I usually never really like war movie. But this time is different. I like it! I prefer non bloody movie though, this movie inserted some scenes of shooting. So, victims are everywhere. What shocking me are; when agent Morales tortured badly, beaten and hand drilled, then the scene when one of the troops injured because of the explosion which made him blind.

Nevertheless, beside all the bloody scenes, I find some scenes are cool. The ambush was by land, air, and river.  Still, this is my amateur review about movies I’d watched.

Recently I’m interested in South Korea’s culture ^^. So here it is:

The People

Korea is one of the most homogeneous countries in the world, racially and linguistically. It has its own culture, language, dress and cuisine, separate and distinct from its neighboring countries. Hard work, filial piety and modesty are characteristics esteemed by Koreans. They are proud of their traditional culture and their modern economic success. Education is highly valued as the path to status, money and success.

Meeting and Greeting

    The bow is the traditional Korean greeting, although it is often accompanied by a handshake among men. To show respect when shaking hands, support your right forearm with your left hand.

    Korean women usually nod slightly and will not shake hands with Western men. Western women may offer their hand to a Korean man.

    Bow when departing. Younger people wave (move their arm from side to side).

Names and Titles

    It is considered very impolite to address a Korean with his or her given name. Address Koreans using appropriate professional titles until specifically invited by your host or colleagues to use their given names.

    Americans should address a Korean with Mr., Mrs., Miss + family name; however, never address a high-ranking person or superior in this manner.

    Korean names are the opposite of Western names with the family name first, followed by the two-part given name. The first of the two given names is shared by everyone of the same generation in the family, and the second is the individual’s given name. Example: Lee (Family) + Dong (Shared Given) + Sung (Given). Dong Sung is the individual’s given name. Address him as Mr. Lee or Lee Sonsaengnim (which means “teacher”).

Body Language

    Koreans consider it a personal violation to be touched by someone who is not a relative or close friend. Avoid touching, patting or back slapping a Korean.

    Direct eye contact between junior and senior businesspeople should be avoided. This is seen as impolite or even as a challenge.

    Do not cross your legs or stretch your legs out straight in front of you. Keep your feet on the floor, never on a desk or chair.

    Always pass and receive objects with your right hand (supported by the left hand at the wrist or forearm) or with two hands.

    To beckon someone, extend your arm, palm down, and move your fingers in a scratching motion. Never point with your index finger.

Corporate Culture

    Koreans expect Westerners to be punctual for social occasions and business meetings. Call if you will be delayed. However, you may be kept waiting up to a half hour. This is not a sign of disrespect, but reflects the pressure of time on Korean executives.

    Professionals meeting for the first time usually exchange business cards. Present your card and receive your colleague’s card with both hands.

    Building trust and relationships is vital to establishing a successful business relationship. This requires patience. Koreans prefer to do business with people they know.

    The first meeting is to establish trust, so business should not be discussed. Be formal in meetings until the Korean delegation loosens up.

    Negotiations are generally long and require several trips. Be prepared for business meetings to go well beyond business hours.

    Koreans generally start negotiations at an unreasonable position and prepare to compromise. Koreans are tough negotiators and admire a firm, persistent negotiator, but refrain from being too aggressive.

    A low, deep bow from Koreans at the end of a meeting indicates a successful meeting. A quick, short parting bow could mean dissatisfaction with meetings. Send a meeting review outlining all discussions and agreements to your Korean counterpart after you leave Korea. Make several visits during negotiations and after business is established.

    “Yes” is not necessarily “yes.” Koreans avoid saying “no.” Try to phrase questions in a manner that doesn’t require a “yes” or “no” answer. Example: Instead of saying “Could we sign the agreement by next Friday?” say “When is the earliest date that we could expect to sign this agreement?”

Dining and Entertainment

    Sharing a dinner is vital to building friendships that foster trust. Your business success is directly related to your social relationships.

    Do not pour your own drink, but do offer to pour others’. It is common to trade and fill each other’s cup. To refuse is an insult. Women pour men’s drinks, but never another woman’s drink. A woman may pour her own drink. Leave some drink in your glass if you don’t want a refill.

    Wherever you see a “No Tipping” sign, do not tip. Koreans find tipping offensive, although tipping is now becoming expected in Western hotels.

    Always allow your host to seat you. The seat of honor is the seat looking at the front door. If you are seated in the seat of honor, it is polite to protest slightly.

