William Connor Magee

The person who makes no mistakes does not usually make anything.（失敗をしない者は、たいてい何も生み出さない。）----William Connor Magee

Christmas Party AEON Shibuya School クリスマスパーティ＠イーオン渋谷校

AEON Shibuya school had Christmas party at Odaidoko Hanare today.　We enjoyed their wonderful food, drink, and chit-chat. We also exchanged presents, and I got this gorgeous one. Thank you so much. (Who got my present?) Wishing you a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year!
本日、イーオン渋谷校のクリスマスパーティがおだいどこ はなれにて楽しく開催されました。プレゼント交換では、こんなゴージャスなものをいただきました。ありがとうございます。（私のプレゼントは誰の手に?）皆さま、どうぞステキなクリスマスとよいお年をお迎えくださいませ。

The Lives of Others 善き人のためのソナタ

I can hardly remember such an intelligent and moving German movie especially not including the whole topic of GDR history and the dealing with it, and I guess this is the first German movie which shows this system as it used to be. "The Lives of Others," set in East Germany not long before the fall of the Berlin Wall, tells the moving story of a police investigator forced to confront himself and his job. In a society poisoned by secrecy, fear and the abuse of power, a number of the movie's characters including artists, actors, writers, and so on, had to look deep inside and decide what they are made of. This film takes the audience to an authentic place and time, and its tale is very satisfying. Ulrich Muhe（ウルリッヒ・ミューエ）, who plays the investigator, is amazing, and the young director, Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck （フロリアン・ヘンケル・フォン・ドナースマルク）, is to be applauded for this work.

For For farther information, please visit the website.
http://www.allcinema.net/prog/show_c.php?num_c=326052

Christmas Jazz Concert

We went to Christmas Jazz Concert held at Setagaya Chuo Church today. For farther information, please click the image. We enjoyed their wonderful jazz music for free, and also got a present, which was the Bible written in both English and Japanese. Thank you so much. Even if I am guilty, I feel that I will be saved as long as I have this. I really appreciate this wonderful opportunity.
本日、世田谷中央教会にて行われたクリスマスジャズコンサートへ行ってきました。詳細は画像をクリックくださいませ。すてきなジャズを無料で堪能し、おまけにプレゼントまでゲット。中身は英語と日本語の聖書でした。ありがとうございます。これを手にしていれば、私が罪深かったとしても救われそう。ステキな機会に感謝いたします。

Becoming Jane ジェイン・オースティン 秘められた恋

Marrying for love used to be much more difficult back then as you can see lots characters in the film constantly tell Jane Austen that as a woman, she cannot hope to be the equal of a man, nor can she expect a happy life without a husband. This must have been a true fact, and every time I have to accept it, I feel so sad. Anne Hathaway（アン・ハサウェイ） did a great job. Though various characters in this movie kept telling Jane that she cannot write about anything which she hasn't experienced, but she did write a lot more things than her own experience thanks to her wonderful imagination and creativity.

For farther information, please visit the website.
http://www.allcinema.net/prog/show_c.php?num_c=327590

Alexander Graham Bell

When one door closes, another opens. But we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.（一つのドアが閉まると別のドアが開く。しかし私たちは閉まってしまったドアをずっと後悔して見つめているので私たちのために新しいドアがすでに開いていることに気づかない）----Alexander Graham Bell

The Proposal あなたは私のムコになる

This film didn't win any Oscars or won't become your favorite movie of all time, but it does exactly what it is supposed to do. It is to entertain you. "The Proposal" is the story of a tough editor Margaret Tate (Bullock/サンドラ・ブロック) who forces her assistant Andrew Tate (Ryan Reynolds/ライアン・レイノルズ) to marry her so she can stay in the U.S. What happens next will not surprise the audience but they will get lots of laughs along the way. Reynolds and Bullocks are very funny and Betty White（ベティ・ホワイト） almost steals the show. The beautiful Alaskan setting doesn't hurt things either. Overall this is not a unique movie or even a unique role for Bullock but it is very entertaining.

