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Movies, Books, and Television Programs Movies we have enjoyed Gattica Samantha Wynter from Mexico finds this movie interesting because it examines the conseqences of genetic engineering of humans in the future. It shows the struggles of Victor, a man conceived naturally and with imperfections, to succeed in a world of genetically-designed, perfect humans. Central Station Stella Tupinamba from Brazil reviews this excellent Brazilian film which was recently nominated for Academy awards. This movie which features the talented actress, Fernanda Montenegro is, in Stella's words, "like a prize" for Brazilians. It's a very special film. Don't miss it! Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Masako Kanki from Japan was pleased to find the movie so faithful to the book, but a little disappointed in the lack of character development. Nonetheless, she found the movie fantastic and is eagerly looking forward to viewing more movies based on Harry Potter books. Life is Beautiful Akiko Tanaka from Japan feels this Italian movie is a very special one. She found the story very beautiful, but very sad. She tells us the basic story of this heartrending movie, which shows us we should never forget what happens during wars. The Exterminating Angel Véronique Schlumberger from France tells us just enough about this classic Luis Buñuel film to leave us in suspense. It's a 1962 movie, but it's psychological impact will keep you glued to the screen. This movie is not to be missed. My Left Foot Hasanuddin Rachman from Indonesia tells how this thoughtful movie made a deep impression on him. He believes anyone who sees this film will be touched to see the true-life struggle of Christy Brown who struggled to overcome crippling cerebral palsy and succeeded in becoming a brilliant painter, poet, and author. Movies about the invasion of privacy The Truman Show Bernard Bonnet from France gives us his impression of this disturbing fantasy which depicts the total invasion a man's private life—from the moment he is born up to the present. He is now thirty years old and becoming a little suspicious of what is going on around him. Enemy of the State Renate Pauperio from Brazil reports on this movie which describes how a man's life becomes a nightmare when he accidently receives a evidence exposing a serious political crime. Eavesdropping, surveillance cameras, even satellite tracking become part of his every moment. The Net Manabu Ozawa from Japan introduces us to the main character, Angela Bennett, a computer programmer who is totally addicted to the Internet. She spends hours and hours in front of the screen working, ordering pizza, reserving a flight seat, and chatting with online friends. Then comes the sinister aspect of identity theft. Commentary about Movies American and Japanese Movie Audiences Differ Ryoko from Japan Books That Have Inspired Us Daddy Long Legs by Jean Webster Yukiko Hattori from Japan remembers the surprise of finding a flooded classroom one day in junior high school, an event which provided her and her classmates a good deal of excitement. She explains how that event led to her discovery of the book Daddy Long Legs and how reading this book inspired her to appreciate the small things in life. Beauty Fades, Dumb is Forever by Judge Judy Sheidler Patricia Vilhena from Brazil read Beauty Fades, Dumb is Forever and enjoyed it because it presents lessons for happiness. She says we can learn a lot about work, family, and relationships from the author's experiences International Television Programs Colombian Soap Operas Maria Caridad from Colombia writes about the popularity of soap operas, or telenovelas, in Colombia. She describes the characters and summarizes the stories of two new kinds of soap operas and explains why people in her country love these kinds of television programs.   Korean Television Programs about Historical Events Ji-Tae Kim from Korea writes about the popularity of TV programs based on historical events. He feels that they provide good history lessons, but also points out that these programs are presented from different cultural viewpoints. Return to: Home Page TOPICS Online Magazine ©1997-2009 - topics.mag@gmail.com Sandy and Thomas Peters