5 things reminder before seeing 'New' Robocop

Just went back from seeing new Robocop. I will write review about it soon but first I want to write a quick reminder for anyone who feel hesitate about this reboot,

1 ) It have a different social commentary. I think the old one was about executive corruption. New one was more about marketing with slight tip on War on terror.

2) The reboot did not follow the old theme. Instead, it put a new spin around it. For example, Old Robocop did not think of himself as human and gradually regain his humanity. New Robocop; however, was self aware and identify himself as human but gradually losing it.

3) New Robocop is more emotional guy and slightly less tragic figure.

4) It's less bloody compare to original.

5) It's not necessary suck.

Cautious tale of loves.- Ah Fei and Lin Xian Er

Note to reader: This article was written before Valentine, but I got a cold during the week and did not have a time to finish it before the date.

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It's near the valentine day. Street are full of lovely couple smiling happily like they will never be apart. Store are full of love card along with beautiful flower and chocolate. It's seems to be a beautiful occasion. With love and flying pink heart ran all around.  But sometime I felt a stirring glimpse of madness. A madness that fly in the air until the valentine has pass.

For as the day progress forward to February 14th people will not act like normal.


Those who found love on others will get crazy upon the day waiting for their mate to do something special.

Those who did not found love will walk the street with lifeless eyes. Looking for something to fulfill their heart.

Those who lost love will drank their heart to abyss. For their wish that they can find solace in the cold embrace of darkness.


And yet, there were other kind of people in the valentine.


These people they will have a smile as bright as the sun. When you meet them you will feel like you meet an angel. You will feel like you will have purpose in life. You will feel that as long as you follow them your life will be complete.

Then, at the moment that you did not notice. They will hit you when it hurt most. Your effort will be in vain. Your life will feels empty. You will feels that the purpose on your life is gone and only thing left for you...

...is Despair.

But what would happen to those people. Those who play you. Those who, despite your dedication and effort, throw you away like piece of old cloth. Of course they will laugh at you, or pity at best. But they won't care about you just one bit and will left you to die while they look out for other prey.

Other conquest.

It was such a shame, really. For I sometime saw a talent men/women waste away with love. Sometime, when I saw that situation, my thought usually went back to a Wuxia story I read in my youth. It's a story of two persons: One man, One woman. It was a story of love, friendship, ......

And betrayal.

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Once upon the time in China, there was a young maiden. She have a body of a goddess and face of an angel.  When she walks, all of the eyes will follow. When she talks, all men will listen. She was claimed to be the most beautiful woman in the world, living in a luxury Happy Cloud Mansion.

Her name is Lin Xian Er.

But beauty also has a curse, for she was troubled by an evil 'Plum Flower Bandit', a renown thief and rapist who try to take her. With this predicament, she make her vow that she would not settle for any ordinary man.

She would marry only to a man who can kill Plum Flower Bandit, whether he's old or young.

The story travel far and wide. Every heroes across the land all move toward Happy Cloud Mansion. For all of them either lust for fame or woman.

Except for two.

One of them was the previous master of the mansion. A sad middle aged man who came back to find forgiveness.  The owner of title 'Little Li Flying Dagger', Li Xunhuan.

Another man was a young energetic swordsman. A wild child from forest who walk bravely from snowy mountain to the city. With him was only simple cloth and a single blade.

His blade is not a special blade that needs to be craft by rare material. In fact, it was quite pity. It was a scrap of metal binds together with two pieces of woods. It's contain no sharp, except for the tip of sword.

But everyone who laugh at once could never laugh again when their blood flew out of their neck. For this absurd blade, when it's in his hand became a deadly weapon. A quickest blade that no man can handle.

Nobody know his name but he was called, Ah Fei.

Then at one fateful day, Ah Fei travel to the manor. Along the way he saw Lin Xian Er in peril. For she was chase down by an evil man with a black robe.

A Plum Flower Bandit!

Ah Fei step in and face the evil man. With a speed of no rival, the Plum Flower Bandit became another prey for Ah Fei's sword.

However, as Ah Fei stand there with a corpse of fame bandit in a hall among fame heroes. No one was believe in what he said because they already have their Plum Flower Bandit. With their eyes blind with greed, they capture Ah Fei's best friend Li Xunhuan and branded him as a fame bandit. And then innocent Li Xun Huan was taken away to Shaolin temple to be judge by Martial Artist community.

With anger, Ah Fei followed them with Lin Xian Er by his side.

