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Friday, January 11, 2013

The Intouchables


     Let me start by saying this blog was supposed to be about Life and TV Shows, but I always end up talking about movies.  Go figure.  Believe me, I have been watching my favorite series religiously, and have added some more to the roster (Downton Abbey and The Mentalist).  But movies that moved me are what I end up writing about.  "The Intouchables" is one of them. 


     Based on a true story, The Intouchables is a french comedy/drama film screened in 2011.  Directed by Olivier Nakache & Éric Toledano, its a very touching movie about a wealthy quadriplegic Philippe (starring François Cluzet) and his carer Driss (Omar Sy). 

     It starts with Philippe and Driss in a sports car, driving in the streets of Paris.  Philippe is shown sitting in front and staring out the window, emotionless, while Driss drives on, looking at him with some concern.  Driss decides to drive really fast and is soon chased by the police.  They make a bet, with Driss saying that he can get away from the police.  He didn't and is caught.  Before getting out of the car, Driss bets that they will be escorted to the hospital. 

     Naturally, the police is miffed but Driss tells them that Philippe needs to go to the ER, and that there's a wheelchair in the boot to prove that Philippe is sick.  Philippe then starts to shake and spittle comes out of his mouth, thus making the police believe Driss' story.  As Driss anticipated, the police escorts them to the hospital.  While driving to the hospital, they laugh and listen to Earth Wind & Fire.  And the movie proceeds in flashback.

     Without really getting into too much detail, as you continue watching, you will get to see how the relationship blossomed from patient/carer to best friends.  You will see Driss' life change after he meets Philippe ~ how he's exposed to the arts, classical music, wealth, without losing his own personality.  Driss, on the other hand, brought joy into Philippe's life.  For once, he wasn't treated with pity.  Philippe felt thrill and excitement, he enjoyed Driss' candid conversations, his carefree ways.  Folks, this is bromance to the max :)
     
    Here's some clips from the movie - 







     Why do I like it so much?  Its because I was entertained.  I laughed, I cried, I felt for these two characters.  I was rooting for them.  I didn't have to dig into my brain's darkest recesses to try and analyze it.  I felt GOOD after watching it.  I didn't have this heavy feeling in my heart, I didn't come out scratching my head, wondering, "what was that again??".  And best of all, this was based on a true story - there's still good in this world.  

     Shouldn't that be enough? :)

     Here's the gist, I wouldn't talk about a movie, or a TV series, or a book, if it wasn't worth it.    I do try to follow the saying "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all".

     This one's a keeper.  Now... where's my Earth Wind and Fire CD?







Thursday, January 10, 2013

Palmier (Pastry)


     I first heard of Palmier from a blog by Chuvaness.  She was actually gushing over Leaf Pie from Japan and she mentioned that its quite similar to Palmier.    I thought nothing of it until I came upon a Palmier at Paul Boulangerie Patisserie in Takashimaya.  Tried it (price was pretty steep, S$3.60/pc), and I liked it a lot.  The price was the deterrent though.  I figured this will just have to be a rare treat for me.

     Then, last week, we were shopping at M&S Wheelock place and much to my delight, they also had Palmier at their bakery, in a more affordable price of S$1.50/pc.  Bought 2 pcs to try and the wonder twins pretty much gobbled them up and declared that it was their favorite.

     I decided to compare.  I was in Lucky Plaza today and decided, at the last minute, to buy Palmier from both M&S and Paul.  It was a brisk walk from Lucky Plaza, to Wheelock Place, to Takashimaya, then back to LP.  Needless to say, I was out of breath and sweating by the time I got into my car, which was parked in LP.  All in the name of blogging... yeah, right! :)  



     Here's how M&S Palmier looks like - 

   
     Paul Boulangerie's - 
 

     Side by Side -


    
My colleague and I tried each one, and here's our assessment:
Paul - crunchy, buttery taste.  Not too sweet
M&S -chewy and sweet

     They both taste good, but I'm thinking S$3.60 price tag is a bit too much on a momma budget.  Sorry Paul.  And since the twins enjoyed M&S version a lot, I'm happy :)

     Next thing to try, Leaf Pie.  Horizons are expanding, thanks to Chuvaness! :)