Grover Carr Furr III (born April 3, 1944) is an American professor of Medieval English literature at Montclair State University, best known for his books on Joseph Stalin and the Soviet Union. He has published many books on this subject.
Friday, February 13, 2026
.jpg)
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
At the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. Summer of 2017.
The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a public research university with campuses in Vancouver and Kelowna, British Columbia. Established in 1908, UBC is British Columbia’s oldest university. The university is ranked among the top 20 public Universities worldwide and among the top three in Canada. With an annual research budget of $600 million, UBC funds over 8,000 projects a year.
The Vancouver campus is situated about 10 km (6 mi) west of Downtown Vancouver. UBC is home to TRIUMF, Canada’s national laboratory for particle and nuclear physics, which houses the world’s largest cyclotron. In addition to the Peter Wall Institute for Advanced Studies and Stuart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute, UBC and the Max Planck Society collectively established the first Max Planck Institute in North America, specializing in quantum materials. One of the largest research libraries in Canada, the UBC Library system has over 9.9 million volumes among its 21 branches. The Okanagan campus, acquired in 2005, is located in Kelowna, British Columbia.
As of 2017, eight Nobel laureates, 71 Rhodes scholars, 65 Olympians, ten fellows in both American Academy of Arts & Sciences and the Royal Society, and 208 fellows to the Royal Society of Canada have been affiliated with UBC.Three Canadian prime ministers, including Canada’s first female prime minister Kim Campbell and current prime minister Justin Trudeau have been educated at UBC.
The main campus is at Point Grey, approximately 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) from downtown Vancouver. It is near several beaches and has views of the North Shore mountains. The 7.63-square-kilometre (1,890-acre) Pacific Spirit Regional Park serves as a green-belt between the campus and the city. Buildings on the Vancouver campus occupy 1.09 million m2 (11.7 million sq ft) gross on 1.7 square kilometres (420 acres) of maintained land. The campus street plan is mostly in a grid of malls (some of which are pedestrian-only). Lower Mall and West Mall are in the southwestern part of the peninsula, with Main, East, and Wesbrook Malls northeast of them.
The campus is not within Vancouver’s city limits, and therefore UBC is policed by the RCMP rather than the Vancouver Police Department. However, the Vancouver Fire Department provides service to UBC under a contract. In addition to UBC RCMP, there is also the UBC Campus Security that patrols the campus. Postage sent to any building on campus includes Vancouver in the address.
UBC Vancouver also has two satellite campuses within the City of Vancouver: at Vancouver General Hospital, for the medical sciences, and at Robson Square in downtown Vancouver, for part-time credit and non-credit programmes. UBC is also a partner in the consortium backing Great Northern Way Campus Ltd, and is affiliated with a group of adjacent theological colleges, which include the Vancouver School of Theology, Regent College, Carey Theological College and Corpus Christi College.
The campus is home to numerous gardens. The UBC Botanical Garden and Centre for Plant Research, the first UBC department, holds a collection of over 8000 different kinds of plants used for research, conservation and education. The UBC botanical garden’s original site was at the “Old Arboretum”. All that remains of it today are trees planted in 1916 by John Davidson. The old arboretum is now home to many buildings including the First Nations House of Learning. The Nitobe Memorial Garden, built to honour Japanese scholar Inazo Nitobe, the garden has been the subject of more than fifteen years’ study by a UBC professor, who believes its construction hides a number of impressive features, including references to Japanese philosophy and mythology, shadow bridges visible only at certain times of year, and positioning of a lantern filled with light at the exact date and time of Nitobe’s death each year. The garden is behind the University’s Asian Centre, which was built using steel girders from Japan’s exhibit at Osaka Expo.
The campus also features the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts: a performing arts centre containing the Chan Shun Concert Hall, Telus Studio Theatre and the Royal Bank Cinema. It is often the site of convocation ceremonies and the filming location for the 4400 Center on the television show The 4400, as well as the Madacorp entrance set on Kyle XY. It has also been featured as the Cloud 9 Ballroom in the re-imagined Battlestar Galactica (Season 1, Episode 11: Colonial Day).
Since the mid 1980s UBC has worked with property developers to build several large residential developments throughout UBC’s campus. Such developments include: Chancellor Place, Hampton Place, Hawthorn Place and Wesbrook Village.
Monday, February 9, 2026
Sunday, February 8, 2026
6 Benefits of Flaxseed Oil — Plus How to Use It
 |
| https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/flaxseed-oil-benefits |
Flaxseed oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids and has been shown to have several health benefits, such as reduced blood pressure and improved regularity. Just 1 or 2 servings a day can be beneficial.