With time, he start to fall in love with her.

However, after he came back from the temple with his friend, the truth has reveal itself. Lin Xian Er is nowhere saintly as he thought as she would be. For she is the real 'Plum Flower Bandit'.  The man he kill is only one of her pawns, a decoy to redirect attention from her.

After he found out, Ah Fei eyes was burning like a fire. But when his sword cross her neck, he look as her teary eyes and listen to her.

That she said she love him, trust him, and would gladly die by his arm.

He couldn't do it.

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Two years later Ah Fei become a different man. His pride are now gone left with only naive smile of the youth. He live with Lin Xian Er but they live in separate room, with separate bed.

Lin Xian Er's room was beautiful and fully decorated.

Ah Fei's room was small and simple.


When Li Xunhuan came to visit him, he seems to be a happy man. An honest man who make living by hunting fox and jackal.

He claimed that Lin Xian Er has changed and become a good person.

But when day turns to night, Li Xunhuan found a different story. While in the days she act like a humble woman with Ah Fei, at night she sleeps at another house.

With many different men at different night.

She would sleep with anyone except for Ah Fei. The only man who respect her too much to violate her.

Li Xunhuan tried to warn his friend but Ah Fei do not listened. He was so blind by love for Lin Xian Er. So much that he even cut his tied with Li Xunhuan, his only friend and a man who save his life.

After Li Xuahuan left him, he have found out about truth the hard way.When he was found her on bed with another man.

That day Ah Fei became less than a shell of himself. Day after day, he do nothing except for drinking. One wine after next. His hand cannot deliver the lightning stab for it become too shaken. His legs can neither run or walk for his mind is cloud by alcohol.

A man who use to be quickest swordsman could not even kill a dog!

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As time pass Lin Xian Er found her beauty fading along with her luck. She was betrayed and loss all her money. Instinctively, she ran back to old house. The one she use to live with Ah Fei. As she ran, her thought went back to her. She realized that she miss Ah Fei.

And she might even has a feeling for him.

She thought that Ah Fei would forgive her. That he would receive her back with open arm.

But when she get inside her house, she found himself eating alone. She pleaded to him but Ah Fei  pays no attention. He focus entirely on his food as it was only thing exist in the room.

He can ignore her because he has time. And time can heal a suffering heart.

After he finished, he stood up and start to leave. Lin Xian Er rushed toward him. She hugged him and beg him not to leave. He only turn back and said.

"I wonder.... how could I ever love someone like you?"

And then he leave Lin Xian Er, along with relic of sadness in the past behind him.

While Ah Fei move on and reclaim his skill and friendship, Lin Xian Er lost herself. She became a prostitute who only work for satisfied her hunger for men. And when she was old, with her beauties gone and no one left beside her, she can only spend her life lingering to her glorious past.

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And that's another story for the day. As I wrote along, I wander if there will be anyone who read this article and said: "Oh, that's right. Men are misogynist and sexist toward woman." They maybe right. As a man I admit that their are certainly some man who feels that way. Gu Long, the man who write this story himself, was also a troubled writer. But by reading this then said "Men are sexist" or "Woman is ignorant b***h" did not encourage productive thought. It's too shallow and would not provide anything more than constant blaming on each sex.

Because we can see those kind of people all around. Ah Fei you saw might not be a man. Lin Xian Er you saw might not be a woman. They might not act in a same way but their will always be this kind of this relationship around the world.

Between one who can only give and the one who can only take.

As for me, I already saw some of them. The person who remind me of Lin Xian Er is not even a woman. And in the real world, I would even say that person with her capability might even fare better.

Then again, Ah Fei is Ah Fei and Lin Xian Er is Lin Xian Er. They are just a fictional characters and I don't encourage follow them to a T. Each people are different. Some of them are better. Some of them are worst.

But still, I think they serve as a good reminder. Unlike in most movie that hero/heroine can beat or outright murder their sadist spouse (Safe Haven, Enough, etc), we can't do it in real life. No matter how good Ah Fei is, he would only end up as murderer if he use violence to solve love problem. And I would advise anyone who found themselves in a bad relationship, to Ah Fei example. To not using violence,....

And just walk away with pride on your chest.

Guan Yu - The God Of Loyalty

This article is dedicate for those who work, help out and associate with Chinese culture. I actually plan to write in occasion of Chinese new year. Too bad I can't make it on time.

