A Short History Of Tractors in Ukrainian

Nikolai is a 84-year-old immigrant from Ukraine and now a pensioner who came to the UK after the II World War with his wife and 2 daughters - Vera and Nadezhda. Soon after his beloved Ludmilla passes away - crazy old man falls in love with a 34-year-old Valentina and decides to marry her.

Valentina is an Ukrainian pink bunny with a sparkly lip gloss and a matching nail varnish, taste for furs in the summer and high heel shoes with a bit of fluffy material around the front. It is obvious she is after the British citizenship, needs to stay officially married to Nikolai for a few years and ideally produce some offspring in order for her status to become clear and permament. Although the age gap is apparent - the old man does not seem to mind as long as he can enjoy her company and ocassionally play with her wonderful breasts. She seems to be happy as long as Nikolai buys her a Rolls Royce and a gas hob (instead of an electrical one).

Problems start when the Rolls Royce breaks down and the old man can not afford to fix it. He asks his daughters for money. Vera and Nadezhda will not rest untill their pink fake step-mother disappeares from their lives.

The book is a colourful story of war and one complicated family drama. Written by Marina Lewycka and published by Penguin Books - it is a page-turner that will make you laugh and cry - and laugh and cry again.

Why not watch The Man From U.N.C.L.E. with your uncle?

The Man From U.N.C.L.E. is a modern adaptation of a legendary 1964 black & while TV series. Set in a cold war scenery - it is a story of 2 agents from opposite sides of the nuclear conflict and their feisty girlfriend Gaby. Traditionally enemies - they unite in order to confront a new player on a scene of radioactive power who becomes a threat to the order.

Napoleon Solo is a former thief, turned CIA agent with a perfect British accent, spotless manners and a fantastic suit. Illya Kuryakin is a Russian spy in a leather jacket and a flat hat who can run as fast as the bad robot in Terminator 2 and damage a car with his bare hands. Solo is smooth. Illya is rough. When Illya goes around fighting, destroying motorboats and almost dying - Solo listens to romantic music, eats grapes and makes love to beautiful women in white lace underpants. Naturally challenging and hating one another to start with - they need to work together. But how will it be even possible?

With references to fashion, a subtle gey theme (or rather a bromance), fantastic scenery of car races, glamorous parties attented by the rich and famous and the city of Rome as a picturesque background - it is the most enjoyable film to watch.

Legend: Gangster Twins of London

"Legend" is a new film by Brian Helgeland starring Tom Hardy as both Reggie and Ronnie Kray - the gangster twins who ruled London in the 1950s and 1960s.

Reggie meets Frances - a red-haired girl from East End. He is gorgeousely good looking and romantic - she is shy and sweet. He tells her he is not a gangster but a businessman who might have done a few things on the boarder of the law but from now on would like to live an honest life and have a family. Problems start when he tries to focus on his marriage but gets into trouble protecting his mentally ill twin Ronnie.

Surrounded by toy boys Ronnie gets into sexual contacts with some male politicians which leads into a scandal. Essentially sweet and volnurable - he turns into a dangerous man because of his illness and can't cope on his own. He needs his brother to take care of him. But how is that going to work if Reggie has a new wife and wants more "me" time to enjoy other aspects of life than harrassement, fraud, beating people up and killing them if necessary?

The film is a masterpiece within its own rights. Tom Hardy does such a great job playing two different characters that it is hard to believe it is really the same guy. There are also plenty of scenes where both Reggie and Ronnie are together in. Technology and effects involved in that are remarkable. The film lacks some historical accuracy though. "Legend" sells the London equvalent of Al Capone to the American  and gey audience perfectly well but it falls into a bit of a cliche in the way of describing their lives.

Ronnie and Reggie Kray were gangsters who managed to cross over from the world of crime to the world of celebrities. They started as professional boxers and used their skills when providing "protection" for London businesses in their early career. Although cruel and ruthless - they were also quite likeable. They mixed with aristocrats and artists. Their lives have been photographed by David Bailey. Ronnie - pictured as gey in the film - was essentially bisexual. Although he had  sexual relationships with men - he also got married twice in his life and had some very strong feelings for women. Reggie's first wife - Frances - presented as a victim in the film - was actually a glamorous young lady who outshone Barbara Windsor and some other female stars Reggie had been seeing back in the days. 