Flax seeds are known for their many health benefits, which include providing a hearty dose of protein and fiber, reducing appetite and aiding in weight control.
Given their stellar nutrient profile, it’s no wonder that flaxseed oil is also jam-packed with similar health benefits.
Flaxseed oil, also known as flax oil or linseed oil, is made from flax seeds that have been ground and pressed to release their natural oil.
This health-promoting oil has a wide variety of uses, ranging from cooking to skin care.
This article will explore some of the top benefits of flaxseed oil and a few simple ways to use it.
1. High in omega-3 fatty acids
Much like flax seeds, flaxseed oil is loaded with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
Specifically, flaxseed oil contains alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a form of omega-3 fatty acid that is only converted in small amounts to active forms of omega-3, like EPA and DHA.
If you aren’t getting enough DHA and EPA in your diet, most guidelines recommend at least 1,600 mg of ALA omega-3 fatty acids daily for men and 1,100 mg for women.
Just one tablespoon of flaxseed oil can meet and exceed your daily ALA needs.
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential to health and have been associated with benefits like reduced inflammation, improved heart health and protection for the brain against aging.
If you aren’t taking fish oil or getting one to two servings of fatty fish in your diet each week, flaxseed oil may be a good solution to help supplement your diet with the omega-3 fatty acids you need.
2. May help reduce cancer cell growth
Although the current research is limited to test-tube and animal studies, there is some evidence that flaxseed oil may help reduce the growth of cancer cells.
In a 2015 animal study, mice were given 0.3 ml of flaxseed oil for 40 days. It was found to prevent the spread of cancer and the growth of lung tumors.
In an older small animal study, flaxseed oil was shown to block the formation of colon cancer in rats.
Furthermore, test-tube studies have produced similar findings, with several studies showing that flaxseed oil reduced the growth of breast cancer cells.
Still, while these findings are promising, more research is needed to determine how these results may translate to humans.
3. Could benefit heart health
Several studies have found that flaxseed oil could benefit heart health.
One study in 59 people compared the effects of flaxseed oil to those of safflower oil, a type of oil high in omega-6 fatty acids.
In this study, supplementing with one tablespoon (15 ml) of flaxseed oil for 12 weeks led to significantly lower blood pressure levels than supplementing with safflower oil.
High blood pressure can harm heart health, as it places extra strain on the heart, forcing it to work harder.
Flaxseed oil may also improve the elasticity of the arteries. Both aging and increased blood pressure are generally linked to decreases in elasticity.
These benefits are likely due to the high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseed oil, as supplementing with it has been shown to significantly increase the amount of omega-3s in the blood.
What’s more, numerous studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids improve heart health, with benefits such as reduced inflammation and lower blood pressure.
4. May help treat constipation and diarrhea
Flaxseed oil may be effective at treating both constipation and diarrhea.
A recent animal study showed that flaxseed oil acted as a laxative to promote regularity, all while acting as an antidiarrheal agent.
Another study gave 50 constipated patients on hemodialysis either flaxseed oil, olive oil or mineral oil.
After four weeks, flaxseed oil increased the frequency of bowel movements and improved stool consistency. Also, it was found to be as effective as both olive oil and mineral oil.
However, research on the effects of flaxseed oil on constipation and diarrhea is currently limited to animal studies and studies on people with specific conditions.
Additional studies are needed to evaluate its effectiveness in the general population.
5. May improve skin health
Flaxseed oil may also help enhance skin health.
One small study had 13 women supplement with flaxseed oil for 12 weeks. At the end of the study, they experienced improvements in skin smoothness and hydration, while skin sensitivity to irritation and roughness had decreased.
A recent animal study showed that flaxseed oil had similar positive results.
Mice with dermatitis were given flaxseed oil for three weeks. The oil was shown to decrease symptoms of atopic dermatitis, such as redness, swelling and itching.
However, no studies have looked at the benefits of applying flaxseed oil to the skin of people. Nevertheless, there are numerous anecdotal reports of improvements in smoothness and reduced irritation after applying flaxseed oil.
6. May reduce inflammation
Thanks to its omega-3 fatty acid content, some research shows that flaxseed oil may help reduce inflammation in certain populations.
However, one analysis of 20 studies showed that flaxseed oil did not have an effect on inflammation in the general population.
Nevertheless, it significantly reduced levels of C-reactive protein, a marker used to measure inflammation, in obese people.
