I am haunted by humans

Jumper - The Warehouse | Skirt - Chicwish | Belt - Vintage | Shoes - Vans | Socks - Glassons.

You can hype this look [here]

Hello! This was the simple outfit I wore to see The Book Thief in cinema with Ananya and Sonny. Though my outfit is a little colourful, I couldn't help but feel like it had the same vibe as the outfits in the movie. Maybe it's just wishful thinking because I really was in love with the fashion.

Let's get into reviewing the movie.

First off, yes I cried like a baby.

The movies started strangely for me because Death's voice was not what I had expected and sad to say, I didn't get use to it throughout the movie. I found Death to be very likeable in a backwards sort of way in the book, but he felt out of place in the movie. I do understand his purpose to the film, because excluding him would be like ignoring the book completely since Death narrated the whole book.

More on the characters; I think Sophie Nelisse did a wonderful job with Liesel and she is very deserving of her nomination for best young actor/actress award. By the way, was anyone else surprised at how her name was pronounced? I'm obviously not an expert on German names so for all of last year I thought her name was said "Lie - cel" not "Lee - sel".  I have to admit I'm more fond of my way of pronunciation because that was the name I used for the character I feel in love with a year ago. Okay back to the serious stuff, Liesel was portrayed perfectly. She was I saw in the book; A little angel but at the same time just a child who was not perfect.

I found Rudy and Hans to be loveable, BUT no way near how much I loved them in the book. It didn't bother me so much but I really hope everyone who watch the film will read the book and fully understand what wonderful characters they both are. I was afraid they would portray Rosa either too mean or too nice which would have really made me annoyed but they some how did Rosa justice! While reading about Rosa I could relate her at an aunty I have, so imagination wasn't hard. When watching the movie, I was looking for that relation again, a tough woman but at the same time very vulnerable and loving. I'm glad they started the film showing us how mean she can get but as time went on they started showing her soft side. Max was wonderful! I really don't know what else to say except for the fact that he was everything I imagined.

Like most movies, a lot of things were left out, it's expected. I'm not bothered by the overall result but it did disappoint me to not see two scenes:
1) Liesel's Christmas gift for Max and the drawing he made for her in return
2) Han's giving bread to the Jew, and Rudy repeating that later

The second point turned on my waterworks in the book so I just assumed it would be in the film. It was also one of the many points that made Hans and Rudy so loveable! They didn't show how Rudy gave the dying pilot a teddy bear...oh god...I'm making myself sad just thinking about it.

Overall I think it captured the suffering and love on Himmel Street (they called it Heaven street in the film for translation). I walked out of the cinema with a puffy face and I would definitely say it was worth it!

After the film, we went to have lunch at the Coffee Club. We kept talking about the film for a very long time because it's one of those books/films that lingers with you long after its closing.

I can not praise this book enough! Usually I refrain from hyping a book too much so that I don't set an unachievable high standard for the person I'm recommending. I find that when I do over-hype a book, the next person reading the book finish very disenchanted. However with how great The Book Thief is, no matter how high I put that standard, I believe when the next person read the books, the result will surpass their expectation. The thing is, not many of the people I recommend it too are interested in the book because they tune out when they hear that it's set in Nazi Germany. I think they're expecting something like the Henderson boys series but they are so wrong. The books doesn't focus on the actually war but the people who have no choice but to be apart of the war. It's happen how they can be beautiful and ugly at the same time and it's about finding love and friendship even in bleak times. This isn't a typical teen novel where there has to be a romance to capture audience, it used pure human emotions. Well if you don't count Rudy and Liesel's relationship to be romantic because I don't. I understand they love each other but they were barely fourteen. I don't doubt they really did love each other to bits, they had a wonderful friendship (which was shown in a greater amount of details in the book). I just don't think it was a romantic story, it definitely was not the aim of the whole book.

In conclusion, everyone needs to read the book, stab your heart out and then repeat the whole process when you go see the film.

ps. this photo set killed me

And he was a month from his death.

*Edit*

Alternate endings will be the death of me:

The Book Thief AU - Rudy Lives When Liesel decides to go to Australia, Rudy follows. They start fresh, a new life, but remain together and become closer than ever. They learn English but never fail to use their favourite nicknames and when Rudy knows he wants to propose to her, he assumes it will take years for her to agree. But, much to his delight, the very first time he asks she just grins and says, “Of course, Saukerl.” - source

Just a little of everything

Hi guys, this post is going to be jam packed because well, I'M AN OVERWHELMING PERSON. Not really, but I like to pretend to be, some times.

