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Day: 14 November 2012

Made of Multiculturalism

Written by Jake Pummintr on . Posted in Fashion & Beauty.

Somebody in your life has probably told you that the time you spend at university will be the best years of your life. Whether it was your uncle, your best friend’s sister or your second cousin once removed, it is a well-known fact that the years we spend in limbo between adolescence and (questionable) adulthood, are not to be forgotten. Unless, of course, your vodka intake from the previous night is causing alcohol-related amnesia…

For many (roughly 600,000) people however, coming to the UK as a student from another country is something completely alien and daunting especially considering the difference between perhaps a ten-hour flight from Manchester to China than the two-hour train ride to London. This number is rising every year with an increase of 8.9% in 2011 against the 9% drop of home-student applications. Manchester is home to more than 5,000 of international students from all around the world. “They bring a huge amount of colour to Great Britain” explains Wahida Ashiq, the founder of Great British Mag. It is not just about bringing another culture into Britain because the process is twofold. Ms. Ashiq explains: “you will find generation after generation of the same family are educated in Britain so it’s great for the economy [and] it’s great for global reputation.”

Founder of GB Mag, Wahida Ashiq. Photo: Melissa Malala

Great British Mag is essentially the ultimate “how-to” guide for international students coming into the UK. It is distributed to Chinese students before they even arrive in the UK and to all other international students upon their arrival. It covers many different aspects of student life from ‘Slang of the Day’ to giving tips on buying the best winter wellies. This month, the people of GB Mag teamed up with Selfridges, which has been named the Best Department Store in the World for the second year running, to host an evening to celebrate the contributions of international students to the British economy, having spent more than £8.5 billion as a collective in 2011. The typical international student has more of a spending power than your average home-student, with it being similar to that of a young professional.

Coveted Goodies. Photo: Melissa Malala

With that in mind, the evening showcased exclusive collections that were previously unreleased to the general public from brands such as Christian Dior, Balenciaga, The Kooples, and Alexander McQueen just to name a few. Served alongside these were tantalising lychee and rosewater cocktails and salted-caramel and pistachio macaroons that left all of us from the fashion section of The Mancunion on the lookout for more… There were also complimentary manicure, nail art and make-up sessions for the ladies to enjoy.

Among those attending the event was Meaghan Couture, who is the USA ambassador for the British Council. In a brief interview with The Mancunion Ms. Couture explained, “it’s really exciting to get outside of your borders and your culture and mix with a new culture.” She continued: “In England you can do so much. If you are sat in the middle of the United States it’s fun, but you need to come and historically see things, culturally see things and mix with global students.” When asked why she wanted to get involved with the international student scene, Ms. Couture had this to say: “[Studying abroad] changes your life – you get to meet new people and find out who you are… I think people should travel as much as possible, especially while you’re young and while you can.” This said, we are very excited to see what GB Mag do next, with Ms. Ashiq claming that there is “lots more to come.” Follow @GreatBritishMag or @Meaghan_EdUK on Twitter if you want to know more. Alternatively, check out their website at www.greatbritishmag.co.uk.

Check out the event coverage by Fuse TV at their youtube page: FuseTV Manchester.

 

Top 5: Awesome movie quotes

Written by Vicky Carter on . Posted in Film.

5. “Welcome to Fight Club. The first rule of Fight Club is: you do not talk about Fight Club”.

Brad Pitt delivers this famous line in the complex but genius film, Fight Club about, ironically enough, the creation of a fight club. Numerous twists and turns are hidden in this movie and will leave you stunned at the end.

4. “I do wish we could chat longer but I’m having an old friend for dinner.”

Anthony Hopkins delivers the eerie final line of this award-winning thriller, The Silence of The Lambs. An incredible film with elements of crime and horror that leave you terrified, but wanting more.

3. “Choose Life. Choose a job. Choose a career. Choose a family…. But why would I want to do a thing like that? I chose not to choose life. I chose somethin’ else. And the reasons? There are no reasons. Who needs reasons when you’ve got heroin?”

This line, spoken by Ewan McGregor, begins the Academy award winning screenplay Trainspotting involving violence, sex and a hell of a lot of drugs. Not for the faint hearted, but I seriously recommend it if you haven’t seen it.

2. “Husband of a murdered wife, father of a murdered son, and I will have my vengeance.”

This epic film, The Gladiator, involves Russell Crowe delivering this line to the new Emperor of Rome with ultimate power and control, seeing revenge for the murder of his wife and son. A fantastic movie with powerful battle scenes, emotional speeches and hot men shirtless, what more could you want?

1. “I’ll be back.”

A ridiculously famous line out of the action packed mega blockbuster The Terminator, where Arnold Schwarzenegger epitomizes swagger and cool with his black shades, leather jacket and big guns… (As well as his weapons).

Women cheat in exams twice as much as men at Manchester

Written by Richard Crook on . Posted in News.

Twice as many women were caught cheating in exams than men, according to a report by the University of Manchester.

The most recent figures from 2005/2006 through to 2010/2011 showed 61 cases of women cheating in exams compared with 30 male cases.

However, the report also showed that four times as many men were caught ‘colluding’, which refers to two or more students working together to unfairly collaborate, copy or pass-on assessed work.

The reports expose that Student Conduct and Discipline cases have risen on the whole by more than 70% since 2005.

One final year student, who did not wish to be named, told The Mancunion, “I’ve used essays by people I know in the year above that did my module. I don’t copy it word for word though.

“A friend of mine studied Chemical Engineering. They went to the toilet in an exam and looked at all these notes they’d written up and down their chest. It’s easier to cheat in those kind of exams.”

