Medieval Drama Series Favorites

I always have this fascination with medieval dramas and films. Aside from their fancy clothes, title and hierarchy, there is so much history and drama a show can have for every character. Let's not forget the secrets they keep from each other that if revealed will usually cause war, death or destruction. Now that's a PLOT! That is probably why they are producing a lot of shows with this theme these days and each show is more grand and sexual than the next.

The very famous one is of course no other than, The Game of Thrones. This show has Royals, Magic and Dragons in it. What more can you ask for? The show just finished Season 4 and I was actually a bit disappointed at the end. I kind of predicted that to be the last episode because I remember my friend who read the book told me that part. I just can't wait for Season 5.

When I first saw Episode 1; Winter is Coming, I had to stop because of the all gore and sex it contains. I gave it another try and had to text my friend constantly and ask questions about the characters because there seems to be a lot of background story I don't know about therefore, couldn't keep up. Like, why were the people murdered by monsters? What is "The Wall"? Why do they keep saying "Winter is Coming"? What is up with that Tree? And it ended with WTF?! INCEST! I officially got hooked.

Another period TV Film Drama I love is The Tudors, the story about Henry VIII's reign. I know this is already an old show. It premiered April 2007 but I am sort of a new fan. Probably because I am much older now and has come to appreciate more mature films and actors like *ehem* Jonathan Rhys Meyers. Up to now I'm still a bit confused which is which with his wives. They all seem to be named Catherine and Anne.

The 3rd show I came to appreciate more recently is Da Vinci's Demons. It is an American Historical Fantasy Drama kinda like Game of Thrones but without the Dragons. It premiered April 12, 2013. I just finished watching Season 1 this month. The series explored the fictitious early life of Leonardo Da Vinci during the renaissance era in Italy. It may sound boring but cast a really hot Leonardo Da Vinci played by actor Tom Riley. A possible war because of political dispute with Rome. A really hot femme fatale Lucrezia Donati played by Laura Haddock who is not just the mistress of the ruler of Italy Lorenzo De Medici played by Elliot Cowan but at the same time the love interest of Leonardo Da Vinci himself. WOAH! I swear! I didn't just wrote the whole story.

The White Queen is show that I found out about by browsing YouTube. It is a British television drama series based on Philippa Gregory's historical novel series The Cousin's War (The White Queen, The Red Queen and the Kingsmaker's Daughter.) It is set against the backdrop of the War of the Roses, a war that has been going on for nine years fighting over who is the rightful King of England as two sides of the same family, The House of York and The House of Lancaster, are in violent conflict over the throne. It's like Game of Thrones meets The Tudors.

Unfortunately, it was only on air for Season 1. It can be a bit dragging towards the middle but it gets better at the end. I actually thought Season 2 would be very interesting but it was cancelled. Still a good show to watch though. 

Another oldie but a goodie is Merlin. The story about King Arthur and Merlin has been told and retold many times but this one is quite different because the story revolves around the Young Prince Arthur and Young Merlin during King Uther's reign when Magic has been forbidden in Camelot. The show has a mixture of humor, action and drama and the chemistry between Colin Morgan (Merlin) and Bradley James (Prince Arthur) is just perfect for the show and fangirls. 

Speaking of the characters and the actors playing them, I did like Lady Morgana up until she became the villain. I don't know why she started hating on everyone and started to choose the side of her evil sister Morgaus whom she barely know at the beginning! And no offense to Morgana fans out there but I'm not a huge fan of Katie McGrath acting as a villain. She has the same tone of voice Every.Single.Time!

This Merlin series has its inaccuracies and if you listen closely to the lines of the characters it does sound a bit modern. Probably because the series is geared to attract younger viewers. If you're not too meticulous then it won't be a problem.

The show ended on its 5th season last December 2012. But I'm sure this won't be the last film about Arthur and Merlin. It's just one of those classics that keeps coming back.

Last but definitely not the least is Hollow Crown. It's a series of television film featuring William Shakespear's history plays of Richard II, Henry IV and Henry V. If Merlin has its inaccuracies, then this one is definitely very loyal to the books. If you're not used to reading Shakespeare then I suggest you keep a dictionary next to you and turn the subtitles on whilst watching the show.

I have to be honest, I just learned about this film because Tom Hiddleston plays Prince Hal and

Henry V in the film and you know how I'm a huge Tom Hiddleston fan. To my surprise, I actually liked it and I'm not just saying that because Tom Hiddleston is in it. After watching the series, it made me appreciate Shakespeare and it actually made me want to start reading his work. His books can be very intimidating but I'll start slow and get the book with the guide.

More news about Hollow Crown below from Wikipedia.