An animal study also found that flaxseed oil has potent anti-inflammatory properties.
Some studies indicate that flaxseed oil’s anti-inflammatory effects are equivalent to those of olive oil.
For example, one study in 37 people showed that flaxseed oil supplements didn’t affect any inflammatory markers in healthy, normal-weight adults, compared to olive oil.
While it seems that flaxseed oil may affect people differently, more research is needed to determine its effects on inflammation for the general population.
How to use flaxseed oil
One of the best things about flaxseed oil is its versatility. For starters, it can easily be swapped for other types of oil in salad dressings, dips and sauces.
You can also add one serving (one tablespoon or 15 ml) into smoothies or shakes to add some flaxseed oil into your diet with minimal effort.
Keep in mind that flaxseed oil should not be used for cooking, as it does not have a high smoke point and can form harmful compounds when exposed to high heat.
In addition to being used in food, flaxseed oil can be applied to the skin to enhance skin health and increase skin moisture.
Alternatively, some people use flaxseed oil as a hair mask to promote growth and shine.
The bottom line
Flaxseed oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids and has been shown to have several health benefits, such as reduced blood pressure and improved regularity.
What’s more, flaxseed oil can be used in a variety of ways. It can be used as a replacement for other types of oils, added to foods or applied to your skin and hair.
Including just one or two servings of flaxseed oil in your daily routine is easy and could have numerous benefits for your overall health.
The genesis of artistic creativity. Genius genes and autism / Michael Fitzgerald, (Ireland) (EN)
The genesis of artistic creativity. Genius genes and autism / Michael Fitzgerald, (Ireland) (EN) - The 11th International Congress on Psychopharmacology - 7th International Symposium on Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology - 2019
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Why Canada is Falling Apart
Something is wrong with Canada and this is why Canada is falling apart in real time and how the country is becoming unliveable with all of the problems it faces.
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
On Robson Street in Downtown Vancouver. Autumn of 2017.
Robson Street is a major southeast-northwest thoroughfare in downtown and West End of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Its core commercial blocks from Burrard Street to Jervis were also known as Robsonstrasse. Its name honours John Robson, a major figure in British Columbia’s entry into the Canadian Confederation, and Premier of the province from 1889 to 1892. Robson Street starts at BC Place Stadium near the north shore of False Creek, then runs northwest past Vancouver Library Square, Robson Square and the Vancouver Art Gallery, coming to an end at Lost Lagoon in Stanley Park.
As of 2006, the city of Vancouver overall had the fifth most expensive retail rental rates in the world, averaging US$135 per square foot per year, citywide. Robson Street tops Vancouver with its most expensive locations renting for up to US$200 per square foot per year. In 2006, both Robson Street and the Mink Mile on Bloor Street in Toronto were the 22nd most expensive streets in the world, with rents of $208 per square feet. In 2007, the Mink Mile and Robson slipped to 25th in the world with an average of $198 per square feet. The price of each continues to grow with Vancouver being Burberry’s first Canadian location and Toronto’s Yorkville neighbourhood (which is bounded on the south side by Bloor) now commanding rents of $300 per square foot.
In 1895, train tracks were laid down the street, supporting a concentration of shops and restaurants. From the early to middle-late 20th century, and especially after significant immigration from postwar Germany, the northwest end of Robson Street was known as a centre of German culture and commerce in Vancouver, earning the nickname Robsonstrasse, even among non-Germans (this name lives on in the Robsonstrasse Hotel on the street). At one time, the city had placed streetsigns reading “Robsonstrasse” though these were placed after the German presence in the area had largely vanished.
Robson Street was featured on an old edition of the Canadian Monopoly board as one of the two most expensive properties.
Kickboxer (1989) Music Score Review - The Action Elite
Not only is Kickboxer one of JCVD’s best movies but the score from Paul Herzog is also a bit of a classic; sure, some of it sounds a little 80’s by today’s standards but it remains one of my favourite scores.
I can listen to it if I want to work out at the gym as there are some great training montage themes or if I want to chill out as there are several tracks which are perfect meditation tunes.
Stand out tracks include Tai Chi, Advanced Training, The Eagle Lands, Stone City, Ancient Voices and Buddha’s Eagle but there isn’t a dull tune on the soundtrack.
Then we also have a few songs by the great Stan Bush like Streets of Siam, Never Surrender and Fight for Love which are all awesome and inspirational work out tunes. We need more songs in modern action movies which inspire us to go and get fit and better ourselves.