And also I dedicate this article to my father who bought me 'Romance Of the Three Kingdom' before I even play Mario brothers. While I'm not sure it gave me super insight like you believe, it's kinda feel cool (yet lonely) sometime when I can brag about something that people around me would only look in wikipedia.

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When you go to the Chinese restaurant, you might meet this statue.

You might wander who this is and why you can see him in almost every Chinese restaurant and office. It got your curiosity and you asked one of the waitress. They will looked at you with confusion and answered with something short and simple. Something like:

"He is Chinese God/Diety."

Those answer was simple and appropriate. But I usually found myself a little bit sad. It's a good answer but it does not tell much of why this simple 'Man' become 'God'.

Then again, it's not their job to explained either.

So let me try my best to answer those question.

I can go with semi-historical analysis but that would be too boring and unproductive. It would be to cruel to subject legend to analysis without hearing the tale first.

I will write a story about Guan Yu in a simplest form available. By using old fashion way of storyteller.

So for a few minutes, allow me to fancy myself as a humble storyteller. A poor wanderer who trade story for coins and drink.

Let me tell a tale of Guan Yu, an honorable warrior and God of Loyalty.

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Once upon a time in Han dynasty. It was a time of chaos. With Yellow Turban Rebellion plague across the land, it was a time for great man to stand and fight their way to glory.

Among them there was three men.

The first was a man with white skin as jade. A poor loyal blood with a kind heart. With his duel sword, he aim to create peace and restore Han dynasty to it rightful place.

His name is Liu Bei.

Liu Bei^­_[1]

The second man was a tall man with a face as red as a Chinese date. His eyes were as narrow as the phoenix and his eyebrows was like a silkworm. With his long beard and and Green Dragon Crescent Blade on his hand, he seeks honor and live by loyalty.

His name is Guan Yu.

Guan Yu_[1]

The last man was a a man with a dark face. His eyes was wide like a tiger. His voice was as loud as thunder. He's a brute, but honest man. With his serpent spear, he fight for Liu Bei, the man that he believe in.

His name is Zhang Fei.

 Zhang Fei_[1]

One day, these three extraordinary men went to the peach garden. They held a small banquet over there. Then they proclaimed:


"We three—Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei—though of different families, swear brotherhood, and promise mutual help to one end. We will rescue each other in difficulty; we will aid each other in danger. We swear to serve the state and save the people. While we are not born in the same day, but we seek to die together. May Heaven, the all-ruling, and Earth, be our witness. If we turn aside from righteousness or forsake this brotherhood, may Heaven and Human smite us!".

 Three brothers sworn at peach garden_[2]

After they finish announcing their commitment, they bows to each other. Liu Bei became the eldest of three brothers with Guan Yu as a second while Zhang Fei is the youngest among them.

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Then they gather army and roam around the land. For twenty years they ride together. They fought Yellow Turban, then Dong Zhuo the tyrant. But then they suffer a defeat in the hand of Cao Cao, a cunning warlord who held young Emperor Xian on his hand. During chaotic of the battle, the three brother were separate from each other. Liu Bei and Zhang Fei was able to escape during the chaos.

But unbeknownst to them, Guan Yu was surround by Cao Cao's troop.

Cao Cao, despite being evil character, respected Guan Yu and his abilities. He wish to convince Guan Yu to his side. With some consideration he send Zhang Liao, one of his best man and Guan Yu's friend to convince him.

Cao Cao_[1]

When they met, Zhang Liao bows to Guan Yu then said: "General Guan. I was humble by your presence. But now you have been surround by all side. My lord can destroy you if he wish but he feel it would a waste of talent. I wish you would surrender. Our lord like your ability and would gladly welcome you into our rank."

"What would you decide?"

Guan Yu took a glanced at Zhang Liao dispassionately. His eyes was still determine even with death rang upon his door.

"I would like to fight to the death." Guan Yu answered calmly. "Go back, Zhang Liao. Tell Cao Cao that I would never surrender."

Zhang Liao sighed. "It's too bad, brother. For if you die, you will make three grave mistakes."

Guan Yu turned around to face Zhang Liao who continued:

"First, you said that you would die 'in a same day as your sworn brother' when you sworn with Liu Bei and Zhang Fei in a peach garden. Now since you are separate from each other. If you die here, today. Wouldn't you betray your oath?"

Guan Yu calm eyes started to wavering.

"Second, Liu Bei's wife are in our custody now. If you die, wouldn't that be neglected of your responsibility to take care of your lord's wife?"

