Random Thoughts

Very sassy. A classic Mediterranean feel good comedy.

I guess I could be very critical of some bits (like the occasional shakycam and generally not very interesting cinematography), but the actors are so good and it’s all so touching and charming. So on charm alone:

Caramel. Nadine Labaki. 2007. Lebanon.

Jad Ballout’s Garcia’s Fattoush Cup

• 1 part cucumber syrup
• 1 part extra virgin olive oil
• 2 parts simple syrup
• 2 parts lemon juice
• 7 parts lemon vodka
• sumac
• some cherry tomatoes
• some mint leaves

Put all ingredients into a shaker and crush the tomatoes and mint leaves. Shake with ice. Double strain into a cup. Serve with crisp bread on the side.

This post is part of the World of Films and Cocktails series. Explore the map.

I had gotten the French version of the DVD. Ooops! But Amazon Video to the rescue. The picture was kinda washed out, though. Compare:

That’s from the Amazon Video version.

That’s from the DVD. The darks are really dark on the DVD, and the colours pop, while the Amazon version is pale and bland.

Why isn’t the future better than it is?

Anyway! The film!

The actors leave no scenery unchewed, but that’s quite appropriate for this disco comedy.

It’s a very likeable film, touching and consistently amusing. I didn’t laugh out loud, though.

That’s the Way I Like It. Glen Goei. 1998. Singapore.

The Raffles Hotel Original Singapore Gin Sling Cocktail

• 1 part benedictine
• 1 part Cointreau
• 2 parts cherry heering
• 6 parts gin
• 16 parts pineapple juice
• 2 parts lime juice
• 1 part grenadine
• a dash of bitters

Shake with ice and strain into an ice-filled glass.

This post is part of the World of Films and Cocktails series. Explore the map.

This is kinda fresh. It’s low budget but doesn’t really look it. It has a kind of charming swagger to it, both in the acting and the editing. It’s a child-like wish fulfilment fantasy. Only with guns and drugs.

Very silly.

Shottas. Cess Silvera. 2002. Jamaica.

Body Heat

• 1 part lemon juice
• 3 parts orange juice
• 3 parts pineapple juice
• 3 parts Malibu coconut rum
• 3 parts banana liqueur
• a dash of grenadine syrup

Run all the ingredients (except the Grenadine) through a blender with ice. Pour into a highball glass and add the grenadine.

This post is part of the World of Films and Cocktails series. Explore the map.

Ah. Back on DVD again, so the video quality is, like, better. Than Amazon Video.

This is a very wind-blown, distracted film. Things seem to proceed sideways.

It’s funny, but it’s just so slow. Sooo slow. And I love slow films.

It has an abundance of charm. Love the actors and the steppe.

Those poor sheep. Birthin’ sheep babbies ain’t easy.

Tulpan. Sergei Dvortsevoy. 2008. Kazakhstan.

The Drink of Gods

• 1 part cream
• 1 part Amaretto
• 1 part white rum
• dash of caramel srup

Shake with ice and strain into an ice-filled glass.

This post is part of the World of Films and Cocktails series. Explore the map.