[Movie] dans FANTOMAS (1964)

Another dive into oldies of French cinema. God, when you look at it you think - they could do it, they really could. This level was shown back in '64, it's not just last year, but half a century ago. What Hollywood, French cinema was a thing back then.

Fantomas was a complete sensation as I remember it. The dubbing was done not only professionally, but also was stamped by the French party A, so all main voice actors had to receive a green light from original creators to dub. Also it's basically a highlight of my childhood. Since I'm quite old, let's be honest, when I was a kid there was no Internet, no broadcasting/cable, you could watch such movies on TV, but basically if you missed it you're out, there was no re-broadcast, which also highlighted the rating. You can imagine my fascination after I tell you that my grandma asked neighbors to let me watch it with them, since the electricity in our house malfunctioned. I was delighted. But only finding secrets of cinema you can truly appreciate the immense work that was put together. 

Fantomas is a notorious evildoer, he changes faces, while his original mask is this blue face. Blue face before all blue faces. I can imagine how hard it was to get into that rubber. He especially likes inventing all types of methods how to rob elegantly with charm, but can change style if it should follow some purpose.

At first he was like a myth, due to his change of faces, some people could not even believe him. Until one day the reporter who faked Fantomas interview was kidnapped and was given an ultimatum to change the content of the paper. Btw French were always advanced, just look at her they play lovers, she looks like his daughter, but how gorgeous she is and also that obvious outline of her breasts without a bra. In other countries this would be condemned, while I also think that's a bit erotic even for me, and I'm a woman and this gets me shy *^_^*

I like how they created almost a Bond car, I'm not sure who invented it first but with decades of Bond we got used that all his cars are modified. Anyway I like how they put these metal rods as a mean to trap a person. No matter how lame it would look today, for those years it's innovative.

Taking the face of the reporter Fantomas goes onto his next target, what supposed to be a trap for him, but became a chance to loot. What is amazing during the entire movies are stunts. You can see that actors done a great deal of physical performance themselves, although not without a stand-in, but still. Climbing ladders,

climbing the crane and hanging in the air,

flying off on a helicopter, again climbing the ladder.

Many things were actually achieved by smart editing of several scenes put together. Like for actions when the car chase was shot from outside with obvious stunt doubles, but also from the inside, which changed to main actors who were sitting in a safe place with the road shots pasted in. Plus the speeded up shots that simulated speeding car. Not to mention the shot of the road. All combined added to a thrilling chase.

Editing was also helpful when Fantomas changed his face. You could see how different he was, even if he was played by real actors, but their featured were exagerrated to give a plastic, unrealistic feeling. Same change of the shot gave the idea that he changed his face to another. Like here, he took off his wig

took another face/mask that he out on and

next shot you see him changed and doing all weird moves around his face, giving you the idea that he moves his face to fit. Again the make-up also gave this plastic and unrealistic feeling, which made you see the difference between one and the other.

Here are some shots from the car ride and change of shots from all kinds of angles, including aerial shots, but you could see the driver was a pro drifter.

I personally found this shot interesting, since the car basically hit the stone fence for real. And unlike anywhere else it's a real hit and a real fence.

Next driving was completely on another level. I think this car should be a really good one, since they easily drove on all different angles.

but also followed the off-road and it looked as amazing.

Two-wheeling was a bit too much though, but I'm sure viewers at that time were ecstatic :D

Judging from the storyline Fantomas is more of a blockbuster in comparison to the modern cinema. Since there is more action, especially several chasing scenes. The story of the movie itself is really easy. Fantomas was known as a thief legend, but the reporter and his lover decided to push things further, they faked an interview with Fantomas, which led to the reporter being kidnapped and given ultimatum to change it for better. Other thing kept the reporter from doing his part, but his editor published another paper which again led to reporter being taken to Fantomas lair. Fantomas is also like a mad scientist having many advanced technologies. He also wants to create someone who will be under his full command and loyal, wanting to get reporter's brain for it (lol))). As means of punishment Fantomas uses reporter's face to steal jewellery from the obvious trap laid by police, he also did not cover his face, so the commissar saw him in the open (which is why real reporter was detained when he got back). Same goes for using commissar's face, he basically set the both of them up, pushing the blame. The car scene was when reporter and his lover were helped out of the Fantomas lair, but were given a parting gift, a car that had faulty breaks. Second chase was already after Fantomas himself.

Where he escaped on his personal submarine. This is basically the difference between this and "good guys win", since Fantomas it seems has many things under control, very cunning, smart and acts fast.

But this is also an open ending of sorts for possible continuation. And oh boy it sure got the continuation it deserved.

[Music] Kylie Minogue & Jessie Ware - Kiss of Life

 

[Chinese BL novel] 每次人设都是反派[快穿]

Every personal setting is set as a villain by 牧白

Summary: Sang Jiuchi is an entity that was enclosed for the longest of time, on the verge of exhaustion he is bound by a villain self-saving system and travels to worlds where he triggers a secret mission - road to become a god. Also each world he met a man, who he helped to survive in the first world and later uncovered his identity as the God of War, older than the universe. In these worlds he set foot on a road to undermine all conspiracies against them.