In March 2014, the BBC set a tentative date of 2016 for the concluding cycle of the The Hollow Crown. It will be produced by the same team that made the first series of films and will be directed by the former artistic director of Royal Court Theatre and Olivier Award winner, Dominic Cooke.^[4] It will be based on Shakespeare's first tetralogy: Henry VI, Part I, Henry VI, Part II, Henry VI, Part III and Richard III.^[5] In April 2014, BBC Two announced that Benedict Cumberbatch will play King Richard III which marks the actor's return to the network after the success of Parade's End in 2012.^[6][6]

There you have it! If your favorite is not on my list, please feel free to share! 

xxx Rissa

PS. I would love to attend/host a Medieval Times party! 

The Hollow Crown

As you may all know by this time, I recently became a huge Tom Hiddleston fan. Therefore, watching all of his work is a must! I'm aware that most of his earlier projects are not as popular as Thor or Avengers, but I am still keen on watching every single one them!

One of which is the BBC 3 part TV series The Hollow Crown, wherein he  plays Prince Hal, son of Henry IV and King Henry V based from Shakespeares Histories of Henry IV and Henry V.

I never read any of Shakespeares stories. Not even Merchant of Venice where I got my name. The closest I got to any of Shakespeares work is when I watched Leonardo Di Caprio's Romeo and Juliet. I never thought I'd be interested in Shakespeare. But since Tom Hiddleston considers Shakespeare one of the best playrights of all time, I came to appreciate him too.

Watching Hollow Crown was hard. I'm ashamed to admit it but my dictionary app on my I-pod was ready just in case I need to look up some words. And thank gawd for subtitles!

Watching Tom Hiddleston play such a character simply shows how good an actor he is! He deserved every award and recognition he gained playing this role. The way he transitioned from being Prince Hal to King Henry V was (with lack of better word for it) amazing!

One of my favorite scenes from this movie was the scene wherein he was imitating his Father, King Henry IV. I know Tom Hiddleston likes to imitate people and he nailed it! I laughed so hard watching that scene and clicked replay a few more times because it was so good!  And of course, the day he asked for Princess Kate's hand in marriage. Oh, Medieval courtship at it's finest!

I've downloaded all of Shakespeares stories and plan to read them all starting with Coriolanus since he will be playing that part January next year. If only I could watch it live... (sigh)

"Let us sit upon the ground / and tell sad stories of the death of kings"

I would like to thank Tom Hiddleston for opening my eyes to the world of Shakespeare!

Here's the trailer for Hollow Crown for your viewing pleasure.

My Immortal Love For Vampires

I never realized it until now that I've always had a thing for Vampires. I don't know if it's because they are mysterious, always brooding, dark or if it's the leather jacket that makes them so attractive. But looking back, I've always had a vampire crush. Here's my list of vampire crushes throughout the years.

1994 - Lestat de Lioncourt (Tom Cruise) and Louis de Pointe du Lac (Brad Pitt) in Interview with the Vampire

I know they wear ruffles and killed a poodle in this movie but just look at them?! Who wouldn't have a crush on these blood sucking monsters? I did liked Brad Pitt more because he's the good guy in this film.

1997 - 2001 - Angel / Angelus (David Boreanaz) in Buffy the Vampire Slayer

My first brooding , leather wearing vampire crush WITH A SOUL! C'mon, even Edward Cullen didn't have a soul! He has a dark side but he's trying to make up for it because "The Powers That Be" gave him a soul as punishment. Plus talk about sexual frustrations with Buffy. He cannot make love to her because if he did, he'll reach true happiness and that will make him bad again most likely cause an Apocalypse! Take that Bella and Edward!

I kinda like Spike (James Marsters) too towards the end of Buffy so I'm going to add him to my list.

2002 - Lestat (Stuart Townsend) in Queen of the Damned

I remember watching this movie because of Aaliyah. This was a PG 18 movie and I was still in High School when I watched it. I don't remember much about this film anymore except that Lestat is hot and Aaliyah was wearing close to nothing. And blood,  lots of blood!

2003 - Selene (Kate Beckinsale) in Underworld

I know she's a girl but who wouldn't have a girl crush on Selene in this movie?! Look at that body in that leather jump suit! She's rockin' it! I wanna be her! Plus, talk about star crossed lovers with her Lycan boyfriend.

2008-2012 - Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) in The Twilight Saga

I know he is the most un-vampire of all vampires. He sparkles, doesn't have fangs, goes to high school...but he is rich and has a volvo and he's really really cute with all his brooding. I don't really see Twilight as a vampire film but Edward came into my life when I needed a dream guy and he was that! He will forever hold a special place in my heart.

2009 - Damon Salvatore (Iam Somerholder) in the Vampire Diaries

While waiting for the next Twilight movie to come out (New Moon) in 2009, I spent my days watching the first season of Vampire Diaries. Although, I never really like the story line, the only thing that kept my eyes locked on the screen is the very handsome, blue eyed, kinda cocky Damon Salvatore.

2013 - Adam (Tom Hiddleston) in Only Lover Left Alive

Because Hiddles. 'nuff said! hahaha! I have yet to see this film but I'm pretty sure I'm gonna love it the same way I love everything Tom Hiddleston does!

There you have it folks! If you would like to share your vampire crush, you can post them in the comments below. I'd love to hear about it!