For farther information, please visit the website.
http://www.allcinema.net/prog/show_c.php?num_c=334091

This is it マイケル・ジャクソン This is it

In the weeks before his death, Michael Jackson was rehearsing a show, "This Is It," that was to open in July. I tried following its famous tagline “Discover The Man You Never Knew”, and succeeded in it, hopefully.

For For farther information, please visit the website.
http://www.allcinema.net/prog/show_c.php?num_c=334766

LE COEUR ET LE COURAGE, BEJART BALLET LAUSNNE ベジャール、そしてバレエは続く

The death of the brilliant Maurice Béjart（モーリス・ベジャール） in 2007 is an irreparable loss for the art of dance, but above all, it means a cataclysm for his own company. Forty dancers from all five continents are now orphans and they'll have to work hard for the survival of the company. The film expresses the agony and beauty of Gil Roman（ジル・ロマン）, who became a successor to the head of the company, and the rest of the members.

For farther information, please visit the website.
http://www.allcinema.net/prog/show_c.php?num_c=335118

Screening @Row Cafe in Sakura-Shinmachi ローカフェ＠桜新町 10月31日（日）上映会

I went to a Café-Cine screening at Raw Café in Sarkura-Shinmachi today, which I've been getting a regular, and enjoyed their wonderful lunch and heart-warming films with free Gin and Tonic, and Cointreau thanks to the master and spent a bit gorgeous time there. Let me appreciate their kindness. Thank you so much. And, I met such an adorable kitty, Chikuwa-chan. My husband uploaded its video on Youtube, so please enjoy it clicking the Youtube image. For farther information, please visit the website. They screened Albatros' "CASSANDRA'S DREAM ", "GREYFRIARS BOBBY ", "VOCES INOCENTES " and "MODIGLIANI ".
http://www.albatros-film.com/event/cafecine/index02.html
本日も、常連になりつつある、桜新町のRaw Cafe映画上映会にお邪魔いたしました。とても美味しいランチと心温まる映画でプチ贅沢ざんまい。なんと、ジントニックとコアントローをサービスでごちそうになりました。ありがとうございます。そして、かわいらしい子猫のちくわちゃんともご対面。主人が動画をYoutubeにUPいたしましたので、Youtube画像をクリックしてお楽しみください。こんなかわいい子猫ちゃんがお店で出迎えてくれたら、足繁く通ってしまいそう。危険だ…。上映作品の詳細はサイトをご覧ください。作品はアルバトロスの「ウディ・アレンの夢と犯罪」、「ユアン少年と小さな英雄」、「イノセントボイス12歳の戦場」、「モディリアーニ・真実の愛」です。
http://www.albatros-film.com/event/cafecine/index02.html

Benjamin Franklin

He that cannot obey cannot command.（服従できない者は支配できない。）----Benjamin Franklin

Seven Pounds 7つの贈り物

The majority of the movie is mysterious, slightly confusing and will make you keep guessing a lot. It's almost hard to believe so many loose ends could be tied up as it nears its ending, but it does, and it does so beautifully. Everything culminates in this magnificent ending. I found both the acting, the music, the directing and the story were beautiful. A story of giving...sacrifice with purpose. Will Smith（ウィル・スミス）'s performance was astounding. The audience will feel his pain and be moved by what his character is doing. This movie will not be for everyone. It moves slowly and may be confusing until you figure it out. Then the reality of his purpose will crush you emotionally and at the same time it is so beautiful. I hope you understand this sweet pain.

For farther information, please visit the website.
http://www.allcinema.net/prog/show_c.php?num_c=332665

Screening @Slow Cafe in Yokohama-Motomachi スローカフェ＠横浜元町 10月19日（火）-22日（金）上映会

They are holding a screening on October 19th-22nd at Slow Cafe in Yokohama Motomachi. If you would like to enjoy some delicious food and heart-warming films, you should come. For farther information, please visit the website. They are screening Albatros' "Then She Found Me", "Cassandra's Dream ", "The Lives of Others" and "Komaneko".
http://www.albatros-film.com/event/slow/index02.html
横浜元町のSlow Cafeにて、10月19日（火）～22日（金）、美味しい料理と心温まる映画でプチ贅沢を楽しめる上映会が開催される模様です。詳細はサイトをご覧ください。作品はアルバトロスの「いとしい人」、「ウディ・アレンの夢と犯罪」、「善き人のためのソナタ」、「こま撮りえいがこまねこ」です。
http://www.albatros-film.com/event/slow/index02.html

