Entering a course of serious study...

Just a quick post to say, unfortunately due to my university commitments, during the next 4-5 days I most likely wont be posting anything new. I have two major assignments and a test early next week, so in the words of Marianne Dashwood:

"I have formed my plan, and am determined enter on a course of serious study".

Too bad my 'study' is much more boring than I ever imagined Marianne's to be. I will however, still be logging on here during those 5 days (what do you expect there is no way I could last even 1 day without you guys!) so any questions and comments you leave I will read and answer :)

Sorry the promised movie review (The Count of Monte Cristo) still isn't up, I just havent had the time and I don't want to rush through it because I was such an amazing movie. It will definitely be the next post after my break :)
On a another note I am very excited because I have a weekly feature in the works, which I cant wait to tell you all about- after my 'serious study' period. One clue though is that is has a lot to do with Jane Austen :)

Have a wonderful weekend and Thank you as always for reading my blog!

Love Tristans_Isolde xx   

ps. Did you catch the Royal Wedding? It was so beautiful and Kate's dress sure was gorgeous wasn't it! I just loved the lace sleeves :)

Period Drama Hero Tournament

I just wanted to let you all know of a great tournament happening over at Elegance of Fashion (which is a beautiful blog, I encourage you to check it out) it is the Period Drama Hero Tournament starting the 1st of May. You may or may not remember a similar one, for heroines, was done a few weeks or so back and it was amazing! I encourage all my readers to go and check it out now (click on the picture below) and see what it is all about and how it works. But remember to go back on on May 1, I will be putting up a gadget on the sidebar shortly so you all can easily link to it!






On another note, sorry I've been a little slack with posts lately but I will have my review for The Count of Monte Cristo for you very shortly- and I am very excited for this review!

I hope you all had a lovely Easter break,

Much Love,

Tristans_Isolde xx

Happy Birthday; James Franco

A little belated but just a quick post to say 'Happy Birthday' to one of my all-time favourite actors- the talented James Franco. James was born April 19, 1978, Palo Alto, California. He is known particularly for his portrayal of Harry Osborn in The Spiderman series, Tristan of Aragon in Tristan & Isolde and more recently for his Oscar nominated performance as Aron Ralston in 127 Hours.

I first saw James in the 2001 TV Movie; James Dean, where his eerie portrayal of the Hollywood legend left me wondering if indeed they do have more incommon than just a first name. I also thought his performance in Tristan & Isolde was wonderful and i also enjoyed a rather unknown film he starred in called Flyboys.

Also if you are a Nicholas Sparks fan, be sure to what out for James' role in Nights in Rodanthe, it's excellent!

So Happy Birthday James!

A little something from...Louisa May Alcott

"When morning came, for the first time in many months the fire was out, Jo's place was empty and the room was very still. But a bird sang blithely on a budding bough, close by, the snowdrops blossomed freshly at the window, and the spring sunshine streamed in like a benediction over the placid face upon the pillow--a face so full of painless peace that those who loved it best smiled though their tears, and thanked God that Beth was well at last"

Little Women was my favourite book as a little girl, and for some reason this was my favourite passage in the whole book- so I thought I would share it with you. I suppose many people would think that it is a strange quote and perhaps morbid-in a way but I always find much solace it in.

Have a wonderful day :)

Much Love,

Tristans_Isolde xx

As You Wish...

Unfortunately I have been a little under the weather lately, and have spent a lot of time in bed  thankfully I have had my favourite books and movies to keep me company. One film in particular that I watched during that time was "The Princess Bride" I absolutley adore this movie (and always have). I have notice however that it it my 'sick-day movie', because everytime I feel unwell I end up watching it, which I thought a little strange. This then led me to think about the other movies I watch, and whether or not I tend to watch them more if I am feeling a particular mood or feeling. On further investigation this is what I found:

What I watch when I'm feeling;

Anxious- Becoming Jane or Little Women

Blah -Wives & Daughters or The Notebook

Bored-  Pride & Prejudice (1995)

Depressed - North & South

Emotional - The Titanic or North & South

Happy -Abduction Club or The Sound of Music

Hopeless -Amazing Grace

Irritated- Flyboys or Robin Hood (BBC)

Restless - Lost in Austen or Giant

Sad - Tristan & Isolde

Sick- The Princess Bride

Stressed- Gone with the Wind or Persuasion

What about you? Do you watch certain movies when your feeling a particular way?

