Say "Totoro" five times fast.

Ever walk by that little blue awning in the square near the RadioShack and that horribly wafty LUSH place? You know the one. Above the little door that leads down into that little Japanese trinket wonderland called Kofuku. Well even if you don’t you might recognize the giant mouse-like creature at the right known as Totoro. Tototo? Totoro.

If you’ve never heard of Totoro or his creator Hayao Miyazaki, you really f*cking should. And there’s no better time than now. Why? Well, currently the Adams Pool Theater and the Harvard Japan Society is throwing down a Miyazaki Film Festival, playing a selection of his spectacular animated films. This isn’t Dragonball-Z. This is some serious stuff. Beautiful animation in every frame, rich textured landscapes, classy, classic movies. We swear….they’re big in Japan.

Looking for sickeningly cute Japanese creatures and heartwarming plots? (see: My Neighbor Totoro, Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea, Spirited Away).  If that’s not your thing, what about animated gore and epic violence? He’s got that too (see: Princess Mononoke). There’s so much to love here, and we soooo want you to go. If not for the rich cultural experience then for the hordes of adorable Asian chicks who are going to be ALL over this. Just kidding… kind of.

Anyway, the schedule (including the things you’ve missed) is as follows: Read the rest of this entry »

Erich Segal, who wrote the 1970 screenplay and novel that all Harvard students come to love or hate (but mostly mock, thanks to Crimson Key’s traditional freshman week weekend showing), has passed away at the age of 72. Love Story was the first (and last) movie to be filmed on Harvard’s campus. May generations of frosh continue to enjoy the delight (and tragedy?) that is Jenny Whatsherface and Oliver Barrett IV.

A fun little snippet from the Washington Post--

“In 1997, he disputed a rumor that “Love Story” was based on the college romance between Al and Tipper Gore. He did acknowledge that he had known Al Gore and his Harvard roommate, actor Tommy Lee Jones, in 1968 and drew on their lives for the central male character of “Love Story,” Oliver Barrett IV.”

REALLY?!

Recently there has been much hubbub on the sightings of major stars filming in the Square. These soon to be films will be joining in a long line of films set at our famous institution. In case your ego doesn’t feel bloated enough, here is a list of some of the most well known movies that use Harvard as a plot subject and some fun facts about them!

Legally Blonde (2001) – Everyone’s favorite Harvard-centered movie (or just mine). We are all well versed in the story of Elle Woods and her unlikely acceptance to Harvard Law School through which she plans to win back her ex, Waner Huntington III.

Fun Fact 1: Reese Witherspoon spent two weeks spending time with and studying actual sorority girls for the project. She also attended law school for a day. Now that’s what I call dedication to a role.

Fun Fact 2: The final graduation scene was shot in the Great Hall of Dulwich College in London because it was not included in the original script. When it was added to the movie, Witherspoon was already filming “The Importance of Being Earnest” in England.

Fun Fact 3: Witherspoon got to keep every piece of clothing from the movie, as per her contract. That’s a whole lot of pink.

Read the rest of this entry »