Vicky Cristina Barcelona それでも恋するバルセロナ

Such a brilliant and thought provoking story in the way only Woody Allen（ウディ・アレン）could do. Both the acting and writing were great. I felt Woody is expressing through his characters his urge to be free of all psychological and emotional restrictions. The complex romantic relationships among its four primary characters are what the movie's mostly about and I won't spoil it by going into them. Just Penélope Cruz（ペネロペ・クルス）was vibrate and funny.

For farther information, please visit the website.
http://www.allcinema.net/prog/show_c.php?num_c=331826

The Reader 愛を読むひと

This film carries lots of emotions from sensuality to anger. It is able to build sympathy for a character you would never think you could feel towards. The acting in the movie was phenomenal. Especially Kate Winslet（ケイト・ウィンスレット）, who draws out a lot of emotions from whoever is watching. She plays an ex-Nazi guard who has an affair with a 16-year-old boy played very well by David Kross（デヴィッド・クロス）. We can do nothing more than feel empathy and compassion towards the shame and humiliation she feels about her one well kept secret. In the course of her affair, she ask for one thing -- to be read to. We see the humanity within her from this. Ralph Fiennes（レイフ・ファインズ）also gave quite a nice performance as an older Michael Berg who looks back on his life and then later finds a way to open himself via self reflection and sudden realizations towards life.

For farther information, please visit the website.
http://www.allcinema.net/prog/show_c.php?num_c=332362

Two Weeks Notice トゥー・ウィークス・ノーティス

One thing I really like about this movie is the chemistry between Hugh Grant（ヒュー・グラント）and Sandra Bullock（サンドラ・ブロック）. If you enjoy adult humor and can appreciate the nuances, you will find this quite enjoyable. The plot of the movie is easy to follow, and there are no boring scenes due to the wit of both Sandra Bullock and Hugh Grant combined. It is a great movie to watch when you want to take a break from life. The movie will keep you laughing, while still being very heart warming.

For farther information, please visit the website.
http://www.allcinema.net/prog/show_c.php?num_c=241026

Nebuta Festival ねぶた祭り

They are holding Nebuta Festival on Sazae-san Street in Sakura-Shinmachi (4 stations from Shibuya) tomorrow (September 11th). For farther information, please click the URL. If you see us there on the very day of the festival, please say hello to us.
http://www.sakurashinmachi.net/asp/news_dtl.asp?nt=7&nk=151&ctg=0
明日、9月11日、桜新町（渋谷から4駅）のサザエさん通りにてねぶた祭りが開催されます。詳細情報はURLをクリックください。当日私たちをお見かけになりましたらお気軽にお声をおかけくださいませ。http://www.sakurashinmachi.net/asp/news_dtl.asp?nt=7&nk=151&ctg=0

Australia オーストラリア

We can see that the heart and soul of Australia lies within the mythology and customs of Australia's indigenous people and their tumultuous relationship with European settlers with this film. The film is made flesh in the form of young Nullah, a mixed race Aboriginal boy. He is played by Brandon Walters（ブランドン・ウォルターズ）, who is impressive in his debut performance. With Nullah playing narrator, the audience is introduced to Lady Sarah Ashley, played by Nicole Kidman（ニコール・キッドマン）, an English aristocrat who inherits her husband's cattle station which is located in Darwin. She tries to herd 1500 head of cattle in order to fulfill a contract with the Australian Army with The Drover, played by Hugh Jackman（ヒュー・ジャックマン）. Both Kidman and Jackman provide noteworthy performances and believable on screen chemistry with the help of Australia.