First of let's make my blog pretty with an update from my instagram *ahem* @serynaa *ahem*

 Tried out a new drink and liked it *thumbs up*.

 Before bed selfies? 

 Before going out to lunch with mum.

 Having lunch with mum at the Goode Brothers. Originally we were planning to go to Mexicali but the place was blocked off, but The Goode Brother were definitely a goode second choice (see what I did there?). I had their chicken breast on pumpkin risotto. They had fresh basil in a pot on the table! How freakin awesome is that? 

 Trying out the Maybelline Fitme foundation and concealer after hearing the storm of raves. I must say, they weren't exaggerating. 

This thing is larger than my head I tell you.

Adorable little keep-safes my cousin gave me. 

First day of work in the holiday.

My cousins took me to the movies and we watched Pacific Rim. 

Which by the way is a great movie. I don't think it's a deep, meaningful and life changing sort of great. It's a feel good and exciting sort of great and that's cool, no one needs to be so seriously all the time.

It was like watching Power Rangers on steroids + Transformers fighting Godzilla.

I nearly shouted at the whole theater saying "OH MY GOD THAT'S LUTHER!" But being civilized as I am I didn't, but I did make sure to whisper up a racket with my cousins "GUYS HE'S FROM LUTHER THIS IS A BIG DEAL OK".

Both Hao and Hout haven't seen Luther but...I just really wanted to share my excitement.

After returning home I realised that I recognized the actress who played Mako. The other movie I saw her in was The Brothers Bloom, which is an okay movie, I'm not too sure how to speak of it.

Time for fan made related jokes:

(source)

(source)

Here's a lovely shot of Mimi, the star of my newest youtube video.

That's all from me guys! I'll leave you with a song ♥

Stooshe - Love Me

_____________________________________________

Bloglovin|Facebook|Instagram|LookBook|Gallery|Twitter|Youtube 

Still waiting for her prince while her hair was on fire

Let me update you on my passed week, my last week of term 1 of 2013.

After 12 weeks  I am exhausted! I'm suppose to be be a market right now selling fudge but with a turn of events I'm at home lazing around. I didn't start the day off too well but on a walk I saw a heir which cheered me up quite a bit.

I therapeutically listened to music all morning and I feel so calm in so long. The song which helped the most was Mademoiselle Noir by ppeppina, Krrr and MarieIv. The genre is folk and tells of a dark fairy tale. Totally hit every mark there is to score with me. I love love love dark fairy tales and I love love love folk. Definitely reminded my of the works of Regina Spektor. 
You can watch the final piece here: http://www.hitrecord.org/records/979021

Monday was just like any other day. I lost 1kg within 3 days! Which is exciting because I've been 45kg for over a year now with no shifts. Usually I eat 4 meals a day, with snacks. After three days of eating 3 meals a day with snacks if needed, 1kg was shed. I suppose this is good for me like they say "wise temperance of the stomach is a door to all the virtues". I always find myself eating beyond what I need. I eat until there is nothing else to eat. I eat because I see food. I admit I'm a sinner of gluttony that is why I'm changing my ways. I'm not under any special diet, I still eat unhealthy food, I'm just not going to eat each meal to the point where I can't eat anymore. I don't think I'll be loosing anymore weight but I wouldn't complain if I lost more, of even gain back the one kg. I just want to teach myself good habits. The quote is very much right, if you can't even control your stomach, how else are you going to control other much more important aspects?

Tuesday I walked to Nikki's house with the help of Brendan's directory but unfortunately she wasn't home so Brendan and I part way and just as we did the rain greeted me. It wasn't a light shower and it wasn't a thundering storm. I'd say it was mild. Usually I wouldn't have be pleased to be greeted by such an unexpected guest but that day I was in no rush to get home and my head was mostly else where. I felt the droplets fall from my nose and hair. My vision challenged by the rain ahead and in my eyes. By the time I got home I was thoroughly soaked. Luckily I did not catch a cold. Maybe I was too tired to complain or maybe I'm slowly learning how to dance in the rain. Who knows?

Wednesday was spirit day at school. Many people left half way through the day because they did not want to part take in the event. I still fail to understand the big fuss with how bad the event is. I enjoyed myself and in my group I actually only had one friend. I'm still puzzled as to how Alex did not get my Lion king interpretation in one of the activities.
Unfortunately green lost again and orange takes the title 2 years in a row. I'm hoping next year green will show orange we're not completely useless.