    Koreans do not like to talk a lot during dinner. Periods of silence are common and appreciated at a dinner. The meal usually comes before socializing at a dinner party.

    It is polite to pass or accept food or drink with your right hand while your left hand supports your forearm/wrist.

    The person who invites pays the bill for everyone. However, it is polite to offer to pay. When two people are dining, usually the younger person pays for the older person.

    Prepare to sing a solo number after dinner, no matter what kind of voice you have. Any song is acceptable, as long as you sing with spirit.

    After dinner, the host may invite his guests to go drinking. Don’t refuse this invitation.

Dress

    Koreans dress well, and you should dress accordingly to show respect for them. A formal suit and tie is almost always appropriate. Koreans dress up for city activities, especially in Seoul.

    Women dress modestly. Prepare to sit on the floor; avoid straight, tight skirts.

Gifts

    Gift giving is very common in Korea. Offer and receive a gift with both hands. Wrapped gifts are never opened in the presence of the giver.

    Reciprocate with a gift of similar value when receiving a gift from your Korean colleague. Koreans like regional United States gifts and Indian/Western artifacts.

    Wrap your gift nicely. Bright colors are preferred for wrapping gifts. Yellow and red or green stripes are a traditional Korean wrapping paper design. Avoid wrapping gifts in dark colors or red.

    Always bring a small gift for the hostess when invited to someone’s home. Give: small gift, candy, cakes, cookies, flowers, fruit. Do not give liquor to a woman.

    It is common to exchange gifts at the first business meeting. Allow the host to present his gift first.

    Give: liquor (good quality scotch), fruit, desk accessories, small mementos, gifts from France or Italy (which often indicate status).

    Do not give: expensive gifts (Koreans will feel obligated to reciprocate with a gift of equal value), knives or scissors (they signify “cutting off” a relationship), green headwear, gifts with red writing (denotes death) or gifts in a set of four (denotes death).

Helpful Hints

    Never use words like “fellow,” “guy,” “this man” or “that man.” This is considered demeaning.

    Koreans are not Chinese. They are distinct from other Asians in food, language and culture.

    Expect Koreans to ask personal questions. This is viewed as showing a polite interest in your life.

    Deny a compliment. Don’t say “thank you.” It is impolite and shows a lack of humility.

    Never expect Koreans to admit to not knowing an answer when questioned. They may give an incorrect answer or an answer they think you would like to hear to make you feel good or to save face.

    Don’t talk about Koreans or their customs or culture within earshot of a Korean, even if you are saying good things. Do not talk about politics.

Especially for Women

    Foreign women may have difficulty doing business in Korea. Although women are becoming more accepted in the Korean business place, Korean men generally prefer to negotiate with men.

    Korean women seldom shake hands. A Western woman can offer her hand to a Korean man, but should not to a Korean woman.

    Foreign businesswomen should always act elegant, refined and very “feminine.” Laughing and loud talking are frowned upon.

    Generally, women wait for Korean men to make the first move.

I’m an Indonesian, so I’ll take these as some introspection. :)
The People

Along with unity and conformity to society’s rules, honor and respect for the individual is the basis of Indonesian culture. Indonesians value loyalty to family and friends above all else. Life is simple for most people; most enjoy few modern conveniences, such as running water. Indonesia as a whole is viewed by its people as an extended family with the president, schoolmasters and leaders of business enterprises referred to as “fathers” by the public.

Meeting and Greeting

    Shake hands and give a slight nod when meeting for the first time. After the first meeting, a handshake is not necessary; a slight bow or nod of the head is sufficient. Shake an Indonesian woman’s hand only if she initiates the greeting.
    Greet people with “Selamat” (sell-a-mat), which means peace. Say it slowly and sincerely.

Body Language

    Good relationships involve a great deal of physical contact and touching. But, foreigners should allow time to be accepted and to develop good relationships before this is acceptable.
    Indonesians are used to an overcrowded society; they tend to ignore inadvertent invasions of space. Allowing for personal space is a sign of respect.
    A man does not touch a woman in public except to shake hands. Do not display affection in public.
    The head is where the spirit resides and is considered sacred. Do not touch a person’s head.
    Keep both feet on the floor when sitting. Do not cross your legs, especially not with an ankle over the knee. Sitting with good posture (rigid) and both feet on the floor is a sign of respect. Don’t allow the bottom of your feet to face or point at another person.
    Looking someone straight in the eyes is considered staring. Avoid prolonged eye contact, which may be viewed as a challenge and may cause anger.
    Point with your thumb, not your index finger. Never beckon with one finger.
    The left hand is considered unclean. Do not touch food, pass or receive anything, touch anyone or point with your left hand.
    Approval is sometimes shown with a pat on the shoulder, but American-style backslapping is considered offensive.

