Stronger

Last night I went to see Stronger, the incredible true story of Jeff Bauman's triumph over adversity after losing both legs in the Boston Marathon bombing.  This movie is so inspiring with outstanding performances by Jake Gyllenhaal (who is very hit or miss with me) and Tatiana Maslany.  Bauman (Gyllenhaal) is an average working-class guy who likes to drink with his buddies and watch the Boston Red Sox.  When he finds out that his on-again off-again girlfriend Erin (Maslany) is running in the Boston Marathon, he decides to wait at the finish line in an attempt to win her back.  After the explosion, both of his legs are amputated above the knee and he must adapt to his new physical limitations amidst the adulation he receives as the embodiment of "Boston Strong" all while dealing with PTSD from the explosion.  This film does not shy away from showing the reality of Bauman's situation and there are definitely some scenes that are difficult to watch such as when his dressings are changed for the first time, when he falls out of bed and breaks his nose, and when he passes out in the bathtub covered in his own feces.  Gyllenhaal does a great job at showing Bauman's free falling emotions, particularly at a Boston Bruins game where he is made the honorary captain and paraded out in front of the fans.  His family and friends practically force him to participate so they can get free VIP seats to the game but he has a panic attack out on the ice that is incredibly affecting.  I cried multiple times, especially when he is left to crawl across a parking lot in one gut-wrenching scene.  I really appreciated the fact that Erin is a fully realized character and Maslany does a good job at showing her tremendous guilt over the fact that he was at the race for her and showing the difficulties she faces in being a caregiver especially in light of her strained relationship with his mother (an excellent Miranda Richardson).  This movie contains quite a bit of gruesome violence, particularly when he begins remembering the events right after the bombing, and there is a lot of profanity so keep that in mind.  However, I would highly recommend this wonderful film.

Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind

The next film in the Studio Ghibli Fest was Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind.  Unfortunately, I had to see this film without my friend and I had to see the dubbed version rather than the subtitled version (which is my preference) because my life is so crazy and yesterday was the only day I could fit it in.  I'm glad I made the effort because I really enjoyed this film and I would have been sad to have missed it.  In a post-apocalyptic world, a toxic forest filled with seemingly hostile mutant insects, including giant armored insects called Ohms, threatens to destroy the remaining kingdoms on Earth.  Princess Nausicaa, who lives in the Valley of the Wind, explores the toxic forest trying to understand it and she seems to have a calming effect on the insects.  Two other kingdoms, Tolmekia and Pejite, both want to destroy the toxic forest but Nausicaa has learned that the forest is actually renewing the Earth and must try to stop them.  One of the things I really admired about this narrative is that the other kingdoms aren't motivated by power or greed but, rather, fear and survival.  Nausicaa doesn't want to punish or hurt them but convince them of the truth.  I loved the message that understanding can overcome fear and I definitely think that we can use a little bit more understanding in the world today.  Once again, Hayao Miyazaki has created a young female character that is incredibly courageous and kind and I loved her, especially when she faces a terrifying group of attacking Ohms by herself (it is absolutely brilliant when their eyes gradually turn from red to blue through her calming influence).  I've noticed that Miyazaki seems to be obsessed with flight and I really enjoyed the scenes with Nausicaa on her glider.   As with all of the Studio Ghibli films I've seen so far, I really enjoyed the animation because the images are so beautiful, almost like watercolor paintings.  Definitely watch this film if you have the opportunity, preferably on the big screen.

Note:  The dubbed version was actually pretty good.  I especially enjoyed Patrick Stewart as a wise and revered swordsman.

Homecoming!

Last night Tashena went to the Homecoming dance with her boyfriend and a group of friends.

Putting on the boutonniere!

The girls.

The guys.

The whole group!

Tashena and Verl.

Tashena looks so beautiful!

Touchdown!

Yesterday the Braves played the Grantsville Cowboys.  This is a team that slaughtered them last year so when the Braves got a touchdown on their very first possession it was very exciting.  The Cowboys ended up winning the game but I couldn't be prouder of the Braves for coming out really strong against an intimidating team!

My favorite moment of the game was when Sean got a really big hit and the whole team cheered.  Tashena yelled out, "That's my brother!"

Fischer Conducts Saint-Saens & Dvorak

Last night I spent another lovely evening at Abravanel Hall listening to the Utah Symphony play works by Berlioz, Saint-Saens, and Dvorak.  For those of you keeping score at home, this was the third Friday in a row that I found myself similarly occupied and, honestly, I could spend every Friday night at Abravanel Hall (next week I will be out of town).  The orchestra played Roman Carnival Overture by Hector Berlioz, Symphony No. 2 by Camille Saint-Saens (which was recorded for commercial release!), and Concerto for Cello and Orchestra by Antonin Dvorak with Harriet Krijgh as the soloist.  All three pieces had beautiful and lively melodies and I found myself swept away by the music and there were moments when I was overcome.  Over the years I have come to love the music of Saint-Saens more and more so I really enjoyed hearing a piece I wasn't familiar with (I really love his Organ Symphony which will be performed in December!) and I was so impressed with Krijgh's performance of the Dvorak piece because she was so expressive.  I highly recommend getting a ticket to tonight's performance of the same program (tickets may be purchased here).  I guarantee a lovely evening of beautiful music!