I'll be honest, this read is good only for one time. Also, if you don't know its' predecessor from 2016, you'll think it's an easy read (with several obvious flaws, but also has advantages). But after reading the previous novel I found that it's more profound and detailed and this one is more like a light version of it. It's funny considering that authors usually evolve in their writing and don't do opposite.

In short Sang Jiuchi wakes up from almot eternal slumber bound to a system, system has MC as a villain in introduction, but actually MC lived in a void not knowing emotions. He is definitely not some simple mortal, has a higher mental power not to mention a superb intelligence, which allows him to learn things in every world. He also unlocks the mission - road to godhood, as well as figured that each plane was originally not like the story introduces it, not to mention that memory of original owner and the plane differ. MC basically saves original owners from quagmires and strives for the pinnacle. Also due to God of War being a defender of these planes originally, MC helps him protect the worlds he crosses to. He basically takes upon himself a mission to be a best support in saving worlds.

Like in previous novel the perpetrators behind the fall of God of War (ML) are other gods, which tried to rob him of his power but didn't manage to kill him. In all honesty I really like the 2016 novel (快穿之主神归来) much better, despite some routines of those years, which are present here too, but it has more in-depth story of struggle, background and also big final arc.

Although worlds, stories and even entire outline of the story differs in both, but similarities with the novel of 2016 are as follows: 1) In both novels MC helps ML to come back to his former power and also pull his own glory, mostly through faith of others; 2) In both novels MLs are conspired against by other gods, while 2021 version deals with those and defeats them in worlds, 2016 one has a bigger showdown of defeating gods in the very end.

I consider this novel a bit like a re-boot, since the overall situation is similar, but characters and worlds are different. I think I've said already it's a lighter version. Also has less worlds/arcs. It's hard to keep under the wraps the fact that novel from 2016 basically got a continuation but in different genre.

This novel is absolutely not bad in any way and is worth the try. It sould say something when I saw that the first draft for this novel was created a year ago and now when a whole year passed I actually hardly remember what was in those arcs, I'm sure they'll resurface in my mind if I skim through, but still xD

[Historical Romance] The Truth about Love and Dukes by Laura Lee Guhrke

 

Henry, Duke of Torquil, wouldn’t be caught reading the wildly popular “Dear Lady Truelove” column, but when its advice causes his mother to embark on a scandalous elopement, an outraged Henry decides the author of this tripe must be stopped before she can ruin any more lives. Though Lady Truelove’s identity is a closely guarded secret, Henry has reason to suspect the publisher of the notorious column, beautiful and provoking Irene Deverill, is also its author.

For Irene, it’s easy to advise others to surrender to passion, but when she meets the Duke of Torquil, she soon learns that passion comes at a price. When one impulsive, spur-of-the-moment kiss pulls her into a scorching affair with Henry, it could destroy her beloved newspaper, her career, and her independence. But in the duke’s arms, surrender is so, so sweet . . . 

After a crazy maraphon that's been going on where I've read 3 other books and watched 5 movies before I finished, which might sound as if I haven't enjoyed it, but I actually did, I just managed to procrastinate a lot and think it would work if I read and let the movies play in the background and ended up watching all of them, they'll have their share as well. But first.

Finally, I reached out my hand to the first installment in the Lady Truelove series of books. And it was a delightful and touching journey, well, as every time when it comes to Laura's writing.

Lady Truelove is a pseudonym of Irene Deverill who runs a paper titled Society Snippets, she does so for not to allow her family to fall down into demise due to her father inability in skill and health to run the business himself. It started as means for survival, but became a meaningful existence for her. Lady Truelove gives advice to her correspondents and one of those became the Duchess of Torquil, who fell in in love with a man who was so much different in a social standing, this affair became known to entire London thanks to gossip and now it received a widespread when the letter from the abovementioned Duchess was published in Society Snippets.

Henry, the Duke of Torquil was devastated by the news, he deemed the man as a simple money-hunter and could not understand his mother's move when he surely knew that her action would surely become a scandal and a stain on reputation of her daughters. He wished to stop this wedding as much as he could, but his every attempt to talk his own sense into his mother only met with defense. He could only take a step back and ask her to move back to their family home, not feed the gossipers and not make the situation even worse. While he thought he might find a chance to make things different.

He goes to Society Snippets office where he meets devilishly beautiful Irene, her image sways his mind, but the exchange they have cooled him down, since he met with an opinion totally opposite of his own.

