Dances With Wolves

Directed by Kevin Costner himself, it won 7 Academy Awards and 1 Golden Globe for best Motion Picture - Drama.

I first watched this film when I was about 11 or 12yrs old. I didn't even watch it from the beginning and didn't full understand the storyline but after watching it again several more times, I can say this movie is beyond brilliant. It's mind blowing!

Kevin Costner is this american lieutenant that befriends Sioux people whilst on duty at a neighbouring post, seen as a hero for locating a herd of buffalo's as well as helping defend the settlement from the Pawnee rivals. The relationship is odd, almost awkward at first from the different cultures that both the Indians follow and the way Costner behaves, however after spending time in the tribe, Costner becomes a key member, accepted as a friend and saviour to the people. It carries on to a more darker side, the harsh reality of life during that period in time, where soldiers wiped out everything in their way, whether it was valuable or not.

It is an epic movie based on friendship, family and trust, portraying the kinder side to native americans (compared to other films which showed them as harsh, selfish and unapproachable), which were constantly highlighted throughout the film. The portrayal of the Sioux culture was also very realistic and although the ending was sad, it was satisfying- making it one of those movies you have to see in your lifetime.

Delicatessen

Directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet and Marc Caro, this film is set in a post-apocalyptic french town where food is going scarce. It focuses on the lives and families that live in an apartment block, the bottom being a butchers who also owns the building. He hires an ex-circus clown to do odd jobs for the apartment, having ulterior motives. As the audience wonders where the meat is from, they are gently carried away with the individual quirks of each character that lives behind the walls to this surreal setting. 

The film provokes a strange feeling to the viewer as they try to grasp the serious and general gist of the storyline along with the black comedy throughout the film. A very surreal watch as it gives an insight to the french culture.

The Sculpture Diaries

On sunday's channel 4 at 9.00pm

Waldemar Januszczak narrates a 3-part programme specifically on sculptures. This is very interesting for anyone who likes to delve into a bit of culture, as Januszczak wonders the world to show how they are made for sentimental reasons, symbols of power, to recognise a  great person or even as art itself.

The last one is on this coming sunday (14th sept) or you can catch up on 4od if you do not own a mac.

Prague

A lovely city, full of culture and beer. The place is sort of divided into the old town and more modern city, but both are well worth a visit. 

The old town is full of little churches, cathedrals, synagogues and little market stalls on cobbled streets.....even the street lamps look traditional and old. 

The more modernised city is busy with workers and shoppers who shop in similar retails over here, but there are plenty of cafe's and bars to relax in when the evening comes. It's just a little weird at first when the barman comes to the table to take your drink order and to warn you, the pretzels on the table are not complementary (they are well expensive!).

The first is a picture of one of the streets in prague. There are many tourist shops selling freaky string puppets and dolls.

The cathedral (above) can be found right in the middle of "old town" but I cannot remember where I saw the sculptures  because I saw them when I got lost. But very interesting and eerie indeed.