While doing some research online of a particular subject, I came across this film which is quite remarkable and breathtaking at the same time. I've actually seen this for like a couple of months ago as its initial screening was back in 2009 due to limited release. If I'm not mistaken, this should be shown shortly as right now the film is geared for a worldwide release. That shouldn't be a problem.

Romance set in an exotic Mediterranean country both culturally and historically rich is like sipping wine in a weekend picnic under a beautiful balmy weather. There's just something enchanting and memorable about it that is worth retelling for years and years. What's interesting about watching Cairo Time is that also does double-duty as a travelogue, is that it transports an audience to a place so magical and mythic. Somehow, it is already a rewarding experience in itself.


The main character of the story is the place itself, Egypt or in this case, Cairo in particular - "The City of a Thousand Minarets." On a November, we see Juliette (played by Patricia Clarkson), a 40-something fashion magazine editor, touching down at Cairo International Airport in town to visit and spend time with her husband Mark. Her host, Tareq (Alexander Siddig) came to fetch her and who also happened to be her husband's former colleague working under the United Nations refugee camps. Upon arriving, Tareq informed her of her husband's unavoidable delay in Gaza due to an urgent mission and assured her of the safety of Mark's situation. As they walked towards the car, they chanced upon Yasmeen, an old friend of Tareq's during his university days and ended up being invited to a wedding in Alexandria for Yasmeen's daughter. Both were appreciative and cordial of the gesture.

Along the way, the two started exchanging conversations about family and work even commenting about the intense weather enveloping the place. Being her first time in the "middle east" as remarked by Tareq, she confessed how much she loves the idea of finally getting the opportunity to experience Cairo. He dropped her off at her hotel to get settled and wait for Mark's call. Although disappointed of spending a few days alone, Juliette tried to check out the place even managing to leave the hotel premises unaccompanied. She then encountered an unusual and strange culture far removed from the comforts of home, men started following her around which started to scare her. She decided to drop by Tareq's coffee shop just to be around a familiar face where the patrons are all-male playing a game of cards and chess. He spent the day with her being a gracious host. This would begin a series of get together for the two on the duration of Mark's absence.


That evening, a solo Juliette attended one of Mark's function and met some of his colleagues and their partners especially Kathryn. Already worried of how she can get through to her husband, Kathryn offered to have lunch with her along with some friends the following day and also went for a hike at the white dessert - in an effort to keep each other occupied. The next morning, Tareq came by to show her around - taking her on a boat ride in the River Nile and capping the night for a smoke of shisha. She then departed to her room and was in time to receive Mark's call for update. Desperate to see him, she couldn't help herself but venture her way to Gaza via coach. Halfway to her trip, she was held up at a check point and was not allowed to go any further to reach her destination. Left with no choice, she was ordered to go back to Cairo and obliged to phone in Tareq to pick her up from her stop.

The days that follow, Juliette and Tareq kept each other company taking leisurely walks in the city, talking and discussing about life and relationships with occasional friendly banters followed by a little bit of flirtation from time to time. They even decided to embark on a journey to Alexandria for the wedding. They both enjoyed the traditional celebration and grateful for their accommodating host. While there, they couldn't fathom the idea of not seeing each other again once she leaves Egypt and unsure how they could keep in touch. After which, they headed back to Cairo and was in time to see Mark waiting at the hotel that put an end to their fleeting rendezvous.


The film ended with Mark and Juliette leaving the hotel to finally take a tour of the Grand Pyramids just as they had promised each other.

Clarkson and Siddig's performances were captivating and beautifully painful - it would seem as if these roles were carefully tailored fit for both. They very much carried their own with graceful sophistication in the entire run of the film without trying to compete with its main character, Cairo. Juliette's softspoken disposition, understated style (not to mention that unforgettable chic green dress) and impeccable manners are so endearing; while Tareq's brooding persona, unwavering honesty and unapologetic ideals are intimidating to say the least. As a testament to that, the unspoken chemistry and quiet hesitation of their characters are undeniably charming.

It's highly likely to see Cairo as the newest romantic destination. Be sure to make a stop there in this lifetime.