And here is the great motivation that I find. From one point we have a Duke, who has his own social status, he also cares a great deal about his family and doesn't want them to be downed in scandal, from the other hand we have Irene, who was disowned since the day she was born, just because her mother chose to marry someone below her status and was refused by her family. She thought that one's life should not depend on opinion of others and if someone refuses to support you when you're needed, then probably such relations are not worth it. Due to her own experience she saw nothing bad to follow one's heart, Duchess was a mature woman, a widow, she surely was sane enough to consider whom to marry and her own future. But Henry saw it as Lady Truelove who gave advice without considering consequences and did not bring herself to care what would happen to people if they follow her advice. Their communication fails and soon Irene finds that Duke can really catch her off guard and their start is that of enmity more than anything. He gave his own ultimatum - either follow him to his own residence and live two weeks of the season that is about to end and manage to dispell his mother from marrying an Italian painter or he buys and shuts her paper. Unfortunately, since her own father who was dreaming about giving his daughter dowries and sending them to society was the one who legally owned the paper he gladly signed the contract without considering her own will. And this is basically what set her off the most as we later find out. The thing is Irene is a suffragist and she thinks and feels that her own life should be in her own hands and not at the mercy of the man, especially if the above-mentioned man never considers what she needs and what she aspires, instead does things he considers the best option. Irene was devastated, especially when she realized that she doesn't really want to talk the Duchess out of her adventure. Irene herself was doing things not only for her paper, but for her sister, since she knew that out of two of them her sister was the one most excited about the possibility. Yet she was thinking of running a paper and running the season. Here some of Henry's advices actually worked, even if it was like clash of opinions, but they ended up stepping back here and there and trying to express what their view on the events and life in general were.

But their direct opposite opinions did not change the following attraction to each other. Henry, who tried to follow the proper way was burning day by day, but his conduct and his past would not allow him to follow the same route and bring a ruin to the woman he was so attracted to and any advances from his side would not bear good results. Irene on the other hand after two weeks of battling back and forth was seeing things in an easier way, she felt if she this man was attracting her so much she couldn't help herself she would bed him, she would allow herself this affair, she considered many possibilities, even if it meant ruin, but she didn't see it as such. At that time she couldn't realize the dark prospects he tried to share. They spent a wonderful week together, but even in such a short time the feelings grew, yet the realization also came. Especially when his duty called and he had to leave to tend to his estates. Realization that the place where they could be together openly is only a hotel room, they can't be together in public, because none of them would be able to conceal the feelings they share, they could meet during season or rare visits to city, no village romance where everyone knew him. The possibility of their affair being uncovered burned him with guilt since he never wanted to be the cause of her possible ruin, he saw only two ways out of it, marrying out of need or living with reputation ruined. She saw how bleak the picture was, but what completely cooled her down is his refusal to be there when his mother will be wed. His excuse was that otherwise people will think he supports it, but she saw that it was heartless to leave his own mother without support when she so needed it. No opinion of the society should stop him from doing the right thing.

They broke off, and he finally realized that he can't go on without her. In these short weeks she managed to change him, although he was rigid and followed rules from childhood, but he won't decide the fate of his own mother and his sisters for them, just because it's his duty to protect and he loves them. Same with Irene, he came to love her and doesn't want to deprive her of who she is. This is the time for changes. Doesn't mean that Irene hasn't changed anything for him. She decided to elliminate gossip column, leave the paper to others, so her publishing business would be indirect and she will try to be the duchess to the best of her abilities, but what made her happy is that he wasn't against her aspiration for women to vote and with her new position she could start making small changes here and there. They might not know what may come, but they'll be together.

Very happy ending :) Anyway, the image of Irene is someone who doesn't see the need in the old rules, though some she comes to understand when she is in direct contact with them. Here and there we see the overall women's fate, for example as his sister Angela asked him what is there except marrying a husband and having children? It's the only option for women and also they become dependent on men, their freedom and finances too. Work for women is condemned, voting is deemed as unnecessary. His sister who passed away was fond of chemistry, but because of opposition from her father she was refused the opportunity to study. On the other hand Torquil was brought with responsibility, he knew that fates of his relations and also hundreds of lives depended on him and he couldn't endager them, so most of his decisions were made safe and his opinions followed the same rigid route. It wasn't that all rules were bad, it wasn't that he completely changed and became a new person, he still shared a great deal of old-fashionedness, he just managed to change here and there under the influence of Irene.

I personally found it a great book, which not only managed to lay down the motivation of the characters, but also portray those characters in a 3-dimensional way. They had their own deal of pickering, but also passion. And although the storyline may not be anything exciting, since there is not much going on in general and it was more a clash of views, but still I found it touching.

[Movie] Thor: Love and Thunder

Devastating how people mistreated this movie in reviews. What about being a joke, what about even wanting this a "dark finale". It's as if people watched it in the worst mood possible, so they did not appreciate it. The other part of audience actually loved it, so it basically became a competition between 5-star and 1-star reviews. Tbh when such a contrast occurs I believe that people are too critical and honestly it's basically because they don't see what they want to see and don't bother to analyze what is in front of them.