Corporate Culture

    Westerners are expected to be punctual for business appointments. Call if you are delayed. It is very common for Indonesians to arrive late.
    Present your business card to the receptionist immediately upon arrival; otherwise, there could be long delays. Exchange business cards when being introduced. Present and receive the card slowly with much interest. Cards in English are acceptable.
    Negotiations should start at the top of a corporation and then move down to the operating level to discuss technical matters. Later on, discussions will return once again to the top level of the company.
    It is best to conduct a first meeting with the highest ranking person of a company. An introduction from a local associate or bank representative is helpful.
    Indonesians don’t get right down to business. An initial meeting may last 45-60 minutes without accomplishing much. After this amount of time, the visitor should initiate leaving.
    Patience is a necessity when doing business in Indonesia. Business dealings are usually slow, long and frustrating. Business relationships must be allowed to develop over time. Several visits are generally necessary to complete a contract.
    Indonesians love to bargain. Giving concessions too quickly will be viewed as naivete.
    Clarification and feedback are a necessity throughout negotiations. Avoid disagreement and, especially, arguments with Indonesians.
    To Indonesians, insisting on a written contract is a breech of trust, though many understand a Westerner’s need for such documents. A contract should be viewed as a guideline rather than a statement of duties and responsibilities.
    Personal visits are important to Indonesians. They do not take well to faxes, telephone calls or messages. Show up in person whenever possible.
    Indonesians want very much to please. An untruthful answer may be given so as not to disappoint anyone.
    Indonesians rarely disagree in public. To succeed in negotiations with Indonesians, do not apply pressure or be confrontational.

Dining and Entertainment

    Social events generally start late. Indonesians usually arrive thirty minutes after the stated time.
    Any business discussions at social events should be initiated by Indonesians.
    A fork and spoon are used for dining. The fork is held in the left hand and the spoon in the right. Use the fork to push food onto the spoon.
    Most Indonesians are Muslim and consume no liquor or pork.
    Indonesians are known for their hospitality. Do not reject their hospitality, as it will be viewed as a personal rejection. Never refuse food or drink, but never finish either completely. Compliments about the food are appreciated. It is a special honor to be invited to an Indonesian’s home.
    The host is always the last to sit and eat. Men are generally served first. Wait to be invited to eat or drink.
    The guest of honor or senior person begins the meal; this is a distinct honor. If you are asked to begin the meal, you should refuse twice and then begin.
    Fingers are still used for eating in some places. Both hands are kept above the table while eating.
    The person who invites is expected to pay the bill in a restaurant. Request the bill by making a scribbling gesture on the palm of your hand.
    When finished with the meal, place the fork (tines down) on your plate with your spoon (down) crossed over the fork.
    If possible, reciprocate with a dinner before you leave the country. A lavish dinner may be criticized; be generous and hospitable, but don’t overdo it.

Dress

    Men should wear a suit and jacket for the first business meeting.
    Women should wear skirts and blouses (never sleeveless) or dresses. Avoid extreme fashions. Muslim rules of modesty should be honored.

Gifts

    Business gifts are generally not exchanged. A small token of appreciation may be given to secretaries. Gifts to colleagues should be given after most business has been concluded.
    Receive a gift appreciatively. It is impolite to refuse a gift. Gifts are not opened in the giver’s presence except at a ceremony, where the gift is opened in front of an assembled group.

Helpful Hints

    Taking photographs is a way of honoring someone. Indonesians may ask to take your picture.
    Civil servants are respected. Be very respectful to government workers. Never treat them as though they are your servants.
    Don’t assume tomorrow means tomorrow. Tomorrow may mean sometime in the future. Set specific dates and times for arrangements.
    Do not chew gum or yawn in public.