** This story is taken from my old blog - popcorn sessions. **

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Photos via Aceshowbiz

How Zach Braff does it? I'm not too sure. All I know is that - the guy is brilliant. He has incredible insight in the kind of projects he chooses to work on. He's a genius, for sure.. from screenwriting to acting, soundtrack selection to directing.

In many a series of lead roles, he plays Michael in the film called The Last Kiss. Michael, a twentysomething architect on the verge of pushing 30, is happily settled with his girlfriend Jenna (Jacinda Barrett) - the kind of relationship his friends were quite envious of. He realizes that everything he wanted since he was young falls into place. He has a great job, maintains a friendship with his childhood friends and Jenna, who is expecting their first baby. Pretty much, he has it all.


While at a friend's wedding, he meets Kim (Rachel Bilson) - a charming yet aggressive college student who caught his eye. With her forward nature, she seems to easily get Michael wrapped around her fingers without hesitation. While making conversations with her, Michael confesses how much he thinks that even in his otherwise perfect life - there's no more room for surprises anymore. Kim suggests that he's in a crisis which he agrees in silence.

On the homefront, Jenna is caught offguard of her parent's separation and tries to tie loose ends hoping to get Anna and Stephen (played by Blythe Danner and Tom Wilkinson respectively) back together especially with the pending birth of their granddaughter. While, Michael's friends are in a tsunami of relationship turmoil. Izzy, who got jumped by his girlfriend Ariana, and Kenny, who is commitment-phobic, decide to embark on a roadtrip to get away from Wisconsin. Chris, on the otherhand, is stuck in a ticking timebomb of a marriage with Lisa waiting to disintegrate.


With everyone around them in a state of domestic disturbance, Michael is secretly brewing a mix of his own by meeting Kim from time to time with Jenna kept in the dark. Despite having an inkling of what the consequences of his actions will be, he becomes more enamored with Kim's youthful and carefree ways. Chris suspects of Michael's cheating ways and decides not to get involved in any of his alibis.

On the night when he was partying with Kim at a club, Jenna tries to get hold of him with sad news of Izzy's dad who passed away. He puts up an excuse that he is out with Chris only to get busted by her at the wake where all of Michael's friends including Chris are present except him. Upon rushing his way home, Jenna confronts and interrogates him of his whereabouts. Preferring to stick to his alibi only to get outed with Chris, he starts confessing and vows of its meaningless implication in their relationship. With his apologies holding no weight on the matter, she kicks him out of the house. So left with no place to go, he drops by at Kim's dorm and decides to sleep with her instead.

Jenna moves to her parent's house to compose herself and cool down. He figures it right away and thinks of visiting her there when Kim ambushes him at his office. He explains to Kim of his predicament and tries to apologize to her of the confusions caused between them. Michael then rushes out and arrives at the house to talk to Jenna. As her parents tries to get some sense talking to them, she bolts out of the door and goes straight to their house and locks Michael out. He makes up for everything that he has done by waiting and staying in the porch for days and nights - rain or shine. Until Jenna gives in.


What's fascinating about the film is how it dissects the very complicated depths of how relationships is responsible to its own demise. The human factor, is almost and always, a given factor. How being human is an imperfection in itself that explaining lapses in judgment is like beyond the radars of being human. With a contemporary story and setting, Braff has become a poster boy for sensitively flawed leads experiencing dramatic highs and lows of a relationship. His performance is just seamless to begin with. In the meantime, Bilson can easily master the role of a sex kitten trying to seduce the male protagonist and sway him off the tracks. But somehow, you can't help but notice bits and pieces of her O.C. days with Summer Roberts springing from behind her - not so hard to miss on that one though. Overall, the material on this remake is relatively modern and likeable. Kudos!


** This story is taken from my old blog - popcorn sessions. **

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Photos via Aceshowbiz, Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, JoBlo

A few weeks ago on this blog, I posted a two-part series entitled “What Dreams Are Made Of… Sometimes!” It was written at a time when my mind and body was consumed with too much work and personal stress that it took an insane toll even during in my sleep and dream state. I had no idea then what I was running into. Until I realized that it was a dream that had zero – I repeat, zero – sound taking place. No sound, no noise, and most definitely, no music. It was an audiophile’s worst nightmare!

