Latcho Drom

"The whole world hates us...
We're chased... We're cursed...
Condemned to wandering throughout life..."

Whatever you call them - gypsies, tziganes, gitans or bohemians - these international groups have been persecuted for thousands of years. Their culture is rich, and their music is so old and worn it's ground to perfection; it continues to bring the joy and communion it has for the last century. Latcho Drom (Safe Journey), a french film released in 1994, follows the path of gypsy musicians from seven different countries (India, Egypt, Turkey, Romania, Hungary, France, and Spain). It has no dialogue, but features seemingly spontaneous gatherings and outbursts of music from across Europe, Asia, and North Africa; in deserts, on streetcorners, in wagons and cars, trains and trees.

Although the music was rich, the visuals were a little dull, especially after the first half hour. It's a long movie, made much longer by the lack of dialogue and storyline. It's a good movie if you just want to converse (or make out) and still have a little culture leaking into your brain. It's not good when you're home sick by yourself and all you really want to watch "Miss Teen America"

But the music! The instruments (especially some of the stringed instruments in Hungary and Romania) I had never seen or heard before. I've always been fascinated by the novelty of a caravan, of traveling with music. And now I have no doubt that a four piece band (including double bass) can not only FIT, but PREFORM in a small passenger car.

This movie is good if, like me, you like music, nomads, and boring movies.

Three and a half Shiny Stars!

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Today I also watched Mars Attacks, and about and hour of Cat Stevens Majikat Earth Tour 1976 (Pre-Islam).

Q"If backwards moved two spaces forward and forwards moved two spaces backward, where would backwards and forwards be?"
A"Backwards and Forwards"
That was taken from the Majikat official program, by the artist formerly known as Cat Stevens (check out the new and improved Cat: Yusuf Islam). I proceeded to read about half a book about Islam, become mildly stimulated, and spin like a sufi Whirling Dervish until I got sick to my tummy. The point of this?: Cat Stevens is bad for my health:(

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Anyways, I'm still sick, but my days are getting more exciting; the festival is this weekend, and in the next couple weeks I'm getting new glasses, a laptop, and going to University. And putting the basket on my bike!! Life is good. And full of mucus.