Should this movie not have a joke? Tbh in my situation, which for others sounds as devastating as it could possibly be, I found Thor in Endgame a joke and being played dirty, instead of Ragnarok and Love and Thunder. I find these two movies a revitalization of the Thor franchise in general. Taika Waititi managed to balance between drama, sarcasm and humor. But humor doesn't mean you should laugh your ass off, it's not a comedy, it's an awkward comic relief as I see it. Originally Thor always felt like an awkward man, he was too confident and really did not realize what he should do, remember how in the first movie he felt like nothing without his Mjolnir, at it was not the first time when he lost himself. Times changed him, he went through personal tragedy of losing his closest relatives. But let's also not forget, they always reminded all viewers about fighting and falling like a true warrior in a battle, this meant they were not some pampered people and there were time when they should have been ready. I see Love and Thunder as return to square one, to being lost in search of what to do and what he is. But it's not a literary movie, it's not an existential drama, it's a superhero movie. I personally don't believe that Thor franchise should have been delivered on a serious platter and have dark tones by now. Like WHY? Why some people even want it to end. I'll ask you in return, why Thor should have saved people, tried to survive for them, so he could fall for them in the end? If one of those viewers who criticized the movie for its' tone, I want to ask - why it should be dramatic? Who stipulated it? The Dark World was dramatic in a way and basically because of it, it looked a bit off at times. Let's not forget that there is so much humor going on in all other MCU movies, why they're not criticized then? I honestly don't see the basis why it should not have the atmosphere it has.

Why I think Endgame was more of a joke for Thor. There he was more like a hysterical man, there he looked more comical. Yes, he was in depression, but I personally didn't like that they mostly made a joke out of it. Here he is just lost. Yes, the way of showing it is crude, the indifference while taking part in what is happening around him. But it works. Again, I think Waititi out of all managed to catch the blend of character that would suit Chris and Thor, make it its' own character. Out of all I find most comical is when guys in spandex and with fake armor push speeches about saving universe with all seriousness. Come on. That'd be too funny in return. Why people can't visualize it.

Why criticize Jane and Thor relationship? Tbh this one I also wanted to point out to some who felt that their relationship took too much space.. Eh what the f... and also that it was rushed. Excuse me. Have I missed something or people have massive amnesia how it would have been too out of place to actually include this relationship anywhere near previous movies? By those I mean Avengers and such. Let's also be realistic, with the schedules of actors clashing it's already a good thing they've been able to even mention it and also Thor's awkwardness when it turned to his relationship just burst out when Jane was mentioned. To be able to walk out the Jane's character out of the franchise was actually good. She's a scientist, she's a great person, she wanted to live her best till the end. People always scream - give us good female character! Here we got the female character who decided on sacrifice, on a brave battle even if she's just a human, instead of ghosting on a sick bed. Yes, she is frustrated, who wouldn't be, but she tried to make the best of it. We know she left in that moment, but it also was connected with future. And that future are children.

Children. If one looks at it closely the theme of children goes from beginning to end. First we see Gorr losing his daughter, which becomes his motivation for revenge against gods. Their entre civilization has gone extinct, there is no one left, just desert and starvation. This pushed him on the path of the villain, he lost what was most important to him. Applauding Bale for his absolutely phenomenal performance, you can see he's the person of an acting more than a blockbuster type of actor, very involving. Later the children get kidnapped by him to be a lure to get Thor to the point where Gorr needs him. I saw someone saying - why Thor only shared his power with children in the ending battle, but not adults in the beginning. What a stupid question. First of all despite the possibility of it happening, should Thor be a walking lighting giving his power left and right, doesn't this lack respect to others as warriors? They pride themselves as warriors, what type of warriors mooch of one person. Children on the other hand were alone and it was a move so Thor during final battle would not get distracted, and also as he said - they're future Asgardians, not just children. I think it played well and it also looked fun. It was very brave watching the kids taking things in their hands instead of being scared and just waiting on being saved. And last but not least - Love. The movie has similar opening and closing shot, which made Gorr wish for the revival of his daughter instead of revenge against gods, even if he couldn't take care of her, but isn't it something new when a villain with his final word asks to take care of his Love, his daughter. And thus Thor who lost the woman he loved so much got a daughter and this is where the Love and Thunder comes from. Tbh by this moment I was waving my kerchief like fan girl. Why people are so critical about kids, honestly. I already felt so bad about the girl who played the daughter of Tony Stark, now we have a new girl, why be critical that there are kids in the movies. Isn't it good that these people got a chance to have children, biological or not. Why only seeing it as if - oh, here they introduce new people to the cast. Hello~ Are you serious, they're CHILDREN, before they reach the time they could be in title role years may pass and by that time who knows what might happen.

Guardians of the Galaxy. Another criticism I heard, that some did not get enough shots or why they were even together. Should Thor really be with the team of GotG though? Despite the fact that they have their own movie to shoot. It's not Thor and GotG though. It was understandable that after a while their paths separated, otherwise even script-wise there'd be too many characters to follow. Unfotunately title movies can't have it as Avengers, which is a collective movie. We got a bit of them, GotG get a distress call and separate and Thor becomes again team Thor with Korg. I see it really obvious. Although it'd be fun to watch them together, but who knows they might clash in new GotG movie which will come out later. Once again, in other title movies, like Iron Man or Black Widow I haven't seen others coming to the rescue, it's because when it's their own movie it's a solo story. Period.

Christian Bale. At least here people basically were in synch. Bale played really well, all drama was on him, but it's understandable why. I know he never is scared of changing himself for movies, here as well. The makeup was done beautifully well. His creepiness was conveyed really well. And his final letting go. Although his character did not get too much of screen time as one may think, but his character managed to go through several stages, emotionally and visibly too.

