The Way I Loved You

Caught a Japanese movie, Departures a while back. Directed by Yojiro Takita, it is a 2008 Japanese film that started with subtle humor which had me roaring into laughter at the onset. As the mood of the movie becomes more sombre, I was drawn more deeply into the story. It turned out to be a very touching and emotional experience for me.

As a devoted cellist in an orchestra, the plot unfolds with the lead actor losing his job when the the group is dissolved. By chance, he applies for a job with vague description and it turns out to be a eyebrow-raising job, the encoffiner. One that requires him restoring the beauty for the dead people before their loved ones see them off in the last journey. This movie also aptly depicts the pride and purpose in one's job, as well as questions the meaning of death.

This movie has enlightened me that death is not the end of life, as it triggers reconciliation of those who hate another person. Just like the cellist who dislikes his dad for running away from home. In the end, his death offers the son an opportunity to forgive and forget. It was very emotional for me when he realizes that his father dies with the beloved "stone" from him in his palm. For those who have not catch the show, the dad teaches the son that one can make out the mood of the sender by touching the surface of the rock. When the recipient has a smooth stone from the giver, it means the person is happy and vice versa. Very ingenious:)

I have to specially commend on the superb acting by the cast. Motoki Tomohiro's acting was especially stupendous, as he exhibits the full gamut of human emotion - comical at times, yet carry the thoughtful and professional scenes perfectly. Yamazaki Tsutomu is equally unparalleled as the strict mentor in the story. Overall, the film has a nice flow and well-paced. The usage of music in the movie is also instrumental in expressing the protagonist's feelings every scene. At the end of the journey, the story successfully paints a touching scene of farewell to all, including the movie-goers. Wonderful movie. I was moved.

Fearless

Had a run today. Feeling good, I headed to the market place to take away breakfast for my family. From a distance, a queue was evident seen at my favourite stall. Despite seeing the crowd, my desire for hot piping mee houn did not waver slightest.

Around nine to ten people were in the queue. I was the last in the line. Determined to enjoy the breakfast, I grinned on. Just then, a middle age lady sneaked up to the guy ahead of me with a ten-dollar note and asked him a favour. As one who does not mince words, I did not hesitate to interrupt her conversation when I realized her "intention". I asked why she could not buy her own breakfast and imposed on others to get for her. More importantly, it wouldn't be fair to others in the queue. She just shrugged off and whispered that she had joined the queue earlier.. Not wanting to rest the case, I pursued and insisted she could have re-join the queue now.

Then the young man before me offered to let me take his position, so he could buy the breakfast for the lady. Honestly, I was appalled at the man's attitude! By his act, he was not condoning her behaviour but giving her the wrong signal that this was acceptable. At this point, I was filled with dismay especially when I saw the lady whom he was assisting happily eating her breakfast with a friend at the nearby table, oblivious to my stare. Is this the "gracious" society that we are trying to achieve?

Chocolate

One of my favourite pastimes is to check out new cafes on the block . After a movie at the new mall, Iluma yesterday, I couldn't resist stopping over at "Cheeky Chocolates". It proved to be a pleasurable "licking" experience.

My friend and I ordered a chocolate crepe and a button mushroom pasta. Albeit the dessert was served first, it turned out to be a lip-smacking treat. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, the crepe went down well with rich chocolate taste, along with a scoop of ice-cream . Not a tad too sweet. Cold yet warm combination...

Next, the pasta was presented to us. Unfortunately, it was not the vegetarian version, which we have specifically requested as bits of ham were detected in the pasta. We feedback to the waitress and it was promptly whizzed back to the kitchen without further questions. To our surprise, the management made it up with a quick chocolate waffle while preparing the pasta for us:) I must say the waffle was not as good as the crepe but still delectable. After all, dessert is ladies' best friend.

The button mushroom pasta did not disappoint us either. While it was served in cream sauce, it did not create a "repelling" feeling after we finished it. The serving of mushroom was just right and crunchy that went well with the smooth pasta. Only issue was that the pasta was a little short in quantity. To complete our meal, we ordered an extra mushroom soup. At $4.90, it was value for money. Along with it came a sizable bread to my delight (being a bread fan). In my opinion, the soup is a must-try as as it was addictive with the aroma of mushrooms, perfect for mushroom lovers.

Overall, the offerings coupled with reasonable pricing and excellent service would see me returning for more. Let me know if you agree when you have patronized the cafe.