Film Review: The Book Thief (20th Century Fox- 12A- 26 February 2014)

American-German war drama flick based on Markus Zusak's critically acclaimed novel 'The Book Thief', this film is engaging, enchanting and fundamentally heart-warming.

Directed by Brian Percival, 'The Book Thief' is about a young girl called Liesel (Sophie Nelisse) living with her adoptive German family during the Second World War. It is set within an attractive picture postcard, snow-covered town ironically juxtaposed with the hardships of the Nazi regime.

The 131 minute movie has already racked in over $68 million at the box office, and it's not surprising given the spectacular performances showcased from Geoffrey Rush and Emily Watson as Liesel's adoptive winking-addict father and cranky but caring mother. Brave Liesel is taught to read by her doting foster father, which causes her to 'borrow' books to learn more. She also shares these books with a Jewish refugee (Ben Schnetzer) that her parents are hiding and taking care of. But the niggling issue remains of what happens to Liesel's birth mother after she gave Liesel up for adoption and why exactly she had to be put up for adoption in the first place. Neither of these issues are answered or addressed for the entirety of the film.

However, the haunting musical score by Oscar-nominated composer John Williams really brings  the captivating cinematography to life. The emotion it creates is unbelievable, but expected from the composer of scores for 'Star Wars', 'E.T.'  and 'Jaws'.

'The Book Thief' is one of those rare films that makes you pinpoint human strength, love and family. The driving force behind the flick is the narration courtesy of Death, portrayed by 'Game of Thrones'  actor Roger Allam. His gripping narration provides a childlike element to the story and enhances the characters' personalities, actions and emotions.

The majority of mainstream reviews for the movie have been startlingly negative, but to me 'The Book Thief' is a human-interest film that tugs on your heartstrings and forces you to appreciate what you have. To my astonishment the cinema was practically private when I saw the film, but this actually made the entire experience more intimate and hard-hitting. It truly is a beautiful depiction of the brutality that Jews and non-Jews alike received from the Nazis.

Coming across as a Christmas card or vintage chocolate box, the movie's setting is ironically lovely, only making it more ferocious and unnerving when the community is destroyed in more ways than one. 'The Book Thief' wonderfully encapsulates the hardships faced by millions in 1930s Germany and during World War Two. One stand-out scene sees Liesel and her best friend Rudy walk into a lush forest with a steady, twinkling lake and scream "I hate Hitler" at the top of their lungs together. It's also striking to watch young children threatening to report one another to the Nazis, as well as how quickly Hitler's ideals are enforced into practice.

Sentimentality and courage run hand in hand throughout the film and bring the unsettling plot to a sticky end. 'The Book Thief' is as thought-provoking and touching as 'The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas' through its dark scenes as well as optimism. Screenwriter Michael Petroni lifts the words off the page and has adapted a tough-minded children's book into a visually captivating masterpiece that hits you right between the eyes.

'The Book Thief' honours accuracy in a hypnotic, horrific and honest manner. This film deserves all the success of the book because if there was ever a dazzling, engrossing, must-see film, you've found it!

5/5

Single Review: 'Sittin' Here'- Dizzee Rascal ft. Fezzy (Universal Records- 21/08/2003)

Even after getting kicked out of four schools, losing his dad at a young age, Dylan Mills always had a knack for songwriting and music production and was encouraged by a school teacher to produce his music on the school computers. Dizzee Rascal was just 18 years old when 'Sittin' Here'  hit the shelves as the opening track on 'Boy In Da Corner'. He was also just 15 when he self-produced and released his debut track 'I Luv U'.   

'Sittin'  Here'  has a bouncy, almost Oriental, twinkling opening with a dark Grime vibe acting as a back-bet throughout the track even as a strong and steady thump comes into the mix. Fekky adds to
the gloomy allure with his rapping input and brings Dizzee Rascal's originality to light.

Lyrically, he makes an effort to try to connect with fans by reminiscing about his childhood with sharp-tongued lyrics such as, 'Only yesterday life was a touch more sweet.' It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but 'Sittin' Here'  illustrates modern youth life in East London with the bitterness of brutal honesty and integrity as a songwriter. In fact, little of what Dizzee Rascal describes is positive, from harsh Police, teenage pregnancy, choosing between living on the dole or going to university to losing a friend to a life of cash and crime. He really captures the fragility and danger of life for many people. Throughout the song, he is an observer watching ruefully as gunshots rattle and sirens blast through the East end.

