Film Review: 'The Railway Man'

So, I've decided that I'm going to start posting about films and books after I read them. I use the word 'review' with hesitation because I doubt I'll stick to a formal review layout, but I'd like to comment on the books and films I read/watch from now on :)

I'm starting off with the new film-version of  'The Railway Man', directed by Jonathan Teplitzky, which I saw at my local Town Hall cinema last night.

To briefly summarise without spoiling it for anyone who hasn't yet seen it, 'The Railway Man' is the story of a train-fanatic and soldier named Eric Lomax, who was a victim of extreme abuse and torture from the Japanese who captured him during World War 2 and forced him and thousands of others to work on the Burma railway. Years later he is married, but can not be truly happy because of the emotional torment and nightmares that his horrific past left him with. Lomax discovers that his captor is still alive and is left with a crucial decision: revenge or forgiveness?

I found the film to be incredibly moving but hard-hitting and difficult to watch at times, so I don't recommend watching it if you are wanting a light-hearted or funny film.

Colin Firth portrayed the older Eric Lomax extremely well, while Nicole Kidman also performed exceptionally as his wife, Patti. But, for me, the best performance was from Jeremy Irvine, who played Lomax throughout his war days. I didn't realise until later that Irvine also starred in the film 'War Horse' (2011) and I think he gives a believable and emotional quality to both roles.

Eric Lomax (1919-2012)

I was also very impressed by the similarity between Firth and Irvine. They not only have resemblances in appearance, but also convinced me that they were the same person through their facial expressions, body language and performance. This definitely helped in bringing the tragic story to life and allowing viewers to connect with the film, unlike many films where difficulty to believe that two actors could possibly be portraying the same character distracts you from enjoying the film.

Both Irvine and Firth also look a little like the actual man Eric Lomax, upon who's autobiography the film is based. Lomax wrote his real life story 'The Railway Man', which was published in 1995, before passing away in 2012.

My only criticism of the film would be that the beginning was not particularly clear. I have not yet read the book, and so I don't know exactly how the events happened. However, it took me while to get into the film an decide that I was enjoying it because the beginning  was quite hurried and difficult to follow. For example, we do not know the names of either Eric or Patti until a good way through the film and the two seem to be married very suddenly! In addition, I found that there wasn't a particularly clear link between actors who were supposed to be playing the younger an older versions of the same character (with the exception of Irvine and Firth) and this was a bit confusing too.

Overall, I really enjoyed the film. Young as I am, I knew almost nothing of the experiences of soldiers on the Burma railways and so the film was not only fantastic in an almost fictional sense, but also fascinating in its historical value and truth.

Things turn out best for those who make the best of how things turn out....

Hi there! I have been wanting to write a blog post all week but I've had some trouble getting started! So I apologize if  this becomes a ramble but  just feel like getting some words down while I'm in a good mood!

I've finally received all my exam results and I am stunned to say that I was successful in achieving 5 As! I just wish that they had been the real thing now haha!

People often say to me: "You're really smart!!" or "You'll obviously get good grades." or something else to that effect. I'm not telling you this to be big-headed in any way at all, and of course I try my best to take these remarks as compliments, smile and thank the person. But there's something about such comments which annoy me a bit.

Just because someone's strengths lie in academic areas of life doesn't mean that that person has no need to try, is guaranteed good grades, or finds preparation to be easy. To label someone as simply "smart" has become  a suggestion that the person need hardly work for the success they consistently achieve.

Now I will happily admit to my weaknesses. For example, I'm not that great at sport, I can be quite bossy, I talk too much and I have a habit of being impatient. I will also happily say that I am aware that I am incredibly lucky to find MOST (not ALL) areas of academic life to be manageable and that I'm quite good at music.

And so, it is neither through arrogance nor false-modesty that I say this: I work bloody hard to achieve what I do.

I'm not the 'perfect student'. I spend most of my "study" time procrastinating,  I often get bored in class and give up trying, I frequently leave homework to the last minute. But, despite all that, I work really hard because working hard is something I think I actually kind of enjoy. That sounds bizarre, I know, but I like feeling prepared, I like feeling knowledgeable and I like doing well.

