Melicia l'examen du film Les Misérables

This is a unique and rather unnatural move to be giving this review. From the night I watched the movie my friend Debranette told me to write a blog on it, but I was delayed due to circumstances beyond my control. I must confess that I am surprised that I can still remember the movie. So...Read on....

The director Tom Hooper...wow!...he did a fantastic job. The audio and motion picture were phenomenal  This is evident with the three(3) Golden Globe awards won. 

But let me bring you to the source and guide of this movie. "Les Misérables is a French historical novel written by Victor Hugo, first published in 1862, that is considered one of the greatest novels of the nineteenth century." That is a direct quote from author A.F. Davidson in his book on Victor Hugo's life and work (see reference in the footnote). You may ask, why so much history MelG? But readers, little did I know that the same-titled movie was a rework of a rather interesting book as expressed to me by my two friends, La-Toya and La-Shanna who accompanied me to the Colossum Theater. They disclosed that it was a Literature text for them in high school. 


Review
The movie is a musical, so if you don't have that artistic thrust...please, spare yourself that heartache to sit and watch it. But even if you are not a musical fanatic but have that little interest in French History...it will be a good movie to watch. Luckily for me, I love musicals. The movie is set in nineteenth century France where a rather heartless policeman Javert (please get the French accent going...ahaha) was seeking Jean Valjean who broke his parole. Jean stole bread to feed his ailing nephew and was imprisoned for 10 years (rather harsh...huh?). After he broke parole, he was working in disguise as a factory owner for 7 years before Javert caught up on him. 

Fantine a beautiful lady working for Jean was forced out of the factory after workers plotted against her and disclosed that she was stealing from the factory. Fantine went from a fair damsel to a prostitute. When she was on her death bed after being rescued by Jean. She asked him to care for Cosette her daughter. Readers, that fateful decision changed their lives forever.

Aspects of the French revolution was role played, I am not a history scholar so I would do no justice in bringing clarity to that historical scene. I loved little Gavroche's personality though, but unfortunately he was shot by a member of the French military while he collected ambush materials for the mini-army that was fighting against the French military. Prior to that, Eponine saved his life. She was the daughter of 2 tricksters who partially grew Cosette. She was madly in love with Marius but he found that out when she revealed her love to him a few seconds before she "kicked the bucket".

Getting to mushy and rather stinky part....Marius was in love with Cosette and when Jean was aware that they were in love he ensured that the 2 were together forever. 

I admired Jean because he understood the true purpose of a second chance. When that Catholic Father lied for him when he stole 2 golden candlesticks from the cathedral he never went back on his words to always do good for others. 

So in the end after Jean saved Marius' life when the mini-army was defeated  by taking him through a sewer (ewww...gross...). On Jean's death bed, he revealed his motive for always doing good. Well, what happened to Javert? He committed suicide after he realised Jean's goodness in everything he did.

I enjoyed the movie thoroughly and my take away was...in life always do good, you may not see the benefit in the now but think of the future and your generation to come. 


Ciao,
MelG



 A. F. Davidson, Victor Hugo His Life And Work (J.B. Lippincott, 1929), Kindle Location 4026, 4189

Unhealthy Comparison

Hey Readers,

It has been a while since I wrote a blog. But I would like to share this devotional I received 2 weeks ago about making unhealthy comparisons. I thought it was very timely and important to share. Read on...

They measure themselves by themselves 2 Corinthians 10:12 (NIV)

A certain level of competitiveness is good. You need it. When children enter a spelling contest they study harder and learn more because they’re going to compete. They know academic prowess is about to be challenged and they get ready for it because we like to win. But when your competitiveness makes you feel “less than” or “better than” another person, it’s gone to far. Paul writes “when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. We, however will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the sphere of service God has assigned to us 12-13).

 To evaluate your success accurately you must first understand your God-given purpose. When you play on a team your position determines your purpose. Attackers and Defenders have different skills, but to win the team need both. The defender who keeps the opposing team from scoring is just as valuable as the attacker who scores. One ma get more applause than the other, but victory belongs to them all. When you keep comparing yourself with others you’re denied a sense of accomplishment, because you’ve made the benchmark to be like somebody else.No, they are playing a different position.

They have a different purpose. They have a different skill set designed to fulfill the role God has given them. God gives you everything you need for the position you play and the purpose you have. What a liberating truth! And God, who gave others the ability to excel at what they do will do the same for you when you learn to focus on him, not them.

(Adopted from Chicas in Christ Daily Devotionals Author Crystal Gareave)

Remember we all have different purposes...keep focus on the path God has set you on. If you are not yet saved, please feel free to whisper this prayer and welcome God in your life:

Dear God,

I come to You...I am a sinner and I have done wrong. I am asking you to forgive me and to come into my heart. Today, I choose to walk in Your authority. I know I can do this. You are God and You are Supreme and Mighty in all You do. Take my life and have Your way with it.

Amen

Getting the hang of it...

Today was quite a trip! ...pun, intended. The temperature was -2 degrees Celsius and when I was leaving the condo there were little flurries falling. The bus stop I decided to walk to was couple miles away from the condo. During the walk, I was singing Tamela Mann's version of How Excellent, well...I tried all the parts. I think I was doing a "Cheraulae" during the process. I entertained myself while I  keept a close eye on Google maps. My right hand was punished for that...

