Beijin Story, A Wonderful Gay Fiction

It is probably fair to say Beijing Story is the most widely read on-line gay fiction in Chinese. It has become a classic, a standard and an inspiration. Whether you are gay or not, you cannot help but to be touched deeply by it once you start reading. -Unknown

Originally a novel published anonymously on the internet in 1998, Beijin Story garnered so much popularity that it was later adapted into a film titled ‘Lanyu’. This story follows Han, a wealthy man with an enviable background, playing around with women and men. Upon his boredom, his friend and subordinate, Liu Qisang, introduces Han to Lanyu and that’s when a beautiful yet tragic (in my opinion) love story was born. I won’t spoil anymore because trust me, it is worth the 30 chapters. STOP your train of thought. Thirty chapters may sound daunting but honestly, you’ll finish this story within a few hours (if you’re a fast reader and if you’re a slow one, then it might take a while) because it is addicting. So what makes this fiction worth it?

Han is just too confused and doesn’t see that he desperately needs to self-reflect. He has completely integrated into society from the very moment of his birth that he can’t break free from societal norms. The idea that he needs to marry and have a family are one of the practices expected from the heteronormative society and these notions have been deeply engraved into him as ‘his duty and purpose’. For me, Lanyu’s past prevented him from integrating into society but rather caused him to develop his own sense of purpose and what life should be lived for. The clashing between these two very differing sense of purpose and way of living becomes the foundation for this love story.

The use of emotions such as jealousy, anger, and repentance serve a meaningful purpose in Beijing Story. The emotions don’t simply define the characters but rather helps in developing them and move the plot forward. Through this development, I feel that the emotions the characters feel in Beijing Story resonate with our own emotions as the reader who is taken through the course of their love that spans over four years. It allows the reader to feel the emotions of these characters and really see a piece of ourselves in both Han and Lanyu.

There are some situations that start off cliché but take unexpected turns. As a reader, you will create expectations for these characters and the outcomes of their situations but you’ll end up surprised , or at least I was. It reflects the ever-changing nature of humans. We all change at some point and so do these characters, their actions, and reactions. The reader acknowledges the change in the characters but at the same time a sense of familiarity rushes over the reader when some of the characters’ actions mirror the actions from earlier chapters.

The frustrations from Han’s childish logic and selfish actions coupled with Lanyu’s naivety and satisfaction with just being able to be in a tiny part of Han’s outrageous life preoccupied in complying with social norms and infidelity in this love story really tugs at your heart.

An interesting point to note is that the narration of this story is from Han’s viewpoint and from this, we hear most of his inner thoughts and feelings. When reading this story, note that Han is the narrator which means that the reader doesn’t get Lanyu’s or anyone else’s views. The reader only has Han’s perception and interpretation of EVERYTHING including the interpretation of his own and of others’ emotions.

Normal is an illusion. What is normal to a spider is chaos to a fly. -Charles Addams

For me, the big issue that the story attempts to address is what and who defines ‘normal’? Han says that he loves Lanyu but time and time again, becomes unfaithful to Lanyu using the excuse that he plays with women to prove to himself that he’s still heterosexual, “normal”. There is an element of realism in Beijin Story as it mirrors the psychological and emotional issues in facing social norms and the notion of normative behavior. There doesn’t seem to be a glorification nor denouncement of Han’s behavior but rather it strives to present the hypocrisy as is. So then who is at fault for this hypocrisy? Is it Han or is it the society he is entrapped that had defined ‘normal’ and forced people to fit into these molds? What is the outcome of normative notions? The tragic love between Han and Lanyu.

In the end, the excerpt I opened this post with had claimed to present a beautiful love story and it had, for me. Regardless of your sexual orientation, I believe that the emotions, the characters and their circumstances are the real gems of this fictional story. In the case that I have convinced or sparked your interest in Beijin Story, you can read here. Be warned, the story has adult content with the use of explicit language to depict explicit scenes; however, if you’re old enough and are interested in this story, read it and let me know your thoughts on the story!

Space Brothers’ Lessons in Reality

Credit for this beautiful image goes to whoever created it, not me.

Before watching Space Brothers, I was somewhat intrigued by outer space but that only extended to the childhood school field trips around the first or second grade to the museums with one that specifically focused on aerospace. Ever since then, I didn’t really think much about outer space until I started watching Space Brothers back when it started airing in April 2012. It’s been over a year and I continue to love Space Brothers more and more despite having my ups and downs with it. I don’t necessarily make sure that I’m always watching the newest episode right when it comes out but I do make sure that I always catch up to the most recent episode at some point.