When I don't do well, it disappoints me and I strive to improve. I'm lucky I suppose, to have that embedded in my character; a sort of inbuilt motivation and perfectionist personality.

But in the end, I've still had to put the work in and I don't believe that people claiming that they're just not "smart" enough is  excuse for not making an attempt. Naturally, some people will find academia easier than others. Naturally, I'm not suggesting that every single person is capable of the same grades. But the same goes for every aspect of life. I will never find success in football or rugby or hockey, in singing or gymnastics or art. But I'd like to think that, if the situation arose, I'd give any one of those things a good go.

And so, if anyone is actually reading this, I propose a challenge. Set yourself goal, any goal, and go for it. Or, simply decide to challenge yourself whenever possible. I know that those are two things I would like to do more of. As ever, I'd love to hear your thoughts on hard work and success, and please share your goals and challenges too :)

Now I better go and write my French essay which I've been putting off doing all day!

Catriona xx

The YouTube Craze

I love to write, and technology means that I can blog as opposed to diary keep. I have often used YouTube to watch music videos or videos that have been recommended to me by friends. But I'd never bothered 'subscribing' to channels or uploading my own videos.

In August last year, my friend showed me a YouTube video of Tom Fletcher from Mcfly singing his wedding speech. It was a lovely, cheesy, heart-warming, tear provoking speech made up of a medley of Mcfly classics with the words changed. If you haven't yet watched it, you really should click here asap (i.e. after you've finished reading my blog haha) and give it a watch! Especially if you're already a Mcfly fan (woo big cheer for all of us going to the McBusted tour 2014!!). After that I was intrigued by Tom's channel and watched a couple more videos.

Also last year, I heard for the first time about the young girl who starred on Britain's Got Talent when she was just a wee toot and has a sensational voice. Her name's Connie Talbot and her covers make me smile. I often listen to them when I'm down or during exam periods. I'll include a link below.

Anyway, at the begging of this year, I sort of 'rediscovered' my YouTube account and I'm now hooked on the videos of Tom Fletcher and particularly of his sister Carrie. Carrie is a west end actress and she's such a down to earth lovely person. If you fancy watching some of her videos, follow the link below, her YouTube name is ItsWayPastMyBedTime.

I have a lot of friends who are really in to following YouTubers, really famous YouTubers I mean. I haven't got into that yet at all, but maybe I will.

'Vlogging' is quite like blogging I reckon, but I feel that it possibly requires an even greater level of skill and confidence. I can't imagine me ever feeling like I could talk to a camera, knowing that there's potential for a lot of people to see it. I'd feel awkward, and I lack humour in the way I talk sometimes! But I guess its not too different to blogging.

I suppose the key is not to care what people think, just like how I keep writing her even though my views are minimal and my comments consistently 0. Its about getting practice at something you enjoy. Overall, I think YouTube is a wonderful hub where people can share their talents, experiences, most random moment of their lives...etc. etc....  My only issue now is not to get too addicted....

If you have anything you'd like to say about YouTube and Vlogging please get in touch, I'm always up for a chat! Alternatively, I'd love to change by running total of 0 comments so go ahead and let me know what you're thinking!

That's all for now... I'm off to watch some more YouTube!!

Catriona xx



Tom Fletcher(Mcfly) on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLsgDgYTlIDN3cCLSMpooNQ

Carrie Fletcher on YouTube:
 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbhNxkjmpQcTJDrabiyzHUw

Connie Talbot on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrIgjZHLv9la2iR357RuYuA

Smile and the world will smile with you...

Well hello again. Now that my prelims are finally over I thought it was a good time for a new blog post.

I'm so relieved that exams are over, even though I know that they were just a practice and I'll have to do it all again in couple of months!!

Right now I'm in a particularly happy mood... which is just as well since I promised a more up beat blog this time! Results from my prelims are my one worry. I was over the moon to find out today that I managed to get an A in French, but I have no idea how the others went....!

