they will hold

There are a few movies I cry watching, just about every time. Some love stories, some just sad, some just awe inspiring. But I can't think of any other film that I've cried so many times during, so that I couldn't see the ashtray or my glass on the floor beside me.

I think what makes me cry and laugh the most in this film is the friendship and love so clearly shared, all of the people struggling to hope. It's heartbreaking and idealistic, the sort of thing I have so rarely allowed myself.

Some of the included scenes made Alan & I burst into laughter, especially the ones with Gimli and Legolas or Merry and Pippin finding the kitchen. Eowyn's stew sent us into fits. The new scenes with Boromir and Faramir explained why they choose to show things as they did, and I feel more comfortable with that now.

In short, the whole thing is bloody brilliant. These stories that colored my childhood live on the screen, and I couldn't be happier.

the far side of the world

I cleaned the living room and rearranged all the furniture. Only because I woke up early and couldn't get back to sleep. Looks very nice though. The cold front came through and it's been in the 50s all day. Beautiful, clear and cold.

We saw Master & Commander this afternoon, and it was fun. I might have been even more caught up in the story had the people behind us been able to shut the hell up. The old woman on the other side of Alan kept snoring. That was kind of weird.

Anyhow, men on ships, lots of canon fire, neat stuff, the Galapagos islands! Very exciting stuff. I enjoyed Russell Crowe's performance, though I've never been a big fan of his acting.

I have to say, there's something slashy about a boat full of men in tight pants. Hah.