Natalie Portman. It was lovely to see her again and get her final say in these movies. People basically don't really realize that some movies can't be written how creators want to be written, but sometimes it's a reactionary art. Here as well. I for sure know that it'd be hard to put an actress like Natalie into the franchise for the longer period. Plus let's be honest, one part wanted some dark finale, though beats me what they meant, characters leaving for good is not the best solution. On the contrary happy family and such? Wouldn't it not really be the best solution as well? I for sure am not against strong female characters who want to go with a bang. And screenwriters did so to the best of their abilities.

Russel Crowe. God, loved him. It's funny since he played Zeus. He got his part well. And I'm not talking about his absolutely adorable curly wig and the way he jumps around as a gymnast, though he's an old guy with a belly. To me he played his part of selfishness. To them it's more like a fun every day with fanfare, they live their lives above all else and it's evident. They know no sorrow with daily fun and wine and lust, so who cares to go against someone who has a weapon to kill the gods. Not them. Btw, pay attention to the costumes worn by girls, so pretty.

It's also funny to see the additional scene that shows Zeus asking Hercules for revenge against Thor who wounded him and took away his weapon. I found it funny since Hercules looked like someone of Armenian or Gergian descent. The typical features plus muscles with abundance of body hair :'D

This movie was really fun, it had drama, it had fun, it had absolutely amazing cgi and cinematography and how can you ever give 1 star to a movie that has Guns'n'Roses music as a main theme? Shoo from here, what a blashemy.

[Movie] DUNE Part I

DUNE is not only a sci-fi movie, but a work of art. There are some movie projects that make me full of anticipation before their release and that is how I felt about DUNE. And the anticipation was filled with palpitation, anticipation and fear of being disappointed, since stakes were so high. Although my acquantance with Villeneuve is quite short, but from the work he has done and the love he expressed for this movie I knew at least tiny little bit what I could expect. As a result my watching experience from start to finish consisted of seeing love and fascination with the world of Dune and that influenced me a lot, closely interwined with most stunning cinematography, absolutely fascinating music score, making me simply emotional from what I was witnessing. 

Villeneuve could be called someone who can insert a pause. I find that his scene pace was enough to keep up with changes, including but not limited to the change of events and also emotional changes, thus you absorb the information (if you're a new person to the Dune story) and when you look back you realize that actually there were so many changes. I applaude that this movie was divided into two parts, which are quite distinct between fall and rise of the character, as I personally perceive them. 

Impressions:

The amount of work that was put into every detail is insane. No wonder DUNE won all the Oscars in the categories of cinematography and sound and cgi, like no one could compare in the moment. Architecture and styles were the things that amazed me a lot. When seeing familiar cliffs and the sea, also eaten by sand and time mountains and dunes it was up to small architectural and items details that has given the feeling that it's somewhere else, but surely not on our own planet. The style of planets, forts and ships added to this feeling. What I liked the most is that architecture was actually logical: Arrakis, a planet full of sand, it's architecture is full of simple design, thick stone walls and narrows windows and slits that give enough light, but not allowing much sand and heat. Ocean planet Caladan is covered in lush mountains and its warships dwell in water. Giedi Prime as homeworld of Harkonnen is full of darkness and black color as its' prime one (which I personally assosiate with industrialization, iron and oil, I guess it wasn't made into a big mystery and even the "bath" for recuperation was made black and oily to fit it).

Costume design and customs were also carried out beautifully. For example the House of Artreides wears a military uniform with high boots, Harkonnen are mostly dressed in black and leather, Fremen are represented by the specially designed suit to survive in waterless desert (which in the books also had another function that was not brought in the movie, but I can understand why). All characters had their own details and flavors, maybe others will think that it's just so you won't mix those groups, but look at us, we always divided people into groups and had given them distinguishable traits as a symbol to be recognized. Btw the customs of Arrakis are also well-thought, although it might be a bit repulsive at a point, for example spitting (since we're too accustomed to be an insult), but for a place where water is more precious than gold it carries an absolutely different feeling. I actually really loved the designs and thoughts of big and small things, starting from the "dragonfly" airships to small gadgets for desert survival.

CGI + reality. The work that was done in terms of graphics is amazing. I also bow down to the ability to combine the special effects and natural shots. For example, the flight through the storm scene, the whole flight and airship are cgi, but landing and dragging of the cabin is real (I really want to see how they made that scene possible). Or the movement of worms in the sand blasting, but the vibration of the sand in a close shot is real. You can guess how some things were made, but what I love is how it was well put together to involve you into more realistic feeling like this is happening. That's why I like this part where cgi is more like an embellishment than the main player.

Music and sound effect. What will be forever incredible to me as a viewer is the work done on the sound effects. From all the little details to wonderful word from the creators who shared their experience of how they worked and what they did to let the Dune become real, I was completely left in awe. The passion of these people can't leave you indifferent, the originality of all the sound creation fills you with desire to create and the music so charming that makes your heart beat stronger. I can only applaude everyone who worked and thank them for not following the "orchestra" trend and making music a distinct part of this movie.