I almost forgot to mention; on the very same day my school had Osca night. It has taken me a year and a term to find out that Osca night stands for OSC awards. I went as I had a dance performance and we informed I was receiving an award. I am so glad Osca night has passed because it means I can finally throw out my horrid dance top. I counted down to the day I could toss it away ever since the first time I had to wear it for Polly fest. I'm currently excited to see our new costume!

Thursday went in a blur I hardly remember what happened. Oh that's right Laith and Shreyan found a new way to tease me about my height. They would shield the bottom of their eyes and look forward while asking "where's Seryna?". Curses. Apart from that I don't remember much else.

Friday was when my media class can a relaxing session. We started of by playing a gambling dice game which is banned to Russia (let's not tell the parents) and then we had a shared lunch. Mr J bought meat mousse (exclamation marks). I wouldn't have believed it until Mr J handed it over to me on a slice of apple. Strangely, it was nice. I spent the rest of the session again sinning in the name of gluttony. I figured I will allow myself to on occasions such as these. I don't much like sweet things but I ate the biscuits and cakes nevertheless. Sometimes I question myself too. I bought nachos. There was a little left at the end of the shared-lunch and I forced David to eat them. It's the first time I'd had to force him to eat something, the last time we were at a restaurant I was forcing him to stop (if you know David you'd understand). Now that I think about it, I probably didn't so much force David to eat those nachos, he willingly ate them.





I also want to share three quotes I gathered in the last week:


“one cannot win when shamed of one's natural quirks so parade them with pride, never hide them inside for fear of offending life's jerks.”
—   The Man With A Turnip For A Head




“Better alone than badly accompanied.”
— Candace Bushnell


“If the past year were offered me again, 
And choice of good and ill before me set
Would I accept the pleasure with the pain
Or dare to wish that we had never met?”
—   Augusta Gregory

In media class we finished watching Amelie. I can see why it's still on the list of top 200 movies of all time. I really love how quirky the film was and how strange all the characters were. I love the setting of the film, it's something my 8 year old self would have imagine up a make-believe world to look like. Here on my side of the city, everything is urban. Which I'm not complaining. I'm just putting my readers into perspective as to why I think the setting in Amelie was pretty surreal. It's been years since I've walked into a house with wallpapers and if I have it would have been too neutral for me to notice, unlike the vintage colours and patterns in the film. Most people thought she was quite weird but I find her adorable, awkward yes but I feel I can relate to her on some level.
I recently just finished a book that was turned into a movie also starring Audrey Toutou (don't you just love French names?).

Source: http://neilvn.com/tangents/inspiration-from-movies-a-visual-feast-for-photographers/

Bye bye for now ♥

Update: first of March

First of March 2013; Romeo joins the Veng family.

You can't imagine how happy I am right now! I've been begging my parents for a dog for over 11 years, if not longer. I remember back in Cambodia, I always looked forward to visiting my cousins who had dogs. 

I was about 7 when mum finally agreed to let me have my own as one of my cousin's black labrador had just delivered a litter but as fate would have it, we moved to New Zealand.

My parents were hardly home and even the 8 year old me knew we couldn't have a dog. Years later after my countless "ngaw" at every tail wagger to ever come into view, my parents broke.

Now my first puppy ever is a Jack Russell. I named him Romeo because he's stolen my heart. Originally I was going to name him Rudy, after Rudy Steiner from The Book Thief but dad is weirdly superstitious and said the name would make the dog rude. 

Svetlana dropped in after school to meet the little guy. He went bananas.

This is my favourite picture of Romeo so far.

Sometimes when you say sit, Romeo sits! He still doesn't know his name yet but respond to whistles. The little runt sits like a girl! He puts both hind legs to one side every time *insert a really long ngaw*.

He catch on quick. After playing with him for around 30 minutes, I only occasionally go out to pat him before retreating back inside. The little rascal learned the routine and every time I try to open the door he blocks my path or tries to get inside as well.

He's also teething so he keeps on nipping on fingers, or anything else he can find. He is rough with his toys but when it comes to finger nipping he's gentle. Once when he got really excited while jumping around in my arms, in the pursuit of giving me kisses, he smashed into my lips, ouch. He loves giving kisses but won't let me kiss him yet. He keeps whipping his head back when ever I aim for his head. I don't think I'd be the type to kiss my puppy on the mouth. He does sometimes steal kisses on my lips but I try to not let it happen.

