Movie Review : Mandela, Long Walk To Freedom

Yesterday I did something I love to do, but loads of people judge me for, I went to the movies by myself. It doesn't matter how much alone time I have had there's something gratifying about being in the movie house by yourself. I think it may be because I am a crier and at lease if I watch a movie by myself, I can cry without any judgment.

In saying that, I am definitely glad I watched this movie alone because I cried. I cried a LOT. I found the movie to be painful to watch because, it's my country's history and because it's true. It reminded me how lucky I was to be born when I was and to be able to live the life that I do.

I heard rumours that a few of the older generation refused to watch the movie just because it would make them more angry and feel more hurt. I thought that was ridiculous because surely we have moved forward and can watch a movie without leaving there with no hard feelings. However, I left the cinema feeling a lot of things. Although I did not leave angry, I left sad, hurt and I hate to admit, filled with a lot of pity.

I haven't read Nelson Mandela's book and when I wanted too, my dad's copy had gone missing and then I thought it would be better to move forward and not hold onto the past because I knew that reading about the past struggles would stir up pain.

The movie managed to do that. I don't know if the movie is an accurate depiction of the book or if the book is an accurate depiction of the struggle of Madiba's long walk to freedom but I know it was difficult to watch. Difficult to not feel sorry for Winnie Mandela. Difficult not to feel for all those people who gave their lives for the good of the nation and the generations to come.

While there are obviously more people that were involved in the struggle, it is humbling to see that Madiba was a) not perfect and b) a born leader and c) he truly loved Winnie (click here to see the letters he wrote to her).

It's no wonder people in South Africa and the world were concerned what would happen when Madiba dies because he was a man who forgave his perpetrators despite the abuse, violence and unjust which was done onto him, his wife, family and fellow comrades.

Movie Still: When Madiba is sentenced to life imprisonment 

The movie was long but not long enough to illustrate the intricate details of the struggle. When I walked out the movie (after many tears) I just felt an immense sadness for the love between Madiba and Winnie and how Winnie was so warm glowed before she was immersed in the struggle that it changed the very core of who she was.

Real Life : Mandela after his release with Winnie

Movie Still : Madiba after the release

Have you watched the film? How did you feel after watching it? Do you feel inspired to make your freedom more worthwhile (because I do)?

13 Moments of 2013

This is the last of my 13 of 2013 series but more so, it is the last of my post for the year. A year ago, I didn't even have a blog to post on but here I am writing to you, not knowing who you are are where you are in this world but here I am once again sharing very private things with you and this post will be no different. It's the 13 moments from this year which I will remember.

1. My admission as an attorney. 

2. Returning to Ireland, and the moment I had my first drink.

3. The moment I found out Nelson Mandela had died.Coupled with the day after when my colleagues and I went to the house. The scenes there were incredible. 

4. Being lost in Brussels for 5 hours all on my lonesome.

5. Pepe Reina waving at me (and Charne)

6.Sitting at the Moses Mabida stadium for the Liverpool Legends game thinking, if this is how incredible the atmosphere is here, thousands of kilometers away from Anfield, I can only imagine what it feels like to be at Anfield during a game.

7. Justin Bieber's concert - the whole day was crazy and a once off experience. 

8. Arriving in Hamburg and thinking "WHAT WERE YOU THINKING COMING TO COUNTRY WHERE YOU DO NOT SPEAK THE LANGUAGE ALL ALONE?" Thank goodness for nice people on trains who speak English!

9. Leaving Juls and Oli at the train station in Mainz. I remember feeling so grateful and excited but scared for what I had experienced in Germany and what would still come.

10. Resigning from my job and the reception from my colleagues after that was humbling.

11. Leaving Ireland, I was so grateful that I had no one next to me on the flight because I cried a lot more than I would have ever expected.

12. Uptothemoon, after her last win, when she was upset with me and she was so angry. 

13. Family moment montage, from my mom's 50th to family picnics to music shows... great food, joking around to walking on the beach.

While I cannot lie to you and tell you this year was perfect or even great I can tell you that this year I achieved incredible things. I had so many moments wherein bringing it down to 13 was extremely difficult. However, I also closed a lot of unopened chapters this year which can only excite me about what 2014 holds.This year was difficult and challenging but I can say I have made it through and I am thrilled that I get another chance at trying again in 2014....  What will you do to make a difference in 2014? 

What was your moment of 2013?

Have a great New Years Eve... and I'll see you next year!

13 News Stories of 2013

So I missed 2 days of the series, I suck, I know BUT I promise to keep up with the rest of them. 

Since my last post, I am now in Cape Town, it has taken me days to finally catch up from my sleep deprivation but I'm on the mend.

So here it is - 13 stories which peaked my interest this year, whether it was celebrity fluff or hard hitting world news - this is what kept me coming back to News24 to see what's happening.

1. This kid hitting his teacher in school. This Grade 8 pupil felt like he had the right to hit his teacher and then a fellow student encouraged him and video taped it. 

