Battle of the Asias
East Asia, South Asia. Southeast Asia. (That's right: Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, etc. are defined by the fact that they are between India and China/Japan/Korea. Then again, in this world view, Europe is the center of the world.)
I spent the last few hours of V-day watching some Bollywood. Chalte Chalte was a decent film, and I liked how it showed a different aspect of love. It's a story about two people who really do love each other, and the conflict between them is their own clashing personalities. There isn't a third wheel (not really) and it wasn't because they were being dishonest with each other (not completely).
But I must admit that the most fascinating thing about Bollywood, for me, is their ideas of modesty. Kissing on the mouth is not allowed, although kisses elsewhere is fine. No mistake, this film was unbelievably sexy. Sex was merely alluded to, but otherwise, they couldn't seem to stop touching each other.
Contrast this with 'Asian' dramas, where touching is so significant. Kissing on the lips is acceptable, but is practically treated like a last minute prize. They aren't given frequently, and sometimes they just aren't. I just watched a drama where someone got married, and there was a single kiss between the married couple, and she ruined it by keeping her eyes open. >_< So frustrating sometimes!
Also, in India, it seems that they're ok with exposed bellies and exposed shoulders, but not so much exposed legs. This is interesting because I find it way easier to wear shorts than it is to wear a midriff-baring top. I would consider showing off your stomach less modest than wearing shorts.
Tonight my Dad and I are watching Saawariya. I'll keep up the cultural comparisons if I can.
I spent the last few hours of V-day watching some Bollywood. Chalte Chalte was a decent film, and I liked how it showed a different aspect of love. It's a story about two people who really do love each other, and the conflict between them is their own clashing personalities. There isn't a third wheel (not really) and it wasn't because they were being dishonest with each other (not completely).
But I must admit that the most fascinating thing about Bollywood, for me, is their ideas of modesty. Kissing on the mouth is not allowed, although kisses elsewhere is fine. No mistake, this film was unbelievably sexy. Sex was merely alluded to, but otherwise, they couldn't seem to stop touching each other.
Contrast this with 'Asian' dramas, where touching is so significant. Kissing on the lips is acceptable, but is practically treated like a last minute prize. They aren't given frequently, and sometimes they just aren't. I just watched a drama where someone got married, and there was a single kiss between the married couple, and she ruined it by keeping her eyes open. >_< So frustrating sometimes!
Also, in India, it seems that they're ok with exposed bellies and exposed shoulders, but not so much exposed legs. This is interesting because I find it way easier to wear shorts than it is to wear a midriff-baring top. I would consider showing off your stomach less modest than wearing shorts.
Tonight my Dad and I are watching Saawariya. I'll keep up the cultural comparisons if I can.