[Weekly Update] Wonders for Adult

Some of you may be very envious hearing this, but I usually don't have any reaction to mosquito bites. I maybe get itchy for like 15 minutes and then it's over.

Since I caught that flu a few weeks ago, however, my immune system hasn't recovered. I walked outside yesterday for an hour, and came back scratching my skin off.

I'm getting old.

CHANNEL UPDATE

Newest Videos:
Hope you enjoy our last two videos released almost back to back. The release timing was a bit strange because I was sick. But now, things have returned to our usual schedule.
To be honest, there aren't many behind the scenes tidbits to share this week, mostly because I was sick and delirious when writing these videos. It did make watching J-horror movies a lot of fun, though. Who would've thought that horror is a good genre for sick days.
Anyway, originally I have planned to include Teke Teke as one of the urban legend J-horror films. The movie is fantastic, but I struggle to find the meaning behind the urban legend. Instead, I might wait until Exit 8 comes out, and make a video on Japanese Railway horror instead.

Future Videos:
I'm currently working on three videos: The edit comparison between the US and HK version of The Protector; Chinese movies in which women plays male roles; and a multi-part series where I introduce Chinese geography using movies. Whichever video finishes first will be release first. Not very well planned, I know. But trying to find a copy of The Protector is hard, trying to find the HK version in North America is even harder.
Anyway, I do need help with the last video topic. I'm not a geodude. If you are into geography and can think of a few Chinese movies with interesting landscapes, leave a comment!

MEDIA TALK

During the publicity tour for the newest Mission Impossible, Simon Pegg says he wants to make another Star Trek movie, and that movies don't have to be dark to be adult.

Not long after seeing that clip, I went to the cinema to watch 2 movies: The Life of Chuck, and Elio. Both movies aim to inspire wonder. Both films include a speech from Carl Sagan. But only one movie makes me feel that awe and wonder. It was not Elio.

I have gushed about The Life of Chuck plenty, on social media and privately. Is it the best movie ever? Not really. But it is one of those movies that invokes a unique emotion. Adapted from a Stephen King short story, who is always brilliant at writing the nuance emotion in life, The Life of Chuck inspires, despite showing very little. I know I'm very vague in my description, but I don't want to spoil anything. If you have the chance, please go watch it without knowing anything about it.

The whole experience makes me think of Simon Pegg's words. Indeed, where are the films that inspired awe for adults? Where are the fantasy and imagination for grown-ups?

Usually, when we talk about movies that inspire wonders, we think of children's movie, like Elio. We want to show them the fantastic world, the boundless possibilities, the hope and dreams. But then once we hit adulthood, reality drags us all down. Movies now fantasize about zombies, death, violence, thrilling actions, sex, and... well, Snakes on a Plane. As awesome as that is, it does make me wonder: Why don't adults have wonders.

Is it because it's cringe? Being a daydreamer is such an insult in the adult world, people seem to be scare to let their mind explore beyond the confined of reality. This is especially the case in a world where every hobby has to be monetized or it's not worth it. The sense of wonder does not pay the bill.

But it seems to be that there's also a sizeable group of adults who believe they have everything figured it out. To them, everything they know is all that's needed to have a good life, and the very few things they don't know are a waste of time. Adult culture fundamentally do not value possibility and imagination. Again, not unless it pays the bill.

I guess that's what leads to the Star Trek reboot syndrome. Things have to be dark and gritty, flawed and adult. Because optimism is for babies. Pursuing the wonder of the universe is a waste of time.

As a Trek fan, I just find that so sad :/

Anyway, hope you are having a good summer! Now that everything is back to normal. I think I'll take a day off and get back to work on July 2nd. See you soon!