Significantly, international students make up the majority of cases, as reported by The Mancunion last year. International students were responsible for over 56% of Student Discipline cases between 2005 and 2011 despite making up just 26% of the student body.

When asked in February to explain the disproportionate cases of international students cheating, Mike Mercer, the Deputy Head of Manchester University’s Student Services Centre said: “I think it is possibly due to parental and financial pressure to do well. Often they are not quite so confident and almost need it as a support.”

Academic Appeals have also dramatically increased, rising from 111 to 284 in the same period.

The 2010-2011 report admitted the rise in Academic Appeals and numbers of academic malpractice cases were of a “particular concern.”

That concern will relate to the submissions based on ‘poor supervision’, which has escalated year on year. In 2005-2006, just 9 appeals in this category were made. By 2010-2011, that number stood at 49.

The cases documented – which go up to 2011 – detail only those formerly dealt with by faculties or the Student Discipline Committee and not the ‘significant’ number dealt informally.

The report stated, “Case loads continue to increase annually, which is cause for concern both in relation to the quality of the underlying student experience and in terms of the administrative cost involved.”

Concern over the disproportionate number of international student cases brought forward was acknowledged in 2010. “Each [report] highlighted the over-representation in the proportion of international and Post-Graduate Taught Students in the total number of misconduct cases – this continues to be a matter of concern.”

The sharp rise in student numbers from 35, 654 in 2006 to 39, 732 in 2011 will go some way to explain the worrying figures, but the escalating Student Discipline cases and Academic Appeals go far beyond relative increase in students at Manchester.

A Great Disturbance in the Force

Written by Jackson Ball on . Posted in Film.

A long, long time ago in a galaxy far away (well, Hollywood) George Lucas turned the world of film on its head when he made Star Wars. Now, 35 years since Episode IV: A New Hope, it looks as though he may have done it again. After several years of internet-forum whispers and fanboy speculation, it was finally confirmed on Tuesday 30th October 2012: there will be more Star Wars films.

The announcement was made by Lucas himself and revealed that his production company, Lucasfilm had been purchased by Walt Disney Studios.  The company changed hands for a staggering $4.05 billion, which reportedly will be paid half in cash and half in Disney stock shares. As far as retirement plans go, George Lucas has a pretty good one!

Lucas cleared up his rationale behind the sale of his greatest success in his official statement:

“…It’s now time for me to pass Star Wars on to a new generation of filmmakers. I’ve always believed that Star Wars could live beyond me, and I thought it was important to set up the transition during my lifetime…”

Focusing on Disney, the purchase marks yet another high profile takeover by Bob Iger in his time as CEO. Since taking the hot seat at Disney, Iger has overseen the acquisitions of animation supremoes Pixar in 2006, and comic book giants Marvel in 2009. Now with Lucasfilm in 2012, it will be interesting to see who Iger sets his sights on in another 3 years, (Hogwarts? Middle Earth? Nothing would surprise after this!).

So what does it mean for the most successful science-fiction franchise of all time? Well, Disney and Iger didn’t waste any time in announcing a trilogy on its way, with Episode VII expected for 2015.This of course means that in terms of a timeline, the new film should pick up the story after the events of Return of the Jedi. Fans among you will have no doubt noticed the peculiar effect this will have on the chronology of the series, with the original (and best) films now looking even more dated as they are sandwiched between the more recent prequels and the new Disney films.

The new trilogy will no doubt feature a brand new array of characters, although I would not be shocked to see everyone’s favourite droids, R2-D2 and C-3PO crop up. Who knows, perhaps Mark Hamill might even reprise his role as Luke Skywalker, operating as a Jedi mentor to the series’ new hero. Plus we all know Harrison Ford isn’t above replaying his most famous characters, although if it is going to turn out anything like Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, perhaps it would best if he stayed away.

Through all the speculation and guess-work, one thing is absolutely certain: whether it recaptures the heights of The Empire Strikes Back, or is as bum-numbingly boring as Attack of The Clones, it will be the biggest film event in the galaxy.

After seeing Skyfall, I want Moore

Written by Tom Glasser on . Posted in Film.

Remember the good old days? When the best Bond ever graced our screens? Roger Moore will always be my favourite 007.

Casting the blaxploitation of Live and Let Die aside, Moore stands alone as the spy who was ‘for my eyes only’. (That sounds creepy).

Now a new type of Bond has emerged. It seems that today, having a confident cad of a man play the lead stops the film from being successful. Instead, our protagonist must be a tortured soul, desperately searching for meaning in the aftermath of his parents’ deaths.

It’s as if they’re trying to suggest that living a life full of murdering scores of people, losing everyone you hold dear, and never being able to commit to a relationship that lasts longer than a gratuitous shower scene, could have a detrimental effect on a person’s mental state. Pfft! Freudian rubbish!

If like me you grew up with the novels of George MacDonald Fraser’s ‘Flashman’, you’ll understand the type of man I’m missing. But for those of you who don’t know what I’m talking about (most of you), I’ll sum up Fraser’s entire works with a brief plot progression: Flashman plays some cricket and cavorts around town. Flashman reluctantly gets called up for one last Hurrah! in the Empire. Flashman drinks some alcohol and plays some more cricket. Flashman uses his wit and British backbone to somehow save the day. Flashman has sex.

Roger Moore was the Flashman of the Bond series. But the closest Roger would get to MI6 today is by accosting Daniel Craig in the car park and reeling off anecdotes of the time he killed a misanthropic nuclear scientist with a cocktail umbrella. “Roger, please,” Daniel Craig would comfortingly say, “You don’t work here anymore.”

