Kaleidoscope
Although you are getting back into the full swing of school, there is still time for leisure activities. You can still do things that you didn't get a chance to do enough of during the summer holiday - watching movies and TV, listening to music and playing sports - before your studies become intense. You could hang out with friends and go shopping, but the late summer heat makes indoor activities more appealing.
If you're bent on movies, Young Post has the following recommendations:
1. Bowling for Columbine
Want something to refresh your mind? Spare two hours for this Oscar-winning documentary. While most people link violence in the United States with the availability of guns, director Michael Moore probes further to reveal that the media's obsession with death and violent crime could be the cause.
2. Cala My Dog
Tired of quaint portrayals of China's capital in television dramas? This film by Lu Xuechong provides a glimpse of the vitality of today's Beijing, a metropolis in transition. This urban drama is a treat for pet lovers. It tells how a blue-collar worker gets his dog back from the animal control squad.
3. Chicago
Before the release of this musical, my impression of Richard Gere was one of a womaniser. But this film by Rob Marshall brings out a new side of Gere - he is equally brilliant as a Broadway star singing and dancing on stage. Renee Zellweger also gives a fabulous performance.
4. Colour of the Truth
This film gives you a new perspective on the skills of veteran local director Wong Jing. While one could have expected it to be a parody of Infernal Affairs, the movie turns out to be breath-taking, with spectacular performances from Infernal Affairs stars Anthony Wong Chau-sang and Chapman To.
5. My Sassy Girl - Director's Cut
This new version gives audiences an extra 10 minutes of joy and tears. First, it has Cha Tae-hyun's performance tickling you, then Jeon Ji-hyun's violent and quirky behaviour challenges gender roles in a relationship. Watch the original version instead of the Cantonese one if you want to get a real flavour of the chemistry between the characters.
6. Lovers' Concerto
Another film featuring the popular Korean star Cha Tae-hyun. Instead of being a devoted boyfriend, Cha plays Ji-kwan, whose feelings sway between two female friends. The drama reveals the magic of love letters and their role in a love triangle.
7. The Pianist
For those who wondered why fashion chain Izzue's Nazi-themed clothing stirred such controversy, Roman Polanski's Oscar-winning film will give you a better idea about the sensitive topic. Don't miss the director's honest reflections on how he survived the Holocaust during the second world war in the behind-the-scenes documentary.
8. PTU
Fed up with Johnny To Kei-fung's commercial blockbusters? PTU (Police Tactical Unit) will give you a pleasant surprise. The movie, which took two years to make, adds a twist to the usual cops and criminals theme. It unveils the darker side of policemen and challenges the definitions of good and evil.
9. Recruit
This action-packed movie tells how CIA agents are trained. Veteran actor Al Pacino delivers a powerful performance as usual, while heartthrob Colin Farrell proves there's more to him than his good looks.
10. Truth or Dare
Some will see themselves in this piece about the struggles of six 20-something friends with life, friendship, family, career and love, and sometimes themselves.