Much Love,
Tristans_Isolde xx

My Latest Findings; The Count of Monte Cristo (2002)

I read The Count of Monte Cristo when I was younger and a few months ago my grandparents suggested I take a look at the film. I was reminded of this today when I came across the DVD so I decided to  picked it up but after a second thought I began to put it down until I saw the name Guy Pearce. Now as you all know I am Australian and I have a real soft spot for Aussie actors. Guy Pearce along with Oliver Ackland and Heath Ledger, is one of my favourite Aussie actors. So of course I bought the DVD on the spot and it is now sitting right beside me, waiting patiently to be watched :)

I am unsure whether or not I am going to like this film but after sneak peek at the rest cast (James Caviezel and the ever-so-handsome Henry Cavill) I think it looks quite promising.

I will be sure to post a review as soon as I have watched it :) If you have any thoughts or have watched this yourself, I would love to hear what you thought!

Much Love,
Tristans_Isolde xx

Video clip; 'It's Not Over'

Here is another of the video clips I have made, this one is to the song 'It's Not Over' by Daughtry. I love this song because it inspires me to never give up, I hope you like it.

I really enjoy making these but sometimes I run dry on ideas so if you have an ideas, a song, a theme for the clips of even if you would like to see a particular movie/scene in a clip- I would appreciate your input :)

Have a great day,

Love
Tristans_Isolde xx

UPDATE: 12/04/2011
Just in case you were curious as to what movies the clips are from I have listed them in the order the appear, If you have any questions though please feel free to ask , I am more than happy to help :)

-August Rush (2007)

-Lorna Doone (TV 2000)

-Becoming Jane (2007)

-North & South (TV mini-series 2004)

-A Walk to Remember (2002)

- Robin Hood (BBC TV series)

-Pride and Prejudice (2005)

-Bright Star (2009)

-Lost in Austen (TV mini-series 2008)

-Emma (TV mini-series 2009)

-The Notebook (2004)

-Gone with the Wind (1939)

-August Rush (2007)

Comments

It has been brought to my attention that due to my comment settings anonymous readers and those without Blogger accounts have been unable to make comments on my posts. I am so sorry for this, but it is now all fixed :)

I really hope that if you were planning or hoping to comment on anything but were unable to that you will go back and do so now, I would love to hear what you have to say on any of my previous posts :)

Sorry again

Much Love,

Tristans_Isolde xx

My Love; Oliver Ackland

Image credit: www.zimbio.com

I first fell in love with Oliver Ackland when I was about 13 (and if you are a follower of my blog you will notice I fall in love a lot), I am now 21 years old and I still love him! So I thought it only fair to give him an entry in this series.

Oliver Ackland was born November 9, 1979 in Australia. I first saw him in a fantastic Australian children's program called Outriders where, along with side fellow Aussie Abbie Cornish (Bright Star), he played Vince, a troubled teenager who with help reformed himself. His performance was outstanding!

The second series that I saw him in was Pirate Islands, where he played "Mars" the leader of some castaway children in a computer generated game called Pirate Islands. I still get teased by my family to this day about "Mars" due to watching the show religiously when I saw it for the first time.

Since starring in Outriders and Pirate Islands, Oliver has had roles in various TV show, TV movies and short films. In 2009 he was rewarded for his hard work when he was named the inaugural recipient of the Australians in Film Heath Ledger Scholarship.

I would absolutley love to see Oliver in a period film, similar to those produced by the BBC. That would be a dream come true! I think he would be great playing roles similar to those played by Rufus Sewell: there is just something that reminds me of him- maybe the eyes.

Image credit: www.zimbio.com

Of course my other dream would be to meet but the chances of that are pretty small. Although I did once think I saw him at a shopping centre but it was most likely just someone who looked like him. But secretly I like to think it was him :)

I know as you are reading this post, this may well be the first time that you have heard of Oliver Ackland and most likely you are not thniking much of what I am blabbering on about but if you ever get the chance to see anything that he has been cast in I encourage you to check it out. I know there are episodes of Outriders on YouTube however I believe they are in another language (not English), I think perhaps it is German- and they don't have subtitles.

If you have seen anything with Oliver in it or you are just simply a fan I would love to hear what your thoughts are- just post a comment below

Thanks for your continued support of my blog.

Love,

Mel xx

Movie Review; Lorna Doone (TV 2000)

Film: Lorna Doone

*If you want to know more about the storyline of the film before reading the review check out my post here: Lorna Doone post #1

As I posted a few days ago, I recently bought the film Lorna Doone and I watched it last night and it was fantastic. I was so impressed! There were very few differences from the novel and which weren't even that noticeable. I was convinced this film would be a 'prettier', 'soppy', 'spruced up' version of the book however it had all the lovely grit, battles and darkness from the novel but were expertly balanced against the beautiful backdrop of the English countryside.

