Re: London Olympics 2012 Official Thread - Discussion, Opinions, Results & All News!
@Relax - Always wondered why you say "we" when talking about Spain? It says you're in Canada in "your location," does this mean that you're really Spanish and just moved to Canada or something, or does this mean that you're so into Spain that you refer to them as your own country? Been curious about that since the Euro.
Regarding the opening, missed it because of work, but it did look good. Although Iron Maiden should have been there U_U Oh well >_> At least Beckham was, not that it matters
I often refers to United as "we" too, so...
xd
Sincerely, this opening was awesome. It flabbergasted me totally. Astonishing!
2008 was really grandiose with its level of extravaganza; especially in pyrotechnics and fireworks. However, London just delivered a masterclass symphony on how to do a ceremony.
Their fireworks weren't as impressive as in Beijing but hell, there were so much depth in its history-telling and culture narration that I just couldn't take my eyes off my screen. With their number of media icons, they could well have turn this into all hype and glitz but they didn't.
Instead, they relied on creativeness and subtlety in each of their acts. Hats off to that. From the small wits of geniuses to epic proportions of story-telling, this ceremony was heart-touching.
They rode on their culture power; just like China rode on its history and Greece did on its mythology. However, London did it with utmost honesty and that's why they topped the previous years' IMO. Beijing and Athens presented their ceremonies amazingly but showing artificial sights. London just brought depth into it. In all honesty, that was daring and the result is a long-lasting spellbinding effect; compared to the eye-pleasing orgasm of 2008.
Showing the Industrial Revolution taking place alongside Sports evolution was fantastic. Yet, it showed how the essence of those culture never changed - just like Olympics whose essence never died out over the years. Perfect opening imo - not only narrating the global British culture but linked so much meanings altogether in its act.
Another full of depth act was the presence of the Inventor of World Wide Web. How this stroke of genius connected the whole world through the Web. So befitting as that was what Olympics meant some time ago - unifying countries. These are meaningful minor touches that left a poignant subtle effect and it was told in so much honesty.
My favorite remain Mr.Bean (Rowan "genius" Atkinson) playing Chariots of Fire was hilarious. The dream sequence was so real; yet visually astonishing. If we were to present the British fair-play in comedic sarcasm, then really can't think of someone better than Mr. Bean. High time that this guy gets knighted IMO.
Oh yeah, presently surprised to see J.K Rowling's narrating a small part during the portion where they gave a tribute to British literary fantasy. Fantasy, that's one effect left during this ceremony indeed. The tribute to Medical systems of Britain leading to this act, was wonderfully choreographed.
I'm surprised they opted for Fantasy instead of a Shakespeare's Midsummer Night Dream but since, it followed an act dedicated to kids, this was so befitting. From Neverland's demons to Dalmantian's Cruella to Lord Voldermort, this was poetically riveting. The Mary Poppins chasing those "evil" forces were very well-thought; although personally, I wouldn't have mind some Quidditch.
They tributed British cinematography, TV industry and music fantastically. In fact, that shows the richness in their culture that despite leaving so many legends out, it turned out so great.
Props to the mini-tributes too that appeared briefly in various acts like first Echography of babies, legendary kisses from Titanic to William/Kate, the culture diversity in Eastlands, the metros liveliness, 007 with Queen Elizabeth (lol), Beckham's boat entry ect...
They ended it on an Olympian message also, yet so British at the core - to promote youth and inspire a generation. Sincerely, the creative department is the reason, this ceremony was so awesome. Lighting the torch by "passing the torch to new generations". It's so poetic!
By the time, the last musical pieces came by and remaining trbutes were done, I was in complete awe (and still am!). Culture with Creativity instead of Crassness!
Beijing struck with its visual department. London struck with its creative department. And for people, truly admirers of British culture, one can't deny that this was surely the best Opening Ceremonies.
