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[floatingleaf]

OK. Time for another movie recommendation. For those who enjoy angst, drama and romance without a happy ending. And no, I don't think this is a spoiler - because when you put together topics such as World War II, gays and concentration camps, then a happy ending just doesn't fit into the mix (unless it's an American movie - which it luckily isn't ;). Anyway. A Love to Hide, by Christian Faure. Paris, 1942. Two guys are trying to keep their long-term relationship secret, while at the same time hiding a young Jewish girl, who happens to be in love with one of them. As if that wasn't enough, the same one also has a young, foolish, temperamental and jealous brother, who doesn't know about the gay thing, but is in love with the girl. Needless to say, drama abounds. And finally the lovers are torn apart.


I think it's a great movie. But don't watch it if you're in the mood for entertainment. It is heartwrenching. Even for me, who thought I had seen enough films based on that particular historical period not to be so shaken by them any more (I was practically force-fed the subject throughout my school years in Poland, where the holocaust martyrology is VERY strong). Because even though the Nazis were methodically cruel towards many different ethnic & social groups, the 'pink triangles' doubtlessly had it worst. A lobotomy, anyone? *shudder*

Anyway... I loved the cast in this movie, though they were mostly French actors, with unfamiliar (to me at least) faces and names. The gay couple was just so sweet... so beautiful together. Not 'twinky types', though; quite regular-looking guys, more 'ruggedly handsome' than pretty - which somehow made the whole story even more believable. I guess the 'gayest' thing about one of the characters was his gentle, loving, compassionate personality, for which he paid dearly in the end... *sniff*


In other news, I have been exercising/taking walks (very brisk walks, to the accompaniment of lively music from my iPod) EVERY DAY since last weekend (by which I mean the PREVIOUS weekend). Go me. I still feel like a wimp for getting tired so easily, but I don't let that stop me. I know I must be either weaker or heavier (or possibly both) since I last did some of those exercises, because they still seem more difficult than they used to - but that only means it's high time to go at them, while I still can.:P

Speaking of which - my LJ-time for tonight is up. See you guys later. *waves a friendly hand and disappears*

Comments

[romi.livejournal.com]

In other news, I have been exercising/taking walks (very brisk walks, to the accompaniment of lively music from my iPod) EVERY DAY since last weekend (by which I mean the PREVIOUS weekend). Go me.

Well done! I started out my stamina-building for all the skiing, running, swimming and cycling by taking brisk walks. (During them I also composed the 7DS *laughs*)
It felt poor to "only walk" for 30 minutes each day but suddenly I just felt a strange change. Everything became easier, everything from sleeping to doing push-ups. So it may take months to get the "obvious" changes and health benefits... but that doesn't mean it isn't beneficial already. But once you get to the point where you feel everything changing, perhaps it is then you should go for the further exercise plan. It is definitely good enough to start with the brisk walks even if that is "all" you do for half a year.

I still feel like a wimp for getting tired so easily, but I don't let that stop me.

Absolutely don't! But remember my suggestion: do not overdo it. Stick to the walking, 30 minutes 5-7 days a week your goal for the first year... that is an amazing change for the body. Invest in a pair of good walking shoes as a gift for yourself and for even better benefits of the walks. Ah, makes me want to go out and walk too now. *hugs hard*

[floatingleaf.livejournal.com]

During them I also composed the 7DS *laughs*

Heh. And casual passers-by probably wondered at the dreamy expression on your face.;)

Everything became easier, everything from sleeping to doing push-ups.

I believe I do sleep a little better if I exercise in the evening. But push-ups?... My darling girl, I have never been able to do ONE single push-up in my entire life. Not even when I was skinny as a rail. Not even one where you support yourself on your knees. The only kind of 'push-ups' I can manage are the standing-up kind, against the wall...:D

It is definitely good enough to start with the brisk walks even if that is "all" you do for half a year.

It's already getting too hot for walking outside, unfortunately. Like I told you, the Chicago weather is quite unforgiving - for most of the year, it is either too cold or too hot for comfort.:( So I think I'd rather stick to exercising in a nice air-conditioned room.:)

Invest in a pair of good walking shoes

I have yet to find a pair that STILL feels comfortable after a few hours of walking in them. I have very sensitive feet, and practically every pair of shoes I own (especially sandals, no matter how comfy they look) gave me some kind of minor injury at one point or another... *sigh*

makes me want to go out and walk too now

I'm sure you will do that again, pretty soon - pushing your baby along in a stroller.:D

*hugs back - tight but careful of the belly*