Overall, maybe one of my shortest reviews ever but there isn’t anything else I need to say; the score to Kickboxer is a classic and one of Van Damme’s best; it’s perfect for either working out or chilling out and is a must have if you can find it.
https://theactionelite.com/kickboxer-1989-music-score-review/
Sunday, February 1, 2026
Liposomal Pea Plus Luteolin: Health Benefits
 |
| https://et-chem.com/liposomal-pea-plus-luteolin-health-benefits/ |
As the quest for natural and effective health supplements continues, a combination that has been gaining attention is Liposomal Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) plus Luteolin. This duo is touted for its potential to offer a range of health benefits, from reducing inflammation to protecting neurological function. In this article, we delve into the science behind these compounds and explore the health benefits they may provide.
Understanding Liposomal PEA and Luteolin
Before we examine the benefits, it’s important to understand what these compounds are and how they work.
What is Liposomal PEA?
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a naturally occurring fatty acid amide, which is produced within our bodies as part of a response to inflammation and pain. PEA has been studied for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. The liposomal form of PEA is encapsulated within liposomes, which are tiny vesicles that can encapsulate nutrients, enhancing their absorption and bioavailability.
What is Luteolin?
Luteolin is a flavonoid found in various plants, including celery, thyme, and green peppers. It’s known for its antioxidant properties and its ability to modulate the immune system, potentially reducing inflammation and providing neuroprotection.
Health Benefits of Liposomal PEA Plus Luteolin
When combined, liposomal PEA and luteolin may offer synergistic effects that can lead to various health benefits. Here are some of the most significant potential benefits:
Enhanced Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Both PEA and luteolin have anti-inflammatory properties. PEA acts on the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating inflammation and pain. Luteolin, on the other hand, can inhibit the production of inflammatory cytokines. The combination of these two compounds may provide a more potent anti-inflammatory effect than either would alone.
Neuroprotective Properties
Neuroinflammation is a contributing factor in many neurodegenerative diseases. Luteolin has been shown to have neuroprotective effects, potentially slowing the progression of diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. PEA also exhibits neuroprotective properties, making the combination a promising candidate for supporting brain health.
Pain Relief
Chronic pain is a debilitating condition affecting millions worldwide. PEA has been studied for its analgesic effects and may be beneficial in treating various types of pain, including neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia. Luteolin’s anti-inflammatory action can further support pain relief.
Immune System Modulation
Luteolin has been found to modulate immune function, which can be beneficial in autoimmune conditions where the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues. PEA also has immune-modulating effects, potentially making the combination useful in managing autoimmune diseases.
Support for Allergies and Asthma
Allergic reactions and asthma involve inflammatory processes that luteolin can help mitigate. PEA may also contribute to reducing the severity of allergic reactions and asthma symptoms.
Scientific Research and Case Studies
Several studies and case reports support the health benefits of liposomal PEA and luteolin:
- A study published in the Journal of Pain Research found that PEA reduced pain and improved quality of life in patients with chronic pain conditions.
- Research in the European Journal of Pharmacology highlighted luteolin’s potential to protect neurons from damage and support cognitive function.
- A case study involving a patient with severe neuropathic pain showed significant improvement after treatment with PEA, suggesting its effectiveness in managing nerve pain.
These examples underscore the therapeutic potential of liposomal PEA plus luteolin, although more research is needed to fully understand their effects.
Conclusion: Key Takeaways on Liposomal PEA Plus Luteolin
In summary, the combination of liposomal PEA and luteolin offers a promising natural approach to managing inflammation, pain, and neurodegenerative conditions. Their synergistic effects can enhance anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective outcomes, potentially improving the quality of life for individuals with chronic health issues.
Discover ETchem’s Protein Products
If you’re interested in exploring the benefits of protein supplements alongside liposomal PEA and luteolin, ETchem’s range of high-quality protein products is worth considering. Their extensive selection caters to various health and wellness needs, ensuring you find the right supplement to complement your health regimen.
About ETChem:
ETChem, a reputable Chinese Collagen factory manufacturer and supplier, is renowned for producing, stocking, exporting, and delivering the highest quality collagens. They include marine collagen, fish collagen, bovine collagen, chicken collagen, type I collagen, type II collagen and type III collagen etc. Their offerings, characterized by a neutral taste, instant solubility attributes, cater to a diverse range of industries. They serve nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical, veterinary, as well as food and beverage finished product distributors, traders, and manufacturers across Europe, USA, Canada, Australia, Thailand, Japan, Korea, Brazil, and Chile, among others.