Upon watching Space Brothers, my interest in aerospace and astronauts have increased possibly because I want to be able to relate to the characters by finding those connections in real life. Every time I scroll through the Yahoo! News and stumble upon an article related to aerospace, I can’t help but click on the link in hopes that I could get closer to that fictional world of Mutta’s and finding his courage, determination, and dreams manifesting itself in reality.

So I would just like to share this article that I found: http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/the-upbeat/half-nasa-class-astronauts-women-213644113.html
NASA has picked eight of its new astronauts and the group will go on to Houston’s Johnson Space Center in August for training.

“In a statement, NASA Administrator Charles Bolden said, “These new space explorers asked to join NASA because they know we’re doing big, bold things here—developing missions to go farther into space than ever before. They’re excited about the science we’re doing on the International Space Station and our plan to launch from U.S. soil to there on spacecraft built by American companies. And they’re ready to help lead the first human mission to an asteroid and then on to Mars.”

After reading the article above, I just couldn’t help but imagine that Hibito and Mutta living out their dreams is exactly what these people in real life had aimed for when they chose to join NASA. Also, the bit mentioning the International Space Station immediately brought Serika to mind.

Anime and all forms media are forms of expression that have some objective they hope to achieve. For me, Space Brothers is an anime that really hopes to inspire people to do what they love and that it is never too late. These but you would be surprised by the amount of people who restrict themselves and become bogged down by commitments and promises leaving them tied down by their limits. People need a remind that nothing is ever impossible because we tend to set limits for ourselves. Those of us who continue to watch and support Space Brothers for our own various reasons may believe in the lessons that Space Brothers and its characters have to offer in hopes that we take charge of our own lives and really do something big.

Sinbad, Confident Even When He Is Naked

After encountering this professor who I hold with high esteem, has taught me that those who have genuine confidence do not hide when they are stripped naked both literally and figuratively. Sinbad from Magi is the perfect example of perfect confidence even when he has nothing on him except for a leaf. Sinbad was robbed by thieves with nothing left, not even a piece of cloth to cover his private area (all he had was a leaf). Yet, he comes out from the woods with his arms wide open and a carefree tone indicating openness to others yet firm in his conviction.

If you think about it, most people would find any means possible to cover themselves up if they were in the same situation as Sinbad. They are desperate to hide their bodies as the embarrassment boils up from within. They lack the confidence to hold their naked bodies with pride and love that they should have for themselves. Instead, they might have simply stayed behind a bush and not have done what Sinbad had done, walking out in broad daylight and with nothing to hide.

Sinbad having no fear or embarrassment arise while being in such a state is an sign of the confidence that he has obtained. It is not the confidence that most of us believe what confidence is. He is at peace with himself and the world. He truly loves the world and all things in it for what they are and is accepting of them; however, it does not mean that he allows the poverty and resentment but that he accepts it as a fact that it is a reality of this world.

Jafar had mentioned about the scars that Sinbad have had carved in him and the burdens he is carrying. I can only imagine what he has to be responsible for as the king of a country in charge of so many citizens all the while heading an alliance. He does not allow those scars to stop him from accepting others as shown with him wanting to join the Fog Troupe. His openness is evident as he listened to the reasoning the Fog Troupe had for their actions. As their reasoning made sense to him and resonated with is morals and beliefs, he did not hesitate to join the Fog Troupe. Sinbad’s confidence is in the fact that he makes his own decisions from the knowledge he has on hand and does not allow previous obligations or expectations from others to influence his decision. Even though he had made a promise to King Abhamd to capture the Fog Troupe, there is no hesitation in switching sides when he learns of the purpose and cause for the Fog Troupe’s existence.

Now, it is not to say that he is flawless and is the epitome of pure justice and all that is good. He does have flaws and seen when he had been judged Alibaba to not be capable of much due to his lack of confidence. When Alibaba had returned full of resolve and determination as he asked Sinbad for help, Sinbad had gracefully and modestly acknowledged his mistake in prejudging Alibaba before letting it all play out. His other major flaw is his careless attitude as seen with his metal vessels stolen and not having much concern. Yes, it makes sense that even without his metal vessels, he is very strong as he had cleared seven dungeons without the guide of a Magi but that does not mean that he is invincible. The disaster in episode 16 where Kassim turns into a dark dijinn would have turned out a little better if only Sinbad had his vessels but his carelessness lead to this conclusion. His carefree attitude can at times be fatal and serious but can also be frustrating to those around him who do not having the ability to trust in Sinbad’s philosophy of “Don’t worry! I’ll take care of it somehow.”