But, other than that, life's going pretty well! This weekend was great, but really busy! It was so good not to be stressing over revision for a change. On Friday, I went to the cinema with my girls to see 'That Awkward Moment' starring Zac Effron.. I'll admit, the storyline was limited but the drooling was very much not! Haha! Then we had a lovely lunch at Frankie & Benny's which I hadn't been to in years and was very much impressed by.. Hard to beat a good BBQ Chicken Wrap and Fries!

Then, on Saturday, I went to work. For the past year and a half, I have worked as a cleaner in a B&B, the owners of which now also own and run a coffee house. I've washed dishes in the kitchen a few times but Saturday was my first shot at waitressing which was very fun though my feet were a little sore after a 9-5 shift!!

And, finally, on Sunday, I attended my first AYO (Orchestra) rehearsal which went surprisingly well considering that exam revision meant I'd hardly practiced!

I've also got a lot of great things coming up, such as a long weekend off school this weekend and hopefully a few driving lessons soon too!

So yeah, there's a big smile on my face at the moment. "We all smile in the same language".  A message to that effect was on a poster in my primary school and I've never forgotten it. Because its true, if a little cheesy. There are few barriers which a smile cannot break.

I was very happy to hear that Scotland finally passed the bill legalising same-sex marriage last week. It reminded me that life isn't easy for every group, and sometimes it takes a fight to be given rights but it's usually worth it. I suppose this train of thought all began a couple of weeks ago when I went to see the film 'Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom' with my family, a very hard-hitting and thought-provoking film dealing with just one fight fought in the world in pursuit of equal rights.

My point is, in appreciating what we have and smiling about it, in our kindness towards those around us, in our friendly attitude and our hatred of discrimination, we can make a difference. A smile resembles one person's positive attitude. And though no single smile will change the world, smiling really is infectious.

I'll leave you with that thought, once again I seem to have managed to turn my excitable mood into quite an intense blog! But at least this time it is a positive one! When you're feeling low. please remember than smiling's the very best medicine. I see it every week when I go to help at the local Brownies and I watch 30 little girls grinning at the tiniest thing.  As always, I'd love to hear from you, comment below or contact me using the details I've listed here. Remember you can now also follow my blog via Bloglovin'  and Google+




Until next time,

Catriona xx                    

Keep Calm and Study On....

So, I am now officially on Study leave for my prelims (mocks) :(

I have been meaning to post for the last fortnight but, between one thing or another, I have been very busy!

I turned 17 last week which was pretty cool. I got a new violin case and lots of other great presents!

The main purpose of today's post is about exams and study, since I've had to break away from that in order to write this!

We all, at some point in our lives, experience that sudden panicky feeling, when we're sitting in the exam hall and we can't seem to remember a thing we learnt all year, or we look up at the clock and realize that, while our every day classes have a tendency to drag on, the time designated for each exam paper zooms by!

This year I've taken English, Maths, History, Modern Studies and French, 4 out of 5 of which are essay based! So lots of writing for me!

I know this year, being the first year that the Scottish Curriculum For Excellence Exams are being put into practice, is particularly stressful for first-time exam candidates and teachers alike. For me, my Highers are the make-or-break of University. Where I can go, what I can study, what I can study next year...

I think the pressures are different, depending on who you are. Deep down (or not so deep down!), we all want to do well, but motivation, distractions (including blogging!) and ability can make success seem far away. Then there's expectation. A lot of focus is put on predicted grades, on  matching or bettering you're previous years results. While it is arguable that this target setting causes you to work harder, It can also be seen as unnecessary enforcing of exam pressures.

Then - and this is something I do sympathise with- is the fact that  many of our exams involve the memorisation of thousands of facts, statistics, formulas, quotations, passages. Personally, my memory isn't too bad. But are our exams becoming to much like memory games? Are they coming away from the principle of ensuring that we, as students, can understand formulas, facts and texts and put them into practice or analyse them?? Perhaps the new exam system improves this situation, I don't know.