And so, I thought maybe in the future we could manipulate the kind of dreams we have. Maybe make some edits as our dream starts unfolding. Wouldn’t that be so cool? It’s like those scenarios in the movies where a character breaks the fourth wall and tries to revise the story in real time – should some situation proved disadvantageous – in order to gain the upper hand.

In the spirit of that theory, I had this idea what if we can pre-select the kind of tunes that gets played in our dreams. Nothing blah or meh in this case. But a trove of ultra quirky, part dreamy, part ambient, hyper pop alternative soundtrack that even MTV would pale in comparison. So I’ve run down a list of what I felt best suits that surreal and, most often, inexplicable dream environment. Let’s go through it – shall we?


(1) Under The Water – Merril Bainbridge

(2) What I Am – Emma Bunton f/ Tin Tin Out

(3) Symptom Of My Time – Marie Frank

(4) Indestructible – Alisha’s Attic

(5) Damned – Shimoli

(6) Tattooed On My Mind – D’Sound

(7) Totally Underwater – Shelly Poole

(8) Snow On The Sahara – Anggun

(9) Templefrog – Kiln

(10) The Rain – Oh Wonder

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Photos via (from left to right, starting from top panel)  1 - Wikipedia, 2 - Wikipedia, 3 - MusicStack, 4 - LaDiscoàTibronx, (middle panel) 5 - MusicStack, 6 - Lyrics 007, (bottom panel) 7 - iTunes, 8 - Wikipedia, 9 - Ghostly, 10 - All Things Go Music

Fact: Paris is the city of romance. Yes, everyone knows this even for someone who hasn't been there. But true to form, be it in a postcard, there's always the tacit knowledge of how seeing a film that uses the place as a backdrop makes you want to go there. The Eiffel Tower, the Palais Royal, the French language, Musee de Louvre, the Seine... these and more just give you some kind of fairytale experience.

In Le Divorce, it starts off with Isabel Walker (played by Kate Hudson), an American, who just arrived in Paris to visit her sister, Roxanne de Persand (played by Naomi Watts) exactly the same time when her sister's husband Charles-Henri took off. Immediately caught by surprise on what the sisters are faced with, Isabel's stay couldn't have been more perfectly timed to be there and be of help to Roxanne and her daughter.


Isabel accompanies them to visit Roxanne's in-laws without breaking the news of Charles-Henri's departure. Worried about her sister, she decides to call her parents in Santa Barbara about it and discusses of retrieving a painting owned by the Walkers that Roxanne is holding in her care which might be of interest to her husband. After which, she goes along with Roxanne to meet Charles-Henri and then with writer Olivia Pace, who hires her for a job on the spot while out for drinks.

While working, she meets Yves, who's also under the employment of Pace renovating the apartment. Quickly enough, the two hit if off and even spend the night together in bed watching TV, she comes across one interview of Edgar Cosset, an in-law of hers, whom she becomes infatuated to. This leads to a friendly banter with Yves and drops the issue.

Roxanne, on the other hand, faces bitter divorce proceedings while being pressured to have a baby boy by her mother-in-law despite the predicament. At home, a Getty curator visits the sisters to determine the authenticity of the painting they have believing it is an original La Tour. Even when the curator showed an interest to it, the sisters were encouraged by friends not to give up the Saint Ursula as it is too priceless.


In the middle of channel-surfing, Isabel comes across yet another Cosset interview on TV and decides to call and meet him at Cafe George to help speed up her French. And right off the bat during lunch, Edgar offers a proposition to her to become his mistress which she agrees provided that they keep it on the down-low. Next thing she knows, an Hermès Kelly bag is sent to her way prompting Roxanne to warn her not to accept expensive gifts from men. She now embarks on a relationship simultaneously between two men, one in public with Yves and the other one in clandestine with Edgar.