Exploding with anger and disappointment, Dizzee Rascal's gutter-garage, raw edge is incredibly vigorous. It's also easy to tell that he is a rapper/MC-producer as he really knows his stuff; he really knows how he wants his work to sound and really knows what works well at each stage of creation and production.

Dizzee Rascal's voice seems to explode like a firecracker through the song, and his music and message are widely unique, particularly his lyrical mix of the hardships of life and lust for the innocence of childhood. His music is born in isolation; it sounds like nothing else. At times, however, the song becomes a little repetitive, especially for a grime artist who's become so mainstream and has recently collaborated with the likes of Robbie Williams and Calvin Harris.   

Since the rise of Garage, many MCs have become stars in their own right and Dizzee Rascal is no exception; he hits you right between the eyes with lyrics such as, 'Sittin' here thinkin' wagwan'. Lyrics such as this also make listeners feel they are part of London culture and the fabric of the track. His blends if rhythms, sound effects (such as Police sirens) and lyrics are liquid; effortlessly put together.

It's only right that over the last seven or eight years, Dizzee Rascal has deservedly carved his own name in rap, and his production skill throughout 'Sittin' Here'. A multi-talented MC with a sharp,  honest and witty tongue, it's no wonder Dizzee Rascal has come so far from producing his work on school computers.

4/5

Pancake Day: Where’s it All Whipped Up From?

Pancake Day, also known as Shrove Tuesday precedes Ash Wednesday in the Christian calendar and usually falls in February or March.

Celebrated in many countries, Pancake Day pinpoints the beginning of Lent- a period of 40 days when Christians fast before Easter Sunday just as the Bible states that Jesus did in the desert whilst being tempted by the devil.

The term ‘Shrove’ meaning ‘confess’ refers to Christians’ final purge before encountering the religious practises and sacrifices that come with Lent, whereas ‘Mardi Gras’- French for ‘Fat Tuesday’ and refers to the practise of eating richer, fattier foods before fasting.

Pancakes came into association with the annual event because they’re made from filling ingredients such as milk, eggs and sugar; the perfect pre-starvation snack.

Top Pancake Fillings & Toppings

History aside, nowadays Pancake Day is more associated with the infinite debate about what filling or topping to have on your stodgy treat. There are tonnes of variations around the world and endless combinations to enjoy.

 1. Fruit Jam & Chocolate or Hazelnut Spread

Traditionally eaten in Austria, Romania, Croatia, Bulgaria and the Czech Republic amongst other nations, these pancakes are served with apricot, strawberry, apple, plum or loganberry jam alongside chocolate or hazelnut spread. Inevitably, Nutella is popular amongst younger generations.

2. Savoury

From cheese and spinach, to ham and cheese to fruit, savoury filling can be a scrummy alternative to heavier options. Favourites from around the world also include goat’s cheese with salad, chicken with leek, mushroom with mascarpone and carrots with coriander. As pancakes can be filling on their own, using fresh and healthy ingredients can allow you to enjoy the treat guilt-free as a main meal.

3. Yoghurt & Honey, Cinnamon or Syrup

Enjoyed a great deal across Europe, plain Greek-style pouring yoghurt is placed across the pancake and mixed with cinnamon, honey or syrup for a sweet taste. Flavoured yoghurt is also consumed by many. A traditional Austrian version called Kaiserschmarm involves filling pancakes with cheese, pouring yoghurt over them and oven baking. It’s also often drizzled with ingredients such as almonds, raisins or small pieces of apples split into pieces and sprinkled with powdered sugar.

4. Chocolate or Peanut Butter

Whether it’s chocolate chips, sauce or chunks, or even cocoa powder in the preparation stages, this is an intense and indulgent way to celebrate Shrove Tuesday. Often eaten in England and the US, chocolate pancakes are frequently teamed with whipped cream or for more of a balance, enjoy with chopped banana, strawberries, blueberries or raspberries or indeed any other fruit that takes your fancy.



