend which is excellent since it just so happens the Montreal World Film Festival is going on. And do you know what that means? Mimi Movie Time! ^____^ Yes, I've planned it out so I can see up to three movies on the one full day we're there, Saturday and I can't wait! It's a little upsetting that they've got better prices and way more movies to choose from (because there's none of the Hollywood crap in it) than the one here, and I'm only there for one day. *sighs* Still, September 4. 7am. Tickets are going on sale here and I'm a-scrambling... of course, I'll get to it when I'm awake and I've already eaten my breakfast, so that 7am will turn into more of a 10:30, but it'll be done asap. Got two movies planned out, so hopefully... :)

And just because nothing can really go as planned, I've got another arrrgh! situation on my hands regarding *groans, whimpers, curses* school. I've got a question about some compilcation I had with my major program, so I emailed the department secretary. Three weeks ago. And I *still* haven't received a reply, though I got the read receipt (proof that they opened the message). :/ So, not wanting to resend the message because of not wanting to appear rude, I sent a similar message to the head of the department (the person I was asked to consult last time) and, in return for all the consideration I show in not looking rude or annoying, I receive a reply that's just that. I explained everything about my situation, asked what is necessary so that more problems don't arise in this my last year, and got a copy-and-pasted "it's written very clearly in the *insert name of online publication here*.Go read it" reply. Thanks so much for your help. Do you seriously think I would bother you in the first place if I could find the answer on the univ. website when I HATE asking people? Really, it's so sad considering how much you pay to be here and you're treated like a complete retard for it. :/ For example, you'd be spending the same amount of money at a, say, car dealer... or a designer boutique, and I can guarantee that they *certainly* wouldn't toss you aside like this and talk to you like an idiot. :(

( And omg, I'll shut up now. Story over here: )

Alright, I'm so hoping I can get through all pics tonight, so I have something to post, but here goes:

( Onto the exciting-ness that is part 2~! )

I'm thinking of cutting this up into as many days as possible and then update more often, because, well, I think if I update this at once, it'll take weeks to get up here. Of course, keep in mind I wasn't gone for very long, so there isn't that much to share... sadly. :( Yeah, I'm still pretty depressed about being back, so hopefully this will make me feel a little better. So, in an an effort to make all ranting trip-related:

( Let's get the post started~! Day 1, over here! )