In the end, his virtues and charisma overpowers his flaws, which lead others to admire and adore him. He accepts himself for all he is and understands what it is that he wants. People tend to believe or make others believe that they have confidence but they do not fully accept themselves. They are constantly finding fault with their appearance, bodies, and abilities and putting on an act of confidence as if such an illusion would hide their fears and insecurities from the world; this is the difference between others and Sinbad. He has a genuine and tender heart yet he is firm in his resolve and his ideals that he would never betray himself and his own beliefs.

Psycho-Pass Ep One

First episode was somewhat enjoyable but a majority of it was predictable. There was good use of suspense in keeping me on the edge of my seat at certain points. It’s somewhat gory and doesn’t hold back on shoving the violence in your face but some people like it that way. I know that it is only the first episode but come on now, these characters are so flat, they’re like a damn cutting board. Maybe I’ll give the second episode a try but it’s not as impressive as I thought it’d be. But the Dominator has a cool sound effect when it’s used.

On a more serious tone, this series explores the idea of leaving technology in control of society. Do you use your emotions or do you use unbiased technological devices to determine the criminalistic tendency of an individual? It’s a difficult question to answer and I’m curious to see what answer this series will come up with.
2/5

Alucard, Dracula.

I’ve been following Hellsing for a year or two. I’m currently watching Hellsing Ultimate ep 8 and I just realized that Alucard is the backward spelling of Dracula. LOL, such a fail.

Did anyone else notice? Am I the only one who’s late to come to this realization?

Well, finding out sooner is better than later.

Fate Zero, Destroying Other’s Wishes For Your Own

It wasn’t really ingrained into my mind until Kotomine said it. It’s not just about what Saber or Kiristugu or what he wants but what others want too. Some seek the Holy Grail for selfish reasons while others do so for what they view to be the “greater good”. Regardless, their reasons are legitimate ones.

Fate Zero Episode 11

“The ultimate Noble Phantasm that I, Iskandar, possess. Ionian Hetairoi.”

*an army of thousands and thousands of men come marching in*

I swear, this scene was so epic I had chills running through my spine.

Finally Started Fate Zero

Got the chance to finish Fate Stay Night a few days ago and started on Fate Zero. Fate Zero has much more interesting characters who add a great deal to the excitement. There’s a plenty of differing characters, motives, and ideals.

Waver Velvet. I understand his need for proving his capabilities to others who don’t acknowledge him; however, his personality sucks. He’s such a whiner. If I were Iskandar, I would’ve flicked him a couple more times.

Lancer, He’s hot.

In the last episode, I wanted to cry after seeing what Bluebeard did to that little boy. Giving him hope then dragging him back into the depths of fear and despair only to devour him. There wasn’t any character in the Fate Stay Night series like him. This is one evil and merciless dude.

Tari Tari Ep 1

This is probably my first series that focuses on singing so I’m quite interested in how Tari Tari will incorporate singing into its story. We’ve all been there: wanting something so bad and working so hard, yet we’re denied the chance or opportunity to prove ourselves. This series could get super deep and serious especially when you’re talking about aspirations and such but chooses to stay as a light and comedic series. Some parts of it is actually funny and got me chuckling especially the new transfer student. Seriously, he’s really hilarious.

Even though this series isn’t anything serious, it does have some tension surrounding Sakai and the circumstances which have forced her to stop singing. Well, judging from the opening scene, I would think that it has something to do with her mother. Seeing as her mother isn’t around, I believe that her mother may have been involved in an accident. There’s a chance for tears depending on how the tragedy that Sakai had gone through will be played out.

Rating: 3+/5
I like Miyamoto and her ambitious attitude to keep watching because I’m just the opposite of such a character. This is definitely way better than Koroko Connect. Watch Tari Tari just for the transfer student, it’s worth it.

Natsuyuki Rendezvous EP 1

I like the pacing of the story, not too slow, not too fast. Surprisingly, there’s no cliche situation where she feels awkward around him or tries avoid him yet when Hazuki confessed to the manager. I don’t think she’d so easily agree to being in a relationship with Hazuki because its clear that she still can’t forget about her husband.

This series uses dry witty humor to give it that bit of comedic feel. It’s not necessarily trying to get you to laugh til your weak but just to get a “hah” in there. It certainly is witty. An example:

Even though I’m a huge fan of Yuya Matsushita and I really love the OP, the ED is much more appealing in terms of visuals and vocals.

Rating: 4+/5
This series can definitely be worthwhile and a very excellent romance series. For me, the witty humor this series has to offer is its selling point and most appealing. It’s definitely worth your time so go and watch it.