Guan Yu eyes are now looking elsewhere. He couldn't look straight at Zhang Liao for he admit that Zhang Liao had a good reasoning.

"And third, since your goal is to protect the nation and serve the Han dynasty. If you die today, you  will die in vain without accomplish anything. Is that how loyal servant to Han empire would serve?"

After listen to the word of painful reason, Guan Yu turn back and closed his eyes. Although he would like to go down fighting, he still couldn't do it today. For he was bound by his oath and responsibility.

He would surrender but it will be on his own term.

Then he turn around and face Zhang Liao.

"Your word are reasonable enough, brother Liao." He said. "I would surrender. But I have three conditions as well."

Guan Yu gave Zhang Liao three conditions_[3]

Zhang Liao slowly nodded then Guan Yu continued.

"First, I'm only surrender to Han empire. Not to Cao Cao."

"Second, I want my lord's family to be safe and treat with respect. And I will be the one who take care of them personally."

"And last condition, I will only stay until the heard news about my lord. When I heard of my lord whereabouts, I will leave immediately."

After hearing those word, Zhang Liao bows to Guan Yu then leave to discuss with Cao Cao. When Cao Cao listen to three condition he said:

"For those first two condisions, I have no problem. But for the third......... if I let him stay with us, wouldn't our effort be in vain when he left."

"Of course not, my lord." Zhang Liao answered. "The reason that Guan Yu is loyal to Liu Bei because he was treat fairly. If you treat him better than Liu Bei and shower him with gift, I don't think Guan Yu would ever leave."

Cao Cao satisfied with Zhang Liao's word and agree on those conditions.


========================================================================

After Guan Yu surrendered, Cao Cao promoted him with a high rank and title. But then he send Guan Yu to his estate, Guan Yu eyes were widen in shock.

For he was set together in the same house with Liu Bei's wife.

By tradition, it was dishonorable for a man, especially a sworn brother like Guan Yu to sleep in the same house as others wife. Guan Yu knows that it was one of Cao Cao's cunning plan to damage his reputation among with Liu Bei's wife.

Undeterred, Guan Yu did not enter the house but stand in front of the estate and guard it all night. From dusk to dawn he stand still unwavering like a statue. For he wouldn't let anyone harm his brother's wife.

Seeing Guan Yu's unwavering  determination, Cao Cao decided to bought another house for Guan Yu instead.

After that day Cao Cao gave Guan Yu more respect. He putted on a banquet for Guan Yu once on every three days. He showered Guan Yu with gifts and woman but Guan Yu did not accept it. When he was pushed, he gave them all to Liu Bei's wife instead.

Then one day, while visiting Guan Yu, Cao Cao took notice on Guan Yu's cloth. It was old, fragile and full of stretch.

Cao Cao hand a beautiful silk coat to Guan Yu. "I saw that your robe was old, General Guan. So I bought a new one for you. Could you try it on?"

Guan Yu take off an old robe an put on a new one. It was fit perfectly.

Cao Cao smiled.

But his smile was fading when Guan Yu put his old cloth on top of the new one.

"Why do you want to do that?" Cao Cao asked. "You did not like the new robe?"

"Oh, not at all. Lord Cao." Guan Yu answered. "But this old robe is a present from my brother, Liu Bei. When I wore it, it make me missing him less."

Undeterred, Cao Cao took Guan Yu outside. "I saw that your horse is also old, Guan Yu. So I got you a new one too."

Then Cao Cao wave for his servant to come in. The servant came back with an extraordinary horse. It fur was red as fire and it roar was as loud as ocean wave.

"Do you remember this horse?" Cao Cao asked.

"Of course, I do." Guna Yu answered. "It was 'Red Hare', a famous horse that of fame Lu Bu that you defeat a year ago."

"Good. Good." Cao Cao clapped his hand happily. "Now, it belong to you!"

Suddenly Guan Yu knelt down and bow toward Cao Cao repeatedly.

Curiously, Cao Cao asked: "I gave you plenty of gift but you did not seems to like it. Why did you become so happy when I only give you a horse?"

"Lord Cao." Guan Yu answered. "This horse is only one among it's kind. It can ran across 1000 li a day(around 500 kilometres or 310 miles) and cross rivers and mountain like it was a flat land. With this horse, I can reach my brother quick as my heart content."

Cao Cao's face sank down upon those word, bitter that Guan Yu was loyal to Liu Bei more than him.