Especially for Women

    Indonesia is a Muslim society and very male-oriented, but most female visitors experience very few hassles with men. However, blond-haired, blue-eyed women may be hassled more often than dark women. It helps if you dress modestly.
    Businesswomen may invite an Indonesian businessman and his wife to dinner. Arrange payment in advance to avoid embarrassment (loss of face) to your male guest.
    A woman is expected to initiate a handshake.

http://www.ediplomat.com/np/cultural_etiquette/ce_id.htm

Venue      :    Sanaman Mantikei, Palangka Raya, Central Kalimantan

Due date :    19 - 24 May 2011

The festival is an annual celebration for Central Kalimantan which is participated by those from Palangka Raya city and from all the regencies in Central Kalimantan. The event is going to be massive. There will be some great events like talent shows of Putra Putri Pariwisata Kalimantan Tengah, cultural city parade, art n cultural exhibition, some traditional games, traditional cuisine, traditional dances, and some other folk competitions. We have 17 competitions to enjoy! Each has the notion of art and traditional custom of Dayak people. I really want to see the cultural art performances such as traditional dances and traditional ballad performance. It’s gonna be a great show to watch. ;)

Recently I learn about how life makes someone be so much different in every stage. Money, position and influence may turn u to be money and power oriented person. The envy, the jealousy that crashes ur personality then ur quality as a person. So sad, but that happens in my surroundings. I try to cope with that. I learn to ignore it. I try not to give a damn.

Money

How much money can effect u? U behave different when there’s only regular idr 1 million and when idr 100 million in ur account. When u have low salary and afford just a small low end mobile phone. When u have so much money in ur wallet, ur cabinet, ur account and android phone on ur hand, it is hard to be more humble. Ur friends were everywhere, now u see them categorized n classified. U will be so proud to have connection to wealthy and powerful people.

Position

The higher ur position is, the higher ur tone will be in talking to other people. Ur ego swells. And sumtimes, it means it’s ok to be a bit rude.

Education

If u hold higher degree, if ur profession is as a doctor, if u r high grade government officers, if u r in managerial board, u tend to feel smarter than average people, u underestimate someone’s opinions.

I do feel the same way. If I dislike sumthin and can not bear it, I will speak or express my disapproval. Mostly it is because of my ego. I thought I know the standard, I thought I know better ways. I won’t be that mad if I don’t understand any of what I’m doing. But, then I realize that I’ve been a smug too.

I hope I’ll be better when I’m blessed with so much great blessings . Hope I treat people better. I’m not asking for being filthy wealthy or the most powerful authority in the world, I’m asking for being enough. Even if God gives me wealth, great career or else, I pray for humble heart and ability to be the way I am. :)

(Sunday, 16 Dec 2010 about 02:00 pm)
I had a lunch and coffee time with my cousin.

Me: I just wanna ask you something. It’s about life purpose

Her: Ok, what is it?

Me: I’ve read Rick Warren’s book about human desire and stuff. It’s stated that our desire in life is not being put accidentally. It’s somewhat God wants to be in us. From there we can recognize our purpose in life.

Her: So? That’s true. He indeed has put the desire inside each of us. And He has his own purpose to that.

Me: I get confused to it, recently. Not that I begin to doubt Him, but I just think that it occurs under circumstances. It means that perhaps it’s being given to some people. What he/she does, the existing or the growing or the degrading faith inside, much prayers or elses are seriously counted. I just don’t understand. Why it can be like that?

Her: Well, is it about human desire?

Me: Eh?

Her: Or God’s desire?

Me: Hey, I almost never think about HIS desire. I’ve just known..

Her: Yup, our desire is not His desire, but His desire is ours. Who has the purpose of our lives? He does. What you have to do is to keep your desire alive and trust Him more.

Me: Okay, I see.. But how about our dreams? If God doesn’t agree with us so He’ll let the dreams shattered, how about that? I hardly see the logic..

Her: King David is one of His beloved people. His dream or you can say desire to build God’s house in Israel was never accomplished. It’s stated in the Bible that David committed many wrongdoings and spilled blood by his hands. But still God loved him. His dream of building God’s house was inherited to Solomon, his son.

Me: I see. His purpose, not ours. David might be dead, but the dream was passed on to Solomon, for God’s sake. Right?

Her: True. Solomon eventually said that God has His own purpose not to just a person, He intended to save a nation. Do you understand how all of these is related? His plan is bigger that our brain can think of.

Me: Our dreams?

Her: You can read on Hebrews that even the apostles still dreamed. But they never stopped kicking, aching, trying to achieve their dreams. We are some parts of God’s big plan.

Me: (silent) Okay.. I’m still trying to understand it. (smiling)

Her: Don’t ever stop believing.

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