A second gripe I have with the new Bond films is that any form of wit or waggish sexual innuendo has been either totally discarded or featured pathetically. Having English as a second language usually prevented Bond girls from understanding that the delivery of one of Moore’s Christmas cracker puns, whilst watching a man’s twitching body fade away, was nothing short of sociopathic.

The very best that Daniel Craig could muster in ‘Quantum of Solace’ was “I can’t find the um…stationery. Do you want to help me find it?” Gemma Arterton, a Bond girl with English as her FIRST language, grins and follows him into the room. (To those first years amongst you, he wasn’t really looking for the stationery…)

I know Daniel Craig’s Bond is meant to be as close to Fleming’s literary 00-agent, and I wouldn’t want to rid the audience of that pleasure. So what am I asking for? Just a Skyfall DVD feature where the Benny Hill theme tune plays throughout the entire film. That would bring back the golden years.

University Creative Writing professor profile: Jeanette Winterson

Written by Phoebe Chambre on . Posted in Books.

As The Mancunion’s own News section has covered, Jeanette Winterson, the author to have most recently taken on the Creative Writing Professorship at the university’s Creative Writing program has won not one, but two well-deserved accolades. At the end of October it was announced that Winterson’s recent memoir, Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal? won the Independent Booksellers’ Book Prize 2012, and subsequently the author was named Stonewall’s Writer of the Year, an organization which lauds the positive representation of gay people in the media. And really, we couldn’t be prouder.

Winterson follows in the footsteps, in the Creative Writing department, of both Martin Amis (whose tenure ended controversially in 2011, Amis’ ‘hourly rate’ announced and pilloried in the press) and Irish author Colm Tóibin. It is great to have a female writer in the role, and one whose own roots are local to Manchester. One of the best parts of having such well-respected authors in university roles is that they give regular talks on and around campus, and so far Jeanette’s have been incredibly well attended. Jeanette Winterson’s most recent scheduled talk, last week, at John Ryland’s Deansgate was unfortunately cancelled, but in her next appearance at the Martin Harris Centre, in early December, the author will join with other leading Northern writers for a festive ‘Christmas Special’.

42nd Street makes old-school glamour its own

Written by Helen McCarthy on . Posted in News.

Five Stars out of Five Stars

G.K. Chesterton once said “What a glorious garden of wonders the lights of Broadway would be to anyone lucky enough to be unable to read.” If all musicals were like Mark Bramble and Martin Dodd’s revival of 42nd Street then I would happily be illiterate. It was everything it should have been – top hats, tails, sequins, chorus lines and time steps – but it was done so beautifully and with such zeal that it could have been their opening night circa 1933 rather than 2012.

Against the anxious backdrop of the depression, Broadway impresario Julian Marsh (played by musical theatre legend Dave Willetts) puts on a show, partly to keep himself in work, but also to give a troupe of dancers a livelihood. And to be honest, that’s it. That, largely, is the plot. It’s not that remarkable when you explain it to someone else, but you can’t really explain in words how marvellous the ensemble looked as they tapped their way up and down light bulb encrusted steps.

When it was over I felt full. I felt like I’d had a meal with umpteen courses and refreshing sorbets in between. Dorothy Brock, the ageing Broadway legend who stars in the fictional show, was played by a particularly brilliant Marti Webb. When she stood centre stage for ‘I only have eyes for you’, dripping in red velvet, she couldn’t possibly be upstaged by the imposing black background, punctured all over with tiny, glittering ‘stars’. And the running joke that she was such an appalling dancer that she had to be ‘covered up’ by the chorus line, made for a hilarious routine in which she was gloriously clumsy and out of time, continually one step behind the ensemble.

Providing unparalleled hilarity throughout was Jessica Punch as Peggy Sawyer. They couldn’t have cast this naïve, tapping prodigy with anyone better. Punch is old-school. Her sense of comic timing is impeccable, she dances with ease and charisma, and she was impossible not to love.

In and amongst all of these shining stars and starring roles, however, was the best chorus I have ever seen. The smiles on their faces were unshakable, they were in perfect unison throughout, and they all had distinct characters despite their comparatively few lines. In the very first scene, one of the girls, not a finger wave out of place, warned Peggy away from the amorous leading man with the cutting; ‘He’s a tenor but he’s got bass ideas.’ The audience was roaring.

When you put it all together you have the formula for a jaw-droppingly good musical. You need a sassy, demanding starlet who’s slightly past her best, a plucky young tapper who saves the day, a stressed director keeping everyone off the breadline, and sparkle. Lots and lots of sparkle.

If you want some 1930s New York glamour to distract you from rainy Manchester then look no further, it’s at the Palace right now.

‘42nd Street’ ran at the Palace Theatre from the 23rd to 27th October

Must See This Week In Theatre: 19th November-26th November

Written by Josephine Lane on . Posted in Theatre.

Orpheus Descending

Whilst being one of Tennesse William’s lesser-known plays, Orpheus Descending, still has plenty of what we love about him: a young male drifter, an unhappy Southern belle and lots of passion. Stars Imogen Stubbs as Lady Torrance.

Runs from 24th October to 24th November at The Royal Exchange Theatre

Student Tickets £10 or £5 on a Monday or Friday

 

Peter Pan

The Bolton Octagon’s family festive show this year is the timeless classic we all know and love: Peter Pan. With a talented cast of actor-musicians playing originally composed music, the show is sure to bring out the child in all of us!