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After escape, Liu Bei ran to seek help from a warlord name Yuan Shao. Yuan Shao has dominant power in the north of China and have army three size bigger than Cao Cao. Surely, the clash between Cao Cao and Yuan Shao are inevitable.

And with Liu Bei persuasion, Yuan Shao marched his troop down south. Upon hearing the news, Cao Cao moved forward and position himself in the plain of Guandu.

When two armies met each other, Yuan Shao send Yan Liang, his best general, toward the Cao Cao army. Seeing the battlefield, Guan Yu wished to participate the battle to repay for Cao Cao's kindness.

Fear that Guan Yu will leave when he repaid the favor, Cao Cao declined it.

Seeing no equal, Yan Liang charged forward with furious rush. He crave his way with blood that he spilled from Cao Cao's troop. Several of Cao Cao's general like Song Xian and Wei Xu tried to stop him.

Only to find their head flying away from his body.

With no choice, Cao Cao bring Guan Yu beside him. He pointed to Yan Liang and said: "Do you see that person, Guan Yu? That is Yan Liang, one of Yuan Shao's best general. What do you think about him?"

Guan Yu face show no fear. "Yan Liang is only a buffoon in my opinion." He said. "I can take his head easily like I can take a candy from babies hand."

Cao Cao laughed with satisfaction. Then he order Guan Yu to participate in combat.


With a Green Dragon Crescent Blade in his hand and the horse that ran as fast as the wind, Guan Yu charged forward into battlefield. As mighty as he was, Yan  Liang never stood a chance. He can only get a glimpse of the red face before he die.

A face that as red as blood.

As Yan Liang about to ask for Guan Tu's name. His life came to an end. With a single swipe, from a blade so heavy that no man can handle, Guan Yu cut Yan Liang in half!!!

As Yuan Shao's troop saw their brave general fall down from his mighty horse, they lost their will to fight and ran away.

Grant Cao Cao a clear and decisive victory.

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A news of Yan Liang defeat filled Yuan Shao with anger, he send his troop to capture Liu Bei and bring him back for questioning.

"Liu Bei!!! You traitorous dog!!" Yuan Shao shouted. His eyes was filled with rage by the death of his general. "You said that you will be my allied!!! But your brother kill Yan Liang!!! Explain it to me immediately or I will cut your head off!!!!"

"Lord Yuan Shao," Liu Bei answered calmly. "I have been separate from Guan Yu for a long time. He surely did not know that I have came to the benevolent of your grace."

Liu Bei paused for a moment, allow Yuan Shao some time to calm down. Then he continue.

"Also, remember that Cao Cao and I are mortal enemy. He would already know that I'm here within your noble grace. This is one of his ploy, noble lord. He would certainly set Guan Yu to kill your troop and thus, separate unity of our force."

Yuan Shao nodded silently.

Liu Bei continued: "If you allowed me, I can write a letter to Guan Yu. If he saw my letter he would come here immediately."

Yuan Shao agree with Liu Bei's plan. He let Liu Bei write the letter and send it to Guan Yu secretly.

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Once Guan Yu receive the letter from Liu Bei, he quickly got into his horse and ride to Cao Cao's manor to said farewell. Knowing Guan Yu's intention, Cao Cao ordered his servant to close the door tight and put on the sign on the front door. It said: The prime minister is seriously ill. No visitor allowed.

Sawing the sign, Guan Yu leave then came back on the next day. The sign is still there so he went to leave his word with Zhang Liao instead. However, when he went to Zhang Liao's house, he also found out from Zhang Liao's servant that he too, is sick.

In that moment, Guan Yu knew that both Cao Cao and Zhang Liao were playing trick with him. He would never leave if he have to wait for both of them to said farewell. And with burden desire to get back to see his brother, Guan Yu decided to leave. He came back to his manor and write the farewell letter to Cao Cao. Then he lock every single gift he receive from Cao Cao inside the manor and only take Liu Bei's wife along with his old subordinate with him.

Then with a carriage of Liu Bei's wife behind him, he climb on the Red Hare's back and lead them out of the city.

Upon hearing that Guan Yu have left, Cao Cao lose his heart. He send no troop to catch Guan Yu but ask Zhang Liao to tell Guan Yu to wait so they can properly say goodbye to each other.

Once Guan Yu heard the word from Zhang Liao, he held back and let the carriage went ahead without him.