2. The first Pope retirement and the new first South American Pope, Pope Francis

3. The birth of Prince George Alexander Louis of Cambridge . 

4. I hate to admit this but North West's naming more than her birth. 

5. The murder of high school child - with homemade weapons. 

6. Miley's Twerking

7. Oscar Pistorius killing Reeva Steenkamp 

8. Khloe Kardashian Odom  finally leaves Lamar

9. Paul Walker's horrid death.(This is still unbelievable) 

10.Cory Monteith's death

11. Justin Bieber in South Africa

12. Fifty Shades Cast announced. I am still disappointed with Mr Grey but whatevs....

13. Nelson Mandela's death

Sunday Quiz!

While I was not planning on blogging today, I have the posts for the rest of the year planned up so I had to put this post up today.

It is still surreal that our dear Mr Nelson Mandela has been laid to rest. Today was the funeral, watching it on the TV was incredibly sad and sweet. I especially liked the personal antidotes that were shared about a man who gave his life towards my (and all South Africans) freedom. It doesn't shock me that it's raining because the weather is fitting with the world's mourning hearts.

Anyway, I just wanted to link up with Erin from Two Thirds Hazel with a Blogmopolitan Quiz. This was fun and easy which I needed today after the last 9 days of National mourning.

Anyway, thanks Erin for the link up!!!

Have a good Sunday and go check out Erin and the other ladies' posts...

x Nats

Movie Review : Catching Fire

Yesterday I went to watch "Catching Fire" and I must be honest I was not disappointed at all.

I read the trilogy last year but the movie was quite an accurate depiction of the book. The first movie, The Hunger Games was a bit tame compared to the book and I was somewhat bored however with this movies, I just couldn't get enough. I loved watching Katniss and Peeta's relationship grow. Also both Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson looked realllllly good in this movie.

Catching Fire gets a big thumbs UP from me!

And being that it is Monday, here is a song  from the movie's soundtrack. It's a bit different to my usual taste but still a very interesting track.

What did you think of it??

Have a great week! If you're in South Africa, you'll know that this week we are still mourning the loss of Madiba. Remember what he taught us.... make your life be the difference in someone else's!

 

Madiba, an icon of the world, Rest In Peace

To the Father of our nation, the man who changed everything in South Africa and who acted as an inspiration to the world - thank YOU for giving so many years of your life for us.

May your soul Rest In Peace Tata

 

18 July 1918 - 5 December 2013

 

 



Right Now

I saw this post and loved the idea of sharing exactly what is happening "right now".
Feel free to tell me your "right now" situations!

What I am doing
I just baked Choc Chip Cookies for the first time and they are gooey and soft inside but crispy on the outside

Reading
If you remember my previous post on Sing you Home you will remember that I also said I wanted something light hearted. Well, walk into your closest Exclusive Books and tell them that and you know what they reccommend? The Alchemist! So That's what I'm reading at the moment. It's not light hearted by any means and is completely opposite to what I wanted to read but on the upside I am finally reading a book I've heard so much about. I'll be posting my review soon.

Watching
I've been going to the movies a lot, but the movies haven't been great and I didn't want to review them just to give them average reviews but I will tell you I have recently watched "After Earth", "The Hangover Part 3"and "Spud 2". Spud 2, was the best of the 3 and while you can easily watch all of them, none will change your life and none of them are likely to leave a lasting impression.
On the TV front, I am watching the usual Greys Anatomy, Masterchef, Girls and the Bachelorette. Although a new show I am watching is Political Animals and I am quite enjoying it. Have you watched it?

Listening to
I haven't been listening to much new stuff but I am loving the new Robin Thicke's Blurred Lines, Daft Punk's Get Lucky and some of my favourites One Direction's Take Me Home and The Script.
I love that RnB appears to making a comeback and I am really hoping I get an album soon that I can listen to, to death. I usally buy an album and then play it all day, everyday and then switch but for a while now, I've been in limbo. Do you have any suggestions for some good albums?

Thinking about
So many things.. mainly I'm thinking of Nelson Madela, his health, his family, his contribution to the world and what exactly is mine? I'm thinking where will I be in 5 years time? Will the exchange rate be so ridiculous that I have to alter some of my future plans? Like I said, I'm thinking about a lot of things. I'm always thinking. I am guilty of overthinking.

Sad about
Nelson Mandela and some family members who are not well. That I am not getting enough sleep! That there is a fear of the aftermath of Madiba's passing and that I'm not entirely convinced that there is no basis whatsoever for the fear. That One Direction have not announced that they are coming to South Africa, yet (Seriously guys, come here!!!) and that I am so caught up in my thoughts that I may ir may not be reaching my full potential.

A Great Inspiration

Loving
That I get to layer clothes in winter. That despite all the drama, I am proud to be South African. That Fernando Torres is scoring anf hopefully he will continue with that tonight in the semi-final of the Confederations Cup against Italy, that Steven Gerrard said that he is feeling better (Hate it when he is injured) and I am loving this.. blogging - it truly is the sunshine at the end of my days.

What is happening with you, RIGHT NOW? Tell me about it?

Also I have included my favourite song of the moment (and current ringtone) , in case you've been under a rock and haven't heard it: -