Me, Earl and the Dying Girl

I neglecled this blog for 2 years thinking that it has no viewers only to find out that over that time it has been visited by 67 000 people. Not bad. Thank you for that. It is like finding out that in high-school you turned heads of the biggest sweethearts even though you were the most unpopular kid.

Over this time I have started some new projects which took most of my attention. But writing and sharing thoughts with others is an enjoyable way to pass time.

Me, Earl and the Dying Girl is an endearing film I watched yesterday in the Stratford-upon-Avon Picturehouse. It tells a story of a teenage boy called Greg whose friend from school Rachel has been diagnosed with blood cancer. Greg and his best mate Earl have been making low budget films ever since childhood and now have a collection of 42 home productions - each one with a seperate poster that really tells the story. The films are a few minutes impressions on some contemporary movie classics like The Clockwork Orange or Eyes Wide Shut. 

Rachael finds out about them and watches them all. It is all very secret as she is the only person in the world apart from Greg's quirky dad who has ever been allowed to do that. And she loves them. This way or another the boys decide to make a film specially for her using their cheap cameras and a phone. 

Greg spends time with Rachel everyday after school as her condition deteriorates. She loses her hair, but wears a funky pink wig and a Boy George hat. He makes comments about fluffy pillows and a tree wallpaper in her girly room. She enjoys his sense of humour.

It is a rather raw love story full of art, where a young man walks into a girl's intimate world at the time most difficult for her and doesn't quite know how to go about it. But he decides to stand by. No kisses. Beautiful.

BLOOD ON HIS HANDS

Books & Comics Selfie Project #4

INSOMNIA CAFE by M.K. Perker

"Who said that reading novels and writing about them must be boring?"

Peter Kolinsky's favorite place for an evening out is Insomnia Cafe run by an amazing bar tender Angela. Suffering from sleeping disorders, he finds her presence somewhat soothing.

When Angela feels she can trust Peter, she takes him to the Archives - a secret and most fascinating library on the planet where books being now written by the world's most famous authors are available for reading. However, when the writers put their pen down, the books disappear from the Archives' shelves.

Peter gets confused and steals one of the books. Soon he learns there is a heavy price to pay for breaking the rules of this unusual place.

"Insomnia Cafe" is a grasping comics novel created by an acclaimed Turkish illustrator living in New York - M.K. Perker. Published by Dark Horse Books, it is eerie and will keep surprising you till the last page.

THE STAG & HEN WEEKEND: AMSTERDAM + CELEBRITIES

Books & Comics Selfie Project #3

THE STAG AND HEN WEEKEND by Mike Gayle

"Who said that reading novels and writing about them must be boring?"

Helen and Phil are about to get married in a few days time. She goes on a hen weekend with her best friends. He flies to Amsterdam for his stag party. For both of them it will be a test of their fidelity.

A sudden meeting with Helen's ex-fiance Aiden leaves her with mixed feelings about her wedding. Over the years he became a big TV and radio celebrity and still has got strong feelings for her. Confused Helen calls her husband-to-be for reassurance but she can't get through to him for a few days. Is it just a minor connection issue or is Phil up to something naughty? Will Helen cancel her wedding? What is Phil really doing in Amsterdam?

"The Stag And Hen Weekend" by Mike Gayle published by Hodder and Stoughton is a collection of 2 novels: one about Helen's stay at a luxury hotel spa and the other about Phil's trip to Amsterdam. Both stories happen at the same time. The book is fantastically designed.

WAR, QUEEN & A LITTLE GIRL

Books & Comics Selfie Project #2

"BILLIE TEMPLAR'S WAR" by Ellie Irving

Who said that reading novels and writing about them must be boring?

"Billie Templar's WAR" is an amazing and funny story about a naughty girl who becomes a local hero. Written by Ellie Irving, published by Random House children's division - it is a great book not only for the little ones.

Billie lives in Merchant Stanton. Her dad is a British soldier fighting in the Armed Forces abroad. Missing him and wanting him back home she goes to the Buckingham Palace to have a word with the Queen about it. Elisabeth II is away on a holiday though. Unable to meet her Billie decides to bring the head of the country to Merchant Stanton instead. She organizes a military tattoo for the Diamond Jubilee and gets all of the town involved in it. Things go a bit complicated when everybody is ready to perform in front of the Queen but she is not there...

Great novel for parents to read together with their kids.

THE GIGANTIC BEARD THAT WAS EVIL: STUBBLE ATTACKS!