5.  Lemon & Sugar or Crêpe Suzette

Like fish and chips, this topping is a great British tradition. The wonderful balance of bitter lemon juice and sweet sugar satisfies many a craving. A low-fat favourite, Crêpe Suzette is a zesty French classic made with orange and lemon juice as well as orange flavoured liqueur for a bit of a kick.

6. Breakfast Fry-Up

Proof that pancakes can be eaten at any time of the day, this version is potato based. Made with boiled and mashed potatoes, these pancakes act as a carby component to any breakfast platter. They’re delicious served with morning favourites such as bacon, sausages or scrambled eggs. Classic butter, sugar and eggs based pancake batters can also be used for this filling if you’re not keen on potatoes. 

Kids in Glass Houses to Split!

Welsh rockers Kids in Glass Houses revealed last week that they will be going their separate ways after a final farewell tour in October.

 “These shows are a celebration of what we've accomplished and the countless unforgettable nights we've spent in your exceptional company, in venues the world over.” the band tweeted.

The Bridgend boys explained they would be splitting up “amicably and on their own terms.” They also revealed info about their tour plans in the message.

After getting together in 2003, the quintet have enjoyed top 40 albums Smart Casual, Dirt, In Gold Blood and Peace so it has certainly come as a shock to long-standing fans. Their biggest hit ‘Undercover Lover’ featuring The Saturdays’ Frankie Sanford reached no.62 in the charts.

Kids in Glass Houses have also toured with the likes of Fall Out Boy, Paramore and Thirty Seconds to Mars.

Frontman Aled Phillips’ tweet also said “It's a surreal and daunting moment when you realise that you're contemplating bringing to an end something that has given your life unquantifiable joy, satisfaction and meaning. Something that is so personal that it embodies who you are or who you have been perceived as for so long. You start to wonder what you'll be without it. It's a near impossible void to comprehend filling, but we feel that now is the right time for us to do move on and do just that.”

“This is the end of Kids in Glass Houses. Amicably and on our own terms. The way we always promised ourselves it would be.”

Frontman Aled Phillips

05 - PLYMOUTH White Rabbit
06 - EXETER Phoeix
07 - PORTSMOUTH Wedgewood Rooms
09 - NOTTINGHAM Rescue Rooms
10 - LIVERPOOL Academy II
11 - MANCHESTER Gorilla
12 - SHEFFIELD Corporation
14 - LEEDS Cockpit
15 - ABERDEEN Tunnels
16 - GLASGOW Garage
17 - CARLISLE Brickyard
18 - NEWCASTLE Academy II
20 - BIRMINGHAM Institute
21 - COLCHESTER Arts Centre
23 - NORWICH Waterfront
24 - BATH Komedia
25 - GLOUCESTER Guildhall
26 - OXFORD Academy II
27 - READING Sub 89
29 - LONDON Koko
31 - CARDIFF Great Hall
05 - PLYMOUTH White Rabbit
06 - EXETER Phoeix
07 - PORTSMOUTH Wedgewood Rooms
09 - NOTTINGHAM Rescue Rooms
10 - LIVERPOOL Academy II
11 - MANCHESTER Gorilla
12 - SHEFFIELD Corporation
14 - LEEDS Cockpit
15 - ABERDEEN Tunnels
16 - GLASGOW Garage
17 - CARLISLE Brickyard
18 - NEWCASTLE Academy II
20 - BIRMINGHAM Institute
21 - COLCHESTER Arts Centre
23 - NORWICH Waterfront
24 - BATH Komedia
25 - GLOUCESTER Guildhall
26 - OXFORD Academy II
27 - READING Sub 89
29 - LONDON Koko
31 - CARDIFF Great Hall

The band and their management have planned the tour right down to a tee with it coming to an end in Cardiff and a setlist to please fans old and new. The tweet even ended with the boys saying thank you for the support their fans have given them over the years.

“We're as unified in this decision as we have been with any that we've made together, and we're excited by the prospect of ending things in the best possible spirit at the end of the year!”

The tour will kick off on October 5 and it’s understood the set will consist of Smart Casual and Dirt in full, “as well as hits from In Gold Blood and Peace for the last time." said Aled. 

It’s safe to say the decision has been mutual between all members of the band and when they hit the road for the final time, it will be a celebration of the achievements of Kids In Glass Houses and a thank you to their fans.

Tour dates are as follows:

OCTOBER