Wtf MUCC? I don't want your shitty compilations. They just put out two in 2007. The only thing I'd consider buying is the indie b-side disc, since I generally don't like their PVs. Ageha was cool, but that's it. And that world tour... If they go back to the US, you know it's only going to be NY and/or LA, because the rest of the country doesn't exist.

I watched Genghis Khan: To the Ends of the Earth and Sea again, finally. As such, I decided to revisit my previous thoughts on it and Mongol.


I guess firstly, the acting in Genghis Khan was generally pretty terrible. Scenes that immediately come to mind are Jochi's death and when that dude tells Temujin his father died and like cries on the horse? Of course, there's plenty more general suckiness. Why did all the men have to look angry, stand all macho and talk really deep? Khulan and Borte both seemed to lack emotion or it was just off, I dunno. The actress who played Hoelun was probably my favourite in the cast, especially as the movie progressed. Khulan Chuluun in Mongol, who isn't even an actress, was better than most of Genghis Khan's cast. I like how Mongol is in Mongolian, but is something I ingore when comparing the two, as it's a Japanese movie after all. That would have been a huge undertaking.

Just looking at the two films, Genghis Khan looks like a made for TV movie or something, but yet it had quite a budget. Where did all that money go? Apparently there wasn't a big budget for Mongol, but I think it's a really stunning film. Mongol becomes a bit boring at times where you just think, "okay, this is all nice to look at and everything, but something needs to ~happen~ now." The music was also way better in Mongol. Way better. The version of Altan Urag's Davalgaa they used, totally made the scene it was in. Historical accuracy aside, I think Mongol is more realistic. Genghis Khan had some bad dialogue and they certainly were clean for living in the 1100s. Asano Tadanobu made a better Genghis, too I think. But, this time I found myself thinking, 'hey, this Sorimachi guy isn't too bad looking.' hahaha.

They both suffer a bit based on historical accuracy, but Mongol more-so than Genghis Khan. In GK, Jochi dies before Genghis Khan invades China, but he didn't die until much later. When Temujin goes back for Borte, apparently she was to marry Jamukha at the time, but I've never read that anywhere. I also have no idea about this Khulan. Apparently, she was one of Genghis' wives, but I can't see a woman being part of the army at that time and her (unsourced) Wikipedia article said she only accompanied him on campaigns. And it wasn't her that sucked the poison from Temujin's wound, 'twas Jelme, I believe. In Mongol, there's no mention of Toghrul Khan and various other small differences (who he gave the sable coat to, how he meets Boorchu, etc (there's more, but I can't think right now)). And what about him being enslaved by the Tanguts? Never read that either. Both movies kinda blew in the final battle with Jamukha, but I guess there's really no details of it in the Secret History lol.

To the Ends of the Earth and Sea is an odd title, considering it ends before they actually invade anything. Overall, as thursdaie said, they should have just made it longer; there's still so much great stuff ahead! Some of my favourite parts of reading about Genghis' life are his campaigns. And there's really not much about his childhood. Mongol actually focuses quite a bit on this (but totally left out the killing of his brother). I think this helps the viewer to have more of an appreciation for Temujin. There, you see this kid who has basically nothing going for him and is already in trouble at birth. I guess Sergei Bodrov set out only to make one film, but then thought of making a trilogy. According to IMDB, there's just going to be one sequel :( Makes me wonder how much is going to get covered.




I dunno when that came out, but new Altan Urag video. The song is so different compared to their last album. I didn't like it when I first heard it, but it's really grown on me. Can't wait for the album!

I keep finding Cantonese singers. There's just something about Cantonese I do not enjoy, but most of what I come by lately is Cantonese. I like Kay Tse's Yelling album. Japanese music wise, I grabbed Miho Fukuhara's newest single and am loving it. A great summer release and a rock-y a-side :)

Rapey McRaper is back :/ He's a nice guy, I guess. Just kinda creepy now lol. The other day, there was this guy in about 19 or 20 who smelled like alcohol (at 11am) and then this girl came in and they started arguing, then they went outside and argued and came back in and argued. They finally went back outside and were really loud. After the guy left, the librarian went to check on the girl and apparently the guy threw a bottle at her and bit her O__O