Anyway, the exams must be sat, no matter how much we ponder or complain over them. And STUDYING HARD is, unfortunately,  the key to those vital passes. Therefore, here's my attempt at a short and sweet study guide:

1) Motivation

I can only speak for myself, but finding the motivation to study for hours on end isn't always easy. So create a plan, even if its just in you're head, and do your best to stick to it. Take regular breaks (preferably not Facebook breaks because if you're anything like me you'll never get back to the book!) and try and find a quiet and comfortable place to work,  'cause noise is no good! Remember that preparation is really important.. we're all guilty of leaving homework to the last minute!

2) Note-take

I find mind maps really useful! Re-reading notes, and study guides if possible, and making notes that you yourself will understand and which just include only what you really need to know (somehow we seem to collect a whole heap of useless info over the year!). This step also really helps if you have a lot of statistics to learn.

3) Practice

"Practice makes Perfect".. well maybe not perfect but pretty damn close. Seriously, past papers are essential and one a day isn't that bad!

4) Ask

Asking teachers when you don't understand something isn't weak, and it really helps, trust me! Anyone reading this who knows me knows I have an annoying tendency to ask A LOT of questions... But sometimes its ok to forget about what others think for the sake of your own study. Most teachers are available in school if you're off on study leave. Also, studying with friends can really help, as you can help each other.. but only with friends you know you'll actually get stuff done with!

5)  Stay Calm


The worst thing to do is panic.. if you're finding study tough and overwhelming, refer back to the previous steps! Make sure you have all equipment and some water on the big day and get a good sleep! Keep Smiling! Its my friends birthday today and I bought her this...

So, I know its been a bit of a boring and lecture-y blog today, but writers tend to write about their experiences I guess.. Haha. As always, comments much appreciated and let me know if you have any ideas for the next blog.. I'll try and make it a bit more up-beat! For now, I'll leave you with a wee pic I found which is pretty deep and puts the matter of school exams into perspective a bit! :

Catriona xxx

Best bits of 2013!

When the bells struck 12 on New Years Eve, I was sat around the television with my parents, my younger sister and my Gran. In the days and weeks that have passed since, countless people have mentioned to me (or within my hearing) something to do with New Years resolutions. Making resolutions wasn't something I had consciously considered. Nor something that, ordinarily, I would consider appropriate to share. But over the past few days I've realised that there are 3 sort-of-resolutions that are important to me in 2014:

• Make more effort to get on well with my loved ones
• Keep my lifestyle as healthy as possible (i.e. more exercise and less unhealthy food!)
• Write more

It's the third resolution that reminded me of the fact that I can blog here, it costs me nothing, and whether it is read or not it is writing practice.

I've spent the last few weeks of 2013/ 2014 so far in utter amazement about how quickly 2013 passed. I don't know if was the stress of exams what, but it felt as though the year flew by. For that reason (though its well into 2014 now!) I am going to steal (borrow?!) an idea for this first proper post from my lovely penpal (and good friend!) Holly, who already has a brilliant blog so please have a read of it http://hollymaae.blogspot.co.uk/  

 

2013... the best bits!

Here are some of my 2013 highlights (in no specific order) .. my way of telling you a bit about me!

TURNING 16

2013 was the year of turning 16 in my friendship group and it was my turn on January 15th! I didn't have a big party, but I did  have some friends over and we had a great pizza&movie night (picture on the right). I also got some wonderful presents. The picture below of me and my friends at my friend Niamh's 16th birthday BBQ in July, another really special night with my friends.

 PARIS

For my 16th birthday, my parents bought me a trip to Paris with my mum. This is NOT my usual kind of birthday present!! But my mum saw it as a kind of tradition, as she went abroad with her sister when she was 16. We had the most amazing weekend. Paris is just the most beautiful city ever and I really really hope to return one day....

