The changes were mostly personal ones. At age 33, I took the ever beaming, eccentrically adorable Maggie Chan as bride and finally started my own family. The other change is the decision to leave my birthplace for the third time and move to another country.

The course of events have been long in brewing, yet abrupt in occurrence. I want to take a moment here to thank the friends and family members that have helped me cross through this rite of passage with tremendous support and kindness. I couldn’t have made it that easily without you all.

Romeo and Juliet (II, ii, 1-2)

On the Narita Express, Tokyo. 1st Oct 2004.

RIP…and I love you. That’s all I can think of saying.

21 Guns

Sometimes a song really gets to you not due to its quality but how its context hits you at the appropriate moments. This is the parting swan song that echoed in my head as I saw her ashes being put into place. What can I say? A tragic tune loaded with anger and unjust, just like her life and passing.

Jesus of Suburbia

It’s Green Day revisited year alright. It wasn’t till 09 when I rediscovered this tune and taken to its nihilism and rage. I don’t care if you don’t I don’t care if you don’t I don’t care if you don’t care.

UP

This was quite unexpected. Watching UP was like watching my entire life flashing before my eyes…though unlike Carl Fredricksen, I’m hanging on to the floating house like dear life. At least he had somewhere he could go. At least he doesn’t have long to live before he gets to see his Elly.

証人 Beast Stalker

Moving on to less sentimental choices.  I think Beast Stalker (a 08 film) is undoubtedly the best local film I saw in 09. With the local film industry being stagnated or gone all haywire,  this might remain the most decent film for many years to come. Mark my words.

Let It Be – Remastered

Love the fact how the 2009.09.09 re-issue has rejuvenated the band’s legacy around the world. Pity that “Across The Universe” didn’t sound particularly different. Sometimes efforts to bring back certain things that have passed are destined to be futile. A real shame.

Slumdog Millionaire

There was the initial shock (seeing Dharavi) followed by waves of surprises. The success of the film lied on its transformative power – its ability to change people’s perceptions upon alien cultures and nations. Not to mention how it eventually led me to set foot in Mumbai or learn about Mahatma Gandhi’s life. The chase scene in the beginning is so much more engaging and shocking than any of the pompous CG scenes in Avatar.

Sweetney Todd – The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

A fantastic film I didn’t get to see till this year. The production, characters, sets and music are all top notch. Should have seen it at a cinema. An underrated film this didn’t seem to have garnered enough praises.

Uncharted 2 (ps3 game)

Have to bring up this title again, for its innovation in pushing the gaming media into new narrative heights. In terms of achievement Uncharted 2 should be up there with Shenmue, I reckon.

Marley and I

It wasn’t a film about canines. It was showing us a life that we wished we could have had but knew we never would. I wonder if her tears were shed for the same sentiments. I’d never know.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Anything with David Fincher’s name on it is bound to secure a place on my list. Though criticized for its linearity and unoriginality, Benjamin was great in its own terms. The portrayal of encounters, emotions and departures in life were simply outstanding. Another film that managed to reduce me to a pool of tears (and eventually led to a Varanasi visit).

20th Century Boys Part 2+3

I might be the only one who thoroughly enjoyed all three parts of this trilogy. Seeing how the production team painstakingly re-created the imaginary world from the manga was nerve whacking enough – then seeing how they went an extra mile in exemplifying the key scenes and emotions was beyond moving. People, you guys were missing the point, big time.