For farther information, please visit the website.
http://www.allcinema.net/prog/show_c.php?num_c=331364

Benjamin Button ベンジャミン・バトン 数奇な人生

It's certainly a unique story and nicely filmed, acted and directed. Brad Pitt（ブラッド・ピット）as Benjamin Button is pretty fascinating. He grows up from a wrinkled, old man-baby to a mid-40s guy, and then he re-unites with childhood friend, Daisy, played by Cate Blanchett（ケイト・ブランシェット）, and becomes her lover. And in the end, he begins to finally become younger than an adult. There's also sadness to this story as one of its central theme seems to be death. However, it's not a depressing film. It reminds us that the longer we live, the more death of friends and loved ones we witness. That's just a fact of life. This movie makes us appreciate our loved ones we have, and not to take any of them for granted as lives pass us by so fast. No matter which directions we're headed.

For farther information, please visit the website.
http://www.allcinema.net/prog/show_c.php?num_c=330912

Manma Mia マンマ・ミーア！

"Mamma Mia" is a fun musical you can enjoy easily. If you want to have a good laugh, if you love ABBA, want to see Meryl Streep（メリル・ストリープ）, who gives us an emotional performance of "The Winner Takes It All", or if you simply have a secret crush on Colin Firth（コリン・ファース）or Pierce Brosnan（ピアース・ブロスナン）, whose singing was far from being fabulous, though, you will love this movie.

For farther information, please visit the website.
http://www.allcinema.net/prog/show_c.php?num_c=331238

Revolutionary Road レボリューショナリー・ロード／燃え尽きるまで

"Revolutionary Road" is one of the best novels of the decade. The Highly respected actress Kate Winslet（ケイト・ウィンスレット）did a phenomenal job of playing April Wheeler. She looks just like the character and portrayed her so well. April Wheeler is a housewife and mother who seems to want more than that. She's angry, depressed and really cold at times. Leonardo Di Caprio（ レオナルド・ディカプリオ）plated Frank Wheeler who works in the city, is unhappy with his uninteresting job and bored with his life. He's just one of those guys who work because they have to. They struggle dealing with their lives, how things have turned out, and what to do next. All the characters in this film have problems and issues just like everyone else. Sometimes they might seem selfish, cold, or confusing. Everything seems great on the outside, but behind closed doors, it's a different story. We all have things that don't go as we want, but it's up to us to make the best from them and move on.

For farther information, please visit the website.
http://www.allcinema.net/prog/show_c.php?num_c=332137

Frogs and Toads かえるくんとマックス

"Frogs and Toads" was released on DVD with my translation in Japan today. This film is definitely a masterpiece which won lots of awards in each country such as "Grand Prix" at Montevideo Children's Film Festival, "Golden Cairo" at Cairo International Film Festival for Children, and "Audience Award" at Kristiansand International Children's Film Festival. It depicts the beautiful friendship between a six-year old boy, Max, and his brother, Yanus, and a girl, Jessa. They enjoy the blue sky, green fields, woods, river-sides, wild plants and animals, and frogs and their eggs while looking for them. There is scenery we've forgotten. There is also beautiful nature we didn't know. It leaves a wonderful aftertaste not only for children but also for adults. I sincerely hope you will enjoy it.
翻訳いたしました「かえるくんとマックス」が本日DVDリリースされました。モンテビデオ国際子ども映画祭最優秀作品賞、カイロ国際子ども映画祭最優秀作品賞、クリスティアンサン国際子ども映画祭観客賞など、各国の映画祭で多くの賞を受賞。6歳のマックスと兄のヤヌス、少女イェッサの間に約束と友情の絆が芽生える小さな冒険の旅を描く映画。カエルの卵探しを通じて出会う青空、原っぱ、森、水辺。野生の植物、虫や動物、そしてカエルと卵。忘れていた風景がある。知らなかった自然がある。子供だけでなく大人にも見てほしい世界。後味バツグンの秀作ですのでお楽しみいただければ幸甚です。

For For farther information, please visit the websites. 詳細はこちらをご覧ください。 http://www.allcinema.net/prog/show_c.php?num_c=336937

The Bucket List 最高の人生の見つけ方

"The Bucket List" teaches us how to make the best out of any situation, even a tragic illness like cancer. The film features two of the best and most experienced actors in Hollywood, Morgan Freeman（モーガン・フリーマン）and Jack Nicholson（ジャック・ニコルソン）, and the chemistry between the two is marvelous. It has a strong inspirational message for everyone whether you are young or old. We deserve to see masterpieces, and we also deserve to have chances to improve ourselves. This is a great movie to watch when you feel that life has been treating you unkind as it can completely warp your perspective, and help you cope and improve any situations.