At Olivia's and Roxanne's book event, Isabel starts getting harassed by Tellman, the husband of Charles-Henri's mistress and asks Yves to kick the guy out from interrupting the book-reading. What follows is a series of negotiation between the Walkers and de Persands making the Saint Ursula the centerpiece of the divorce settlement. It almost lead Roxanne on a suicide attempt while still pregnant. Fortunately, Isabel finds her in time before it causes serious repercussions to the baby. After finding out, the Walkers flies in to Paris to be with their daughters. During lunch, it shows that Roxanne's lawyer, Maitre is having a thing towards her. Their brother, Roger (played by Thomas Lennon) is adamant in discussing the value of the Saint Ursula and how it can be divided equally within the family. The Walker family goes to visit the de Persands country house outside the city to continue their negotiation emphasizing the ownership of the painting as an heirloom. Even the topic involving the supposed affair with Edgar comes into play where Isabel just shrugs off the conversation preferring not to care.


One morning, as Isabel along with her mother and niece tours the Eiffer Tower, Tellman starts following the two on board the lift to the top. He takes them hostage and keeps asking them if Roxanne is coming. As if Roxanne is not experiencing enough domestic problems, she arrives home to find her husband dead. It is then found out that Tellman was the culprit and was sent to a psychiatric institution.

In the later part, Isabel and Edgar ends the affair amicably. The Walkers makes the decision to sell the Saint Ursula and gets astouded how its value skyrocketed to an amount more than $4M USD and even opened up a foundation after the said painting.

The film's dialogue is about 50% in French. So this is more like a nice starter for anyone who wants to learn the language or any Francophile for that matter. Overall, it's a gem to watch not to mention that adorable scene stealer of a haircut on Kate Hudson - it's just vivacious. If only I could pull off that hair style like hers. Très chic!


** This story is taken from my old blog - popcorn sessions. **

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Photos via My French Life, Tribute, Showtimes

If you happen to dig modern love stories like the Before Sunrise, Before Sunset and Before Midnight trilogy, then I'm pretty sure that 2 Days in Paris is no exception. And with Valentine's Day just around the corner, this is the perfect one to watch!

With a fascination over the City of Lights lately, this film is an emotional and comedic mumblecore between two quirky characters. Julie Delpy is definitely pulling all the stops to create a compelling and hectic two-day film diary under her direction.

It starts with Marion (also played by Delpy) and Jack (played by Adam Goldberg) on a train heading to Paris fresh from their Venetian trip. Marion is a French photographer in New York where she met Jack, an American interior designer – each with their own brand of neurotics trying to outwit each other in their relationship.

Upon arrival, the two heads straight to Marion's apartment one floor up her parent's place. Jack tries to acclimate himself of the new environment as well as the household routines not to mention Marion's irritability, wits and utter charm. Marion, on the other hand, does her best to manage Jack's discomfort, paranoia and sarcasm especially with a relatively compact space.


Despite having a rough start during lunch with the family, he makes it a point to put up with it by offering to show them the pictures of the trip. Suddenly out of nowhere, a very incriminating photo of him is brought up in the conversation. Apparently, Marion took the photo of him and circulated it to her family. Unaware and caught off-guard, he feels awkward and tries brushing it off topic. To get away from the situation, the couple left to go around Paris sightseeing, paying a visit to Jim Morrison's grave and even meeting one of Marion's ex-lovers, Manu, along the way.

Later that evening, they made plans to go to her dad's gallery opening and a party for Marion's friends. While preparing to go out, Jack found another incriminating photo – this time – of one of Marion's ex-lovers. He then questions her for which she quickly dispels it as a running joke she does with her friends. They decided to drop the issue on their way to the gallery and party.


Once again, they bumped into Manu at the party. Jack is surprised to know that Manu had this strange idea of staying at their place in New York. He asks Marion to disinvite him and she comes up with an excuse to do so.

A series of unfortunate events ensue including a false emergency call, an aggressive tirade with a racist taxi driver, an unromantic moment in bed, a flood situation on the domestic front and a bad case of hangover.

The following morning for breakfast, Marion spots an ex-lover and acts hostile throwing words towards the guy in public. Jack restrains her but feels that her sudden burst of anger doesn't make any sense and inexcusable. He then confronts her of hiding her affair with Mathieu which he found out via text message. With their incessant argument reaching fever pitch, the two took a time out and decided to cool off for awhile.


