Inside Out (2015) is probably one of the best movies I've seen in a long while! And there're quite a number of reasons why. Here are some of my reasons:
- It is psychologically-themed (I happen to be specialising in clinical psychology) and the way the psychology concepts were used in there were spot-on (e.g. the five universal emotions shown in the collage above, abstract reasoning, long-term memory, core memories, the Train of Thought amongst many others).
- Director Pete Docter actually consulted Paul Ekman (yes - THE Paul Ekman aka one of the pioneer experts in emotion research!) when he was conceptualising this movie! That was interesting to know.
- Insanely amazing animation - the textures used on the characters may have cost a bomb to animate, but it sure made the graphics amazing!!
- Adorable characters - I have a soft spot for Sadness (the blue character) because she is so understanding and empathetic despite her pessimistic outlook in life...but I like the other characters too, for their quirkiness and hilarious antics. And who could ever forget Imaginary Friend Bing Bong? He was so adorable!
- Beautiful ending - it's all about growing up...and for those who haven't watched the movie, I shan't post any spoilers, but the movie definitely ended on a good note! To cut a long story short - the main character developed more abstract reasoning, complex emotions (various combinations of the five basic emotions)...and basically moved towards the Eriksonian stage of 'identity vs. confusion'. Probably more 'identity' than 'confusion', I hope.
- Also - there is a sense of acceptance, compassion and equanimity at the end of the movie - accepting 'what is' rather than 'what should be'. There is also a sense of compromise at the end of the movie. These are values I strongly believe in.
Now I can't wait for the DVD to come out...or maybe I'll get a copy from iTunes once it is made available!
Moving on to the next part of the post...I mentioned previously in the second half of one of my previous posts - that my favourite chocolate lounge (Theobroma Chocolate Lounge, Fremantle) - closed down for good. But rest assured, I have found alternatives!
Behold - the one and only Belgian Spoil platter from Koko Black! It consists of chocolate mousse, chocolate ice cream, 2 pieces of chocolate pralines, chocolate raspberry and a piece of chocolate alchemy gateau. It is very chocolatey...but absolutely amazing. I had a sugar rush when I first tried it...but now I go for it whenever I'm extremely hungry...
If I want to have less of a sugar rush - I go for the Junior Belgian Spoil - the smaller version of the abovementioned Belgian Spoil. It consists of the same chocolate ice cream, chocolate mousse, and a chocolate lolly. Equally amazing! But much better when it comes to counting calories...
Chocolate mousse in its full glory - it is amazing! The second best chocolate mousse I have ever had - the best one is in one of the cafes in Dijon, and it was so good that I had to take a picture of it. Either way, this one is another of my favourites now.
Anyway...while we are on the topic of food (chocolate, to be more specific!) - here're some pics of a new place I visited recently. This new place is called the Garden Tearooms and Cottage Nursery, and it is situated along Croyden Road, on the way to Araluen Botanic Gardens.
I was really lucky because the Garden Tearooms open at specific times of the week, and I reached there just in time for a late lunch! The Garden Tearooms happened to be my final destination that day - as I had already spent half the day wandering around Araluen Botanic Gardens. More to that in the next post.
The Garden Tearooms was situated in a hilly area, and the carpark consisted of a number of 'terraces', each 'terrace' being able to accommodate up to 3 cars at one go. The turn into the carpark was a sharp one, so I really had to be alert when I was driving into the venue. Parking was quite an experience - because I was trying to defy gravity by reversing into one of the lots, and I really had to floor my accelerator to get my car uphill! Thankfully I managed to get a good lot, and managed to park my car nicely into the lot without a hitch.
Weather was so beautiful that day - and the lighting was also really beautiful, so I quickly took some pics of the entrance into the Garden Tearooms. Thank goodness there weren't cars on the road! There's a rose nursery next to the Garden Tearooms, if I'm not mistaken.
Outdoor seating at the Gardens Tearoom. The air was very fresh and the environment was so tranquil. Although it was chilly, it was still really pleasant. I walked around the main area for a bit, before heading inside to order my food. There were quite a number of people hanging around for lunch when I first came in too.
Lots of flowerpots on sale around the seating area - in all shapes and sizes. All lined strategically along the winding path leading into the main building. Till now, I can't get over how lovely this place is. So bucolic. I felt refreshed after spending time here.
And there was also this beautiful shady corner with potted plants on sale...and more seating space. There were some camellias on sale - camellias happened to be in full bloom when I was there, and I did take pics of some of the flowers when I was waiting for lunch.
Spotted some old machinery and a lamp near the huge tree.
The 'drive through' area - where people could pick up their food/drinks on the way in/out.
The warm and cosy interior of the Gardens Tearoom. The lady who served me was so friendly, and even gave me a lovely spot in the gazebo! And that was where I had my lunch :)
Here's the back of the Gardens Tearoom building, from where I was seated. It's surrounded by lots of trees, immaculately-trimmed bushes, and garden ornaments. And right behind the gazebo is a small winding river.
Nature's gifts - one of the camellias outside the Gardens Tearoom...and I also spotted a gorgeous butterfly not too far away.
And here's the gazebo itself (and the steps leading to it). The air was chilly but I was happy to sit here and enjoy the atmosphere. I got to appreciate the beauty of winter...and of course, the clear blue skies.
OK I have been spending time gushing over the beautiful Gardens Tearoom atmosphere and surroundings, but I forgot to mention how delicious the food was! I was super hungry so I ordered curry with rice, a slice of orange cake and a hot chocolate. The orange cake was one of the best cakes I've ever eaten - and I literally savoured every single bite. As for the curry rice - it was perfect for the chilly weather, and it really filled me up. The hot chocolate was equally awesome too! I took quite a long time to finish my late lunch as I really wanted to enjoy it - there we go - mindful eating! :)
Ending off with a quick snapshot of the lovely Araluen Botanic Gardens in winter! I heard that the Tulip Festival has officially commenced, and I sure am going back to Araluen Botanic Gardens in the very near future. You'll see lots of tulip flowers popping up soon. But for my next post, I'll be posting pics of Araluen Botanic Gardens in the winter - a different kind of scenery, but still lovely nonetheless. Stay tuned!