Books & Comics Selfie Project #1

"THE GIGANTIC BEARD THAT WAS EVIL" by Stephen Collins

Who said that reading novels and writing about them must be boring?

With this photo I am starting Books & Comics Selfie Project where I take pictures of myself with the books I love, trying to reflect their content. 

"The Gigantic Beard That Was Evil" is a phenomenal graphic novel by Stephen Collins published by Random House. Beautiful illustrations, amazing style and a quirky storyline make it a mandatory position on every geek's Must Read List.

On the island of Here life is simple and predictable. Everyone wears clean and elegant clothes. All trees are cut in the same way. Men are nicely shaved and women are always stylish. But one day everything goes out of order.

As Dave is in his office preparing for a business meeting out of the blue moon a massive beard starts growing on his face. It grows really fast and is resiliant to trimming. After a few days it gets so big there is no more place for it in his house. It soon gets out through the doors and windows and starts overtaking the island. All Here's stylists, hair-dressers and gardeners are hired to keep it under control. But will they be able to fight the element?

POINTLESS ART: CACTUS, BALLOONS & NEONS

MARTIN CREED / EXHIBITION

LONDON / SOUTHBANK CENTRE / 29 January 2014 - 27 April 2014

Until April London's Southbank Centre is hosting a retrospective exhibition of Martin Creed's work.

Winner of the 2001 Turner Prize, Creed is recognized for his playful installations and minimalistic, but witty approach. Crossing all artistic media and including music, he transforms everyday materials into surprising art forms. After 20 years of his presence on the British art scene, it is about time to sum it all up in one major exhibition.

Martin Creed was born in Wakefield in 1968 and currently lives and works in London. Apart from being an artist, he is also an independent musician. On February 3rd he released his second album Mind Trap via Telephone Records.

SHORTCOMINGS: EMOTIONAL DILEMAS OF A NORMAL GUY

"Shortcomings" by Adrian Tomine / Photo by Agnes Prygiel

"Shortcomings" is a poignant graphic novel by Adrian Tomine, published in Britain in 2012 by Faber and Faber.

"Shortcomings" by Adrian Tomine / Photo by Agnes Prygiel

Ben is a 30-year-old university cinema manager and more or less a normal guy whose relationship with Miko falls apart after she organizes an independent film festival at the campus and gets a small modelling job. Ben feels insecure and slightly jealous of her career as he himself is a bit stuck with his job and life in general. With Miko distancing herself he turns for support to his lesbian friend Alice and starts some small sex experiments with other girls.

With art, campus life, a fascinating trip to New York and of course love - "Shortcomings" is a really interesting graphic novel to read.

THE GODDESS & THE THIEF: MAGIC VS FREEDOM

The Goddess and the Thief by Essie Fox, photo Agnes Prygiel

"The Goddess and the Thief" by Essie Fox is a contemporary novel written in the style of old Victorian romances. Full of ghosts, mysterious elixirs, crystal balls and dark visions - the book takes us back into the era of proper old-fashioned dramas. Published by Orion Books in 2013 it has a beautifully designed cover. Powerful colors and tantalizing Hindu imagery makes you just want to grab the book from the shelf.

It is 1850. Alice is a British girl growing up in India. When both of her parents die she is brought up in Britain by her aunt Mercy - a fake spiritualist medium.

Carefully manufactured ghost sessions aunt Mercy drags Alice into attract regular clients - grieving Queen Victoria being one of them - and become a way of making money. But while aunt Mercy is just a spiritual wannabe, growing up Alice showings real supernatural abilities and becomes a threat for a controlling guardian. Soon the young girl will have to choose between her gift, love and freedom.

THE CRACKLE OF THE FROST: LOVE & DEMONS

The Crackle Of The Frost

The Crackle Of The Frost is a touching graphic novel by Lorenzo Mattotti and Jorge Zentner published by Fantagraphics Books in 2012. It tells a story of a young man Samuel and his partner Alice.

Possessed by his fears and demons Samuel hears voices in his head. Alice wants to start a family but he is not ready. After a major fight she moves out but gets in touch a few months later through a mysterious letter. When Samuel gets on a train to find her there is an accident where his eyesight is affected. Temporarily blind he spends a few months in a hospital. In this time of darkness he gradually becomes ready to confront his girlfriend. But will it work out?

In this amazing graphic novel reality gets mixed up with myths and dreams. The Crackle Of The Frost is a psychological illustration of a complex human condition and a difficult emotional journey.