When Cao Cao arrive, he bow toward the great general then said: "I salute you for your loyalty, Guan Yu. When I give you my word on your three conditions, I have no intention of forsaking it. I only come here to say farewell to you and gave you some gold for your expense."

Then Cao Cao order one of his soldier to bring a bag full of gold to Guan Yu but he declined.

"I already have enough money from my salary." He said. "There are no need for more. This gold should be spend on rewarding the troop."

Cao Cao said. "After you came into my service, you have made plenty of contribution to our force. These little gold are nothing compare to your effort."

"My contribution to your force are slim, Lord Cao." Guan Yu answered. "Nothing worth enough to mention."

Cao Cao sighed. "You are truly honest man above all, Guan Yu. I pity myself for not having you as a close friend. You might not take this gold, but at least I wish you would at least take this coat as a token of our friendship."

Then Cao Cao ordered his soldier to carried a coat with golden silk to Guan Yu. Guan Yu, afraid that the soldier will caught him if he get dowm from his horse, swiped his blade under the coat and grab it. He put on the coat, bow, and said: "Lord Cao, I thank you for your generosity and will never forget it for the rest of my life. If our path cross again, I shall return a favor for your kindness!!"

After he announced those word, Guan Yu rode away.

Then Xu Zhu, Cao Cao's bodyguard said: "Guan Yu is an asshole brute. You are kind and generous to him but he pick your coat with his blade!? He humiliate you, my lord! I will catch him for punishment."

Cao Cao sighed. "There's no need, Xu Zhu. Let him go. He's alone but we have quite a few people with us. It's reasonable that he might suspect us to harm him. I already gave him my word and have no plan to disavow it."

Then he take his troop back to the city.

However, since both Cao Cao and Guan Yu left in a hurry. Guan Yu forgot to asked for the border pass from Cao Cao. He was stopped in the border and had to pass through them with force. He killed six of Cao Cao's officer. When Cao Cao knew, he quickly gave order for all border to let Guan Yu pass through.

Depiction of Guan Yu's "Riding Alone for Thousand Miles" in Summer Palace, Beijing.

Thus, after riding along for thousand mile, Guan Yu was reunite with his brothers.

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Several year pass by. Tide of battle are turn against Cao Cao. He suffered defeat from coalition of Liu Bei and Sun Quan force in the Battle of Red Cliff. He was forced to ran away as his fleet was burning in flame. They were wandering for three days now in a lonely narrow road with two mountain between them. His troop was tired and fatigue. They were hungry and thirsty. Some of them even needs to kill a horse to sustain their hunger.

Then at the end of the road, he saw thousand of soldier blocking their path.

And their leader was a man with red face.

Guan Yu.

Cao Cao sighed. He knew his doom was inevitable and all he can do was beg for mercy. He slowly rode toward Guan Yu and bow toward him.

"It's been such a long time since we last met." Cao Cao said. "Have you doing well since we last parted?"

Guan Yu returned the bow in kind. "I do." he said with determined unwavering eyes. "Lord Cao, I have been order to capture you."

"Guan Yu," Cao Cao pleaded. "Look around me. I have been defeated. We are tired and suffering. Please remember the time back then when I save your life."

Guan Yu answered: "I always think about your favor and generosity back then, Lord Cao. But I already repaid it back then when I kill Yan Liang. Now I have order to capture you and I cannot forsake my duty."

Then Cao Cao said. "Indeed, you are already repaid me when you kill Yan Liang. But when you left, you kill several of my soldier and six officer along the way. I could punish you back then, but I didn't. Instead, I let you go. Isn't that mean anything to you?"

Cao Cao paused. His emotion ran high as his eyes were swarming with tears. "Now, my life is entirely up to you. I can't fight you. Please have mercy for us."

Not only Cao Cao, the whole remnant of Cao Cao's force knelt down and cried:

"Lord Guan Yu!! Have mercy upon us!!! Please spare our live!!!"

A scene was too overwhelming for Guan Yu. In front of him was Cao Cao, a cruel, cunning, and merciless warlord. A man who was begging for his mercy. He knew would be punish heavily if he allow Cao Cao to leave, maybe even execution. But as his thought went back to the past, he remember all kindness that Cao Cao gave to him.

And the debt that needs to be repaid.

He cried.

"Clear the way." Guan Yu said solemnly. "Let them leave."

Then with tear on his eyes, Cao Cao leave, along with what left of his force.

