The obvious inspiration for this set of photographs is Little Red Riding Hood. It was always a story I enjoyed growing up as a child as my Mother tell it to my sisters and I a few times a month to try and get us to fall asleep. The concept was to try and show some variation in terms of artistic design, as I like to try out different ideas instead to sticking to one idea all the time. That's not to say a single idea is worse in anyway... I guess it just depends on what you're trying to achieve.
Through the Wilderness
Flashback
Recently I started doing a lot more modelling in my own time as well as at the studio I work at. I never really used to do much of it before on the count of being behind the camera all of the time. However, this time I have two of my work colleagues doing the camera work while I stand still giving all sorts of expressions ranging from moody, bewildered, and moody again. And I know what you must be thinking “Nozomi, with this level of range you have, why haven’t you done this sooner!?” That’s because I hadn’t had my ‘calling’ yet. That said, I’ve now seen the light (from the camera) and I’m ready for the world of small time modelling. Watch out world!
The Scarlet Youth
This set of photographs was taken in a forest (I forgot the name) to the North West of Scotland. That said, the story behind this set is sort of a darker take on the Red Riding Hood fairy tale. I've always liked the old European fairy tales mainly due to the fact that most of them have very 'dark' beginnings. It's only through time that the stories were made less scary and more friendly towards young children. However, I still prefer the originals, and I like to think I captured the look of the original fairy tale, even if by a small amount.
Eurasian Beauty
This is a set of photographs I took a while back when I was first getting started in the studio I work in. The model featured was from Russia, and she is of Russian and Mongolian decent. Personally, I really liked her features, I found her overall 'look' to be somewhat interesting. Although she looks more Asian than white, her skin was very pale and covered in freckles. Something you don't see very often with Asian people.
10 Must See Korean Movies
10 Must See Korean Movies
I've compiled a list of what I think are the 10 best Korean movies ever to grace our screens. Some of the best movies to have come out in the last decade or two have come out of South Korea. When people think of Korean entertainment, Kpop and Kdrama always get all the credit. However, unlike Kpop and Kdrama, this form of entertainment is actually worth your time (controversy ahoy!). Anyway... Part of the reason that Korean movies have such a high standard of quality is mainly due to the lack of funding on the industries' part. Only the best scripts are chosen to be put forward and made into movies, which results in a lot of consistency. Another thing worth noting is the fact that Korean movies take far more risks in terms of plot development, and can be quite tragic in nature. Happy endings are very rare, and a majority of the time we are left with some unsettlingly bleak storytelling, which make for truthful cinema. That said, on with the list...My Opinion My Sassy Girl is by far my favorite romantic comedy of all time. That said, I've only ever seen about four similar movies in the genre, mainly because it's not a genre that particularly enjoy. Regardless, this movie breaks the mold for me, and had me hooked until the ending credits. It's funny, witty, charming, and can 'classically' romantic at times. In saying that, stay well clear of the Hollywood remake at all costs! Unless you're fond of romantic comedies without the comedy... or the romance...
My Opinion Oldboy is debatably one of the most renown Korean movie worldwide. It made a name for itself by being amazingly gritty, dramatic and for its unique presentation. It's an original take of the classic vengeance story, that has an incredibly satisfying plot to become indulged in. I've always compared this movie to Kill Bill vol. 1 on the basis of its anime/comic book inspiration. Kill Bill had many moments throughout the movie that screamed ANIME (and I'm not just talking about the obvious anime scene half way through the movie)! And Oldboy is no different.
My Opinion
My Opinion A movie with few words, but much meaning. What we have is a surprisingly complex story about a young man who breaks into people's houses, but does not take anything of value. He does this not because he wants to steal, no, he does this in order to feel like he actually has a home to live in. During one of the young man's breaking and entering rituals, he comes across a lonely, abused woman. Oddly, without a word, she then follows the young man, and watches his every move until she realises that she can trust him. Their unusual encounter takes them into an unfamiliar territory which will unite them in more ways than one. A truly unusual movie, that focuses on storytelling via emotions, rather than words or actions. It's very rare for us to be able to watch a movie with such a strong artistic direction, let alone one that is utterly captivating.
My Opinion A modern tale of kidnap based on a true story. This movie does a brilliant job of capturing Korean culture as a whole. Throughout the entire story, there is such a different feeling you receive whilst watching than you would get with a western movie within the same genre. An example would be how the authorities deal with the kidnapper's threats, the methods used to capture the kidnapper, and how media covers the story.
My Opinion How about an original story of a former police officer turned pimp, who gets royally pissed off because all of his hoes are going missing? Shortly after doing some research, he then finds out that the person behind all of this is, in fact, a murder that has been on the loose for quite some time. Our Hero (let's call him "The Pimp") then goes on further by tacking down the murderer, finding him and then beating seven shades of sh*t out of him... twice. Do you like the sound of this? Well, you should because this is a modern classic in the thriller genre. The movie never wanes at any point, it doesn't get dull, or boring; it stays interesting all the way through untill the end. That said, It's also 'closely' based on a true story.
My Opinion A Moment to Remember is one of the only movies to have truly touched me deeply. Life, death, happiness, sorrow, come together brilliantly, with superb acting, stunning cinematography, and a splendid soundtrack. If you're prone to tearing up whenever you watch a sad movie, then I suggest you have tissues at the ready.
My Opinion Oasis is the story of a young man confined by his mind, and a young woman confined by her body. They come together and create a relationship because of their handicaps as in spite of them. When I first saw this movie, I was left with an uneasy feeling because it was nothing like I've ever seen before. This movie certainly doesn't pull any punches, and for that I'm very thankful. This is a masterpiece, and I mean this in the classic sense of the word. I honestly can't think of any other love story, which focuses on two unattractive (this is the most politically-correct word I can possibly use) young adults which both live with horrible afflictions (one being much worse than the other, of course) and are mistreated by everyone except each other... Heartbreaking, eye-opening, and utterly compelling.
My Opinion "JSA" is a beautiful film that shows the viewer a grim look into the relationship between North Korea and South Korea. This is a story of four young soldiers (two from South Korea, and the other two from North Korea) forced to take sides because of national interests, but then go on to befriend one another out of odd circumstances. However, their dangerous friendship does not last very long... I urge people to understand the context of this film before watching for maximum enjoyment. A little insight into what truly divides North from South will shed some light on some contextual moments. This movie is not to be missed.
My Opinion Failan is quite possibly the best movie of the 21st century, in my opinion. This is my favorite movie of all time, and has inspired me to make this post. After I finished watching this film for the first time, I was left dumb-founded... I was speechless and emotionally moved like I'd never been before. This is a truly heart-breaking movie that genuinely moved me to tears on more than one occasion. I was left thinking about this movie for days after I watched it - I just couldn't shake the thought of Failan out of my thought process. I honestly don't want to ruin any details, but if there is at least one movie you would consider watching in this list, please make it Failan. These are cinema and storytelling at its best.
Mongolia Adventure Day 3
This is Day 2 of my recent visit to Mongolia. You can view the photographs I took from Day 1 by clicking the following link, and the photographs from Day 2 by clicking this link.