Don't Judge a Comics by its Size: PEBBLE ISLAND

"Pebble Island" / Photo by Nobrow Press

Pebble Island by Jon McNaught is a beautiful graphic novel published by Nobrow Press in 2010. This 15x15cm booklet fits into a large pocket. But one should not judge it by its size. It is an amazing collection of stories inspired with childhood memories of the Falkland Islands. Using a silent narration with hardly any words at all, the author invites us into an intimate world of forgotten adventures. This wonderfully crafted graphic novel depicts amazing landscapes, beautiful nature and quiet, but somehow magical and intriguing life on a small island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean with a particular sensitivity. Each image is a miniature print with lots of intricate details. Nostalgic and eerie, Pebble Island is a unique work bringing a lot of sentiment into the comics novel experience.

Pebble Island by Jon McNaught / photo Agnes Prygiel

EYE OF THE MAJESTIC CREATURE - It's All Right To Be Lost

Eye Of The Majestic Creature by Leslie Stein, Photo Agnes Prygiel

"Eye Of The Majestic Creature" is Leslie Stein's debut collection of stories published by Fantagraphics Books in 2011. This beautiful comics novel touched me with its pure honesty.

Larry is a young girl in her 20s looking for her own place in life. Trying to escape busy San Francisco, she moves to the countryside where she hopes to find comfort and peace of mind. Instead she ends up feeling pretty lonely and isolated in a small provisional town which does not have much to offer. When visiting home, she gets mixed up in all the emotional drama and her parents' complicated relationship which is no longer a real part of her own story. Going back to her little cottage is on one hand a relief. On the other it is not a real solution. By some point Larry realizes she needs to move on from her sanctuary and go back to the big city.

In her adventures she is accompanied by her guitar named Marshmallow. An interesting bit is that Marshmallow is like... real. By that I mean that it talks, walks and has its' secret life known only to Larry. Wow! THAT is quirky!

Leslie Stein's graphic novel feels is a bit of a personal memoir. I'm amazed with how much this story is similar to mine. Trying to escape London I ended up living in a small town which somehow does not feel right. When seeing my family and visiting my hometown I realize I just moved on so much it all becomes irrelevant. Trying to connect to the past I am confronted with that there is no real way back. I can only move on. But that turns out to be most difficult, because I just don't know where to turn.

Sometimes doing something is better than not doing anything I suppose. Like Larry I've found my own sanctuary, but it is not a place to stay in forever. I have to make a step. Feeling messed up like I do, I now know I am not the only one who is just looking for something in life and is honest about not having any big answers to some personal questions. It's comforting to realize that being in the process does not mean we are lost. We are changing the world around us little by little.

David Wants To Fly - Spiritual Enlightenment or Business

After having won an internet quiz with a main prize in a form of a 48-hour free access to an online film base, I am spending 2 days glued to my laptop screen, using the free access code up to the limit. As a result of that I have broadened my cultural horizonts and got to the level of intellectual enlightenment. And so I will tell you about an interesting documentary from 2010 I have just seen.

David Wants To Fly is a story of a German guy - David Sieveking - who wants to make films, but is not quite sure where to start from. As David Lynch is one of his idols, he takes part in Transcendental Meditation course organized by the acclaimed director. After having spent a few thousand Euros on seminars, he meets the leaders of TM movement and carries on meditating in order to calm down his crazy mind and pursue with the filmmaking career. He travels to India and meets religious gurus living high in the mountains, wearing orange robes and meditating on the real pursue of life. By some point he starts asking a question: "Where is the line between spirituality and business?".

The film is a documentary on TM organization and religion on the whole, but also the author's love life and spiritual journey. It ends with an interesting sentence: "When someone shows you the way, he may as well lead you astray". David Sieveking introduces us into the amazing world of spirituality, but then tells us that a bit of skepticism is not so bad at all.

ELIA - Sending Thunders Back To The Sky

Ingvar Cronhammar's Elia is a monumental sculpture  representing both ancient, industrial and somewhat extra-terrestrial fascinations. This enormous spherical dish of black iron is elevated 15 meters above the ground. One has to climb it in order to experience it. Crowned with 4 iron sails and topped with red lights, the monument generates heat, flames and - like a volcano - produces lava. At bad weather Elia concentrates thunders. A built-in 8-shaped element works like a trampoline which sends thunders back upto the sky.