I personally loved everything about it and ended up watching Dune several times just to catch every tiny detail that was put there for you to notice. The story is amazing, the cast and acting were impeccable, the work done was immense, the love put into this movie is touching. And to whoever who loves sci-fi, who loves universes that are so vast to be explored, the stories so fascinating to be followed, the charm that can't be missed. I think this is a journey you should allow yourself. The journey of growth, the journey of intrigue, the journey of bravery, the journey of mission, the journey of DUNE.

[Time Princess] Selfie #5

 

This hair fits the storyline of Saga of Vierra so-so much. As if she is a descendant of the dark days and her hair darkened when the whole world of elves was submerged into darkness and was poisoned.

[Chinese BG novel] 天生赢家（快穿）/ Born to win

The same author of the previously reviewed "Wealth and Glory". It also has the same format of pretty short arcs, but it is more profound in comparison.

Despite the fact that both are tagged as "romance" on JJWXC, but it's blatantly a NoCP novel. And tbh it has the same almost open ending, where it just ends, with no opening up on who the main character is, though it was mentioned from time to time that she doesn't remember her past, she just started from the blank page. And because the arcs are short and the novel is long there's plenty of content. I can't say I was won by it, but I can't deny that I received some sort of entertainment by reading it. So it wasn't without good points, but not without faults as well.

The heroine is bound to system 9526, the system that finds itself totally useless when it comes to help and such, since most of the time the heroine relies on herself. She has no name, since she can't remember who she is, as it proved to be of no significance, since she got no name and no past was revealed. She got a name Xiao Han that was used as main in consequent arcs. 

Since Xiao Han is an unknown entity but is blank as a piece of paper she starts learning all the things and is interested in everything that requires knowledge in every arc. So we get this knowledgable and smart person, who cares mostly about enriching herself and getting the task done btw (there are no task arcs too). Because the first arc is set in ancient times it was the base for her further cultivation too, since it involved getting into martial arts from the get go. Which she used in the following arcs, constantly enriching and changing as she saw fit, but basically in some arcs it saved her health and she could protect herself. 

From the point of storytelling, since we don't need to find out about her it's all about stories in those arcs, from ancient to modern. Don't look for some concrete point that author might have wanted to make, I see at as just freefloating to whichever part they want, which included, but not limited to stories about wealthy families, mixed relatives, helping unworthy people, becoming a moving force by becoming an emperor etc.. But this is also a good point, since you may not know what might happen here or there, for example, in the arc where she is asked by original host to pay back to her father we have a secret chat room she joins, which basically has nothing to do with her task or identity, it's just there. The only thing that I want to point out is that sometimes there was some stubborness in her actions against other people, I can understand not wanting to have anything with the task person, but there are plenty of side-characters who I think were a victim to her actions. For example, in the arc where she became a doctor I couldn't see why the family was too stubborn to wait for her, while there was time to see another specialist and also I couldn't understand her, since she basically let the old man die unattended, while she refused to operate on him only because of his family feud with her. Also because of her own principle of taking only most complicated and impossible cases. Tbh I felt that it was an unnecessary unyealdiness and no compromise. She could basically make those who despised her poverty in the beginning owe her in the end. But it felt tacky too. There were several cases like this stubborness throughout the novel, but of course Xiao Han was never bothered or sunk under morality of choice. In this case she was quite flexible, where she saw it fit she did things according to law, in other cases she did it as she saw fit. But sometimes I truly enjoyed how author managed to rule the story out. Anyway yeah.

In novels like these sometimes you, unfortunately, come across such a trend that love/relationship and family are seen as something unnecessary and not really a desirable thing, sometimes it may even coem across with some underlying critic as I see it. I may be wrong, but sometimes it really came across like that. But who knows, due to length of these novels and actually although there was so much happening, but it added to the lack of depth. Also by now when I finished and started a new book I can hardly remember what was written. And when I see such things happen I classify it as - well, I was entertainmed yes, but it still did not manage to impress me deeply. At least it was better than the previous one.

RATE: 3,5/5.

[MUSIC] 黃齡 Isabelle Huang 《 醉 》

 

[Chinese BG novel] （快穿）富贵荣华 / Wealth and Glory

Being honest right away, this was a weird one. Not because of what is mentioned and there are no kinks and stuff like that, it's just weirdly put together. Simply because arcs seem like they were only drafted and you hear only the outline. Like honestly, first arc is just 3 chapters long and it's all being - her original fate was like this, then she changed it and escaped the tragedy, well ok, we're done. Basically most of the arcs were similar, only later arcs didn't remind you of a sketch, but still they never really conveyed anything significant, so after reading the entire novel, which is 304 chapters btw, I still don't see the point of it all. Did Jinrong have a goal, she did not, she just reincarnated and lived her life. Were the stories touching? Very rarely they were, but I still write it off on my own emotional distress, not the story. Was the character inspirational? Hard to say, at first Jinrong didn't really care about anything and even if she had to come to power and rule, she tried to do things quickly, she wasn't really doing it for the people most the time, it had a feeling - well, I can do it, while nobody can, otherwise this and this can happen, so oh well, I'll do it then. Was there romance? The novel was tagged as romance, but I personally see it as no CP, which is catfishing in daylight. There was no ML in general, which would follow along, in first few arcs there was mentioning of kids and such, but in later arcs Jinrong mostly adopted children, she was like that lone person who needs no one. The fact she liked to be surrounded by beauties doesn't count, since there's nothing to it.