Runs at the Bolton Octagon until  12th January 2013

Tickets £9.50-£22

 

Steptoe and Son

Based on the 1960’s television show of the same name, Steptoe and Son is the latest production to come from the loveliest (not to mention internationally acknowledged) theatre company you are ever like to meet: Kneehigh. The show follows grimy and grumpy Steptoe and his son as they bicker their way through two World Wars, whilst looked over by their Guardian Angel. Promises to be ‘darkly comic’ and ‘deeply moving’.  Also produced by the West Yorkshire Playhouse.

Runs from the 20th to 24th November at the Lowry Theatre

Tickets £6 to £22

Julius Caesar

The University of Manchester Drama Society presents the third play in it’s Autumn Showcase: Julius Caesar. Student Caitlin Gleeson directs the all-female cast in the classic tale of murder, betrayal and friendship.

Runs from at the John Thaw Studio in the Martin Harris Centre from the 21st to 23rd November

Student tickets £4.50 or £4 with an UMDS card

 

 

My brother is not my keeper

Written by Robbie Davidson on . Posted in Theatre.

Four Stars out of Five Stars

In the week that President Obama has been re-elected for an historic second term as America’s first African American president , the story of Obama the Mamba reminded me of just how remarkable it is that someone with as rich a background as his has made it to the White House in the first place. But that is not to say that this is story of Barack’s remarkable rise to power against the odds. Far from it. In fact the story of George (Clifford Samuel) would be a fairly ordinary one if it weren’t for his famous half-brother.

But neither does the story dwell on the great differences in the lives of the two Obamas. George Obama is fiercely proud of not only his name, but his country and his identity. There is no envy towards his older brother only pride and even at times pity that Obama does experience the world he does. George tells his life story with vigour and enthusiasm highlighting the pressures of growing up in Nairobi with his famous surname. The play balances the comical and serious sides of George’s story well,flitting between different periods in his life so that we get a true sense of his development from energetic teenager to more worldly adult.

Samuel is an immensely likable lead and imbues the story with enough energy and humour so to keep an audience’s attention which can so easily slide in an one-man play. Even in the story’s darker moments, Samuel makes sure that the positive message of the play always shines through.

The contrasts which are made between the lives of the two brothers are never crass or heavy handed. Indeed George’s own version of the President’s 2008 victory speech that he makes to his local football club is subtle enough to be charming but pertinent enough that you are still struck by the great gulf in the life experiences of the two brothers.

The imagined conversation which George has with the President in the play’s denouement is striking and emotional: as George attacks Barack for the hypocrisy of the West in their judgement of the people of Kenya. Here the play takes on a more overtly political tone which I wished had appeared earlier, but it nethertheless serves as a fitting closing  reflection on the prejudices and assumptions we make about other countries, whilst still maintaining George’s optimism for the future.

‘Obama The Mamba’ ran at the Lowry Theatre from the 23rd to 27th October

Forget the moral and carry on dancing…

Written by Frideswide ONeill on . Posted in Theatre.

Four Stars out of Five Stars

Firstly, I think a warning is in order for anyone who has, like me, felt that the ideals and beliefs of feminism (while I’m not arguing with them) have seemed to creep their way into every article and television program they come across. I’m warning you that this review won’t be any different. Some Like It Hip Hop is a musical theatre production by the acclaimed ZooNation who, through the medium of dance and song, give us primarily an insight into misogyny in the work place. Plaques with the words ‘No Women’ and ‘Men Wanted For Work’ frame the set on which a story of unjust banishment, comic cross dressing and a final female triumph play out so that a city once coated in darkness, comes to see the light through the power of education.

Kate Prince, the director and choreographer, clearly wants to showcase her belief that inequality between men and women is a result of lack of education and she does so while still making her show a compelling, artistic, often comic and at one point very touching performance. However, it seemed that while watching the play, the very real problems of gender hierarchies took a back seat to the display of breakdancing, acrobatics and beat boxing (to name but a few talents displayed). This is not a criticism; Some Like It Hip Hop is clearly a performance for all the family and let’s face it, dance, music and comedy are preferable to social commentary on a Saturday evening.

The production exemplifies how dance has as much scope to express feeling and narrative as speech does. Moreover, there is less scope for bad acting which can often affects performances with large casts and a cheesy plot. ZooNation is a company not of actors but of dancers whose central focus is to create ‘pieces of full length narrative’ through hip hop dance theatre. Hence the dreaded fear of ‘over-acting’ simply does not apply. In fact the more expressive the dancers were, the more they drew in the audience. Particularly engrossing was the final battle scene between the governor and his cronies, who have shut out women, books and the sun from their city and their opposers who are fighting to bring it all back. A dance off ensues with every character popping, locking and   flipping from one end of the stage to the other.

Every move is accompanied by the smoky tones of two stunning singers with their own takes on classic songs such as ‘This Is A Man’s World’, helping to make the show as captivating musically as it was visually. Having spent most of the week in the library and feeling slightly gloomy as a result, a bit of musical dance theatre was just what I needed on a Saturday Night! I would encourage anyone who feels likewise at the end of a difficult week to seek a similar solace.

Some Like It Hip Hop ran at the Lowry Theatre from the 18th to 20th October

Technology gained

Written by Mancunion on . Posted in Books.

On the surface there seems to remain a big gap between books and technology. Books, a vestige of the good old days and an accepted, life-enriching pastime, face off against Technology and a future in which people have swapped their souls for a life in front of its screens, watching videos of pandas sneezing. It’s an extreme view of two polarized worlds. And, whilst it’s certainly taken a while for technology to infiltrate the world of literature, now that it’s happened, books as we know them will not remain outside technology’s all-pervasive dominance.