His first plushies, Juliet and Shakespeare. I can't wait to buy him a leash so I can take him out for walks.

I feel super grateful with my life right now! 

Seriously questioning if I have Native American ancestry. My ID card last year turned out looking very Native American looking too.

(Source) A quote up in the English commons. I really like it so I thought I'd share.

This week we watched V for Vendetta for English. I actually really like the movie! If I come across the comic book I would definitely give it a go.

"Remember, remember

The fifth of November

The gunpowder treason and plot.

I know of no reason

Why the gunpowder treason

Should ever be forgot."

But what of the man? I know his name was Guy Fawkes, and I know that, in 1605, he attempted to blow up the houses of Parliament. But who was he really? What was he like? We are told to remember the idea, not the man, because a man can fail. He can be caught. He can be killed and forgotten. But four hundred years later an idea can still change the world. I've witnessed firsthand the power of ideas. I've seen people kill in the name of them; and die defending them. But you cannot kill an idea, cannot touch it or hold it. Ideas do not bleed, it cannot feel pain, and it does not love. And it is not an idea that I miss, it is a man. A man who made me remember the fifth of November. A man I will never forget."

Currently we're watching Gattaca in school but haven't finished. I'll decide once the movie is over if it's better than V for Vendetta.

Dancing in a bush and a new film

Here are some pictures I took yesterday. I dragged my brother with me because I needed someone for the moving shots. You will see him in one of these pictures, well his legs anyways.

The converse I'm wearing used to be my brother's. He out grew them and they're still a tad big on me. My little brother is growing up, well his feet are at the least.

Today I watched Submarine. Here are some visuals:

(Gifs source: flickeringmuse)

(gifs source: lushious)

(Source: sygnesdelanuit)

Now, here are some quotes:

"Her new boyfriend has an incredibly long neck. Just thinking about giraffes makes me angry."

"My mother is worried I have mental problems. I found a book about teenage paranoid delusions during a routine search of my parents' bedroom."

"Well, you know, I thought it would be nice to get some mutual interests... now that we've had sex... other than spitting and setting things on fire."

"Jordana and I enjoyed an atavistic, glorious fortnight of lovemakin'; humiliatin' teachers and bullying the weak. I have already turned these moments into the Super-8 footage of memory."

"In my other recurring dream, I mentally rehearse the end scene. The one where its getting dark and I mistake a girl for Jordana. A girl with the exact same frame and the exact same hair. And when she turns around, I see her face is nothing like Jordana's. And she asks, 'Do I know you?', I look traumatized and say No. You dont know me... You dont know me at all."

"In many ways I prefer my own company, it gives me time to think."

"My mum gave a handjob to a mystic."

-Quotes all said by Oliver.

My notes:

I'm much confused by Oliver and Jordana because I've never met anyone in real life like them. Because of that it's fascinating for me to watch and make it hard to predict what they're feeling and what they're going to do next. Like Jordana for example. She would be very cold with Oliver but then she would stand and hug him for a long duration. Later when he would put his arm around her, she would brush him of several times. When she invites him to dinner with her family, we see her family and her are affectionate. It's on and off, she seems so cold yet she seems in a way, mushy. 

I can't tell if I find Oliver's weirdness something to worry about. You can see he plays everything out like a film and expects everything to work out like a film. I thought he started out very deep but as the movie went on I see that he only say and want things because he had seen them in a film. I like how this movie didn't make things glamorous. It was nice to watch Oliver fall in love with the idea of Jordana and then finally figuring her out and followed her anyways in the end.

A major plot hole for me would be the cameras. Oliver said he documented their time together and you can tell when the scene is from 'Oliver's' camera, it would have a vintage effect and a black frame. During these scenes, it can be argued that he could have had the camera on something, a tripod or rock, and just let it roll while recording him and Jordana BUT what about the scenes of him and Jordana running together? The camera is at a wide angle shot that follows them. The camera shakes as they run, I guess that adds the effect that it's being hand held but...who is holding it???

Over all I love this movie- well it's somewhere between like and love, it's more than like but I'm not sure if I'm ready to put a ring on it. I usually like romantic indie film, that's why I love 500 Days of Summer and Love birds. A huge bonus in Love birds was Kiwi comedian Reese Darby. I remember watching it with my brother in Rialto cinema. I like to pretend when I go to Rialto that I'm in one of those old cinemas in America that play classic/indie films.