The Big Short, more like the big shots. Am I right? This biographical movie about business and financial crises boasts a rather impressive cast which includes Christian Bale (The freaking Batman!) and Steve Carell (A not-so-bad comedian). Brad Pitt and Ryan Gosling entered the fray as major characters too.

What kind of movie would attract these A-Listers? Especially, what kind of documentary-esque movie would attract such fame?

Well, The Big Short is a rather unique take on the financial crisis of '07-'08 where the housing market of America crashed and along with it, global economy. The premise alone wouldn't seem so promising if it weren't for the execution of the cast members and the writers involved.

Imagine Wolf of Wall Street humour if they focused it more on the crisis itself, rather the crisis that is Leonardo diCaprio. You've got The Big Short. Economical crises are extremely heavy subjects, so to be able to eloquently explain terms foreign to the fiscally apathetic, they got random yet useful celebrity cameos including Selena Gomez! The writers made the movie extremely lighthearted and digestable for those who have not picked up a paper and have not read the business section if they did. However, I would go for a second viewing to clear up some doubts because at some points, it was truly an information overload. However, the humour is entertaining enough that I wouldn't mind a second viewing.

There was also this heart wrenching back story for one of the characters who is an otherwise "prick" disillusioned by the system. I won't want to give up too much but it gets pretty sad. 

So, it was well written, funny and at some points heart wrenching, I must applaud the writers and directors behind this movie. The actors all played their roles really well (Christian Bale is a really good actor since I thought it was actually Jim Carrey the whole time he was on screen)

So, now we know it was a good movie but what did I take from it. Basically, our economy is boned. The problem is that banks can be bailed out by the government by using tax payers dollars which could cause many people to lose their jobs and houses while the top percentage remain living comfortably.

Knowing the problem, we should acknowledge a solution. Self-sustainability. If all economic systems fail, in order to survive, the best way is to be self sustainable. If you can muster up enough money right now, to buy a small patch of land, organic seeds, a water purification system and some solar panels, irregardless of the economic outcome of the outside world, you might survive. What is most important is that you have enough food, water and shelter to live. Hell, in a world without a functioning economic system, luxuries would be meaningless and any excess supplies you have would be worth a mighty barter.

Anyways, this movie was really good. I would recommend everyone who has any interest in current affairs, the economy and our future should watch it. 8.5/10



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Sean Wang

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Ip Man, the master of the Dragon, has fought against Japanese Imperialists, Sammo Hung and now Mike Tyson? This movie is the 3rd movie in the Ip Man series and depicts the titular going off to defeat a corrupt developer and his thugs in order to defend his child's school. 

Plot

The plot is okay. There isn't much to dissect from the plot as it is very simple. It is a straightforward fight between purity and corruption, the traditionalist ways of the Chinese versus the corrupt ways of the Gwai Lows (Foreign Devils). However, the sub plot, of Ip Man having to deal with family life was rather interesting as previous movies have showed how disapproving the wife was with Ip Man's martial arts and constant fighting but now that chapter has closed as they mutually accept each others needs. We also get to see a personal side to Ip Man as we see how he deals with tragedy and decides what is really important to him.

Action

Anyways, odds are, when you are entering the cinema for an Ip Man movie, you didn't come for the plot. You came for the action and let me tell you, the action was extremely well choreographed with Donnie Yen punching and kicking at light speed. The movie also gave us a treat with Mike Tyson actually getting into a fight and showing some actual fighting prowess despite being such a big softie in person. There was also a very interesting fight with a Muay Thai practitioner!

Soundtrack

The soundtrack runs the basic traditional chinese sound track throughout the movies. There isn't exactly a Williams score but it is okay.

Criticism

The movie could have been longer and some fight scenes should have been extended. I really would have liked to see more from Mike Tyson and more from the Muay Thai dude. 

TL;DR

This movie is extremely enjoyable for all audiences even if you haven't watched any of the prior films.

I would rate the movie 7/10.

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Sean Wang

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Last Saturday, I went to Kechara Forest Retreat  that is in a forest (hence the name) near Bentong which is in Pahang. It is located in a place called Chamang.

According to the website:

"The Kechara Forest Retreat will be a place like no other, nestled in the deep mountains of Chamang, Bentong, about 1 1/2 hours drive from Kuala Lumpur. This village is being created within the green tropical forest, with natural streams of crystal clear water running through it.

Within this lush eco-friendly environment, there will be buildings and features designed for students and visitors to enjoy various activities to calm the mind within the beauty of nature.

The land has been successfully acquired by Kechara House under the leadership of Kechara House President, Datuk May and her team. Datuk May is working hard with her team and everyone else in Kechara to fund raise for the development of the land and servicing of the loan.

Ground works have already begun with the team building a temporary abode for our Lama, His Eminence Tsem Tulku Rinpoche to live in. With the sheer dedication and hard work of Datuk May and her team, the temporary abode has been constructed, and soon, Rinpoche will frequent the land to do prayers and blessings in preparations for the construction works."

Here is a picture of the site from the website of Kechara Forest Retreat.

We left after lunch in a bus. The trip included a talk from Pastor Susan about Pujas and Stupas. The puja is fueled by our motivation. For example, if we pack out things for the trip with a good motivation, our puja begins there, at home, while we pack. 

In the bus, some people were sleeping, some people were talking. Lucas Tan and I were joking around with some of the people near us by asking riddles and telling jokes.

She even gave the attendees quizzes to win some incense, which you can purchase at Kechara Paradise outlets throughout Malaysia. 

The bus arrived at KFR at 5:30 p.m. Everyone bought candles and flowers to do their offerings. I did a candle offering. The people who came had the meritorious opportunity to offer candles and flowers to both Vajrayogini and Shakyamuni. Some of us also circumambulated the butterlamp house. 

After giving a tour of an area, Pastor Susan lead us in a very short but effective prayer. It was the refuge prayers and Shantideva prayers. 

The lovely dinner was catered by Kechara Oasis. (The word "Kechara" will bring you to the website, whereas the word "Oasis" will bring you to the fan page )

The food mainly consisted of Bi Hun, Fried Rice, White Rice, Fried Chicken and many other local and international delicacies and the best part was that it is completely vegetarian (obviously!). 

I waited for the older people to get their food first to be polite. When I went up, the fried chicken was finished but I got some delicious fried rice and some international-style food (I think Indian but not sure :P ) 

I sat with my friends, Lucas Tan, Lucas Roth, Julien, Jenny and Jason and many, many more of my friends and some new faces too! 

Then, the movie began after everyone sat down on a mat laid out for us. I will post the movie, which is The Village, right here:

It was a very interesting movie. It was not scary but it makes you think deeper of certain things. I shall not have a complete review of the movie or else I will completely spoil it but I can say that there are a lot of twists and turns in this movie. Hint: The thumbnail is already a spoiler :(

Amazingly, there were no mosquitos but there were a few bugs who sat on the screen because of the light. I was also surprised that it was not too hot and not too cold. The temperature was just right.

A big thank you to the KFR team who organised this trip!

Okay! Gotta go! Bye!

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