Guan Yu let Cao Cao escape._[1]

After that Guan Yu got back to the camp to awaited his punishment. But thanks to Liu Bei, he was able to avoid the execution and only put on probation.

Allow Guan Yu to perform more extraordinary heroic feat on another day.

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And that the story of Guan Yu and how he pave his way with honor and loyalty. Some part of the story might be true. Some of it might be not. But nevertheless, the story got retold again and again through many generation and cement image of Guan Yu as a righteous, honorable figure among many generation to come.

A man who never forsake his brotherhood for treasure. A man, so honorable that even a manipulative tyrant like Cao Cao has to bow with respect.

Still, I did not even mention all of the story of Guan Yu. For a great man like Guan Yu, there are many story left to tell and this only one of a few. A highlight of his life perhaps, but not all.

And rest of the story, is for another time.


PS: Special thank for Suksan Wiwakmethakorn(aka Lao Chuan Hua), Sangk Pattanothai, Chote Praeprun(aka. Yacob). All of you gave me a great insight on the story of the three kingdom. Without your work, I might not be able to finish the book. While your work might not mean much to the world but it was important to me. It was delightful and I felt quite a pity that your work would probably never be able to be print in other language.

(ขอขอบคุณ คุณสุขสันต์ วิเวกเมธากร(เล่า ชวน หัว), คุณสังข์ พัธโนทัย และคุณโชติ แพร่พันธ์(ยาขอบ) มาในโอกาสนี้ งานของพวกท่านได้เปิดหูเปดตาผมในเรื่องสามก๊กเป็นอย่างสูง หากไม่ได้งานของพวกท่านแล้วกระผมเองก็คงไม่สามารถอ่านสามก๊กจบได้ ถึงแม้ว่างานของพวกท่านอาจไม่เป็นที่กล่าวถึงในประชาคมโลก แต่มันสำคัญกับผมเป็นอย่างยิ่ง งานของพวกท่านเป็นงานเขียนอันล้ำค่าและเป็นที่น่าเสียดายที่มันคงไม่มีวันได้รับการเผยแพร่ในภาษาอื่นๆ)

With thousand bow of gratitude.(ขอคำนับพันครั้งด้วยความจริงใจ)

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Image source:

[1]: Beijing Dongfang Hongfei Television Culture and Arts, "Three Kingdoms", 2010

[2]: http://www.absolutechinatours.com/china-travel/kings-of-three-kingdoms.html
[3]: CCTV, "Romance Of the Three Kingdoms", 1994

What I think of Ender's game and problem I have with it: Part 3 comparison with book.

Now for the final part I'm going to compare the film with the book. At first, I think about writing only about the film. But as I thought about it I decide that this article would somewhat incomplete if I did not do comparison with the book. After all, the book got both Hugo and Nabula so I think that it might be a good read. The film might not be super epic but since the book is very popular I guess that it should not be that bad.

There are probably a good reason that US military add the book into officer reading list after all, right?

So I call a good friend of mine and borrow a book from her. I read it for several days and come up with this article. I found both of it to be different. The book did cover some of the part  that I did not like for the film(although a bit partially) but there are some part that I think the film does it better. While the film is a full blown military sci-fi film, the book seems to have more social comment.

So which one of it is better: the film or the book?

Before I make a decision, let me make a few points here. Be warn for the fan, you might not like some of my comment.

By the way, full SPOILER!!


1) The book has more scientific explanation. I'm quite appreciate on detail like time dilation or a small detail around research on the Formic(name of the Alien).


2) The book have minor plot about politic on Earth which doesn't sound different than 80s action movie. American vs Russia, yadda, yadda, yadda. I guess that it's probably because it was written in the 80 too. Those detail is nice, especially the consequence after the war was over. In the book, each country start fighting after Formic war has ended and they try to get Ender to lead their army. It's a nice touch but came out as hearsay since it did not effect Ender in slightest.  So all those nice detail end up too short, too rush up and end up useless in particular.


3) The book have a minor plot about Ender's sister and brother get into politic by..... posting in the internet. They became equivalent to Lacus "Mary Sue" Clyne(From Gundam SEED Destiny) and bring the world peace. In the end his psychotic brother even become the world president. This is ridiculous and I glad that it was cut from the film. I can watch Code Geass or Death Note if I want to see 'genius child take over the world'. At least they have fantasy element and I don't think they are required reading in JSDF(Japan Self Defense Force).

Their dialogue are great anyway, but end up unconvincing for me. I can't take it that serious when it came out from a kid who have zero experience in politic.