Back at the apartment that evening, she finds him waiting for her there. Then comes the big talk, laying all the cards down as the tone of their voices gradually change ahead. Both came to realise how the span of their relationship got broken down in just mere two days and how they were off-rhythm together seeing that they are in one of the most romantic cities in the world.

"There's a moment in life where you can't recover anymore from another breakup. And even if this person bugs you 60% of the time, well you still can't live without him. And even if he wakes you up everyday by sneezing right in your face, well, you love his sneezes more than anyone else's kisses."
– Marion

I must say that the script was cleverly written and the accompanying soundtrack does its job quite well in every scene as it simply goes along with the story. It's a fresh take romance mixed with culture clashes and an insight on stereotypical behaviour. Delpy's work is reminiscent to that of Woody Allen's style of quick-as-whip anecdotes and psychoanalytical diatribes. This is definitely a must-see film for anyone who's a sucker for romantic comedies.

** This story is taken from my old blog – popcorn sessions. **

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Photos via Fandango, Tribute, World Movies DB

The culture of social media has rapidly influenced today's generation of lingo and behavior at an unbelievable warp speed. The parameters of how it penetrated pop culture is completely blurring the lines of truth and fiction. Next thing you know, art is then imitated by life.

When social network giant Facebook came into the picture, the options of customising contents are unlimited. You fill out your name, date of birth, current city and then... drum roll please... yep, that's right - relationship status. And surprise surprise, one of those choices have become a byword to any unclear and undefined relations with someone. Uh huh, even when you are still filling out that particular portion yet the pressure is unmistakable on which status to use. Thanks Mark Zuckerberg!


But then while browsing online, I chanced upon this movie called It's Complicated. And immediately I had this insane flashback during the time I was establishing my Facebook account. It's no surprise anymore how these things online creeps its way into mainstream life. So anyway, I got curious and decided to watch what the 'complication' was all about.

The opening credits started to roll. I got my popcorn and ice-cold Mountain Dew ready, lights turned off, headsets tucked in my ears and only had eyes on my laptop screen. Now there - powerhouse names by the likes of Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin and not to mention the lady behind the lens - Nancy Meyers is front and center.


Although, Meyers' films are typically targeted to the middle-aged demographic but you can't deny the fact how she manages to charm you in to her own brand of romantic comedy. There's always this ingredient of warm sophistication, classy glamour and adorable sense of humor that packs a punch. I sat there glued for the entire movie trying to capture the movie as if making a connection with the characters.

Streep's character Jane Adler is a divorcee and multi-tasking between looking after her bakery business, her grown up children and overseeing her latest project renovating her house. One occassion at work gave her the chance to get introduced and eventually work with Martin's Adam Schaffer, an architect who's also coping a divorce of his own. This meet-cute didn't result to a date right away, as our main protagonist had an unexpected intimate moment with her ex-husband Jake (played by Alec Baldwin) during a trip to New York. The direct result of this event led to unusual meetings from late-night booty calls to afternoon hotel trysts between both without the knowledge of their children except for soon-to-be son-in-law Harley (played by the adorable John Krasinski). The two start having "healthy" and "breakthrough" conversations they didn't encounter during the time of their marriage. Jake becomes more inclined in spending time with her instead of his current wife, Agness, who is a few years his junior. But Jane, as much as she tries to rationalize this arrangement, wants to avoid further complications especially when dealing with her children.


After declining Adam's offer to go out on a date, Jane and Jake decided to have dinner instead both coming up with their own alibis to get off previous commitments. Unfortunately, what was supposedly a candlelit dinner turned into a humiliating night of waiting on Jane's side as he flaked on their dinner date. This prompted Jane to invite Adam to her son's graduation party and ended up having a smoking great time after sharing a hit of weed together. With Jake bringing Agness along for the occassion, it was already apparent that he still harbors feelings toward Jane. This caused both parties to rock each other's boat and Agness throwing Jake out of the house. Soon enough, the secret of their affair came out with the children having a difficult time trying to reconcile how things ended up as it were. Eventually, Jane decided that getting back together with Jake will not be a possibility but she still managed to stay friends with Adam.