ETChem specialization includes exporting and delivering tailor-made collagen powder and finished collagen nutritional supplements. Their extensive product range covers sectors like Food and Beverage, Sports Nutrition, Weight Management, Dietary Supplements, Health and Wellness Products, ensuring comprehensive solutions to meet all your protein needs.
As a trusted company by leading global food and beverage brands and Fortune 500 companies, ETChem reinforces China’s reputation in the global arena. For more information or to sample their products, please contact them and email karen(at)et-chem.com today.
Friday, January 30, 2026
THE LAST EMPEROR – Ryuichi Sakamoto, David Byrne, and Cong Su | MOVIE MUSIC UK
They don’t make movies like The Last Emperor anymore. A lavish historical epic directed by the great Italian filmmaker Bernardo Bertolucci and starring John Lone, Joan Chen, and Peter O’Toole, the film tells the life story of Pu Yi, the last monarch of the Chinese Qing dynasty prior to the republican revolution in 1911. It is set within a framing story wherein the adult Pu Yi – a political prisoner of communist leader Mao Zedong – looks back on his life, beginning with his ascent to the throne aged just three in 1908, and continuing through his early life growing up in the Forbidden City in Beijing, and the subsequent political upheaval that led to his overthrow, exile, and eventual imprisonment. It’s an enormous, visually spectacular masterpiece that balances great pageantry and opulence with the very personal story of a man trying to navigate his life as a figurehead and monarch, and how he balances that with his private life and his political and social importance. It was the overwhelming critical success of 1987, and went on to win nine Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay, as well as a slew of technical awards for Art Direction, Cinematography, Editing, Costume Design, and Score.
The score for The Last Emperor was by as unlikely a trio of composers as you could possibly imagine: Ryuichi Sakamoto, David Byrne, and Cong Su. Sakamoto was an acclaimed pop musician in his native Japan, and had scored his first films three or four years previously, but was most known internationally as a result of his 1983 score for the film Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence, in which he also appeared in the main supporting role opposite David Bowie. Byrne was the unconventional and eccentric front man of the post-punk rock band Talking Heads, who had enjoyed a fair amount of chart success with songs such as “Once in a Lifetime” in 1981, “Burning Down the House” in 1983, and “Road to Nowhere” in 1985, but had shown no indication that he was capable of writing a serious orchestral score for a prestigious drama film. Cong Su, meanwhile, was a complete unknown, an expert on Chinese classical music who split his time as a composer and musicology teacher between Beijing and Germany, but had never written for film prior to this. Quite how Bertolucci brought these three diverse individuals together to work on The Last Emperor is a mystery, but through some strange alchemy it all works; the soundtrack is a theme-filled exploration of the sounds and musical traditions of Imperial China, filtered through some very contemporary sensibilities.
Sakamoto’s contribution to the score comprises nine cues and is focused around his main theme, a beautiful, lyrical melody for the full orchestra, with the main recurring idea often conveyed by an erhu or a guzhengzither. It’s a soft theme, slightly wistful, slightly introspective, but which often rises to swelling brass crescendos during its more dramatic second half. The two specific variations of the theme offer slightly different takes on the melody; “Variation 1” has an ecclesiastical tone, featuring a duet for guzheng and choir, while “Variation 2” is more abstract, with a much more prominent Fairlight synthesized element which stands out like a sore thumb, but is nevertheless typical of Sakamoto’s experimental nature. It’s interesting to note that one of the credited synth arrangers and producers on Sakamoto’s part of the score was none other than Hans Zimmer, the then-29-year-old assistant to composer Stanley Myers, who was still a year away from writing Rain Man. I wonder how much he contributed to this cue’s sound specifically?
The other cues in Sakamoto’s segment tend to offer little vignettes of Pu Yi’s life as a toddler in the Imperial Palace, and help to convey the romance and majesty of his environment, as well as the inquisitiveness the little boy shows at his wondrous surroundings. “First Coronation” is a thrilling fully-orchestral enhancement of the main theme with a great deal of scope and melodrama, and an especially notable performance for a konghou harp. “Open the Door” is more stark and tragic sounding, with a bank of searing strings allowing little Pu Yu’s shock and horror at the death of his father to hit home, while the more strident and rhythmic second half is the closest the score comes to having an action cue. “Where is Armo?” is warmer, with rich classical strings and a welcoming sound, but which still works in some playful traditional Chinese instrumental ideas that continue on into the evocative and ancient-sounding “Picking Up Brides.” “Rain (I Want a Divorce)” continues the synths that Variation 2 added into the mix, before presenting a lush and fulsome scherzo for the string section that has a lyrical sense of joie de vivre. “The Baby (Was Born Dead)” is more downbeat, with harp and solo piano dominating and creating a somber mood.