For farther information, please visit the website.
http://www.allcinema.net/prog/show_c.php?num_c=329594

My Sister's Keeper 私の中のあなた

"My Sister's Keeper" shows the struggles and sacrifices that lots of families come across during battles involving all diseases. You can see the drama, fighting, and love that people face in battles. Usually, it isn't always happy or encouraging to go on fighting. I can tell Sofia Vassilieva（ソフィア・ヴァジリーヴァ）, who plays Kate, will go far in the film industry, and Cameron Diaz（キャメロン・ディアス）has discarded her comedy label. This movie will speak to everyone.

For farther information, please visit the website.
http://www.allcinema.net/prog/show_c.php?num_c=334300

Panic Room パニックルーム

This was a very suspenseful and exciting thriller from David Fincher（デヴィッド・フィンチャー）who is responsible for my favorite films such as "Seven（セブン）"and "Fight Club（ファイトクラブ）". This one has another very good performance by Jodie Foster（ジョディ・フォスター）and of course Dwight Yoakam（ドワイト・ヨーカム）with awesome performance as Raoul. The only problem I had with this film was its ending which was a bit weak but did not really spoil the film at all. I am glad my eyes were glued to the screen the entire time though all I heard before watching the movie was how awful this movie was. How the plot was totally unbelievable. How Jodie Foster's acting was horrible, which is totally untrue.

For farther information, please visit the website.
http://www.allcinema.net/prog/show_c.php?num_c=237049

What Happens in Vegas ベガスの恋に勝つルール

It is not an Oscar nominee film, but it is a very enjoyable, cute, and charming movie. I found it kind of predictable, but the actors are very good on their roles. Ashton Kutcher（アシュトン・カッチャー） was so funny, and Cameron Diaz（キャメロン・ディアス） makes it funnier. If you are not a total film snob or you are not expecting the greatest movie in the world, anyone can enjoy it.

For farther information, please visit the website.
http://www.allcinema.net/prog/show_c.php?num_c=330288

The International Library of Children Literature 国際子ども図書館イベント

I went to the International Library of Children Literature today to see a lecture presented by Ms. Nahoko Uehashi, the author, and Ms. Cathy Hirano, the translator, of "Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit", which got Batchelder Award for best translated book in 2009. Thank you so much for this greatest chance. For farther information, please visit the website.
http://www.kodomo.go.jp/event/event/event2010-02.html
本日、2009年にアメリカでバチェルダー賞（優れた外国の児童書の翻訳作品に与えられる賞）を受賞した『精霊の守り人』の作者、上橋菜穂子氏と、同書アメリカ版の翻訳者、平野キャシー氏の対談形式の無料講演会＠国際子ども図書館へ伺いました。すばらしい機会に感謝。詳細はサイトをご覧ください。
http://www.kodomo.go.jp/event/event/event2010-02.html

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind エターナルサンシャイン

This movie gives us what most people wish for, a chance to forget something that has hurt them in the past. It gives us not only the opportunity to see what it was like if painful memories were erased but also the opportunity to see that everything deserves a second chance. The way it ends leaves the audience to imagine how the characters' lives will end, and it leaves you to imagine your own endings. The acting was amazing throughout the movie. Jim Carrey（ジム・キャリー） and Kate Winslet（ケイト・ウィンスレット） pull off a great performance.

For farther information, please visit the website.
http://www.allcinema.net/prog/show_c.php?num_c=319767

Gran Torino グラン・トリノ

Clint Eastwood（クリント・イーストウッド）gave us another legend. There are similar qualities to his previous works, but I would say that both his directing and acting have reached a level of maturity though the years have not been very kind to his voice. Instead of being preachy, Clint lets his viewers make up their own minds. His characters don't have messages. They have lives, and make no excuses for who they are. We are allowed to make our own choices.