Want a good scare? The Conjuring might be film for you!

I am one of those people who loves a good scare! And it's been a really long time since I've seen a scary movie that made me jump from my seat. Most of the horror films are very similar to the Paranormal Normal Activity and it's starting to look very predictable.

From the director of Saw and Insidious comes this scary movie The Conjuring. It looks very promising based on the trailers. I'm really looking forward in watching this movie. In theaters July 19.

http://theconjuring.warnerbros.com/index.html

Movie Review: The Great Gatsby - 8 Stars

Watched The Great Gatsby with mommy dearest today. I don't know if I was just expecting so much but I was a little disappointed with the plot. I was expecting more twists and turns. It was a bit dragging at the beginning. I know it's their way of trying to build his character but it fell short towards the end. I wanted to know more about him. Or is it just me wanting more Leo?

The story is quite sad. It's very much like Romeo and Juliet but unlike that movie the girl didn't choose him. He lived a very sad life. When he was poor he had no one. And when he became rich, he still had no one. He basically lived his life with the vision that someday he will get to spend it all with Daisy. He already set his mind that it will happen. And when it didn't, well,  it's just heartbreaking. :(

For me, the movie shows that if you believe in something so much. If you want something so bad, you can achieve it. The major word here is "thing". Because no matter how rich you are, no matter how powerful you are, you can't repeat the past.

Another thing that I enjoyed about the movie aside from Leonardo DiCaprio's nervousness in meeting Daisy for the the first time is the feel of the movie. It's flamboyant, extravagant and GLITZY! The director Baz Luhrmann is famous for these type of films. He directed Romeo and Juliet and Moulin Rouge and The Great Gatsby has the same feel to it. I actually want to watch it again in 3D.

The fashion is also something that I expected to see. Their gowns, dresses and Tiffany jewelries to be specific are to die for! It makes me want to be a rich girl living in the 1920's. Let me just bring out my sequined dresses and pearls! haha!

There's no question Leonardo DiCaprio is one amazing actor! Carrie Mulligan has never looked better! She looked like she was brought back from the 1920's to play this movie. And I almost didn't recognize Isla Fisher!

I'm a big music fan and I enjoyed the soundtrack quite a bit. I particularly love the scene wherein they crossed the Brooklyn bridge and Jay-Z's H to the Izzo's song played. I also love how they made those modern song sound like 20's music. One of my favorite tracks from the soundtrack is Lana Del Ray's Young and Beautiful. You just know I'll be downloading the soundtrack!

I'm very much interested is reading the book now.

Movie Review: Les Miserables Experience

After 2 weeks I was finally able to watch this movie. Not without a little drama of course. To make the long story short, I was so excited to watch the movie and didn’t notice that we accidentally bought the wrong ticket. We didn’t found out until we were inside the theatre. The ticket lady must have heard me saying “Chinese” instead of “Le Mis” because she showed us the seats to Chinese Zodiac. I didn’t check the ticket until we were inside the theatre. The movie was already running for 30 mins. so we opted to just have our ticket refunded instead of transferring to another theatre. We just came back the following day and made sure we bought the right ticket this time. But ‘nuff of my story, here’s what I think of the film.

It was definitely worth watching in the theatre! I can’t believe I almost didn’t. At first I thought, damn! 3 hours will be so long. But no! I didn’t even notice the time. It was that entertaining! Huge Jackman’s transformation was incredible. I heard that he didn’t drink water during the shoot just so he could look that tired and lose all his water weight. Anne Hathaway’s performance was so moving. I cried every time she was on screen. Amanda Seyfried’s voice was like an angel. I didn’t know her voice was that high pitched. Helena Bonham Carter and Sacha Baron Cohen added a bit of fun to the very sad story line. And I think everybody knows that Russel Crowe isn’t the best singer. There are times that I think he should be singing the lines, but it sounds like he was just prolonging the syllables. But the role as Javert suits him. Eddie Redmayne is such a pretty face who knew he could sing so well. I’m sure a lot of opportunities came knocking on his door as soon as the film came out. Let's not forget Daniel Huttlestone, the little boy who died in the revolution is just the cutest little thing even with all that teeth cavity. I loved the way he sings because I can hear his British accent. His character was so brave for a tiny man.

I also didn’t expect that I would like the songs so much. I mean, the songs in musicals seem to fit well in the scene but not on it’s own. But the songs in Les Miserables is catchy that you can just download it to your i-pod and listen to it over and over again and it wouldn’t sound off. I will probably do that and sing my heart out in the shower!

In my opinion, the film adaptation was done incredibly well. It was nice to see these musicals shown to the big screen because not everyone can afford to watch musicals these days. I was very intrigued to watch the first film adaptation since they are selling it on DVD.

The movie is so moving. The life and struggles of each character is full of love and hate all at the same time. Sticking to the original musical them instead of making it as an ordinary movie was indeed the right way to go. I don’t think it would have that huge impact if the lines were just said. Singing it makes it even better because it shows more emotion thus makes it more dramatic.