 CONCERTS

I was lucky enough to see both The Script and Jessie J live in concert this year!!!! The Script are favourite band and so it was an unbelievable night, probably one of the best nights of my life so far! And Jessie J was phenomenal and put on an amazing show! I also went to 'Tartan Gig' in Glasgow with Rangers and saw Amy Macdonald (Love her!), Gabrielle Aplin, Little Mix, Connor Maynard and many more. Here is a photo of one of my best friends, Rachael, and I before Tartan Gig 2013.

GOING 'HOME'

In the Easter holidays, I was lucky enough to get pay a visit to Wigan in Greater Manchester, where I lived for 6 years. I've moved around a wee bit and, though I consider myself Scottish through-and-through, Wigan was my childhood home and I often miss it. It was really cool as I got to meet up with two of my best Primary school friends too, Caitlin and Ella.

WORK EXPRIENCE

When my exams were all over in June, I spent 4 days on a work experience placement and 'The Press & Journal' Newspaper in Aberdeen. It was a dream come true (sorry to be so cliché!). I literally had a wonderful time: I got to write lots, have my features published, sit in on and carry out interviews and attend press calls! It made me realise that my goal of becoming a Journalist really is the career path I want to follow, and I hope I can find myself similar experiences this year!

 

MUSIC

I spent a good part of 2013 advancing with violin piano. I'm continuing to enjoy extra-curricular music groups, though I no longer take music as a school subject. I was over the moon to find out that I was successful in my audition for Aberdeenshire Youth orchestra, and look forward to rehearsing with them next month. I have been particularly enjoying traditional music throughout 2013, having participated in Aberdeen International Youth Festival's Ceol Mor trad band in August, and joining the North East Folk Collective, with whom I've had the opportunity to play numerous gigs including at the BBC Alba Trad Awards in December.... We ended up on TV on Boxing day and I even got a couple of close-ups! Haha!

NEFC @ the BBC Alba Trad Awards


 

EXAMS

This might seem a queer thing to put in my 2013 highlights! But 2013 was the year of my first official exams and, though the revision and sitting the actual exams were far from fun, receiving my results in August out a smile on my face. With 8 grade 1s (top grade) in Maths, English, Physics, Music, French, German, History and Modern Studies, its an understatement to say I was chuffed. Pressure on for my Highers this year....

FAMILY TIMES



My parents and sister on a walk in Ireland
 

My mum's family is Irish, and so is extremely large! I love going to Ireland and also spending time with relatives.. in summer 2013, my family and I spent a lovely holiday in Donegal, Ireland. In October, we celebrated my the 80th birthdays of both my Grandma and Grandad by going away with them, my dad's brothers and their families, for a weekend which was really nice. Then, in November, my mum's cousin got married in Glasgow, which was a lovely day and a great opportunity to see family.

My family and I before my cousin's wedding!


 

DAD'S 50TH

In December, my dad turned 50! We went out for a meal at Jamie's Italian Restaurant to celebrate. We also went to London in the October holidays, in the hope that my dad would see his football team (Arsenal!) at their home stadium. unfortunately, it didn't work out, but we did get to go on tours of the Harry Potter Studios and Wimbledon!!

My sister, Aoife, and I at our dad's birthday meal.

The family at the Harry Potter Studio Tour, London


 

All in all, it's been an amazing year, even if it went by way too fast!! I feel so lucky to have had so many great opportunities during 2013 and I hope 2014 brings many more.


I also hope anyone reading this now knows a bit more about me! xx





3rd time lucky...

So, this is my third attempt at blog writing. But I intend to keep trying until I get into the habit of posting regularly. I don't keep a diary and  I hardly have the time these days to write fiction. Most of my writing time is spent writing essays or notes for school. It's still writing, but it doesn't always allow me to write about what I want. I claim to want to pursue a career in writing, and I intend on starting by practicing.


I haven't thought of a particular theme for my blog. I will try to, as this would probably help me to have the inspiration I need for regular posts. But for now I will pick different things to post about each time!

I have no idea if anyone will read this, but if not no harm's been done! Thank you if you are reading. As I continue with my blogging, please feel free to comment on the things I write, or suggest blog ideas.

Here's to a happy, successful & creative 2014.

Catriona xxx