There's No Killer Queen in "Bohemian Rhapsody" movie

Rhapsody trailer is so promising, but the film doesn't meet the expectation it sets. It's good enough to tell the story of the band's success and the price it had to pay. But the problem is all those meticulous recreations seem to ring hollow.

Sasha Baron Cohen was initially appointed to play Freddie Mercury, and he wanted to get into the nitty-gritty of Freddie's life (and debauchery). But the (remaining members of ) band wished to protect their legacy, and they wanted a movie that the mass could enjoy. A PG-13.

Well. That explains why the film seems like a summary of Freddie's life and quoting movie critic Kong Rithdee "a bullet-point presentation of key moments, without angles or attitude, without ambition or even style."

Freddie Mercury lived an extreme life. He was a Parsi immigrant, grew up in a religious family, a bisexual man, that became an icon of British music.
And Bohemian Rhapsody as told by Leslie-Ann Jones, the writer of Bohemian Rhapsody: The Definitive Biography of Freddie Mercury, it was Freddie's confession. It was about how different his life could have been, had he just been able to be himself. The song was a masterpiece, it was so intricate and had so many layers, but yet the message it contained was poignant and straightforward.
Freddie Mercury had to carry on the charade about being straight, and he had to kill himself so his real self could live forever, even though only in the song.

"Bohemian Rhapsody" is entertaining but sadly, is hollow.

Freddie was a generous soul, and he was mercurial, he was wild, unbelievable and utterly inspiring.  He certainly deserves better than this.

P.S. Rami Malek performance is Oscar-winning. Unfortunately, the movie is not.

Labor Power

This is a long due post. Even though the issue that triggered me to write has passed but I found that the thought is still relevant. So I decided to post it.

Last week (circa the end of 2014)  thousands of blue-collar workers marched through the central area of Jakarta adding nightmares to Jakarta's severe traffic gridlock, and creating a stream of cursing on Facebook timeline. The laborers went on a strike. They demanded an end to the cheap labor scheme and an increase in the minimum wages.

The rally was supported by an example of a laborer's monthly living cost breakdown that stirred up controversies in social media. At the most, people (read: my Facebook friends) were disagreed. They felt that the standard of living the laborers wanted was too much.

Mush-a-boom

grown in a small balcony

 

A couple weeks ago, I went to a farm market here in Bangkok. It's funny how farmer's market has shifted the meaning to a fancy market or a hipster market. Anyway, it was fun. I had a great time looking at high quality (and a bit pricey) home made / home grown food. Amongst many healthy and organic stuff, one thing that caught my attention the most was a shop that sold "Mushroom growing kit." The shop owner encouraged people to eat more mushrooms because they are delicious, easy to grow and good for our health. Sounds great, doesn't it? So, I picked four bags of grow-your-own-mushroom kit. To be honest, I wasn't confident when I put the mushroom on our balcony. Because they would get exposed to the scorching sun, and I think mushroom loves a damp and dark place, like under the shadow of a gigantic tree in the rain forest. I've seen Piwat's mom grew mushroom in her bathroom, and it made me feel awkward whenever I did my "business" in her bathroom. Well, then balcony it was.

Homebound

The weather was totally gorgeous today. The wind blew breezy and rather cool air while the sun was bright but not scorching. So, we agreed this is a perfect time for some seafood -I've been craving for mussel in white wine sauce since we had the super delicious ones at Cannes. But, of course, going to a fish market at 1 pm is not a clever move. All the mussels were gone, luckily there were still scallops left for us. Sure, why not? We love grilled scallop with garlic & butter, and it's oh so easy to make.

you and me and the world at large

at Seine River

After being away from our home for three weeks, I begin to believe that every couple, whether they are married or not, should go traveling to new places at least once a year. I've traveled alone, I've traveled with my family and friends, and I've traveled with Piwat. And for me, the best way to travel is to travel with someone who's always near in presence with us (that means we are comfortable enough to stay close to that person.) I'll tell why.

fragile

Do you think love has an expiry date?

Maybe Baby

Since we got married, I've been asked many times about baby. Honestly, the questions don't bother me. I think sometimes people just need to have a conversation and when marriage is the new big thing in my life, maybe having a baby is what people think appropriate to ask about. It's like, so now you've in the marriage level, when are you going for the next one? I don't know. I honestly don't know.

iMHO

On my first birthday as his wife, Piwat gave me an invisible birthday present in advance. He told me that he would buy me the best iPhone, yet. iPhone 5, at this moment. I appreciate his love. But, I am a very indecisive person and I couldn't figure out if it's worth to change my iPhone now. Anyway, you know the formality of Apple products and New Year. We decided to put my name on the waiting list. At least we bought time for me to make a decision.

Well, honestly, I've been subtly (note: my subtle is never subtle) telling Piwat that I want an new iPhone. But, sometimes, my mouth let out words that haven't got approval from my brain. So, I came up with a made-up story that I benefit from our culture difference. I told Piwat that in Indonesia, the custom is for a husband to give a present for his newly wedded wife. The present represents his hope for their marriage. He bought it. So, I went further. I told him that the key to a successful marriage is communication. He finally realized where I was going to. I told you, I was subtle. 
Piwat thought I wanted the iPhone enough to come up with that non-sense. 

One fine day

What makes a Saturday special?

Waking up to mint-fresh kisses, having a light healthy brunch and kayaking. 

You know those sweet newlywed days? I hope they will never fade.

I was a bit sulky this morning. Maybe the rainy and cloudy Jakarta weather reached me.

So my husband put his best effort to bring the sun close to me.

He made a brunch from whatever available in our refrigerator.

I rolled over from the bed, showered and I smelled something good.

the pre-wedding gaga

It’s been 26 days since I became a wife and everything about my wedding is still as surreal as ever. I still don’t know how I really feel about it. It seemed like I walked into a twirling twister, got spinned and survived. I remember laughing, feeling anxious and nauseous, excited and nervous. I knew that it wasn’t exactly turning out like what I imagined; but I think perfection only exists in the head.  The  photographers haven't got back with the photos. My gown is still hanging, I need to send it to a proper laundry. The exhaustion and the tension are slowly fading away and the happiness is certainly taking the shape.

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

The last sunset of 2012 from our window

That the exact word I'd like to use to express my 2012. I never thought that any year of my life could be so cramped with SO MANY compelling and stirring events the way it was last year. A surprise trip to Tokyo. 17 days of staying in the hospital that cancelled our most anticipated trips. Piwat had a surgery. Portland and San Francisco Road Trip. The proposal. Our first home. Our first car. Our wedding. Our cute nephew is here. Laughter and cries. Misunderstanding and understanding. Drama and decency. Fear and guts. Doubt and courage. An overwhelming amount of love and I am saved.I learned an enormous amount. I can't thank enough for everything that has happened in my life in 2012, really. After all, things might have changed and shifted but I am glad that there's one thing remains; an abundant supply of love from my dearest family and best friends. I am the luckiest and I am ready for whatever 2013 and years ahead bring.