Byrne’s contribution to the score comprises five cues, but the first one – “Main Title Theme (The Last Emperor)” – is actually the score’s most recognizable element, as it plays over the film’s stylish opening credits sequence, and accompanied the three composers as they made their way to the stage to accept their Oscars from Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey at the 1987 Academy Awards. The main theme emerges from a set of evocative Chinese percussion items, with the melody being carried by a gorgeous, lilting erhu. It’s traditional and wholly steeped in Chinese classical music, but it has a real emotional weight that will connect with westerners; it’s repetitive and almost hypnotic in nature, picking up layers of instruments as it develops, and is quite magnificent.
Byrne’s other cues are, inevitably, less powerful than his main theme, but are no less effective. It’s interesting to note just how much Byrne relied on classic Chinese music in his cues – much more so than Sakamoto did – which is unexpected considering that Sakamoto comes from a complementary musical culture, whereas Byrne was born in Scotland and grew up in Maryland. “Picking a Bride” is a playful, rhythmic piece for a variety of traditional instruments, most notably a small section of ethnic woodwinds, and what sounds like a Chinese version of an accordion. “Bed” is more abstract, featuring a number of scratched and scraped metallic percussion ideas over a bed of tremolo strings and, latterly, elegant flutes, amid the vaguest hints of his main theme. “Wind, Rain, and Water” revisits the accordion sound, and is quite jaunty with a sort of sea shanty-esque vibe, while “Paper Emperor” uses the much more western combination of brass and slightly jazzy oboes to convey a sense of bitterness and despondency.
Cong Su’s contribution to the soundtrack album comprises just one cue – “Lunch” – but there is much more of his music in the film; Su was basically responsible for writing all the period-specific Chinese source music one hears in and around the imperial palace during Pu Yi’s childhood. Most of it sounds much like “Lunch,” which is a soft, quiet, intimate piece for a number of Chinese folk instruments, including a dizi flute, a pipa lute, a guzheng, various metallic percussion items, and the ubiquitous erhu. It’s very authentic sounding, and has a calming, peaceful tone. The other cues are two traditional pieces, “Red Guard” and “The Red Guard Dance,” both of which are performed diegetically on-screen by The Red Guard Accordion Band and The Girls Red Guard Dancers respectively, and a lovely orchestral rendition of Strauss’s popular “Emperor Waltz.”
It’s interesting how the careers of these three composers have diverged since The Last Emperor. Sakamoto, of course, has gone on to enjoy an outstanding career as one of Japan’s pre-eminent film composers, with titles such as High Heels, Little Buddha, Snake Eyes, Femme Fatale, Appleseed, and The Revenant among his more popular works. Byrne diversified greatly, releasing more albums with Talking Heads, several others as a solo artist, and contributing to art projects including ballets, operas, theatre works, and a handful of other films including 1988’s Married to the Mob and 2003’s Young Adam. Meanwhile, Cong Su only scored two more films, both of them in China, before settling down to a quiet life in musical academia in Italy.
Think about all the great scores released in the past twenty years or so which have blended western orchestras with Chinese solo instrumental textures: Rachel Portman’s The Joy Luck Club, Conrad Pope’s Pavilion of Women, Klaus Badelt’s The Promise; scores by Tan Dun and Shigeru Umebayashi and Zhao Jiping; heck, even the Kung Fu Panda movies. Now try to think of one from a film that was released prior to 1987 – there aren’t many, right? In many ways, The Last Emperor was the pioneer which paved the way for many of these great scores, which makes it all the more curious why people so rarely talk about The Last Emperor today, thirty years after it’s release. Many scores from 1987 are beloved – The Untouchables, The Witches of Eastwick, Predator, Robocop, Masters of the Universe, Hellraiser, and Empire of the Sun among them – and The Last Emperor absolutely deserves to be on that list. It would not have been my choice to win the Oscar, but it remains a genuinely excellent score, full of richness, melody, emotion, and which allowed the traditional music of Imperial China to enter the film music mainstream.
https://moviemusicuk.us/2017/11/30/the-last-emperor-ryuichi-sakamoto-david-byrne-and-cong-su/
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)