The actors were wonderful and I was surprised to see so many familiar faces. As soon as I saw Richard Coyle, who played John Ridd I couldn't help but exclaim "Mr Coxe" as I recognised him as the unlucky in love apprentice of Mr Gibson in 'Wives and Daughters'. Other notable actors/actresses were Barbara Flynn (Wives and Daughters, Cranford, Miss Potter), who was wonderful as Sarah Ridd- John's mother. Aidan Gillen was extremely impressive as Carver Doone who despite his evilness I found myself sympathising with, his performance was outstanding. Amelia Warner (Love's Brother, Arisocrats) didn't simply act her role she was Lorna Doone, she was beautiful, serene, kind and captured everything I always felt Lorna was in the novel.

I also thought John's sisters were both played beautifully by Honeysuckle Weeks and Joanne Froggatt (Robin Hood -TV series and Downton Abbey). And James McAvoy!!! Yes James McAvoy (Becoming Jane) had a small role, he is very cute and  looks so young- make sure you keep an eye out for him. Another smaller role I thought was played fantastic was that of Marwood de Whichehalse portrayed by Jesse Spencer, he did a wonderful job!

I was little worried about the chemistry between John Ridd (Richard Coyle) and Lorna Doone (Amelia Warner) before I watched the movie, they are one of my favourite literary couples- so I was quite worried but I loved them as a couple. Richard and Amelia were gorgeous together and despite never having thought Richard Coyle handsome or a great actor, due to the way he played the character I found myself falling ever so fast - in love with him :)

If you haven't seen this film, I highly recommend it. It is definitely one of my all time favourites (I wish I had seen it years ago) and even though I watched it only last night, I am definitely going to make time to watch it again tonight.

Have you watched any movies lately that you thought were pleasantly surprised with? I'd love to hear about it!

Love,

Tristans_Isolde



Richard Coyle as John Ridd



Aidan Gillen as Carter Doone



Amelia Warner as Lorna Doone



Jesse Spencer as Marwood de Whichehalse



James McAvoy as Sergeant Bloxham
and Joanne Froggatt as Lizzie Ridd

Book Review; The Measure of a Heart

Title: The Measure of a Heart

Author: Janette Oke

Series: Women of the West (book 6)

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

“Anna Trent felt fortunate to finish the eighth grade with first-class honors. Already past her sixteenth birthday, most of the girls her age had been forced long ago to drop out to help at home. She loved school loved to learn, loved the excitement of new discoveries, loved the quickening of her pulse as she shared some great adventure in the pages of a book. And now that is over.

The oldest child in a farming family with six young brothers, Anna is shy, sensitive and a bit self-conscious. But when Austin Barker comes to their church to fill the pastorate for the summer months, the young seminarian is captured by Anna's admirable qualities, especially her intense desire to learn. Through his books and correspondence, Anna's education continues to expand, and the sweet country girl grows into a lovely woman.

When they meet again, will she be able to believe that Austin's words are sincere? Despite the compassion and grace she so effectively lives, and despite her selfless commitment to God and His Word, what can she do when time does not erase the inadequacy she feels or her struggles with the standard that measures her heart? Will she ever be able to see herself as others do?

If only the feelings of guilt and inadequacy would go away-”

I really loved this book and it was so easy to identify with the insecurities and self conscious nature of Anna, especially when it came to topics of faith. Anna to me portrayed everything that a true Christian is and should be without being distant and self righteous. As the story progress and Anna’s faith grew and was tested so was mine.  I am always really challenged by Janette’s books but this one in particular really helped me to see myself as God sees me, not as the inadequate, ugly, second-rate person I feel that I am.

Before I read this book I was feeling very inadequate to serve the Lord, in the sense of ministering in their lives. And Anna’s journey through the book really helped me with this.

 I just wanted to share one of the pastor Austin Barker’s lines from the book that I thought was really nice:

“It all depends on the Lord. It has all along. My inadequacies, my lack of talent, of wisdom, that is no matter to the Lord. Scripture says the He can use the weak, the small, the inadequate. Me”

Have you read this book? What did you think about it?

God Bless,

xx  

My latest findings; Lorna Doone (TV 2000)

Today I was quite excited when I came across a movie I had been wanting to see for quite a while. I first read Lorna Doone by R.D. Blackmore when I was quite young but re-read it last year, and fell in love with the story all over again. The version I bought is the BBC made for TV one which was released in 2000. I haven't watched it before so I hope it is not too much different from the book. I would love to hear your thoughts on this movie if you have seen it.