"A person is still a fascinated spectator of the incomprehensible and wonderful mystery which is our existence." - Ingvar Cronhammar

Bibliography:

Henrik Hansen's  amazing short about 'Elia' and Ingvar Cronhammar:

http://www.rsafilms.com/company/rsa-uk/director/henrik-hansen/ingvar-cronhammar-elia-489
Elia's Official Website:http://www.elia.dk/english/index.html

PRADA Spring/Summer 2013 Collection - Flower-Power Glasses & Geisha Shoes

PRADA Spring/Summer 2013 fashion collection is a surprisingly consistent and somewhat visionary project. Inspired with the fusion of 60s flower patterns and Japanese minimalism, it comes up with a little bohemian, but definitely posh concept of a postmodern geisha. Narrowing down the colour range to red, black and white has created very simplistic, eye-catching and extremely elegant aesthetics for the entire range of clothes. Focused on gadgets - handbags, shoes and flower glasses - the collection brings fun into the world of classics.

Although geisha shoes are not very practical in the real life, they look good, original and have been a part of a consequent vision. All other PRADA clothes and accessories for this season are wearable and on the whole they just look good. If you don't like everything, getting one top or a handbag will be enough to mix and match with other clothes in your wardrobe and create a unique style with a bit of a posh element to it all. Most of the designs will look presentable at a business meeting, party or a lunch. Their usability and elegance is a big plus.

Quirky gadgets are the strength of this collection, because we all love the way they help us stand out and  how we can play around with them. We spend quite a lot of money on them, too. And the flower glasses look like they will sell pretty well this year.

The woman behind this unique collection is Miuccia Prada - the company's owner and the daughter of the brand's legendary pioneer. Being not only a successful business woman, but also a very original fashion designer, she has delivered elegance and fun this season.

CHANEL HULA BAGS

CHANEL hula beach bags for 2013 Spring/Summer season definitely make every accessories lover stand out from the crowd. Designed in a maxi and mini version, they will add originality and quirkiness to anything anybody on this planet will ever wear.

As for the big version - finally you would be able to put all of your stuff in one place and take it with you wherever you go. That is a huge advantage. I am a huge fan of large handbags, because they solve lots of problems for me. I really like all of my things being in one place.

As for the mini version - it's more practical, but less glamorous.

On the whole it is up to you which size you choose. It is such a wonderful design that it kind of doesn't matter, because both versions are fantastic. They are a statement of originality and wealth. If you want to show off, go the whole way! Get the large one, carry it around proudly and shine like a star!

CHANEL - Peculiar 2013 Marketing Campaign

CHANEL marketing gurus decided to advertise 2013 Spring/Summer Collection in the most peculiar way. The main visual motif chosen for this campaign doesn't depict any female or male characters, no humans at all, only gadgets abandoned in a bright changing room with a bit of a theatrical and dramatic feeling to it.

Other photos from the same promotional session present rather bored models basically vegging out on a minimalistic 60s sofa, with equally minimalistic and rather sad lamp to accompany their lack of enjoyment.

Although I wouldn't promote one of the best fashion brands in the world in this sorry way, I kind of like it, because there is a bit of a sense of humor to it. It seems that CHANEL is trying to aim its' products at a younger market and teenagers with an attitude.

DJANGO - Entertaining History Of Slavery

After just having seen 'Django Unchained' this evening I am back from the picture house, on my sofa, with the dog at my feet. I have only had as little as a tuna sandwich since I have came back home. Having saved myself from starvation, with hands on my laptop, I am about to answer the question which you are all surely asking: 'Was it a good film at all?'.

It was a brilliant film indeed. Brutal and violent at times, it depicts a story of Django - a black slave (Jamie Foxx, famous for his leading role in Oscar nominated 'Ray') who helps a very charismatic and eccentric Dr. Schultz (Christoph Waltz, previousely in 'Inglourious Basterds') catch criminals and collect bounty for them. Dr. Schultz trains Django and offers him a job as a killer.

Like in all Tarantino's films we have a clash of music styles, witty conversations, gun fights, blood and dark humor. It is a bit of an irony that it is up to this particular director to reconnect us to the difficult chapters of human history in a way that is somewhat entertaining.

'Django Unchained' is a remake of 1966 film. Original 'Django' earned a reputation as being one of the most violent movies ever made up to that point and was subsequently refused a certificate in Britain until 1993.