And it has happened; with a huge, growing market for e-readers it’s clear we’re consuming our stories differently, but it’s not just how we read them that’s changing. The Internet has started to become part of the actual writing process, with its democratising ability to let anyone publish a story for public consumption. Whilst ‘micro-fiction’ has long been part of literary traditions, the emphasis on a decentralised publishing process, and a decidedly active authorship (whose own personal voices become more and more accessible to us through technology), ‘tweeted’ fiction highlights changes on all sides of the reading table.

The Guardian responded to the changing conditions of literature with a recent challenge to 21 well-known authors (one of whom is AM Homes, who recently joined Jeanette Winterson in a sold-out talk on campus) to merge their story telling with technology and create “twitter fiction”: novels in just 140 characters. We read this article on The Guardian on Facebook, as did 1,518 other people. It’s not just the bookfolk who have cottoned on to the power of freely public (self-) promotion and publication.

The stories range from the portentous to ‘meta’-technological aphorisms. And they all begin and end in just one breath’s worth of words. Here’s our pick of the best:

Geoff Dyer
I know I said that if I lived to 100 I’d not regret what happened last night. But I woke up this morning and a century had passed. Sorry.

AM Homes
Sometimes we wonder why sorrow so heavy when happiness is like helium.

AL Kennedy
It’s good that you’re busy. Not great. Good, though. But the silence, that’s hard. I don’t know what it means: whether you’re OK, if I’m OK.

Simon Armitage
Blaise Pascal didn’t tweet and neither did Mark Twain. When it came to writing something short & sweet neither Blaise nor Mark had the time.

India Knight
Soften, my arse. I’m a geezer. I’m a rock-hard little bastard. Until I go mushy overnight for you, babe. #pears

Hari Kunzru
I’m here w/ disk. Where ru? Mall too crowded to see. I don’t feel safe. What do you mean you didn’t send any text? Those aren’t your guys?

SJ Watson
She thanks me for the drink, but says we’re not suited. I’m a little “intense”. So what? I followed her home. She hasn’t seen anything yet.

Anime for beginners

Written by Archontia Manolakelli on . Posted in Books.

In the past weeks Books has features articles on the translation (and problems therein) of books to both stage and screen. This week, Archontia Manolakelli, president of the University’s own society, the Comic Collective, instead suggests that film adaptations can act as an introduction for comic first-timers to the wonderful world of anime literature. And in doing so demonstrates another dimension to the co-existence of literature and cinema, as graphic stories, with their fundamental visual telling, blur into films. Both the films and stories that follow expose anime’s traditional themes and styles: fantasy, other worlds, and pure visual poetry:

1.Spirited Away (2001, Studio Ghibli), original title: Sen to Chihiro no kamikakushi

Spirited Away was Japanese anime master, Hayao Miyazaki’s, third concept proposal for the year of its release. The movie was influenced by the behavior of some 10-year-old female family friends he spent some time with. For inspiration, he read shojo manga like Nakayoshi and Ribon that revealed their way of thinking. His final movie creates an extraordinary combination of real life and pure novel fiction on the big screen.

Overview:
While moving to another city with her family 10-year-old Chihiro gets tangled in the world of spirits and witches. Trying to make her way through she ends up working in a bathouse for all kinds of weird creatures of this world where anything is possible.

Review:
A Studio Ghibli masterpiece very much worth watching, this film combines both a fascinating and sensitive storyline and amazing graphic quality of one of the most well known animation studios in Japan.

2.Paprika (2006, Satoshi Kon) 90 mins, Mystery/Sci-Fi

This movie is based on the original novel Paprika (1933, Yasutaka Tsutsui) that was later also published as a graphic novel created by Reji Hagiwara (2003). A great example of visual evolution between media.

Overview:
What if there was a way to access people’s dreams? In the story’s parallel modern world, psychotherapy has been taken to a new level with a new machine that can enter patient’s dreams in order to treat their illness. When this machine is stolen and used illegally the borders between reality and fantasy are blurred. There is only one hope to stop that hell: Paprika.

Review:
A really clever movie with delicate storyline and great animation. Definitely a must watch if you like mind games and unexpected changes.

3.Princess Mononoke (1997, Studio Ghibli/Disney), Original Title: Mononoke Hime (134 mins, Adventure/Fantsy)

In 1970 Hayao Miyazaki started drawing a series of sketches about a small girl that lived in the forest together with a beast. That sequence of sketches later became a book called Princess Mononoke, which was the first step for its later incarnation as a film. His inspiration mostly came from Medieval Japanese historical writings, which, through Miyazaki’s unique imagination became a world more suitable for his anime story.

Overview:
Obliged to leave his village to cure his curse Ashitaka finds himself in the middle of a long lasting war between the gods of forest and Tatara. When the time comes to choose sides, he meets San, Princess Mononoke just to discover a wholly new view of the world.

Review:
A strong environmental concept and H. Miyazaki’s ability to visualize worlds create a very powerful combination for this movie. On a journey to self-awareness, the storyline drags you around a combination of stunning images and great ideas to reveal a different state of being.

The Comic Collective meets weekly for drawing sessions and general comics discussion.
http://manchesterstudentsunion.com/groups/comic-collective

A Hot Date with John Rylands

Written by Aimee Grant Cumberbatch on . Posted in Fashion & Beauty.

He’s tall, he’s dark (and very dusty), he’s handsome(ly stocked with books), and it seems that our very own JRUL is worth the effort (and a date).  We’ve all seen, and probably taken part in, the veritable catwalk that is John Ryland’s library of a weekday afternoon. Something happens when you go up that tiny escalator and no I’m not talking about being transported straight back to the 80s by the decor.