The only interesting part about this novel is - Jinrong can outright be a bisexual. It's not like she's against the idea too, but the thing is, she travels not to female bodies only, sometimes she becomes a man and during those times she accepts the fact that she could have wife/children, but it was her style by then not having any, in any life.

Back to basics. It's a transmigration/world hopping novel with Jinrong as a female lead. There's really no backstory to her and she never shares about herself. Plus there's no system (good point), there are no tasks (another good point) it's just reincarnation and she travels from world to world. From modern to ancient to the future even. Themes are different, like many ancient arcs are about the royal fights, but from different angles. Modern dramas are like TV shows, there are stories about 60's, 80's and 90's, which are about changes of times. Future arc was only one, with her being a space traveler. Oh yeah there was surprisingly one apocalyptic arc, which again just passed.

As Jinrong travels of course she becomes more powerful, especially in swordsmanship department. Basically she can earn easily from scratch, do business well and applies all the learnt knowledge in every possible way. When it's possible in arcs she takes a rest, since not all arcs are like plots that are melodramatic. At first we start with Jinrong seeing these stories as plots of the world that have happened, now she arrives and the original soul flies away. This goes on before she reaches the world of immortals and realizes that those aren't plots but Heaven's way. This is the arc where she escaped her bad ending from the very beginning, she arrives when she's just about to pass and become immortal and escapes calamity by her own power. Later she cultivates in quiet with her prior knowledge. Her level grows and later she's given a position in the heavenly court, but this position is special, it's someone who can peak at Heaven's will, basically she can calculate.  But from this arc on there's a lot of undertone taoism going on, though sometimes it has big loopholes in it, yet the fact that she has a load of merits on her (hence, she ruled the country not once, or she did many good deeds). Since reaching this height in later arcs she basically comes along with this talent of calculation, but in the following world she hurt her soul (basically like going against the behemoth) and she later sealed her memory, so for several arcs she's a bit clueless, doesn't remember past and skills she had, they just float when she thinks of things she wants to do, she also just knows she reincarnated and follows along before she regains memories and her soul is fine again. But because of her position and title in heaven court she sends that thing, which accompanied her, forgot its' name. But tbh she still in the end cultivates enough to the point that in worlds with aura ppl know she's a reincarnation of an immortal with merits beaming out of her and she still has her skill of peaking to past and future. And lastly we just have random plots. They're totally random and till the end they also end randomly. Like she lives her life every time, if it's needed, she will go for heights of power, but if not she might just live her life, sometimes disappear from the scene to roam around. With living for so long it also brought her indifference, for example she wouldn't be swayed by anything. But it also helps her achieve her goal unlike many wronged souls. I must say that some situations brought up were quite interesting and worth exploration, but of course with the short-stop type of storytelling it was impossible here.

Because of this storytelling some loopholes, but basically logic, were suffering. mainly because there are no details you have no idea in what way Jinrong earns her pots of gold, though it doesn't really matter, but it's mainly skipped. Then it comes to her genius, here things get a little bit too fantasy. For example, in the vampire arc she managed to produce a drug that will turn vampires back to humans, though she just robbed one hospital and it was impossible to take away much, yet a question, how do you know what to take and what will work, it's all wrapped up in a sense that she produced the formula, tested it and shared it later. In apocalypse world it was more sensible, she worked in a lab with others, though also it was mainly her who created the drug, but still she was not alone and not in a small room with nothing. 

As for Taoism I also have questions. It was actually explained, but still felt a bit not enough to patch things up. In general there's a Heaven's way, like predestined things and stuff. But Jinrong basically can change the way of the story and even history. It is explained that when fully reincarnates as a child, she becomes part of this world and it is easier to operate, but when she crosses over and picks up leftovers, she might get rejected by the Dao of Heaven. Still didn't explain it to me, but since it basically doesn't emphasize on it a lot you forget about this part that was set and now forgotten. Though sometimes there was hard emphasis on it, which was weird.

In general it wasn't as horrible, yea the plots were more like scribbles, it wasn't emotional, but it did serve the purpose to entertain. At least I read it no problem. But to say it was something that should be recommended, or one of a kind, it doesn't deserve that type of praise at all. More like try-out ground for the author. But yeah, no like from me for false advertisement it as romance. No CP.

RATE: 3/5.

[Historical Romance] And then he kissed her by Laura Lee Guhrke

Summary (official one :) ):

Supremely sensible Emmaline Dove wishes to share her etiquette expertise with London’s readers, and as secretary to Viscount Marlowe, Emma knows she’s in the perfect position to make her dreams come true. Marlowe might be a rake with a preference for cancan dancers and an aversion to matrimony, but he is also the city’s leading publisher, and Emma is convinced he’s her best chance to see her work in print…until she discovers the lying scoundrel has been rejecting her manuscripts without ever reading a single page!