Wait for me...

I checked the time and noticed that I needed to get to the bus stop within 2 minutes. Today, I realised that the bus system in Jamaica "bruk me bad". The transport system here is so organized. I had to walk briskly to catch the bus...luckily, the driver saw the "dear God, please don't let the bus leave me" look on my face. I boarded the bus and thawed. The driver was very courteous; I must add he was quite helpful.

I am a winner...

Having been on the campus before, I walked in with more confidence this time. I was able to find a restroom easily and it was not difficult speaking to persons there since I have quickly acquired a slur in pronouncing several words (#POW). My daily schedule was full but the day went smoothly. I attended all the seminars I was scheduled to attend. Then, for a relaxer, I went to the Mature Student Mix & Mingle; to my surprise only 10 persons were there. The moderator ensured persons were relaxed and then we were asked to share our names and the program we will be doing. Guess who had to squeeze in where they are from? Yes, yours truly...ahaha. We played several games but the competitive Melicia came out. When all the games were finished, I walked away with a Humber T-shirt, pocket book (the contemporary looking one) and a frisbee....did I say frisbee? ...ahaha (weh me ago do wid dat?) Anyhow, a winner is a winner.

Well...the WAY FORWARD is what I am focused on. With Christ Jesus, all things are possible.

So, Day 2 was a success!

Ciao!

Being International...

The day started with me being accompanied by my aunt to the Humber College. I was not excited or over zealous. I just wanted to know how to get there and what it looked like. When I entered the institution under the directive of my aunt (an alumni), I found the area to be pretty decent. The school reps were very helpful. I went straight to the international students' office and photocopied my documents. 

Onto the next phase...

I was directed to E137 Lecture Theatre - the location where the International Students Orientation was being held. This was my first orientation at a tertiary institution (believe it or not...ahaha). I made it my point of duty to locate a Jamaican...which I did quite quickly. I looked at the hair, nails and overall deportment...voila! I was correct...the new "parri" was from Clarendon. The orientation started a little behind schedule. The information disseminated was already known to me - a distinction is not easy to get from the University of the West Indies, Mona; I worked hard and achieved it by following the guidelines and ideas the presenters were sharing. 

Game Time...

To lighten the air, the moderator engage the new students in an INTERNATIONAL NAME BINGO...guess who finished and won a prize? Yes, you got that right...lol 

Spooky...the Daruma Doll

I was introduced to a Daruma Doll that brought good fortune. It is from the Japanese culture. In essence, you buy one and set a goal (or let me say make a wish). After you set the goal, you would colour one eye and when the goal has been achieved- you would colour the next eye, go to a temple, pray and burn it. 

If the goal was not achieved, you would just burn it to rid yourself of the guilt of not achieving the goal. When the presenter (a lecturer of Kinesiology) shared the concept I smiled and thanked Jesus Christ that I don't have to go through that process. Readers, I have an understanding that my God is an on-time God. If something doesn't work out, it simply means that either God has something better in store for me or that goal is just not in line with the plans that are set specifically for me by God. Thus, there's no need to believe in an object to bring good fortune.

Game Time Part 2...

This ice breaker was a group activity. Jamaicans are everywhere (even on the lawns) <---only a few readers will get that joke. Well, the group I was in consisted of 9 Jamaicans and 1 Guyanese. I was selected to lead the group which I did quite well given the results. We came second, but only Jesus Christ can tell me it wasn't because the group consisted of white people. When we entered the room, that group was there...they did not get the bonus question correct. When the moderator checked our paper...we got ALL the questions correct. To my surprise, they won because they entered the room first. Plain prejudice!...right?

Jamaica, Jamaica

Well, I was happy that we won the Humber key strings. I was impressed with how the Jamaicans teamed up and kept calm after we realised that we were cheated out of  the Humber tams...ahahaha.

Next phase...

I did my own tour to the bookshop and where my classes would be held. I like the environs...no need to go outside unless you are forced to.

So was it a faux pas or do I see myself moving forward at that institution? Well, eliminate the prejudism and it definitely it's the WAY FORWARD!

In the beginning...

I am pretty much psyched where this blog will go. I am moving into a new sphere of how I interact with my friends and associates. As you join me in this new quest...please feel free to subscribe-thank you :)

Israel Haughton & the New Breed's song "New Season" aptly explains how I feel right now "It's a new season, it's a new day. A fresh anointing is flowing my way. It's a season of power and prosperity. It's a new season coming to me."

I just want to thank Camesia, Cheraulae and the other members of the Mountain View Seventh Day Baptist Praise and Worship team for taking a risk when they allowed me to write weekly devotionals as a means of extending the ministry. I thank God that I availed myself, because that activity birthed in me a new way of thinking and writing. Subsequently, it drew me closer to God and strengthened my relationship with Him.

Let me also take the time to thank Debranette - whose blog "Unplanned Greatness" further motivated me to become a blogger.

So is it a faux pas or the way forward?

Definitely, THE WAY FORWARD...see you later.