From flashing brands on Blue Floor 3, haute couture in the computer clusters, wearing something out-there in orange, to looking poised and polished in purple; it seems that one doesn’t just wear jim jams to JR. But when yet another dapper denizen of the library strolls past, one starts to wonder why. Could it be a Hottie In The Library hangover? We all remember the days of girls dolling up just to do a book return and guys strutting about on the off chance they might be papped on their way to the printer.

But Manchester’s answer to Gossip Girl doesn’t return until Semester 2 and so it seems we’ll have to look elsewhere to explain the fashion phenomenon that is JRUL. There are plenty of cynics that will say dressing up for a long session of essay slog is pointless but I don’t know about you but after staring at a computer screen for hours and making the unwelcome discovery that 3,000 words won’t write themselves, a little sartorial effort is sure to brighten up anyone’s 3am meltdown. So why not make the most of dear old John while the Learning Commons is closed, you’ll find he’s got some hidden (and rather dapper) depths.

‘Beasts of Southern Wild’

Written by Faye Broadbent on . Posted in Film.

Benh Zeitlin’s Beasts of the Southern Wild is garnering much critical acclaim, receiving several awards at the Sundance Film Festival this year, and it is no surprise why. Screening now at the Cornerhouse, the director’s debut creates an eccentric hybrid between fantasy and reality telling a sentimental tale of a young girl and her father.

In what at first seems an almost post-apocalyptic setting, the water-logged town called the Bathtub in the Bayou of Louisiana brings us to a much simpler and primitive way of life. The story of a sick father Wink and his young daughter Hushpuppy is touching. The film is a journey for both the audience and the characters, and at times it feels part hallucination and part reality against the setting of the Katrina-like storm. Beasts of the Southern Wild is certainly inspired by the work of Terrence Malick (The Tree of Life) and this is a cornerstone for the film as it brings us aspects  reminiscent of his work, in particular the reference to the fantastical shots of the ‘beasts.’

Even though there is no doubt it will draw a few tears, this apocalyptic setting does not instigate a downbeat ending. The performance from Wink (Dwight Henry) is outstanding, and for a non-professional actor this is quite awe-inspiring. In particular with Hushpuppy, child acting performances don’t get quite as good as this, and I’m sure that after this film Quvenzhané Wallis will be deservedly caught in a bright spotlight.

Society Swap – Dodge Ball and Botanical Society

Written by Kate Bullivant on . Posted in Societies.

Suzanna Vickers

Suzanne (member of the Dodge Ball Society) went along with the Botanical Society to their trip at the Manchester Museum Herbarium.

How did you find your trip with the Botanical Society?

I had a fantastic time! I’m a Biology student so already have an interest in plants, but I found it really interesting and really good fun. I have been to the museum before but the Herbarium is up in one of the towers so was great to see a part I normally wouldn’t get to see.  We were taken around by the curator Rachel Webster, who showed the huge collection of pressed and dried flowers, there were even fox gloves from 1865.

What were the bad things, if there were any?

There weren’t any bad things really, there was a point we were told of the history of some botanists which could potentially be seen as boring but as a whole still really interesting.

Was the trip what you expected?

Yes and no. I was expecting to see a collection of flowers but not in a private part of the Museum where there were only 8 of us being shown around. It reminded me of a scene out of Harry Potter because at one point we were shown a collection of dead flies that were a medieval Viagra. I had no idea how big their collection was and would recommend anyone who is interested to visit.

Would you go again?

Definitely, the curator mentioned all the volunteering opportunities they have to offer. I’m interested in working in science communication. So next semester am considering doing some volunteering, would love to get local schools interested in the collection too.

How friendly was everyone?

Everyone was very friendly, turned out I knew a few people from before, but I know they are always accommodating to new members.

Would you recommend other societies taking part in the society swap?

Yes I would. It was so easy, all I had to do was turn up for an hour and had a great time. Since the tour I have been telling all my friends about it. It has widened my experience on what Manchester has to offer and was great to have a taste of something I wouldn’t normally have had the chance to see.

Score out of ten?

8 – it’s an amazing opportunity for people with an interest in botany. I was surprised at how large the society is and how many people do have a genuine interest in this field.

Amanda Machieson

Amanda (member of the Botanical Society) had a go at Dodge Ball.

What were the things you enjoyed about playing Dodge Ball?

It was really great fun, and everyone was so helpful. At the beginning of the session they explained the rules clearly so I knew what to do. The session was an hour but the time went really fast, I enjoyed how social the game was and nobody took themselves too seriously. It started off with girls and boys playing separate games, and then at the end everyone come together for a game so I liked how they mixed it up.

What were the bad things, if there were any?

There is nothing bad to say really. However I did end up bumping into another girl and smashing her in the head by mistake. This is definitely not the societies fault, and I hope the other girl is alright because my ear is still burning!

Was Dodge Ball what you expected?

I had no idea what to expect, I didn’t know the rules and I had never watched the film. To begin with I thought it was going to be complete chaos and something similar to a war zone. But it was very different, and was pleasantly surprised at how organised their sessions are. They don’t have an external coach so it was all coordinated by the Chair, Jo Maughan.

Would you go again?

Yes, planning on going next week because it is only £1 a session.

Would you recommend other societies taking part in the society swap?

Definitely, before this I thought people only played Dodge ball in America. I had no idea that you can play it in Manchester, so it was great to have my eyes opened to a new sport.

Score out of ten?

10 – no complaints!

 

Geek Chic: A Spectacle

Written by Emma Richards on . Posted in Fashion & Beauty.