So as the movie ended, it left me feeling satisfied with the story since I'm such a sucker for romantic comedies. Although, it wasn't really a "happy ending" on the romantic relationship level, but at least it was "happy" in a "complicated" manner. Not only did I enjoy the movie, their witty characters and appealing cast, but I also loved the contemporary setting and its portrayal of modern relationships with the discipline it requires out of that busy schedule in life called work. I guess the movie summed it all up in two hard-hitting words, there's no better way to say it other than "It's complicated!"

** This story is taken from my old blog - popcorn sessions. **

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Photos via Baltimore Sun, Tribute, Ace Showbiz

In the spirit of all things Sydney, I’m dedicating this piece to the wonders of the city via its homegrown music.

If you’ve been keeping tabs of what’s been happening here at ecru. – I've just shared my adventures in charming Sydney in my earlier post. This time around with some friends in tow, we took the walking tour from The Rocks all the way back to Circular Quay. It was a great day of sightseeing and urban exploring. The spectacular sights of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge was an experience that’s climbing to the top of the list of the best trip ever!!! And yes, I couldn’t exaggerate it enough with the triple exclamation points because it’s the plain ol’ truth.

And so to guide you through to what made this one of the best experience was the unexpected surprise of stumbling upon a guitar prodigy. I came across him while on a leisurely walk with friends along the ferry terminal and noticed crowds gathered around him. Being the curious cat, I managed to sneak in through the crowds to get an unobstructed view of what the fuss was all about.

Lo and behold – a very skillful play of string and percussion that captivated my eyes and ears. It was a pretty darn impressive showcase of local Australian talent in the form of Jack Dawson. Yep, you heard it right – Jack Dawson. And nope, he’s absolutely 100% percent not the guy from Titanic. Otherwise, that would make him like more than a hundred years old – but that's beside the point!


Acoustic Jack from e c r u . on Vimeo.
What particularly draw me (and the crowds as well!) to his own brand of sound was how well two layers blended together both string and percussion. All of his music are purely instrumental with an organic and textured quality to it. Sweet and nostalgic in equal measure – I can’t help but surrender to his music. It exuded that warm and fuzzy feeling as well as it took me places when I close my eyes. I could easily imagine myself listening to it while at the coffee shop, while inside the plane looking out the window, or while watching the pitter-patter of raindrops on a gloomy day.

It was one of those memorable Sydney moments where things just came together – with the nice cool weather, the beautiful sights of the harbour... and the lovely sounds of the guitar in the air. I suppose the rest of the crowd had the exact same feeling too seeing how they enjoyed listening to him and how one by one they started buying his record. Not one to be the last person to get her CD, I decided to buy 2 records mid-performance. One for me and the other a gift to a special someone (who I couldn’t wait to share the music with then). And the best part was getting the records signed by Jack himself. I was totally giddy about the whole thing – I think it pretty much shows in the video in this post.

And as you will know later on – I am every bit a sucker for acoustic music, guitar, guitar players and everything in between. There's some depth and romantic feel to it that I couldn't easily brush off. Take heed of my future posts and it will strongly manifest.

This is, to be perfectly honest, one of my best kept music secrets that I’m sharing online for the first time. So without further delay, ladies and gents, I present you – the amazing and uber-talented Jack Dawson for your listening pleasure…


And believe me when I say that – this is my kind of music that makes me fall in love with Sydney over and over again whenever I listen to it. It's the perfect staple to my music playlist. And may I just say, a total #earcandy – insanely digging Sydney Pt 1 which is my favourite track (obviously!). Happy listening dear #ecruphiles! Hugs!

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Photo via CJ

Imagine living a few decades back during your formative years, When everything that surrounds you has that sense of innate goodness and a seemingly uncomplicated life.

The decade is the 1950s - an era where a young generation is constantly exploring what they're made of, armed with an unquestionable moral compass handed over by their parents. The time when family, friends and romantic relationships in its orthodox form is the norm. (And when I say orthodox - I mean the widely accepted definition of what makes a family, family. What makes friends, friends. And what makes romantic partners, romantic partners. You get the drift.) The 50s fashion is at its height - suffice to label it as retro or vintage when you're warped back to those years. The air is filled with typical genre of the decade - swaying your hips to doo-wop beats in the jukebox.