Eternal Lovers: Solomon and Sheba

I. His face wise and noble.

II. Her eyes dark and alluring.

III. His hair agleam with oil.

IV. Her skin scented with spices.

V. His robes dyed in rich colors.

VI. Her brow adorned with jewels.

VII. His weapons of bronze and iron.

VIII. Her ornaments of delicate gold.

IX. His fields blanketed in wheat.

X. Her gardens awash with incense.

XI. His forests rich in timber.

XII. Her pastures host exotic animals.

XIII. His palace sheathed in marble.

XIV. Her chambers of ebony and ivory.

XV. His chalice filled with wine.

XVI. Her table laden with fruit.

XVII. His bounty offered many blessings.

XVIII. Her desires were all fulfilled.

XIX. A world away, He loves her still.

XX. A world away, She loves him still.

War Horse: Movie/Play Comparison

After seeing a moving performance of the original War Horse (see my review) at Lincoln Center last month, I was curious to see how Steven Spielberg's feature film stacked up. Now that I have viewed both, I think I can safely say that, despite their differences, both are fine pieces of work in their own rights.

In terms of plot line, both the play and the film are essentially the same. Various elements were altered, added or omitted (ect..., ect...) throughout the film, but most of these were relatively minor, and didn't take away from the main message of the story. On the plus side, several distinctive scenes from the play (plowing the field, English and Germans working together to release the star- that would be the horse, Joey- from a trap of barbed wire, and the first appearance of a tank the the battlefield) were beautifully preserved in the film, retaining the spirit and passion seen in the live performance.

In one respect, the film actually out-performed the play. Throughout the story, the horse Joey passed through the care of many different people, French and Germans as well as English. Despite the searing conflict of WWI that served as a backdrop for the story, and no doubt the bitter feelings between these nations, Joey had the ability to bring out the finest qualities in whoever he met (the barbed wire scene referenced above is a perfect example). This theme was visible in the play as well, but Spielberg's abilities brought it further to the main, strengthening the all-powerful theme of hope present in both play and film.

Overall, I would say that Spielberg has done an excellent job preserving the vision, scope and, above all, the spirit of the original War Horse. For anyone unable to see the live performance, his film would be a fine substitute. Go and enjoy.
 

Stars of Sea and Silk

From the soil new life shall emerge

The horns of the Ram shall bear fruit

Day and night shall meet and converge

The Rat shall go forth and seek truth

The flowers of the earth shall blossom

The Bull shall be slaughtered for meat

The light of the sun shall grow awesome

The Ox shall be harnessed for wheat

A rainbow shall bloom from a sea of brown

The Twins shall compete with sword and fist

The sun shall reach its highest crown

The Tiger’s fur gleaming from tail to wrist

Fire and air shall meet and unite

The Crab shall scuttle ‘neath the moon’s wax and wane

Evening is pierced by spears of light

The Hare shall brood and give each one a name

Summer has begun its downward path

The Lion prances and protects at will

The sun unleashes its final wrath

The Dragon is fearsome, but shall not kill

Leaves are shedding their emerald skin

Last of the flowers wreath the Virgin’s hair

Women shall greet each other as kin

The Snake keeps wisdom, but still, beware

The air shall cool and leaves will fall

The Scales will balance day and night

Flowers give in to slumber’s call

The Horse shall gallop with all its might

Winter is rapping at autumn’s door

The Scorpion is all of greed and death

The frost has enclosed the forest floor

The Sheep is peaceful to its very last breath

The tears of heaven turn cold and white

The Centaur shall nock and raise his bow

The grip on nature becomes strong and tight

The Monkey shall leap between to and fro

Garlands of holly reside and abound

Land and sea unite in the Goat

The sun shall be deepest below the ground

The Rooster’s feathers like a rainbow coat

The hold of winter begins to slack

The Bearer of Water fills her bowl

Refreshment coaxes the sunlight back

The Dog keeps watch from the grassy knoll

The arrow of spring shall pierce winter’s mail

The Fish shall swim and spawn once more

Heaven’s dagger shall meet nature’s grail

Strength and honor is the heart of the Boar