Geek Chic has returned – and the easiest, and boldest, way to channel the look is through some suitably nerdy specs. However, if you find yourself struggling to know where to begin amongst the many different options then look no further: here are a few tips to keep in mind when searching for that perfect pair of frames to sport in and around the fashion hub of Manchester, (a.k.a the Library)

1) Look for styles that hit right at the eyebrow line for a clean, polished look, which also create a streamlining effect to your face. Similarly the modern take on squarish retro frames will give your cheeks a thinner appearance.

2) Pay attention to your proportions. No one wants frames that are too big for their face, which will make you look ridiculous and prompt ‘should’ve-gone-to-specsavers’ jokes. A good way to check is if the lens extends past the side of your face by about a finger’s width, give or take a little bit.

3) It’s hard to ignore the array of thick, bold frames currently on offer, which have proven an extremely popular trend. But while they are guaranteed to make you stand out, just be careful not to supersize to an extreme…

Alternatively, if you really want to make a statement in a big way, try translucent frames. This is a very stylish choice and channels the seasons penchant for winter whites – who knows, you may even grab the attention of that hottie in the library…

4) However, if it’s intelligence you’re after, this multi-functional accessory can also make you look smarter. Styles such as the infamous ‘Harry Potter’ capture this perfectly. No wonder so many professionals even choose to wear frames with prescription-less lenses in the workplace.

5) Finally, it’s no secret that uni-life can be an exhausting existence at times. For those days when you can’t find the time to even shower – let alone put on some make up – opt for colourful frames, particularly red, as this will add colour to your face and disguise that worn out look like magic.

So there you have it, never have glasses been so popular and it’s easy to see why. Happy frame picking!

The UK Jewish Film Festival comes to Manchester

Written by Daniel Davis on . Posted in Film.

This November saw the return of the UK Jewish Film Festival, one of the highlights of the screen calendar. A slight exaggeration perhaps? Well, they’re Empire’s words not mine.

Screening several UK and world premieres along with many old favourites, as well as hosting debates and special events, the festival, supported by many of the most significant names in independent cinema, showcased an enormous range of top Jewish talent from around the globe. Previously it has been held exclusively in London, but for the first time the best bits of the festival were this year broadcast to cinemas in Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool and, importantly, Manchester.

Creating the festival in 1997, founder and executive director Judy Ironside set up UK Jewish Film to promote Jewish cultures through the medium of film. Alongside the support of managing director Michael Etherton, she expanded the project from a yearly festival to a year-round organisation. Today the UK Jewish Film Festival is a coming together of all the hard work done throughout the year by UK Jewish Film, its partners, sponsors and anyone who has played a role in creating the wonderful stories that make Jewish film so exceptional.

In recent years, films such as The Infidel and television shows like Grandma’s House, Strictly Kosher and Jewish Mum of the Year have introduced the Jewish way of life to much wider audiences. This broader awareness of Jewish ideas and attitudes, Judy Ironside stresses, is what now makes the festival so appealing to everyone.

With the majority of the festival’s 70 films being shown in London, Manchester’s part in the festival may have appeared small. Yet the lack of quantity was far outweighed by the quality of cinema on offer, with four UK premieres and last year’s most celebrated film all being shown in the two Manchester venues.

Cineworld in Didsbury played host to two of these premieres. Russian comedy My Dad is Baryshnikov followed Borya Fishkin, a young Jewish ballet dancer struggling through adolescence in 1980s Moscow. Director Sophie Lellouche’s inaugural feature Paris Manhattan also played, and served as Manchester’s gala showing at this year’s festival. It told the story of Alice, an anxious, still single thirty-something pharmacist with a rather unhealthy obsession with Woody Allen, who in fact also stars in a cameo role.

The Cornerhouse offering delivered more UK premieres, including The Day I Saw Your Heart, a French comedy starring the fantastic Mélanie Laurent of Inglourious Basterds fame. Another, surely Manchester’s festival highlight, was The Price of Kings: Shimon Peres. Retelling the life of one of Israel’s most controversial yet long-lasting politicians, this documentary revealed the extreme sacrifices made by Peres during his political career in his attempt to balance his leadership and his struggle for peace with his personal life and responsibilities towards his family. The screening also included a Q&A with directors Joanna Natasegara and Richard Symons. In addition, after being so well received last year the award-winning David, a poignant, incredibly genuine exploration into the relationship between Jewish and Muslim communities in New York, returned to mark a marvellous end to the festivities in Manchester.

To find out more about the UK Jewish Film Festival or Jewish film in general, visit www.ukjewishfilm.org.

Student 101: The Safer Sex Ball

Written by Victoria Goodwin on . Posted in Lifestyle.

Arguably the most talked about event in The University of Exeter’s calendar is the Safer Sex Ball – SSB for short.

The ball has been voted as one of FHM’s Top 100 things to do before you die. Around 4,000 students attended last years ball at West Point Arena demonstrating its huge popularity.

As its name would indicate the SSB is all about promoting safe sex, free condoms are given out as well as other safe sex literature. The aim of the SSB is to raise awareness of sexual health issues, whilst raising money for charities such as The Eddystone Trust – a Devon based HIV charity.

Perhaps the most controversial part of the evening are the costumes, or rather lack of them! Chris, a student at Exeter University, explained that students attend the ball wearing as little as possible. 2011’s theme was Fantasia, he himself told me he went as a Greek god.