Oh, by the way I found idea that Peter, Ender's sadistic brother, become a world peace president is quite weird and unrealistic. It's true that some leader in history are ruthless and I know several bully with leader quality. But the step between psychotic children that dissect squirrel to Gandhi is a little bit too big. These type of leader will always let their bad personally take control and destroy everything if not in check. Peter in the book strike me as smart but unstable person. These person, if they have power will usually stay for awhile, some might go down, some might not, but all of them will always be a controversial figure at very least.

That's something for more politic discussion I guess. But I found this 'Psychopath can bring world peace' crap is pretty hollow.

In my opinion, there are some other books that represent the case better.


4) Unlike the film, the book seems to shift gear from military sci-fi into epic space odyssey in the last chapter. Card really make a good job of his wordsmith here. It was beautiful and I admire that. They put a lot of effort on life after Ender become war hero/xenocide but I feel that it's too much to cover in one chapter.

I'm pretty mix on whether the book or film does it better on this one. Book has more details but seems rush to me since they cover a lot of time from Ender's time at space colony governor to The Alien Messiah. Personally, I think that film capture the point well without going to needlessly detail. It short, concise, and straight through the point.


5) There's a lot of reference to weird stereotype in book: Spanish pride, badass Jewish make best commander. Is it try to be funny or racist? I don't know.


6) I don't get what the hell is wrong with Orson Card. There's a lot of homoerotic subtext in the book. A fight with Ender and Bonzo is already creepy in the film but the book make it sound like something from 'Boys love' fanfiction.

And there also Ender's relationship with his sister Valentine, I got a feeling that their interaction are feels  a little bit too..... romantic.


7) Ender himself is more likable in the film. In the book, he seems to be a smartass sue who seems to know everything. He's smart enough to hack military network and braver than all student combine. Only thing that he seems to be worried of is to become a psychopath like his brother which I'm not sure if he already been one since the beginning. I found myself like Asa Butterfield's Ender more than the one in the book. At least he seems to be more smarter in dealing with people, and seems to be on 'defensive' side when bully pick fight with him.

This make his 'Mary Sue' trait in the movie a little bit less irritable than his book counterpart. At least the film is honest what Ender is and erase those controversial thing (almost) entirely.

Aside from that, I think that Asa seems to have good chemistry with Haylee Stanfield(Petra) and Abigail Baislin(Valentine). They looks pretty adorable together that I wish someone could put them in a romantic comedy already (^  ^). That would make my day.


8) There's a minor character name Han Tzu. I guess Card modify the name from philosopher name 'Han Fei Tzu'[1]. He thinks it's cool I guess.

But it's wrong. Because I don't think that no one would name a child like that.

To clarify, Tzu mean master in Chinese. No one use it for name and it only use for honorific reason. You got to earn it. Sun Tzu, for example, was originally name Sun Wu and have to earn the right to be 'Master Sun'.

Only a crazy and absolutely retard mother would name her child as 'Master Han' from childbirth.

But it's one of Card's thing I guess. He have character name 'Si Wang Mu' in later book too. She probably base on 'Xi Wang Mu', a Chinese goddess. It's ok for most people I guess, but for me it's pretty odd as having a character name 'Virgin Mary' or 'Jesus' .



Conclusion


Overall, I found that the film is slightly better in my opinion(can't believe I said this). Sure, it leave some detail but it focus on the strain and pressure of being a soldier well without being distract by some pseudo half-heart politic discussion. The film keeps only one main point but at least it's direct and more concise.

Still, this does not mean that I like the film. In fact, I found the film is 'not good enough' and full with hidden implication but the book was even worst. You can like it but I'm absolutely wish that no one would take it seriously. It need to be read carefully.

Card might be good with word.

It was beautiful but yet shallow and meaningless to me.


Many people said that this book was about peace. It ain't. It never was and never will be. It's about a lost boys who went to war that they have no understanding. They fight, kill, and destroying a culture. Some of them will regret, they will cry and weep. Their guilt will kick in. They want to help but most of them will help IN THE WAY THEY WANT.

Which is not necessary in the way that those people need.






Side Note:

[1] Han Fei Tzu was one of the most well known Chinese legalism philosophy. The legend said that even the first emperor(Qin Shi Huang, same guy who create the great wall) was impress by his work and base the law system from Han Fei's philosophy.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Han_Fei
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/253934/Han-Feizi