If you have never heard of 'Lorna Doone' or are curious about the movie don't worry I will be posting a review up as soon as I get a chance to watch the film. But to give you a quick 'snapshot' of the storyline here is a little paragraph on the plot.

Lorna Doone is a romantic sevententh century adventure set in Exmoor, England where the land  is terrorized by a lawless gang of outlaws; the Doones. As a young child, John Ridd witnesses his fathers murder at the hand of the Doones. Years later John, sworn to avenge his father, wants revenge on the Doones until a chance meeting with a beautiful girl with a mysterious past, Lorna Doone, the heiress of the outlaws.  

   

My Jane Austen book collection

As you may already know from my "100 Janes Austen copies by 2011" gadget, I collect Jane Austen books, I particularly love finding copies which have different front cover designs. I mostly hunt for them in the local Opportunity Shops, because I love secondhand books! I love to read the notes and comments which people write in the books. Unfortunatley, for the past 3 years I have been collecting I havent been able to get very many copies, at the start of the year (2010) my total was at 24 so I think I am doing well so far :)

My total stands at 38 copies -

14 copies -Pride and Prejudice 

6 copies -Sense and Sensibility

5 copies -Emma

4 copies - Mansfield Park

2 copies -Northanger Abbey

2 copies -Persuasion

2 copies - 'The Complete Novels of Jane Austen'

1 copy -Lady Susan   

1 copy - Sanditon

1 copy- 4-in-1 book (Northanger Abbey, Lady Susan, The Watsons and Sanditon)

I can now increase that total to 39 after buying this beautiful copy of 'Northanger Abbey' on sale. Isn't the cover lovely :)

Movie Review; Bright Star 2009

Film: Bright Star (2009)

'A thing of beauty is a joy forever'

“Bright Star”, directed by Acadamy Award winner Jane Campion (‘The Piano’) and starring Abbie Cornish ('Elizabeth: The Golden Age') and Ben Whishaw ('Brideshead Revisited') is a movie based on the life of the Poet, John Keats. The film is set in London, 1818 and follows the beautiful yet tragic love story between the famous English poet, Keats and the feisty and stylish Fanny Brawne.

As a teenager I was captivated by Keats work, his poems seem to echo words from deep within his soul and each line I read I felt in some way, transported into his world. When I first heard that a movie based on his life was in development I was a little sceptical. I wasn’t sure how it would affect me after watching it. Would I be able to read his poetry in the same way, would it still captivate me? Or would it ruin how I perceived Keats to be?

When I finally saw the trailer, I was pleasantly surprised- actually more than that, I was desperate to see it. Unfortunately the film was not playing in any theatres near me. I would have to wait the extra months until it was released on DVD. 3 months later the theatres had all stopped playing the film and I waiting rather impatiently for the DVD release until my mother found a small clipping in the paper, an advertisement for “A special one –time screening of: Bright Star” at our local theatre. I could have cried I was so happy!

The movie was in many ways much better than I could have hoped. Many people have told me that they think the beginning is a little slow, so please if you’re going to watch it, don’t judge it by the first part, stick it out because it gets better. The Cinematography is possibly the best I have seen and I think the scenery and colours compliment all that Keats wrote about in his poems. The costumes in this film are also gorgeous.

Ben Whishaw was wonderful as Keats, he was Keats. In the scenes where you hear the voice over of him reading the poem I felt his voice captured the tone and emotion that was needed for the character. However Abbey Cornish absolutely shined as Fanny, I felt everything she said, did and felt, she was simply stunning especially in the last few scenes of the film. 

This movie is one of my favourites so there is not much that I can say I didn’t like about it however I found myself wishing to know more about Keats’ struggle in writing the poems, his writing blocks, how he developed his poems. I would also have liked to have heard more of his poems read throughout the course of the movie.

If you don’t want to watch a movie that is sad and will most likely make you cry. I suggest you don’t watch this. I cried so much (but then again I cried during ‘Bambi’ and ‘The Lion King’).  Otherwise just take some tissues :)

 

 

Fan Video; 'Sway' Michael Buble`

When I have the time I love putting some of my favourite movie clips together with a song that I love. It means if I’m in a rush or I’ve got a huge exam or just something stressful that day right before it I can watch one of them, it always helps. I thought I would share one of my favourites with you, hopefully it will brighten your day too. 

A little something from...

  "If you are ever going to see a rainbow, you have got to stand a little rain."

I love quotation books and today I was blessed enough to come across another to add to my collection, within the first few pages I can across the above quote was thought it was so beautiful and inspiring that I had to share it with you too.

God Bless your day wherever you are, and what ever you are doing.

Much love,

Tristans_Isolde