As with a lot of student activities the Exeter ball has often been frowned upon as being too promiscuous and irresponsible. The message of the SSB is that it’s fine to love sex, but it is important to do so safely. Whether people choose to acknowledge it or not, sex is a huge part of university life, as such an event that promotes safe sex seems like one that is worth keeping! The ball provides students with an excuse to let themselves go in a way that wouldn’t normally be acceptable.

A friend told me she can’t wait to get a sexy costume for this year, she wouldn’t normally be one to go out wearing next to nothing but when in Rome… or rather when in Exeter get naked.

Surely there can’t be any harm in an event that raises awareness about sexual health issues and raises money for charity? If you don’t approve then as another student explained: ‘You don’t have to go! Just because you don’t agree with something doesn’t mean you have to stop other people enjoying themselves!’

If you don’t approve then don’t attend, but you’ll be missing out on what sounds like the party of the year with previous acts including Jaguar skills and Tinchy Strider… University of Manchester’s SSB where are you?

 

 

No More Page 3 campaign

Written by Zara Zubeidi on . Posted in Lifestyle.

What inspired you to make a change?

The change was inspired during the Olympics when Lucy Holmes picked up a copy of The Sun on the tube and was surprised to see that there wasn’t a topless girl on page three. That was until she hit page thirteen and saw that instead, the day’s model has simply been moved back ten pages and was still by far the largest image of any woman in the paper, despite it being the day after so many fab female team GB athletes had won gold, including Jessica Ennis.

Seeing this, she began to think about what this said about women in society, and about what children thought when they looked at the newspaper and saw page after page of pictures of men in clothes, doing things like running the country and achieving in sports, and a massive image of a woman standing in her knickers showing her breasts to men.

She thought about how Page 3 had shaped her. The more she thought about it the more passionately she felt that these pictures shouldn’t be there. She started an online petition, a Twitter and Facebook group to see if she was the only one who felt this way.

And next thing I know, I’m tweeting at all hours of the day fighting for something I really believe in. It’s time for change.

What has the response been like? 

The response has been, on the whole, absolutely incredible. I don’t think that any of us saw it coming and it just keeps going from strength to strength. We’ve been written about in both The Guardian and The Independent as well as various women’s magazines. The male response to the campaign has really knocked me for six as well; there are so many lovely blokes out there who genuinely do believe it’s time for page three to go and that it objectifies women. It was so refreshing and positive! We’ve hit 52,000+ signatures on our change.org petition, over 10k Twitter followers and over 4.5k likes on Facebook.

What has been the highlight of the campaign so far? 

For me, it’s the fact that we’re in this month’s Glamour magazine! I’m sure the other team members will say that celebrity support from the likes of Eliza Doolittle and Jennifer Saunders, having the Loose Women talk about us and gaining support from so many MPs are all highlights worth mentioning too… not forgetting the fact that on November 18th we’re putting on a comedy gala in London’s West End called Stand-Up To Sexism, which is going to be great! We’ve even had creative support, including an amazing poem from Sabrina Mahfouz ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0G1-fxpOAXs )

Have you had much criticism? If so, how have you dealt with it?

Of course, there are always people who think what we’re trying to do is ridiculous. A lot of the time, I think it’s because they are misunderstanding the campaign. We are not out to ban glamour modelling or stop the girls doing what they do, we are just trying to get the images taken out of the biggest selling paper in the country so that women can be portrayed equally to men in our day to day press.

How important do you think it is for young people to voice their opinions? Can we really make a difference?

The youth in this campaign and any campaign is so important. When we look back at what Clare Short tried to do in the eighties, she was accused of being an old fuddy-duddy, but with the core team of the campaign all being below forty, there is no way anyone can play that card with us this time round. As a student, I feel like I have so much scope and so many resources that will really allow my voice to be heard. Through the union both at University of Manchester and at MMU, I really hope to spread the message of the campaign. Following all the amazing things so many young people have achieved this year, especially following London 2012, I really do believe that people aren’t simply writing off the youth any more and that actually, we can make a change.

 Link to the petition

The Ex-Factor: how not to be his psycho ex-girlfriend

Written by Emma Williams on . Posted in Lifestyle.

It seems to be the season of reconciliation, with even the sorriest of situations being salvaged with the likes of Kristen Stewart being taken back by her beau R-Patz, and even the seemingly unforgivable being forgiven in the rumoured reunion of Rihanna and Chris Brown.

But when it comes to the discussion of ex’s, many who say they’d never revisit their past use the classic line of ‘my ex is a psycho’.

Guys are generally more guilty of this than girls, with a recent article from Cosmopolitan USA journalist Matt Titus admitting that he condemns his ex to the ‘crazy’ status due to her justified reaction to his bad behaviour towards the end of their romance!

The long gaps between texts, blowing off dates and even meeting up with other girls all contributed to his girlfriend reacting as any other girl would in getting angry and asking what was going on. But how can you escape the dreaded ‘psycho ex’ stigma to his friends and new romances?

According to Matt’s teeth-grittingly embarrassing confession of his relationship exploits, you can avoid being remembered as his crazy partner from the past by…

  • “Not questioning the fact that he takes his phone into the shower with him. And the toilet.
  • If he conveniently double-books you with his mates for the third Friday night in a row, just grin and bear it. Coincidence, right?
  • When your first declaration of love is returned with him running for the hills and turning his phone off for the week, any text from you to salvage normality will apparently brand you ‘insane’.”

Let’s face it there’s only one thing that can prevent you from gaining this status, and that’s the other person’s perception.

You could be as horizontally laid back as possible, but when a guy is looking to seal the deal with a new girl, one reference to the ‘crazy ex-girlfriend’ will instantly get the guy the crucial sympathy vote.