     As a publisher, Harry finds reading etiquette books akin to slow, painful torture. Besides, he can’t believe his proper secretary has the passion to write anything worth reading. Then she has the nerve to call him a liar, and even resigns without notice, leaving his business in uproar and his honor in question. Harry decides it’s time to teach Miss Dove a few things that aren’t proper. But when he kisses her, he discovers that his former secretary has more passion and fire than he ever imagined, for one luscious taste of her lips only leaves him hungry for more…

I must say that the title is hideous, like many cheesy titles that historical romance novels have, but this book really was touching to me on many levels.

What really made me in awe at first is that Miss Dove is none other as just a simple woman. She is turning 30 in first chapters, her life could be said to be wasted yet safe, first she lived with her family that was rigid in rules, basically because of her father, next she lived with her aunt who was basically an epitome of rules and manners, Emma used to follow it all. Later she spent time taking care of her dying aunt and by the time she realized she was still alone and old. She was taught good manners all her life, yet even through this thick layer of rigidity you could see her beating passionate heart. What is really touching is that Emma represents many people who are simply ashamed of what they like and what they want, but they're taught that they're wrong. She probably realized it herself, but continued to live in this suffocation of what is right and what is wrong, the island of her personal safety and her awakening is basically the emotional and physical journey we witness.

On the other hand Harry was once married, he hates rules, but for a reason. His ex-wife was a stunning beauty, but her heart belonged to other. She only complied with the marriage because of her family pressure, but both were unhappy in marriage. They managed to get a divorce, but in those times it was a whole big deal, not to mention it left a stain on his own reputation and his family (mostly concerns his sisters). So thus he hated good manners, because it made people unhappy like this. They may exist but not for the purpose of killing you from the inside. This is the reason he barely could handle the work of Emma and never really read it, but when he read it he still couldn't understand it. Yet he also managed to see after the fight that Emma has a side he never saw before, that tiny glimpse attracted him and made him make a move. Tbh I see it as him wanting to give her the freedom she wanted deep inside.

This is the emotional entanglement of the two. It gives you the idea and depth of their character.

So we start from here. Emma is working for Harry as a secretary, the work she does amounts to a lot of tasks, not to mention that she ended up buying presents not only for his family, but even his lovers. She worked with only one hope, so her work will be published, but before she turned 30 she had no idea that Harry never read her works. Here we can witness what her nature is truly like, she realized in the dialogue that Harry had no idea she was talking about, though it was her speudonym, she wanted to quite, but then thought about money and safety. She went back and forth before deciding to finally buy the peacock feathered fan she saw not once, she might never need it, but it was exotic and she wanted it. The scene where a young lady was buying this fan for a ball finally broke her. She quit, went with her work to another publishing house and changed from books to writing articles. She had her success, while Harry had no idea what to do, the work couldn't be done because the key person - miss Dove - said goodbye and walked away. He wanted to bring her back, but failed and it was the first time they fought and he finally saw what was behind her thick shell. This is what attracted him at first. She was not a beauty he'd usually prefer, she was more lean, she did not spend money on perfumes, she smelled of cleanliness and freshness and almost simplicity. But she had sides to her character that betrayed her inner desires for enjoyment. From her side the distance they had crossed or the things they enjoyed together slowly crossed the line. But she wanted to reach for it, she wanted to enjoy it. What really broke the silence was nothing more than a lecture of manners again, but at this time the inner voice of Emma began to rebel, yes her late aunt's friend saw and Harry kissing, yes she wanted to lecture her as best, but Emma though she's a grown-up woman who knows what she does and she doesn't want to be lectured on these things. The scene at her house that followed almost brought her back to her sheltered world (Harry couldn't understand why Emma kept paying attention what others say or think, especially a woman like proprietress who basically eavsedropped on them, while Emma thought that opinion of others matters for reputation, which broke them up and they fought), but with an epiphany that she doesn't want to waste her time again and again, yes she understands that what she's going to do is wrong, but she still wants to do it, she wants to be in a relationship with Harry, she knows she won't have a name, but she wants it anyway.

They come together and they open up to each other. What I liked about Harry's point of view is his support on how women should be taught intimate things between men and women before the actual act, because it can be simply harmful for women. So both of them became emotionally and physically closer and what Emma was afraid of happening eventually happened - she fell in love. She couldn't do it otherwise. Harry although stayed with his opinion actually changed in details, he also could change her, but she realized she wanted more and if they stayed together it's going to be hard.

There's one touching scene at the end when Harry comes back to their cottage alone and sees an old couple they've seen many times and he manages to ask if they're married and the couple answered him that he's married too, but he doesn't know it yet. Which made Harry realize that he's ready to propose, he's ready to be together and he's not afraid of marrying again. Very happy end for them :D

Tbh I loved that Emma's character is a woman who is older, she's not portrayed as this femme fatale who will be sought after by everyone, she's simply a woman who wants happiness, she yearns love and joy under the pressure of times and good manners. She meets a person opposite to her own habits, but yet they fit perfectly. It's a simple and sincere love without fanfare. Still one of the best books.

Oh yeah, it is only first book in the series, but I don't really care for other books that follow, though they're not bad at all, I'd say they're good, but they never hit me as much as the first one :)

[Time Princess] Selfie #4

Most satisfactory femme fatale look with gorgeous appearance and stunning bearing.