For farther information, please visit the website.
http://www.allcinema.net/prog/show_c.php?num_c=332286

Cherry Blossom Festival Sakura-Shinmachi さくら祭り＠世田谷区桜新町

Today, we went to Sakura Festival at Sakura-Shinmachi station. Ms. Kiyoko Suizenji's annual stage was a big success as usual.　We enjoyed some silk Yebisu (beer) and bone-in sausages. For farther information, please visit the website.
http://www.sakurashinmachi.net/asp/news_dtl.asp?nt=7&nk=142&ctg=0
本日、桜新町駅さくら祭りへ伺いました。恒例の水前寺清子さんのステージも大盛況。シルクエビスと骨付きウィンナーをいただきました。詳細はサイトをご覧くださいませ。
http://www.sakurashinmachi.net/asp/news_dtl.asp?nt=7&nk=142&ctg=0

The Holiday ホリディ

This movie is not only about heartbreak but also about finding yourself and appreciating the true things in life. Both Kate Winslet（ケイト・ウィンスレット）and Cameron Diaz（キャメロン・ディアス）did a wonderful job. Their characters come from two very different worlds yet they both seek the same thing. You are actually seeing two love stories instead of one. There is also a great subplot of the friendship between Kate Winslet and Eli Wallach（イーライ・ウォラック）'s character that will touch your heart. If you are looking for a light, entertaining movie, I would definitely recommend this film.

For farther information, please visit the website.
http://www.allcinema.net/prog/show_c.php?num_c=326504

Sex and the City セックス・アンド・ザ・シティ

These stories are delivered with honesty and rawness that you can't help feeling "I feel like that too" or "that happens to me too". We all know of someone who has experienced something similar to these story lines. It tells it like it is. Some might feel it's a little shallow, but we deserve a little "Sex and the City".

For farther information, please visit the website.
http://www.allcinema.net/prog/show_c.php?num_c=330134

The Devil Wears Prada プラダを着た悪魔

Meryl Streep（メリル・ストリープ）is absolutely amazing as Miranda Priestly. As Miranda, she never raised her voice above normal speaking level. I heard that she said she based this mannerism on Clint Eastwood, who as Dirty Harry talks very quietly but still intimidates. This made Miranda much more interesting and charming than the stereotypical screaming hysterical woman she could have become. Anne Hathaway（アン・ハサウェイ）was very appealing in her role. She made Andrea more likable and less snobbish, and she looked great in the fashionable clothes she wore through most of the movie.

For farther information, please visit the website.
http://www.allcinema.net/prog/show_c.php?num_c=325271

The Notebook きみに読む物語

This movie makes you feel as if you are one of the characters there watching it, which makes the impact of the story more real. Boy meets girl at a carnival, love from the other side of the tracks, a date by the water, etc. And the wonderful thing about this film is that it takes what seems like a story you have already heard and still moves you deeply. It really speaks about love in a way that most romantic movies miss by speaking in cliché or over shoot by adding in numerous complications to dramatize things. It fills a need that those other movies miss, the need for a straight, sweep you off your feet romance.

For farther information, please visit the website.
http://www.allcinema.net/prog/show_c.php?num_c=320424

Happy Birthday to Me!!

I hope all our birthday dreams and wishes come true. I got these beautiful flowers and a card from AEON Shibuya school staffs. Thank you so much.
AEON渋谷校のスタッフの皆さまからキレイなお花束とカードを頂戴しました。皆さま、ありがとうございますm(__)m。

Kramer VS. Kramer クレイマークレイマー

The film deals with a career man, Oscar-winner Dustin Hoffman（ダスティン・ホフマン）, who must rear his young son after his wife, Oscar-winner Meryl Streep（メリル・ストリープ）,who leaves them with no real explanation. What follows is a touching story about the man who finally learns what it means to be a father and a boy who learns who his father really is. The film becomes heart-rending later as Streep returns after a long absence and wants to take Hoffman to court for custody of their son, but Robert Benton（ロバート・ベントン）'s Oscar-winning direction and screenplay stays focused throughout and his plan works to near perfection.

For farther information, please visit the website.
http://www.allcinema.net/prog/show_c.php?num_c=6556